Vestindien is the name of Bergen’s last known brothel, the band who took their name from this pleasure palace/oppressive sex slavery den, started as a hardcore band in 2009 and quickly disappeared. Dormant they lay in Norway until recently resurfacing with a new sound and a deal with Dark Essence Records.
So, what is this new sound? Well, the accompanying PR blurb likens them to old school Bathory, Darkthrone, Kvelatak and Amebix. Of those 4 supposed influences the one that rings true is Amebix. There is real sense of darkness and despair around the band which is held up by a rock and roll urgency which is something that Rob the Baron took from his former Anarcho band and transcribed to great effect in the wonderful Tau Cross (dodgy liner note thanks not withstanding).
This is the feel of Null – the dark grimy rock and roll of people who are just about holding onto their last vestige of hope. There are some similarities to post Circle The Wagons era Darkthrone with punky blackened groovy riffs as well. The synths which pop in and out work well. When I say pop – I mean really pop. They are allowed to shine as accents like white on a tattoo – whether they are the spacey flange on the black n roll of Meldroye or just used to punctuate a track.
Meldroye has got the sort of rolling riff that makes you want to pick up a flag and charge at someone in the name of some hopeless cause. Or maybe that is just me.
The title track takes me back to old New Model Army – something about the bass line and the dark yet hopeful cries of vocalist Torjus Slettsnok. On this track Simon Skøien’s guitars cry out like a wounded animal – if you are a fan of Faith or Pornography era The Cure you will be transported. The end had me checking my player – don’t panic.
The drums of the following track “Ormegard” are straight out of the early 80’s New Wave school whilst there is epic first wave of Black Metal played over the top, then some synthesied bagpipes seem to be added and I am all over this like a rash on Jaz Coleman’s neck.
Ned continues in a similar vein but with a more Nordic vibe – little bit I (Abbath led supergroup) in its Viking swagger, whilst final track Ost for Sol has a laid-back creepy Venus in Furs vibe.
Vestindien may have deprived the world of a Hardcore band but they have definitely made it a richer place with their dark Nordic take on post punk metal. Definitely worth a listen.
(7.5/10 Matt Mason)
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