Hasswut – Sauerstoff (Digital/CD/Vinyl Mini-Album – Negative Gain Productions)
The Spanish band Hasswut has been active for several years and has already built up a solid catalog of releases. With their new album, they’re teaming up for the first time with the American label Negative Gain Productions—a collaboration that could give their profile a significant boost. Depending on the format, the tracklist varies: the CD offers 7 songs, while the vinyl edition expands to a hefty 10.
Hasswut’s sound still carries a distinctly ‘German’ character, inevitably inviting comparisons to Rammstein. The fusion of hard, Metal-driven guitars and pounding Electronics strongly recalls the iconic Industrial titans, and the fact that the lyrics are in German only reinforces the connection. Personally, this doesn’t bother me in the slightest—these tracks are tight, powerful, and leave no room for weak moments… with the possible exception of the calmer CD closer, a duet with female vocals. Outside of that, the energy remains raw, aggressive, and euphoric.
While originality might not be their strongest suit—though, to be fair, Spaniards singing in German is unusual enough to stand out—Hasswut deliver their sound with conviction and skill. A band I can wholeheartedly recommend. (Rating:8).
Listen to “Les Morts”:
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