ONDT BLOD is not your average Hardcore band protesting some war or political struggles abroad, as their second full length “Natur” (release date on 09.03.2018) is actually made 100 years after “the Sami National Day, when the first Sami congress was held in 1917 in Trondheim, Norway. This congress was the first time that Norwegian and Swedish Sami came together across their national borders to work together to find solutions for common problems.” – from Wikipedia
The Sami flag is the flag of Sápmi and the Sámis, the indigenous people of the Nordic countries and the Kola Peninsula of the Russian Federation
The album is a mix of Hardcore Metal, Pop Punk and even a hint of Scandinavian Extreme Metal. There are clean vocals throughout the album with melodic layers resembling bands like Blink-182, Papa Roach and Pet Sounds. Resident LebMetal author Rami Rouhana (check his articles here) also pointed out the close similarity to Norwegian avant-garde Metal band Solefald. The fact that they sing in Norwegian is an added bonus since it feels different and inherently fresh to listen to, but also because that language simply sounds melodic on its own, which fits the overall sound – obviously this point is a con for lyric lovers who can’t understand it. The album’s production and mixing (Ruben Willem (Haust) and Simon Jackman) is delicious, with more focus on mid and treble and less on the low end, which makes it somehow easy on the ears and boosts all those upbeat melodies and feelgood vibes.
ONDT BLOD – Natur (2018)
This album begins with the 2-mins self-titled “Natur” and its ancient Sami singing (called “joik“) by Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen (from ISÁK) which sounds fresh! Make no mistake tho, this one is not World music, but more well-executed Hardcore and Punk with a memorable Pop chorus. If you enjoyed the Sami singing, also check out “Giron” as it features a special mid-section of that singing-style with Pop and upbeat Black Metal (yes that’s a thing).
What’s interesting about this album is the skill in executing and switching between different moods, as displayed on “Start Han Opp” with its Nordic Metal beast unleashing its rage on you, but somehow still managing to morph into a wonderful Pop chorus! I recommend you listen to this one to appreciate what makes this band a joy to listen to.
For Punk fans, check out Unge Kniva and Store Ord (Røyk Og Speil) to enjoy some feelgood music with multi-vocal choruses, cool melodies, and even some Folk influences.
For Metal fans, it’s good that the band are infected by Scandinavia’s historical love for Extreme Metal, like on Med Ulver with its technical wizardry when switching from blast-beats driven verses into a tambourine-driven Pop chorus. Når Sirenan Sakte Dør and Giftige Tunga come out strong as pure Metal with a good balance of Hardcore and Punk as well.
Storma would be an interesting track to listen to as it features a guest performance by Lauritz Lyster Skeidsvold (credited for playing “yacht-saxophone”) – this is probably related to Yacht Rock (happy Googling).
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