riwen

(8/10) The label info starts with a statement: "It's time to make it simple, raw and fast. This is hardcore". I can fully agree to this after I have heard Riwen's newest strike a few times. In times when things become big and complex, simplicity is what you're desperately looking for. Riwen gives you this raw sobriety.

Riwen's new highlight is called "The cold". I liked already the first single releases, but the album is even better. It's this uncompromizing energy the guys build into their songs, that is so fascinating. This mix out of sometimes some sludge and aggressive hardcore works really well.

"The cold" includes twelve numbers that are mostly around two minutes and act as a punch in your face.

Songs like the grooving "Strife and hate", with the grooving bass, could also come from NYC. Also songs like "Hate trade" is a sonic homerun - just a winner.

As soon as the tracks get longer the direction changes too. The pace gets slower (at least in parts), the riffs get more thrashy and the intensity gains. Those numbers still reflecting Riwen's trademarks; the guys add just another shade to them. "The curlew" reflects all this and belongs to the songs you should listen to first.

"The cold" is hot. What sounds like a big discrepency is just how it is. A damn hot longplayer.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Crucifix
2. The blackest blood
3. Orcus
4. Strife and hate
5. Daymares
6. Hades trail
7. Stalking a wounded wolf
8. The curlew
9. Rise up
10. I see war
11. Voices of revolt
12. Dodens kalla

Label: Indie Recordings

Genre: Hardcore

Release date EU: August 28th, 2015