Guitarist John Norum of Swedish hard rockers Europe has inked a solo deal with Gain Music Entertainment, which is distributed and partly owned by Sony Music. He will enter the studio shortly to begin recording his new solo album, to be released in September.

"It feels real good," Norum said of his deal with Gain. "I'm finally on the only real Swedish rock label with international ambitions."

Added Markus Tagaris of Gain: "It's gonna be great working with John Norum's solo album. He's one of the best and most respected guitarists in the world."

Norum released his first solo album, "Total Control", in 1987 and has made eight solo LPs in total since then. His latest Cd, "Play Yard Blues", came out in 2010.

John has previously worked with Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Black Country Communion) and Don Dokken (Dokken), so fans shouldn't be surprised if there are some other international guest appearances on the forthcoming album.

Norum will perform live this year both as a solo artist and with Europe. In addition, Europe will play a very special 30-anniversary show as the headlining act at this year's Sweden Rock Festival on June 7.

Pictured below (left to right): Markus Tagaris (Gain), John Norum, Magnus Lundbäck (Gain)