Swedish prog-metallers PAIN OF SALVATION check in with the following lineup news:

"So, let it be publically known: on March 10th, after the Copenhagen show, Simon Andersson was welcomed into Pain Of Salvation as a full member. He did an outstanding job on the tour and we are looking forward to the coming years with great anticipation. Since his girlfriend is a huge Pain Of Salvation fan, we happily expect to see this decision put a little silver lining on their sex life as well, since she can now all of a sudden go to bed with a member of the band ;)

Congratulations Simon, and welcome to the family!"

Another message from the band reads: "During the European trip, the band was informed that they won the local but very prestigious award "Eskilstatyetten" for being Ambassadors of Eskilstuna. The annual big banquet in connection to this six category award was held on March 17th, and the band played an acoustic version of 'This Heart Of Mine' and 'Song For The Innocent'. Daniel also had the honorable task of holding the speech. It touched on fatherhood, touring, politics (of course) and relentlessness, and went down very well. The host of the evening was Yvonne Ryding (Miss Universe 1984 and, according to Daniel, the woman of his dreams when he was eleven years old). For more information (in Swedish): E-Kuriren.

And finally the band have issued the following tour report:

"After the first month-long trip across Europe, we are home again, to catch our breath before taking on the rest of the upcoming shows. So far, the feedback from the crowds has been wonderful. We hate to single out specific crowds, but special credit has to go out to the fans in Rome and Copenhagen, for being extra energetic and insane. Never before have the words "Don't worry, she just fainted!" sounded so reassuring, casual and bizarre at the same time. :)

We also realized what magic we had brought to the scene, until we saw grown up metal heads with big beards and leather jackets totally shake loose and groove in almost Travolta-like moves to 'Disco Queen', which was one of the obvious highlights of the setlist every night, regardless of which country we played in. Wonderful! We are also happy to see that our crowds get increasingly mixed and diverse; less homogenic in all from age, race, gender, musical background and sexual preference. We want you all! Anyway, we can't wait to get out on the roads again, thank you all for being there."