Korrupt – Secret Sorrows

The blackened hardcore band, Korrupt from Kristiansand, in southern Norway have released their 2nd full-length album, Secret Sorrows, via Holler Records.

Resistance against the vile, exploitative industries and brute extremism of organized religions has always been a prominent, recurring theme of Korrupt’s lyrics. The Kristiansand-bound blackened hardcore overlords have just recently released their sophomore full length album entitled Secret Sorrows via Holler Records. It was mixed by Lars Bjerke while the band did the songwriting, production, and recording themselves (with drums recorded by Simen H. Pedersen).

No gods, no masters, no authorities, and no systems

On this record, they converge altogether the intensity of gnarly blast beats and the depth of upbeat melodic riffs, while maintaining a steady pace of Turbonegro-inspired elements. What’s most enthralling and spectacular about Korrupt and their songwriting is that they are consistent in keeping their revolutionary lyrical themes intact; their listeners will immediately discern that they are always at war with the authoritative forces of the world that have been strangling all of us folks who dream of the emergence of autonomous zones. It’s a very consistent branding; no gods, no masters, no authorities, and no systems – to make it simple and concise. Similar themes were also envisaged back on their debut full-length Preachers and Creatures.

Catchiest melodic riff-laden album

Moving on to the sonic elements, this 40-minute south coast hardcore punk goodness that presents pure eclectic multidimensionality surely has the potential to go places and attract multiple nichés; besides being strong on blackened hardcore, this album also incorporates rock and roll elements – almost like the all-time black-and-roll legends Kvelertak. It appears to be yet another one of the references that I can notice, aside from presenting Turbonegro-esque influences. The key track “Hail Seitan” was meant to reinforce the legacy of scandi-rock; in order to keep the genre and the scene intact. The anthemic rock tune is also an inclusive form of criticism towards the modern meat industry.

The overall sounds that Korrupt offer, especially on this sophomore full-length, appear to be a cathartic reminiscence of bands like Comeback Kid, Turbonegro, Kvelertak, and even the previous project of vocalist Marius Jahnsen’s, namely Social Suicide. It’s very exciting to be able to discover one of the catchiest melodic riff-laden albums in the up-and-coming circle of the Norwegian underground scene.