Genre: Crustcore
Origin: Sweden
Released: 2007
Website: Aktiv D�dshj�lp
Label: Halvfabrikat Records
Uploaded: 09.04.08

I reviewed this album a while ago when Aktiv D�dshj�lp were on the lookout for labels to release it, and now it�s time to review the finished product. I was hesitant to do so, �cause I wasn�t sure if the album would really live up to my memories of it. I hadn�t listened to it for a long time, and was afraid to ruin the �illusion� of a bloody wicked record. But dammit, if it doesn�t fulfill all my dreams.
4:48 carries such a major punch with ultra-metallic strings reeking of thrash, black and death, jam-packed with grindcore influences, but never steering too far off the highway of inferno crustcore. I won�t bother divulging further into the theme of the album, �cause you can read it all in the old review of the promo cd-r. But what I will tell you is that it�s one mean, dark, stark and sinister recording, pure lyrically. I�ll concentrate solely on the music itself, and of course the look of the CD since I didn�t have that at hand earlier.
It�s pretty fastforward for being crustcore, but I guess nothing�s really standard when it comes to Aktiv D�dshj�lp. Extremely energetic and intense riffing, filled with such nuances and depths it�s freakish. In each twist and turn, breakdown, chorus, verse and whatnot, there�s a riff to catch your attention. The guitar leads are incredible, the oh-so-heavy bass absolutely stomps you into a bloody pulp. And this masterpiece of an album comes presented in ultra-thick, heavy-as-shit, brutal-as-hell sound. It is really one of the greater and most versatile albums I�ve heard over my years as a reviewer. And I mean versatile in the sense of the sheer width of influences and genres, carefully and skillfully packed into the crust mold. The beautiful package with a clever label print and awesome booklet surely doesn�t disappoint you either. But, there is a downside� The vocals can become a bit monotonous and slightly annoying in the long-run. It�s not that it�s bad, definitely not, but more versatility in that department wouldn�t hurt. However the terrific backups make up for that, although I�d say there�s not enough of it.
This is one mean machine that�s been crafted by Tomas Nilsson.

Tracklist:
01. Intro � Sj�lvrannsakan
02. Socialt haveri
03. Slav under sm�rtans mission�r
04. Tysta vittnen
05. Bakom h�ga murar (en f�r�vares vansinne)
06. D�r d�den tar vid tar helvetet slut
07. Den kalla skuggans hand
08. Utopisk verklighet
09. F�rruttnelse
10. Livets brutala vansinne
11. Fragil X
12. 4:48