In the midst of the global pandemic, in 2019, Sweden saw a new industrial/trash metal band enter the stage as multi-talented Gustaf Hammerin founded Mindistry. Currently a one man project, Mindistry is slowly but most certainly gaining momentum and building a name for himself. As the songwriter, vocalist and rhytm guitarist, Gustaf Hammerin aka Mindistry brings a mixture of Industrial metal draped with a very recognisable and true trash sound!
In the early stages of 2022, word got around Mindistry was all set to release its release album within considerable time, and when April of 2022 was here, Katastroftankar was released to the public. Normally I won’t review an album that has been around for almost a year, but for Mindistry I gladly make an exception. It has been a while, someone pointed me to a band ( or a new album for that matter ) that made such an impression!
Katastroftankar is best described as a mixture of industrial metal with a heavy trash sound, has 11 brand new tracks and has a total playing time a little short of 40 minutes. From the get-go it is obvious what kind of music and intentions we are dealing with. A somewhat ominous and instrumental opening is followed by an industrial metal song to the bone. Heavy guitar riffs, loud drums and well placed keys, turn out to be a red line through the album.
What really stands out to me, is the cohesion and variety of Katastroftankar. Although my knowledge of the Swedish language is pretty limited, you get the aggressiveness that shines through in the lyrics, whilst other songs ( like Bortglömd for example ) add an extra layer to the music and give it a somewhat darker and more emotional feel to it.
Arguably the best song on the album for me is Mardröm. A little bit passed the halfway mark of Katastroftankar, Mardröm has a captivating tempo, impressive vocals and ditto lyrics, well placed keys and gripping riffs. And although Mardröm is mostly an industrial metal song, the trashy influences if you will, are never far away!
Conclusion:
Katastroftankar is Mindistry’s debut album and it does not disappoint. The album contains 11 strong and recognisable songs, that clearly have been thought out well! No “filler” songs are found on this album and a good way has been found to make the album sound complete and well composed. Keeping in mind that Gustaf Hammerin is the composing artist all by himself, (with help from Bernard Jozic from Ominum on three solos : Blodtörst, Ökenstorm and Fördärvad ,Christoffer Borg lead solo in Umlb and Felix Borg lead solo on Mardröm) makes that the entire album is even more notable. Of course it’s not that special in today’s music (metal) scene anymore, when an artist does (most of the, if not all) work of composing and producing the album by him or herself. However, that doesn’t guarantee that the final product is of a high standard.
With Katastroftankar certainly a gem has been delivered, with producing done by Felix Borg, whilst Christoffer Borg was responsible for the mixing and mastering of the album. The album itself has been released independently and is available on all digital streaming devices!
In short, Katastroftankar is an album that deserves a far bigger stage than its gets today. The album is well composed, has an energetic mixture between trash and industrial metal and is a must to all fans of bands like Raubtier, Sabaton and Rammstein. All songs are sung in Swedish, but even when you don’t speak the language you get the feelings and intentions with which this album is made!
KATASTROFTANKAR has been released on all digital streaming platforms.
SCORE 9.0/10.0
IF YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS ANYTHING MINDISTRY RELEASES OR ANNOUNCES, MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW HIM THROUGH THE FOLLOWING LINKS!
Spotify
Facebook
Instagram
Bandcamp
Apple Music
YouTube
IF YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO MINDISTRY A BIT MORE, CLICK THE FOLLOWING PLAYLIST!
