Alright, buckle up. This one’s about Hilding, the self-titled debut from Sweden’s own Hilding, dropped way back in 1990 on Atlantis Grammofon. Genre? A messy blend of pop and rock that somehow works—like peanut butter on a burger. You either love it or you’re wrong.
First off, let’s talk about “Minnenas Sång.” Damn, this track hits hard. It's got this haunting melody that sticks to your brain like gum under a school desk. The lyrics are all poetic and moody, talking about memories and loss, but not in some sappy Hallmark card way. No, it’s raw, almost bitter, like someone ripped open their chest and let you peek inside. The guitar riff halfway through? Killer. Like, I’d throw my cat out a window just to hear it again (don’t worry, I don’t have a cat). It’s the kind of song you blast at 3 AM when you're drunk and feeling sorry for yourself—but also kinda proud of being alive.
Then there’s “Jag Har En Hunger.” Holy crap, what even is this? If desperation had a soundtrack, this would be it. The vocals are raspy as hell, like the singer gargled glass before hitting record. And those drums? They thump so loud they might as well be kicking down your door. This isn’t just music—it’s an assault. But in the best possible way. You can practically feel the hunger clawing its way out of the speakers. By the end, you’re left breathless, wondering if you need therapy or another listen.
The rest of the album ain’t bad either. Tracks like “När Natten Är Som Mörkast” and “Vem Har Väl Vingar” keep the energy high while throwing curveballs with weird time signatures and unexpected harmonies. Sure, some songs drag a bit, but who cares? When you nail it, you really nail it.
So yeah, Hilding. It’s rough around the edges, sure, but that’s what makes it unforgettable. Most bands today wouldn’t dare to sound this unhinged. Hell, most people wouldn’t dare to live like this band did back in '90s Sweden. Listening to this feels like digging up a time capsule and finding a treasure chest full of broken dreams and cigarette butts.
Final thought: If aliens ever invade Earth and demand we hand over our greatest musical achievement, I’m half-tempted to give them Hilding. But only because I want to see their faces when they hear “Jag Har En Hunger.”
