Renown Swedish artist/author Janne Stark (OVERDRIVE, LOCOMOTIVE BREATH) has issued the following update regarding his two books: The Encyclopedia Of Swedish Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Vol. 3 – The Works and The History Of Swedish Hard Rock. His commentary reads as follows:

The Encyclopedia Of Swedish Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Vol. 3 – The Works:

"The fourth (and possibly final) encyclopedia has been in the works for some time now. After a very fruitful meeting with my publisher, Premium Publishing, last week the following has been decided: the planned release is early 2010. This means Vol 3 will contain everything from 1969 to 2009 – that is 40 years of Swedish hard rock!! This book will feature everything from the first two books, up-dated and completed, plus all bands missed out and all new bands. It will contain biographies, members (+ register), home town (+register), complete discographies with all different pressings and formats. I will try to depict all various covers and photos of as many bands as possible. The book will be in English and this time it will be in colour! We’re looking at probably around 600 pages of Swedish music, from AOR to death metal! Same criteria as before – the band has to have released a record/CD. The book will, as usual, include a CD with rare and unreleased material, but just like all other Premium releases, it will be accompanied by a four-CD long box listening companion with 100 important songs from the Swedish vaults. Any and all information is, as usual, highly appreciated."

The History Of Swedish Hard Rock:

"This is still a working title, but it defines what this is. For the first time a documentation of the complete history of Swedish hard rock and heavy metal, from the first steps in the late sixties and bands like November and Life, through the 80s hair bands, the 90s alternative metal scene up to today’s wide musical scene ranging from AOR to death metal. It will also contain in-depth and personal interviews with some of Sweden’s most successful and important bands and musicians, producers, labels and musical profiles. As I started writing for various magazines in the 80s I have loads of historical interviews saved and filed along with unique photos and paraphernalia that will most likely astound the fans of Swedish metal. This book is planned to be released in 2010. With two encyclopedias under my belt and a third on its way and having written about, followed and been an integral part of the Swedish metal scene since the 70s, I felt this was something that just I just had to do! It’s a passion and it’s a calling!"

For more info visit www.starkmusic.net.