So, it took a while for this bad boy to land in my hands (Costa Rica) – the CD was sent to me last year, but hey, better late than never, right? And man, was it worth the wait. Opór is the third full-length from Sweden’s very own ŚMIERĆ, and let me tell you, these guys are pushing the boundaries of what D-beat punk can be. Formed in 2017 in Stockholm with a mission to play straight-up, melodic D-beat punk with heaps of atmosphere, they’ve never sounded this sharp or this heavy before.
Opór clocks in at 9 tracks of pure intensity – it’s fast, it’s raw, and it’s got some seriously well-executed melodies that will have you hooked after the first listen. It’s everything you’d expect from ŚMIERĆ: socially charged lyrics (and yes, they do it in multiple languages, like the true international DIY punks they are), gritty D-beat rhythms, and a brutal honesty that cuts through like a razor.
From the get-go, the album kicks off with “Uffe,” and if you haven’t seen the video yet, stop reading this and go watch it NOW. With guest vocals from some heavy hitters like Andy Lefton of War//Plague, Kuba Kunysz of End Forest, Sara Hedberg of Burning Kitchen, Bridjit of Rot//Woven, and Von Arfve aka Swedish Tiger, it’s a straight-up anthemic track that’ll have you chanting along before you even know what hit you. If that doesn’t get your blood pumping, I don’t know what will.
Musically, Opór pushes ŚMIERĆ’s sound to new heights. It’s not just your typical D-beat blitzkrieg – there’s real variation here. You’ll hear all the raw energy you’d expect, but then there are moments where they slow it down, dive into these atmospheric parts, and it adds a whole new layer to their sound. This isn’t just fast and loud for the sake of it; these guys know how to create tension, build it, and make you feel every bit of it.
And as always, their attention to detail isn’t just in the music. The design is killer – totally original, totally unique, just like their sound. It’s got that underground punk aesthetic that stands out but still fits perfectly within the scene. This is punk that isn’t just saying something, it’s doing something. And it’s something that sticks with you.
Big shoutout to the legendary Nikt Nic Nie Wie label, who have been repping Polish punk since 1989 (with a catalog including Oi Polloi, Los Crudos, Crass, and so much more) and teamed up with San Francisco’s Prank Records for this release. The fact that this album is out on these two iconic labels tells you all you need to know about the level of respect ŚMIERĆ’s music has earned within the scene. The album was recorded and mixed by Stefan Brändström at The Dustward, and it shows – the production is tight but raw, just the way you want it.
If you’re into punk that’s not afraid to take risks, throw in some twists, and still stay true to its roots, this album is a must-have. This is the kind of punk that doesn’t ask for permission, and that’s exactly why it rules.
ŚMIERĆ are:
Ninka – Vocals, keyboard
Jocke – bass, vocals
Hard Kåre – drums
Krisse – guitar
ŚMIERĆ social media:
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