Fysisk Format is excited to announce the signing of FANATISME and the release of their debut album "Tro, håp og kjærlighet" December 12, 2025. Still in their early twenties, the members of FANATISME have taken inspiration from the lunatic-forest worshipping era of ULVER and DARKTHRONE and combined it with the gothic surge of CHRISTIAN DEATH and THE CURE. The result is an idiosyncratic rush of post-punk influenced black metal, a spine-chilling celebration of the fellowship of man, life's beauty and the coming of death. The album has seven songs.

"Sannhetens sløris" is first, an instrumental mood-setter. The tones are gentle, warm, and melodic, and the landscape they paint is of a place you would want to visit. "Nordens eteriske sommer" however has the speedy, gritty edge of Punk music and the harsh vocals contrast sharply with some of the guitar work. The production is kept noisy for lack of a better term, and you can hear bass guitar notes. "Kjærlighetsbrev til våren (Liljens avblomstring)" capitalizes on the raw and raucous energy of Punk music. For me, the harsh vocals almost seem out of place here but if you listen with an open mind, you can appreciate them more. It's that stark contrast that the band seems to be pushing.

"Månestrøket" has a slow, steady pace with somber leanings, and once again, the audible bass notes give it more of a commanding presence. The power chords in the rhythm guitars do so also. "Tro, håp og kjærlighet" is another short connecting or segue song, and it shimmers with warmth. You can even hear birds chirping in the background as if it's the first spring day. "Du er det jeg en gang var, og det jeg er skal du en gang bli" is heavy, dark, and even menacing from the bite of harsh vocals. It does settle a bit, sporting more easy listening tones at times, but that early madness returns. "Livet er en dans på rosens torner" is the final offering, and you can really hear THE CURE influences here in the progression of the lead guitar breaks. That contrast hits hard once again.

People who know me as a consumer of music know that I am always looking for something different, and away from convention. This album fits well with that hunt. If you think the marriage of ULVER and THE CURE sounds strange, wait until you digest the album. I'm still not over the discordant mashing of harsh vocals with some of the guitar melodies, and I suspect it may stay with me for a while.