Brut is a project by Brod Ashmol from Australia, who has been involved in bands like Marching Orders, Stranglehold, Razorcut, The Truth, and The Hard Targets. If I understood correctly, Brut is actually a one-man project, but I’m not entirely sure – the booklet didn’t reveal much, so in that regard Brut still remains slightly shrouded in mystery for me.

These bands are among my favorites – especially Marching Orders and Razorcut, which I consider some of the best Oi! and streetpunk to come out in recent years. This record is essentially a compilation of songs created between 2023–2024. And it’s worth it, because the result is an outstanding album.

The combination of ringing guitars, dark drums, and a gloomy sound creates a mysterious, almost occult atmosphere. Beneath the veil of mist, dark Oi! punk marches into battle with equally aggressive lyrics. Atmosphere plays the main role here, and just like bands such as Lost Legion or Fuerza Bruta, Brut manages to transform dark energy into a powerful strike. I absolutely love this record, and with every track I feel the urge to perform dark rituals, to lead a barbarian horde, to raid, destroy, and leave chaos and confusion in my wake. This is all about battle, about the resurrection of a fading cult, and about love for the subculture. And I love it just as much.

The album includes three cover versions: Nation on Fire by Blitz, Rise and Fight by Special Duties, and Insight by Joy Division. I’d say this choice of bands nicely illustrates the influences Brut draws upon.

The tracks that stand out the most are We Still Believe, Revenant, New Voice, Fire and Violence, and Violent Times, Violent Minds. Since this is a compilation of recordings from 2023–2024, it can’t really be considered a proper album of the year. Still, that doesn’t change the fact that, for me personally, it’s the most played release of 2025 so far.

The album was released on Street Rats Records. All of its releases are accompanied by a personal note from Dan, the label’s main figure, explaining what led him to put it out and how it came together. On top of that, the accompanying letter also recommends other bands that aren’t even on his label. The passion for music here clearly goes beyond the self-interest of selling a vinyl record, which I deeply appreciate – and I highly recommend supporting this label.

As for the artwork, the lyrics are included of course, and the band maintains a consistent graphic style in line with the previous EPs released on Lionheart Records.

Brut is further proof that the best projects are able to skillfully combine different influences and create their own distinctive sound.

TOP TRACKS: We Still Believe, Revenant, New Voice