Backengrillen Releases Their Debut Album, Combining Hardcore, Punk, and Free-Form Styles
Backengrillen, a new Umeå-based musical ensemble, has just released their debut self-titled album on January 23, 2026. The album, available on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms through Bandcamp and Svart Records, showcases a unique blend of hardcore, punk, noise, and free jazz.
Comprised of members with ties to Refused and Fire Orchestra, Backengrillen’s lineup is a diverse mix of talent from different musical backgrounds. The band draws inspiration from various projects, including The International Noise Conspiracy, INVSN, and TEXT, as well as classic jazz groups. One member even connects back to the 1980 jazz-rock band Nirvana.
According to saxophonist and experimental artist Mats Gustafsson, Backengrillen’s mission centers around breaking down musical boundaries and creating genres that defy traditional labels. The band aims to introduce elements of death-jazz-core-noise-metal-poetry into their music, challenging listeners to embrace a more diverse and eclectic sound.
The album itself embodies a spirit of rebellion and chaos. Drummer David Sandström hopes that the raw and intense energy of their music will disrupt someone’s day in a playful way. Backengrillen positions itself as an anti-fascist, anti-racist, free-form death jazz band, paying homage to Lars Lystedt while exploring new avenues in both jazz and punk music.
Combining elements from various genres, such as The Cramps, Little Richard, Albert Ayler, and The Stooges, Backengrillen creates a sonic landscape that is both unpredictable and captivating. Described by the band as “colliding locomotives,” their music is a fusion of hardcore jazz that is as physical as it is chaotic, resulting in a unique and confrontational sound.
Listeners can expect a musical journey that swings, screams, and convulses, evoking a sense of brutal beauty amidst the chaos. Backengrillen’s debut album is a testament to their innovative approach to music-making, merging disparate influences into a cohesive and compelling musical experience. Available now, the self-titled album is a testament to the band’s creativity and boundary-pushing ethos.