Makabert Fynd/Nice Idiot
Fuck your scene, kid volume 1
Kranium

"Fuck your scene, kid," emphasis on kid. This split 7" pairs up two sort of new-ish Swedish hardcore acts composed of long-time scene vets that attempts to teach the youngsters of this world how it's done. Come to think of it, it's actually kind of amazing how much of modern hardcore has turned into an old man's game -- young upstarts continue to flail and pose while the jaded bastards remain the ones who consistently deliver the goods. The pessimism and defeat of age has its benefits! As for the music, Makabert Fynd deliver four ragers in as many minutes with a fierce, dual-vocal attack and a Missbrukarna cover. On the flip, Nice Idiot does a similar fast and furious thing with the main differences being lyrics på engelska, a slightly longer attention span and a touch of crossover thrash. The get in/get out/wipe your hands approach of the former wins for me in the end, but both sides rage effectively. 447 copies, hand-numbered, dark purple vinyl; shame that the original screened covers got botched as Kranium's graphic design is almost reason enough to pick this up, though the offset print does the job fine. Also nice to know that "Volume 2" featuring Dobermann Cult and Fredag den 13:e is already out, so no waiting to see whether this series will take off or not. Respect your elders!
- Avi Roig