It’s been five years since Grafjammer last made themselves heard with a full-length album. While the gaps in our souls were temporarily filled with various 7” EPs, nothing quite compares to a full album of Necro-Rock from these Utrecht-based scoundrels.
Since 2007, Grafjammer has been delighting humanity with their mix of Black Metal and Punk, complete with lyrics that have made many a Dutch speaker blush. This album is no exception, featuring wonderfully crude titles like Hachel mijn Bout, Krengenslager, and Varkensbocht. Feel free to fire up Google Translate if you dare to uncover their meanings.
As expected from any true Dutch citizen, the members of Grafjammer continue the fine tradition of throwing around various diseases—something our little country is well known for. With a title like De Tyfus, De Teerling, there’s not much left to the imagination, except perhaps the fact that Teerling means “die” (as in a dice, not death).
However, when it comes to the album cover, imagination is definitely required. No grand painting inspired by the old masters this time, but pure DIY craftsmanship. A wooden plank, some paint, and a few stencils—that’s all it took. A Black Metal street art cover like nothing we’ve seen before.
After the last stones are thrown into the Zuiderzee and the dike is sealed—finally giving the IJsselmeer its rightful place—chaos erupts with the explosive Hachel Mijn Bout (or Eat My Shit for the non-Dutch speakers). A fierce, up-tempo Black-&-Roll track that barrels forward at full speed.
With Krengenslager, we take a brief trip back to the ’80s, as the unmistakable influence of Celtic Frost shines through—absolutely glorious.
For a moment, the intro of Bertken throws us off balance, but everything falls into place as the filthy guitars kick back in with full force.
Closing track Waanzee is pure Motörhead worship—if you close your eyes, you might just think Lemmy has returned. This one leaves us hungry for more.
What Grafjammer serves up on this record is nothing short of top-tier filth, marking yet another milestone in the band’s history. The thick, well-balanced production allows every element to shine, with Jorre’s vocals cutting through perfectly. This album begs to be played on repeat.
Available on LP (Zwaergevegt), CD (Folter), and Tape (Black Tape), there’s a format for everyone. This one belongs in your collection.
90/100
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