Since their inception in late 2011, Nordic heavy noise rockers Barren Womb have been raising both eyebrows and hell with their minimalistic approach, earsplitting volume and defiant experimentation. The duo make efficient use of crude dynamics and the power of the riff to hammer their point across.
Through four critically acclaimed albums, a slew of EP's and singles, and hundreds of shows across Europe and the US, Barren Womb have earned a reputation of being one of Norway's hardest working bands. They have shared stages with among others Entombed A.D., Voivod, Conan, Nomeansno and Årabrot, and have played festivals like SXSW, NXNE, by:Larm, Tallinn Music Week, Øya and Pstereo. "Chemical Tardigrade", the duo's fifth album, was released February 16, 2024 to rave reviews through Fucking North Pole Records/Blues For The Red Sun. Here they present a raw, bombastic slab of noise rock broken into 11 distinct pieces, all of which are as unhinged as they are unorthodox.
"Norwegian noise rock duo reassert their invincibility"
- Metal Hammer UK, 8/10
"Eleven songs with secret hit character"
- OX Fanzine, 8/10
"Barren Womb have now shown for the fifth time that noise from Scandinavia also works beyond blast beats, studded bracelets and burning churches."
- Visions Magazine, 9/12
BARREN WOMB
When I think of Barren Womb (which I surprisingly often do), certain words come to mind. Words that encapsulate certain emotional nuances, rather than mere musical references or noted milestones.
Relentlessness. Longevity. Antagonism. Translated through a musical expression and form that transcends genresque limitations.
The band was formed out of the ashes of the amazing Like Rats From A Sinking Ship (as in an unwilling act of clairvoyance) to become Barren Womb in 2011. A dualistic, nihilistic force majeure that might as well have imploded straight off the imagery launch ramp or fell off the tour trail in some Godforsaken east block city (a crusty, Houdini-worthy equivalent to the Gumball disappearance of David Hasselhoff, if you may), never to be seen again. By certain means it’s quite the achievement to have merely survived physically. And mentally. But somehow, they have. Against most odds, perhaps. Bands come and bands fold, especially those willing to undertake the most excruciating yet endearing form of DIY touring.
But they have just kept on touring. And releasing new albums. And touring. And releasing new albums. Amazing albums. And touring. And some 12 years later, they return once again with their fifth and - in my humblest of opinions - strongest one yet.
From the tribalesque percussive opening of McLembas and through the entire 38 minute chaotic-yet-focused journey, guided by their trademark ingenious song titles (“D-Beatles” soaring high as a contender for ‘Title of the Decade’), Barren Womb refines the very idea that every fan of the band know them to be. And beyond.
I could throw a bunch of alt. rock/(post)-hardcore band references up in the air, but whether it be Drive Like Jehu, At the Drive-In, ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Queens of the Stone Age, Afghan Wigs, Helmet, Fugazi or Thursday, referencing other bands simply doesn’t do Barren Womb justice. At the core; twangy, complex yet infectiously catchy chord progressions and harmonies and aggressive, yet profoundly groovy (as in (slam)danceable)) rhythm-patterns.
For anyone (wise enough to) follow this band, it’s been evident that its two members, guitarist/vocalist Tony Gonzalez and drummer/vocalist Timo Silvola, have been musically busy in the recent years outside the realm of Barren Womb, creating, releasing music and touring with their respective alter egos Velcro Dog and Twin Serpent. With Silvola guest appearing in Velcro Dog with his banjo and Gonzalez playing guitar in the Silvola-led blackgrass orchestra of Twin Serpent. Both bands reveal musical and harmonic layers and nuances that most definitely have been evident in Barren Womb’s previous work, but which I suspect has manifested even more clearly and pointed in this very release. Most likely do to the fact that they’ve let those melodic movements develop freely in their off-shoot projects. This is very much evident in tracks like “Bug Out Bag”, “Campfire Chemist” and the majestically heartfelt ender, “Dung Lung”. Here, both singers display their extended tonal and emotional range like perhaps never before in the Barren Womb universe, sending thoughts and nods in the directions of underground titans such as Lanegan and Dulli.
This record is equally a celebration of the frail yet vigorous concept of living, an expressive act of exorcism, emotionally and musically.
- Carl Christian Lein Størmer
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