Album Review: Agabas – Hard Anger – Deluxe (Mascot Records)

The Norwegian six-piece band that is Agabas proudly display their unique union of death metal and jazz (deathjazz) on their latest album ‘Hard Anger’. Which will be released as a Deluxe Edition on March 5th via Mascot Records.

Giving them the platform they deserve, Mascot Records have seen just how special Agabas are and how Hard Anger needs to be heard by a wider audience. Even if it’s an album likely to confound as many as it will amaze. Deathjazz is more than just a gimmicky title, or an attempt to dress up something blasé as new and interesting, it’s a fresh sound that puts the two genres on an equal footing. Something that we simply don’t see much in the world of extreme metal.

That is so cool, but what’s also so damn cool is that it’s way more compelling than you may expect. I don’t want to say ‘accessible’, but damn it, it does come mightily close at times. Although there are also plenty of times when it is furiously heavy, nonsensically intense, and hilariously weird. Deathjazz. Who would have thought extreme metal would fit so well with jazz? Yes, we have the likes of Imperial Triumphant and Shining, but the difference maker is that Agabas aren’t progressive or overly experimental. This is heavy music, designed to be intense and peculiar, but also fun.

Which brings me to the biggest head turning aspect of this record, and the band overall. Agabas aren’t taking themselves seriously, and with that comes a different vibe that feels likely to win them even more fans. Across Hard Anger, and the three additional tracks that make this a Deluxe Edition, it becomes clear that Agabas’ tongues are jammed firmly in their cheeks and that they’re thinking about the live side of their music too. How will these tracks translate to the stage and how can you get an audience involved in something so strange?

Getting them moving, creating pits (something they call saxpits), singing and screaming along, and generally having the best time of their lives. Which, when you consider the core idea of death metal and jazz combined, shouldn’t really be possible.

Yet here we are, and I’m in love. I’m not going to pretend that I knew anything about this band prior to hearing this album, but since hearing it multiple times, I’ve become obsessed with the compelling, exciting, and interesting madness of it all. One of the best things I’ve heard this year? You’re god-damn right.

Agabas – Hard Anger – Deluxe Track Listing:

1. Kjærlighet for alle
2. Jævla Menneske
3. En vakker himmel
4. La blodet flomme
5. Se det for deg
6. Vis meg alt
7. Råte
8. En enkel sjel
9. Arv
10. På åpent hav
11. KILL (Bonus Track)
12. Mørke Daga (Bonus Track)
13. The Wizard (Bonus Track)

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