Austrian crossover legends Kontrust have released their second new single, the standout track “the end”, off of their upcoming fifth full-length, set to be released on November 3, 2023 via Napalm Records. On the band’s first album in nine years, Kontrust present new vocalist Julia Ivanova and new drummer Joey Sebald, who already won over live audiences in the summer of 2022 at huge festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting, Hellfest Open Air, Barcelona Rockfest and Resurrection Fest.
“the end” is out alongside a creative animated music video that supports the dystopian lyrics of the song. While still featuring massive rhythms and a sing-along chorus, “the end” showcases that despite their overall positive attitude and party mentality, Kontrust don’t shy away from focusing on serious themes, like escaping the devastation of earth to possibly aim for a new beginning. Check out the new video below.
Kontrust on “the end”:
“We regret to announce that this is the end of everything as you know it. We spiral into chaos and in a desperate attempt for survival, we try to grasp at that which gives us hope. You can’t run or hide. Simply let go and embrace it.”
On madworld, Kontrust sticks to their lively, playful and experimental signature style, ready to entertain old and new audiences alike. Extremely danceable “madhouse” and “rock to outer space” feature heavy riffs and party pop vocals. The latter showcases that, despite the overall positive attitude and party mentality, Kontrust don’t shy away from focusing on serious themes, like escaping the devastation of earth to possibly aim for a new beginning. That feeling continues with the standout track “the end”, slowing it down halfway through madworld, while still providing massive rhythms and a sing-along chorus. With heavy and catchy “lederhosen overkill” the Austrians tap into their well-known stage attire. Electronic influences on closing track “i can’t control it” absorb the listener before the album fades out.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Kontrust are one of the most extravagant and exciting acts in the scene, and have enthralled fans and critics alike with an inimitable sense of fusing various genres like reggae, pop and dance with heavy hard rock riffs, spliced with their very own way of representing the roots of their home country. This synthesis of styles has brought them not only notable chart entries for several releases, but also high recognition in the form of the “Austrian Newcomer Award” for their debut album, as well as the “AMADEUS Austrian Music Award” - Austria’s biggest and most important prize for national bands and artists - for their second album, Time To Tango.
Throughout their two decade-spanning career, the Austrian based outfit has gained millions and millions of YouTube views on their exciting music videos, with over 15 million views on the electrifying hits “Hey DJ!” and “Bomba” alone. With their new album, madworld, Kontrust prove their standing as an unpredictable force in the scene - always hungry, wild and full of surprises, and ready to exceed everything they have achieved so far!
Kontrust add: "In a world already spinning out of control, we've cranked up the madness to 11 on madworld. This audacious venture marks a milestone for us, as we proudly present our first entirely self-produced album. It's a sonic storm like no other, where vibrant sounds clash and blend in a symphony of controlled chaos - embrace the sensory overload and prepare to be swept away by a unique excess of Kontrust that will leave you thirsting for more."
madworld will be available in the following formats:
- 1LP Gatefold Transparent Green
- 1LP Gatefold Transparent Orange
- Shirt & 1-CD Digipack Bundle
- Digital Album
Pre-order here.
madworld tracklisting:
"i physically like you"
"madhouse"
"rock to outer space"
"black soul"
"criminal"
"the end"
"pulling"
"lederhosen overkill"
"masterpiece of a monster"
"u.f.i.u."
"i can't control it"
"the end" video:
"i physically like you" video:
Kontrust is:
Julia Ivanova - Vocals
Stefan Lichtenberger - Vocals
Michael Wolff - Guitar / Programmings
Gregor Kutschera - Bass
Johannes Sebald - Drums
Manuel Haglmüller - Percussions / Programmings
(Photo - Andreas Rager)