For all that is possible with black metal as a genre, there are some overlapping veins that don’t get enough representation. I may not know why certain sounds aren’t given as much attention as some of their other counterparts, but there’s always something to be said for those that do a damn good job within those niche corners. While some veins like pagan black metal or especially whenever we see death and black metal joining forces are more common, punk isn’t given the credit it well deserves even when done competently. When it is done so, few things can compare with Hässlig delivering on that very potential.
There are always a few elements in the world of punk that you would think would make for a much more common pairing with black metal given the tendencies of both styles to detest a higher power and seek to revolt against them albeit in their own special ways. Such a combination feels obvious to me, yet here we are, and it’s only on a rare occasion that we’re met with an act that manages to bring it all together in spectacular form. Beat for beat, Hässlig shows us track after track why exactly there’s much to be had in the realms where black metal crosses over with punk to bring forth a performance that’s as raw as it is surprisingly compelling. “Apex Predator” sees twelve pieces of absolute evisceration come to live in a truly abominable form. Quickly does the album work its dark and twisted magic to ensnare the listener right in place while Hässlig’s brand of caustic black metal infused with all the aggressive, carnivorous, and darkest tendencies of punk that we should honestly see more of. It makes for a vicious and disorienting piece that requires more than a single spin in order to digest properly as Hässlig leaves you no time whatsoever in order to take in everything that “Apex Predator” has to offer with its enigmatic mastermind making damn sure to create a piece that isn’t just immense dense, but one that demands to be picked apart meticulously.
As intense and promising a debut as we could ask for, “Apex Predator” puts Hässlig on the map in no less than tremendous fashion. The mastermind behind this chaos needed to prove nothing in ways of his prowess and affinity for extremities in the metal underground, yet it is here in a largely forgotten vein of black metal that he finds yet another successful offensive. Hands down, “Apex Predator” is the representation that this style has long deserved.
“Apex Predator” releases on May 3rd via Sentient Ruin Laboratories!
LISTEN to an advanced track from “Apex Predator” on Bandcamp here.
Hässlig does not have any sort of social media that I could find, so please follow Hässlig on Bandcamp here to stay up-to-date on the band’s activities.
Head-Banger Reviews 