Finland's SWALLOW THE SUN check in with the following update:

"We would like to announce a design challenge for you guys!

New album is coming out, touring is starting right afterwards and we'll need new merchandise design for it. We have had many requests how should they look like and what kind of items we should provide.

Now we give you a chance to design shirts for us, basic printing which is to be used on t-shirts and hoodies, etc. You can get our new photos and logos from here.

Be creative and you add your own flavour into it! During christmas holidays we will rate your creations and print the best designs to our coming merchandise set. We will think of something really nice for the creators of best designs. Post your questions and material with your personal info to mailto:info@swallowthesun.net. Good luck and thank you in advance!!!

In other news, a shortened version of 'These Hours Of Despair' can be heard on Soundi CD, a free sampler that comes with the magazine, and a renewed biography has been added to the About section.

In addition, there will be a pre-listening party at both Inferno bars January 31st, 2007, in Tampere and in Helsinki."

As previously reported, Swallow The Sun's new album, Hope, is out on February 7th via Spinfarm.

Hope will include the following tracklist: 'Hope', 'These Hours Of Despair', 'The Justice Of Suffering', 'Don't Fall Asleep', 'Too Cold For Tears', 'The Empty Skies', 'No Light, No Hope', 'Doomed To Walk The Earth'.

The album features vocal appearance by Jonas Renkse of KATATONIA on 'The Justice Of Suffering'.