State Power – Hyperstition
Release Date: 28th August 2026
Label: Parasocial Records
Introducing Hyperstition, the debut LP from Dutch hardcore outfit State Power. Just two years into their existence, they already have two well-received EPs under their belt. Now, the first full-length record bridges the gap between melodic hardcore and metalcore – amid poignant political lyrics and full-throttle crunching riffs. They’ve had their hands full, juggling this project whilst remaining active in other groups. The quintet includes frontman Stefan Bonestroo (also of Dutch emo pop punks Bony Macaroni) and two guitarists Daan Lutgerink and Pim Cruiming (from emo post-hardcore band Two and a Half Girl). Amongst their influences are old-school hardcore, modern punk and 80s heavy metal.
Hyperstition, by definition, refers to non-existent, fictional ideas that gradually become real through avid belief and mass following. This album sees the band relate that concept to AI, “tech bros” and algorithms that manipulate human engagement to fuel capitalism. Topics like isolation and moral corruption also get a look-in.
Fuelled by unapologetic political anger, ‘Dominant Threads’ opens with a dystopian, spoken-word sample that’s eventually drowned out by a huge chugging riff and Bonestroo’s gravelly vocal shreds – full of vitriol and backed by heavily-emphasised chants. With no time to stop for breath, ‘Brain Bug’ showcases an audible desperation that runs thematically throughout the whole album. Riff-wise, this one takes on a very Metallica-inspired style, blended with early hardcore – whilst the breakdowns and raw vocals lend themselves more naturally to metalcore.
Hyperstition’s two standout tracks are ‘Schizoscene’ and ‘Spoils of Empire’. The former strengthened by its melodic components – whilst ensuring wrath isn’t compromised. Songwriting is particularly powerful, with opening line “It’s growing like a cancer and you’re picking at the flesh like a vulture”, painting a powerful image of societal collapse. The chorus hails back to a darker emo-meets-thrash sound, for one of the most emotionally vulnerable moments: “I’ve been trying to keep my head afloat / The walls are coming down again” – dealing with psychological stress and everyday-life anxieties. ‘Spoils of Empire’ tackles class disparity and lends a voice to those at the bottom of the pyramid. It also marks a musical switch in a heavy-metal direction – with definitive, breakneck riffs and wrangling bass. Backing vocals lift and melodise the chorus, in a similar way to Bring Me the Horizon in their Sempiternal era, or Feed the Rhino on The Sorrow and the Sound.
Yet, it’s ‘Open Season’ that features one of Bonestroo’s strongest vocal performances: a brilliant, raging combination of bellows, growls, chants and harmonies – complemented with a mid-point, squealing, 80s-style solo soaring above crushing guitar.
Seamless and effective, tempo shifts are all over this release: with drops following downshifts and slowed, swaying chugs before chorus revivals. Mert Güngör deservedly gets his moment too, frantically pounding drums at every opportunity.
With crossover-thrash-infused riffing (giving massive While She Sleeps energy), ‘Gnaw’ aims immediate rapid-fire lyrics our way, graduating to menacing tension-wire guitar that culminates in a punishing breakdown. Though, not before a guest appearance from Rosa Curselifter is revealed (vocalist of the Utrecht-based, metallic-hardcore band that she owes her last name to) – treating us to some biting but brief piercing tones and doom screeches.
For a project designed to be heavier than the bands they stemmed from, State Power have absolutely succeeded with Hyperstition. It’s a strong debut, and as each track rolls by you realise just how enjoyable it is. The only thing missing throughout the record is some more screeching guitar solos, to mix it all up.
Recommended Track: ‘Spoils of Empire’
Rating: 7/10
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