The street date for Mammoth Volume and Hangnail is May 22, 2001

New York, NY -- The Music Cartel announced two new releases today, both will hit the streets on May 22, 2001. The new releases are from Sweden`s Mammoth Volume and England`s Hangnail. The label is distributed by DNA in the U.S. Radio promotion is handled by McGathy Radio Promotions and The Syndicate on a project-to-project basis and in-house; print media and publicity are handledby Fly PR.

Mammoth Volume began in 1996 and are based in Lysekil, Sweden. The band consists of all original members and all albums are self recorded and produced in their home studio. A Single Book of Songs by Mammoth Volume is their third release on The Music Cartel and their second full length. Their self-titled debut and follow-up EP, Noara Dance, where both met with critical acclaim. Hit Parader wrote "...this Swedish unit displays surprising dexterity and imagination on their musical presentations. Rather than just banging you over the head with their "mammoth volume," these guys count on subtlety and craftsmanship to serve as their most prominent rock and roll foils." (4/5). The band`s `70s-styled retro-rock, mixed with experimental sounds draws on influences like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Rainbow as well as bands like Budgie, Mike Oldfield, Yes, King Crimson and The Mahavishnu Orchestra.

A Single Book of Songs by... reveals that the band has continued to pursue their passions and push their creative boundaries. Jazzy lounge moments litter various parts of the album alongside heavier rock riffs. Track 4 "Aum" is an acoustic number, with sitar sounding guitar parts and an "ohm" chant in the background, while track 2 is reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age. The opening track "To Gloria" is one of the band`s favorites, as is "Brave Manic Mover." Gustafsson, guitar and keyboards, remarks on the new recording "at least we make an effort to progress, and not just play it safe."

Mammoth Volume are J�rgen Andersson on vocals, Nicklas Andersson on drums and percussion, Kalle Berlin on bass and Daniel Gustafsson on guitars and keyboards. The 13 tracks on A Single Book of Songs by... are 1. "To Gloria," 2. "Vipera Berus," 3. "K," 4. "Aum," 5. "The So Called 4th Sect," 6. "What Happened In Antioch? (Including A Myriad Of Sounds)," 7. "Evening Streeted,"8. "Pleroma" 9. "Brave Manic Mover," 10. "Out-Take," 11. "Noara Dance," 12. "What If" and 13. "Instead of Circles."

Hangnail formed in 1992 and are based in London. They recently finished recording their second full-length album at New Rising Studios in Essex entitled Clouds In The Head, it was produced by Dave Chang (Orange Goblin). The album faithfully picks up where their last release left off exploring hard rock and stoner rock elements. Bands like Roadsaw, Unida, the Cult and Led Zepplin come to mind. The band just completed few weeks of tour dates supporting Cathedral and plan to stay busy touring throughout the summer.

Clouds in the Head is the band`s third album. Previous releases include the One Million Layers BC EP on Man`s Ruin records and last year`s full length on The Music Cartel/Rise Above, entitled Ten Days Before Summer.

Hangnail are Harry Armstrong on vocals and guitar, Paul Elphick on bass, Mark Cronin on drums and percussion and James Ogawa on guitar.. The 10 tracks on Clouds in the Head are 1. "Slowhead," 2. "Third Time Around," 3. "Clouds In The Head," 4. "Martyr Youthair," 5. "Release," 6. "Into The Ether," 7. "Gone," 8. "That There Soul," 9. "The Watcher" and 10. "Riffmeister Jesus."

Priority releases on The Music Cartel for the past six months have included England`s Electric Wizard, Sea of Green from Toronto, Roachpowder from Sweden, The Bronx Casket Co. (featuring members of Overkill and Misfits) and Firebird (featuring ex-Carcass/Napalm Death guitar player, Bill Steer). Upcoming 2001 releases - dates TBA - will include Deride and several V/A compilations including the Pink Floyd Tribute announced last year. In addition to heavy rock, metal and stoner rock releases, the label is also home to many cutting-edge electronic artists such as Hans Platzgumer and Headcase as well as hardcore techno compilations from New York`s Industrial Strength Records. Visit the label and the bands online at: www.music-cartel.com.