RAUBTIER DET FINNS BARA KRIG ALBUM UNIVERSAL RELEASE: MARCH 25, 2009 REVIEW: MAY 20, 2009

What a delightful mix Raubtier is. The name of the band is German for "predator" but they come from the farth north of Sweden. The lyrics span from an homage to the singer's dobermann to a song about poisoning the drinking water with diesel. Adding to the eclectic mix is Swedish Idol winner Markus Larsson, featuring on "Hjärteblod". The band consists of three metal heads appropriately named Buffeln, Thorbjörn and Hulkoff. They're from Haparanda in northern Sweden by the Finnish border which might contribute to the hard, stern sound. At least, people from the north often like to make us think it's a cold and rough place all the time.

The simplest way to describe the sound is to say "Rammstein", but that's cheating a bit. The fact that they sing in Swedish makes them pretty unique, and they are sometimes heavier and faster than Rammstein. The mix of electronics and guitars are there though, and Hulkoff's vocals are in the same baryton as Till Lindeman.

This is a debut album, and a very strong one. Almost every track is memorable, with catchy melodies, harsh vocals, electronics and heavy as hell guitar riffs. "Änglar" is the band's statement on religion, and my personal favourite, along with the title track "Det finns bara krig" ("There Is Only War"). This band's popularity has flared up like a bonfire lately, and what's more, I haven't met anyone who doesn't like what they hear. So do yourself a favour and check them out while I go back to headbanging to the blissful chaos of "Götterdämmerung".

JOHAN CARLSSON