Kalashnikov
Dreams for Super-defeated Heroes

After the new split "Come il Soffitto di una Chiesa Bombardata," shared with their friends Contrasto and released a few months ago, it's time for Kalashnikov, one of the most well-known collectives in the Lombard anarcho-punk scene, to open their archive and reissue some material that has been unavailable for too long, with the old CDs now a treasure for some fortunate people who stumbled upon them back in the day in some run-down social center. Specifically, in recent months, not only have the first two albums, which had become untraceable, namely "Romantic Songs of Dissidence" and "Songs about Amore and Revolution," more than a decade old, been re-released as side A and B of a single cassette (nostalgia ON), but also the more recent "Dreams for Super-defeated Heroes," much newer, though even it now has its eight years under its belt. Re-released on this occasion with a new graphic design and in a nice digipack format, which makes the CDs look like small vinyl records, the album features all the stylistic elements of Kalashnikov's sound, inserting itself into a path of maturation and growth that, by necessity, distinguishes it from previous works, showing a collective that appears to be more aware of its possibilities than in previous works. If on one hand, it still lacks the sound clarity that would distinguish the more recent records, making everything sound more "dirty," on the other hand, it must be recognized that the songs, also for this reason, are full of charm, supported by a sharp production without too many embellishments. Lyrically, those typical themes of the group's production are revisited: the alienation of big cities, the denunciation of consumerism, self-managed realities, and one's own passions as a means of struggle and resistance. If the exploits of Our protagonists are set in dystopian worlds, in the end, not far removed from our metropolises, the CD's illustrations complete the discourse, showing superheroes from American comic book tradition grappling with a world so dark and desperate that even they are forced to surrender and succumb. We live in a society so crazy that not even Captain America and Spider-Man could save us. The now codified sound offering alternates between anguished screams and a wall of guitars, all with keyboards and synthesizers weaving cold threads that well fit the group's Orwellian lyrics, yet without forgetting the melodic approach that has always characterized the collective. "Sonja contro la Grande Distribuzione" is now a staple at any of Our concerts, while "Fernsehturm" and "L'odore dell'Aria prima del Temporale" confirm the grace of the Milanese. "Police Panopticon" and "Banshee," longer and more structured, emphasize the ability to alternate hardcore shards with more complex and atmospheric tracks, showing how to play a genre like this without necessarily having to push the pedal to the metal. A special note for "Phoebe Zeit-Geist," a desperate tale of its protagonist's exploits, an authentic summary, both lyrically and musically, of the group's proposal. As tradition dictates, there is also room for a cover, and this time the tribute is dedicated to Declino's "Nessuna Fiducia." With this reissue, Kalashnikov reconfirms themselves as one of the most interesting realities in circulation, both in the studio and live. The group always has many concerts scheduled, both in Italy and abroad, and with the "excuse" of seeing them in some social center near your home, you might even get your hands on this excellent CD.

Kalashnikov:

Milena, vocals

Sarta, guitars

Puj, guitars

Nonno, bass

Don, keyboards

Ghallonz, synthesizers

Lisa, synthesizers

Rissa, drums

Quaglia, saxophone

"Dreams for Super-defeated Heroes":

Sonja Contro La Grande Distribuzione

Fernsehturm

L'odore dell'Aria prima del Temporale

Phoebe Zeit-Geist

Margini Non Codificati

Police Panopticon

E.L.F.

Banshee

Nessuna Fiducia