Hear about recording with Kurt Ballou this latest time around; the influence from touring with bands like High on Fire and The Sword; Jason’s reaction to comparing their song “Abyss” with “Wishlist” by Pearl Jam; and finally—favorite action sequence from a movie!

Rating: 4/5

Stranglehold. The Norwegian death rock band Kvelertak give the listener the proper feel for their music with their name and self-titled debut album. The band borrows the explosive energy from underground hardcore, the riffs from 21st century metal and the chorus anthems from hard rock.

In a statement by Southern Lord this week, label owner Greg Anderson stated: “These days it’s extremely rare that we receive a demo submission that blows us away. This was the case with the demo THE SECRET had sent us. Their sound is relentless, uncompromising and extremely lethal. Anti-melody, pro-cacophony!”