SilentScream213 God, I really wish you could find the lyrics for this thing somewhere. It’s got all the ingredients of an abhorrently dark well of misanthropy, I would so love to know what they’re saying!

Of the album itself, it’s a strong Post-Hardcore Sludge Metal release. Passionate, shouted vocals spew supposed venom over tracks of mostly midtempo noise and aggression. The band does a great job at incorporating noise and dissonance to create an uneasy atmosphere, but not so far as to make it unlistenable; a good amount of guitar melodies and catchy chords make their home here as well. The rhythm section is surprisingly simple for this style, only occasionally breaking into faster, Punk-like aggression.

Another thing I gotta say… that cover art, along with the album title, do a fantastic job of setting the stage. They are truly unnerving in combination. Despite my earlier praises, the music here isn’t all that unique, nor super memorable, but it’s very consistent and great at what it does. Mostly simple Sludge, but that doesn’t mean it’s not great.

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.