FUBAR are a quintet from Southern Netherlands and make the kind of rampant spiky Grindcore that makes you want to pick up a spray can, or a book and make a difference. The title “Weltschmerz” is a German work meaning world weariness – a forgivable position given recent events. This, their third full length scattered amongst splits and E.P.s offers 30 minutes of punch and razor sharp riffs backed by melody and raw savagery. Of course there are aural links to Brutal Truth and Weekend Nachos and the more punky supergroup that is Venomous Concept but these are no mere hero worshippers. Over the last 16 years these guys have learned their chops. “Paranoia” oozes hardcore attitude mixing NYHC with blastbeats to create a delicious maelstrom. Whilst “Dead” packs so much bounce and a soaring melody that evokes Pennywise on steroids. This is certainly not a one dimensional blast through for Grind purists. If this is sounding a little too punk for you, don’t worry a hefty chunk of Grindage is only ever a minute or two away. “Storm” alternated between heads down pedal to the metal and a concrete heavy breakdown in its 72 seconds, whilst “Light” even drops some Blackened Death stylings into the mix – I’m calling Trading Standards regarding that song title. “Forsaken” is the epic track on the album. At 3 mins 20 it gets a bit more time to breathe. Obviously that breath is panted and straining but it means there is a little more time to wreck ya neck before “Shadows” blasts through leaving me feeling like Pete Murphy in the old Maxell adverts.
Repent” and “Hell” have some classic Discharge style anarcho vocals backed by the guttural norm This dual attack is effective with the former track leaving me reeling after its 47 seconds before “Hell” intersperses the anger with an atmospheric background riff that brings to mind classic post punk of the early 80’s. Then we are well back in Danny Lilker territory in the thrash grind of “Tombs”. FUBAR know when to switch up the pace and when to let things slide back down to make the next blast even more effective which makes this an exhilarating album to experience. “Demons” starts slow enough but erupts into a truly evil sounding monster with more of that Blackened groove.
To round off procedures FUBAR slow things down with the groovy and chugging “Void” which offers the same riff as the opening title track in a heavier arrangement. Thus we have come full circle which certainly leads the listener to hit repeat.
FUBAR have a lot of weapons in their arsenal and each one wants to move the listener, whether it is foundation shaking brutality or adrenalin pumping energy. This is a damn fine slice of punk in the truest term.
(8/10 Matt Mason)
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