A lot of people think of Scandinavian music and immediately say ‘black metal’. But what you may not be aware of, is the burgeoning hardcore scene up there in the cold that has been slowly growing under the surface.
Mainstream audiences had Kvelertak brought to their attention a few years ago, showcasing just what else you can expect from the likes of Norway and Finland; but alongside bands such as Victims and Jeroan Drive, there’s a lot more going on unnoticed. Introducing Ondt Blod, whose pace, urgency and downright groove demand that you pay attention.
Debut full-length Finnmark, released via Loyal Blood Records on January 18th, is an intense, roaring ten track album, packed full of influences ranging from black metal to power pop, loaded with riffs that would make James Hetfield envious.
Right from the first second, ‘Svarta Daga’ doesn’t hold up – launching head first into a chaotic, yet catchy, hardcore menagerie. For a track that’s little over two minutes long, it packs a lot in, and really sets the tone for the whole album – punchy, pacy, and damn groovy. Then when you take a track like ‘Nye Lydspor’, which throws huge power pop chorus, pure sing-a-long material (if you know Norwegian) into the mix, you understand quickly that this is a big, experimental record.
This is the album Kvelertak wish they could make. It’s the essence of Kvelertak, taken one step further. Ondt Blod have no fear in putting massive breakdowns, power pop choruses and blast beats in a song clocking in a 2:30 because they do it so well. ‘9900 Sodoma’ sees Ondt Blod at their most traditional hardocre, evoking the spirit of 80s and 90s DC hardcore, with a Billy Talent-esque chorus. Trust us, it works. Every time you think a mix up of styles and genres wouldn’t work, Ondt Blod are the band to pull it off and impress you while doing it.
Finnmark is a joy to listen to, ambitious, experimental and delivered with phenomenal pace and ability. It’s also incredibly well produced, with drums sounding vibrant and close, and a rumbling bass that sounds like a thunderstorm going off inside your skull, it sits perfectly with the vicious guitar work and acid-soaked vocals.
For a debut record, you won’t hear many better this year. If you’re a hardcore fan, you may have just discovered your new favourite band.
CHRIS ROBINSON