WINCE AND FRISSON - Kärrhäxan (Review)

Written by: The Administrator

​The words "wince and frisson" in combination immediately evoke a very specific physical reaction, simultaneously positive and negative and ultimately overstimulating in combination. What musical stimuli, I couldn't help but wonder, drives one to such a powerful physiological and somatic response? 

A level of curiosity this heightened doesn't often apply in the context of a band yet to release any music, but an intriguing moniker (and a Steve Wiener* association) are promo pit cheat codes. Needless to say, I was very excited when Wince and Frisson's debut disso-black/death single hit the inbox, and that excitement has only festered and grown over the course of many listens. "Kärrhäxan" is a stellar first foray, a sharply conceived and intensely executed statement of intent. It very much succeeds at the presumed intended goal of a debut single.

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"Kärrhäxan" also sports a  delightfully unique visual aesthetic, featured in the (very cool, and profoundly disturbing) video animated by Triumvir Kaleido, who is also the project's songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and bassist. Said video is embedded below. I highly recommend giving it your full attention--heed the content warnings. The world and fleshed-out narrative here demonstrates an additional layer of intention behind the project, and process of watching the video after already having familiarized myself with the song itself made for quite the jolting experience.
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There's always a certain thrill lurking at the frayed edges of dissonant extremity. The question is always whether or not said thrill lands, but here, Wince and Frisson have done a fantastic job of capitalizing on the inherent chaos. The duo keeps interest high across the runtime. While I do, in practice, enjoy a variety of bands operating in the disso-genre arenas, I often find them to be a little alienating. But here, despite the blatantly inhospitable environs, I remain invested in the torrent. This track is filled to the brim, but not in the sense of having, uh, filler. Every element serves a distinct purpose, and the result is both tumultuous and razor-sharp. It is electrifying and a little overwhelming. In other words, it absolutely delivers on promise. If I wasn't already excited for their debut album Tumult (coming soon!) I certainly am now.

*Steve handles drum programming, mixing, and mastering for this project. You probably know him from Am I in Trouble, Ashenheart, Eveale, and Negative Bliss

Wince and Frisson - "Kärrhäxan" was released today, Feb. 27th, 2026. Find it on Ampwall here! 

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Wince and Frisson can be found​ at their linktree
Art by Triumvir