Brute Force Trauma / Socialstyrelsen split LP
Swedish punk is a bit like crisps. You’ve got so many different flavours that you just cannot taste them all, unless the idea of kebab-flavoured crisps is your thing (in which case, you should probably talk to someone). What I mean is that I had never actually listened to SOCIALSTYRELSEN (who have been going for a long time), and never even heard of BRUTE FORCE TRAUMA, although I like Swedish punk and crisps. It pains me to say, but this split LP leaves me a little cold. SOCIALSTYRELSEN is certainly a powerhouse and their side sounds absolutely relentless, but I had a hard time getting into their ’00s modern dark crust style. I was reminded of AMBULANCE or SCHIFOSI, KONTROVERS at the best of times, but I am seldom in the mood for that sound these days. The band mastered the craft, undeniably, they are tight, ferocious, have the appropriate dark guitar leads and a great vocalist, but I am personally not won over (but I know a lot of people who would be). On the other side, the new band BRUTE FORCE TRAUMA is said to have former members of WOLFPACK and CRUDE SS, so that does make one curious. They go for a more direct and rocking heavy downtuned käng style, aiming for a late CIMEX/WOLFPACK vibe, but they fall a bit short as the recording lacks the threatening ferocity and intensity necessary to really pull it out, and I was left unconvinced by some of the vocals and guitar arrangements. Not a bad record, but not one I would rush to buy.