UMUR "Friction" is the debut full-length studio album by Swedish post hardcore act Breach. The album was released through Burning Heart Records in October 1995. Breach were formed in Luleå in 1993 and had a relatively short but productive career releasing four studio albums before disbanding in 2001. They are widely regarded as one of the most important/groundbreaking acts on the Swedish post hardcore scene.

"Friction" was to my surprise recorded at Sunlight Studio in Stockholm and mixed by Fred Estby (Dismember). Two things that scream old school Swedish death metal. That´s not even close to being the case here though as Breach play aggressive, heavy and at times groove based post hardcore. The post element provides the music with a bleak and dark atmosphere. The vocals by Tomas Hallbom are raw, distorted and shouted in a convincing fashion that leaves no doubt that he is pissed off but at the same time sad about the state of the world. Words like hopelessness and despair are valid to describe the feeling I´m left with after listening to the album.

"Friction" isn´t the most varied album and it takes a while before the tracks begin to stick out from each other. Other than that "Friction" is a very enjoyable post hardcore album featuring brick heavy and aggressive grooves, raw singing and a powerful and raw sound production. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.