The Real Hate EP by SA: A Raw Danish Hardcore Punch That Still Stings (In a Good Way)
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—Denmark isn’t just about hygge vibes and overpriced pastries. Nope. In 2011, the Danish rock scene spat out The Real Hate EP by SA, a five-track gut-punch of hardcore punk fury courtesy of 5FeetUnder Records. It’s raw, it’s loud, and honestly? It’s kinda unforgettable.
First off, let’s talk lineup. You’ve got Jakob Lindberg screaming his lungs out like he’s trying to wake up the neighbors (who are probably already annoyed). Troels Højgaard Sørensen shreds guitar riffs sharp enough to cut glass, while Thomas Martin Vestenbæk Hansen lays down basslines so thick they could double as wallpaper paste. And hats off to Rasmus Glassau Clausen for wearing multiple hats here—he produced, mixed, AND mastered this beast. Talk about multitasking on steroids.
Now onto the goods. The standout tracks? Oh, where do I even start?
Let’s kick things off with “Leave Hardcore And Join The Police.” What a title, right? This track hits harder than your ex’s new Instagram captions. It’s fast, chaotic, and dripping with sarcasm—basically everything you want from punk rock. The vocals sound like Jakob gargled gravel before stepping into the booth, but damn if it doesn’t work. There’s something oddly satisfying about how pissed-off everyone sounds without ever taking themselves too seriously. Plus, that breakdown halfway through? Pure mosh pit fuel.
Then there’s “Fake Love Is Worse Than Real Hate,” which feels like a middle finger wrapped in barbed wire. The opening riff grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go until the last note fades out. Lyrically, it’s all snarky commentary and zero chill, making it the perfect anthem for anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at toxic relationships or fake friendships. If this song doesn’t make you wanna scream along while flipping tables, you might need to check your pulse.
As for the rest of the EP—“Restless Hearts” brings the energy, “Fit In Nowhere” screams teenage angst, and the whole thing clocks in under 20 minutes. Short, sweet, and brutal. Exactly what hardcore punk should be.
So yeah, The Real Hate EP isn’t gonna win any Grammys (does punk even care about those?), but it’s a no-bullshit reminder of why DIY music matters. These guys didn’t set out to reinvent the wheel—they just wanted to smash it into tiny pieces. And honestly? Mission accomplished.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album today feels like finding an old mixtape in the back of your closet. Sure, it’s rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm. Like, imagine if someone handed you a cup of coffee brewed with anger and adrenaline instead of caffeine. That’s The Real Hate EP. Drink up—or maybe don’t, unless you’re ready for the jitters.
