UMUR
"Blodets Bånd" is the debut full-length studio album by Danish, Copenhagen based hardcore act Halshug. The album was released through Southern Lord Records in February 2015. Halshug was formed in 2012 and released a demo that same year, and in 2013 they released the "Dödskontrol" EP, which was their first label release.
"Blodets Bånd" is an aggressive and very much to the point affair. Stylistically we´re treated to D-beat influenced hardcore with fast paced guitar riffs, bass, and drums, and a shouting aggressive vocalist in front. The album only features 8 tracks and a full playing time of 17:22 minutes, so it can be argued that you don´t get much quantity for your hard earned money, but fortunately the high quality of the material makes up for it. The tracks are simple, raw, and quite catchy with easy to scream along to choruses. You won´t even notice that the lyrics are in Danish when you scream out your lungs to tracks like "Gudsforladt" ("Abandoned by God")", "Kvælende Frygt" ("Suffocating Fear"), or "Knæl" ("Kneel"). With an energy level like this, I can only imagine how much fun it would be attending one of their gigs.
The musicianship is solid, and the sound production raw, detailed, and powerful. The only minor issue concerning "Blodets Bånd" is that the tracks are rather one-dimensional, and while it´s not a major issue when it comes to hardcore punk, this is where Halshug could improve. Still a 3.5 star (70%) rating is fully deserved.