Klonns – Heaven

Tokyo’s Klonns have stepped onto the international hardcore scene as one of the most important bands of the last decade. Formed in 2016, their initial vision was to combine the bleak and misanthropic essence of black metal with the unrivaled passion of Japanese hardcore punk. While that black metal influence gradually faded through their first few EPs, the band entered the 2020s treading into the noisephillic chaos of d-beat and Japanese crasher crust, drawing influences from local legends like Gloom, Zyanose, and Isterismo. Yet, even this wasn’t enough for Klonns to fully define their sound, and their hard work led to another shift in direction and an ongoing collaboration with Iron Lung Records, beginning with their Crow EP in 2022. By this point, Klonns begun embracing the term “New Wave of Japanese Hardcore” (NWOJHC) as their calling card.

With their new full-length album, Klonns take another leap forward. Building on the savage immediacy of their last record, they amplify their sound with heavier production and a drift into the territory of ’80s Boston hardcore and even the more contemporary spin-kick, tough-guy hardcore that’s in vogue worldwide. The bestial opening riff of “Heathen” immediately sets the tone for the hardcore onslaught, leading into the searing guest vocals of Sailor Kannako (XIAN, 珠鬼 Tamaki) on “Realm,” which builds to a crushing, climactic crescendo. The bruising, mosh-worthy breakdowns and merciless riffs leave no room to respite. The flipside keeps up the momentum, with standout moments like the stomping power of “Replica” and the devastating title track, which propels the album full steam ahead until the unorthodox electronic finale.

Heaven is a crashing collision of old and new, East and West, uniting the timeless swagger of ’80s Japanese legends like Lip Cream and Gauze with vocals that recall the ‘holy terror’ vibe of Pulling Teeth, Ringworm, and Integrity. The dual English and Japanese lyrics add another layer of darkness, exploring themes of regret, frustration, and despair. A real highlight is how Klonns manage to seamlessly combine different influences and methods that usually don’t go well together. From the hard-techno interludes that bookend the album—not unfamiliar to the band as some members are affiliated with Tokyo’s electronic club scene—to the band’s unrelenting pace and sudden tonal shifts into heavier breakdowns, every track feels like a calculated defiance of convention.

In a time when many hardcore bands are content with recreating specific eras or sounds, the NWOJHC pioneers refuse to stand still. Their ability to evolve without losing their identity makes Klonns one of the most exciting bands in contemporary hardcore. Heaven has all the hallmarks of a future cult classic. It’s an insistent, forward-thinking opus that’s as relentless as it is inventive.