To be honest, melodic metalcore isn’t always my first choice in the genre, especially when it comes with those clean, soaring choruses—but for fans of modern take with big hooks and plenty of energy, Fixation is definitely worth checking out. Plus, coming from Norway, a country with a serious knack for producing incredible artists across all genres, it’s hard not to appreciate the potential here.
Fixation just dropped their new mini-album Speak in Tongues, and it’s a bold, experimental step forward for the band. Known for their mix of powerful vocals and intense screaming, this release doesn’t pull any punches. With themes revolving around belonging, identity, and power, the eight-track project dives deep into emotional territory while maintaining a strong, dynamic sound.
Frontman Jonas Hansen describes Speak in Tongues as the story of a person searching for meaning in a world that rejects them, only to find refuge in a cult that turns out to be just as broken as the society they left behind. It’s heavy stuff, both lyrically and sonically, and it’s clear the band has a fascination with the psychological depth of cult movements.
Musically, the band draws influence from films like Dune and TV shows like Don’t Worry Darling, while incorporating sonic inspiration from artists like Aurora. The result is a hard-hitting yet melodic sound that’s both epic and experimental, with Hansen pushing his vocals into new territories of intensity.
Following their critically acclaimed debut album More Subtle Than Death, Fixation has continued to evolve. This new record shows a band that’s not afraid to experiment with their sound and push their songwriting abilities to the next level. And according to Hansen, “We believe this is our best work to date. We’ve learned so much, and this time there were no compromises.”
The release of Speak in Tongues caps off what has been a breakout year for Fixation. Earlier in 2024, they won the Breakthrough of the Year award at the Norwegian Publishing Awards, becoming the first metal band to ever receive that honor. They’ve also been making waves with their live performances, sharing the stage with acts like Devin Townsend and Imminence while playing some of Europe’s biggest festivals, including Tons of Rock and Download Festival.
