Honningbarna has already had a relatively long and productive career, evolving album by album into an increasingly unique and innovative group. Up until the 2017 album Voldelig lyd, the band made relatively pure hardcore punk, characterized by rock energy, melody, and a hefty dose of aggression. Their previous album Animorphs retained much of the band’s original style but also took steps in a completely new direction, introducing more experimentation, at times even a mechanical feel, and a greater sense of unpredictability.

Soft Spot strongly continues down this path. The album is full of surprises and unusual rhythms that are oddly difficult to grasp, yet at the same time incredibly intriguing and inviting. Schäfer, which kicks off after the intro, is probably one of the heaviest tracks the band has ever produced, both in sound and arrangement. The album is clearly built on the foundation of experimental hardcore rock laid by Refused. Each instrument shines in its own way, and the vocals sound absolutely amazing. Still, it’s the drum arrangements and groove on Soft Spot that stand out the most—they’re simply phenomenal.

Here and there, Soft Spot introduces even more machine-like effects and soundscapes, at times evoking a distant industrial vibe. The band really seems to be delivering their strongest and boldest performance yet with Soft Spot, without worrying about what traditional hardcore fans might think. This is a major strength that sets Honningbarna apart from many other hardcore groups today.

Amidst all the experimentation, the album still features accessible, so-called old-school Honningbarna bangers. All in all, the band sounds and feels stronger and more relevant than ever. I’d be lying if I said Soft Spot wouldn’t be on my end-of-year best albums list.

Release Date: February 28, 2025

Honningbarna – Soft Spot

Album of the Month by Cuberat

The post Honningbarna – Soft Spot Album Review (AOTM March) appeared first on Music Review World.

The album’s sprawling instrumentation takes center stage, delivering lush, layered arrangements that range from orchestral sweeps to disco-funk grooves. Tracks like the nearly ten-minute opener Mahashmashana establish an epic tone, filled with unpredictable shifts that keep the listener engaged. Other highlights, such as She Cleans Up and I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All, showcase a variety of styles without losing cohesion.

Father John Misty’s sound has evolved here, offering a sense of cinematic scale while maintaining his trademark nuances. Strings, horns, and vibrant percussion are masterfully interwoven, creating an experience that’s as hypnotic as it is compelling. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, this album demands—and rewards—close listening.

With Mahashmashana, Father John Misty once again demonstrates his ability to create music that feels both timeless and fresh, making this a standout addition to his discography.

Release Date: November 22, 2024

Father John Misty – Mahashmashana

Album of the Month by Cuberat

The post Father John Misty – Mahashmashana Album Review (AOTM November) appeared first on Music Review World.

Muutaantuja marks Oranssi Pazuzu’s sixth album, and the band has certainly not stagnated; they continue to evolve, breathing life into their music with inventive new elements. This album possibly embodies the highest dose of electronic and psychedelic influences they’ve ever woven together. At times, you might feel as if you’re immersed in the dark trip-hop textures of Massive Attack or Tricky, only to be jolted by the band’s signature black metal-infused, raw vocals.

Oranssi Pazuzu’s innovation is awe-inspiring. The soundscape is incredibly fine and beautiful, filled with magnificent details that emerge with each listen, yet it remains raw, violent, and terrifying at the same time. The balance between psychedelia, black metal, post-metal, and trip-hop is a breathtaking. Muutaantuja is an album best experienced in full sessions rather than through isolated tracks.

One highlight of the album is Voitelu which is an astonishing, hypnotic masterpiece that begs to be heard live, with pounding bass drums and basslines that would shake your heart into arrhythmia. Amidst all the madness, a surprisingly delicate piano emerges, creating a sublime contrast. Muuntautuja can be heavy in every sense of the word—such as at the end of Voitelu or the intense start of Valotus—but, in a strange way, it also manages to feel heavy even when the soundscape is not conventionally dense. This ability to craft worlds and atmospheres speaks to the band’s exceptional talent, a feat few can match.

Release Date: October 11, 2024

Oranssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja

Album of the Month by Cuberat

The post Oranssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja Album Review (AOTM October) appeared first on Music Review World.

They don’t fit neatly into one style—you can hear influences from the hardcore scene, post-punk, and krautrock, all tied together with a certain rawness. At times, they remind me of ‘Idles,’ but with a faster and harder edge, akin to the noise rock sound of ‘Metz.’

The album kicks off with the repetitive mid-tempo track ‘Cathartic Entertainment,’ which sets the tone decently, but it’s the next two tracks that really ramp up the energy. There are some great, infectious melodies created by both the guitar and bass. Listening to these tracks feels like exchanging punches but with a grin on your face.

‘Pack of Dogs’ is another high-energy song on the album, deceptively simple yet catchy. This simplicity is a recurring theme in many of their tracks—it’s punk in its core structure but elevated by the band’s ability to create rich soundscapes using various effects across all instruments, including the vocals.

The following tracks, ‘Networking Opportunity’ and ‘Holiday Sea,’ unveil the band’s less immediately catchy but even noisier side. It’s a refreshing break in the album’s flow before diving into the rest of the tracks.

Their Spotify description boldly states, “We are not a nail bar; we are a band.” Judging by the quality and attitude showcased on ‘Feel Worse,’ it’s safe to say they could add a claim as a badass band!

Release Date: March 22, 2024

USA Nails – Feel Worse

Album of the Month by Cuberat

The post USA Nails – Feel Worse Album Review (AOTM April) appeared first on Music Review World.

Two years ago, another Norwegian band, Honningbarna, released a brilliant hardcore album called “Animorphs,” and somehow, “Look How…” kind of reminds me of it. Both albums are bold, experimental, and surprising, yet still incredibly catchy, drawing the listener back into the chaos time after time.

The album kicks off with a mantra-like introduction, reminiscent of black metal, but it quickly becomes apparent that this is much more than your average Norwegian black metal band.

The following track introduces a slightly more accessible touch with its punchy noise rock vibe. While the first track is chaotic, leaving the listener gasping for breath, “Seance” is more straightforward but by no means boring. Just after the first two tracks, it becomes evident how versatile and powerful the band’s vocalist is.

The band crafts an amazing soundscape that is simultaneously raw yet carefully crafted and produced. The album maintains a consistent vibe throughout, but each track possesses its own atmosphere and emotions. One of the standout tracks for me is “Wannabe (Billboard No. 1),” which bears a resemblance to the French hardcore band Birds In Row, with a more emotive feel and catchy guitar lines, accompanied by a smoothly flowing beat. Another standout track is “BRAINDOTDESPERATION,” which is an absolute banger. It makes you want to punch through walls and strip down until you’re completely naked, packed with incredible energy while maintaining simplicity.

There’s not a dull moment on this album, and each track deserves its own spotlight. It’s best enjoyed on your best sound system, cranked up to the max, to truly experience the power of amazing music!

Release Date: March 1, 2024

Hammok – Look How Long Lasting Everything Is Moving Forward For Once

Album of the Month by Cuberat

The post Hammok – Look How Long Lasting Everything Is Moving Forward For Once Album Review (AOTM March) appeared first on Music Review World.

Their latest release, “TREHOLT III: UT AV INGENTING,” caps off a trilogy that kicked off in 2022. Originally set for 2023, the album dropped earlier this year, delivering a mix of emotions and a blend of rock styles that’s a bit tricky to pin down. What’s clear, though, is its unmistakable Nordic vibe – not just because they’re singing in Norwegian, but the melodies carry that Nordic charm and melancholy. Think bands like Refused, The Hives, Kvelertak, and Honningbarna – not exactly like Treholt, but you catch a similar vibe. Treholt, however, definitely has its unique sound.

One thing that grabs you is everything coming from those electric guitars – the riffs, melodies, licks – it’s a rollercoaster of catchiness with surprise twists and turns.

The album is peppered with small details that keep it interesting. Moments like the windbells and piano at the end of “Ka ae ville ha?” or the funky rhythm from some strange noise in the next track, “Alter superego,” show off the band’s slightly experimental side.

While not exactly punk or hardcore, you can feel the rawness and that “not-giving-a-f***” vibe in their music, giving off a sense that they’re just doing their thing, enjoying it, and shaking up how we think about rock. If you’re digging this album, definitely check out the two previous parts of this brilliant trilogy!

Release Date: January 12, 2024

TREHOLT – TREHOLT III: UT AV INGENTING

Album of the Month by Cuberat

The post TREHOLT – TREHOLT III: UT AV INGENTING Album Review (AOTM February) appeared first on Music Review World.

But let’s talk about how things have changed. They kicked off with this intense and aggressive metal sound. Their first couple of albums were just a barrage of noise, with heavy guitar riffs and all-out chaos. Then came ‘ULTRAPOP,’ where they started mixing in more melodic stuff, sort of blending pop melodies with metal in a way we hadn’t really heard before. There were hints of this shift on ‘Only Love,’ but ‘ULTRAPOP’ took it up a notch.

Now with their latest album, ‘Perfect Saviours,’ ‘The Armed’ is at it again, doing things in a new way. They’re finally peeling back the curtain a bit, shedding light on the band’s mysteries and talking openly about the structure of the band. At the same time, they’re moving even further towards softer sounds. You can’t really stick a “metal” label on their music anymore. You can catch glimpses of their origins, but their music nowadays feels more like a noisy rock with some pop mixed in.

But don’t expect an easy ride with this album. It’s packed with all these little details and the songs keep you guessing. After a few listens, though, the tunes start sticking in your head. The melodies are on point, and the vocals are way more accessible than their older stuff. Speaking of vocals, that’s one of the big changes from their earlier days – now about 90% of the vocals are clean, with hardly any screaming.

The standout here has to be the drums. Seriously, every track is a showcase of drumming skills. I’d recommend giving the album a spin a few times, focusing only on the drumming for one listen – it’s worth it. This complexity is what makes the album tick. There’s so much going on that you might need quite a few listens to really get it.

The only hiccup is the last track, ‘Public Grieving,’ which kind of throws off the album’s flow. Other than that, ‘Perfect Saviours’ has a cohesive vibe, even though that jazzy final track doesn’t quite hit the mark. All said and done, this album stands out as one of the most interesting releases this year!

The Armed – Perfect Saviours

Release Date: August 25, 2023

Album of the Month by Cuberat

The post The Armed – Perfect Saviours Album Review (AOTM August) appeared first on Music Review World.

This collaboration between the two heavyweights surpasses expectations. Each of the four tracks flows seamlessly, showcasing the exceptional UK rap styles of both MCs. The opening track, ‘Trojan Horse’, exhibits a slightly darker drill aesthetic, featuring a captivating string loop and an impactful bass line that harmonizes flawlessly with the beat. The overall atmosphere is captivating, effortlessly captivating the listener’s attention. The synergistic interplay between ‘Dave’ and ‘Central Cee’ in terms of their flows is reminiscent of a long-established partnership.

The subsequent track, ‘Sprinter’, offers a momentary reprieve from the intense atmosphere. The inclusion of distant Spanish guitar elements adds a delicate touch to the composition, while still maintaining its captivating and tight sound. Once again, the bass line remains distinctive and unforgettable. ‘Our 25th Birthday’ continues the EP’s exploration of a more delicate sonic landscape. Although the lyrical content diverges, it evokes similarities to ‘Stormzy’s recent foray into a softer side with its gospel-infused vibes. This soulful track incorporates piano and softer bass elements, extending over a duration of over five minutes, which is relatively long for a rap song. Nonetheless, it manages to captivate the listener throughout without becoming tedious or overly protracted.

Returning to a darker and more melancholic soundscape, ‘UK Rap’ restores the EP’s earlier tonal aesthetic. It is worth highlighting the remarkable basslines once again. Despite the impeccable flow showcased by both artists, the basslines assert themselves prominently throughout the EP.

The collaborative EP has surprised many, undoubtedly leaving a lasting and gratifying impression.

Dave & Central Cee – Split Decision EP

Release Date: June 4, 2023

Album of the Month by Cuberat

The post Dave & Central Cee – Split Decision EP Review (AOTM June) appeared first on Music Review World.

It is impossible to describe their music without mentioning the diverse and captivating vocals. The British accents add a distinct flavor to their sound. At times, the vocals are powerful and aggressive, while other moments evoke the beauty of the poetic spoken word. While it is challenging to draw direct comparisons to other bands, influences from “Godspeed! Black Emperor,” “For the first time” by “Black Country, New Road,” and/or “Model/Actriz” can be discerned.

The album possesses numerous captivating elements, including the live sound and occasional improvisations in the tracks. The rawness of the music is well complemented by a cohesive blend of instruments, resulting in a gripping atmosphere throughout the 20-minute duration of this delightful chaos. The dynamic range of the album keeps listeners engaged and focused, making it imperative to experience the release from its opening punch to the final moments of noisy drones. While exploring these four tracks, one can oscillate between feelings of dystopia and escapism. Some segments leave you breathless, while others offer moments of untouchable and comforting reflection.

One of the highlights of the album is the combination of simple yet emotive melodies, exemplified in tracks such as “Blind Spot.” The interplay between frantic drum tracks and these understated melodies is executed flawlessly.

Remarkably, the impact of language accents in music is quite striking. For instance, the British accent in “Kakistocracy” imbues the track with a heightened sense of aggression and rawness that would not be as pronounced with an American accent.

The EP undoubtedly demands significant attention from discerning music enthusiasts. It would be a delightful prospect to experience their live performance in the future.

Maruja – Knocknarea EP

Release Date: March 17, 2023

Album of the Month by Cuberat

The post Maruja – Knocknarea EP Review (AOTM, May) appeared first on Music Review World.

In 2019, MC Yallah released her debut album, “Kubali,” which was produced by the German producer, Debtmaster. Despite still collaborating with him, she has expanded her reach and is now working with Japanese producer Scotch Rolex and Congolese producer Chrisman, bringing new levels of variation and dynamics to her music. While “Kubali” had a raw and experimental quality to it, this time around, Debtmaster’s beats are easier to approach, despite retaining their dark and claustrophobic essence. Chrisman’s contributions infuse the album with a dancehall vibe, particularly on tracks like “Sunday” and “Big Bung.” Meanwhile, Scotch Rolex’s four tracks on the album showcase a unique and flawless sound.

One track that stands out from the album is “No One Seems To Bother,” which features Debtmaster and an exciting guest appearance from Lord Spikeheart of the Kenyan metal band, Duma. The death metal growls in the background may seem bizarre at first, but the more you listen, the more incredible they become.

The album is replete with excellent details such as the organs in “Baliwa,” the previously mentioned growls by Lord Spikeheart, MC Yallah’s fast flow, and the claustrophobic mix of vocals in “Hera.” All in all, MC Yallah deserves far more global recognition. Her ability to weave multiple languages into the dark and experimental beats is a breath of fresh air in today’s hip-hop scene.

When talking about MC Yallah, it would be remiss not to mention the Kampala-based Nyege Nyege collective, a highly influential advocate for electronic music. MC Yallah has enjoyed a close partnership with Nyege Nyege, and the collective’s record label, Nyege Nyege Tapes, continually releases intriguing and innovative music. Additionally, the annual Nyege Nyege Festival has rapidly become one of the most significant musical events in East Africa.

Yallah Beibe – MC Yallah

Released, April 14th, 2023

Album of the Month by Cuberat

The post Yallah Beibe – MC Yallah Album Review (AOTM April) appeared first on Music Review World.