A first step out of nowhere, “Første Aksjon” is both a historical endeavor and a deft study of the early-to-mid ’80s heavy metal and hardcore punk that merged with the underground at a point of inspired collusion, suitably melodic yet revolutionary sounds for the telling of infamous military action. It is an album that will surely appeal to fans of the rawer side of the NWOBHM movement and the speed metal it had inspired.
Not to be confused with the Danish stoner rock band Sabotør of the same name, which formed around 2024 by bassist/vocalist Rasmus Stenstadvolden Strømberg ( Pyromania , Unisex ) along with Andreas Remmen and Mathilde Solemdal , both of whom had previously played in the short-lived death metal band Haalbuaer .
The trio claimed their shared inspiration comes from the metalpunk / speed metal of the late NWOBHM era ( English Dogs , Warfare ), as well as storyteller heavy metal from the United States, such as Brocas Helm , and this matches their output, which has a strong hardcore punk flavor that suits both tracks worthy of Neat Records and heavy metal anthems. Their high-energy approach and raw “old school” sound match the overall theme centered on Norwegian resistance during the Nazi German occupation of the country during World War II .
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The Norwegian language is rudimentary and proves to be a devilish obstacle to the finer points of Sabotør’s lyrical insight; their choice to narrate historical acts of sabotage across each of the seven songs included on “Første Aksjon” is a great draw. If you’re interested in World War II or the race for the bomb, there are certainly enough great stories to tell , to lead the band into a series of themed releases. The band first presented themselves to the public in 2025 via the single “Skyggens Frekvens” from its early albums, which detailed secret radio broadcasts Norwegians used to tune in with the allies, detailing their efforts to avoid enemy triangulation and more. The rough heroism the theme offered in the trio’s hands is remarkably fitting, lending a slightly more provocative purpose to their work beyond the usual punk-influenced trad metal tropes.
Although most of “Første Aksjon” sticks to the classic five-minute heavy metal song structure derived from heavy rock, there are several faster, punk notes along the way. Even the aforementioned “Skyggens Frekvens” blurs the boundaries between punk-derived melodies and the finest British steel with its vocal chorus, but I’d like to point out the opening “Jerngrepets Inntog”, a more direct nod to Sabotør’s broader example.
The almost “Show No Mercy” style of the song, with a frantic display over a fighting rhythm with melodic leads, even some backing vocals , help the song reach its climax. The Venom-style run on “Total Kontroll” also makes great use of backing vocals for effects close by, but the real speed/metalpunk climax of the experience is probably “Brent Jords Taktikk”, a source of some of the record’s best riffs that link the mid-’80s hardcore punk voice with the heavy metal stride in splendid form.
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The rest of Sabotør’s efforts hone a similar range with no trouble in the blend, with each of the seven songs included clearly related in voice, but generally allowing for some form of melodic distinction. You wouldn’t confuse the anthemic solidarity of “Sabotør” with the decadent and woven path of the nearer “Jevnet Med Jorden”, yet they credibly come from the same period(s) and theme(s) as any of the key singles highlighted.
The tight writing flow from track to track ensures that “Første Aksjon” appears as a natural study of the super-specific metal and punk music of the ’80s, entirely unaffected by the aimless routine of today. Creating that bubble and living inside it is one of the greatest strengths of this album: Timeless action with an “old-fashioned” spirit, focused on themes that would carry water whether in 1986 or 2026. I hope they continue with this and maintain the same level of authenticity. A moderately high recommendation.
