Strike Hard

Strike Hard represents Connecticut hardcore scene and their style of choice is probably best described a beatdown hardcore. It took me ages to post this interview online so the big news is: the EP they're talking about here has been already recorded with Kurt Zikaras, the lead singer and guitar player of The Tired And True. I'd suggest you keep attention to what they're up to and when the EP drops, you check it out!

For those unfamiliar with the band - what do you want people to know about the band and your music or message?

We are all about having a good time and having fun! Regardless of how hateful our lyrics may be hahaha

How did you all meet and how long have you all been a band?

Well three of our members were in a previous band together.. That band ended and like 8 months down the road we decided to bring that band back but after listening to the songs again we figured we would just start a new band. We still play one song from when we were the previous band. But we have all been a band for around 8 months so far.

What's the toughest struggle for the band like yours? What's the biggest wall to get over?

Biggest struggle.. I would say sticking out from all the other bands out there right now. And I think our biggest wall is people saying we sound like Recon hahaha I think we are a bit different but personally I like Recon so its kind of a compliment..

For those who have not heard anything from you how would you describe band's playing sound?

This is a hard question to answer.. Beatdown hardcore I'd say.

What have you released so far?

So far we have only released a 3 song demo.

Who are your strongest musical influences and why?

Well our band draws influence from a ton of different bands but some are

Terror
Hatebreed
Death Before Dishonor
The Acacia Strain

I could go on forever but those are some of the main influences.. and all of those bands are just super awesome hahaha

And where do you draw your inspiration from when it comes to the lyrics?

From everyday life and all the people who surround me friends, family, and enemies too haha

Tell me about band's performance element – what should kids expect from your live show?

Lots of energy! Lots of fun! If you come out to one of our shows expect to laugh at some of the shit we do on stage haha and you might get rushed by our bassist if you're not moving and to most likely get hit if you're standing anywhere near the dance floor! hahaha

Tell us what you have coming up that we can check for. Plans, gigs and releases planned for the upcoming months?

Well we are recording our first EP in about a week with Keith Holuk of Ligeia.. Planning on some merch soon and lots of shows! We are really really stoked on a show we have coming up on January 21st with DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR, CASEY JONES, THE MONGOLOIDS, HUNDREDTH, AND MANNERS!

Any closing thoughts?

To anyone who has listened to us, watched our set, danced at a show, or even told us we suck! Thank you for giving us chance at least and checked us out! and to the kids GO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSIC SCENE!!!!

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Upcoming 7" split featuring Black Friday 29 / For The Glory / Last Mile / City To City

Black Friday 29: Directly from Ruhrpott (Germany) they present their NYHC with a melodic edge riffs blended with its most raw, direct and strong riffs. Recently the band called it a day but left behind an interesting journey, one of the biggest German hardcore bands ever and one of the oldest in Europe. For fans of Death Before Dishonor. For The Glory: The Lisbon-Porto connection makes this project unique. Currently one of the older bands of the Portuguese hardcore scene launches this song as a preview of what will be in their next full length. Expect hardcore with loads of flow, good deal of balance and fast parts that will make you wanna dive and circle pit like hell. For fans of No Warning / Terror. Last Mile: Featuring members and former members of separate projects as Hatesphere / Barcode, these Danish guys do not give a truce in the intensity with which practice their hardcore. Fast, furious and with breakdowns that will make you go crazy for sure. For fans of bands like Sick Of It All / Madball. City To City: From the cold, gray streets of industrial Germany, they deliver a dose of heavy hardcore, with lyrics about everyday life and living in this society governed by money. With great flow and attitude, C2C can transport the listener into their reality ... For fans of Breakdown. Orders: info@hellxis.com.

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Overcome has returned

Official band's statement: Overcome has returned. But, this is not a reunion. This is a new era of the band. As time moves on life will always have its challenges and changes. Jason Stinson the front man and main song writer for Overcome lead the band through 7 years of these challenges and changes. All of them rewarding. For the last several years it was time to focus and do "life" apart from this band. Now a new opportunity has once again become a reality and Overcome has returned with new members and new music. More important than all of this isn't what has changed, but what hasn't and will never change. That is our purpose and our message. Be ready... a new flame is burning.

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New Providence song: Vengeance Over Victory!

French war machine Providence has posted new song online on its Myspace some time ago. The new track is called Vengeance Over Victory and is taken from upcoming 7" King Of Klubz/Providence split which is due out in January 2011 on On The Attack Records. This will be limited edition! Mastered by Len Carmichael ( Shattered Realm, Nothing Left 2 Mourn, Barricade, CDC, Steel Nation, Barricade...) Providence has also announced "Time For Grievance Tour" in February, when they gonna play Belgium, France, Germany and Poland to promote this release.

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Think Fast! signs No Turning Back - "Take Control" out April 19th!

Think Fast! Records is extremely proud to announce the signing of European's reigning hardcore kings, No Turning Back. The band just wrapped up recording their new full length effort, "Take Control" which will see a release on American soil on April 19th.

"I've known Martijn (vocals) for many years and have always admired his inability to slow down" comments Think Fast! co-owner Ryan O'Connor. "He doesn't seem to let anything or anyone keep his band from moving on and you have to respect that. We're very much looking forward to working with Martijn and the rest of the guys for the U.S. release of their new album."

Having previously released a slew of noteworthy material, including two albums under the belt of Bridge 9, No Turning Back is no stranger to the american hardcore/punk scene. The band has also logged countless miles of tour history, including support for modern contemporaries and legends alike - Sick Of It All, Hatebreed, Ignite, Gorilla Biscuits, Terror, and Bad Brains to name a few. Territory has never been hard to cover either. Last year alone, No Turning Back became one of the first ever European hardcore bands to hit exotic locations like China, Costa Rica, New Zealand and even South Africa.

Describing the album and meaning behind the title, vocalist Martijn Van Den Heuvel notes: "The record really is about us taking control not only as a band but also as individuals. This last year we had band members starting a van rental company for bands, a booking agency and even a workshop for custom built drum kits. The music and the lifestyle have become absorbed in our day to day lives. We feel Take Control is us documenting growing up and becoming adults while still remaining true to the ideals we had as 15 year old kids playing rudimentary music in our parents' garage."

With the release of "Take Control" on limited LP and digital formats, look for the non-stop work ethic to continue to be a driving force behind No Turning Back. Stay tuned for tour updates and more details on the release. Also, as a side note, this marks the first release of a European band on Think Fast! Records. United Worldwide.

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Worlds Below - 7" and merch available now!

Worlds Below is a hardcore band from San Antonio, Texas with a members of Hardside. The band plays hardcore with a dash of metal, just in time for winter. You can pick up the Worlds Below hoodie,shirt, and 7 at Irish Voodoo Records webstore.

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Pre-order for Hardside - Crucified 7"

Pre-orders are up at the Hellfish Family store for Crucified, the debut 7″ from Hardside. You can check out the title track on the 6131 Records blog. The release date is set for January 11th. The official info: Hailing from San Antonio, TX, Hardside play a no-frills version of their favorite bands like Biohazard, Meurader and Leeway. Bursting onto the scene in 2009, their demo spread like wildfire online and captured the attention of many the world over. Poised to release their debut seven inch entitled "Crucified", this will surely be at the top of many year end lists.

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Boruta - Try To Tread Us

I don't know much about the band except they're from Poland, have not been around for long and this is their first demo so far. The cover artwork is one of the coolest I've seen lately - more creative way to let you know this is not a stuff for sissies than putting a big brass knuckle or a machine gun. When it comes to music, there's not much thinking to what they do - Try To Tread Us is in your face hardcore with a metallic twist, shouting vocals and all the usual stuff. Not to say that I don't like it, Boruta is not that bad but it's plain they need to put more practice and thought into their effort. The potential is here, let's see what can they do with it in the future. For now, this demo is ok, but could be better. Download it!

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Parasitic Skies

In a brief description, Parasitic Skies is about veganism, straight edge and 90's metalcore throwback sound. The band has released a 7" Ep and full length album for Seventh Dagger where they execute some grim and gritty hardcore which takes as much from Earth Crisis as from straight up metal. Hardboiled caught up with the guys for a short interview about the new album.

In a brief description, Parasitic Skies is about veganism, straight edge and 90's metalcore throwback sound. The band has released a 7" Ep and full length album for Seventh Dagger where they execute some grim and gritty hardcore which takes as much from Earth Crisis as from straight up metal. Hardboiled caught up with the guys for a short interview about the new album.

First of all, thanks for doing this interview. What is the latest in the life of Parasitic Skies?

Mike: Well we are trying to put together a couple tours for this coming year. We will have a short NW tour soon followed by a larger East Coast tour w/ Withdrawal and another small NW tour in there as well. Hopefully we will also get to some other places we havent been to yet. But we will see.

So let’s get right to it – your new album is called The Descent. What brought about the name?

John: The Descent is the name of one of the instrumentals on the record. The song best represents the feel of the rest of the record and we didn't want to use one the names of the lyrical songs.

What did you want listeners to be able to pull from this album in particular? Do you think you have any social or political role as a band?

John: I don't really want to make people to feel good, I want them to be uneasy and unhappy with themselves. If you eat animals I want you to feel like shit about it. Our socio-political role is that we think we're right about everything and we want to rub everyone's faces in it.

How do you feel straight edge changed your life for better?

Mike: Well for me its the only way I can live. I was a drug addict and alcoholic when I was a teenager,So besides my distaste for it for other reasons. Its simply not an option. Moderation isnt something I can do.

John: Like Mike said, I can't do moderation. So straightedge keeps me focused, keeps me alive.


Your music is heavily rooted in metal sound, but in the way hardcore bands were doing it couple of years ago. Were there any specific bands or albums that influenced the writing of The Descent?

Mike: I listened to alot of Sepultura, Crowbar, Morbid Angel and Slayer and just created our own sound combining different influences.

And what currently active bands you admire these days?

Mike: I would never use the term admire. But I like alot of hardcore these days. Bands like Harms Way, Withdrawal, Lockstep, Losing Skin and Wolf City are all really good. But I still love bands like Earth Crisis, All Out War and Disembodied. There is just alot of good music going on right now in hardcore. I listen to alot of metal as well. Bands like Crowbar, Bolt Thrower and Immortal.

John: Burning Love.

Do you have any hardcore quotables that you live by? Any song lyrics that deeply touched you?

John: Our own.

How do you feel about the state of hardcore nowadays? And what do you think about the Seattle scene in particular?

Mike: Like I said before there is alot of really good music. Nothing revolutionary but
just good music. Seattle and the NW in general have alot of really good bands right now. Bands like Losing Skin, Unrestrained, Envision, Cascabal, the Helm, Heiress, Ill Intent, etc...And alot of newer bands coming up as well..

Seventh Dagger is a label that is in hundred percent dedicated to promoting sober, drug free lifestyle, did this play into your decision to work with them?

Mike: Not really, we dont necassarilly need to be on a label that we have much in common with, but its nice to have some similarities. Seventh Dagger treats their bands really well. And thats really important Because I have had some bad experiences in the past with labels.

John: Danny's a good guy who also knows how to run a business. That's exactly what I want from a label, that's all they have to be.

Is there any band you would like to see reunite?

Mike: I would love to see Prayer for Cleansing they never played the westcoast. And I could never make it out to their east coast shows. Other than that maybe Until the End. Alot of older bands I would want to see,I dont wanna see them as sellouts,so it wouldnt really work. Most bands that I like I have already seen. So there isnt much out there that I wanna see reunite. I am more stoked on current bands.

John: I already got everything I wanted.

What should we expect from Parasitic Skies in the future?

Mike: More touring here and there and eventually more music.

John: We're going to be a lot more focused with our activity this year- touring smarter not harder. It's gonna be a really good Summer.

Do you have any shout outs or anything that you would like to say?

Mike: Thanks to our friends and anyone else who has ever come to a show or helped us out on tour. And to anyone that does or supports direct action. Veganthis.org

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Hardside

There is a long list of great hardcore bands that came out of Texas and Hardside is to make sure that flame never dies! Taking cues from bands such as Merauder, Life Of Agony and Madball, Hardside blends fast, aggressive riffs with a tight groove and sick hooks. The band is currently on tour across USA so make sure you check them out if they come any near your town.

For those unfamiliar with the band - what do you want people to know about the band and your music or message?
We are a hardcore band from San antonio texas, playing old school hardcore. no bullshit

How did you all meet and how long have you all been a band?
We've been friends for a while now, since fall 2009

What's the toughest struggle for the band like yours?
I guess it would be there is so many new bands and alot of bands touring so just getting out there and people giving us a chance.

What's the biggest wall to get over?
Probably it would be touring it s hard to tour when your a smaller bandwhen your doing it on your own its even harder.

For those who have not heard anything from you how would you describe band's playing sound?
Id say we sound like a mix of leeway desperate measures and merauder master killer if that makes any sense ha.

What have you released so far?
We have released a demo (welcome to hell) a two song cassette and a new 7 inch coming out in January on 6131 records called crucified.

Who are your strongest musical influences and why?
We all like a bunch of different kinds of music, some hardcore some not as a band id have to say kinda what we sound like.

And where do you draw your inspiration from when it comes to the lyrics?
Lots of different things man, past experiences to just things going on in the world today.

Tell me about band's performance element – what should kids expect from your live show?
We defiantly do our own thing something you just have to see for yourself i guess ha.

Tell us what you have coming up that we can check for. Plans, gigs and releases planned for the upcoming months?
We got a west coast tour coming up in december with our 7inch coming out in january then a run in march with our brothers in bitter end.

Any closing thoughts?
Thanks for the interview man. keep doing what your doing i support it

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Bricktop

Bricktop is an upcoming hardcore band from Germany with a tough, heavy sound that is ofter compared to likes of Madball, Terror or Biohazard. I know you heard it all before but as long as the music is good, who cares? And those guys for sure deliver some massive tunes. Here's a short interview so you can learn about the band, DSA/SOSF crew, German hardcore and more...

Could you please introduce Bricktop to our readers and tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

Hello, Bricktop is a 5 Piece HC - Band from Hamburg, Germany.
There is Dom on the Drums, Claus and Niels on the 6 - Strings, The Great White Kon on Bass and me, Martin, on Vocals. We started out in April 2010, released a Demo, played some shows. That's it, bro.

You have released your demo not so long ago and it has already been almost sold out. Are you happy with the response it’s been getting so far?

Yeah, it's really amazing. We thought, releasing the demo on tape would be a good idea and there was a big run on the Tapes.

Are there any specific bands or albums that influenced your song writing?

The biggest influence to us are Terror, especially ''One with the Underdogs''! Fucking brutal, straight to the bone HC!!! They are one of our favourite bands. The newer records are cool, but I miss the aggression and honest brutality from O.W.T.U. or ''Lowest of the Low''. And of course Madball, no doubt.... Beside those main influences, I would name bands like Bulldoze, Stigmata, Integrity and also newer bands like No Warning, Know the Score, Naysayer, New Morality.


And what is the inspiration behind the lyrics for Fuck Unity and No Substance?

Fuck unity goes out to all the people who think, that it's all about unity. They got nothing to say except: Together we're strong, etc. but in fact they complain about everything and everyone. Unity is dead!!! Especially here in Germany. Skinheads and Punks don't like the way we dance at shows. I mean, at the underground - shows, you see no one of them. They only come out to Sick of it all or A.F. shows. What we've build here, we've build without them, we're strong enough without them. Fuck the old times, we are running the show!!! No substance is my favourite song. The lyrics are dealing with all those assholes, that are following every fucking trend in the HC - Scene nowadays. 5 years ago, they all had baggy – training pants and Air Max and listened to Shattered Realm. Now they are wearing those tight pants, Vans and listening to Ruiner. And the worst thing of all is, they say: It's not about fashion. That´s embarrassing. If I want to wear Air Max, I do, cause I love this shoes... There is a story Claus happened at a show. He was hanging out with Anton from For My Enemy, who play a pretty tough style of Metalcore, and a kid in tight pants came over and said: “Hey, if I knew that this show was a beatdown- show, I´d dressed in another way!!” He was serious about that... poor.


What’s your opinion about the current state of hardcore? Do you have any complaints about today’s scene?

It's cool. There are many good bands, Backtrack, Naysayer, Bitter End, Alpha & Omega, Harm's way are hard as nails. There are pure HC - Festivals like This is HC, Sound & Fury, great Labels, the internet - thing is cool and shitty at the same time, cool to check out new bands, communicate, stay in touch, but there is a lot of shit - talking in the web, and that is the biggest problem in the HC - Scene.

And what about German scene in particular? What are some interesting things happening over there, and what’s lame?

The German scene is stronger than ever. We have and had great Bands like Something Inside, the Truth, Suffer Survive, BF 29, Bleed Into One, True Blue, Sidekick, Copykill, In Blood We Trust, City2City, the Ice, Cheap Thrills and new bands like Empowerment, Look my Way or Worldeater... there´s a lot going on over here.
We have some cool festivals too, like sucks 'n' summer, filled with hate fest, Baltic Sea hardcore fest. Cool people are running cool labels/distros like fwh, demons run amok, street survival rec., save my soul etc.
Not cool are all the Internet - Geeks, they run their mouth, never showing up at shows, thinking they know what's best for HC and what it is all about and where it came from... Scene - Police - Fascist - Assholes!!!! And if they are saying that Madball aren't cool anymore, that they are too lame and old, I'll show them my new Madball – Tattoo, haha!!!!!!!

What is DSA crew about?

DSA stands for DirtStyle Army. A bunch of retarded guys, who bring the madness to Hamburg's dancefloors... We are doing shows, Bands, we kill a lot of booze and some of us xSPRITEx, hehe...

What are some other bands in the posse?

Airtime ( the band of our drummer ), Sucka Punch ( HC and Rap ), For my Enemy ( brutal shit ) and Gentlemen's Sports (the band of our guitarist).

I’ve seen you played at Laut Gegen Intoleranz fest. With the increased efforts of nazis to steal the hardcore image, do you think it’s important for the real hardcore bands step up and show their support for such initiatives?

First at all: We did not play there. That seems to be a wrong information, when this happened we didn´t even exist as a band... Anyway, it's very important to show all those stupid racist/fascist dickheads that our scene, every scene, is not safe for them. And of course it is good to play shows like this but the most important thing is to maintain my convictions eye to eye. But don't get me wrong, if there's a chance to play on such an event, we will!!!

And what are some other gigs that stand out most in your mind?

Our first three gigs were awesome. Fucking ignorance on the dancefloor!!!
The best show I've ever seen, was Hatebreed, A.F. and the almighty Biohazard 2002 in Berlin, Germany!

Could you tell us something about your side project, Gentlemen´s Sports?

Gentlemen's Sports is the Main - Band from our Guitarplayer Claus. He's one of two singers. They were founded in late summer of 2009 . They released a demo and there is a split planned with some SOSF bands that will hopefully come out in early 2011. Cool stuff, imagine Death Threat is making love with CDC. That's how I would describe their style. Cool music, cool dudes!!! Absolutely alcoholic motherfuckers! Much love!!!

Air Max Ltd vs. Air Max 90?

Air Max 90, Air Stab, Air Max One...

Do you have any shout outs or anything that you would like to say?

Shout outs to my newborn son Piet!! I love u!!! My DSA & S.O.S.F bros worldwide!!! Thank you for doing the interview and for your support!!! Martin Bricktop!!!

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Keep It Real fanzine #10 out now!

The 10th issue of Keep It Real fanzine is out now! And what's inside? 52 A4 pages with colored cover and tons of hardcore goodness. Interviews with Fucked Up, AC4, Antimob, Lemuria, Ruined Families, Integrity, Bitter End, Throats, Glasses, photo report of the last Endstand & Manifesto Jukebox show in Finland, and perspectives featuring people from the scene writing on a topic they choose. Tons of reviews and usual stuff as well. Circulation: 700 copies. 3 euros for a single copy, 2 euros in wholesale.

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Defiance, new album from Tear It Down out now

Tear It Down has come a long way since their first rehearsal somewhere in 2003, yet the line-up changes and different influences made them what they are today: a metal-core band that’s not afraid of trying out new stuff and blending different styles of music. With a lot of shows and 2 tours of Spain done, you know they’re skilled enough to make every show a fucking great one. You like trash, you like hardcore, you’re into beatdown, you like metal in every way…you found the band! 2010 will be an important year for TID: a demo, an MCD and a PromoCD were their first little steps towards the ‘bigger picture’ but this year they proudly present their first full length album Defiance! Recordings were done at the brand new Red Left Hand Studio by Sven Janssens (Aborted, The End Of All Reason, etc…) and mastering by Kris Belaen at CCR studios. The album is a mix of slow, fast and mid tempo. So you can expect a lot of alternation in and between songs. The album also features two guest-vocals being Wim (Crimson Falls) and Gebo (Strike With Vengeance). This also gives a whole new dimension to the band.The album is released on Clenched Fist records.

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Seven Sisters of Sleep - Self Titled 12" pre-order

Giving nods to the horned one from the land of California, Seven Sisters Of Sleep (ex-Takkata/Arm and Sword of a Bastard God) deliver 8 devastating tracks described by Mike Cheese (Gehenna) as “stoner jams for people with short attention spans.” He’s not wrong at all, as this is one of the best new bands I’ve heard in a long tine...and I have a short attention span. Vinyl: red or black (100 available for sale/50 to band). Should be shipping sometime in December but check with the A389 label on the album status.

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Sick Of It All, Outbreak, Alpha & Omega tour

Sick Of It All, Outbreak and Alpha & Omega tour has been announced to start in January 2011.

1/12 Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place
1/13 Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
1/14 Cleveland, OH @ Now That's Class
1/15 Toledo, OH @ Headliners w/ Suicide Machines
1/16 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
1/17 St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
1/19 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock
1/21 Lincoln, NE @ Knickerbocker's
1/22 Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck
1/23 Oklahoma City, OK @ The Conservatory
1/26 Dallas, TX @ The Loft w/ Bitter End
1/27 Corpus Christi, TX @ House Of Rock w/ Bitter End
1/28 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit w/ Bitter End
1/29 Austin, TX @ Red Seven w/ Bitter End
1/30 Houston, TX @ Walter's On Washington w/ Bitter End

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Wisdom In Chains, Grave Maker, Expire tour dates

Wisdom In Chains, Grave Maker, and Expire will play a couple of shows in the U.S. and Canada in late-February.

2/20 Chicago IL @ The Beat Kitchen
2/21 St Louis MO @ The Venue
2/22 Louisville KY @ Keswicks Democratic Club
2/23 Cleveland OH @ Peabodys

dates w/ Backtrack
2/24 Windsor ON @ The Blind Dog
2/25 Toronto ON @ The Hard Luck Bar
2/26 Montreal QC @ Underworld
2/27 Quebec City QC @ Cafe L'Agitee
2/28 Gatineau QC @ The Warehouse

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Mediaskare Records signs Knuckle Up

Knuckle Up has joined the Mediaskare Records roster. The band plans to release their debut full-length, titled "Motivation From Misery," in early-2011. Martin Gonzales (Billy Club Sandwich), Scott Vogel (Terror), and Andrew Neufeld (Comeback Kid) will be doing guest vocals on the album!

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Let It Burn sign The Haverbrook Disaster

Offical press info from Let It Burn: As the year 2010 is slowly coming to an end we have yet another great announcement to make: Let it Burn Records has signed the youngest and by far one of the most promising bands in its 10 year history: The Haverbrook Disaster.

Coming from Karlsruhe, Germany The Haverbrook Disaster has been an “insider tip” among hardcore kids for months now. With their amazing mixture of melodic hardcore and heavy (!) mosh they’re at the very cutting edge of how hardcore music should sound like in 2011. We are very much looking forward to working with an ambitious but at the same time “down-to-earth”-like band.

The band about their signing: “We’re so excited and proud to announce that we have signed to Let It Burn Records! Hands down, Chris is not just a good ‘labelboss’, but as well a very good friend, so we couldn’t feel more comfortable. We will hit the studio on the 25th of December to record our very first full-length and we can’t wait to release this via Let It Burn Records, one of the hardest working Hardcore labels in Europe.”

We have already heard the band’s preproduction plus we got an insight view on their plans on artwork, mixing and mastering. To cut this short: This album is going to be one of the best debuts every released by a European Hardcore Band.

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Hardcore rarities #1

We picked a five blog posts with links to rare and obscure hardcore albums, compilations and demos that every hardcore connoisseur will appreciate. This time we have complete Stigmata discography, some rare Earth Crisis tracks, first Strength For A Reason demo and some other cool stuff. And while you checking it, make sure you subscribe to the blogs that posted these gems!

Earth Crisis Rarities (Path To Misery)

A nice collection of rare Earth Crisis songs - bonus songs, compilations, live recordings. A nice treat for all the fans of this legendary Syracuse band!

Stigmata Discography (Path To Misery)

Yep, probably the complete Stigmata discography - all albums, songs from compilations and demos. I don't see Merauder split tho...

Abnegation (Severed Forever)

three of the band's seven inches - Extinguish The Sickness, In The Eye Of The Storm, and Sown In The Remains.

Strength For A Reason - '97 Demo (Severed Forever)
One of my favorite bands ever and this is their first recording ever. Well, they couldn't fail even if they wanted and this demo still holds it own!

Reckless Aggression - Demo (Fashionable Activism)

I think the guy behind Fashionable Activism blog said it best: "This is hot hot hot. Reckless Aggression hailing from down under in the land of Australia. 9 tracks of boot boy hardcore for the alike. Singer Meatdog is a reckless aggression alone, he has "MEATDOG" tattooed on his head, and above that, a fucking spider. Killer. If you were missing the sweet licks of 86 Mentality...." Drop everything and get it!

Neverfall - Symbols Of Inner Self (Keystone Hardcore)

"Members went on to play in SHOCKWAVE and current Erie band Bridgeburner"... any more questions?

Disturbing The Peace - Demo (Chula Vista Hardcore)

This is a band combined with members of PC Deathsquad and Take Offense. Drummer of PC, Johnny Nevada will be on lead guitar. Guitarist of PC, a CV legend, Anthony Guzman will be on bass. Ill be on the drums while Vince (Vance) Cardova takes vocals.

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B.C.S.

Poland-based BCS is all about beatdown so if you're into ass kicking breakdowns and thunderous vocals you might wanna check them out. Their 2009 demo has been posted somewhere on this site and I remember it was solid. Despite speculation that the beatdown genre had played itself out, they keep it fresh with a variety of approaches, taking influences from both classic and modern bands in the genre.

How did you all meet and how long have you all been a band?
k: We met in high school, while Wiader still had long hair (wore a tracksuit - already, though). We used to do different stuff together with our crew (Dzwiedziu and some other people) – like recording some stupid movies, ‘visiting’ concerts and festivals, recording some crazy music. We ended up with an idea of starting a beatdown band after my band in Vienna broke up and Wiader started playing guitar. It’s not so convenient to play music while everybody lives in a different city (or country) but it’s working somehow and the recording is going pretty well. Rehearsing is kind of difficult though. That’s mainly the reason why we haven’t played any concert yet. We will try to change it in the nearest future.

Why beatdown? What is it about this music that influenced your style so heavily?
k: It’s the energy that flows from the breakdowns! ;-) When I listen to that music I just get so much energy that I want to break somebody’s face. That’s awesome. And at the same time the lyrics are dealing with issues that are important to us – I mean the hard core ‘ideology’. I treat this kind of music as something more than just music. It motivates me and gives me strength to progress. Hmm… or maybe it’s the other way around – I just wrote the kind of motivating lyrics in order to realize some things. Anyways, it’s working for me and I hope when other people are listening to what I have to say they can also feel it.
W: It happens that we are fond of this music and not some other. Quick parts and slow breakdowns is the best recipe. Of course it’s not a rule and not everybody holds on to it. Some (maybe even the majority) like to play slow, so to create a feeling of a ‘kick in da face’, others mix some hip hop or death metal into it. Be my guest.

What are your opinions about the beatdown scene nowadays? What albums have impressed you most lately?
k: I’ve been listening to Prowler, Warfare, BDO, Kickback, Dos Dias De Sangre lately. I very much – musically – appreciate the ‘No Surrender’ from Kickback but I don’t think you can call it beatdown. I can also only recommend the ‘Saligia’ from Bloodstained. Further, I just got the ‘Songs Of Pain’ album from Warfare. It’s older (2008) but it’s really good(!).
W: The last album that listening to made my pants wet is Prowler – Strictly 3.5. So, as for me the situation does not look very well coz it’s been a while since this release.

Who are your major influences? What bands do you look up to?
k: I would say TLC, Kickback, Shattered Realm. Personally – Pelbu (BDO, Knuckledust). This guy has a great way of singing/shouting. Plus - we follow Bloodstained’s ‘career’ since their beginnings. It’s an awesome band, man. We also have a lot of respect for Bullodoze.
W: Shattered Realm. Most of the riffs are stolen from them. In my opinion ‘Broken Ties… Spoken Lies’ is the best beatdown hardcore album ever.

Lyrically, what are some topics you deal with and where do you find your inspiration?
k: On the DEMO 2009 the lyrics were written in a funny (in my opinion) way, dealing with important topics – like family, facing adversity, staying alert, taking responsibility for one’s actions. However, I wrote the lyrics in a ‘special’ way (stupid, rhyming, cursing, kindergarden - style?) and people focused only on it and I don’t think anybody got my point. But we don’t give a fuck. We liked it then ;-) In our new recordings, however, I try to keep the lyrics on a bit higher level. They deal with overcoming one’s weaknesses, opposing exploitation by the others, self respect. We are not trying to redeem the world, though. It’s just about realizing some problems. You can do whatever you want with it. I keep myself constantly motivated and try to keep others too. And just for clarity. We do not play the ‘death metal-kind’ of beatdown. It’s still hardcore. We try to keep it old school.

How many shows have you played so far? What was the most memorable one?
k: None, unfortunately. As mentioned earlier we didn’t have much time for rehearsals. I study abroad and I was changing locations (due to some exchanges and internships) very often for the last 2 years. It shall change in the nearest future. I play gigs with Polski Stygmat from time to time when I’m in Poland. Wiader will probably play second guitar in this band so you can see the core of B.C.S. on P.S.’s gigs.

What’s the hardcore scene like in Poland nowadays? What are some other bands from over there you feel everybody should give a try?
k: One should definitely check: BLOODSTAINED, Preshrunk, Schizma, 1125, The Analogs. From some ‘newer’ bands: Clint Eastwood from Warsaw, Last Dayz, Death Row, some bands from Spook Records. There are some very good new bands being born lately. Unfortunately I’m not very updated with the last recordings. Just ordered some new Polish hc CDs that are waiting for me in Poland.
And just to mention our own ZG scene. We have bands like Sophie Scholl and Hope Against Hope that play a fair amount of shows every year, mentioned Polski Stygmat, newcomers from Misled Youth and some active punk bands. I’m glad to witness that the ZG scene is constantly growing and evolving.
W: Definitely Bloodstained. I think I saw them in 2003 for the first time. Since then they progressed considerably, not losing their first-demo-own style.

What can we expect from you guys in the future?
k: Firstly, our part in the Global Beatdown 4-way Split Vol 2 from Spook Records. The CD is going to include 4 bands from all around the Europe: Alea Jacta Est from France, Dan Koloff from Bulgaria, Decades of Blood from Sweden and B.C.S. from Poland. As I mentioned earlier – Spook will announce some details soon.
Secondly, some GIGS! (in a nearer or a little bit further future).
W: I’ll just repeat what I’ve already said. Expect a full B.C.S album in 2011!

Any additional comments or shout-outs?
k: We just want to thank all the people that support us! Keep it hardcore. Special thanks to Dzwiedziu for supporting us from the beginning (with his voice, advice and graphics) and our crew: Dzwiedziu, Mumin, Wertels and Rusty. Without them the sing-alongs would not sound like they do. Cheers.

www.myspace.com/grunberghc

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Roadrunner - EP 2010

This debut EP from Massachusetts, US based Roadrunner is all about straight up no frills hardcore. There's a plenty of aggression and energy here and you can hear they're mad pissed at the world. Nut it's not all harsh and heavy, they know how to add some melody to the mix so the things are enough diversity to keep things interesting for a while. The sound quality is superb and i'm pretty much surprised it wasn't put out as a proper release. Anyway, make yourself a favor and check it out! Download it!

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Cold Steel - Cold War

Cold Steel hails from Strasbourg, France and play tough hardcore that is sure to keep fans of bands like Fury Of V or Bulldoze happy. Dual vocals got the job done and they deliver some heavy stuff - sometimes they slow down, but the meat of the demo re tight, mid-tempo grooves. My only complaint would be with sound quality, but guess you shouldn't expect much from the demo. Download it.

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Losing Grip - Self Titled EP

Losing Grip are from Texas and with their first EP bring nothing but sharp and harsh hardcore that bites hard! If they keep it up this way we're gonna hear a lot about them in the future. Losing Grip do what they do very well and don't mess around with these 5 tracks. Hard hitting, angry and highly moshable. Very promising! Download it!

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Magma - Let It Melt

Florida-based Magma plays intensive, powerful hardcore with thrash feel. Think of good old Cro-Mags mixed with modern sound like Terror or Steel Nation. Strong vibe, angry vocals, sound mix is not that bad either. Download it!

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Confrontacion - Uncertainty

Official info on the band: Confrontacion is a Hardcore band from San Jose, capital city of Costa Rica (Central America). Even though most of the band members are Straight Edge, we we don't consider ourselves a Straight Edge band; besides that, the band is NOT related to any kind of religion or specific ideology, we just play HARDCORE. Our first full length called "UNCERTAINTY" (with guest vocals from Grave Maker) was released worldwide in OCTOBER 3rd, 2010. It was recorded and mixed in Costa Rica by sound engineer Marcos Monnerat, mastered by New Alliance East (Cambridge, Massachusetts) and edited by xBldclotx Records in Europe, One Voice Asia Records in Asia and Inmigrant Records in South America. DOWNLOAD.

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Keep It Real fanzine #10

Keep It Real fanzine #10 will be unfortunately the last issue of this great fanzine. They surely made sure the last number will be something to remember: interviews with Fucked Up, Throats, AC4, Bitter End, Ruined Families, Antimob, Integrity, Glasses; photography: Endstand & Manifesto Jukebox last show ever photo report; features: Peio art, Troo Food Liberation; perspectives: 8 people from Greece & world write about a topic they chose. Misc: The Preacher vol.2, Keep It Real archive, Reviews. 52 A4 b&w pages, 2-colored cover by Ermis. More info here!

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Anchor “The Singles Collected” LP Pre Order up now

From the ashes of Damage Control and Set My Path comes Anchor. Hailing from Sweden, Anchor plays a blend of passionate and message filled hardcore that really brings to mind bands like Trial and Snapcase but would also please the ears of Verse / Refused / Judge fans. This is some real and true straight edge / vegan hardcore from one of the most respected bands in today’s European scene. This record compiles all there singles, splits, and eps. Includes a free digital download coupon so you can rock it on the I Pod or what ever. More info here.
Track Listing
Atlantis
Walls
Violence
Vanity
Vengeance
Hamnd
It Kills You to Know
In the Throes of Passion
Far Above
Captivity
Beyond Reason and Logic

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I Scream signs War Hound & offers their EP for free

Founded in 2009, War Hound out of the Chicago land suburbs, have unleashed a new flavor of hardcore upon Chicago and the rest of the world. Heavily influenced by bands like Crown of Thornz, Breakdown and Madball, they recently finished recording their debut EP "For The Hounds". This 11 minute debut, also including a Crown Of Thornz cover "Love Sick", caught the attention of I Scream Records and only a few weeks later War Hound and I Scream Records signed a deal.

"When we received this EP I was happily surprised by the fresh sound of these Chicago youngster", Laurens Kusters says. "Besides working with the established bands we're always on the lookout for the new breed of hardcore. Bands that can grown into the classics of the next generation. War Hound is definitely one of those bands so keep an eye out for these guys."

War Hound will record their debut full length for I Scream Records in 2011 but in the meantime, to introduce the band, I Scream Records is offering this EP for free to anyone who's looking for some great new hardcore tunes. So download this EP today, pass it along to all your friends and enjoy this legal download.

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Pipes and Pints - Different Way

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Attention promoters: Only Attitude Counts & Pay No Respect European Tour 2011

From the very first demo „Another Victim” (1993) to their latest release “Face The Wrath” (2010) Only Attitude Counts never stopped believin´ in the true meaning of Hardcore. A lifestyle, not only a certain kind of music, that would bring a big variety of people from most different places and environments all over the world together, to co-exist and co-operate on a positive and productive way. With respect for each other as a strong fundament and the will to change things for the better as their main goal. Always representing Hardcore and always standing up for their beliefs!

Over the years OAC have played so many shows in almost every country of Europe, has put out so many records (4 albums, 4 EPs and countless sampler contributions) that their freshness and power after 14 years in the hardcore scene has to be admired.
PAY NO RESPECT from the dirty south of UK play a hard mix of Metal, Hardcore and 2-step. “Moving On”, their new release, to be presented on this tour.

ONLY ATTITUDE COUNTS
(AT – Swell Creek/Super Hero Records)
http://www.myspace.com/onlyattitudecounts
PAY NO RESPECT
(UK– Spook Records/Case 5 Records)
http://www.myspace.com/paynorespect
Time frame:
March 25th – April 9th 2011
Conditions:
Hotel/Hostel/private accommodation for 10-11 people
Catering according to rider
Club P.A. & lights
1-2 local supports are welcome
Promotion:
Tourposter will be provided, but will have to be paid by the promoters
Press/Promo in national publications

If you are interested:
Mail: benjamin@catapult-promotion.com
Skype: benjamin.bernáth
Web: http://www.catapult-promotion.com

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Fashionable Activism - Issue #1 out now

Fashionable Activism is now in print! First issue now available. Interviews with No Class(KC) and Mauser (FL). 20 full sized pages. First run of 100 with red covers. 3ppd US // 5ppd World.

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Rob Lind on Blood For Blood's current status and future

Here's what the man had to said:"A few months ago it was announced in the press that Blood For Blood would be touring again. Specifically it was announced that BFB would be doing this years annual Persistence Tour in Europe (with Sick Of It All, D.R.I., Unearth, Evergreen Terrace and others). It was also announced that Blood For Blood would be doing this tour and future shows without me. In absence of a response or statement on my part, there was an immediate deluge of speculation, invective and hostility in reaction to the announcement online and in the scene. And it is ongoing.

"With the Persistence Tour looming and Blood For Blood's return to the stage imminent, I just wanted to clarify my position and set the record straight. First let me say that I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support on my behalf. I have never been more sincere in my whole fucking life: it meant more to me than anything that has happened since I started playing music. I will never forget it as long as I live. However the controversy was misguided and any negativity misplaced. I have been working with Buddha and Ian for the last few months now on the future of Blood For Blood and it has been an open and amicable relationship. The core of Blood For Blood has always been our friendship within the band.

"I cannot tour at this point in my life. I hope to be able to again in the future but at present it is simply not possible for personal reasons that I will not get into. I miss it very much (believe me, I would like nothing more than to be getting up on stage with the guys in a few days for the tour's first show). But my inability to tour doesn't alter the fact that Blood For Blood has an enduring legacy and demand. And the fellas in the band miss it all as much as I do. After a few months of open dialogue and discussion we (Buddha, Ian, and I) have decided on an arrangement that is best for us all. Though I stated I can't play out and tour right now, I am not done with music by a long shot. Nor am I done with Blood For Blood. Blood For Blood will always be a part of me and I will always be a part of Blood For Blood. And the show isn't over...

"The band, with my full support and blessing and friendship, is going to tour again without me until the time comes when I can join them again on the road. This was the plan all along and that had been in the works for a while now. We just had to work out some internal details before I could jump in openly and publicly. This is not a tentative or half-hearted arrangement. We intend to continue the band on all fronts. We intend to record again. We intend to play out and tour again (as I stated above, I will join in live whenever possible). And we are psyched about every bit of it. On a side note, I have never at any point over the past few years stopped writing music (either for Blood For Blood or any of my other projects). Consequently I am presently hoarding the biggest glut of material in my life. And I can't wait to get to work on it.

"So even though I won't physically be there on stage with the guys, I will be there whole-heartedly in spirit as a member of the band. Blood For Blood is back, bitches! I bet club security all over the world is weeping and hiring extra help and taking out better health care policies on their employees!"

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The Truth Hurts - new album from Without Remorse

The Truth Hurts, the 2nd album from New York's Without Remorse on Last Resort Records, is a step in a more focused, more intense direction. Better song structures and more important lyrical content. Crushing, dual-vocal assault, and memorable, violent riffs with an undeniable groove. Real Deal Deathslam/NYHC hybrid for fans of Dying Fetus to Hatebreed to Pantera. This album features the addition of Shaun Kennedy (Revenance, Internal Bleeding) on bass. Recorded at Full Force Studios in Long Island, NY with producer Joe Cincotta (Suffocation, Waking The Cadaver, This is Hell). The Truth Hurts is available online here. The band will be touring the U.S. again in 2011 as well as working on possible European and Japan dates.

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Travis Bakers teams up with the One Life One Chance organization

Legendary drummer Travis Barker along with FSAS (Famous Stars and Straps) has teamed up with the One Life One Chance (OLOC) organization headed by Toby Morse, the front man of the punk rock band H20. OLOC is an organization that promotes a Drug Free culture. Toby introduces today’s youth to his friends who all live clean healthy Positive lifestyles to show kids that they too can be Drug Free and be cool too.

Morse travels to schools to inform elementary through high school students about cool alternatives to alcohol and drugs and having a positive mental attitude. “From the streets of NY to the stages worldwide and to the schools, the message is clear; just because people are covered in tattoos from head to toe, and play music for a living, does not mean they are druggies, or thugs. OLOC breaks all kinds of stereotypes” Morse states. In an industry famous for drug use, drug-related deaths and overall self-destructive behavior, Toby chose to never experiment with alcohol, tobacco or drugs and came to his friends for some help with his cause. Barker can relate, as he is a musician with a ton of tattoos and a target for labeling, it is because of that and Toby’s passion that got Travis involved. Barker says “I love and support what Toby is doing for the youth. It’s good that these kids can see that not every rock star is a drug addict and he [Morse] is such a positive all-around role model for them. Most people that come and speak at a schools are immediately written off by the kids; but Toby looks like them and they can relate to him. I am getting involved to help any school Toby speaks at that is in need of instruments and / or a music program.”

Through Barkers involvement some very lucky schools in NYC will be given entire drum kits. Barkers clothing brand Famous Stars and Straps is also involved. “Toby, a long time friend and Family member of Famous Stars and Straps, approached the company about his ongoing efforts to spread the message of living with a “positive mental attitude”. Toby’s passion is undeniable and sincere, and understanding that kids all across America may benefit from Toby’s message, we wanted to provide any support we could. If it’s providing promotional goods or helping him get to schools who can’t afford to have a speaker, we understand that Toby’s message of PMA (positive mental attitude) and way of life is something we all could use.”

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Race War: The Remake - trailer

Race War: The Remake is the feature length remake of DWN Productions award winning short film Race War. The story is about two black crack dealers (Baking Soda and G.E.D.)that have to solve the mystery of why there money is lookin’ a lil’ funny. But when G.E.D. gets kidnapped by whites Baking Soda calls upon the help of Kreech Da Black Kreecha From a Lagoon the leading hydroponic dealer on the block.
This is a Dark Comedy/Blaxploitation/Gore Flick and a very special fx heavy movie.

Here's official trailer:

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ColdSteel - Hard Commitment video

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Strife merch from All In Merch

All In Merch has rolled out a couple new Strife shirts, "One Truth" and "LASHC Live", as well as the "Reach Back Live" hoodie. Get it here.

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Homicidal inks a deal with Eulogy

Homicidal was formed from the ashes of some of the most influential hardcore acts of the 90's. Homicidal brings violent music to violent people of all ages. Homicidal is the soundtrack to mayhem! The members weigh in at over a half ton of pure hardcore.
Eulogy Recordings brings you the release of their debut album "State of Mind" in Spring 2011. Homicidal shows will be known as the some of the most chaotic dancefloors hardcore has seen. "State of Mind" features appearances appearances by some of the most influential vocalists in hardcore. Lord Ezec of Skarhead, Jorge of Merauder, Eddie Sutton of Leeway, Puda of Agents of Man and Martin of Billyclub Sandwich. Without a doubt "State of Mind" will be remembered as one of the most brutal releases of 2011.

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Facedown Records signs Overcome

Official press release: "We are proud to announce the return of Overcome to the Facedown Family! The partnership between Overcome and Facedown Records goes all the way back to the birth of the label in 1997, and now Overcome is back to release their new album on Facedown. Release number 100 will be titled The Great Campaign of Sabotage and will be Facedown's first release of 2011. The Phoenix hardcore legends lead by Jason Stinson have returned with new music and new members, but their message remains the same. Says Stinson, "Be ready, a new flame is burning."
Facedown founder, Jason Dunn had this to say about Overcome and the significance of their return album being Facedown #100: I first saw Overcome in 1994 when they only had a demo tape out. Before I played drums for No Innocent Victim, I would travel with them and sell merch for them. NIV went out to play a couple of shows in Arizona and Overcome was the band that was also on the show. We instantly connected and have remained friends to this day. I always say that I don't think Facedown Records would be around today without Overcome. They were the cornerstone of the label in its early years and teaming up with them instantly put our name out there for hardcore fans worldwide, both Christian and non. It's an honor to be able to still work alongside these guys and to be able to release the new album as Facedown #100. I could not have dreamed of a more appropriate release for this landmark in the label's history.

Overcome's The Great Campaign of Sabotage will be released on February 1, 2011."

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The Last Stand to drop 7" on 1124 Records

NYHC band The Last Stand, with the members from Shutdown and Inhuman, will be releasing a five song 7″ on 1124 Records in January. The band recently put together a limited edition demo CD with four songs – it’s unclear right now if the 7″ will be all new material or if it will include the demo.

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Hellfire Reign - new album from Hang The Bastard

Hang The Bastard possesses that rare ability to genuinely cross over to different genres of music fans - within an ever-more divisive musical landscape - without compromising who they are one jot. You've heard all the individual elements before (hardcore breakdowns, lumbering stoner riffs, fast thrash attacks), but you've never heard it combined like this. Hellfire Reign is new record that shows the band writing a collection of songs that work and flow together, pushing their hardcore/metal sound out into doom, black metal and horror film soundtrack territory - an achievement clearly more than the sum of its parts. Vinyl version limited to 500 copies.
NOTHING slows Hang The Bastard down. Having released a rapturously received EP and two split 7”s within the last year and a half, as well as an appearance on the ‘Happy Holy Roar 3’ Christmas tape – the band have also put in approximately 200 shows during this time throughout the UK and Europe (including festivals in Poland and a tour of Romania amongst many others!); a work rate clearly not to be sniffed at.

With guest appearances by Nick of Dead Swans (vocals on 'Levitation Lessons') and James of Rolo Tomassi (all keyboards), ‘Hellfire Reign’ is more than the culmination of all this work. This is a record that shows the band writing a collection of songs that work and flow together, pushing their hardcore/metal sound out into doom, black metal and horror film soundtrack territory – an achievement clearly more than the sum of its parts. All hail the ‘…Reign’!

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