Honningbarna – Soft Spot Album Review (AOTM March)

What a coincidence – last year’s best album in March also came from Norway. Back then, it was Hammok’s debut album, which actually fits quite well into the same category as Honningbarna’s seventh album Soft Spot.

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