Stachel – Sollbruchstelle CS

Stachel is a relatively new hardcore punk trio from Utrecht, Netherlands. The group operates for a couple of years, so this material is actually their debut demo recording. Sollbruchstelle is entirely performed and recorded in one take by the band with just a couple of overdubs to fulfill possible gaps. This cassette is also published and distributed by the group, so it seems Stachel are strongly devoted to DIY ethics. However, the cassette is also obtainable through Attack Records, Auto Reverse Records & Tapes, and Keponteam Rouen. Stachel previously released a digital demo single comprised of numbers such as Spoorloos and SOS. These tunes reached their way to this particular cassette as well.

This demo recording counts nine abrasive hardcore punk tunes entirely performed in an old school manner. Nevertheless, the material includes some contemporary production technics, so this demo doesn’t sound overly dirty. Judging by their music, I concluded that Stachel nurtures recognizable eighties Dutch hardcore punk sound with other notable involvements, which are improving their articulations even more. You may hear how European, British, and US hardcore punk heavily influenced their sound, but the presence of Dutch hardcore is still predominant in their musicianship. Stachel doesn’t escape from the punk roots either, and you may stumble upon some fundamentals of the eighties and nineties punk rock sound.

Stachel incorporates a reasonable dosage of lead melodies over energetic chord progressions, so their music is not entirely abrasive and aggressive. Quite the contrary, the band balances between notably melodic tunes and straightforward hardcore riffages throughout the entire demo recording. You may hear a strong resemblance with groups such as BGK, Spermbirds, Mob 47, The Restarts, or perhaps Negative Approach. These renowned groups probably affected their musical direction and songwriting in one way or another, but Stachel are doing their own thing at this demo recording. The group works like a charm from scratch to finish, so their demo articulates better than some official debut albums I’ve had a chance to review in the past.

You should give a chance to Sollbruchstelle even if you’re not a fan of old school hardcore punk. If you’re by any case a fan of Dutch hardcore scene, then this cassette is the right choice for you. Head over to the Stachel Bandcamp page for more detailed information about ordering.