Madball - Empire

I have loved the last two Madball Albums (well, i love all of them) - but the last 2 have just been amazing. The spark of adding Riggs and Mitts has catapulted these guys into full dedication mode. Touring non-stop and 3 lps in 5 years; scan't stop, won't stop. And their live shows have been tight and energetic. But this is a new label, new drummer, and new producer.

"Empire" - well, this one is minus Riggs. He is missed. And despite Jay Weinberg NOT being in the band as i type this, he was on the album. And he does a superb job. But the chemistry of Mitts and Hoya and Freddie is undeniable. These dudes are on fire.

lyrically, Freddy continues to grow. I mean, it's still about the streets, but the streets in the context of this world, this government. The spirit remains the same, but the mouth through which these vocals are screamed is a wiser one. Freddy often is caught contemplating the struggle. He sees both sides of the coin. He sees the future and the past when arriving at a fork in the road. He can examine his old ways with lament and reason.

"And no this not about the scene, this is about the relevance in the bigger scheme of things" Freddy's social criticism and political leanings have become strengthened in the past 3 albums, and it is glorious. Good stuff. I mean, he ain't Jello Biafra or anything - but "us vs the system" has been honed in on some specifics. and nice shout of "fuck BP petro" made me smile. Speaking against the sleepwalking clones, the corporate thugs, the consumer, and the complacent.

Music: same formula - no dramatic twist. Just the best hardcore you can have. NYHC. Two-steps and gang chants for the listener to become possessed by. Fast crunching riffs; mid-tempo beats with a hip-hop bounce. Head walks and chest pounds a plenty. The mixing is classic Madball - time changes and channel drops while Freddy screams that lead into breakdowns. Not chugga chugga and breakdown saturated; the main focus is one the importance of racing forward.

That said - they got , who i guess is some Florida Death Metal guru (Cannibal Corpse, etc). He did a fantastic job. No crazy metal tendencies, just hardcore.

Some highlights: Brother roger comes on "Shatterproof"; the Paul Bearer intro to "Hurt You"; two new songs in Spanish; and "Tough Guy" - as i remark on Freddy's obvious maturation, do not take that for growing soft. and this songs harkens back to that sparkplug.

"Con Fuerza" has me throwing haymakers alone in my room and i do not know a lick of Spanish. The tracks "RAHC, "All or Nothing" that we got a peek at 2 weeks prior courtesy of Reaper Records got me picking up change. Invigorate, "Timeless", "Dark Horse" has me looking like a fool waiting for the buss as i shout at the telephone pole and point. i could go on - every song on this album kills. They are each made for the pit; and the revolution. Stand up and fight. And make sure this is your soundtrack.

Sadly, the album closes with "Rebel4Life 1 8" is about Hoya's wife that passed away. My condolences. That must be horrible.

This review was taken with permission from the excellent Empty Hands PVD blog.

Label:Good Fight Music
Band's website

DJ Muggs vs Ill Bill - Kill Devil Hills

So it has been 6 weeks since the release of this album. And I was waiting for months. Ill Bill was at the top of his game on "Hour of Reprisal". The variety of music and lyrical Influences were a relief in this disgusting quagmire of present pop music that passes for hip hop. On the other coast, Muggs has cranked out 3 dope albums under his "Vs" moniker. So this East to left collabo of two top performers had me stoked.

The other aspect of this that had me drooling was the talk from the two men regarding "the Album". Well, that and the proven track record from the two artists ( "Vs." x 3 from Muggs; LCN and "HOR" from Bill). my biggest complaint in hip hop - that we trace through the prior decade - is the lack of "the album". It can be seen that I do not decry in solitude by this past summer's Rock the Bells tour focusing on just that. But I would say in whole, the rap album where you can listen front to back without skipping a track is now an anomaly. Remember Cube, PE, Too Short, EPMD, Geto Boys? My analysis would render that these magical concoctions were due to producers and rappers being together. Physically and mentally. Seeing the album as an artistic product. GangStarr, Hill/House/Doobie, Wu, Beastie Boys, Tribe and certain others were products of this distinction: in-House producers that were part of the group, and hence, the creative process. Like these days, Ed O.G. & Pete Rock, JMT, Gza & Muggs, 7L & ES, M Polo & Torae - these cd's stand out. Think Primo and Guru, Sir Jinx and Cube, Kool G and Marley (or Jinx, for that matter), Ice-T & The Syndicate, PE with Bomb Squad, EPMD with Scratch, Dilated, rap-a-lot.

But these days, it is about the "single". Which has rappers paying producers to provide beats that they made alone; not specifically for a particular mc. Don't get me wrong, there are exceptions through out history. Anyway, Muggs agrees and sat in a room, in a lab, with Ill Bill and they made an album. One that was a culmination of effort, energy, work, communication, compromise, and collaboration. *(damn, the "u-Massacre" lp had Meth, Ghost, and Rae record separately. And we wonder why there is a lack of chemistry?) So how did this end up....

Fuckin dope. What we get handed is classic Muggs, with a slight twist and Bill at his peak. A snare roll that opens up "Cult Assasins" morons into that marching beat that we heard on the
Muggs - Asia lp. We get a simple beat with a fuzzy bass and chants that keep that ethereal feel Muggs loves. Some space age funk twirls in and out to add atmosphere. Bill, as most of this album will be adorned with, lays lyrics obsessed with conspiracies and Illuminati and bible codes and such.

"Trouble Shooters" gives us an elaborate weaving of the same apocalyptic scenarios from Bill. Sick Jacken murders his piece. Sean Price Comes up and kicks a great verse of thug Vs brain type options. While OC rounds it out with a strong verse. Love that guy. Muggs gives a Rza type beat with that repeating stringplay enhanced by a Muggs drone and hum. Wraps it all up nicely.

"we got a black president, the aliens will be here soon" starts off "Illuminati 666". So with those "end of days" intro - you get the vibe. I'd say this is average Muggs beat, which makes it better than most still. This rocker has that synth stomp. and with introspection like "...meanwhile the mass-population consumes / i'm in a catch 22, too smart for my own good / intergalactical, too smart for my own hood / my x-ray vision sees through..." relays the scale of his thoughts and the grand weight of the mental burden this truth-seeker lays upon himself.

These songs are great, but the lp really kicks in with "Amputated Saint" with B-Real. This tune just lifts the energy level. Muggs beat is haunting with his chants and dusty drums. Crackles enter our ear to add to the ancient secrets Bill and B are discovering and enlightening us with words of wisdom. B-Real spits "they got hell to pay and i got hell to raise..." as i smile. Drugs and violence lace the entire album, and B-Rizzy sums it up: "We got the greenery and heavy machinery / life don't mean a thing to me - bitch, enjoy the scenery". The is the message encompassed. Life is a hard trek, get high and enjoy what you got. live for today.

Bill knows how to write a hook. And these paranoid warnings provide the fertile fodder for Bill to strengthen that skill. The entire cd keeps your head noddin' with provocative flows repeating.

The next jam has LCN brothers Slaine and Everlast join Bill on an Indian sitar loop and a catchy snare clap. Chanting weaves in and out to add that spark. Bill kicks "use computers To rob commodities/ abuse technology / Produce monopolies/ google and YouTube robbery" to school the listener in a verse that is spoken to teach. Slaine slams a stellar spit and i am high just listening to the hypnotic beat. Ev kicks a simpler phrasing, but kicks it with a punch.

That next song ( is centered around an electro-synth loop that i expect Lil Wayne to jump on...i get a little apprehensive, but as soon as Bill spits i cannot deny that it bangs. i quickly adjust. Muggs still whoops out his Marching head banger feel on the beat. And some audio tweaks to some speech part helps. I also hear some metal sword clanging in the background. Ill Bill calling "Sarah Palin is a Wu-Tang fan" makes me chuckle. But the defining moment for me is Q-Unique..."in the constellation of rappers, i am the top star / superbad, mclovin', shootin the cops' cars /yeah we all loadin the clip and feelin the heat / but y'all aint' killin' the street / like Ill and Unique". Boom! and when he spits - "Fox News Room, where my sanity dies, cause i get more truth out of Family Guy". whooooo!

the slow crawl of drums and a whistle lead us into "The Owl" with a creepy guy talking some mob shit for a quick rest

The following 4 songs are absolutely incredible. Best beats one the album, bringing this shit to the next echelon.

"Millenniums of Murder" is a killer Horn march with crackles and gun shots that boost it to an epic feel. a disjointing Psycho type prickly horn carries in verse 2.
"Chase Manhattan" is a classic beat - total 70's soul tune. deep horns, wakka guitars, and layers of drums help us klisten to a bank heist story from Chef and Bill. Smoking. *( best line, "listening to Lamb of God, while i pack the Bong")
"Ill Bill TV" opens with a scream into a cloudy, dark hammond organ loop. crisp metal like pipes banging supply the head knock beat. Horns come in a little later. But the organ is so dope, it carries the whole thing.
"Secrets Worth Dying For" is another organ riff with a punch of drums. it is slower, but sick. I love organs (....hold the joke) and this is the shit. Chace Infinite guests.

This is by far the best beat on the whole thing. a somber piano with some of beat bass drums lay a foundation for a raw boom bap song. less is more. Add Vinnie Paz and B-Real on the track and you cannot lose. i feel like a bad-ass thug just listening. Intellect and bravado stomping. "The symbolism is just like a prison / i am trying to free you from your condition" - B-Real. A Gritty beat for the grittiest, Paz; with two other soldiers of the war.

We go out on a somber note, "Narco Corridos" has an eerie synth beat with pummeling drums and a haunting chant in the back. Uncle Howie often comes up with Bill and you see how the sorrow and reflection resonates with the wounded Bill. Sick Jacken comes up and tells and equally morose tale. a good song to end on.


Ill Bill is the master of multisyllabic rhymes a la Too $hort, Rakim and Kool G; or contemporaries Slaine, Eso or Apathy. This album has Bill never slowing his message or sound. His subject matter sticks with the conspiracy theory that takes up maybe half of his last album. This paranoia fuels the desire to fight the powers that be, hence the drug and gun talk; which is never brought up simply for novel effect or needless violent tales.

This album is a banger. no doubt. This album is New York. Dark, hustling, gritty, reality. And the samples, lyrics and names reflect the NY vibe and attitude. But Bill is never fettered by this, he still peers at the whole world and how he and NY fit into it. He examines the Big Picture with a fine toothed comb. Smart, articulate, and skilled rhymes are the solid pith of Ill Bill, and with a consistent producer, especially one of the tenure, talent and vibe of Muggs, is the perfect pairing. Get this now.
And then go read a book. Bill and Muggs will suggest both, i think.

This review was taken with permission from the excellent Empty Hands PVD blog.

Off! - 1st EP

Official Press Description: "The first release, the succinctly titled 1st EP, is a limited edition 7" that comes with an exclusive poster courtesy of Raymond Pettibon, the living legend responsible for Black Flag's overall visual aesthetic. LA-based OFF! features Keith Morris (Black Flag/Circle Jerks), Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Steven McDonald (Redd Kross), and Mario Rubalcaba (Earthless/Hot Snakes/Rocket From the Crypt). "

So...does the old guy still have it? Would you listen to this band even if KM was not in it? is it really good, or just good for an old guy?

YES! YES! YES!

This is Black Flag/Circle Jerks lo-fi craziness. Desperate screams and cursed pleas emit over strong riffs.

"Black Thoughts" taut and frantic. so-cal punk gem "I can't stop thinking black thoughts!" ...55 seconds

"Darkness" this must be a lost black flag song from '78. Incredible. Caustic howls scratch past Morris' throat over a dark riff.

"I Don't Belong" ..."i'm standing in the shadows and i'm pissing in the punch bowl". This one is a touch slower. a good creepy crawl stomp. 57 seconds of eerie and bitter.

"Upside Down" Big riff of (again) '80 level Circle Jerks feel. i guess you can say catchy - but not pop or melodic. this is gritty punk rock and roll. 47 seconds.

So. expect three more ep's at 4 songs a piece over the next three months.

Intense early hardcore punk fro the dude that helped create the sound and rebellion and energy of this distilled emotional music. Raw production and vocals bring home the paranoid and sinister spite towards nrmal society. Just as vicious and relevant as 30 years ago.

And again, it's not just sentimental. If 4 20 year olds in Texas were putting this out as their first ep, they would the same review.

and yes, cover art by Pettibon. damn.
*** and mario rubalcaba was always one of my favorite skaters and i had a deck by him i loved...new school.

This review was taken with permission from the excellent Empty Hands PVD blog.

Label: Vice Records
Year: 2010
Band's website

Ratface - Ratassed

Ratassed, first full-length of Ratface came out already in February, but since i was in hiatus during the time, i decided to do a bit late review. Ratface's first mcd Demon Dayz made huge impact on the Finnish scene at the time, bringing ultra-brutal and funny, thrashy beatdown hardcore back with a bang. Since the mcd, they have put out a S/T 7" on Fast Rock Factory and in February 2010 their first full-length came out on Fullhouse Records.

Ratassed features a good bunch of heavy, thrash-ridden hardcore, that has all the beats and breaks you would ever wish for a hardcore album. This time they got some hardcore all-stars on the board with them, starting with UK's most notorius beatdown band, Six Ft. Ditch's vocalist Peachey. On the title track Ratassed, they've taken one of the most known SFD lyrics and turned it into their own, as Peachey screams; "Get drunk motherfuckers, get drunk!". With a quite banger to start with, the album is what you'd expect it to be, energetic, metallic hardcore and with MC. Respektor's awesome, even rap-influenced screaming they're taking this shit to another level, again.

Song titles reveal more of what's to come, Nightwish 4 A War and Crazytown Coolio, won't let you down and to top it, there's markings on the artwork on every song if it's a "party-tune" or a "hangover-tune". Second featuring artist is David from Denmark's metallic hardcore juggernaut, Shatterproof, who's singing some inexplainable words, (in Denmark maybe?) on Burana 1000 and dropping a killer line in there; "Denland Finmark connection giving all you PC-kids a stupidity injection". I'm also sure there's something connected with ovaskainen räppikäinen on that song? More Booze More Sex features Pussy Rat Dolls on backup choir, it's very sing-a-long type of party anthem, heavy shit mixed with ultra fast shredding parts. Also finnish hip-hop is represented on Ratassed with King King Of Bling Bling, when Shaka drops some skilled bombs on the latter part of the song, working spectaculary well. Ending the "real" record is In Satan We Trust, with Respektor's old band mate (from Pitfiend days) Jakefiend, who nowdays sings for The Jacklads, they share some tender moments on worshipping of satan, of course, what else.

But this is not the end, hence the "Afterparty Area", where we hear hardcore band turn into a "reggae" band with I Don't Like Hardcore and welcome their last visitor, DJ Pataässä, delivering the final killing blow with; Güte Scheisse, an epic full on techno assault. Last two songs are very much at your own risk, so listen if you dare. Also note that you'll have to have a sense of humour to listen them, so tightasses (and dickheads!), don't bother. Ratface has proven that they are here to stay, they have kept on playing and having fun and there doesn't seem to be end in sight. For all fans of hardcore music in general, and who can take a joke, should really check Ratface out if you haven't yet. Ratassed is available on vinyl and cd, both formats available straight from the label, Finland's finest, Fullhouse Records.

This review was taken with permission from the excellent Killing The Legacy blog.

Label: Fullhouse Records
Year: 2010
Band's website

Agnostic Front working on a new album

Official press release: The Godfathers of New York Hardcore, Agnostic Front, will enter Mana Recording Studios in Tampa, FL to begin recording the highly anticipated follow-up to their 2007 release, "Warriors." Fifteen new powerful and anthemic songs will be laid down by Erik Rutan (Madball, Goatwhore, Cannibal Corpse) under the watchful guide of producer Freddy Cricien of Madball. The band recently wrapped up pre-production with Freddy to tighten up the songs before entering the studio. This will be Agnostic Front's third release for Nuclear Blast Records and second produced by Freddy Cricien. The record is rumored to be their strongest to date and an early-2011 release is expected.

Eulogy Recordings signs Loyal To The Grave

Hardcore is a worldwide movement so it's always good to see that US labels are reaching out to the bands in different parts of the world. This time we have Eulogy signing the well known Japan act, Loyal To The Grave. Here's official press release: Eulogy as always recognized and appreciated the importance of the worldwide underground music scene. Today we are very excited to announce the signing of Loyal To The Grave to the Eulogy family. Eulogy will be releasing their new album sometime next year worldwide. This is a huge step for both the band and the label. Loyal To The Grave will help the Eulogy brand grow in Japan. Eulogy will help bring worldwide attention to one of the finest bands to ever come from Japan.
Loyal To The Grave formed in 1998. They released their debut mini album "North Truth" on Devil's Head Records (U.S.) and a split ep with The Acacia Strain. They soon released their first full length "Abstract Sensations" and an ep titled "Indistinct" on Imperium Recordings (Japan). The band has toured consistently in Japan sharing the stage on occasion with Hatebreed, Terror, Converge and many more.
Their latest album "Still Climbin' Still Believin'" is one of the most important albums released in the history of Japanese hardcore. This album combined a perfect blend of many different types of metal and hardcore. This album received a worldwide release with the help of Surprise Attack Records (U.S.), Skull and Bone Records (AUS) and Towhall Records (Korea). They also releasd a 2 way split on Seventh Dagger Records (U.S.) with Winds of PLague and XAFBX.
Loyal To The Grave will visit the U.S. this winter as part of the December Decimation Festival. Their new album will be released on Eulogy Recordings mid 2011 supported by worldwide touring.

Pre-orders for the new Stay Hungry LP “Against the wall” are up

Pre-orders for the new Stay Hungry LP “Against the wall” are up now. The record contains 14 tracks of fast and to the point straight edge hardcore. It will be out late October / early November. It is a co-release between SH Records, Green Menace Records and Get This Right Records. Two songs from the LP are available now on the Stay Hungry myspace page. First press: 300 black, 100 white and 100 blue. Don’t sit around and wait.

Death Before Dishonor and Casey Jones tour announced

Death Before Dishonor and Casey Jones will co-headline a January tour of the East Coast with support from The Mongoloids and Hundredth. Dates include:

1/13 Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
1/14 Dacula, GA @ Awake
1/15 Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
1/16 Whitesburg, KY @ Letcher County Tourism
1/17 Annapolis, MD @ Knights of Columbus
1/18 Vineland, NJ @ Hangar 84
1/19 Bay Shore, NY @ Sinai Reform Temple
1/20 Utica, NY @ Hotel Utica
1/21 Waterbury, CT @ South Street Stage
1/22 Haverhill, MA @ Anchors Up
1/23 Holyoke, MA @ Waterfront

H20 to play mini-tour with Man Overboard and Wisdom In Chains

H20 will play couple of shows in early-December with Man Overboard and Wisdom In Chains. The schedule is as follows:

12/2 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
12/3 Providence, RI @ Club Hell
12/4 Westchester, PA @ Club Note
12/5 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance (Loft Upstairs)

Cro-Mags 'The Age Of Quarrel' LP re-issue on Mightier Than Sword Records to

Official message from the label: "We are honored to announce that Mightier Than Sword will be re-issuing the debut album from New York Hardcore legends, the Cro-Mags. That’s right, this coming January 11th we will be releasing the band’s 1986 debut album, “The Age Of Quarrel,” on limited edition 180 gram vinyl. Re-mastered and featuring three (03) previously unreleased demo tracks circa 1984 (“You’d Be The Death Of Me”, “When Push Comes To Shove” and “Hard Times”), the 180 gram vinyl will be pressed on the following colors: 100 solid black, 400 clear red/solid black swirl, and 500 clear red. Original artwork will be used, along with a couple never used photos of the band from the era, and include a full-color gatefold jacket and full-color innersleeve. Don’t miss your chance to pick up this influential and long out of print album! Pre-orders for the LP will go live in the MTS WEBSTORE on Friday, December 10th at 12 PM Noon Est."