Tag: Sweden
0 New Video – Supralunar – Nine Candles
Sweden’s Supralunar have released a new video “Nine Candles”. This is the first single from the band’s upcoming album “A New Hope”.
0 New Video – Coldspell – Time
Swedish hard rockers Coldspell, have just released a second video from their excellent sophomore effort “Out From The Cold”.
Check out the video below!
0 New Video – Mean Streak – In For the Kill
Sweden’s Mean Streak is set to release their sophomore effort, Declaration of War on January 28th. You can check out the first single, and video, “In For the Kill” below!
0 SINK or SWIM Video – Silent Call – I Am Nation
Stockholm, Sweden’s Silent Call just released a new video “I Am Nation” in support of their new album, Greed. Check it out below.
For more information on Silent Call, check them out on myspace.
Did you like or dislike “I Am Nation”? If you vote SWIM, we will play “I Am Nation” on the Hard Rock Hideout Radio show. If you didn’t like it, vote SINK! Decide with your vote below!
0 HRH Fresh Blood Featuring Marvel
In a recent interview with Badmouthers Chris LeMon and Randy Joy the Swedish band Marvel came up during the conversation, so of course I had to investigate. What I found out about Marvel is hard to explain. With the sound of 70’s glam mixed with 90’s garage and every imaginable influence between the two Marvel have an original sound and are definitely a band hard to classify into one genre.
This trio from Linkoping, Sweden actually got together here in the U.S. when members John Steen, Ulrik Bostedt and Tony Samuelsson met in 2002 were all exchange students in Colorado. After releasing three singles the band put out their first album “Five Smell City” in ’05 and followed that with an e.p. “Unleashed” in ’06.
The masked musicians newest album “Thunderblood Heart” has been available worldwide since Feb. ’08. You can check out their version of high energy rock ‘n roll at www.myspace.com/marveltheband or by visiting http://www.marvel.nu
You can also purchase “Five Smell City”, “Unleashed”, and “Thunderblood Heart” on I-Tunes.
Words can not do this band justice, Marvel is a band that must be heard to be understood and appreciated.
Check out their video, “Powers of Attraction” below.
Note: If you are in a band or know a band that would like to be considered for Fresh Blood you use Hard Rock Hideout’s contact page or you can email Fresh Blood at hrhfreshblood@gmail.com
0 Straight From Badmouth HRH interviews Chris LeMon & Randy Joy
A few months ago I reviewed Badmouth’s debut here on HRH, and I’ve been a big fan ever since. Badmouth finished the year tied at #3 on my album of the year list, which I would say is pretty good for a debut considering the other 3 bands at the top of my list have all been around for 10 years or longer. If you haven’t heard Badmouth you are missing out big time because songs like “Pedal To the Metal”, “Last Train”, “And Take Your Toothbrush With You” are serious ass kickers. Of course when the opportunity came to interview bassist Chris LeMon and lead guitarist Randy Joy I jumped at it. In my opinion Badmouth is one, if not, the best new band of 2008 and I have a feeling they are going to be making a lot of noise not only in 2009 but in the years ahead too.
HRH: For the people that may not be familiar with Badmouth can you give us a little bit of the band’s history?
Badmouth: Well, it all started in the summer of 2007. 5 friends who wanted to make GREAT music, tired of the music scene of today. We wanted to write music close to our hearts…the kinda music we grew up on. We never discussed how Badmouth should sound it all came naturally. All 5 of us have different influences from Punk, Country, Powerpop to Heavy Metal…and all that mixed together became what you hear on our debut album.
HRH: “Rivethead” is my favorite song off the album and one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. Is there a story behind it?
Badmouth: The song is based on a book with the same name….but I guess people can relate to those lyrics in different ways.
HRH: Do you think it will be released as a single?
Badmouth: Yes, hopefully it will be released as a single in March/April.
HRH: I’ve been looking on youtube for videos from the album, but I haven’t been able to find any. Are there any plans to film any videos for the singles?
Badmouth: We haven’t done an official video yet. There is a “Heartbreaker” video in the making, our latest single (the cover of the Pat Benatar hit from 1979)…that will be a video just for the internet and hopefully it gets its release by the end of January…And then we plan do a video of “Rivethead” to be released as the same time of the single, a video that will also be released to the Music Television, so hopefully everything will work out and you got something to look forward too…
HRH: The sound of “Last Train” and “And Take Your Toothbrush With You” really remind me of Backyard Babies would you consider them an influence on Badmouth?
Badmouth: Backyard Babies are a great band, but wouldn’t say that they have influenced us directly. We’re the same age and have a lot of similar influences so guess that’s why you can hear that…also we live in the same town, Stockholm….influenced by the streets..lol
HRH: What are some other bands that have helped influence Badmouth’s sound?
Badmouth: Like I mentioned before we have a lot of different influences. I think the one band we all have in common is Guns’n’Roses…then also Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper,Elvis, Ramones, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash and Cheap Trick have probably influenced us all in different ways…
HRH: Paul Sabu produced the band’s album how did that partnership come about?
Badmouth: Paul heard some of the demos we recorded in the fall of 2007. He loved the sound and contacted us asking if we wanted to work togther…and we said..YES!!! Its been a great experience. Paul is a great, great guy and its been an honor to do this album with him, he really took the best out of our sound and made the album sound exactly like we wanted, and its an impressive career he has behind him and he has worked with a lot of our influences like Alice Cooper and David Bowie…
HRH: With so many Swedish bands getting attention from fans and record companies is it hard for a band to stand out and make a name for themselves?
Badmouth: Guess its the same whatever country you are from…its hard today to get the music out if you aren’t one of the big bands that can put millions into promotion. We’re doing this an independent way and working hard ourselves. I think a lot of bands sit back and relax just cause they have been signed by a label. Badmouth ain’t nothing like that! We’re working hard 24/7 to get the word of Badmouth out there…of course we hope our music will stand out. We don’t think we sound like anything else today, not saying that we sound original but we sound like Badmouth, we feel that on our album we have 10 different songs and sounds and not 1 song with 10 different titles…then of course it’s up to the listener to decide but hopefully they feel that way too..
HRH: A lot of the bands coming out of Sweden seem to be heavily influenced by the 80’s Hollywood Sunset Strip days is the club scene like that also?
Badmouth: No, I wouldn’t say so, but I think a lot of people would like it to be…actually the club scene for rock ‘n’ ‘roll in Sweden is pretty small and there are a lot of bands struggling to get gigs and attention…We’re trying to avoid the current “Sunset Strip Revival” cliche trend.
HRH: Do the bands support each other or do they keep to themselves?
Badmouth: A lot of bands support each other but also a lot of bands keep to themselves…guess its the same over the world…
HRH: What are some of the bands coming out of Sweden and Scandinavia you like or would like to go out on the road with?
Badmouth: There are a lot of great bands, well one band we talked about earlier of course, Backyard Babies..We have a great band in Sweden called Marvel…and a lot of other bands for example Fatal Smile,The Poodles, Bullet, Danger, The Scams, Hammerfall…And hopefully we will be on tour soon…We are READY!!
HRH: Badmouth is currently in the running to play at the Swedish Rock Festival can you tell us about it and how the fans can vote for 
Badmouth?
Badmouth: Yes, this is a contest called “The Nordic Challenge”. It’s being arranged by MySpace and Sweden Rock Festival…For people outside of Sweden, this is the biggest festival in the country with more than 35,000 in attendance, and its 90 bands playing over 4 days..and ofcourse Badmouth wants to play at this festival..So we entered this contest with the aim to win. And we made it thorugh the first round of voting which took place between december 12th til january 6th, a couple of hundred swedish bands were competing from start and now there are only five left, and Badmouth is one of them. The final voting round is between january 9th – 23rd So if you’ve got a MySpace account you can vote one time per day and myspace account, and if you dont have a account, sign up now, and if you got several accounts vote from them all!:) Its 5 bands from 5 regions in the finals (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland & International) and you can vote on one band from each region, so if you support another band from another region you can also vote on Badmouth and vice versa….
HRH: What are the band’s touring plan as far as the U.S. is concerned?
Badmouth: The plan is to play and tour as much as possible, right now we have nothing 100% confirmed but we wanna play everywhere! Hopefully we’ll be able to get to the States in the fall. We would love to come there and meet our American fans…
HRH: Are there any plans for Badmouth to play any of the festivals here in the states such as Rocklahoma, South Texas Rockfest, or the Rock Gone Wild Festival?
Badmouth: We would love to play them all…so the people doing the bookings for the festivals are more than welcome to contact us…and they will get a killer show from one of the rising bands from Sweden…And of course we are in discussion with a lot of festivals around the world, hopefully we will get something confirmed soon…Can’t think of a better way to spend the summer of 2009..
HRH: Is there anything you would like to pass on to the Badmouth fans?
Badmouth: Yes, THANK YOU!!! YOU FUCKIN’ RULE!!! We have the best fans and we are so happy to be doing this, and believe me…this is only the beginning…so help us spread the word of Badmouth, demand us on the radio and at the venues in your town…Can’t wait to meet you all on the road…2009 is the year of BADMOUTH!
Note: I received an email from Chris informing me that all voting for the Nordic Challenge has been suspended and the final bands winning the slots to play the Sweden Rock Festival would be selected by jury now instead.
0 New Video – Overload – Dream Disaster
Just in time for Halloween, Swedish metal band Overload have released a new video called “Dream Diaster”.
Check it out below!
4 Check out XXX
Sweden has a new glam rock band for you to check out. This 3 piece band features Snowy Shaw from Trivium and Dream Evil.
XXX – is pronounced Triple X and these 3 X-men behind the fitting moniker are:
You can listen to 4 songs from the upcoming album “Heaven, Hell or Hollywood?” on the band’s MySpace:
www.myspace.com/xxxsweden
1 Coldspell – S/T – (Demo – 2008)
WOW!! Now this is the music that I like to hear. I recently received a copy of a 7 song demo CD from Kiruna, Sweden’s Coldspell. Quite a few of the demos that I receive have a mixed production quality, and songs that are barely listenable. Neither one of these issues are present on this demo from Coldspell.
This demo ought to get the band signed, and signed quickly. (SPV, Frontiers, Chavis are you reading this?!) The music on this disc reminds me of a cross between Lynch Mob, and Whitesnake.
Coldspell states their influences as Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake, Mr. Big, and Yngwie Malmsteen. They obviously don’t try to hide their influences, and their music is awesome as result. For Micke Larsson to be a virtually unknown guitar player in 2008 is pretty amazing. His fretwork is reminiscent of some of the top guitarists of the 80’s including George Lynch, and John Sykes.
Keyboardist Matti Edlund sounds a whole lot like Deep Purple and Whitesnake’s Jon Lord. Niclas Swedentorp is one of the better undiscovered singers that I have listened to as of late.
Coldspell flat out rocks. This CD is far too good to be a demo. Every hard rock fan needs to keep an eye on this band. They are destined for great things in the near future.
You can check out Coldspell at their myspace page, and their website.
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Fadeaway
2. Keep Believin
3. Ravin Mad
4. All I Want
5. Surrounded
6. Solid Ground
7. Greed
Coldspell is:
Niclas Swedentorp – Vocals
Micke Larsson – Guitars
Tommi Partanen – Bass
Matti Eklund – Keyboards/Hammond organ
Tobbe “Toby” Broström – Drums
0 New Video – Scams – Noise, Booze, and Tattoos
A new three piece band from Sweden is starting to make some noise in the music scene. Check out their video, Noise, Booze and Tattoos.
1 New Video – Innocent Rosie – Knock Me Out
Sweden’s Innocent Rosie has a brand new video, Knock Me Out! Check it out below!!
1 New Video – All Ends – Pretty Words
The Swedish band, All Ends have released a new video, Pretty Words. Check it out!
1 Violent Divine To Give Album as a Free Download Today Only!!
Sweden’s VIOLENT DIVINE will give away its entire self-titled debut album from 2006 as a free digital download. The band says: “We want to give something back to the fans and also take this opportunity to reach some of those who haven’t heard VIOLENT DIVINE yet.”
The free download will be available for 24 hours only on May 1 from www.violentdivine.se.
VIOLENT DIVINE’s video for the song “Levitate” can be viewed below. Like the band’s previous clips, the video was directed by Erik Andersson.
Commented singer Michael Ahlstrom: “While ‘Levitate’ in itself is a love song, the video adds an evil twist to the main subject. Angelica was the obvious choice for the leading role as the stalker, since she’s been following the band from the very beginning.”
VIOLENT DIVINE’s debut album was previously described as “a truly ‘divine’ melodic rock masterpiece, setting the tone for the re-emergence of real rock n’ roll into the forefront of today’s music! The music is laced with thick powerful guitars containing driving rhythms that are complete with vocal harmonies and catchy, yet memorable hooks. VIOLENT DIVINE is a breath of fresh air in the current unimpressionable market.”
Levitate Video
12 Sink or Swim Video – Psychopunch – No One Really Knows
Today’s Sink or Swim video comes from Psychopunch’s new CD, Moonlight City.
You decide…. Sink or Swim. If you say Sink, HRH will pass on reviewing this disc. If you say SWIM a new review will appear on this site soon.
1 Leaded Fuel – Inhale and Get Pale (Release Year – 2008)
The glam scene in Sweden continues to churn out quality new bands for the hard rock masses to check out. The band Leaded Fuel has the image that will send your memories of the 80’s glam metal scene on the Sunset Strip into a tailspin.
What I like about Leaded Fuel is they don’t come out sounding exactly like peers in bands like Hardcore Superstar, Crash Diet or Crazy Lixx. They have a sound that is one part 80’s sleaze metal, one part Ramones style punk, and a hint of 70’s glam. The guitar riffs and style remind me of Appetite era Guns N’ Roses, and yet, their sound is different enough without sounding like a rip off.
Your enjoyment of Inhale and Get Pale will probably depend on your appreciation of those fore mentioned acts. I have to admit that Liz Lascivious’ vocals are an acquired taste. Personally, I like his sound, as it is quite different from so many of the acts coming out of Sweden as of late.
Inhale and Get Pale is somewhat of a grower. I didn’t immediately take to this one the first spin. Successive listens uncovered a few gems on this disc, and I find myself liking this more with each play. This music is raw, sleazy, and most importantly, good!!
Give Leaded Fuel a chance, and I think you will like what you hear. You can check them out on their myspace page. You can but their new CD, from Costa Ovest Records at this link.
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Leaded Fuel
2. Dirty Bitch Boogie
3. Southern Belle
4. Max Rear Traction
5. 231 Miles
6. Hotstage Situation
7. Yeah! You Bother Me
8. Side Effects
9. Rip It Up
10. The Way We Are
Leaded Fuel is:
Liz Lascivious – Leading Vocals
John Priest – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Dallas Chrome – Lead Guitars
Andy Jones – Bass, Backing Vocals
Iron Kongo – Drums
1 New Video – Mind’s Eye – Feed My Revolver
1 Video – The Hellacopters – Everything is on TV
3 Babylon Bombs – Doin’ You Nasty (Release Year -2006)
The Swedish glam metal band Babylon Bombs released their 2nd CD Doin’ You Nasty in 2006.
This CD has a couple of tracks that should be modest hits for the band. The songs Jaded Heart and Hometown Hero are the closest things I have heard to Pop metal in 2007. Both tracks are equally enjoyable.
Louder has more of a punk feel to it, but is a very solid track. Crack of Dawn is a song that seems extremely familiar to me, but I can’t seem to get into it. Something about it reminds me of Faster Pussycat, but the chorus just didn’t do it for me on this tune.
Let It Loose is a well needed tune at this point in the record. It is a catchy tune that gets into your head and doesn’t let go. Slip Away is a slower number, that has a CC Deville like solo in the center of it. It isn’t a perfect song, but it is growing on me.
Starstruck is a sleazy rocker with a killer beat. It is a cool tune that will get your blood pumping. Drop The Bomb keeps the pace of the album going with another good catchy rocker.
Gotta Move On is an up tempo sleazy feast for your ears. This tune is in the vein of Slash era Guns ‘N Roses. Killer Tune! Proud is a slower tune that has a cool 70’s glam vibe to it.
White Trash Beauty kicks it back in gear with another good G ‘N R style tune. Doin’ You Nasty is closed out with another rocking tune called Moonshine Beauty. Party rock doesn’t get much better than this.
The more I listen to Doin’ You Nasty, the more I enjoy it. All that is stopping this disc from exploding in the United States is a better distribution deal. The only online store that I have found that carries this at non import prices is Impulse Music.com. 80’s hard rock fans are going to dig this record. Don’t miss out on one of the better glam CD’s released within the last couple of years! You can check out the Babylon Bombs at this link!
Rating:
Out 0f 10
Track Listing:
1. Jaded Heart
2. Louder
3. Crack Of Dawn
4. Let It Loose
5. Hometown Hero
6. Slip Away
7. Starstruck
8. Drop The Bomb
9. Gotta Move On
10.Proud
11.White Trash Beauty
12. Moonshine Beat
Babylon Bombs is:
Dani – Lead Vocals & Guitar
Jon – Guitar
Swaint – Drums
Marty – Bass
2 The Hives – The Black and White Album (Release Year – 2007)
Many of the new bands I hear coming out of Sweden, look and sound like the bastard children of Motley Crue. The Hives have a look that is all their own, but one spin of The Hives new disc The Black and White Album, and I immediately noticed the New York Dolls vibe about the band. The Hives Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist singer, reminds me of David Johansen from the New York Dolls at times.
The Hives started out as a garage punk rock band. Their sound has matured over the years, and judging from the tunes they have crafted on this record, this is their finest work yet.
This band has already started to experience some mainstream success. Last Sunday afternoon, The NFL was playing Tick Tick Boom during their games. The band is also one of the featured bands at Myspace.
The Black and White Album has been a nice surprise, and I have enjoyed this release far more than I expected to. The songs are still firmly rooted in punk rock, but there are several catchy numbers on this disc. The Hives have managed to create a sound firmly rooted in the past, and yet relevant in today’s music scene. This is a band that is likely to have a big year in 2008.
You can preview tracks off of this record at The Hives at their myspace page. Check them out!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Tick Tick Boom
2. Try It Again
3. You Got It All… Wrong
4. Well All Right!
5. Hey Little World
6. A Stroll Through Hive Manor Corridors
7. Won’t Be Long
8. T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S.
9. Return The Favour
10. Giddy Up!
11. Square One Here I Come
12. You Dress Up For Armageddon
13. Puppet On A String
14. Bigger Hole To Fill
The Hives are:
Nicholas Arson – Guitar
Vigilante Carlstroem – Guitar
Chris Dangerous – Drums
Dr. Matt Destruction – Bass
Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist – Vocals
1 New Video – Bonafide – Loud Band
Sweden’s Bonafide has released a new video for their song, “Loud Band”. Bonafide’s new CD is available through ITunes and through Record Heaven.
2 Introducing Lechery!
Lechery – Sweden’s brightest Metal hopefuls unleash debut album!
LECHERY were formed in 2004, when guitarist/ vocalist Martin Bengtsson left ARCH ENEMY. After a couple of demo tapes, the band came to the attention of Metal Heaven A&R Georg Siegl who signed this band for the production of their debut album. The result became “Violator”, an album that is filled with pure Heavy Metal, just the way that LECHERY wants it to be! The album will see the light of day on January 18th, 2008.
Here come some sound samples in advance:
LECHERY are: Martin Bengtsson – Guitar, Vocals, Fredrik Nordstrandh – Guitar, Keyboards, Robert Persson – Drums, Martin Karlsson – Bass
Hard Rock Hideout 