Ill Intent

Band’s name: Ill Intent

Location: Seattle, WA. United States

Active since: 2008

How do you define your overall style?
Fast traditional hardcore with a modern twist.

What’s your goal with this band? To keep playing shows, touring, having fun and keep releasing new music. We also want to go as far as the band will take us, as far as doing europe, Japan and everywhere else.

What do you have recorded so far?
Right now we have a 6 song demo released in 08, with a couple songs that haven't been released from that same session. We are going into the studio this month to record 8 new songs that should be coming out this fall.


Can you tell us some history about Ill Intent? How long have you been playing together and what was the reason to start a band?
Ill Intent has been a band for about 2 years, the first year, they had an 07 demo with a different singer, but that didn't work out. I joined the band last august, recorded and immediately hit the road on tour. When I joined the band, we were all living together at that time and I wasn't doing much as far as bands were concerned. It just worked out, because we were all musically and mentally all on the same page with what we wanted to accomplish with the band. At the time, I was feeling really frustrated with a lot of things that were going on with the government and in politics. So it gave me a great forum to voice those opinions.


How did you come up with that name Ill Intent? What does it mean to you?
I wasn't there for the initial naming of the band, but when I heard it, I gave it the thumbs up of approval. What it means to me is that we are a no bullshit band. Straight up and honest. You can see our name and no what we're about.

I really like the message behind the No Rest For The Weary song. Have you ever regretted your life decisions and what would you tell to the other kids when they gotta choose between the life of stability and security and following their dreams?
I haven't regretted any choice that I have made. Obviously, like anyone else, I have made mistakes, but I feel that I have learned from those mistakes and try my best to not repeat them. As far as following your dreams and a life of stability, they can be one in the same. If someone's goal is to find a stable job, buy a house, get married, live the dream, etc... then they should pursue that by any means necessary. On the flip side of that, if someone decides that life is not for them, that is perfectly fine. But either way or any choice you make, just make sure that you are making that choice because you want to, not because of what anyone thinks you should be doing. If someone were to ask me which path they should choose, I would tell them which ever one they wanted and to live life on their own terms. My life is a train wreck in every aspect. Financially, emotionally, romantically, stability-wise, but I wake up everyday happy and take each day as it comes. It's the life that I want to live, so fuck anybody that tells me I am doing something wrong. These are my choices to make.

What inspires an Ill Intent songs lyrically in general? Would you say you are a political band?
Life in general inspires the lyrics. When I wrote all the lyrics for the 08 demo, I was at a point in my life that was extremely stress free. I had a good place to live, a stable, great paying job, a beautiful girlfriend and basically smooth sailing. Emotionally, I was solid and sound. So, I did not have a lot to write about emotionally, because I refuse to ever fake passion. Hard core is fuled by anger and emotion, so the only thing that I had left to write about were a lot of political issues that really pissed me off at the time. Since I wrote all the lyrics for the 08 demo, a year ago. I have gone through a lot personally. Went through a pretty hard break up. Had lots of health problems, some of which caused us to take a 4 month hiatus. I moved to New York and failed out there, so I came back home. Had some close family members pass away. I have been homeless for the last 4 months and just had a really hard time with health and finances. So the new stuff is going to be pretty personal about struggle and overcoming adversity as well as some of the same government issues that still aggravate me.

Tell us about Ill Intent live show? What is your formula for a successful performance and how it makes you feel when the kids are feeling your music and singing the lyrics?
A typical Ill Intent show, you are going to get a high energy performance. Always. Hardcore is all about energy and every member of this band lives for it. We have all made sacrifice after sacrifice for this band and we all feel it 100% So every member of the band goes off and when people are feeling what we're feeling, they go off too. I love it when kids sing along and go crazy. Although I do not expect everybody to agree with my lyrics, I just want them to know what they are about. I want to provoke conscious thought, which is why I always provide explanations to the songs. So people know what the content of the song is all about.

What's the thing that you are most proud of in the history of the band?
The way that we all get along so well and are friends first and foremost. I love every member of this band like brothers and wouldn't do it if our bond of friendship wasn't as strong as it is. Also, in the year that we have a been a band, including the 4 month medical break I took, we were out of the road for almost 5 months. We were able to go to central america, canada and hit the states extensively. I am extremely proud of all the hard work every member has put in.

Whats playing on your stereo the most at the moment?
I listen to a lot of different kinds of music. Lots of hip hop, radio and underground. Lots of old rock bands and some softer stuff for times when I just need to chill.
Fences - My homie from seattle, it's really talented, accoustical, folk rock, pop stuff that fits every mood I am in.
Atmosphere - my all time favorite MC next to every member of Wu-Tang.
Black Sabbath - One of my all time fav bands
Cro Mags - my absolute favorite band, I also entertain their whole catalog, not just age of quarrel
Biohazard - every album except for uncivilization. yuck.
AC/DC - Only the first 3 albums with Bon Scott, I don't like Brian Johnson at all and Bon Scott is the real deal.
Do you know anything about European hardcore? Any bands? Labels?
No Turning Back is one of my fav current bands. As well as Rise and Fall. Frustration is a new band from Ireland that is KILLING IT right now.

The worst and the best movie ever made?
Best movie, the warriors. Also, classics like the first 2 godfathers, good fellas, point break. Worst movie? Anything in the last few years directed by michael bay. Hollywood and the movie industry is such garbage right now. Everything is a recycled remake with a bunch corny CGI and sweet explosions. Directors need to realize that no matter how attractive the cast is, how many explosions, or CGI animals in the movie... if the plot sucks, the movie will suck. I only watch comedies these days, because everything else is garbage.

Anything you want to add, tell us about or give any general shout outs too?
Lots of upcoming bands. power, decades, persistence of time, hit the bricks, vanguard, gone but not forgotten, putrid brew, horizons, grave maker, rotting out, fences, sojourner, poverty bay saints, odd rule, rebuilt and the whole northwest scene right now, it's better than it ever has been in awhile. Shouts to 10Deep, Survie Apparel, Life of Villains, Winners Circle and The Cool in Tacoma. Fice, blue sky black death and northwest hiphop. Thanks for the interview! I hope you are well and taking care of yourself.


Catch 'em at:
http://www.myspace.com/illintent206

Go For It! - Reading Between The Front Lines

Go For It! - Reading Between The Front Lines
DIY 2009

I had never heard of the band before this review and I must say I was pleasantly surprised with what I found. A lot of music here may well be what you would expect from an old school hardcore album – some NYHC influenced grooves with typical fast parts and breakdowns now and there.

I was personally very fond of the tune of the album, because while staying true to the roots of hardcore, it does have a decent punk rock and metal influences which adds a right amount of heaviness and aggression. There are 8 tracks here which clock in about 16 minutes so they keep it tight. The production is heavy giving the songs pretty beefy sound. The compositions in themselves are generally fine with some hits and some misses. One of the things I didn’t like is the inconsistency of the album – the good moments broken up by the not so good moments. It doesn’t bother me that much cause the record is short enough not to get boring but they should work on it when writing the stuff for the next record. Generally, Go For It ! is a good example of a band not trying any new tricks but getting the most out of a simple concept. Reading Between the Front Lines doesn't contribute with anything that hasn't been done by others by despite its flaws, the album possesses many high points and is worth checking out if you’re an old school fun.

Author: Dloogi

Go For It! at Myspace

Danny Diablo vs. The Vendetta feat. Ceekay - Snow White

Pushed Too Far - Fools Never Move On

Bravestar - A Warriors Heart

Bravestar - A Warriors Heart
DIY 2009

Beer. BBQ. Party. Brotherhood. Party. Hardcore. Party. These are some of the random thoughts that surface in my mind whilst listening to the debut album by Germany based Bravestar. Not only their sound is reminiscent of New York hardcore at its best, but they are also bringing this laid back attitude and fun with their music which automatically sets them apart from all the depression and stress ridden hardcore bands of today.

The band’s debut album is something between NYHC a’la Madball or Agnostic Front with some modern influences like Death Before Dishonor or Terror. If you like these bands, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t dig Bravestar. A Warriors Heart is one of those records that have just about every element needed to make it cutting edge: catchy choruses, angry vocals, gang shouting, melodic parts, reckless breakdowns, thrashing drums and heavy riffs. They can go fast and aggressive and they can go slow and heavy, adding slick, mid-paced grooves to now and then. The album gets right down to business with “We Will Not”, fast paced slab of hardcore and one of the most powerful tracks on the CD. The other songs on the album follow in a similar vein with Bravestar BBQ being the one that stands out the most. As the titles of the songs may suggest, the key theme of the record is mainly party, friendship, hardcore, scene, pride and having good fun basically. If you like explorations of social issues, they also got song about Nazis and how they’re not welcome at the hardcore scene. I know there are kids out there who will hold the lack of socio-political agenda against them, but I say fuck it – hardcore is also about fun so let’s fucking party! At the end of the day, Bravestar’s A Warriors Heart is good to mosh or just listen carelessly to.

Author: Dloogi

Bravestar

Portrayal Of Vengeance

Band’s name: Portrayal of Vengeance

Location: We're based in Melbourne, Australia. Me and our bass player are originally from another city called Adelaide, but have lived in Melbourne for a few years now.

Active since: We did the first real demo songs in December 2008, but the concept of the band was in the works for probably close to a year before that.

How do you define your overall style?
Heavy hardcore with a metallic edge.

What’s your goal with this band?
To play hardcore with a message, for kids that stand for something. It seems that in the hardcore scene today, mass-appeal or marketability has taken a backseat to really taking a stand on an issue or using hardcore as an outlet for genuine outrage and aggression that we all have inside us.
No diss at all to bands who are doing well for themselves or bands who are playing a different styles of hardcore, but it's always something that i've appreciated and have noticed fewer and fewer bands in recent years that are down with that kinda thing.

What do you have recorded so far?
Right now we've only got one legit recording. It's just two songs that I recorded before I had any sort of line-up to speak of. I played everything except drums, which were played by our friend Dan Jones (ex-Stronghold). I knocked them out after hours in a studio back in Adelaide in half a day and just kinda took it from there.
They're kinda rushed and aren't really a true representation of the band. We've got a bunch of jam room recordings of newer songs that we did with a different drummer that we've just been showing friends and people who were tentatively interested in joining the band.
Hopefully we manage to sort out our line-up soon, because it'd be sweet if those songs could see the light of day.

Your myspace profile doesn’t offer much info about the beginning of the band. Could you tell us how did you guys get together to form Portrayal Of Vengeance?
To cut a long story short... I wrote some songs and recorded them myself with the idea of putting a band together around them. Everyone that's been involved with the band at this point have been old friends that were down to help out with it.
Even though we haven't really gotten the whole thing into motion yet, it's been fun and that's what it should be about, right?

Who are the members of the band?
The line-up as it stands is... Chris Jervis (Vocals), Stu Manuel (Bass) and Bob Tate (guitar).
Right now we're still in the process of finding a permanent drummer and possibly adding a second guitar to the mix, as well. If anyone based in Melbourne is down with this sorta thing, hit us up... haha.

What are your main influences?
I guess the bands that we could be most compared to would be stuff like Another Victim, Earth Crisis, Merauder and Strife. They were all bands that I've listened to and respected for a long time and I guess you'd call them influences on me personally.

What is the band’s stance on drugs and alcohol? Is anybody in the band sXe?
I am straightedge and have been for a number of years. So is our bass player Stu and our guitar player Bob. We're still looking for a permanent drummer and possibly adding a second guitarist and we're not really actively pursuing other sXe members.
It's something that means a lot to me and obviously I have my options, but i've always considered it a personal thing. I'd rather judge a person on weather or not they're a decent and sincere person, sXe or not - it's all good, right?

If yes, what is it about straight edge that made you follow this lifestyle?
In the city I grew up in, recreational drug and alcohol use from a pretty young age was pretty much the norm. I messed around with that sorta thing when I was a lot younger, but quickly got over it and found myself feeling at peace with separating myself from that kind of destructive behavior.
At the same time I was listening to bands like Earth Crisis, Another Victim and Strife a lot and getting more and more into the hardcore scene in Adelaide, which at the time had a lot of vegan-straightedge crew. Being surrounded by like-minded people really cemented it for me.
A lot of people have come and gone since then, but I never looked back. haha.

Who was the best edge band ever, in your opinion?
Earth Crisis. They had a massive impact on my life and still stand for everything today that they always have. Much respect to them.

Are you guys vegetarians or vegans and do you support this ideas?
I am vegan and have been for many years now. The band collectively isn't though.
One of the songs on that two song demo actually does address the issue of animal liberation and general contempt for the industry that abuses animals. I didn't really have to factor in anyone else's opinions or thoughts other than my own when I wrote those lyrics.
I've always been down to do a vegan band, so I guess that was my chance... haha.

How many shows have you played so far? Give me an idea of what one would expect from your live show.
We've come close a bunch of times but have yet to actually play a show.

Last words/final thoughts/anything you would like readers to know about you?
Thanks for the interview. Shout outs to all Adelaide and Melbourne crew and vegans and vegetarians everywhere.
If anyone is interested in a hard copy demo or is interested in stepping up to play drums, get in touch... portrayalofvengence@hotmail.com.

Portrayal Of Vengeance at myspace.

Limited edition Integrity tshirts

Sick!

Relentless merch

The new desings from the Relentless are brilliant - love both of em. Go to their Big Cartel store and get yourself some of this goodness!

http://dogfightrecords.bigcartel.com/

And if you don't know:

Relentless are a five piece hardcore band from Sydney playing aggressive in your face music. They have been together since mid 2006. They have finaly got a secure line up with all five members commited and are all level minded about the music they are playing.

Overcome

"We think the name speaks a little bit for itself. It`s a message of unity, continuous effort in order to face the day-by-day issues and taking advantage of all the good things life gives you."

To those who don’t know: Overcome is a hardcore band from Lisboa. You guys started in the summer of 2005. What else should be known about the band?
-Pedro - We`re 5 guys that know each other for years and decided to make a band. We all shared the same musical interests and convictions.

Your latest album called "Positive Thoughts, bring Positive Moments" is about to be released. What do you feel when listening to these tracks? Has your album lived up to your own expectations?
- Pex - Being the first real album (we made 2 demos on cd-r ) we feel we got the job done. Despite all the troubles we had in the recording phase we feel we got into a new stage for ourselves.


So, for all the kids who haven’t check it out yet, what makes your new album, "Positive Thoughts, bring Positive Moments", significant and what can kids expect from it?
- Sen - We think the name speaks a little bit for itself. It`s a message of unity, continuous effort in order to face the day-by-day issues and taking advantage of all the good things life gives you.

If you had to compare your musical style to any other band, what would it be?
- Tiago - There isn`t any band we can relate 100%. But you can hear some influences of bands that left their mark in all of us like the late Omited Gr and Criminal Waste from Portugal and Biohazard, Madball, Strife among others.

Are lyrics important part of your music? Is there any message you are trying to send through your music?
- Sen - We say whatever goes down in our minds. Like we said before we talk about unity, friendship, respect effort and energy, the basic day-by-day issues.

A lot of kids are saying that hardcore is not as it used to be, it got too commercial, too nice or too metal these days. What are your views on the current hardcore scene?
- Pedro - The scene is strong. There are many bands, many shows and many people doing their part. There are also variations within the portuguese hc scene. From the SxE Youth Crew, to the oldschool hardcore and also the new influences mixing oldschool hardcore and metal. Basically it`s in very good shape. It has everything to get even more stronger.

Where do you think the hardcore is heading? What's next for the scene?
- Noia - It will appear lots of new people and lots of people will go away.The real will still be here doing their part.

What’s the scene like out there in Lisboa at the moment?
- Pedro - It`s strong. New promoters, new bands, new faces, lots of shows. The evolution is quite visible.

What has been the most unexpected part of your experience in this band?
-Sen - All the setbacks we had during the recording stage. We were forced to delay the release due to personnal issues.

What can we expect from Overcome in the future? What goals would you still like to achieve?
- Noia - We want to keep on playing, play more shows, promote the album, getting back on studio to record some new material and spread the message. Play for more and different people.

Well, is there anything else that you'd like to expound upon?
- Pedro - Thank you very much for doing this interview and helping promote the cd. Thank you also for being one of those who do their part.
To all the people reading this, go to shows, support the bands and the people who put on shows. Hardcore unity worldwide!

http://www.myspace.com/overcomeband

1125 - Break The Wall