Pascal’s debut album “Förbi Fabriken” really hit the Swedish music scene like a bomb. They came from nowhere and ended up on most music journalists “top 10 of this year”-lists for that years best album. And even though it was way to noisy for the radio, very much thanks to all the time they spent on the road playing live (where Pascal likes it best anyway), they found their audience and sold lots of records.

Now they are back with their sophomore “Galgberget”, and what a follow up it is. They have finetuned their caverock (which they themselves call their music) and are both heavier and noiser than ever. More anger and bitterness. More hate, longing and much much more love. Just as Pascal likes it. Enjoy. Pascal sees things in black and white and it is vital that we all feel something, anything at all. In that perspective their music is very personal where they excorsize their demons. But it never gets that personal it makes you feel excluded. You just want to jump around and shout with the music to get rid of your own issues.

It’s still as raw and unpolished as before but with an added heavyness which gives them much more punch. Their talent for melodies and hooks that stick like gum are still intakt. The first single “Längtar efter dig” (Longing for you) breaths much of the late eighties. And sure, much of their influences come from that era and the post punk but Elvis, Bruce Springsteen and Judas Priest (which they cover “Painkiller” by on this album) are as big influences. This is also what makes them truly unique, all their wide ranging personal influences mixed down to become Pascal.

This album also show them slowing down a bit with songs like “Ökenryttaren” and the closing “Galgberget” (which have also given the name of the album). Here you clearly hear their greatness beacuse even if they slow down considerably there is a rawness and nerve few possess. Anyhow their music shouldn’t be theorized about to much. It is supposed to be experienced loud, preferably live in a sweaty club and second best in your stereo. So crank up the volume and shout along. Then you will understand Pascal’s greatness. https://frontl.ink/jpgboro