The year was 2010 and Iron Maiden were playing Sonisphere.
Mid-afternoon, we were in a tent to see a band we’d never heard of called Kvelertak. Out marched a bloke in an owl mask and all kinds of sonic hell were unleashed. I swear to God it took us three songs to realise he wasn’t singing in English.
I mention this because genuine WTF moments are vanishingly rare in music. I had another one the first time I put “DREAMCRUSH” on.
I know for certain Møl are Danish. I’m fairly sure this is their third record. Beyond that, you’re on your own, pal.
“DREAM” opens in a trance, hypnotic and immersive, before exploding without warning. It doesn’t build — it detonates. “Små Forlis” snaps things into focus, direct and textural, all muscle and intent. “Young” swerves again, and suddenly — musically — there’s a hint of arena rock scale, almost Stereophonics-sized, though never in delivery or attitude.
Language is no barrier here. “Hůd” proves meaning isn’t about translation but feeling. “Garland” is perpetually compelling, its layers and tones so rich you can disappear into them entirely.
“Favour” is a revelation. They don’t look like a death metal band, yet this has the same icy blast and emotional severity. The guitar tone is immense, and Nicolai Busse’s solo is a genuine highlight. “A Former Blueprint” follows and somehow lands as black metal pop — a phrase that sounds daft until you hear it.
“8” strips things back to raw energy, punk in spirit, channelling internal struggle into urgency. “Dissonance” floats, fragile and beautiful, before “Mimi” introduces acoustics, builds patiently, and then crushes with devastating force.
Closer “CRUSH” acts as both signpost and summary, nodding back to the opener. Machine-gun drumming collides with an unexpectedly sweet melodic thread, encapsulating the record’s contradictions perfectly.
I’ve reviewed thousands of records in the 11 years I’ve been running this site. I’ve listened to thousands more since I became addicted to music at four years old. I’ve never heard one quite like this.
The average Only Connect contestant wouldn’t untangle these clues. Stephen Hawking might’ve raised an eyebrow. All I know is that “DREAMCRUSH” is stunning — even if I haven’t got the faintest idea why.
Rating: 9/10
