Crust punk is one of those genres of loud rock wherein certain characteristics that make it special to its fans can turn off fans of other forms of extreme music. In some ways, there is a certain uniformity of sound, which can make a lot of the bands who practice this form of music sound the same. Granted, the best bands within this genre are ones who expand upon its d-beat foundation and add few other musical touches. Of course, these bands don’t dilute any of its primal power — they just expand on the template a bit.

Tragedy was one such band who did this, along with Finnish prog-crusties Unkind. Also included on this list is Disfear and Martyrdod’s fellow Southern Lord label mates Agrimonia. Of course, Martyrdod belongs with these bands as well.

On their new album Elddop you’ll hear traces of dirty rock ‘n roll, metal, and even indie rock to go along with all the punk rock rage. The songs are dynamic and varied; some burn from the moment they start, while others switch up tempos and speed, allowing the band to showcase many different sides of their songwriting acumen. But don’t worry, it still kicks plenty of ass in a righteous way.

At the outset, “Nidkanal” shows off this well-honed display of dynamics. It opens at a doomy pace, accelerates to a brisk punk beat, goes a little faster and then switches off between mid-paced and fast-paced parts for its duration. “Martyren” opens quietly with some gently strummed chords before building up to an epic riff. “Tentakler” starts slow and then goes fast and faster. “Under Skinnet” merges their rough and ready approach to the ethereal vocals of Swedish vocalist Kajsa Grytt to create an interesting and exciting juxtaposition of sounds.

But don’t worry there is still plenty of punk rock action on this disc.

“En Jobbigt JNvel” goes for broke from its outset, throwing in a brief ripping solo among the guitar carnage. “Varningens klockor” mixes punk and metal to great effect, while “Sted” keeps it short, simple, and raging.

Elddop is the sound of a band coming into their own. They live up to the promise laid out on their last record, 2012’s Paranoia, and continue to evolve in exciting ways. This is another corker of an album that should please core fans of crust, while also snagging people who just love raw, exciting, loud rock.

(Southern Lord Recordings, PO Box 291967, Los Angeles, CA 90029)