Bomberna Faller Fanzine

I didn’t use to listen to Asocial. I know that sounds weird, perhaps even a bit upsetting to some, but this is the internet and internet works like brainstorming. All ideas are valuable up until the fighting and crying commences. I liked their track ’Revolt’, but that was about it. That’s why I wasn’t all that interested when the news came in 2017 that Asocial were back with a new album (’Död Åt Kapitalismen’). I gave it a try because why not, and I was completely blown away. It was hands down the best album of that year for me and with it my love for Asocial began. I picked up their following albums on their respective release days, never becoming disappointed in the slightest. So when Oskar (Not Enough) told me he recieved their newest effort, ’Kolsvart Framtid’, I immediately asked for a copy.

The LP comes in a nice gatefold cover with the lyrics printed on the inside. There’s these uncanny faces in the background which all look slightly different and I couldn’t help myself but to feel uneasy when looking at them, kudos to Jonas Grahn who did the artwork! One of the first things I noticed when dropping the needle is that the bass is more pronounced, both in sound and performance. Sure, it’s mostly following the guitar but there are some nice twists and it’s easier to make out in the mix. After a while I started to suspect the bass has always been like this but that I haven’t noticed, so I went back to the earlier releases and actively listened for it, giving me a whole new appreciation of the albums. I like when I get to come back to something and listen in a different way and enrich my initial understanding.

Another thing that promptly caught my attention was the lyrics which are political and poignant as always, but this time almost desperate. Instead of relentless attacks they’re more like devastated statements, which of course really fits the vocals. And I mean why wouldn’t they be? The wars are raging and our political antitheses are thriving. The quote ”my idols are dead and my enemies are in power” comes to mind.

On average the tracks began to be a bit longer on their previous release, ’Aldrig Som Er’, and here they’re a bit longer still. This, paired with the fact that many of them are connected without pause, makes it feel like something… almost grander in a way. Instead of bitesize outbursts it’s more of a continuous discharge. It's not that they're forgettable or bland, but they just keep coming, every bit as intense and furious and I thoroughly enjoy it from start to finish. My favorite of them all has to be the title track, Kolsvart Framtid. When T.B. screams "ingen vill leva här" ("nobody wants to live here") I get goosebumps.

After ripping the vinyl and putting the album on my PC (yes, I still listen to local mp3:s on a regular PC and so should you), enabling me to put the thing on repeat, I soon realized I didn't really tire of it at length either. I ended up listening to it back to back at least three times. This is just one of those records. It’s great. I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to pick up a copy.

Asocial - Kolsvart Framtid