Damn, I forgot how cool Nära Döden is. Their new 10-song record Villkorslöst is an essential indie punk listen—dark, infectious, and impossible to shake. True to their name (which translates to Near Death), these songs aren’t exactly bursting with joy, but they hit hard in the best way. Drawing from ’70s post-punk and the 2000s Swedish punk and indie scene, the band somehow sounds like Marked Men and Alvvays joining forces—if that makes sense.

Nära Döden doesn’t need more than a couple of chords and two to three minutes to leave a lasting impression. Even if Swedish isn’t your first (or even fifth) language, the emotional weight of these songs is undeniable. Singer Hanna Winberg brings a rawness to her voice that sets the band apart even further.

Songs like Missar tåg and Helvete? I’ll take those for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—no hesitation. Villkorslöst is out now on LP via Septembernatt Records.

Add to wantlist: Septembernatt