In my opinion, Komintern Sect ranks among the foundational pillars of French Oi! punk—right alongside bands like Camera Silens, R.A.S., Reich Orgasm, and Snix. Their legacy was firmly established as early as 1983, thanks in part to their appearance on the now-legendary Chaos En France compilation (Chaos Productions), which introduced thirteen key bands of the era.
Originally active between 1981 and 1987, the band made a striking comeback in 2014 after nearly three decades of silence—returning not only to the stage, but more importantly, to the studio. The second chapter of their journey has since produced two full-length albums: D’Une Même Voix (2016) and Des Jours Plus Durs Que (2021).
Sur Les Ruines Des Nations was released as a classic 12″ vinyl, but with an unconventional twist: one side holds four brand-new tracks, while the other features an etched band emblem and logo. The result isn’t just a record—it’s a piece of art. More than your standard four-song EP.
I’m holding the version released by Dirty Punk Records with a black cover. There’s also a U.S. pressing from Longshot Music (with a red cover) and a 2025 repress by Dirty Punk with a yellow sleeve. Each edition includes a printed insert with lyrics in French and a rich selection of photos—some from the band’s current incarnation, others from their original era.
Musically, Komintern Sect stays true to their signature sound: melodic, chant-driven Oi! punk with irresistible singalong moments. All four tracks follow that line—and it works brilliantly. Sur Les Ruines Des Nations is also a textbook example of why the single format still matters. Instead of a full-length LP with twelve tracks—some of which might feel like filler—we get four strong, focused songs with no dead weight.
The opener, Ils N’Ont Pas Compris („They Didn’t Understand“), delivers a direct message to those pulling the strings and controlling people’s lives. The second track, C’Est La Vie („That’s Life“), follows a similar protest spirit, but stands out as the most infectious anthem on the record. The third track, Avoir 20 Ans („To Be Twenty“), carries a touch of bittersweet nostalgia—a reminder that time catches up with all of us, even if life seems simpler at twenty. The final song, Le Destin („Destiny“), closes the record with a sense of gravity that runs throughout the whole EP.
To me, the release feels like a reflection on aging—a quiet reconciliation with the passing of time, while still fiercely holding onto the punk spirit of resistance and resilience. It’s still punk, but from the perspective of people who’ve been through it—and who haven’t given up the fight.
I’m writing this review just a few days after the passing of vocalist Carl. Judging by the flood of tributes from bands and fans alike, it’s clear just how deeply he mattered—not only to the French scene, but to punks around the globe. From what I understand, Komintern Sect’s comeback was also fueled by the resurgence of the Parisian Oi! scene, led by people involved in Lion’s Law and B.S.C.—a legacy they can justly be proud of.
Top track: C’Est La Vie
