Someone has pissed RIWEN off and they are NOT keeping quiet about it. The hardcore team blast out a violent thrash influenced sound that screams shear aggression and when the first distorted chord rings out through the speakers, it is clear that violence will ensue. Their self-titled 3 track EP may only be a short taster of what they have to offer, but it certainly speaks volumes for the band and paints them as an energetic wall of noise willing to crush anything in its path.

This is the type of music that was made for greasy teenagers that pile into their local underground venue and kick the crap out of each other all in the name of a good time. But don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this is the only place for this brand of brutally, as sitting at home on my sofa I'm getting just as active as any of the vest wearing fight merchants that attend hardcore gigs.

Punk influenced through and through their sound is very trashy as palm muted guitars are joined by harsh scratchy vocals that combine to communicate angst with a wicked force. Regularly jumping from an all-out down picked attack to rhythmic grungy marches they're definitely a versatile band, keeping the listener guessing and fully involved throughout, it's as if they take influence from every aspect of metal that can be.

Stand-out song has to be track 2 "Values" which has a filthy distorted baseline acting as the predecessor for pure mayhem. This one is the head banger on the EP as the band doesn't stray far out of their depth musically, but it makes for an enjoyable listen. Track 3 "Karlsgrundet" is very hard to describe. I'd say it's just an assault, a 100mph fight to the death in which the only way to survive is to retaliate, abrasive and thrashy it's a soundtrack for a madness.

This is a great little EP that any hardcore fan should have a listen to. It does carry an amateur quality that is expected and speaks for a band that I believe is not fully developed, but nonetheless it's certain to have you moving and your head banging, who doesn't enjoy that once in a while?