The missing link between LAMA and the younger Finnish thrash bands. KOHU-63’s newer material is considerably faster than the tracks on their ’77-like “Pelimanimusaa” EP. They certainly haven’t lost any drive or power, though some of the melodic hooks may have been trampled in the stampeding tempo. Still, a fine record, and check out the COCKNEY REJECTS/EXPLOITED parody (“Härpsälä Kids”) for a good laugh.
This band’s second 12″ offering sounds like a cross between LA thrash circa ’81 and DISCHARGE. From the glossy 12-page booklet enclosed, one can surmise that the songs are your basic anti-war, anti-police themes.
The touch is lighter here than on past KOHU-63 releases. “Salattua Historiaa” has good speed, but none of the three songs here have memorable songwriting or a HC punch. Sounds like they’re going through the motions.
The newest release from these scene veterans, and they’re getting faster and more intense each time around. Given the youthful competition, it’s not surprising that this EP showcases heavy thrash stuff, and it’s well worth your attention. Watch for an LP soon.
I’m getting tired of repeating myself, but this is another great Finnish thrash record. RATTUS are as fast and powerful as anybody, but not quite as chaotic or extreme in the vocals as some newer bands. There’s more musical control in evidence here, probably due to a longer period of musical apprenticeship. Still, it’s hard to find a more intense song than “Miesten Koulu,” so don’t overlook this Pus-covered baby.
RATTUS combustion, startling adrenaline speed and hammerhead blows of power. Featuring the new high-velocity rasping vocals of Annikki, RATTUS virtually sweep forth with sharp-edged earloads of riveting force and disorderly rapidity. Brilliant Finnish hardcore, unhesitant and explosive assaults of raw nitro energy.
RATTUS has evolved a lot since the release of their early self-produced EPs, and have improved very dramatically since the appearance of their WC Räjähtää LP. Their new vocalist Annikki is much hotter, their instrumental attack is tighter and even more intense, and, best of all, most of their newer songs have terrific hooks in the choruses. This baby is awesome!
Soooo… REAKTIO were a Finnish punk band that lasted all of five glorious months in 1979, before changing their name to STALIN and issuing one of the greatest early Finnish hardcore punk EPs, then changing their name again to NUKKETEATTERI in ’81, and then putting out a couple more bangers before fading away. In the interim, STALIN got a swank reissue, as did the first (and best) NUKKETEATTERI EP, but REAKTIO, having only produced a handful of homemade cassettes, remained unheard. Now, 40 years after the band’s brief existence, the members have reconvened and recorded fifteen tracks of vintage Finnish punk. The thing is, it’s fuckin’ amazing! Like, I was shocked to find out this is a recent recording. Stylistically, it’s just what you’d want, just as much influenced by the SEEDS and BLACK MONKS as the PISTOLS or CLASH, and unafraid to deploy harmonica, kazoo, cowbell, and even a flute! That being said, the core of the band centers around two guitars, one pretty clean and one equipped with some Pebbles-style garage fuzz (the fuzzbox enables some nasty solos later along the disc) and the snotty vocals (how is this not the work of a teenager?!). Does it end with a ten plus minute psychedelic jam with tons of solos and a flute riff for a chorus? You better believe it does! Too good, this record is punk as fuck.
With this release, T.KÄDET come of age and prove they’re among the world’s best hardcore bands. This well-produced record has everything—ultra tight thrash power, join in choruses, and lead vocals so demented they make the MEAT PUPPETS sound like the BEE GEES. The hottest punk EP released thus far this year, really.
“Osat” is a great punk song in the classic late ’70s tradition, complete with choppy fuzz guitar and cool background vocals, added for punctuation. Only the handclaps are missing. The B-side is slower and far less memorable, but this band is mining a rich if overused vein.
