8/10

Since first emerging just over a decade ago with a bold and ferocious punk sound, the rise of Danish outfit Iceage has been an enjoyable one to say the least. While originally focusing themselves on a dark and angered energy that created confrontation and controversy as often as possible, the band have grown into themselves over the last few years, finding their sound in a far more well-rounded and diverse direction that has seen them unearth an international audience in the process. Now they return with their fifth full-length 'Seek Shelter', a record that sees them at their most proficient yet.

While this album still has its moments of intense pace to it, it is all in the disposition as they regularly swap out the more explosive elements for atmospheric build-up and scene setting. From the start, 'Seek Shelter' sees itself as a far more eclectic example of their sound as they regularly look to embark on something fresh and exciting on every track, making for a wonderfully captivating listen. It may not be the release that many of their hardcore fans were expecting, but shows them in a very important stage in their musical evolution and brings even more intrigue to their aesthetic throughout.

Iceage may have left their infancy behind them, but this new development is more of what so many have wanted from them for a while. A broad and driven collection that rarely falters and shows that they are determined to continuing pushing boundaries and expectations, qualities that are hard to find these days.