From the howled opening on Intro, you suspect that you are set for quite the ride and Aihotz certainly don’t disappoint as they draw on a broad palette of influences, before fusing them together in intriguingly unexpected ways.

Aihotz hail from Bilbao and Niebla Total (Total Fog) is the follow-up to their 2021 EP, Matar Al Superhombre (Kill Superman).  An exuberantly punchy rhythm section underpins honed, metallic-tinged guitars, while the strident Spanish / Basque vocals, aided by an energetic array of yelps and yowls, explore darkly allegorical lyrics.  The result is an austere yet infectiously off-kilter melding of hardcore and anarcho-punk that is awash with an eerily psychedelic hue, with the title track, Peligroso (Dangerous) and Atzarria (Claw), perhaps, personal standouts.  The artwork has an icy black metal aesthetic but with notably more stylish coats.