Tooth & Nail is just the record label of the decade. Not only did they almost single-handedly elevate edgy "Christian" music to the present, now they're importing previously hard-to-get albums by killer bands from Scandinavia like Blindside, Royal, Extol...and Selfmindead. Hopefully, they'll keep it up, and send their scouts out everywhere in search of great unknowns (in the US anyway).
Not much has changed of Selfmindead since I reviewed this album as an import over a year ago. It still grooves heavily and smoothly, skillfully skirting the edges of rapcore without ever crossing over. Hardcore to be sure, but a step ahead because of something all hardcore bands should learn: song variety. The tracks actually stand out one from another, due more to changes in tempo rather than changes in guitar tone (the same rumbling riverbottom crunch'n'munch sound is found throughout). The vocals are distorted and sometimes pretty harsh, but Ilkka always gets the lyrics out intelligibly with plenty of variety and style (unlike most hardcore). The topics are typically depressing and anguished, ranging from fears about technology's effect on mankind to stating the need to fill up with God when driving on the dark and dangerous road of life. The glimmer of light is always there, however.
There's so much intensity and anger to be found here; it would be hard to find a match elsewhere in Christian music (Six Feet Deep perhaps). I suppose they crashland in the Korn/Deftones category of godzilla grooves, but still maintain their own distinct identity. Ferocious and full of fury, yet wise in the ways of good songwriting...this is quality spit-core. One complaint could be the short album length, but these kinds of crunchfests are best digested in small doses anyway.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #76Reviewed by Ben MengdenScandinavia is going to take over the world through their hardcore / emo. Another great release from Solid State and from Sweden. This release is a modern metal guitar album with singing hardcore and lots of cymbals. Lots of time changes, pauses, feedback, and speed. Fitting well in the Solid State family, Selfmindead is similar to the likes of Embodyment or Blindside. This is melody through…The Lighthouse Unsorted 1999Reviewed by Jonathon SmithBe prepared for some pretty loud guitars, vocals, and drums when you listen to Selfmindead's self-titled debut on Solid State Records (a fairly new division of Tooth & Nail). This new band comes from Sweden, the country that gave us Blindside, Royal, and Extol. I have read a lot about a band having a "wall of sound," but Selfmindead truly does. Pounding bass and drums not only lie underneath the…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Josh SpencerI saw the guys on the cover of this, and thought, "Great, another generic, harsh, hardcore experience." Then I noticed they were from Sweden and thought "Hmmm," as the first strains of hardcore heaven rocked my stereo speakers. By the second song I was smiling uncontrollably and cranking it up even louder. Selfmindead grooves heavily and smoothly, making skilled use of flowing rap rhythms…Similar sounding releases
2004The National AcrobatThe Complete Recordings
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2002The BlamedGive Us Barabbas
2000Run Devil RunSinking Deeper
2005The DeadlyThe Wolves Are Here Again
