Live: SLOPE

Coming up through the underground hardcore scene of Duisburg (Germany) SLOPE channel heavy grooves, raw aggression and the spirit of late 80s and early 90s crossover — drawing from the same DNA that shaped bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine and Beastie Boys. Their relationship with live music was formed early on in spaces where shows were brutal, chaotic and magnetic at the same time — teaching the band that intensity and honesty matter more than perfection. Their early releases Helix (EP, 2014) and Losing Grip (EP, 2017) were deeply rooted in hardcore culture, focusing on heavy grooves, blunt aggression and movement rather than concept or polish. Back then, rhythm and groove were already paired with a more colorful, offbeat approach — visually and sonically — foreshadowing the broader palette that would follow. With their first LP Street Heat (2021), SLOPE deliberately expanded their sound. Hardcore became one influence among many, as funk, hip hop, grunge and 90s crossover elements took a more prominent role. The album embraced playfulness and groove without losing heaviness, resulting in a sound that felt both raw and unconventional: “SLOPE have embraced the fun element of their music […] a blend of heavy breakdowns with funky bass riffs that on paper shouldn’t work — but SLOPE make it work seamlessly.”�— Idioteq Beyond the music, Street Heat marked a visual and artistic turning point. DIY aesthetics, self-built sets and hands-on video concepts turned the record into a broader creative project, blurring the line between music, art and performance. That openness was taken further on Freak Dreams (LP, 2024). More layered, more confident and more refined, the album pushed SLOPE beyond underground boundaries and into a wider musical landscape. While groove and physicality remained central, songwriting and structure became sharper, allowing the band to explore a broader sonic range without losing their edge: “Freak Dreams impresses with freshness, authenticity and constant surprises […] a musical mix that defies genre boundaries and sticks instantly.”�— Metal Hammer With Freak Dreams, SLOPE fully entered a professional environment — playing major festival stages across Europe such as Wacken, Hellfest, Summer Breeze, Deichbrand, Jera On Air, Resurrection Fest and Master of Rock, while touring with bands like Body Count, Lionheart and Madball, as well as supporting Donots and Emil Bulls. On their upcoming record The Same Kids Just Louder (LP, 2026), SLOPE refine the chaos that has always defined them. Where Street Heat and Freak Dreams felt open and impulsive, the new album gives that energy clearer shape. Built on relentless energy and unabashed fun, the songs are packed with raps and riffs, funk and flow, hooks and heaviness, grooves and grime — but this time with more space to breathe. Repetition is embraced, grooves are allowed to settle, and tracks feel more direct and physical, not because less is happening, but because the essential elements carry more weight. The sound is more focused without losing curiosity: it’s the same drive, sharpened and amplified. The Same Kids Just Louder isn’t a slogan. It’s a summar