Neven – Zakon Ljubavi 7″ (Geenger Records, Hardcore For The Losers)

Neven came a long way from a local hardcore act to the leaders of the regional scene. They quickly became a voice of their generation by delivering honest, positive messages and super heavy riffs, grabbing the attention of anyone even remotely interested in what’s cooking on the Belgrade hardcore scene.

In times when we’re all oversaturated with the mass information emerging from social media, you have to admit that’s a difficult task to achieve, especially when we’re talking about music that’s not as popular here as it used to be two decades ago. With their latest extended play, “Zakon Ljubavi,” released via Geenger Records and Hardcore For The Losers in 2025, they assured the crowd that even in an era when indie and alternative dominate the charts, there’s still a spot for good old hardcore music. Arriving after the critically acclaimed “U Svakom Srcu Gore Svetla,” this material has five songs (including the intro), recorded by a slightly changed lineup. And while most of the crowd still praises their previous recording, we all have to admit this material carries a completely new level of profound lyricism and musicianship, brought by the experience and maturity of these musicians.  

Like in their previous works, Neven explores new school hardcore, metalcore, and beatdown, but you may find  other subgenres of hardcore music lurking around here and there. Sonically, “Zakon Ljubavi” even maybe deepens their profound love for the new school hardcore, but older hardcore fans will definitely hear how the nineties metallic hardcore scene affected their music, in a very positive way. Compared to the “U Svakom Srcu Gore Svetla,” this material carries even more complex riffs, thoughtful vocal arrangements, and tastefully assembled rhythmic patterns. To put it simply, Neven has a knack for assembling song structures where every vocal, sonic, and rhyhtmic maneuver has its place and purpose. So many times throughout the entire material, you’ll notice that these songs sit comfortably in a hardcore niche, but as usually is the case, there’s always more than meets the eye. The best part about these songs is that Neven keeps them short and sweet, as they should be. Unlike many bands that tend to craft songs that sometimes feel like they have no end, Neven keep their compositions under two minutes. And even with a limited length of these songs, they manage to pack everything they are trying to convey.

As is usually the case, vocals serve as the centerpiece of this sonic equation, commanding attention, elevating everything to new heights, and all while guiding listeners on this epic sonic journey. Unlike many recent music outlets, which usually employ growls and screams in their music, Neven rely upon traditional hardcore shouts. There are no polished gimmicks, just a pure, positive aggression. With the help of additional vocal layers, back vocals, and sing-alongs, “Zakon Ljubavi” sounds so deep and anthemic, as it should be. As mentioned before, the guitar works are an absolute powerhouse here, delivering all those heavy, powerful, complex guitar riffs. Each composition arrives with a comprehensive collection of those guitar maneuvers, bringing unfiltered, abrasive, raw aggression upfront. In the meantime, the bass guitar keeps everything tight by delivering warm, vividly hearable, intricate basslines, contributing more heaviness, clarity, and depth while acting as a binding element between guitars and rhythmic patterns. The exceptional drumming performance, based upon tastefully assembled beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics, keeps everything in line while dictating groove and pace. Everything sounds exceptional here, making “Zakon Ljubavi” one of the finest regional hardcore EPs of 2025.

Therefore, if you love your hardcore heavy, aggressive, powerful, and packed with a deep, positive message, then “Zakon Ljubavi” will be right up your alley. You should definitely check out this material if you’re into new school hardcore, metalcore, beatdown, or metal music. It will win your heart and mind immediately. Head to Geenger Records for more information about ordering this gem on a 7” record.