Shaam Larein - Stick A Knife In The World

Gloomy sounds from the far north on cold days – it’s not the first time that Svart has worked with this formula for success and brought new talent to light. Shaam Larein from Sweden settle down somewhere between Beastmilk and Messa and cause bittersweet malaise. The band, named after their singer, appreciates catchy anxiety between post punk, dark and gothic rock as well as doom metal, Chelsea Wolfe is one of the prominent fans. With the second album “Stick a Knife in the World” the quintet now reaches for the crown of tasteful darkness.

The opening title track strives for the most uncomfortable tones and causes wounds to put shriveled fingers in there. Scrubbing clumsiness meets ethereal and dominant vocals, occasionally reminiscent of Siouxsie Sioux. All around, the band strikes up a kind of funeral march, whose doomy foundation is repeatedly shaken by melodic interludes. In the concluding “Murderer” the bass line initially leads on a lively wrong track. The rest of the instrumentation begins slowly, in the short main part the Swedes explode briefly and vehemently, only to immediately direct their gaze inward again.

Long arrangements lend themselves to careful development work and leave plenty of room for the idiosyncratic and entertaining mood of this record. This is exactly what happens in “Murderer”, which sends constant shivers down the spine. Larein pretends to be a kind of high priestess, the band visibly swells the events, bringing about a moving crescendo. In the concluding “Massacre”, on the other hand, the dynamic reigns, the constant play with loud and quiet, with roasting heaviness and almost sacred intimacy. The end knocks and ignites several smoke candles.

And so the bottom line is actually a piñata of anxiety that only knows how to unfold its nihilistic radiance in installments. Shaam Larein work with familiar references, which primarily relate to dark tones from the 80s and early 90s, but also let their very own coating, their idiosyncratic interpretation shine through at all times. “Sticka En Kniv I Världen” is weird in the best sense of the word and yet catchy, thrives on a fantastic singer and a knack for changing, wondrous moods. Dense atmosphere, melodic diamonds in the rough – the Swedes’ second album is a tasty treat.

Rating: 8/10

Available from: 09.12.2022
Available via: Svart Records (Membrane)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shaamlarein