Chepang – Jhyappa

We really love Chepang. Their debut release, Lathi Charge, was a huge underground discovery back in 2016; 2020’s Chatta and 2023’s Swatta were among our favorite grindcore releases of each year. Their incredible split with Racetraitor, in between, did not go unnoticed. Over the years, we’ve witnessed how such a special extreme underground group has been constantly growing. Jhyappa (झ्याप्प) is the grindcore group’s first album under the umbrella of the always eclectic Relapse, and, as expected, it has gathered a lot more attention toward the band.

Chepang, as you may know, have roots in Nepal and live in Queens, New York, and they have a fantastic take on grindcore. They infuse it with lyrics in their native language that target oppression, sample folk/pop songs from the Nepali tradition, and call it “immigrindcore.” If we consider, especially these days, what it means to be an ethnic minority in the US and much of the Western world, then it’s easy to understand the critical nature of Chepang’s aesthetic. The band’s new release is a throwback to the seven-inch days of Lathi Charge. It’s structured in a similar way, recalling influences from Discordance Axis and Wormrot, especially on tracks like “Drivya Shakti” or “Shakti.”

At the same time, thanks to the awesome production, Chepang allow the more metallic/crossover hardcore leanings of their sound to thrive. It feels like the experience and interaction within the always-active New York hardcore scene leave their mark. At 18 minutes long, Chepang’s full-length has the necessary dose of information and aggression, always in line with the established constants of their sound. The chaotic, frenetic playing of “Gatichad” will grab attention instantly, while, personally speaking, I consider the rhythmic connection of “Nirnaya” with its well-executed gang vocals and its à la Regional Justice Center powerviolence outburst as a fantastic moment on the album.

Admittedly, Jhyappa, also due to its character, does not differ heavily from its predecessors. If there is perhaps a significant difference, it’s that at times it sounds quite restrained. Of course, the nine tracks of the album, including the mesmerizing outro with “Bidhai,” still pack plenty of punch. In general, if you think that the approach of groups like Cloud Rat, imbued with oriental, anti-colonial politics, suits you, then Jhyappa will not disappoint.

Chepang are back with another road roller, a highly interesting album that easily stands out in this year’s grindcore crop. But beyond these journalistic airs, Jhyappa, from its cover to its last scream, is possessed by that liberating momentum that only the extreme underground can transmit like a shock wave. The voices of the oppressed and marginalized resonate at every opportunity like stabs, and Chepang know how to make them find a target.

A Greek version of this review was published in Rocking.gr.