The Hives

Jason Landry, contributor

 

If you feel like jumping around like a fucking maniac to some loud, alt rock music, go no further than The Hives newest release, The Hives Forever Forever The Hives, which dropped on August 29, 2025. It’s like they’ve strapped a rocket to their signature garage-punk rally car and then slammed their foot down on the gas pedal. Their seventh album—a blast of razor-sharp riffs coupled with Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist’s unhinged charisma gives it enough swagger that could fill an arena. Sprinkle some magic from guests Mike D and Josh Homme from the band Queens of the Stone Age, and you got a raw, fist-pumping energetic thump that made their 2000 breakout Veni Vidi Vicious an instant classic. They’re not reinventing the wheel on this one—thank God—it’s just The Hives doing what they do best: Hives shit, or what I like to call a high-octane, no-filler rock party.

 

The first single, “Enough Is Enough” smacks your ass with a snarling riff and Pelle’s glorious opening line, “Everyone’s a little fuckin’ bitch,” is just full of pent-up frustration, a rebellious middle finger, and shout-along veins poppin’ in your neck glory! It’s definitely the banger on this album that provides a similar in-your-face vibe as Veni Vidi Vicious’s hit “Hate to Say I Told You So.” Then there’s “O.C.D.O.D.,” sprinkling some punk madness--think Dead Kennedys. Pelle spells out the title like a manic cheerleading squad, channeling the band’s early raw exuberance. “Paint A Picture” is another fast paced high tempo classic. And if you liked that, the momentum keeps rolling with the track, “Roll Out The Red Carpet” a soon-to-be instant favorite. They throw us a curveball on “Path Of Most Resistance” dipping back into an ‘80s new wave groove. It’s fresh but still feels like it could’ve snuck onto Veni Vidi Vicious with its snotty, danceable attitude.

 

Most people might complain that the album’s breakneck pace barely lets you catch your breath—but fuck that. The high tempo tracks with attitude is their charm and it’s what I love most! 

 

The Hives Forever Forever The Hives is a love letter to their roots, echoing the unpolished, electrifying spirit of Veni Vidi Vicious while proving these Swedes, now pushing 50, can still out-rock bands half their age.