It wasn’t their fault that the debut album from these young Danish punks was hyped to death by many members of the blogosphere. However, in Iceage’s case it was well deserved, as they delivered a praiseworthy album in New Brigade. Considering that this industry is always looking for the next big thing — and critics never want to be perceived as being out of touch — it was easy to see how some people got a little out of hand in hyping that record.

Now, for album number two, the band has moved up to a bigger label (Matador) and have tweaked their sound a bit.

For one thing, the guitars are a lot louder, crunchier, more distorted and up-front on You’re Nothing. In addition, Elias Bender Ronnenfelt’s vocals are more engaged and urgent this time around, as he even works himself hoarse on a few songs. If anything, this album is more hardcore and punk than the first record, which was more sped-up post-punk, despite what some critics labeled it. So in a way, jumping to a bigger label hasn’t softened the band’s sound; in fact, in many ways, it has become more abrasive.

The first thing you hear on You’re Nothing is the crunch and hiss of feedback as the first song “Ecstasy” kicks in. Though it starts off with a bit of a post-punk lurch, the band eventually puts the foot on the throttle and speeds it up to a slam-worthy pace. “Coalition” and “In Haze” keep up the fast pace, while “Burning Hand” is shambling, creeping noise rock that eventually decides to sprint. “It Might Hit First” opens with a wash of noise before transitioning into faster hardcore punk before the next song “Rodfaestet” takes it even further. The title track ends the disc at a brisk and energetic 1:46.

With You’re Nothing, Iceage avoids the sophomore slump, as well as the big label slump — they have by no means released a “safe” record. They have managed to create another exciting piece of punk rock that will keep their naysayers at bay. It will be interesting to see if this raises the band’s profile.

(Matador Records, 304 Hudson St., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10013)