Vreth: a Major Cutie-Face, But a Good Singer?

The Finnish folk-metal band Finntroll is amazing. Yet they've gone through vocalists like Paris Hilton goes through chihuahaus.

My dear Katla, our Swedish-speaking friend, unfortunately had to retire from the band in 2001 due to a benign throat tumor that made him unable to sing.

The next vocalist, Tapio Wilska, was fired in 2006 for private reasons. It's a shame, because he was good too.

So the band hired Mathias Lillmåns, known best as "Vreth", as their new singer.

And um, he is HOT. Even if you're not into the whole long hair, metalhead thing, you've got to admit that this boy is fine.

We'll have something nice to look at during the concerts, but can this boy sing? That's my question.

Finntroll's debut album RivFader was amazing, Jaktens Tid is a fan favorite, Visor Um Slutet is an unusual acoustic concept that I happen to adore, and Nattfodd is just love.

I am very much looking forward to next month's Ur Jordens Djup. For one thing, I love Finntroll. And I want to see if Vreth sings as well as he is hot.

Mark your calendars for March 28! (Spinefarm Records, Century Media Distro) I sure will.

Look back here for updates. :]

-by Tight

sale hunting

The common misconception: The best deals are found during after Christmas Sales. Well, it's not always.

The best time to go sale hunting is not right after Christmas, but in January and February. Yes, there are more things left right after Christmas, and you have more choices. However, it's really later on that you can get the best deals. During the after Christmas sales, stores have a certain amount of discount. As the new year comes and through January, they begin to lower that price even more. That's when you get the best deals for what you're getting. There may not be as much left from before Christmas, but on the bright side, all the winter clothes usually go on sale during January and February when the spring lines come out, so there's actually a lot more winter clothes to choose from. For example, I bought a heart printed sweater hoodie from delias for 20 dollars, instead of it's original 40 dollars and a 40 dollar oxford from abercrombie kids for 20 dollars. You can get so much better deals that way, instead of blowing all your money right after Christmas. Then in February, all the discounted winter clothes from January get discounted even farther, and this would be another good time to head for the sales.

So.... good luck in finding your best deals!! Remember to check out the stores in January and February, not just after Christmas.

-Hairspray