STATICØ is a newer hardcore punk band from Belgrade, featuring Serbian scene veterans from the 1990s. Three members played in the excellent band Let’s Grow—singer, drummer and bassist. Drummer Srđan Kuzmanović has also played in other notable bands such as Unison, Stand Point, Hands In Ashes.
My introduction to STATICØ was their much-anticipated set alongside Japanese titans Death Side at To Be Punk Festival in Novi Sad. Yet I was instantly hooked on their brand of hardcore when I saw them cover another Japanese band. Bastard’s “Misery”, a track from Wind of Pain—one of my favorite hardcore albums of all time.
Musically, STATICØ feels like a natural progression from Let’s Grow—the energy is high, guitars cut like razors, and the bass lines carry a profound intensity. Their inspirations trace back to the raw essence of ’80s and ’90s USHC, yet they channel a global punk spirit (Italy, Sweden, Japan, ex-Yugoslavia, etc.). The lyrical content dives deep into both personal and societal realms, with the vocals relentlessly driving the message. Amidst a wave of notable hardcore punk bands emerging from Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania recently, Serbia too is carving its mark with stellar outputs. Here’s hoping this corner of Europe continues to capture the spotlight it truly deserves.
Though their debut EP, Il Nostro Cimitero, was released on Refuse Records in 2022, STATICØ got more attention recently by releasing a new track for the Stoned To Death Records compilation (with other bands playing the Psych Tent at the very last Fluff Fest). Rumor has it that STATICØ are gearing up with fresh tracks for an upcoming full-length release. Can’t wait!
