Oslo-based Exploding Head Syndrome are set to release its new album Deathbeds on May 8. The release marks a band sharpening its identity, both musically and thematically.
With a sound rooted in the intersection of hardcore and melodic punk, the band delivers hard-hitting verses and instantly catchy choruses. It is energetic, direct and uncompromising, with clear nods to the 90s punk and hardcore wave.
With a sound rooted in the intersection of hardcore and melodic punk, the band delivers hard-hitting verses and instantly catchy choruses. It is energetic, direct and uncompromising, with clear nods to the 90s punk and hardcore wave.
Deathbeds was recorded in Oslo in the fall of 2025 with Chris Cresswell (The Flatliners / Hot Water Music) as producer. Cresswell was physically present during the recording and closely involved throughout the entire process. The album was mixed by Kjell Thomas Tøssebro Mathisen and mastered at Oslo Fuzz by Espen Høydalsvik.
Thematically, the album paints a bleak picture of a world run into the ground by people clinging to power, wealth and influence long past their time. The result is a system where some get away with everything, while others are left with nothing.
While Deathbeds is largely defined by a dark and unforgiving worldview, the overall experience is broken up by shorter, more humorous tracks. These include songs about drunk band members, and even a full-on musical tribute to hot sauce, offering moments of relief without undercutting the weight of the album.
The first single “Confessions” set the tone early on. The track explores a system where consequences are rarely equal, and where financial power determines who is held accountable. Its themes have only become more relevant since it was written, in light of ongoing corruption scandals, including in Norway. “Confessions” is a direct confrontation with abuse of power, double standards and systems that protect their own.
The follow-up single “Age of Deviation” turned its focus toward a society where established truths are breaking down. Facts are no longer facts, lies are no longer lies. It increasingly comes down to who is speaking, and what people want to believe.
The music video for “Age of Deviation” is directed by Albertine Selvik and stars Tobias Santelmann in the lead role. The production was carried out with virtually no budget, made possible through extensive volunteer work from a full film crew.
The album’s most ambitious track, “Ballad of Denial”, stands at its core. Across seven minutes, the song moves through the full spectrum of Exploding Head Syndrome’s sound, from the most aggressive to the most melodic, and emerges as the band’s most complete track to date.
Deathbeds is Exploding Head Syndrome at their most precise, most biting and most complete.
EXPLODING HEAD SYNDROME:
Vocals – Eirik Ekholdt
Vocals / Guitar – Morten Rørvig
Guitar – Jonas Andreassen
Bass / Vocals – Håvard Jacobsen
Drums – Lars Kirkerud
ABOUT
Exploding Head Syndrome was formed in Oslo in 2010, and over sixteen years, six releases and a triple-digit number of shows, the band has developed into one of Norway’s most seasoned acts within their genre.
They have played festivals such as Punk Rock Holiday in Slovenia, Exit Festival in Serbia, Jera On Air in the Netherlands and Revolution Festival in Romania, alongside extensive touring across Norway and Europe.
Exploding Head Syndrome combines 90s punk with melodic hardcore. With their latest release, Victims (2023), their distinct sound remains instantly recognizable: melodic yet aggressive, intense and direct.
With Deathbeds, Exploding Head Syndrome enters a new chapter, turning their focus directly toward the power structures dragging the world down, and refusing to look the other way.
