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Music has always been a powerful outlet for frustration, resistance and the desire to challenge established beliefs. For Norwegian hardcore outfit KORRUPT, these themes are deeply rooted in their surroundings. Formed in Kristiansand in 2013, the five-piece emerged from a small but determined hardcore scene, shaped in part by the region's traditionally conservative Christian culture. Following their critically acclaimed 2023 release, Secret Sorrows, KORRUPT return with their third full-length album, The Weight We Carry, arriving on October 30, 2026, through Holler Records. Across nine tracks, the band confront the expectations, fears and pressures imposed by society, religion and personal experience, combining hardcore aggression with blackened influences and crushing riffs. But does this collision of musical intensity and social commentary deliver the impact its subject matter demands? Let's find out.

We kick things off with 'Narrative Warfare', where distorted yet melodic guitar riffs are initially accompanied by cymbal work before more forceful drumming takes over. The vocals burst in with furious screams, delivered at breakneck speed and with absolutely no concern for your safety. Sharp, precise riffs cut through the melodic yet unmistakably hardcore-driven structure, creating an infectious combination of aggression and energy. An engaging chorus adds another dimension, making the track surprisingly catchy without softening its uncompromising attitude. Fast, furious and bursting with frustration, ‘Narrative Warfare’ feels like the perfect soundtrack for letting off some steam after a particularly exhausting day.
Next up is 'Being Paranoid'’, whose opening carries a touch of old-school black metal before anguished vocals take over, leading into yet another incredibly catchy chorus. What I particularly enjoy is how naturally KORRUPT blends different genres without losing their own identity. A thick, prominent bass line provides a welcome break from the aggression before the almost longing chorus returns, pulling you along whether you like it or not. Towards the end, an excellent dual-guitar solo adds another highlight to an already engaging track. And if you're wondering whether all those different vocal expressions come from the same throat, the answer is no. Interestingly, every band member except the drummer contributes vocals to the album, bringing additional variety to the band's already versatile sound.
The title track, 'The Weight We Carry', initially sounds more like the epic introduction to a traditional heavy metal anthem than a hardcore composition, leaving me wondering what might come next. The answer arrives quickly, as demanding drumming drives the song forward beneath flowing guitar riffs, while almost punk-like screams deliver a mixture of aggression and underlying desperation. One thing KORRUPT certainly knows how to do is craft incredibly engaging choruses, and this one is no exception, bursting with raw emotion. As the composition progresses, the pace gradually slows and the instrumentation becomes noticeably heavier, perfectly reflecting the emotional burden conveyed throughout the song. It's a compelling example of how the band uses musical dynamics to reinforce the feelings behind their lyrics.
'Deathwish' once again leans towards classic heavy metal and black metal territory, at least instrumentally, while the vocals remain firmly rooted in hardcore, combining raw aggression with an almost melodic sense of urgency. There is something genuinely intriguing about KORRUPT's approach to songwriting. Rather than simply borrowing elements from different genres, they blend them into something that carries their own unmistakable signature. The result is a restless, energetic composition that refuses to stand still, constantly pushing forward with infectious intensity. Quite frankly, this is the kind of song that makes me want to put on my headphones and run until I can barely catch my breath. Sometimes music doesn't need to be complicated to leave an impression; it simply needs to make you move.
'Eternal Rest' puts the drumming firmly in the spotlight, with thunderous blast beats driving an uptempo composition that practically overflows with brutal force. There is an almost tangible aggression embedded in every note, making the song feel as though it could explode at any moment. Yet beneath all that fury lies some genuinely impressive songwriting. The interplay between the ferocious vocals, prominent bass and relentless guitar work creates a surprisingly rich musical experience, especially considering the track doesn't even reach the three-minute mark. What makes it particularly effective is how the band manages to channel so much intensity into such a compact arrangement without sacrificing its impact. A furious little beast of a song that certainly knows how to leave a lasting impression.
'I Am The Soil' brings the album to a close, beginning with atmospheric elements such as raven calls, bells and ominous sounds that create an unsettling sense of anticipation. From there, we are drawn into a hypnotic loop of heavily distorted guitar lines, gradually climbing into higher registers as the composition unfolds. Marching, almost galloping drums add a sense of inevitability, as though preparing us to face the end itself. Vocally, KORRUPT explores an impressive range, shifting between throaty shrieks, powerful gang shouts and clean singing, each adding another layer to the track's evolving atmosphere. Rather than settling into a predictable structure, the composition takes several unexpected twists and turns, making it a particularly intriguing finale. There is so much happening here that describing every detail would almost spoil the experience. This is one you really need to hear for yourself.
With The Weight We Carry, KORRUPT deliver a fierce and energetic fusion of hardcore, black metal and traditional heavy metal influences. Thunderous drumming, razor-sharp riffs and versatile vocals create an intense listening experience, while infectious choruses add surprising melodic and emotional depth. The band's ability to blend different styles into something distinctly their own is particularly impressive, with clever songwriting and dynamic shifts keeping things engaging. Although some elements feel familiar, KORRUPT inject enough personality and passion into their music to make the album stand out. An aggressive, captivating record that proves brutality and melody can coexist beautifully.
SCORE 8.5/10
REVIEWED BY SWAMPY



