DJÄVULSKORSET

BAND: LASTKAJ 14

MEMBERS: Pierre (Stryparn) Pettersson (vocals, bass); Ammy (Bulten) Olofsson (vocals, guitar); Markus (Kapten grå) Johansson (vocals, guitar) ; Olle (Dr. Dill) Ferner (vocals, drums); Safran (accordion, organ … ); Skelleftea Gospel (choir)

COUNTRY: SWEDEN

TITLE: DJÄVULSKORSET

LABEL: SECOND CLASS KIDS RECORDS

GENRE: PUNK ROCK

RELEASE DATE: 27.09.2024

On September 27th, the best band in the world and of all time, LASTKAJ 14, released their sixth full-length album, Djävulskorset (The Devil’s Cross). Probably their best since Ammy (Bulten) Olofsson joined the band in 2017. After a month, I’ve already alarmingly abused of it. Since I love everything LASTKAJ does at an extreme level, I have unsurprisingly jumped right on board. But don’t think it’s that easy to please hardcore fans. When you’re used to always being impressed, it’s easy to have too great expectations. Personally, I would have settled for a good album, but that’s not the band’s style. Once again with this one, they push the boundaries of perfection.

Ambiance
Definitely not the happy album I hoped for. As the cover and some of the track’s titles suggest, we’re dealing with dark and harsh themes here. From the very first songs, you’re plunged into darkness and misery, and there’s no way out. Even though it’s part of their identity and I was warned, I wasn’t ready! Incredibly deep, this is not the kind of music you listen to in the background. Several attentive and committed listenings, without external distraction, are necessary to fully immerse yourself in the work. Preferably in a dark room, with good headphones on. It’s important to block out all other senses to better appreciate the subtleties and the genius of each element.

Swedish Trällpunk …
Melodic punk rock, Swedish Trällpunk… , whatever the name, Lastkaj don’t fit into any style or sound like any other band. Over the years, they’ve created their unique and recognizable sound. They keep the essential ingredients of punk rock (simplicity, speed, intensity), but elevate it with the finest vocal harmonies and an incredible talent for grandiose choruses that turn a good song into a marvel. And on top of that, they have the best drummer. Not only is he a technical war machine, but his intelligent and intuitive playing gives life and substance to the music.

Strengths
The fact that they are all singers, musicians and composers is unique and one of their great strengths. They share the writing and vocals of the 12 songs on the album, covering a wide range of styles, influences and personalities. A versatility that allows them to exploit a variety of different moods and characters. Unpredictable, they don’t do the same things over and over again. They don’t hesitate to integrate original elements to create unique atmospheres, like Skelleftea’s gospel choir on “SS666”, which contributes to the theatrical aspect of the song. Each song has its own personality, and such strength. Each can be listened to on its own, but it’s better to listen to the album as a whole, experiencing each song like the scenes from a dark and scary movie.

Safran
There’s another exciting addition that nostalgic fans like me are able to enjoy. A much-appreciated “throwback” with the appearance of former band member Safran, playing the accordion on some songs. Another of my deep wishes became a reality, and all I had to do was ask. When I say they never do anything like everyone else! I was thinking of a few notes in ONE song, but not that they’d bring the guy into the studio on a 10 hours notice. Crazy!

Ammy
But the best addition to the band is undoubtedly Ammy on vocals and guitar. Not only does her personality fit in perfectly with the band’s dynamic, she adds overall value to the music. Talented and versatile, she has a wide vocal range and can easily take on lead vocals. Depending on what suits the mood of the song, she can sing with a beautiful, soft and sad voice (Låt mig förtäras) or with a strong, and imposing one (Den gröna omställningen, Fem millimeter). Even in songs where she doesn’t lead the singing, all her appearances add exceptional depth.

“Ett andetag till”
What a song! I didn’t expect that my ultimate favorite, “Ljus från båda håll”, my standard of perfection since its release in 2020, would ever be threatened. It’s here that saying “over and over again” is an understatement. But even for me, 17 hours in 15 days, for a single song, is ridiculous.

Vocally, that song is incredibly rich – there are so many elements to focus on, especially in the chorus. After just one listen, I can’t hear everything, and after the seventh or eighth time, I’m hallucinating voices.

The tension builds gradually. A calm start, neutral voices. It’s the drums, never calming down, that suggest that it won’t last. In the second half, this tension reaches its climax. The dramatic music, exacerbated by the desperate tone and powerful voice of the lead vocalist, creates a sense of urgency and danger. The heart-wrenching sensation of being an helpless witness of a tragedy. As if something bad is happening to someone you love and you can’t do anything about it – traumatic! I’m extremely sensitive to that kind of feeling, and when I reach that emotional state, it’s impossible to listen or do anything else. So, I have the choice of standing still staring at the walls or playing it back, again and again and again until reality catches up and tells me “go to bed, you have to work tomorrow”!

Addiction
It’s songs like this (and LASTKAJ has tons) that confuse me and turn into an addiction for me. And addiction, even in music, is never without consequences. Unconsciously, all along my obsession with the band, my standards of satisfaction have become too high for others to meet. As a result, I can’t listen to anything else. Everything else sounds bland in comparison. I push myself just to seem normal. Everyone knows that to be a “true” music lover, you have to listen to everything, be open-minded, they say. I don’t think I’m closed-minded, I agree, there are plenty of good bands out there, but why should I listen to anything good when I’ve got something excellent!

I’m not a musician, I have no musical training, I appreciate songs through feelings. For me, the emphasis is on vocals and emotions. But even if you have little or none, it’s possible to appreciate just as much. For example, if you ask my husband, who has as much empathy as a psychopath, to analyze a song, he’s more likely to talk about the fast, explosive drumming that dominates, the energy and power of the guitars and bass or just the beauty of the melodies and vocal harmonies. There’s something for everyone who loves melodic punk rock. No easy fillers, just strong and touching songs.

If you weren’t feeling well before, you certainly won’t feel better after Djävulskorset, but at least you’ll know you’re not alone!

GENEVIEVE OUELLET | CHICKS ROCK MEDIA