An urgent, propulsive debut album from the Dutch hardcore quintet!
As state of the world addresses go, this debut album from Dutch hardcore crew State Power is up there with the best of them. Much of ‘Hyperstition’ sees them quite rightly railing against modern malaises such as our over-reliance on technology, the disintegration of traditional communities and the seemingly unstoppable rise of capitalism on steroids. Yep, if all you’re after is mindless mosh fuel, then best look elsewhere.
Musically, they pull no punches, either. With one foot in hardcore punk, and the other in crossover thrash, the opening brace of ‘Dominant Threads’ and ‘Brain Bug’ burst out of the traps in a barrage of crunchy thrash riffing, topped off with frontman Stefan’s enjoyably high-pitched vocals. Lead single ‘Schizoscene’ picks up the pace, reminiscent of ‘Wake The Dead’-era Comeback Kid, with a monolithic breakdown towards the end.
They don’t deviate much from this musical template for the rest of the record, but the quality control remains high throughout. Highlights include thrashier efforts such as ‘Gnaw’, which occasionally recalls Machine Head at their most direct, and ‘Spoils Of Empire’, with its “misery!” refrain sure to make it a live favourite. Elsewhere, the shortest track on offer, ‘Swing’ leans more towards pure hardcore punk, with yet another granite-strength breakdown to finish.
You get the feeling that State Power needed to make this record; perhaps the result of one too many sleepless nights, the sense of urgency is all-pervading throughout ‘Hyperstition’. This is music to shake people out of their complacency, and we can’t wait to find out what the band will do next. For now, though, ‘Hyperstition’ makes for a great introduction.
‘Hyperstition’ is released on 28th August via Parasocial Records – pre-order it HERE.
All Photos: NADIA SHEIKH
- Dominant Threads
- Brain Bug
- Schizoscene
- Spoils Of Empire
- The Sin Of Empathy
- Open Season
- Gnaw
- Swing
- Parasitized
- No Time
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