Release Date April 17th, 2026
Format Digital
Genre Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Origin Sweden
Born from the cold outskirts of Sweden, Severe Overbite started as a project that finally saw the light of day with their 2024 debut. The duo, consisting of Håkan Mårtensson on vocals and Jonas Öhlund handling the strings and keys, spent years sitting on a vault of material dating back to the glory days of the eighties. They aren't interested in following modern trends; instead, they focus on that classic heavy sound that first ignited their passion decades ago.
Severe Overbite is back with "Evil Minds", and it is a noticeable step up in weight compared to their first outing. The Swedish duo has clearly spent time sharpening their tools because these four tracks pack a much heavier punch. While the debut was basically a time capsule of old ideas, this EP feels like they finally figured out how to make those vintage riffs sound formidable in the current year. It’s got that classic NWOBHM spirit but with a thicker, more developed edge that hits much harder.
The songwriting here shows a level of maturity that was missing before. You get those infectious melodies that stick in your brain, but they are backed by riffs that actually have some muscle.
A perfect example is "Deep Cup", a track that apparently sat in a drawer for forty years since its 1986 demo. It is easily the heaviest thing they’ve put out, proving that some songs just need time to ferment before they're ready to wreck speakers. The lyrics stay true to the metal code, tackling everything from the brutality of war to the philosophy of living for the moment.
Håkan Mårtensson’s vocals have a seasoned quality to them, and Jonas Öhlund does a hell of a job filling out the sound on his own. The bass and guitar work together to create a wall of sound that doesn't need a full army of musicians to work. It’s a straightforward approach to metal, no gimmicks, just loud amps and a devotion to the riff. They’ve managed to capture a vibe that honors their roots while sounding much more focused than their previous attempt.
Is it the greatest thing to ever come out of Sweden? Maybe not, but "Evil Minds" is a damn good time for anyone who lives for traditional metal. It’s a short, loud blast of energy that shows Severe Overbite is actually getting better with age. They took the foundation of their 80s influence and turned it into something that sounds fierce and intentional. If you want some Swedish steel that keeps things heavy and catchy, this EP is worth your time.
Score: 6.5
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