THE HELLACOPTERS Explain "Head Off' Album Concept

Sweden's THE HELLACOPTERS the band fronted by former ENTOMBED drummer Nicke Andersson (on guitar/vocals) has issued the following statement:

"If you haven't noticed yet, our new album, 'Head Off', is comprised of songs we didn't write ourselves. But before you scream, 'Oh no, a cover album!,' let's just clear a few things up.

"The idea for this record dates back about two years. We thought it'd be great to record an album of more or less contemporary songs that are too good to be left unheard. We know that the state of rock 'n' roll have seen better days but the fact is that there are shitloads of great bands with equally great songs out there. Guess you just have to dig a little. Songs that could and SHOULD be on the charts all over the world. But as you all know, the world is far from a perfect place. We're not saying that by recording these songs we'll put them on any charts or anything but maybe, just maybe, a few more people will get to know these gems and their origins.

"Anyway, we selected about 50 tunes that we think kick ass and eventually and carefully narrowed 'em down to about 20. We wound up chosing the songs that sounded like they were written for us by us even and ended up with an album that's one hundred percent THE HELLACOPTERS. In other words, it's not a case of 'Hey, we don't have any songs let's just record a bunch of covers and get it over with.'

"The decision to break up the band was obviously made after we recorded and mixed the album. That decision has nothing to do with the 'concept' of 'Head Off'. It just happened to be our last studio album and we hope you'll like it.

"Why the secrecy? Well, by not announcing that we're releasing a 'cover album,' rather than just a new album which is how we see it we're trying to avoid any preconceived ideas people might get about it. We basically want people to listen to the album for what it really is: our new album. Period."

"Head Off" track listing (including name of original artist):

01. Electrocute (DEMONS)
02. Midnight Angels (THE PEEPSHOWS)
03. (I'm) Watching You (THE HUMPERS)
04. No Salvation (THE TURPENTINES)
05. In The Sign Of The Octopus (THE ROBOTS)
06. Veronica Lake (NEW BOMB TURKS)
07. Another Turn (THE MAHARAJAS)
08. I Just Don't Know About Girls (ASTEROID B-612)
09. Rescue (DEAD MOON)
10. Throttle Bottom (GAZA STRIPPERS)
11. Making Up For Lost Time (THE BELLRAYS)
12. Darling Darling (THE ROYAL CREAM)
13. Straight Until Morning (POWDER MONKEYS)
14. Acid Reign (THE YES-MEN)

"Head Off" last week entered the Swedish national chart at position No. 4. The album was released in Sweden on April 18 via Wild Kingdom on CD, LP and a limited CD/vinyl deluxe combo version. The CD was once again produced by Chips Kiesby (THE NOMADS, SATOR, THE TURPENTINES) and mixed by Henryk Lipp.

European festival appearances will follow during the summer, and a final headlining run will take place in the fall.

THE HELLACOPTERS was the featured musical guest on the "Nyhetsmorgon" program on Sweden's TV4's on March 20. Watch the band's performance at TV4.se:

"In the Sign of the Octopus": Video
"Same Lame Story": Video

A video for the song "In the Sign of the Octopus" which is featured on "Head Off" can be viewed below.