Hardcore combining with metal obviously isn’t a new idea, and can add up to an irresistible combination of heaviness and unfiltered angst. Many shoehorn those two together with diminishing returns, sadly, but it hits a specific note for these ears when done so properly. With that in mind, today’s subject is Norway’s SIBIIR – a post-metal/hardcore amalgamation that exhibits a wide plethora of styles in their core soundscape, but never loses cohesive bombast. From black metal, melodic death, and even doom on occasion, SIBIIR cram a lot into their music. How does such an eclectic mixture work? To quote William Shatner in his delightfully kitschy delivery in his series Unexplained, “Well, that’s what we’ll try and find out.”
To the two of you who are still here after that reference, SIBIIR’s latest Undergang emits a Disfear meets the unrestrained ferocious explosiveness of Burnt by the Sun and cathartic build of City of Caterpillar. Opening track “Divergence and Deceit” immediately hits with a big riff and dramatic post-hardcore pacing. Vocalist Jimmy Nymoen screams and shouts with gritty determination, adding a harsh contrast to the sometimes brightly harmonic guitar work of Steffen Grønneberg and Tobias Gausemel Backe. “Placid Waters” continues the abrasive vibes alongside virulent guitar hooks, fused by an undeniably catchy shouting chorus. SIBIIR concocts a level of tension in their music that gets the blood pumping, just like one would expect from this amalgamation of genres, resulting in quick tempos and high octane, frenzied releases.
That said, Undergang does include many moments of diverging points of thought. Songs like “Ruinous” and “The Plague” slow the pace in portions that stomp with gusto, embracing their hardcore acumen specifically. Entries such as “The Flood” and especially “Watch the World Burn from a House on Fire” embrace doom elements in their slow buildup, combining with chunky rhythms to result in a significantly weighty punch to the proverbial gut. The latter may be the standout on Undergang – a delicately emotive song that is crushing while maintaining an aura of vibrancy. Closing entry “The Famine” radiates a black metal stylization in the guitar lead, mixing such with a bombastic post-hardcore delivery that mixes ever smoothly to give the album a top notch sendoff.
SIBIIR absolutely aspire to be unique, but also get straight to the point with their musical approach. There isn’t an overage of complexity, but that certainly isn’t a requirement, as they nail the incredibly important aspect of sincere, well-constructed songwriting. These gents absolutely deliver with every hook, riff, rhythmic thump, and every other miniscule detail. The production also breathes a cohesive, live air that captures the ethos the band were after, making Undergang a visceral, connective experience.
SIBIIR cram plenty into the 40-some-odd minutes of tense, melodically inclined destruction that is Undergang. There’s plenty of differential influences to keep proceedings extremely intriguing, while at its essence is a hold nothing back assault that permeates one’s ear holes and sticks around for quite some time. Undergang provides a sonic release in a difficult and upside down world; an accomplished piece crafted with spirited bursts of zeal to provide a ripping soundtrack to the chaos that we all live within.