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Clouds-We_Are_Above_You-2008-hXc
Boston's Clouds have followed up last year's "Legendary Demo" with an even bigger, better, and more brilliant slab of hot rock action. They deliver all the anthemic choruses, white-hot licks, and psychedelic grandeur that anyone could hope to cram into a single album. "ZZ Top for hardcore/metal kids" - Absolute Punk. "...an adventure in hard rock. From 70s blues-rock riffs to hardcore punk to macho stoner metal, Clouds is equally good at all of it" -alarm
http://www.myspace.com/cloudsrock
Clouds-Legendary_Demo-2007-FNT
They say you can take the kid out of the rock, but you can’t take the rock out of the kid…or some shit like that. This is especially difficult when “the kid” in question is Cave In’s Adam McGrath, fearless leader and vocalist/guitarist of Clouds, an outfit that delivers unbridled action-rock harking back to the mid/late-’90s Man’s Ruin garage onslaught—which, in turn, owes its collective hearing loss to the likes of the Wipers, the Bad Brains, the Stooges, and the MC5. So you can see what kind of lineage we’re talking about here. But wait—that’s not all these Boston gents have to offer: From nasty psych and Southern power grooves to (believe it or not) “Party Grunge” and sax’d-out dub, Legendary Demo has it all. Unlike anything else in Hydra Head’s vast back catalogue, this is truly a revelation.
http://www.myspace.com/cloudsrock
Zozobra-Bird_Of_Prey-2008-FNT
Fast on the seismic heels of last year's Harmonic Tremors, Zozobra mastermind Caleb Scofield (Cave In / Old Man Gloom) has set off another face-rupturing power-trembler in the North American underground. Bird Of Prey is our man's second full-length under the Zozobra moniker, a white-hot exploder shot through with snaking melody lines and implacable riffs. From front to back, Scofield's signature roar is tempered by his own gleaming backup chants; meanwhile, an arsenal of guitars alternately churns and shimmers in the flames of Zozobra's effigial namesake. Recorded and mixed by Isis drummer Aaron Harris - who also lent his considerable drumming talents to the proceedings - Bird Of Prey is the latest installment in Hydra Head's Reign Of Awesome 2008. It is the sound of a conquering horde - only in this case, the horde consists of exactly one dude who manages to sound like ten.
http://www.myspace.com/zozobra505
Zozobra-Harmonic_Tremors-2007-FNT
Taking its name from the 50-foot effigy burned every year by a hysterical mob during the Fiestas De Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Zozobra is the brainchild of Cave In/Old Man Gloom bassist Caleb Scofield. "Harmonic Tremors" deftly traverses the far-flung fields of transcendental space rock and explosive dirge metal with alternately snarling and oscillating riffery, crippling bass quakes, and apocalyptic proclamations hurled end over end toward the cosmic unconsciousness.
http://www.myspace.com/zozobra505
Neurosis-Given_To_The_Rising-(Neurot)-Promo-2007-UKi
Given To The Rising is Neurosis at its most captivating and hypnotic. Put simply, the album is some of the band's most raw and immediate material to date, but it is also more complexly orchestrated and richly thickened with psych-damaged overtones. Given To The Rising is more than a just a powerful collection of songs -- it's more like a religious experience. While personal epiphanies are repeatedly told by those who've been converted by Neurosis' sensory overloading live show as well as its recordings, there's a hypnotic quality to this album that takes hold from the opening guitar squall of the title track. Once again recording with revered engineer and longtime friend Steve Albini (as the band has for five previous albums,The Eye of Every Storm in 2004, A Sun That Never Sets in 2001, Sovereign in 2000 and Times of Grace in 1999), Given To The Rising bears the band's signature crushing heft and cathartic force. However, it also finds Neurosis delving into increasingly psychedelic effects and twisted, inventive song structures.
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/officialneurosis
Neurosis-The_Eye_Of_Every_Storm-Retail-2004-phEAR
The Eye Of Every Storm represents a peak point for Neurosis, as they stand on the cusp of their 20th anniversary as a band. Whatever any of us thought Neurosis was supposed to sound like, The Eye of Every Storm changes everything. It's almost pop music in construction, but still sounds like a gale wind force... even more vital and inspiring than ever before.
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/officialneurosis
Neurosis-A_Sun_That_Never_Sets-2001-PMS
Neurosis' seventh album blends unprecedented beauty and radiance with their classic use of dynamics and power. Neurosis is the ultimate juxtaposition of life's plain realities - a strong will in a world that inspires weakness.
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/officialneurosis
Neurosis-Times_Of_Grace-1999-iTS_INT
A ferocious war cry. Brutally honest, original, and categorically defiant. This bold work lures the listener with its vivid rhythms, strikes with a siege of emotion, and consumes with abysmal force.
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/officialneurosis
Neurosis-Through_Silver_In_Blood-1996-iTS_INT
"Through Silver In Blood" is one of those albums that is meant to create an atmosphere that you can easily get lost too. This album is a showcase of blending in ambience, sludge, tribal, and progressive music all into one. Crushing riffs and perfectly blended vocals by Scott Kelly and Scott Von Till make this album an essential. Excellently crafted musicmanship is also a big role in this album, as it is nowhere close to being predictable. There is nothing that can match up to this brilliance, and many bands have looked up to this album as well (examples: Isis, Mastodon, Pig Destroyer).
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/officialneurosis
Neurosis-Enemy_Of_The_Sun-Reissue-1999-iTS
Originally released on Alternative Tentacles in 1993, now reissued with bonus tracks on the band's own label.
This album was the inevitable conclusion of many years' touring and performing. The material is more seamless, one song bleeding into the next, marking a continual soundscape as much as a collection of songs. The record's defining point is 'Cleanse', and endless orgy of primal percussion that opens up yet another dimension for both the band and the listener.
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/officialneurosis
Neurosis-Souls_At_Zero-Reissue-1999-iTS
Originally released on Alternative Tentacles in 1992, now reissued with bonus tracks on the band's own label. Souls At Zero marked a creative turning point for Neurosis, who quickly became able to fathom new depths of expression and musical discovery.
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/officialneurosis
Neurosis-The_Word_As_Law-1990-PMS
This is another great display of talent by Neurosis. Continue the trip in your mind and look into your soul and see all the ugliness that exists.
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/officialneurosis
Neurosis-Pain_Of_Mind-1988-PEE
Witness the origins of one of the heaviest, most uncompromising bands... Influential psychedelic hardcore, fusing Amebix and Rudimentary Peni with Black Sabbath and Black Flag.
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/officialneurosis
Blood_For_Blood-Spit_My_Last_Breath-1997-rH
Since their inception, Blood For Blood has been breaking bottles, smashing tables and brawling their way through any barrier that society has managed to build in their path by spreading their anti-societal messages across the country and around the world. Their ‘white-trash working man’ ethics and ‘no holds barred’ attitude have garnered BLOOD FOR BLOOD a following that is among the most fanatical and dedicated of any fan base in the music scene today. In a scene currently lacking in old-fashioned angry hardcore, Blood For Blood stands where legends Sheer Terror, Madball and Killing Time once reigned. Here on Spit My Last Breath, Blood For Blood lay the groundwork for what would be an unparalleled legacy in hardcore.
http://www.myspace.com/bloodforblood
The_Dillinger_Escape_Plan-Ire_Works-2007-404
Blazing trails of musical mayhem, Dillinger Escape Plan return with "Ire Works," which sees the band incorporating more of the melodies of Faith No More and quirkiness of Mr. Bungle into their signature off-time metal/hardcore sound.
http://www.myspace.com/dillingerescapeplan
The_Dillinger_Escape_Plan-Miss_Machine-Retail-2004-PMS
Merging unparalleled musical bravery, prodigious musicianship, flawless execution and an angular landscape of forward thinking ideas, Dillinger reinvent the rock 'n roll idiom while pleasing their harshest critics: themselves. Miss Machine's modernist clang proves once and for all why Dillinger Escape Plan is a paradigm to be followed, a barometer with which to measure ones heaviosity even, a yardstick by which other bands are measured.
http://www.myspace.com/dillingerescapeplan
The_Dillinger_Escape_Plan-Irony_Is_A_Dead_Scene-Proper-2002-iTS
Combining the feral intensity of hardcore and technical precision of metal with mind-boggling tempo changes and jazzy freakouts, "Irony Is A Dead Scene" pushes the limits of speed, composition and complexity. Adding to this blizzard of sonic fury are the exponentially dynamic vocals of Mike Patton, formerly of Faith No More and presently of Fantomas and Mr. Bungle. This record is original, cutting-edge, and sounds like nothing else out there. Really!
http://www.myspace.com/dillingerescapeplan
The_Dillinger_Escape_Plan-Calculating_Infinity_(Japanese_Retail)-1999-pH_INT
The Dillinger Escape Plan's first full length album is quite possibly one of the best "core" albums ever released. A sort of progressive grindcore that dabbles in jazz and schizophrenia. This album should not be overlooked by anyone. Any fan of metal, prog, hardcore or good music in general needs to listen to this album. The technicality and songwriting are both through the roof and there is no shortage of creativity. This is not someone elses album, it belongs to the Dillinger Escape Plan, no questions.
http://www.myspace.com/dillingerescapeplan
The_Dillinger_Escape_Plan-Under_The_Running_Board-(Reissue)-2008-FNT
http://www.myspace.com/dillingerescapeplan
The_Dillinger_Escape_Plan-Selftitled-Reissue-2001-iTS
This re-release is just as great as the original, except it had 3 added bonuses to it. After the end of the amazing debut EP from New Jersey's finest there are three live tracks from later material. If you've ever listened to DEP before (and enjoyed their music) you know just how great this CD will be and is. If you haven't had the pleasure of listening to DEP before, whenever you get the chance to. Do it! You will find one of the most talented bands ever playing some of the most hardest, heaviest, and technically chaotic music ever. This hardcore/metalcore jazz fusion band has it all. This is a great buy for metal and hardcore fans alike.
http://www.myspace.com/dillingerescapeplan
Heavier_Than_Heaven_Lonelier_Than_God-(Proper)-2008-BLACKLISTED
Recorded and engineered by Kurt Ballou (Converge) @ Godcity, "Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God" is Blacklisted's most dynamic release to date. This latest effort carries a psychological darkness merely hinted at in their previous "Peace On Earth..." release, diving head first into the jaws of their introspective abyss. This bold leap has sharpened their teeth and reaped great creative rewards. Songs like "Stations" and "Touch Test" erupt with shocking state of emotional electricity, while the abrasive melancholy of "Circuit Breaker" and "Wish" possess the ability to haunt listeners for a lifetime. All these qualities showcase Blacklisted's continuing evolution as a band, and also distance them far from the rest of the hardcore pack. Cementing their reputation as one of the only true lone-wolves of their hardcore generation.
http://www.myspace.com/blacklisted
Blacklisted-Peace_On_Earth_War_On_Stage-7_Inch-Vinyl-2007-KzT
After over a year of constant touring and lineup refinement, Blacklisted returned with their greatest release to date "Peace On Earth, War On Stage". Recorded with Kurt Ballou at Godcity Studios, "Peace On Earth, War On Stage" is comprised of four groundbreaking musical wars. Showcasing the intense musical progression, poetic prowess, and raw sonic power that is today's Blacklisted.
http://www.myspace.com/blacklisted
Blacklisted-The_Beat_Goes_On-(AUS_Retail)-2005-AMX
"...The Beat Goes On" was recorded by acclaimed engineer Jim Seigel (Blood For Blood, Dropkick Murphys), who also recorded their Dead Man's Hand material. Comprised of 13 contemporary hardcore anthems, the album celebrates the triumph and underdog determination that defines Blacklisted. The album is now considered a classic by hardcore kids worldwide.
This is the Australian Retail on Common Bond Records with 2 extra tracks previously only available on vinyl.
http://www.myspace.com/blacklisted
Blacklisted-Were_Unstoppable-2005-FNT
Whether it's with their infectious hardcore urgency, or uniquely powerful lyrics, the true grit of Blacklisted will move you. They carry a soul and energy unlike any other hardcore band. Blacklisted pick up the torch that contemporary legends American Nightmare once proudly carried. Merging a violence, honesty, and emotional outpouring into one untamable and inspiring hardcore machine.
Blacklisted "We're Unstoppable" CD is a collection of sorts for the band, but also serves as an introduction to those who missed the train the first time. "We're Unstoppable" features their highly praised "Our Youth Is Wasted" recordings (originally released by Stillborn Records, now out of print) as well as their hard to find demo recordings, together in one quality CD collection.
http://www.myspace.com/blacklisted
Integrity-Those_Who_Fear_Tomorrow_15th_Anniversary_Edition-2006-hXc
Integrity's For Those Who Fear Tomorrow is a hardcore juggernaut that has lurked in infamy for over 15 years. Recorded in 1991, For Those Who Fear Tomorrow is often credited as on of the first true "metalcore" albums. While hardcore crossover bands like the Cro Mags and Corrosion of Conformity had existed before Integrity, few were prepared for the world Integrity brought to life with their debut album.
http://www.vanhellion.com/
http://www.myspace.com/integrity
Krallice-Krallice-2008-FNT
In what will easily be one of the most talked about black metal releases of the year, Krallice purge with an epic masterpiece not heard since Weakling’s “Dead As Dreams”. Nonetheless, the Krallice debut album is a virulent vision from the twisted and unique minds of Barr and Marston (the band also features Bloody Panda drummer Lev Weinstein). Epic time-stretching hymns that take reference from the aforementioned Weakling album, Burzum’s “Hvis Lyset Tar Oss” masterpiece, Gorgoroth’s “Antichrist”, and Ulver’s “Nattens Madrigal” while incorporating Barr and Marston’s musical pedigree from their respective acts, Krallice have also created a distinct-sounding opus that helps to strengthen and augment the landscape of North American black metal.
Along with the vicious and multi-layered guitar shredding, strenuous and hypnotizing tremolo picking, calculated drumming, and Barr’s harsh cavernous wails, the Krallice debut is a black metal album that treads the fine line of sonic devastation and cryptic beauty.http://www.myspace.com/krallice
Defeater-Travels-2008-GRAVEWISH
A truly honest, intense and dark album based as a narrative story of a man's life set to a volatile soundtrack of hardcore fury, punk melody and metal technicality. Defeater has elements of Fugazi, Botch, Minor Threat and Modern Life Is War. Initially released on Topshelf Records, a label owned by Bridge Nine employee Seth Decoteau, Bridge Nine recognized the talent and passion of both Decoteau and Defeater and are now teaming up to get this incredible debut full-length out to the whole world.
http://notourstuff.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/defeater
Coalesce-0122-(Remastered)-2008-FNT
Coalesce destroyed the mold of formulaic metallic-hardcore in the mid 90s. Their existence was controversial and polarizing, and their musical legacy changed the genre forever. On their landmark record (and swan-song at the time), 1998 s 0:12: Revolution in Just Listening, the band channeled the turbulence of their break-up into their most urgent, honest, and desperate songs to date. Their unbelievably dense, off-kilter compositions showed a more pronounced rock edge, and the band turned in the studio performance of their short lifetime. Fast-forward to 2008; on the eve of the second coming of Coalesce 0:12 has been repackaged and remastered for the next generation of heavy music connoisseurs. In the canon of heavy music, certainly in the world of modern hardcore, there are few records as crucial as 0:12.
http://www.crashandbang.com/
http://www.myspace.com/coalesce
Bloody_Panda-Pheromone-2007-pLAN9
The band might seem to exude artsy pretentiousness, right down to the funeral doom arrangements, which couldn’t be any more trendy right now, but the way Bloody Panda combines visceral power with aching beauty and devastating emotion is a marvel. Pheromone is imposing, Ohara lends Bloody Panda an air of accessibility most male doom growlers are completely incapable of. Singing in both English and Japanese, Ohara could be singing in Esperanto for all we care, as her melodic chants are often difficult to discern, but despite the fact that her lyrics do possess a poetic quality, Pheromone is more about mood than message, her vocals every bit as entrancing as the arrangement behind her. You’re looking at one of the finest doom albums to come out in recent memory.
http://www.bloodypanda.com/
Earth-Sunn_Amps_and_Smashed_Guitars-Live-2001-FFF
Ear blistering noise combined with trancing rhythms, hovering guitar and the occasional vocal utterance.Reissue of this live album includes four bonus tracks (tracks numbered 2-5) taken from the 1990 demos, recorded October 1990 in Portland, OR. 'Vocals on 4 by Curt Cobain and Kelly Canary.'
http://www.thronesanddominions.com/
Pig_Destroyer-Painter_of_Dead_Girls-2004-AMRC
Comprised of highly sought-out, early and obscure material from Virginian cult-favorites Pig Destroyer, this collection disc serves as a window into the twisted minds of true grind-fueled madmen. Brutal riff upon riff overlay some of the fastest yet most intricate and stylish drums in the grind game, all conjoined with some of the most manic and terrifying screams ever captured by recording implements. The fact that this band is only a three-piece is nothing short of mind-boggling, and by seamlessly weaving the majority of heavy music genres (thrash, punk rock, heavy metal, grindcore, death metal, technical mathy hardcore, etc.), it’s no real surprise that these guys are often hailed as the kings of modern heavy music.
http://www.myspace.com/therealpigdestroyer
Cave_In-Beyond_Hypothermia-1999-DVT
Cave-In's ability to weave different sounds and moods throughout one song is simply uncanny. The band achieves this by deftly assembling multiple riffs and tempos in a manner that recalls Metallica's Master of Puppets. The difference, though, is that Beyond Hypothermia is much more extreme: more riffs, more tempos, and more chaos, screams, and confusion. Additionally, Cave-In draw from a wider pool of influences than Metallica could have at that point: hardcore-styled mosh grooves, evocative strains that recall Split Lip's Midwestern emo, and occasional black/death metal riffing dance atop the traditional foundation of Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. Wherever Beyond Hypothermia goes, though, it remains consistently heavy and cohesive, an additional wonder considering the album is a collection of various sessions.
http://www.cavein.net/
http://www.myspace.com/cavein
Gorilla_Biscuits-Start_Today-(Remastered)-2006-FNT
Over the years, few records have earned the distinction of "classic." Within the punk and hardcore realm, even fewer have made an impact on the way an entire genre sounds. At the top of that small list, however, is Gorilla Biscuits' "Start Today." Hailing from NYC, Gorilla Biscuits carved a niche within the NY Hardcore scene. Blending the aggression and energy of bands like Agnostic Front with a sense of melody likened to Dag Nasty, Gorilla Biscuits still stands as a unique reference point for every hardcore band that has come after them.
http://www.myspace.com/gorillabiscuits
Gorilla_Biscuits-Gorilla_Biscuits-1988-UpQ
The debut ep from one of the greatest hardcore bands of all time.
http://www.myspace.com/gorillabiscuits
Black_Flag-Nervous_Breakdown_7_Inch-Vinyl-1978-iTS
The legendary debut 7"EP from one of the most important punk/hardcore bands of all time.
Black_Flag-My_War-PROPER-1983-HCU
"My War" is the second full length album by Black Flag, and was originally released in 1984 on SST Records. The album was released after a long period where the band could not release any albums due to a legal dispute with Unicorn Records. The first six songs on the a-side of "My War" are similar to the material on 1981's "Damaged", but the three songs on the b-side proved that Black Flag was moving away from the band's early, fast-paced material. The b-side songs are played at about half the pace of the band's earlier material, each clocking in at over six minutes, and display a doomy, ominous sound indebted to Black Sabbath. "My War" is generally cited as being a major influence on many bands in contemporary hardcore and metal.
Trapped_Under_Ice-Stay_Cold-7_Inch-Vinyl-2008-KzT
Hailing from the port city of Baltimore, Maryland comes the war-mammoth known as Trapped Under Ice, who proudly inherit and build upon the mantle of their predecessors Next Step Up and Gut Instinct. Compound this with the sonic territories explored by New York bands such as Crown Of Thorns and Breakdown, and the intent of the outfit becomes obvious - total aural brutality. This EP contains 6 tracks of unrelenting hardcore reality and includes free digital download with purchase.
http://underdaice.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/underdaice
Mind_Eraser-Glacial_Reign-2006-KzT
Boston's Mind Eraser have returned with another twelve blazing tracks of hardcore/powerviolence mayhem. "Glacial Reign" is a barrage of guitars, bass, drums and words, perfectly combining Crossed Out, Terrorizer and Integrity, with Rudimentary Peni-esque cover art.
http://glacialreign.blogspot.com/
Mind_Eraser-Cave-CD-2005-COR
The long awaited debut full length from Boston's unholy Mind Eraser. Taking more than just their name from the infamous Neanderthal, "Cave" is a lesson in brutality and ugliness. Fourteen songs, twenty two minutes. If you hate Crossed Out, Despise You, Infest, and the afformentioned Neanderthal, you will loathe Mind Eraser. CD version includes their 2003 demo (9 tracks).
http://glacialreign.blogspot.com/
Give_Up_The_Ghost-Background_Music-2003-pH
The classic and defining American Nightmare release. Arguably the most influential hardcore album of the late 90's. Passionate, poetic, violent, and unflinching. This band gave substance back to the community when music was clouded by image and classifications. If you are a fan of truly deep and passionate music then this is the "one record" that you need in your collection.
VA-Life_Long_Tragedy-Final_Fight-Split-7_Inch-2006-KzT
Los Angeles' Final Fight embody the uplifting passion that defines the new wave of west coast hardcore. Positive, passionate, and above all else, fun. With their unique melodic sensibility, and lyrical content ranging from the political to the personal, Final Fight speak volumes in song. They are an emotional, intelligent, and altogether inspiring band that is destined to makes waves in the years to come.
With a live energy and drive that is second to none, Life Long Tragedy are one the best California hardcore bands out there today. Their approach is both musically melodic and brutal, fusing the heart of their influences (Unbroken, Modern Life Is War, etc) and the rage of contemporary hardcore (Terror, Integrity). All of it uniquely driven by their own passionate lyrical writings.
http://www.lifelongtragedy.net/
http://www.myspace.com/lifelongtragedy
http://www.myspace.com/finalfight
Life_Long_Tragedy-Destined_For_Anything-2005-FNT
Debut 11 song full length from the Bay Area's next big thing. Songs of love, hope, and thoughts of "things to come" showcase the incredible talent from this young band and give a glimpse of what's to come.
http://www.lifelongtragedy.net/
http://www.myspace.com/lifelongtragedy
Lewd_Acts-Black_Eye_Blues-2009-FNT
Lewd Acts' brand of raw noise reeks of true soul and stunning originality. Opting to embrace their pre-1988 punk and hardcore influences, they collectively shun metal tendencies of todays hardcore scene. Vocally crooning and sonically winding their way through each song in ways that are continuously moving and exciting.
Their latest album "Black Eye Blues" was engineered by Kurt Ballou (Converge) at God City Studios. "Black Eye Blues" shows Lewd Acts growing right before our eyes, splitting shoes as they evolve at a monstrous rate. Their razor sharp precision and dynamic instrumentation continues to reach passed punks limitations while embracing it in spirit. All of this is a vivid backdrop for vocalist Tyler Densley's poetically bruising storytelling. His gruff candor is unforgettable; Sad, tragic, and true to life. Songs like the thematic pairing "You Don't Need Me" and "I Don't Need You" are a true example of this. While the epic closer "Nowhere To Go" proves that Lewd Acts are comfortable creatively coloring outside the lines. Habitually defying the rules as they artistically redefine what is real rebellion in song.
http://www.getlewd.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lewdacts
Lewd_Acts-Lung_Patrol-7inch-Vinyl-2009-hXc
Lewd Acts are one of San Diego California's best kept hardcore secrets, but not for long...
Lewd Acts' brand of raw noise reeks of true soul and stunning originality. Opting to embrace their pre-1988 punk and hardcore influences, they shun metal tendencies of today's hardcore scene. Vocally crooning and sonically winding their way through each song in ways that are continuously moving and exciting.
"Lung Patrol" is Lewd Act's newest offering released for their 2009 winter tour. This EP features the song "Play Me Something That I Know" along with 2 more tracks.
http://www.getlewd.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lewdacts
VA-Hour_Of_The_Wolf-Lewd_Acts-(Split)-2008-FNT
Arizona's Hour Of The Wolf team up with San Diego's Lewd Acts for a split release that knows no boundaries. Between the seven tracks, you're walking the fence of hardcore, punk, and metal. Hour Of The Wolf tracks recorded with Bob Hoag (The Ataris) and Lewd Acts tracks recorded with Kurt Ballou (Converge), with the finishing touch applied by the Blasting Room (Rise Against, Comeback Kid, NOFX).
http://www.getlewd.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lewdacts
http://hourofthewolf.posterous.com/
http://www.myspace.com/hourofthewolfaz
Lewd_Acts-Dark_Days-2007-KzT
Lewd Acts are one of San Diego California's best kept hardcore secrets, but not for long...
Lewd Acts' brand of raw noise reeks of true soul and stunning originality. Opting to embrace their pre-1988 punk and hardcore influences, they shun metal tendencies of today's hardcore scene. Vocally crooning and sonically winding their way through each song in ways that are continuously moving and exciting.
http://www.getlewd.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lewdacts
Lewd_Acts-On_Lonely_Nights-7_Inch-2006-KzT
"...On Lonely Nights" is Lewd Act's debut 6 song 7"EP which was released shortly after their 2005 demo.
http://www.getlewd.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lewdacts
Integrity-To_Die_for-2003-rH
The triumphant return of Integrity, the "To Die For" recording was a true reclamation of the throne for the band. Produced and engineered by Ben Schigel (Ringworm, Mushroomhead), the collection of eight blood boiling songs served as a musical progression, all the while embracing the approach of their influential past.
http://www.theblackestcurse.com/
http://www.myspace.com/integrity
Cursed-Two-2005-FNT
For the last two years, Cursed has been waging their own personal Shock and Awe campaign, crushing entire cities and states in support of "I" released on Deathwish. Calling for a cease fire while they worked out some new and more lethal songs, Cursed has recorded some of the most violently harsh and heavy songs the world will ever hear. The precision strike that will be known as II will bring much anguish, as everything that is held dear by civilization will be victimized by the Cursed horde.
http://www.your-funeral.com/
Bad_Brains-Banned_In_DC-Bad_Brains_Greatest_Riffs-2003-KSi
Banned in DC: Bad Brains' Greatest Riffs distills the greatest hardcore punk band of all-time's career highlights down to a 23-track anthology. Prior to its 2003 release, several Bad Brains retrospectives and archival releases had been made available, but a proper entry route - unless you consider one of the band's two greatest achievements, 1982's Bad Brains or 1986's I Against I - was still necessary. This disc, smartly selected by band manager Anthony Countey, fills that void. It begins with the group's debut single, "Pay to Cum," and works through 1989's Quickness, their last truly significant album. For those who have been along for the whole ride, there's the previously unreleased "Riot Squad." However, this disc is valuable to the diehards as well, since a number of the inclusions are on CD for the first time. Plenty of fanatics made mix tapes as introductions for friends that resemble this disc. In that sense, this official release has been a long time coming.
http://www.badbrains.com/
http://www.myspace.com/badbrains
Pelican-What_We_All_Come_To_Need-2009-FNT
What guitarist Laurent Lebec has dubbed “the most perfect synthesis of everything we’ve done to date, sonically”, this new album is a giant step forward within the complex, intricate, beautiful and crushing sound Pelican is famous for. The album features more guests than have ever appeared on a Pelican album before: Greg Anderson of sunn O))), Aaron Turner of Isis, Ben Verellen of Harkonen and Helms Alee and Allen Epley from The Life & Times and Shiner. Content-wise, Lebec says “there is a current of inspiration that feels particular to each album’s music and titles. Though we lack a singer, the song names are often conceptual. This new album speaks to a rapidly decaying world, the fulfillment we find in each other, as well as the resolve to move beyond disillusionment.”
http://www.hydrahead.com/pelican/
http://www.myspace.com/pelican
The_Hope_Conspiracy-Death_Knows_Your_Name-(Advance)-2006-MP3
The "Death Knows Your Name" full length is a stark and mesmerizing chapter in The Hope Conspiracy legacy. From the haunting first notes of "They Know Not", to the earth shaking "Stolen Days", the unforgiving heaviness and rage of the album are both awe inspiring. The songs lunge and writhe with immeasurable emotion and turmoil like all great art does. Serving as a true amalgamation of their classic piss and vinegar approach and a new found epic maturity.
The album received praise from aggressive music press worldwide, reaffirming the band's place in aggressive music history as one of the scenes greatest bands.
http://www.myspace.com/hopecon
The_Hope_Conspiracy-Endnote-2002-EGO
With their intense sophomore album, Hope Con really branded their own sonic approach. "Endnote" takes their no frills full throttle hardcore/punk/rock n' roll hybrid to new heights. Produced and engineered by hardcore veteran Dean Baltulonis (Madball, American Nightmare) and designed by Jason Hellmann (Hydrahead, Death Threat). A perfect place to begin your love affair with Boston's angriest sons.
http://www.myspace.com/hopecon
The_Hope_Conspiracy-Cold_Blue-2000-iTS
Hope Con came from the death of bands Harvest and Piecemeal. Not content with their previous efforts, the band set out to write an album rich with influences ranging from Motorhead to Unbroken. With some sonic guidance from Kurt Ballou @ Godcity, their brutal debut "Cold Blue" was born.
http://www.myspace.com/hopecon
The_Hope_Conspiracy_-_File_03-2001-iTS
"File .03" which was released on Bridge 9 by The Hope Conspiracy adds to the growing list of "emotional" hardcore bands making a name for themself. The Hope Conspiracy (members of Harvest), produce six songs on this EP featuring lyrics and melodies that will make any hardcore fan's head turn! The Hope Consipracy belts out a metal infested style of hardcore that has quickly become a genre of their own.
http://www.myspace.com/hopecon
A_Storm_of_Light-Forgive_Us_Our_Trespasses-2009-GRAVEWISH
Brooklyn's A Storm of Light is back with their second full-length and the follow-up to 2008's And We Wept The Black Ocean Within. The record's power comes from a dense melding of melodies, moods, and textures. As heavy and cataclysmic as fans would expect, the devastating effects rely on interwoven melodies and graceful shifts in timbre instead of a stream of identikit riffs.
http://www.astormoflight.com/
http://www.myspace.com/astormoflight
Touche_Amore-To_The_Beat_Of_A_Dead_Horse-2009-GRAVEWISH
Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, Touche Amore set themselves against the glamour and greed of their hometown culture with "...To The Beat Of A Dead Horse," the passionate debut LP set for release through 6131/Collect Records. Where Touche Amore's demo 7" on No Sleep Records was full of promise, "...To The Beat Of A Dead Horse" never feels fully realized: the guitars bend and weave but always maintain their drive, the rhythms are frequently off kilter but never off-time and the vocals are screamed at the edge of breaking up but they're always exciting, pleasing even. Featuring guest vocals by Thursday's Geoff Rickly and Modern Life Is War's Jeff Eaton, "...To The Beat Of A Dead Horse" was recorded by Alex Estrada at Earth Capital Studios and mastered by Paul Miner (Suicide File, New Found Glory, Unbroken).
http://toucheamore.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/toucheamore
Touche_Amore-Touche_Amore-7_Inch-Vinyl-2008-KzT
Formed in late 2007, Touche Amore play hardcore that aims to make listeners aware of a few things that "ruffle the band's feathers" ...so to speak. The quintet's sound has been linked to traditional screamo bands like Orchid, Pageninetynine and Hot Cross, while also being called reminiscent of the more "straight-up" approaches of outfits like American Nightmare, Curl Up & Die and even Jawbreaker. With a healthy amount of shows already played alongside bands like Trash Talk and The Carrier, Touche Amore is now looking to the future: a dense schedule of performances in various states, and their debut release on 7" vinyl out this summer on No Sleep Records.
http://toucheamore.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/toucheamore
Rotting_Out-Vandalized-EP-Vinyl-2009-GRAVEWISH
Over the past two years, Rotting Out has been gathering a rabid fan base along the west coast with their thrashy hardcore that has the youthful energy of early Descendents and the unabashed intensity of Black Flag and Suicidal Tendencies. Along with their intense touring and debut EP, "Vandalized," Rotting Out is set to take over the punk and hardcore scenes. Rotting Out is proud to wave the flag of Southern California and soon the world will know what the west coast has to offer.
http://www.myspace.com/rottingouthc
Converge-You_Fail_Me-Retail-2004-ESC
"You Fail Me" is Converge's stellar follow up to their classic "Jane Doe" full length, it is also their first for Epitaph. Through the inexplicable power of the band coupled with Bannon's unique lyrical vision and throat-ripping screams, the Boston reared group's brute force is flat out stunning. Solidifying the band's continuing reign on the scene that they have helped define for over 15 years.
http://www.convergecult.com/
Breather_Resist-Only_in_the_Morning-2003-ATR
Breather Resist were not merely brutal, but it is certainly one of the first words that comes to mind when describing the Louisville, Kentucky foursome. Their approach brought to mind the intensity of Unsane and Coalesce, all the while still maintaining their own unique spin on the genre.
http://www.myspace.com/breatherresist
The_Promise-My_True_Love_(EP)-2002-iTS
The fantastic debut release from The Promise. Featuring ex-members of: Sante Sangre, Another Victim, Turmoil, One King Down, Earth Crisis, Starkweather, and Conviction, The Promise wrap their bloody knuckles around the war torn flag of Syracuse rooted straight edge. Taking up the moral and ethical fight where their brethren, Earth Crisis and Another Victim, once proudly stood tall.
http://www.myspace.com/thepromise
VA-The_Suicide_File_The_Hope_Conspiracy_Split_7_Inch-Vinyl-2002-iTS
At the time of release both bands were at different points in their careers. The Hope Conspiracy were an already established mainstay of the scene, and The Suicide File were building a great deal of momentum. Together they created one of the greatest split 7"EPs ever, a true landmark release for the label.
http://www.myspace.com/thesuicidefile
http://www.myspace.com/hopecon
Greymachine-Disconnected-2009-hXc
Greymachine is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most realized collaborative effort between Justin Broadrick (Jesu, Godflesh, Napalm Death etc..), Dave Cochrane (Head Of David, God, Ice), Diarmuid Dalton (Jesu, Godflesh) and Aaron Turner (ISIS, House of Low Culture, etc..) ever! If you're a fan of Godflesh, or have even a fleeting interest in the band, this bud's for you; if you subscribe to The Aural & Visual Art of Aaron Turner this shits a pool party. Disconnected, the album in question, sounds like a serious case of cyberbullying through the mind of an extremely autistic child living in an ever-shifting hadean landscape thronged with mindless militants, dilapidated cityscapes and ephemeral phantoms... so to summarize the summation, Disconnected is haunting and modern sounding... In a good way.
http://www.myspace.com/officialgreymachine
The_Hope_Conspiracy-True_Nihilist-VLS-2009-WUS
Recorded by engineer by Kurt Ballou at God City Studios, "True Nihilist" is The Hope Conspiracy's latest, and possibly greatest recorded effort to date. From the first seconds of opener "In The Shadow Of God", it is apparent that something wicked has awoken. With a rhythm section sounding like the beating heart of an animal about to pounce on its tender prey, the electricity they collectively create hangs in the air throughout the release. Making hairs stand on end before bursting out with their now trademark rage and intensity. Shockingly violent, this inhuman pace continues through the next ripper "Greed Taught...", until the epic closer "Dismal Tide" crashes down as emotional debris from the fury. All in all, the three masterful tracks that make up "True Nihilist" are The Hope Conspiracy in true form, truly untamable. Silencing the naysayers, this beast is back.
http://www.myspace.com/hopecon
Merauder-God_Is_I-2009-hXc
The most focused recording since Master Killer, God Is I finds Merauder in perfect form. Melding the band’s roots with a modern bite, the intent becomes immediately clear within seconds of the album’s suckerpunch opening riff; “Until” hones in on its listener and the chase begins. Runaway freight train grooves, mid-paced stomps, seething gang vocals and death metal drenched riffs all find themselves vying for supremacy amidst their patented NYHC delivery. From the punishing hooks and wailing solo on “Built on Blood” (featuring guest vocals by fellow Brooklyn Bastard Mike Scondotto of Inhuman) to the eviscerating Latin tongue of “Ahora,” the powerhouse vocals of Rosado single-handedly carry and crown the massive weight of Merauder’s latest.
Beaten up but never beaten down, God Is I pushes Merauder to the forefront of modern metal alongside heavyweights Lamb of God, Hatebreed and Shadows Fall. A true testament to the “never say die” New York City sensibility, God Is I carves a new path for Merauder in 2009, demanding redemption once and for all for metalcore’s unsung pioneers.
http://www.myspace.com/merauder
Carpathian-Shipwreck_AD-Split-EP-Vinyl-2009-GRAVEWISH
"This 7" gives listeners an opportunity to hear both Shipwreck AD and Carpathian playing live at the Somerville Factory Hall, in Victoria, Australia on their month long tour in the country. Carpathian perform "Insomnia" and "Cursed" off of their new LP "Isolation", while the record also features Shipwreck AD's "Mirage" off of their 2nd EP, and "Samur" off their debut LP "Abyss". The show featured a guerilla LARPing battle that made an impressive mark on the Australian hardcore scene, as well a mark of embarrassment for the American band." - J.D. (Shipwreck AD)
http://www.myspace.com/carpathian
http://www.myspace.com/shipwreckmv
Colin_Of_Arabia-Pain_Machines-2009-GRAVEWISH
In an era where Hardcore has been sliced and diced and its byproduct Metalcore is sold as a high end replacement to an era where there was more grit then glamour and more balls then precision, an act like Colin of Arabia was the only likely reaction to the corporate takeover of the beloved 'Core. Bands today deceive the masses by ducking under the pretenses of "Hardcore" building a legion of loyal fans within the underground only to use them as a weight in a major label deal. Yet it's the bands like Colin Of Arabia that not only place themselves at the heart of the scene but also facilitate its growth and its rebellion against the big glossy over priced glam versions of its roots. Colin Of Arabia are a rare breed of bands bent not on world domination and Warped Tour but of changing the face of Hardcore back to a time when it took more then a few visits to Hot Topic to make the cut out on the floor each weekend. Blood, sweat, never tears and countless halls and basements laid to waste is what is the legacy and destiny for Colin Of Arabia. Call it nihilistic outlet of aggression, call it punk and disorderly, and call it the return to the roots of where it all began.
http://www.myspace.com/coacentral
Cave_In-Planets_Of_Old-(Vinyl)-2009-SSR
Cave In are back. Simple as that. Planets of Old is a venerable tour-de-force of everything one could ever want from a Cave In album.
http://www.cavein.net/
http://www.myspace.com/cavein
Dead_Swans-Sleepwalkers-(Advance)-2009-ApoLLo
Dead Swans are the UKs newest attention-grabbing band. Dead Swans have made a name for themselves with a frantic sound that channels turn of the century Boston Hardcore of American Nightmare, Give Up The Ghost and Right Brigade with an influence from the discordant and broken melodies of later Black Flag-all set to the craziest live show in the UK. Their buzz has been fed by a relentless touring schedule from small rooms to huge venues with UK powerhouses Gallows and Bring Me The Horizon and following their Kerrang! Magazine award nomination as 2008s Best Newcomer, Dead Swans are well on their way to being one of the next big names in the worldwide punk scene.
http://www.myspace.com/thedeadswans
Dead_Swans-Southern_Blue-(Remastered)-2009-pLAN9
The UK's Dead Swans are a vitriolic mix of Boston's turn of the century hardcore like American Nightmare and Right Brigade, with a metallic and discordant side. This 9-song EP features their split 7" with Architects and the original 7-song Southern Blue EP.
http://www.myspace.com/thedeadswans
Coliseum-True_Quiet-Last_Wave-7inch-Vinyl-2009-hXc
"True Quiet / Last Wave" gives us the first taste of Coliseum's evolution since 2007's "No Salvation". The hook laden A Side "True Quiet" takes hold with its all too familiar story of self imposed isolation, told to a dc influenced metallic jangle. While the percussively driven B Side "Last Wave" serves as a hair raising commentary on the ethical and economical darkness of our present day. Both songs collectively embodying the honest artistry that defines Coliseum at their very core.
http://www.coliseumsoundsystem.com/
http://www.myspace.com/coliseum
Trapped_Under_Ice-Secrets_Of_The_World-2009-FNT
Continuing where 2008s Stay Cold EP left off, Secrets Of The World is the twelve track full length from Marylands new standard bearers of hardcore. The EP continues to sell to new audiences and is considered by many to be the hardcore record of that year. The album is designed to inspire self-reflection in a world that leaves you beaten and bleeding. With cover art painted by artistic luminary and musician Daniel Higgs (Lungfish), deluxe packaging, and the music inside, this is a must have for anyone interested in the genre. That being said, Secrets Of The World is poised to add the next level to their still embryonic legacy. Recorded in early 2009 by Dean Baltulonis at The Wild Artic studio in Queens, New York, the album is to be regarded as a classic icon of its time. A super personal approach is taken by T.U.I. front man Justice by using his life experiences as an allegory to the decaying urban society surrounding him. This uniquely autobiographical approach is what many feel separates T.U.I. from the pack.
http://underdaice.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/underdaice
Ringworm-The_Promise-(Reissue)-2003-PDN
Ringworm joined forces with Deathwish in early 2003 to reissue their classic album "The Promise". Often considered by many to be the finest full length album born from the Cleveland scene, "The Promise" paved the way for hardcore as we know it today. Soaring into a visceral darkness and metal heaviness that few dared before them. This collection features "The Promise" album in it's entirety, as well as their classic demo recording, and bonus tracks, all on one CD.
http://www.ringworm13.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ringworm13
Some_Girls-All_My_Friends_Are_Going_Death-(EP)-2004-RNS
Some Girls managed to turn the hardcore/punk world on its head with the release of their first two 7"EP's and live performances. This may have something to do with Some Girls being comprised of a cast of members that includes Wes Eisold (Give Up The Ghost, American Nightmare), Rob Moran (Unbroken), and Justin Pearson (The Locust) in their ranks.
This CD is a collection of both successful 7"EP's released on Deathwish. Also included is a very special bonus track. In total the collection boasts eleven rabid hardcore songs. All of them beautifully raw, unpolished, and altogether manic in their presentation.
http://www.somegirlshaveallthefuck.com/
http://www.myspace.com/somegirls
Terror-The_Lowest_Of_The_Low-2003-CHUPA
Terror set the world on fire in 2003 with their Bridge Nine debut "Lowest Of The Low." This is the original 9-song CD recorded at Mars Studio (Integrity, Mushroomhead) and they've become a worldwide household name in the hardcore scene since then.
http://www.terrorhc.com/
http://www.myspace.com/terror
Terror-One_With_The_Underdogs-Promo-CD-2004-QTXMp3
Quite possibly the most uncompromising band in hardcore, Terror's "One With The Underdogs" is one of the most celebrated albums in their discography. Absent of cheesy gimmicks or fly by night trends, Terror has taken the ethics and straightforward guitar assault of old school veterans like the Cro-Mags and Agnostic Front and effortlessly added their rapid fire drum lines and trademark double fisted vocal attack from front man, Scott Vogel. The band's resurgence of old school hardcore has helped to breathe life into a stagnant genre.
http://www.terrorhc.com/
http://www.myspace.com/terror
Modern_Life_Is_War-My_Love_My_Way-(Advance)-(Reissue)-2006-MP3
In their few short years of existence Modern Life Is War have grown into one of the most inspiring punk/hardcore bands the community has ever seen. Appealing to everyone from the jaded to the driven with their immeasurable heart and vigor.
Before there was "Witness", "My Love, My Way" was championed by many as one of the best contemporary hardcore albums ever. With it's long awaited reissue, this now classic debut album boasts revamped packaging, bonus tracks, as well as a complete remastering job. Breathing new life into a release that brought Modern Life Is War to the forefront of the hardcore/punk community.
http://www.modernlifeiswar.net/
http://www.myspace.com/modernlifeiswar
Modern_Life_Is_War-Witness-2005-eDG
Recorded and engineered by Kurt Ballou (Converge) at Godcity Studios in Salem MA. "Witness" was not only musical progression for the band, but artistic perfection. "Witness" was their true story of real life struggle in contemporary rural America. As importantly, "Witness" was also their artistic journey into the soul of personal rebellion. An introspective gaze into the bitter exile of their own lost generation. Lyrically captivating, musically discordant, and soulfully haunting, "Witness" was both the crowning achievement and well worn scar we all long to artistically create. Saying the words that we all wished we could say, in the name of the pain, beauty, and the hardship of living.
http://www.modernlifeiswar.net/
http://www.myspace.com/modernlifeiswar
Modern_Life_Is_War-Midnight_In_America-2007-FNT
Following up their universally acclaimed sophomore release, Witness, Modern Life Is War have strayed more than a little bit from the emotionally taught, cathartic sound they are best known for but are undeniably carving out their own niche. Midnight In America is, at its core, a blues record, an influence vaguely hinted at previously but expanded to epic proportions here. Incorporating folksy, distinctly Americana-inspired chord progressions and sludgier groove, the Black Flag and American Nightmare influences have taken a backseat to a more relaxed, languishing tone, although with no less venomous vocals. A rich, convincingly analog production allows the soulful delivery to snake its tendrils around the listener for even the more upbeat material positively drips with conviction and swampy menace. While they may alienate some of their original fan base, those interested in seeing a strong progression from one of the finest hardcore bands of our era would do well to soak this one in.
http://www.modernlifeiswar.net/
http://www.myspace.com/modernlifeiswar
Pelican-Ephemeral-(EP)-2009-FNT
It is with immense reverence that Southern Lord Recordings presents the new vinyl EP Ephemeral from Chicago heavy rock instrumental icons Pelican. Their genre-defying sound and eagerness to explore new musical directions made them a obvious choice to join the Southern Lord roster. They fit perfectly alongside like-minded bands like Earth, Boris and Sunn 0))). Ephemeral was recorded at Red Room studios in Seattle, WA by Chris Common (These Arms Are Snakes drummer). This new material is much heavier, darker and very riff-orientated. Joining Pelican on the Earth cover "The Geometry of Murder" is none other than the man who wrote the song himself: Dylan Carlson. This was a very special moment for the band as they have been heavily influenced by Earth throughout their career. These new songs are a very exciting sign of great things to come from Pelican!
http://www.hydrahead.com/pelican/
http://www.myspace.com/pelican
Coalesce-OX-2009-hXc
Ox is more than a great record it’s the return of a band that actually gave a damn. Coalesce was a group that understood hardcore and wanted to see it move forward and grow into something entirely new and exciting. I suppose after ten years of watching hacks try to claim their crown Coalesce had no choice but to make an album as superior as Ox. I’m hoping more bands take note for this record and that Hardcore, the true future of Hardcore, can be brought back from the brink.
http://www.crashandbang.com/
http://www.myspace.com/coalesce
Pulling_Teeth-Paranoid_Delusions-Paradise_Illusions-2009-iTS
"Paranoid Delusions | Paradise Illusions" is the latest work from Baltimore hardcore mainstays, Pulling Teeth. Painstakingly recorded and engineered by Chris Camden at Ultrasound over a three month period, "Paranoid Delusions | Paradise Illusions" is a conceptual piece of immense artistic depth and darkness.
Songs like the bruising "Unsatisfied" dig deep to reveal monstrous dirges that rival any doom metal artist. While the Slayer influenced "Bloodwolves" is as volatile and infectious as a song can be. Though the aforementioned songs are truly brilliant works, it is Pulling Teeth's new found mastery of emotional ebb and flow which shines as their real strength. This awe inducing quality is revealed in the stunning two title tracks, "Paranoid Delusions | Paradise Illusions". Collectively both songs are a monumental achievement of soulful guitar work, Moog driven textures, and insightful prose. A near perfect example of how a band can evolve without abandoning the heart and raw energy that defines the "hardcore/punk" genre at its very core.
http://www.pullingteethmd.com/
http://www.myspace.com/pullingteethmd
Narrows-New_Distances-2009-GRAVEWISH
It seems fitting that the album cover art is that of a hand right out of Grey’s Anatomy book superimposed on a road map transparency in front of a dark forest, because Narrows have clearly created a new blueprint of emotionally aggressive music to be followed in the hardcore genre. This band is a lot more than a “supergroup”. They are a powerhouse to be reckoned with. Narrows is a mighty Viking warrior and New Distances is the great sword they are wielding to conquer all. Fans of hardcore music will be talking about this record for a long time. Trust me on this.
- mammothpress.com
http://www.myspace.com/narrows
Ulcerate-Everything_is_Fire-2009-GRAVEWISH
anyone willing to properly invest themselves in this album will know that Ulcerate have delivered something amazing and, dare I say it, visionary with their efforts here. Rarely do I hear extreme metal so deep and engrossing, so chaotic on the surface and yet so meticulously calculated underneath. Aside from being as brutally heavy as anything you'll hear this year, Everything Is Fire is a bold look into the darkest abysses of the human psyche, communicated through music so technically articulate and seething with rage that it commands your utmost attention. So lock yourself in your room, turn the lights off, get some good headphones, and experience this album, as it demands to be experienced.
-metalreview.com
http://www.ulcerate-official.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ulcerate
Graf_Orlock-Destination_Time_Today-(LP)-2009-FNT
Destination Time Today is the third installment of Graf Orlock’s chronology bending cinema-grind trilogy begun in 2006 and 2007. This new testament to nebulous ideas and bodily harm surveys such time honored themes as presidential assassination, robotic domination, and the pitfalls of pre-historic survival. Aesthetically, Destination Time Today continues a barrage of thrash and incomprehensible anger, while interweaving a filthy compliment of slow and grating depression, all within a two minute framework of ill- imagined social commentary.
http://www.graforlock.com
http://www.myspace.com/graforlock
Sick_of_it_All-Built_to_Last-1997-FTS
Built to Last proves exactly that, as it seems there is no end in the near future for hardcore veterans Sick of It All. Once again offering a solid package of fast-paced hardcore punk, the New York natives succeed in churning out a handful of new streetwise anthems, including "Closer," "Us vs. Them," and "Burn 'Em Down." Built to Last writes another chapter in Sick of It All's lengthy career.
http://www.sickofitall.com/
http://www.myspace.com/sickofitallny
Hatebreed-Satisfaction_is_the_Death_of_Desire-1997-SRPMp3
Hatebreed encompasses all of what the latest strain of metal-tinged East Coast hardcore is about. While the metal influence is obvious in the vocals and the chunka verse sections, the band stands firmly in hardcore territory lyrically. It’s about environment and experience. The main reason this band sounds so good is that they are a complete package. Amazing vocals backed by a powerful and solid rhythm section, they never stray too far into the deep end of speed-core and never get bogged down in overly righteous preaching -juicemag
http://www.hatebreed.com/
http://www.myspace.com/hatebreed
Agoraphobic_Nosebleed_&_Converge-The_Poacher_Diaries-1999-FMA
"Vicious grindcore behemoths Agoraphobic Nosebleed detonate 9 Molotov cocktails sure to light a fire under caffeine-addled velocity junkies the world over. Akin to being dissected in a glass tornado, ANb is auditory warfare of the most elevated order. Take cover or be destroyed. A bludgeoning blend of hardcore hostility and metallic malice, the Boston kill team Converge hammer home six feverish classics of lawless intensity." -Relapse
http://www.agoraphobicnosebleed.com/
http://www.myspace.com/agoraphobicnb
http://www.convergecult.com/
http://www.myspace.com/converge
Between_The_Buried_and_Me-The_Silent_Circus-2003-phEAR
Incorporating all styles of metal and hardcore with moshy double bass and spacey, poignant rock, Between The Buried And Me’s dizzying opuses are sure to redefine pre-existing notions of "metalcore". Between The Buried And Me find a way to make heavy music refined yet powerful, inventive yet distinct, at times chaotic, then soothing. With a myriad of influences ranging from their hardcore and metal roots to artists like the Smashing Pumpkins and Dream Theater, "The Silent Circus" is a sincere, artistic album that will revolutionize the face of heavy music.
http://www.betweentheburiedandme.com/
http://www.myspace.com/betweentheburiedandmeband
Cursed-One-2003-RNS
Cursed are Canada's metallic monstrosity fronted by vocalist/lyricist Chris Colohan formely of The Swarm, Left For Dead, and Ruination. The band also features former Ire and Black Hand members.
"One", their debut album, clocks in with 11 memorable songs. Each one as epic in scale and as sonically damaging as the next. Bringing to mind the most powerful qualities of Discharge, Venom, and Entombed. All the while branding their own poetic mark in the virgin flesh of today's hardcore/punk community.
http://www.your-funeral.com/
ISIS--Wavering_Radiant-(Ipecac)-Promo-2009-UKi
"This is a better sonic representation of what the band actually sounds like. In the past I think some of the recordings were a little too clean in their final form. There was something about the energy that seemed to be lacking. It seems to feel more like us than anything else has." - Aaron Turner
"I feel a sense of completion with this record that I've never felt before. We spent more time creating this record than we have with any other, and I feel in my heart that this record is in many ways our best." - Aaron Harris
http://www.isistheband.com/
http://www.myspace.com/sgnl05
Into_The_Moat-The_Campaign-2009-FNT
Into the Moat has not taken a new direction on The Campaign but has evolved as musicians, creating a more moody record which was attributed to the bands ever expanding taste in music. "The Campaign was written with more attention to detail. We are no longer just trying to play to our physical limits. This record still sounds like Into the Moat, but one can look forward to more exploration of riffs, and melody. This record has a very organic sound, which is something we have always strived for. We did explore with layering on certain parts for dynamic affect. For instance; we experimented with having three or more guitars and more than one bass" Kit explains.
The Campaign, which is a concept album, was recorded at Mana Studios with producer Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal, Soilent Green), who also happened to record the band's first full-length The Design. "Even back from the EP, Means by Which the End is Justified, we have had a plan for our albums. The Campaign is exactly what it states. It is the conflict, which is represented in the lyrics and the music as well. Each song is focused from a different view point on war and other conflicts."http://www.myspace.com/intothemoat
Cro-Mags-The_Age_of_Quarrel-LP-1986-slit
Formed by New York punk child prodigy Harley Flanagan and guitarist Parris Mayhew, the Cro-Mags helped define the East Coast hardcore movement with their now legendary debut, Age of Quarrel. Originally released on Profile Records, the 15-track collection was later combined with the band's 1989 follow-up, Best Wishes, as a single 22-song package. Joining Flanagan (bass) and Mayhew (guitars) on Age of Quarrel are vocalist John "Bloodclot" Joseph, drummer Mackie Jayson, and co-guitarist Doug Holland. Together, these musicians are considered the quintessential Cro-Mags lineup and this is their only recording together. Near record-setting member changes plagued the band and the considerable momentum created by this debut was never capitalized on. Age of Quarrel is loaded with hardcore classics like "World Peace," "We Gotta Know," and "Street Justice." On these cuts and throughout the record, Mayhew presents what were at the time cutting-edge post-Motorhead punk/metal riffs, and the entire group execute their roles with passion, dexterity, and extreme focus. It's practically impossible to understand or appreciate New York hardcore without first spending time listening to Age of Quarrel... http://www.cro-mags.com/
At_The_Drive-In-Relationship_of_Command-2000-iTS
Relationship of Command is ATDI's battle cry. If there were any straggling semi-fans still wondering the planes of the post-punk wave, unsure weather or not to be captured by the wrath of At The Drive –In, Relationship of Command pretty much seals the deal. There was little in the way of commercial concessions on Relationship of Command, as the album prompted the band to become known globally. Rampaging guitar riffs, turbo-charged drumming, and super-emotive, lung-challenging vocals are the order of the day. The lyrics are often elliptical, and it's sometimes hard to tell what the boys are going on about, it is exactly this that makes the album so brilliant, and it absolutely works to their advantage, allowing the listeners to fill in the blanks. Slightly more refined than some of their contemporaries, but undeniably hard-hitting, Relationship of Command puts At the Drive-In proudly at the center of circa-2000 heavy rock. www.myspace.com/atdi
100_Demons-Self_Titled-2004-BUTT
Connecticut has always been a breeding ground for heavy and menacing music. After five years of progression, 100 Demons rose to the forefront of that influential Connecticut hardcore community. The 100 Demons approach is monstrous, rich with hardcore intensity and gut wrenching metallic precision. Encapsulating a pure viciousness and ravenous intensity that few ever could achieve. Sicker, meaner, and outright harder than any of their contemporaries. 100 Demons truly are as heavy as they come.
http://myspace.com/100demons
Damaged-Damaged-2006-NOiR
Ten tracks of fast-paced aggressive punk hardcore from this Wellington 4-piece that features ex-members of Evil Priest, Guest Stabs Host, Promise of Bloodshed and The Deadline. This is a return to the ethic and sound that is lacking in hardcore today; constantly being overshadowed by passing notions of style over substance and making 'safe' and unoffensive music to appeal to an incresingly apathetic 'consumer' market. Imagine a mixture between the old school speed and rawness of Negative Approach, the metallic edge of Ringworm and Madball's mid-paced groove. Lyrically, topics range from celebrity culture and mainstream apathy to moronic hardcore clones and religious fundamentalism.
http://www.myspace.com/damagednz
Converge-Jane_Doe-2001-DVT
Released during the turbulent times in September 2001, "Jane Doe" was one of the darkest, bleakest, and most punishing acts of musical emoting ever committed to tape. "Jane Doe" took Converge's musical aggression, creativity and penchant for artistic nihilism-as-therapy to unparalleled emotional depths. While unmistakably Converge in sound, it reached harsher and more emotionally draining levels of abuse, relenting on, but not entirely abandoning, technical precision to focus on emotional upheavals and an all-or-nothing buffeting.
In the end, aggressive music would never be the same, as this 12-step conceptual journey of despair and loss, raised the bar musically and visually for the genre forever.
http://www.convergecult.com
Mr_Bungle-Disco_Volante-MrFred-FJCA
Mr. Bungle is the musical equivalent of a David Lynch movie. On its uncompromising second release, Disco Volante, the group focuses its sound a bit more than on its 1991 self-titled debut but still keeps things unruly and completely unpredictable. This is a band whose sole purpose is to break all the pre-existing rules of music and doesn't think twice about taking chances. What they've created in the process is a totally original and new musical style and an album that sounds like nothing that currently exists. The group, whose members go by aliases, may be the most talented rock instrumentalists today, as they skip musical genres effortlessly, while Mike Patton illustrates why many consider him to be the best singer in rock. The group tackles plodding death metal "Everyone I Went to High School With Is Dead", deranged children's songs "After School Special", and a Middle Eastern techno number that has to be heard to be believed "Desert Search for Techno Allah". Many of the songs radically change genres mid-song, encompassing the sounds of Ennio Morricone, John Zorn, Frank Zappa, and other heretofore unthought-of musical mutations. Not music to unwind to after a hard day, but it will challenge your mind when the right mood hits.http://www.mrbungle.com/
Doomriders-Black_Thunder-(Advance)-2005-eDG
This Black Thunder is the meteorological by-product of no apocalyptic horsemen; rather, it’s the new album from Boston-based supergroup of sorts, Doomriders. Taking their metallic cues from every classic rocker in the book and amplifying them the fuck up, Black Thunder is the record those moved to devil-horn high-fives by recent Relapse releases – Mastodon, High On Fire – will throw on while chugging back chilled beers and rocking the fuck out for no reason other than that they can. It’s raw, rampant, and thoroughly fun. Kurt Ballou (Converge) captured it, and the transfer from live room to CD doesn’t lessen the quartet’s impact one iota. This is brilliant bombast, from thunderous opening title track to cataclysmic finish, ‘Sirens’.
http://www.myspace.com/doomriders
Suicidal_Tendencies-Suicidal_Tendencies-1983-EOS
One of the most underrated bands, but respected no matter what, the Suicidal Tendencies brilliant debut album is an all time classic. "Institutionalized" remains an all time classic song of vocalist Mike Muir venting so much its unbelievable, while "I Shot the Devil" and "I Saw Your Mommy" are just great punk/thrash songs that you can easily get into. The Suicidal Tendencies are without a doubt one of the most influential bands in the past 25 years, and they make pretenders show how its really done. http://www.suicidaltendencies.com/
Temple_Of_The_Morning_Star_(Remastered)-Promo-CD-2006-QTXMp3
After three infamously influential albums on Amphetamine Reptile Records and numerous tours with Helmet, Neurosis, and more, Today Is the Day moved to the grounds of the Relapse compound and unleashed it's most definitive album to date: the legendary Temple of the Morning Star. Reverend Steve Austin had overcome extreme band and personal turmoil, and his maniacally negative personal frustration shaped the 18 track service wholly deserving worship, contemplation, and reverence. Temple of the Morning Star indoctrinated tens of thousands of new members, strengthened the faith of the previously converted and was lavished with critical acclaim from the likes of Guitar, Thrasher, AP, Kerrang, Metal Hammer, Terrorizer and dozens more. Temple... was the most widely circulated TITD album, and over the span of a year it allowed the band to grow from an infamous fringe group to the wildly influential band of today. Temple of the Morning Star is an undisputed classic.http://www.myspace.com/todayistheday
Cave_In-Until_Your_Heart_Stops-1999-DVT
This was ahead of its time - in their hardcore heyday, Cave In were towering sky-high over all of their contemporaries. Cave In released the original metalcore masterpiece. They virtually invented that melodic metalcore sound that we've heard in so many modern pretenders - often imitated but never bettered. Cave In's music was complex, chaotic and often bizarrely beautiful. Songs would leap from riff to riff, with strange chord sequences giving birth to sheets of guitar noise, jarring discordance, rasped screams and unnerving clean vocals from Stephen Brodsky. Oh, and they were killer. For evidence of this, check out Halo of Flies, Moral Eclipse or, most obviously, the spaced-out brutality of Juggernaut. The most impressive thing about the record is that ten years on, despite the onslaught of wave upon wave of bad metalcore bands, it doesn't sound outdated at all. Perhaps that's because after releasing Until Your Heart Stops, Cave In decided wisely to shift to a completely different space-rock sound for their following releases, bidding farewell to the metalcore "scene" before it even showed a hint of stagnance.http://www.cavein.net/
http://www.myspace.com/cavein
Botch-We_Are_the_Romans-2000-DVT
Botch’s We Are the Romans was released in 2000, and it stands out today as one of Hydra Head Records’ greatest releases. Hydra Head had staked out an image as the source for smart, arty hardcore, and Botch were a perfect fit for the label.Technical and progressive without being tech metal, Botch employed huge, crushing breakdowns that were tangibly heavy without ever seeming gimmicky or stupid. They were a perfect amalgam of everything that was cool about “experimental” hardcore at the time without ever coming off as derivative.
Hardcore cliches are mostly absent on We Are the Romans — Botch do techy metalcore in a way that somehow sounds new and special. The tightly wound songs jump from riff to riff without ever losing focus, and the album follows an arc that sees technical speed gradually replaced with a slow brutality, ending with an acapella chant, one final massive riff, and a hidden drum and bass track.http://www.myspace.com/botch
VA-Black_On_Black-A_Tribute_To_Black_Flag-2006-RNS
What if a bunch of hardcore and metal bands got together and did remakes of old Black Flag songs? Huh? What if? Well, in this case it’d be called “Black on Black: A Tribute to Black Flag” and feature artists such as Bleeding Through, Zao, Black Dahlia Murder, Converge, Burnt by the Sun, Coalesce, Dillinger Escape Plan and more. Of course, the beauty of a trib like this, besides reveling in the heavy and metallic onslaught, is to hear classic tunage from that punk band of no mean stature or else to hear some old school punk through a filter of modern heaviness, to pay respects to the band obliquely. Of course, each track, while harkening back to classic punk stylings on one level or another, is considerably heavier than the originals. And since it’s a whole variety of bands here, the style varies a bit from song to song, allowing for a more dynamic listening experience.
Some_Girls-Heavens_Pregnant_Teens-2006-SDR
Some Girls is a five-person assault out of the sleepy Navy town of San Diego, comprised of the creme de la crass of musicians from that city's famed hardcore/punk underground. Fronted by Give Up The Ghost and American Nightmare's Wes Eisold, the band features a who's who of hardcore players from The Locust, Plot To Blow Up The Eiffel Tower, Unbroken, Over My Dead Body, Swing Kids, and Crimson Curse. This is their first full-length; an unrelenting musical psychosis, adding new dimensions of brutality to Some Girls' now-trademark thrash attack.
Mare-Mare-EP-2004-iTS
It’s not every day a record comes along with few reference points, or with little or no context. Granted, anyone familiar with Mare’s label might guess that this Canadian act is at least hardcore if not all-out metallic. And, yes, Mare is as brutal as its Hydra Head label-mates (if not more so). But the band is also more pastoral, more ethereal. And on “Palaces” they do both heavy and light on the...
-decibelhttp://www.mare.ca/
Integrity-Walpurgisnacht-7Inch-Vinyl-2008-hXc
Integrity have been surrounded by myth, controversy, and legend for much of their almost 20 year existence. Along with fellow Cleveland monsters Ringworm, they are responsible for laying the foundation for metallic hardcore as we know it. Not only dictating, but literally defining the wave of musical darkness that continuously influences those at the forefront of the aggressive music scene. You can hear their direct influence in bands like Rise And Fall, Converge, Hatebreed, and more."Walpurgisnacht" features two brand new tracks from this legendary hardcore from Cleveland.
http://www.theblackestcurse.com/
http://www.myspace.com/integrity
Fugazi-13_Songs-1989-FLC
Ian MacKaye once again proves to be on the know and a forward thinker. Fugazi takes music like Minor Threat and pushes it to a new level, but in a completely different way. It's pretty easy to see why bands such as At the Drive-In were so influenced by this style of music that would be later on known as post-hardcore. Guitars are used the most effectively here, in a sort of way that paved the path along with a few other bands in that certain alternative direction away from what others were doing. That heavier guitar tone over lighter verses with more abrasive singing made for wonderful songs that stood out as creative and intelligent. Fugazi manages to rock all the way through too, keeping the punk spirit alive and adding in just a little of their own extra ideas. The traded off vocals really add to the effect and get you a little more hyped up. Since 13 Songs is two EP's tacked into one, you can actually hear the dividing line between each release and the growth that occurred in that short amount of time. A must have in punk history.
Bad_Brains-I_Against_I-1986-psed
After the first of their countless breakups, the Bad Brains reconvened in 1986 to record this, their undeniable masterwork. Fusing dub reggae and funk rhythms into the mix, and slowing the tempo down enough to appeal to hardcore's emergent metal crossover audience, the Bad Brains created one of the most powerful collections the '80s produced in any genre. On "I Against I" and "House of Suffering," the quartet suffuses traditional Jamaican spiritualism with modern urban concerns, while the soaring "Sacred Love" is guaranteed to send shivers down the spine of anyone with any soul whatsoever. An essential release.
http://www.badbrains.com/
Paint_It_Black-New_Lexicon-2008-FNTIt’s hard to do something truly different in a genre like hardcore. The rules are set, and there’s not much room to do anything really left-field. Unless you’re Paint it Black, and you enlist an abstract hip-hop producer to make your third full-length. An all-out aggressive assault that works as a perfect homage to ‘80s American hardcore, New Lexicon differentiates itself through the use of bat-shit crazy interludes and breakdowns, melding straight-up hardcore with unexplored electronic sonic textures. In lesser hands, it could have failed miserably. But it rules. http://www.paintitblack.org/http://www.myspace.com/paintitblack
Psyopus-Odd_Senses-Promo-2009-QTXMp3
Odd Senses taps into one part cutting edge tech metal album, one part Pig Destroyer EP, one part chamber ensemble and five parts LSD hang over, all adding up to what the band believes to be as an unprecedented interpretation of extreme music's possibilities. Sonically, the amalgam of genres and subgenres, ranging from jazz to metal and beyond, will no doubt garner the admiration of music aficionados and metal heads alike.
http://www.psyopus.com/
http://www.myspace.com/psyopus
Lords-Fuck_All_Yall_Mother_Fuckers-2008-FNT
From its abrasive title through to tracks such as “Man, Everything Sucks,” “Why I Don’t Give A Fuck” and “‘Cause All Of You Are Fucked,” there’s a theme that runs through Lords’ Fuck All Y’All Motherfuckers and it’s certainly not euphoria. Channelling that aggression and frustration into a bastardized amalgam of the Melvins’ oddball cacophony, Slayer’s endless chug riffing and Black Flag’s incensed fury, these 16 tracks are an endless assault of snide humour, vicious musicianship and overbearing distortion. Rarely does smug attitude result in such sloppy brilliance.
http://www.myspace.com/lordsoflouisville
Ceremony-Still_Nothing_Moves_You-(Advance)-2008-FNT
Probably the only band capable of turning a hilarious statement like, “I won’t be skullfucked by faith” into a chant-worthy anthem, Ceremony redefine what it means to be venomous, chaotic and fucking heavy on latest release Still Nothing Moves You. Attacking with the vehement energy of Trash Talk yet coming even further left of the pack via influences from ’90s hardcore outfits such as Tragedy, Ceremony hammer off endless minute-long blasts of seething hatred in rapid repetition that all but paralyze with their frustration and anger. In the case of Still Nothing Moves You, this results in 21 minutes of nerve-wracking hardcore that borders on grind thanks to choppy distortion, thudding double-bass drums and a scorching vocal attack. Dissonant and dreary while still able to instigate the motherfucker in any old school crossover fan, Still Nothing Moves You is hardcore’s equivalent of Hiroshima.
http://www.ceremonyhc.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ceremony
Polar_Bear_Club-Sometimes_Things_Just_Disappear-2008-BUTTSometimes Things Just Disappear is the 10 song debut full length from upstate NY's newest favorite sons Polar Bear Club. Combining the aggression of the hardcore scene they came from with melody and dynamics allows them to be one of the most innovative bands around.
http://www.polarblogclub.com/
http://www.myspace.com/polarbearclub
Daughters-Hell_Songs-Japanese_Retail-2006-hXcThis is a group that makes an artform out of intensity, playing intricate guitar figures that intersect and weave in and out of one another while the double bass chugs and the vocals glug-glug. They have yet to record a bad song. With Canada Songs, they made it sound easy. With Hell Songs, they don't glide as effortlessly around their junkyard of twisted metal, but their vision is so pure, their skills so honed, they ace the dreaded sophomore-album exam.http://www.wearedaughters.com/
http://www.myspace.com/daughters1
Cold_World-Dedicated_To_Babies_Who_Came_Feet_First-2008-FNT
Over a year in the making this album was produced and engineered by Biohazard guitarist Billy Graziadei at his Underground Sound Studios. The 15 songs that make up "Dedicated..." tell a chilling real life tale of struggle in the world as we know it today. From the opening bounce of "Boom Bye Bye" it's apparent that Cold World's musical grit and power have risen to new levels to tell that story. This artistic progression is reinforced as the album unfolds. When the title track "Dedicated..." explodes forth (ft. guest vocals by George of Blacklisted), it's clear that the band have crafted an unforgettable hardcore anthem. While standouts "Roaches And Rats" and "Whagwan (ft. Warrior Queen)" combine a bleak lyrical commentary, hip-hop character, and hardcore intensity as only Cold World can. And with "Do The Knowledge" and "Time To Break Down" Cold World pay homage to longtime influences Life Of Agony and Biohazard, weaving together polished melodic vocal hooks and metal/crossover heaviness. Altogether these twists and turns create an album as sonically diverse as it is infectious. Ultimately propelling Cold World into their own untouchable class; surely to be imitated, but never to be duplicated.http://www.myspace.com/thecoldworld
Young_Widows-Old_Wounds-2008-hXc
While there are countless bands presenting some sort of porcine-fornicating ruckus with indecipherable lyrics, Young Widows do so with a touch more melody, a smidge more precision and high replay value. As cathartic as it may be to take some aural pummeling from time to time, it's best if the band doing the beatdown is letting the listener in on some of the fun. Young Widows do just that, generously churning out some truly enjoyable noise and inflicting a few bruises in the process.
http://www.youngwidows.net/
http://www.myspace.com/youngwidows
Black_Flag-Damaged-1981-ATR
Black Flag- Damaged is an ideal and therefore perfect place for a fan to start off on the sub-genre. By looking at the cover, you can tell the topics in the album themselves won't be exactly brought upon very lightly, and the near-excellent musicianship as well as the bold assurance stance that is coming from Rollins truly makes this one of the most definite, most groundbreaking hardcore albums of all time.
Torche-Meanderthal-(Japanese_Retail)-CD-2008-COR
With a vast majority of Meanderthal's songs coming in at less than three minutes, and many shorter than two minutes long, Torche swiftly proves themselves to be the antithesis of knuckle-dragging noodlers. A crisp and powerful extension of the dirty grooves and sunny harmonies of their debut, Meanderthal is a prime example of how well metal and pop go together when balanced just right. Too far in one direction, and you're too muddy for a party, but too much of a tilt to the other leaves one at grunge. What Torche does is find that perfect line at which hooks and low end carnage can coexist harmoniously.
-treblezine
http://www.torchemusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/torche
108-A_New_Beat_From_A_Dead_Heart-2007-pLAN9
Their first proper studio album in over a decade, "A New Beat From A Dead Heart" was recorded and engineered by Kurt Ballou (Converge) at Godcity Studios. With the opening bass line of "Declarations On A Grave", 108 transports listeners to a new aural plane with it's jarring grit and intensity. Standout track "Three Hundred Liars" is as musically infectious as they come, pulsing and writhing through it's many sonic twists and turns. And elsewhere on the album "Angel Strike Man" soars with a Bad Brains-esque white hot anger while "The Sad Truth" cuts deep with repetition and poignant poetic vocal styling. These, along with the other songs on the album, are all sonically unique and spiritually invigorating. Redefining "heavy" with their controlled chaos, drive to enlighten, and will to inspire through sound. All of these qualities make "A New Beat From A Dead Heart" the kind of rare artistic achievement that few bands could ever attain.
http://www.weare108.com/
http://www.myspace.com/108music
Life_Long_Tragedy-Runaways-2008-FNT
Over a year in the making, "Runaways" captures the raw beauty that weeps from the core of Life Long Tragedy. Songs like "The Bottomless Hole" and "Hey Death" showcase their bold growth, finding confidence at slower tempos and in more open song writing than their contemporaries. While "Youth" and "Ignoring Lessons" race forth with the rabid rebellious energy that Life Long Tragedy have been previously been known for. All of this is complimented by some of the most heart wrenching lyrics and crude melodies in recent memory. All together, these qualities make "Runaways" an infectious effort that will be championed my many for years to come.http://www.lifelongtragedy.net/
http://www.myspace.com/lifelongtragedy
VA-Disfear-Doomriders-Split-7Inch-Vinyl-2008-hXc
To celebrate their long standing friendship, Disfear and Doomriders have paired up to release a brand new limited split 7"EP, a joint effort between Disfear's own self ran label, Disfear Records (European territories) and Doomriders' label home, Deathwish (All other territories). With Doomriders, we get a glimpse into their progression since "Black Thunder" in the soon to be classic, "Crooked Path". Easily one of their best songs to date, "Crooked Path" pounds forth with grit, melody, and emotion unlike anything else out there today. On the other side, Disfear unleash the hook laden "Fear And Trembling". This is their first effort since their classic "Live The Storm" album was released by their current label home, Relapse Records. "Fear And Trembling" is a stellar song that expands the boundaries of the D-Beat world that Disfear dominate to this day.http://www.myspace.com/disfear
http://www.myspace.com/doomriders
Narrows-Narrows-7_Inch-Vinyl-2008-KzT
Narrows, an all-star group of musicians from acts like Unbroken, Some Girls, These Arms Are Snakes, and Botch, has offered up quite an impressive EP for their Deathwish debut. Fans of all of the aforementioned bands, as well as Breather Resist and Deathwish-style hardcore, will find a lot to love in this self-titled release. And then we'll all join together to anxiously wait for what matters most: a full-length...http://www.myspace.com/narrows
