It’s fair to say that metal isn’t my most preferred brand of music. Sure it has it’s moments, in the right mood I’m a bit of a sucker for a bit of classic AC/DC or Motley Crue, and I really, really don’t think anyone has ever nailed album one, track one as well as Guns n Roses and Welcome To The Jungle (yes, that includes you Oasis). Iceland has a strong metal scene – how Scandinavian of them – with bands like Minus, I Adapt and plenty more regularly coming over to Europe and playing. And today appears to be Icelandic metal day…

First off are a band called Sign. I’ve seen these guys 2 or 3 times, always at Airwaves, and enjoyed them every time. I have to admit the first time, I was not really with it, and had an obscured view and it took me a little time to be absolutely sure of the singer’s gender. But that’s my fault for not concentrating.  The news on them is that their second album, The Hope, is now released in the UK and getting fabulous reviews everywhere (also linked to from their myspace). Their first album, released in 2005, was excellent with two real standouts, "A Little Bit" and "Thank God For Silence". I’ll be getting hold of this new one very shortly I’m sure. Also from from the Iceland Music website comes news of their contribution to an Iron Maiden tribute CD that comes free with this week’s Kerrang magazine. Now, I don’t think I have ever bought this magazine, but tomorrow I will – I can’t resist having a listen to these guys take on "Run To The Hills".

Secondly, a band called Gavin Portland – odd name it’s true, this is definitely a band and not a person. This hardcore lot feature the lovely Thorir, who is also a solo artist (of a fairly different style) who goes under the name My Summer As A Salvation Soldier – there’s a link to him on the left, and I’m so very certain to talk more about his solo stuff very soon. But today is for Gavin Portland – the news from myspace is that they are working on a new album which will be a follow-up "III: Views Of Distant Towns" which was loud, fast, great and featured one song in particular that I absolutely adore called "This Ain’t The Dakota". The album got a 4 star review in Kerrang (I promise they’re not sponsoring me or something), so news of something else in the pipeline is pretty exciting.