Malad - Malad

As I listen to Malad’s debut album, I feel like I’m stepping right into the heart of Dutch street punk. Released in 2023, this record isn’t just another punk album – it’s a raw, unfiltered kick in the face that doesn’t let up.

Malad emerged from the grungy streets of the Netherlands, weathering the pandemic and lineup changes to finally bring us this beast of an album. Every gritty, spit-flecked line and every razor-edged riff, Malad’s sound is a raw yet nostalgic bite without losing any fresh intensity.

Sonically, Malad’s debut doesn’t stick to one label – and that’s a damn good thing. Punk, Oi!, rock – it’s all here, wrapped in an aggressive, relentless wall of sound that grabs you by the throat from the first track. Jordy's vocals? Rough, raspy, and dripping with attitude. Maybe it's just me but his vocals remind me of a young Henry Rollins on the Black Flag album "Damaged".

Every lyric is a callout, every shout an anthem. The furious guitar riffs, paired with a blistering rhythm section, drive home their message with the subtlety of a jackhammer, especially on standout tracks like “Paranoid Nation” and “Not My War.” The last track "Anger" is my personal favorite though.

The album is packed with 12 tracks, each one a furious, fast-paced blend of street punk and hardcore energy. Most of them are in English, save for one Dutch-language track ("Dode Democratie") that brings a unique touch. The lyrics dig deep into societal frustrations, channeling anger and discontent into themes of solidarity, loyalty to subculture, and rebellion against social stagnation. It’s pure punk ethos – uncompromising and direct.

It’s the kind of album that begs to be heard loud, preferably in a crowded room, with sweat and shouts and fists in the air.

So, strap in, punks – Malad’s here to make noise, and they aren’t playing nice. This self-titled debut is a standout and trust me, it’s one you’ll feel long after the last track fades.