PASSIV DÖDSHJÄLP/LIVSTID split 7”
(Halvfabrikat/Anarkopunx)
Passiv Dödshjälp impressed me before on the self titled CD-R they released last year, and they’re no let-down on this release either. It’s hard to avoid drawing the comparisons to Skitsystem in both their musical approach and the sound, but Passiv Dödshjälp also add an element of black metal to their breakdowns - making it more evil, and not just hard as hell. There are many bands that combine the raging käng sound with some black metal structures, and on the list with the ones that pull it off the best I’m prepared to place Passiv Dödshjälp very high up. And it doesn’t stop there, this band also manage to incorporate some thundering and real heavy rhythm sections, balancing on the thin line between controlled rage and chaos. Real good stuff from a very promising band.
If Passiv Dödshjälp where sneaking in some black metal in their käng, I’d say Norwegian Livstid are doing the opposite - at least in part. Grind, black metal, käng… and catchy choruses every once in a while - Livstid are offering a wide range of variety in their music, even if it’s high speed insanity that’s the foundation and also the manner in which they operate for the most part. I think they describe it best themselves in the excellently varied track ”Krakilsk” - faen i helvete! Look it up.
Also, it wouldn’t be fair to review this 7” without mentioning the great looking artwork! [Krogh - April 21, 2009]