VENETIAN SNARES EURO TOUR

Venetian Snares aka Aaron Funk visits our shores in February and March. Of course there are no Swedish dates, why break a pattern? Or maybe I should stop complaining and start booking bands myself?

Anyway, here are the dates:

February 23 Xoyo - London, UK
February 24 Coalition - Brighton, UK
February 25 Crawdaddy - Dublin, Ireland
February 26 Jabez - Manchester, UK
March 2 Channel Zero - Ljubljana, Slovenia
March 3 Batofar - Paris, France
March 4 Petrol - Antwerp, Belgium
March 9 Palace St Gallen - St Gallen, Switzerland
March 11 Row 14 - Barcelona, Spain
March 12 Bloc - Minehead, UK

Also, if you're lucky enough to be in Winnipeg, Canada in May you're in for a real treat:

Merzbow with special guest Venetian Snares and Not Half
22 May at The Royal Albert Arms Hotel in Winnipeg

SHRINEBUILDER TO STOCKHOLM IN APRIL

Shrinebuilder, yeah you know who they are by now, if not, look at the picture, will perform in Stockholm in April courtesy of the good people at Blod & Svärd. The place to be is Strand, and the date is 13 April.

Of course it's the same date we fly away to Roadburn. I guess I'll just have to see them there or something...

Get your tickets here.

NEWS FROM DE:NIHIL RECORDS

The next release from Sweden's De:Nihil Records will be a 7" with Austrian punk/hc band Anstalt, with Dan from The Accidents and Genocide Super Stars as well as members from Demenzia Kollektiva.

Also in the works is a new EP by Kvoteringen. This will be released later this spring with D-Takt & Råpunk Records. We will of course have both these releases in stock as soon as they are upon us.

We still have a few copies left of De:Nihil's first release; a 7" from Nitad called "Den Gudomliga Världen". Get it here.

Speaking of Nitad, they will play at Debaser Slussen in Stockholm on 5 February, supported by Optic Nest.

WEEDEATER CHASING THE DRAGON

Southern Lord just posted  the finished album artwork for the new Weedeater record, and I just had to share it with you. "Jason... the Dragon" will be out in March, and as you already know, the band will play at Roadburn.

AMEBIX NEW ALBUM IN SEPTEMBER

The legends that are Amebix will release their new album in September. It's a while away, but my guess is that it will be worth the wait. Entitled "Sonic Mass", it will be released on CD by Alternative Tentacles and on vinyl via Profane Existence.

Alternative Tentacles, of course, put out the debut full length by Amebix; "Arise!". While Profane Existence released "Redux" last year, an EP with three re-recorded old tracks, plus a live one.

"Sonic Mass" was recorded in Derbyshire and Northampton, and engineered, mixed and produced by new Amebix drummer Roy Mayorga (Nausea, Crisis, Soulfly, Stone Sour).

Photos by Fin McAteer

A FEW MORE ROADBURN ACTS CONFIRMED

Yeah I know, it's been kind of slow over here at Top Five Records. I've been moving to a new apartment, and those things apparently takes some time. Anyway, here we go.

Ufomammut's 2010 album "Eve" was voted 'album of the year' by Roadburn.com visitors, and now they are booked to play said album in its entirely at this years festival. Why "Eve" wasn't mentioned on my 'Best of 2010' list? I have no excuse.

Ufomammut commented on Roadburn.com:

"Since our “Eve” album was voted best of 2010 by Roadburn readers, playing it at the upcoming festival will have a very special meaning for Ufomammut! It’ll be our chance to properly say thanks to all the people who have supported us throughout the years. See You in April!"

Sunn O))) has chosen two more acts to their curated event at Roadburn 2011. First up is Keiji Haino. Stephen O'Malley commented on Roadburn.com:

“We are nearly beyond words regarding the honour and pleasure of Mr. Haino accepting our invitation to perform at SUNN O)))s curated Roadburn.

One of our heroes, teachers and certainly masters will appear. We have been following Mr. Haino’s music and witnessing his incredible energy for many years now. The impression that this energies have made and can reflect upon us are undeniable.

It’s forming an super-real evening! Carlson, Brötzmann, Haino! High philosophers of the six strings”.

Next up is Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter. I'm really looking forward to seeing here perform. Such a voice! Stephen O'Malley commented on Roadburn.com:

“We are pleased to announce that our great friends in the Sweet Hereafter will be joining at Roadburn next April. Jesse Sykes is one of the most beautiful chanteuses of recent times, and our collaborations have been most interesting, beautiful and arcane in their essence. Full respect!

Also of note: The magister of Seattle: William Herzog operates as bassist in this outfit and must get honourable mention. Bill has played with O))) many times in the past years as well, including on SUNN O)))s first “comeback” show at SXSW in 2003!

Sweet Hereafter guitarist and co-leader Phil Wandscher is one of my favourite guitar players as well… and a close comrade, especially in all things ALTAR related. Another officer in the guitarist army of our curated day!”