Climax – Zločin bez trestu

  • Cole Faulkner posted
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Climax

Zločin bez trestu - Papagájův Hlasatel Records

I really don’t have much to say after listening to Czech based hardcore act Climax’s latest release, Zločin bez trestu (translated to “Crime Without Punishment”).  It’s all very much business as usual for a sadly unremarkable Papagájův Hlasatel Records thrashcore release.

Climax has been around since 2002, and has clearly built their career around sweaty mosh pits of underground clubs and basement shows.  Their sound finds comparison to a slightly less ragged version of regional contemporaries like PNS, or American counterparts Society’s Parasites.  Their vocalist, “Krata,” belts out lyrics with an unfathomed vigor, giving off a feeling of unrestrained hatred and aggression.  And like many thrash punk purists, that’s about it.  Song in, song out, his voice retains the same stained, narrow range.

Instrumentally the group matches Krata’s pounding vocals with a blistering pace.  Drummer “Feros” maintains some of the most repetitive speed drumming every recorded, and guitarist “Miki,” aside from the occasional solo or introduction, recycles bland, simple riffs and chord progressions from track to track.  I could swear “Jejich cil” and “Tak už dost!” were one and the same.

But occasionally Climax changes pace – reducing tempo for some uncharacteristically memorable segments.  The openings for “Pohřbi vlastní rozum” and “Krvavé kolonie” explore some complimentary bass work, even occasionally finding Miki exploding into the occasional brief but much needed solo.  These moments enhance the album’s chaotic feel, almost preventing an entirely formulaic feel.

Lyrically the band believes in a global restructuring, calling for complete societal change and accusing current institutions of unbridled corruption.  Their content matches Krata’s anger as he spouts off passionate accusations.  Lines like “Bunch of assholes without morality” and “Truth is paid” succinctly sum up their worldview, and likely explain why the group has been together for coming on ten years.

Zločin bez trestu fits in quite well amidst the Eastern Europe’s revolution-minded hardcore scene. Furthermore, Climax certainly follows the trends of many other likeminded Papagájův Hlasatel signings, but at the same time doesn’t do much to differentiate themselves from their peers.  Only those deeply committed to the thrashcore scene need apply.