IRON – Desperate Fight

Here it is! The fiercely proactive vegan straight edge (XVX) crew from Malmö, IRON, are back with their long-awaited debut full-length, Desperate Fight. Building on the vehement energy of their Sex Positive Hardcore EP, this album takes their fervent passion for hardcore punk and unshakeable ideals to the next level.

It’s clear from the get-go that Desperate Fight is more than just a nod to the legendary ’90s Umeå hardcore scene (think Abhinanda, Final Exit, DS-13, Refused, Saidiwas). While IRON wear those influences proudly, they seamlessly blend them with the modern Swedish hardcore sound exemplified by bands like Anchor, Stay Hungry, and Hårda Tider. What you get is both fast and melodic hardcore punk that’s as politically charged as it is emotionally resonant.

The album bursts out of the gate with tracks addressing issues like gender equality, queerness, and the fight against homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny in the scene. There’s even a song about astrophysics and science—a love letter to Carl Sagan and the nerdy, god-free edge kids out there. Of course, IRON don’t miss the opportunity to hammer home their uncompromising stance against animal abuse, urging listeners to face the horrors of slaughterhouses head-on.

In a nod to their roots and a reflection of the times, the album closes with a cover of Reagan Youth’s “New Aryans.” It’s a powerful choice, particularly in light of the resurgence of far-right extremism in Europe and the recent attack on a queer, anti-racist activist in Malmö. This isn’t just a cover—it’s a rallying cry.

Whether you’re into fast, politically charged punk or prefer moshing to heavy breakdowns, Desperate Fight delivers. From shouting “Trans* in the front, queers at the back, this is your scene. Attack! Attack!” to chanting “Go vegan!” while making your morning smoothie, IRON give you plenty of anthems to live by.

Available via Assault Records (Germany), Mosh Potatoes (Belgium), and Judas Cradle, Monument HQ, and The Underground Faction in Sweden, this record is a must-have for anyone flying the VSXE flag. Bring back the pride—this record rages!