Behold the scathing debut by this Swedish ensemble, filled to the brim with the self-hatred endemic to the province of Västerbotten from whence they hail.

The grill will fucking rule things. A new ensemble born from the ashes of Refused, with their roots in Hardcore, Punk Rock, Noise and free Jazz, Umeå, Sweden-based Experimental Death/Doom Metal/Punk Rock/Jazz entity Backengrillen is ready to attack your senses with their self-titled debut offering, filled to the brim with the self-hatred endemic to the province of Västerbotten from whence the member’s hail. Blasting an antifascist and antiracist free form of death-jazz in the memory of Swedish musician Lars Lystedt (RIP), the band formed of Dennis Lyxzén on vocals and effects, Mats Gustafsson on saxophone, flute and live electronics, Magnus Flagge on bass, and David Sandström on drums and electronics brings forward a paean to chaos and destruction in their debut opus, inspired by the most distinct acts the likes of The Cramps, Little Richard, Albert Ayler, Polly Bradfield, Entombed, John Zorn, Misfits, Stooges, Lars Gullin, Can and much more.

The album kicks off with ten minutes of absolute sonic insanity entitled A Hate Inferior, starting in the most serene, grim manner before evolving into a deadly Sludge and Doom Metal feast led by the demented sax by Mats; and such a high level of craziness goes on in full force in Dör för långsamt, or “dying too slowly” in English, where Mats’ flute walks hand in hand with the tribal beats by David, all boosted by the bursts of sheer dementia by Dennis on vocals. Then their wicked fusion of metal music with the unique sound of the saxophone sets the tone in Repeater II, where Dennis once again sounds killer on vocals supported by the thunderous kitchen crafted by Magnus and David. Backengrillen, the song that carries the name of the band and of the album, brings to our avid ears a fully Experimental Doom Metal sonority with hints of Noise, sounding utterly sluggish, caustic, and visceral, followed by Socialism or Barbarism, the most dissonant yet melodic of all songs, perfect for dancing inside the mosh pit, with Mats once again stealing the show armed with his infuriated sax.

Backengrillen was written on a Thursday during their first ever rehearsal, performed live on a Friday and recorded on a Saturday, so what you’re hearing is raw, stupid, gut instinct music played by seasoned purveyors of Hardcore Punk, countless forms of metal music, free Jazz, Noise, and so on, positioning the band as one of the most innovative names of the current Swedish rock and metal scene. Backengrillen are such a weird band to the point they don’t have any profiles in any type of social media, giving them an even rawer and unique vibe, but of course you can put your damned hands on their destructive debut by purchasing it from BandCamp or from Svart Records. Backengrillen is Swedish for “back grill,” which makes me wonder if the band is inviting us to enjoy some quality barbeque with them while listening to their album, or if they simply want to throw us in the grill to feel the fire of their demented music. Either way, I’m in.

Best moments of the album: Repeater II and Socialism or Barbarism.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Svart Records

Track listing
1. A Hate Inferior 10:09
2. Dör för långsamt 12:12
3. Repeater II 6:11
4. Backengrillen 10:18
5. Socialism or Barbarism 9:37

Band members
Dennis Lyxzén – vocals, effects
Mats Gustafsson – saxophone, flute, live electronics
Magnus Flagge – bass
David Sandström – drums, electronics