ALBUM REVIEW: Brutus - "Burst"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 24/02/2017

Label: Hassle Records

Straddling the line between hardcore punk and a post-rock/metal riff fest, Brutus pounds, hurls, and howls at volumes so loud and levels so intense that it’s impossible to look away. Harmonies, hooks, and sing-a-longs are part of the Brutus recipe, but it’s the sheer intensity that will have heads turning, bopping, and banging.

“Burst” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1) March

2) All Along

3) Not Caring

4) Justice De Julia II

5) Drive

6) Bird

7) Crack / Waste

8) Looking for Love on Devils Mountain

9) Horde II

10) Baby Seal

The Review:  

Brutus is a Belgian power trio – and I mean power - that leaves a pretty hefty dent when listening to their Hassle Recordsdebut, “Burst.” Straddling the line between hardcore punk and a post-rock/metal riff fest, Brutus pounds, hurls, and howls at volumes so loud and levels so intense that it’s impossible to look away. Harmonies, hooks, and sing-a-longs are part of the Brutus recipe, but it’s the sheer intensity that will have heads turning, bopping, and banging.

To get an idea of what’s going on, it’s important to note that punk rock is at Brutus’s core. The album’s pace is high and half of the songs clock in under three minutes. The drummer, Stefanie, sings her heart out and it’s moments like when her voice cracks in the back half of “Drive” that not only oozes punk rock in the passion-before-perfection sort of way, but it’s also a testament to the blood, sweat and tears Brutus puts into their songs.

The album’s sequencing is also telling of the Brutusstory. How the semi-instrumental “March” turns into the rip roaring “All Along” is a sign of a band that has full control of their sound. Both “Drive” and “Crack/Waste” display guitarist Stijn’s steady hand, whether he’s jamming hard on the riffs or noodling around the fret board like any good metal guitarist does. “Looking for Love on Devil’s Mountain” and album closer “Child” further drive the fact home that Brutusmake strong, anthemic choruses, the likes of which can only be heard at punk rock rallies.

The songs mentioned above are not only the stepping stones of the album’s track list but they’re also the highlights. What happens in between the stepping stones is no less impressive, of course. Though these other songs may not rise up from the pack, they do serve as ways for Brutusto further explore the sound that they’re going for, and how!

As far as debut albums go, hats off to Brutus.

“Burst” is available to preorder/buy here

Band info: facebook