ANGOR WAT alternate between a heavy, powerful post-punk sound and excellent, powerful thrash—both coming off excellently (especially on the studio tracks…the live are weaker). BANNLYST have a more metal sound, with some pop sensibilities, reminding me a bit of some Japanese stuff I’ve heard lately, especially in the ultra- gruff vocals. Both bands are hot!
This Norwegian outfit displays their political commitment in a highly distinctive HC style: gruff vocals bark over a mid-tempo series of smoky minor-chord progressions, with a very occasional hook to sustain interest. This album tends toward unpleasantness, though the band’s desire to communicate makes this an effort well worth supporting.
Ranging from CRASS-type minimalist punk rants with male and female vocals, to out-and-out pro noise, this is one of those bands that makes the metal-punk argument of “we’re just trying to do something different” look like the weak statement it is.
