SINGLE REVIEW: Sharpened.Lives – doompunk

Perhaps unfortunately for Germany based alternative trio Sharpened.Lives, the world continues to provide plenty of inspiration for their politically charged anthems. Forming back in 2023, the outfit stand as a creative force to be reckoned with, utilising a broad range of influences that pull from industrial, hardcore and emo, and sculpting from this mix ferocious songs that tackle rising fascism, ongoing genocide, and systemic oppression.

Capturing the unrelenting struggle between nihilistic despair and riotous hope experienced in the face of the increasingly absurd state of the world, Sharpened.Lives roar their way through a blistering and disorienting performance on ‘doompunk’. Sounding heavier than ever before, the band layer chunky down-tuned riffs against a swaggering nu-metal backbone in an effortlessly cool display of violence.

Moments of melodic brightness peak through the menacing gloom, joined by surprising yet brilliantly conceived orchestral elements, and the subtle sparkle of electronics. It’s a devilishly unconventional concoction that keeps you firmly on your toes as a listener, especially when these elements resolve into a nightmarish yet somewhat whimsical breakdown in the track’s dying moments.

Soundtracking the relentless collapse of the west, and the interpersonal intricacies of navigating it all, is something Sharpened.Lives take to effortlessly. Their blend of creativity and catharsis is an unstoppable formula, demanding and commanding your attention; it’s time to raise your ‘doompunk’ flag high.

For Fans Of: The Callous Daoboys, Enter Shikari, Birds in Row, Blackout Problems, Bob Vylan

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