So, I'm back, bruised, broken and BROKE after a week in Norway at Hole In The Sky Festival. It truly is up there with Roadburn as my favourite festival, so chilled out, dream line-ups every year, incredible vibe so I'm really fortunate that both events bookend my summer festival season. This year I chose to take it slow, not running around countries like a maniac, wading through mud and grime to headbang to my favourite bands, but I still managed to rack up Hellfest, Sonisphere UK and Bloodstock - not bad going. Saw Watain, The Devil's Blood and Enforcer more times than is sanely advisable and still didn't get bored.

And now, back in Blighty, the cloud cover is looming and autumn is on the way, summer is officially over for another year and my tent and wellies have been packed away.

But it's not over... just when I think I can give my liver a rest I remember the gazillion metal fests coming up over the next few months around Europe that get my sobbing into my empty wallet. I'm going to try and make at least 4 of these - so if you're mourning a summer lost check these out and get that festival fever once again... and if you think about it they're inside so no risk of rain or bent tent pegs!

This weekend, in London doom cometh with Lord Vicar, The Wounded King, Ramesses and more - we'll be there - see you at the Gaff http://www.last.fm/festival/1606524+Doom+Over+London

The underground death metal scene in Europe is ruling my life right now, if it's your bag too get yourself over to Copenhagen for Kill Town Deathfest with Obliteration (who ruled at Hole In The Sky), Miasmal and Stench http://www.killtowndeathfest.dk/

Back in the UK Entombed are heading to Brighton to play the first ever Mammoth Fest alongside a mixed bill with a few Terrorizer-friendly treats such as Mutant, Orange Goblin and Mutant. Grab a stick of rock and rock out http://www.mammothfest.co.uk/

Black Mass Ritual III in Helsinki, Finland is a must-see, I'm saving my pennies for it myself. Gospel Of The Horns couldn't play and have been replaced with Sadistic Intent (aaaarrrggghhh) and UK lovelies Cruciamentum, Craven Idol and Grave Miasma are making the pilgrimage to the land of Demilich and Beherit http://www.last.fm/festival/1380940+Black+Mass+Ritual+Fest+III

Blasphemy, nuff said really. James Minton made the trek to Berlin last year innaugral Nuclear War Now Festival curated by NWN label boss Yosuke. Order From Chaos and Bone Awl are there too. Get your gasmask and meet us there http://www.myspace.com/nwnfestival

Sarcofagus rule. Listen and learn. In fact watch their videos. Kimmo Kuusniemi (a surname I can NEVER spell) is a true early guitar god and they're back and playing with Cloven Hoof and In Solitude are on the bill too http://www.saunalahti.fi/ilarle/mwf3/index2.html

The ultimate autumn date I can't wait for. Ghost. That's all you need to know. Oh well OK, we should also remind you Live Evil is curated by none other than Fenriz and he's hand picked bands like Angel Witch, Vulcano and Children Of Technology to play at London's infamous Underworld too. www.last.fm/festival/1398194+Live+Evil+2010

If new 'old school' true black metal is your thing than cast your eyes toward Nidaros, or Trondheim to use it's less kvlt name for the Nidarosian Black Mass III where bands from that killer scene will be joined by Finnish warriors Satanic Warmaster and Behexen.

Finally, and I'm sure I've forgotten some, head to Sweden where the guys at Forlorn Fest are putting on a bill of exciting new bands from the region headlined by Shining http://www.myspace.com/forlornfest

Looking at that lot will someone PLEASE give me a winning lottery ticket - I want to go to them all. Hopefully I'll see some of you there.