fysisk format

Profile: John Nilsen of Norwegian Hardcorists Ondt Blod

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Ondt Blod
Ondt Blod

This past Friday saw the release of Ondt Blod‘s second full length Natur via Fysisk Format. And having been nominated for “newcomer of the year” for debut Finnmark they must be doing something right in the eyes of their countrymen. This second full length expands on the pop infused melodies and razor edged hardcore of their debut but more than that, it shows a higher level of maturity in the songwriting department which should garner the band even more praise this time around. Check out Chris’s review for the full story. Just behind the album’s release we had the opportunity to ask guitarist John Nilsen our set of Profile questions so head inside to see what he had to say and head over to the links contained to show some support. Continue reading →

Album Review: Ondt Blod – “Natur”

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Ondt Blod - Natur

I never guessed I’d come to a point where I was standing at the crossroads between hardcore and melodic power pop/punk, but here we are, gazing into the odd juxtaposition of Natur, the new album by the Norwegian assault of Ondt Blood.  Filled with equal parts cutting aggression and an almost sunny sense of late 90s punk riffage, its melodic sense is entirely couched in a riotous call to arms against the oppression against the Sami, the indigenous peoples of Norway who, similar to many other cultures around the world are being wasted away by policies aimed to benefit everyone but themselves.  This anger and alignment with the downtrodden is carried through in the waves of sound that require no translation.   Continue reading →

Initial Descent: February 11 – 17, 2018

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Harakiri for the Sky
Harakiri for the Sky

Did you spend some quality time with your valentine? Yea, it was in the middle of the week…and work…and stuff. But, it’s the weekend now so no excuses right?! Take them camping, start a fire, go for a hike but whatever you do, don’t forget your headphones and might want to bring a splitter so you both can enjoy what this week’s new releases have to offer. Kicking off this week of heart’s is Austria’s Harakiri for the Sky as they continue to mix post-metal melancholy with black metal aggressiveness on Arson, thought provoking black metallers Eignelicht offer up their highly anticipated full length debut Self-Annihilating Consciousness and even though it’s only five tracks its all consuming nature makes it feel so much more expansive, Chaos Echoes successfully trump their own astounding debut on Mouvement and further prove that they are the reigning champs of extremely complex and contextual music, rounding out the opening slots: punk attitude meets hardcore intensity on The Good The Bad and The Zugly‘s third full length Misanthropical House. As you can clearly see, buying that headphone splitter is a great idea so you can share all the good stuff this week has to offer. There’s more to follow so head inside and enjoy. Continue reading →

Profile: Norwegian Hardcore Punk Rockers The Good The Bad and The Zugly

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The Good The Bad and The Zugly
The Good The Bad and The Zugly

Norwegian hardcore / punk outfit The Good The Bad and The Zugly will be releasing their third full length, Misanthropical House, February 16 and it sounds just like the album cover looks. If you thought about Animal House while you caught a glimpse of it, that’s the feeling you get throughout these raucous twelve tracks. Punk attitude meets a hardcore delivery for some 30 minutes of fun — what more do you need?! Everyone needs some fun so don’t miss this thing. Just ahead of the album’s release we had the chance to ask the band our set of Profile questions and their answers completely live up to the wild music they’ve made. Plus there’s a stream, do it.

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Second Circle: DRÅP and Timeworn

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Second Circle

In Dante’s Inferno, the second circle begins the proper punishment of Hell, a place where “no thing gleams.” It is reserved for those overcome with Lust, where carnal appetites hold sway over reason. In Nine Circles, it’s where we do shorter reviews of new (ish) albums that share a common theme.

Two bands, two sophomore albums.  It kind of feels like I’m about to introduce two gladiators into Thunderdome, but the truth is all I really want to do is expose you to some loud and angry music that will take a shitty day and maybe not make it better, but at least give you something to match the pounding of the pulse in your skull.  Sometimes we don’t want anything more than a voice to match our rage, a blast to pace our anger and a ground up dirty riff to sink our beaten down souls into.  And this edition of Second Circle has you covered with DRÅP and Timeworn, so lets throw down.   Continue reading →