Kvelertak know how to make metal music fun. The Norwegian rockers proved as much with 2010’s Kvelertak and 2013’s Meir, which is why we’re so excited for their follow-up, Nattesferd. The album will arrive officially on May 13th via Roadrunner Records, but today, they’ve shared the track “1985” as lead single.
At first listen, it’s easy to think of “1985” to be an ode to the heyday of hard rock. That was the year Guns N’ Roses and Jane’s Addiction formed, the year AC/DC dropped Fly on the Wall, Mötley Crüe released Theatre of Pain, and Twisted Sister begged us to Come Out and Play. With the tracks party-driving guitar riffs and a crunchy rhythm perfect for swinging around that mane of long locks, it sounds like an homage to all things beautiful about metal. But according to the band, that’s not exactly the message it’s trying to deliver.
“Think of George Orwell’s 1984 instead of Taylor Swift’s 1989,” the band said in a statement. “Its lyrics depict a cold and (not so) distant future where technology and surveillance have erased all forms of individuality and critical thinking. Needless to say, everything was better before — can somebody hit the rewind button already?”
Considering the lyrics are in Norwegian, it’s probably hard for most listeners to pick up on those vibes. Regardless, the track is a killer slice of ringing, exhilarating rock. Check it out below.
Nattesferd Artwork:
