In this world, it feels like bands can do only one of two things in order to appeal to certain audiences: (1) conform to whatever style the band chooses to play and simply become a band that doesn’t do anything new, or (2) switch up the style and create a sound that’s unique that draws people in with the amalgamation of flavors. I can get behind the first if it’s done properly, but the second one is what tends to interest me more and Haan is a prime example of why I say that.

With a name like “By the Grace of Blood and Guts”, it sounds like the ensuing record would go for a hardcore or even punk style (that’s how it sounds in my head, anyway), but that cover art shows that there’s so much more to be had with what Haan delivers to us with their full-length debut four years after their small four-track teaser of an EP. Just listening to the first track from this upcoming record shows to us really quickly that Haan is already thinking outside the box with their unique blend of noise rock with sludge and metal elements that bring unique flavors to the table that make “By the Grace of Blood and Guts” truly something to behold by the end of just the second track. No two tracks follow the same formula and Haan both constantly and consistently brings a slightly new sound to the table by tweaking with the pacing, the attitude, the power, and even the stylistic elements from one song to another creating an ever-changing feel. That helps these eight tracks feel fresh even when listening to the whole album in full for literal hours, and that’s something Haan should be proud of because incredibly few acts can bring an experience that’s as varied yet as well-constructed as “By the Grace of Blood and Guts”. It’s something that has the potential to truly shake the foundations of what the underground can offer, and even if that happens on a small scale we’re still shown the tremendous quality that Haan can seemingly throw down at a moment’s notice.

It always makes for a great listen whenever some random band can bring together intensity, form, and style in such a way to create a fresh experience that we, as listeners, can jam out to and feel as though we’ve never heard anything like this before. Am I saying that Haan has created an entirely new sound? It’s not really my place to say, but I’ve never heard something like this done before, and the sheer grandeur that is the entirety of “By the Grace of Blood and Guts” is something that I can’t help but applaud whole-heartedly.

“By the Grace of Blood and Guts” releases on August 10th via Aqualamb!

PRE-ORDER “By the Grace of Blood and Guts” on Bandcamp here.

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