GEL^US

"Hardcore for the freaks by the freaks", reads New Jersey band Gel's succinct artistic manifesto. It's a testament to a band that doesn't waste time on circumlocutions but goes straight to the point with unadulterated punk and hardcore, as witnessed on their stunning debut album, Only Constant from 2023. 

On the album, they don't waste any time either, clocking up 10 smashing songs in just about fifteen minutes. It's aggressive and uncompromising, but the band also appears inclusive in their embrace of all the freaks of the world with an expression that does away with the macho tendencies that can also be found in parts of the hardcore scene. 

Only Constant received praise from the music press and was included in Brooklyn Vegan's list of the 10 best hardcore releases of 2023. The band is hailed for their ability to combine the genre's authentic roots with a noisy presence and furious speed. This is especially noticeable at their concerts, which are possibly even wilder than their explosive debut album. 

As the British magazine Rockflesh wrote about a gig in Manchester: "Punk is meant to be simple, organic and dripping with kinetic power. Gel get all those components absolutely spot on." Bring out your inner freak and get carried away this summer as Gel gives Roskilde a lesson in vital no-nonsense hardcore.