Propad – Žrtve Modernega Časa EP

The Slovenian duo Propad is a breath of fresh air in today’s powerviolence scene. One that, at least in name, has been hijacked by hordes of death‑metal tourists churning out boring breakdowns amidst mediocre riffs. Formed in 2023, Propad display an arresting mix of influences: early negative hardcore, classic powerviolence, raw grind in the Assück tradition, and a proprietary streak of frost‑bitten gloom. Flying the banner “powerviolence against humanity,” they back up the slogan on every front—lyrically, aesthetically, and musically—with a sound drenched in pure misanthropy.

Their self‑recorded, self‑titled debut (June 2023) already hinted at something special. The follow‑up record, Žrtve Modernega Časa (Victims of Modern Times), recorded again with Filip Suen and mixed/mastered by Luka Hrvatin, confirms it. Out now on Rope or Guillotine, this seven-inch packs nine tracks into barely twelve minutes. The band throws their intelligent, dark Slovenian lyrics over furious and strikingly good riffs, explosive drumming, and a sonic blend as distinctive as it is hostile. Pessimistic, viciously angry, and decadent, Propad summons the spirit of Crossed Out, Despise You, No Comment, and Black Army Jacket, with flashes of Brutal Truth and, of course, Assück.

While those comparisons acknowledge clear influences, they can’t fully describe what Propad achieves. Singing in their native tongue, they share the instantly recognizable quality found in many Central‑European bands. Lyrically, they tackle industrial society’s failures, wage slavery’s toll on mental health, and apocalyptic visions. All this while expressing total disgust for modern civilization and its diseased fruit. The name Propad means “falling downward,” perfectly matching their worldview, and the EP’s gruesome artwork exceeds already high expectations.

Žrtve Modernega Časa immerses the listener into mournful sonic depths, the songs slipping by almost before you notice. For only a second EP, the songwriting is remarkably strong. Catchy riffs appear without shying from occasional experimentation and are complemented by a full, buzzing bass tone. The drummer demonstrates potential, shifting effortlessly from lightning‑fast blasts to doom‑laden slow sections. You won’t find the tired fast–slow–breakdown formula here; instead, tempos twist into something more unsettling. Vocals alternate between shouty, ghastly screams and crust‑inflected growls, perfectly defining the songs’ gloomy vibe. While the songs were tracked in their own DIY bunker, Hrvatin’s mix give every instrument its place, lending the release a polished, forceful sound that belies the band’s youth.

Žrtve Modernega Časa is pure anti‑human, anti-life grindviolence. It’s distilled contempt in all the right ways. If you crave minimalist powerviolence that still frightens the neighbors, do not miss Propad. Grab the record from Rope or Guillotine, brace yourself for twelve minutes of downward‑spiraling rage, and keep an eye on whatever this band chooses to destroy next.