Brick

Name: Mitch Olshansky

Location: The City of Firsts, Maryland

Active since: May 2008

How do you define your overall style?
Hard to say, man...we pull influences from a lot of places. clevo/nyhc meets haymaker with sprinklings of thrash metal and some baltimore flavor...or something...

Whats your goal with this band?
To continue spreading the hardcore reality

What do you have recorded so far?
Demo/7'' ep and a comp song. We are very close to finishing our first full length. fuckin "stoked" yo!

What are the origins of Brick?
Shrouded in mystery.

When did you start a band and what was the reason to do it?
We started Brick exactly 1 year ago and just wanted to rage. After quitting previous bands, we decided to combine vibes and make Brick. Nah mean.

How do you feel about your track on Mercy For None compilation?
Yo that song was cool, but we went through a lot of difficulties getting it done. Long story, but in the end i think we made a pretty sweet raw track.

Are you guys happy with the outcome?
Yeah

What are your favorite tracks off the album?
Off Mercy For None? Personally...the Unforgiven track kicks my ass every time i hear it.

What are the most inspiring things for you when you write songs?
Distress and paranoia that runs through my head on a daily basis. Anxiety. I think about each song in a different way, guitar-wise. Sometimes I want to create a tense atmosphere and sometimes I want people to feel like they drove 75 mph(120 km/hr haha) into a brick wall. And listening to all kinds of music.


Your music got some modern touch to it but I guess we can agree that compared to the bands like i.e. Hatebreed It’s still pretty traditional hardcore. How do you feel about hardcore music today, especially things like death/metal core or emo stuff.
I feel the same about hardcore music today as I did 8 years ago. It still moves me in the same ways. I have no problem with death/metalcore/emo or whatever. Shitty music is going to always exist, who cares. The only thing about those kind of bands that pisses me off is when they try to use hardcore as a stepping stone to climb up some high wobbly trendy ladder and then hop on the next big thing. Real hardcore music will always exist. Its stood the test of time for the last 30 years.

Whats the best and the worst thing about being in the hardcore band?
The Best thing - playing music I've wanted to play since 9th grade with some of my best friends. Hanging out everywhere and making new friends all over and creating this alternate punk rock reality to the daily bullshit.
The Worst thing - I feel pretty lucky to be involved in this band, so I dont think theres really a "worst thing" about it.

What's the status of your relationship with Reaper Records?
Patrick Kitzel is the man. He's been very supportive of us. He wanted us to do the song and we agreed instantly. Support Reaper.

Any future collaborations?
Who knows. It would be cool.

You’re from Baltimore, how’s the hardcore/punk scene doing over there?
I love it here. There's really no other place I'd rather be. The hardcore scene is fuckin dope. We have many active venues and lots of shows constantly. Lots of awesome bands are from here. At the same time, since there are so many shows happening all the time, its hard to get kids to come out so frequently, but all in all...Baltimore is on top of shit. New bands to get into: TREASON, CRINGE, PLAGUELAND, BET THE DEVIL, PALA and SELF-INFLICTED. Pulling Teeth! Stout! Deathammer! Oak! Mindset! Deep Sleep! Alarmed! One Step Too Many! New TUI. New Surroundings. New Ruiner. SUPPORT A389 Records!! Baltimore 2k9 on Top!!

What are your plans for the future?
Full Length coming out on PANIC RECORDS! (hopefully by early summer). After that...maybe a split or ep. WORD LIFE. PEACE LOVE JAH. SHOUT OUTS TO DIRTY MONEY AND PAIN RUNS DEEP!

Check out Brick at: http://www.myspace.com/brickmd

Nowhere Bound

Name:
Jaaron - I'm Jaaron and I play guitar in Nowhere Bound.
I'm Ryan- I sing. Jaaron also is in charge of giving me shit constantly via text message about how I never do anything for this band. lol.

Location:
Jaaron - We are from Chicago and Northwest Indiana (which is chicago suburbs basically)

Active since:
Jaaron - We've been a band for just a few months now, since October 2008...but we've all been around for years and years in a handful other bands including Blood In/Blood Out and From The Chest.

How would you describe the music you play?
Ryan- Suppose you could label it hardcore. But this band has a way different feel than anything else I've been involved with. It reminds me of Cold As Life meets Ringworm meets Wisdom in Chains, personally. I think it's too early to say, though. Dave & Jaaron wrote 2 more songs that I haven't heard. They say it sounds like Bad Religion, which can't be a bad thing. I think the one thing we had in mind for this band was to do whatever WE wanted & not get caught up with what the "scene" wanted or liked, or what anyone expected us to sound like compared to any other bands we've done. They may kick me out soon though, so their next record may be an instrumental.hahaha

What do you have recorded so far?
Jaaron - We've just recorded our first demo 2 months ago. Thats all we have so far.

I’m going to start by asking you why Blood In Blood Out decided to take an infinite break?
Jaaron - well we've done Blood In/Blood Out for like 7 years now and we've been at it pretty hard playing a shit load of weekends and shows left and right, and i guess it took its toll on some of us and our family life. Shit started falling apart for some of us on the home front, and we needed some well deserved time away from the band. And the band was just becoming not fun anymore, and whats the point of being in a band when it isnt fun anymore....so it was obvious we all needed time away from Blood In/Blood Out


Getting back to Nowhere Bound, how did you guys find each other and decide to start a band?
Jaaron - Dave and I were in Blood In/Blood Out together, and we weren't doin' shit anymore really with BIBO so we decided we didn't wanna sit around and wait for stuff to get goin' again with that, so we started looking for a drummer for a side project band. We found this kid, Cary, at a bar at a punk show, exchanged numbers, and started jamming soon after that.
We got to work on songs and a got feel for Cary's drum playing then we started thinkin about who would sing. One night at our buddy's party we asked Ryan, who was a friend of ours that sang in Chicago Hardcore band FROM THE CHEST, if he was down for doin' a side band....and he was down. And Jake, who was in Blood In/Blood Out too but had moved to Denver to play with FIGHT LIKE HELL then to Florida to play in KNOW THE SCORE, he decided to move back home to Indiana and we talked to him about playing in our new band NOWHERE BOUND when he came back,and he was down...so he joined up.

Fight music for the fighters or love music for the lovers – which of these better describes Nowhere Bound?
Ryan- I think fight for what you love fits us best. Although Dave is an extraordinary lover.

How do you think the new band compares to your previous projects?
Jaaron - Well we aren't kids no more, we know what we like and don't like by now. So we aren't wasting time tryin' to find our sound. Speaking from my point of view and my bands I can say that I'm excited as shit about this band. The songs are short and sweet and don't get boring. Prior bands I've been in, songs drag on and there is lots of growing documented in my old bands cds.
Ryan- Agreed. I have no patience. Sometimes I think that's why punk & core appealed to me so much. No fat. Just in your face & then done. That's what's great about NB is I never know what I'm gonna get.

How do you go about writing lyrics? Is there any message you’re trying to present to your listeners?
Ryan- There is nothing worse than some retard with a microphone gracing you with his so called "knowledge" of how life works & how you should live it. Being in a band does not give you the right to preach to anyone. Hardcore to me has always been about struggling to find your way. The band Dillinger Four said it best "in this frustration we find our salvation". I can't stand bands that try to write extra "tough" mosh lyrics either. I can't identify with that. I try to write about real things. Things that might even be embarrassing to admit about choices I've made & how I rose above it...or didn't & lost at the game of life. The demo ranges from songs about organized religion, to depression & feeling downright worthless, to my recent divorce, & ends with a song dealing with abandonment by people who really influenced me & once looked up to. I think people identify way more with a band that focuses on their own struggles, instead of pointing the finger at what everybody else is fucking doing wrong. Take care of your own bullshit. Writing lyrics is more of a self medication to quiet the constant mess in my head.


How many shows did you play already? What is the craziest thing that ever happened at one of your shows?
Jaaron - well this band has only just played our first show recently. but as far as craziest thing ive seen at a show was when Blood In/Blood Out played with One For All and Pride Kills in Arkansas.....Pride Kills played before us and a fucking riot broke out basically. no one was safe at this show. Tables and chairs were flying everywhere. people had bats and were breaking shit. i was like jesus, how the hell are we gonna play after this....so we set up and we started playing, and he Pride Kills guys came right up into the middle of the floor with a cinder block and smashed it on the ground and started throwing chunks at everyone and then everyone started detroying everything once again. craziest shit i ever saw at a show....indescribable really.

You guys are not a newcomers to the scene. How do you keep from getting burnt out after all these years of playing?
Jaaron - Honestly its hard. Cause i pretty much hate every new band that comes out almost. My guitarist is always suggesting new bands to listen to and i am always saying "Nope dont wanna hear em". I Cant stand these stupid fuckin "hype" bands that come out....like bands that everyone is buzzin about. Usually these bands suck. With all that being said when we meet bands and hang with em at and after shows, i see what kinda people they are and that goes a long way for me. that is what gets me interested in new bands - hanging with em. and that also keeps me into he scene and not burning out on it....the friends we make along the way, the people we get to see from time to time when they role thru our town for a show and get to party with us.
Ryan- I think taking myself less seriously helps me stay focused. You have to realize that all the tough guy attitudes, clicks & scene politics is all bullshit. People try way too hard to be "hardcore". You are not cooler than anyone because you play a basement show on a Tuesday night to 18 people in a shitty neighborhood. File that under no one gives a shit. That takes away from why we're all here & involved. Not gonna get too posi here, but do what you love & appreciate the moment. Question everything. Be able to get hit in the face & laugh. Let's face it...No one involved in hardcore is a normal functioning human. We are all fucked in our own way. That alone gives us a common bond & will keep this shit going.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the hardcore scene? What are the most and least rewarding aspect of it?
Jaaron - To be part of the hardcore scene is awesome....but sometimes it sucks. Cause now its starting to get watered down alot with the popularity of mainstream bands that are calling themselves hardcore and actual hardcore bands becoming popular via the accessiblity thru the internet. Its ruff business to accept people in hardcore anymore when there are so many fly by night people that are just riding a fashion craze or a passing fad. The most rewarding aspect of hardore to me is, like i said before, the friends you meet that you normally wouldnt have met.

When was the last time you heard something that truly amazed you when it comes to hardcore? How do you feel about the current state of hardcore and where do you see it heading?
Jaaron - Truely amazed....hmmmmm....thats tuff, id have to say either when Palehorse - Secrets Within Secrets first came out, or when Death Defore Dishonor - True Till Death came out....both were fucking amazing cds to me tht inspired me to write and made me happy to be involved in hardcore. The Current state of hardcore is scary, but its getting better slowly. For a while here hardcore was getting goofy with the make-up and girl pants and white belts and girl hair cuts. Some of that shit is slowly disappearing. all these kids that do this shit are the same kids who were limp biscuit rap rockers a couple years ago, and then faded into girl pant wearing metal hardcoe dudes....and now they are all fading into thrash metal revival dudes. It makes ya hate hardcore kids sometimes cause they all seem like trend hoppers that just drop yesterdays news and pickup where the new trend is these days. But im seeing more and more kids that seem like they're passionate about doin shows and getting involved with hardcore in general these days. so shits gettin better i think.
Ryan- I'd have to say Blacklisted "The Beat Goes On..." I remember seeing them at The Heist in Chicago 5 years ago. I think it was the 1st time they played here. I picked up "Our Youth is Wasted" after their set & thinking "Fuck, this band could be really important". I always identified with George's lyrics & could feel the self doubt & loathing as if it was my own. I think he takes chances lyrically & puts himself out there. I always respected that. "Beat" is fucking explosive & unpredictable. That's one record that I feel captures that sense of urgency & chaos.

Whats playing on your stereo the most at the moment?
Jaaron - right now im listening to alot of Bad Religion, Doomhammer, Negative Approach, Government Issue, Circle Jerks, Operation Ivy, Suffocation, Testament ....to name a few.
Ryan- Face to Face, Jawbreaker, Mouth Piece, Avail, D4, Neutral Milk Hotel.

How do you feel about Indiana hard core scene at the moment? Any bands worth mentioning?
Jaaron - Kids are starting to come out to shows more. Young kids are steppin up and booking shows and doin shit to make the scene better, rather than just sit back and have us older dudes do everything. kids are bringing in good touring bands, that are actually worth a fuck, these days too. bands worth mentioning are Any Given Second, After The Quarrel (Blood In/Blood Out's merch guys band), Choking On Reality, Iceberg, The Rise of The Fallen, The Killer, Convicted, Doomhammer, Chasin' The Dragon, Duress, Harm's Way.

All right, could you give us the rundown, what are your future plans with the band?
Jaaron - honestly i personally have no clue, we are taking this band day to day really....nothing is outta the question. We have a couple of labels we are talkin with now about a release in the future. so as of right now we are writing a bunch of stuff and getting ready to start playin a shit load of shows.

Thanx for the interview, anything else you would like to add?
Jaaron - check out our myspace myspace.com/nowhereboundmwhc for anything coming up with us in the future.

Billy Club Sandwich - The Usual Suspects

Billy Club Sandwich - The Usual Suspects
Rucktion 2008

Billy Club Sandwich is one of bands that can’t fall off both lyrically and musically if they tried. After listening to this album for the last few days, I have to say this one of the most interesting and intense things I’ve heard recently.

Tracks switch from the typical angry and in your face NYHC to ruthless mosh parts to straight up metal. It’s amazing how smoothly everything flows and it’s good to see the band still got the sense of humor and don’t take this shit too serious, especially when it comes to artwork. There are many bands doing this type of shit nowadays but even with good skills and ideas, many times they end up sounding not all that different from each other. That’s not the case with BCS. When you listen to any of the song off The Usual Suspects, you know who you’re listening to. Like on their previous albums, this one got some lyrics written in Spanish and I couldn’t not mention the cover of Ready To Halt by Sheer Terror. The Usual Suspects is a record that displays that BCS don’t give a fuck about anything or anyone and just focus on perfecting their own craft of bringing the hardest and meanest songs they can bring.


Billy Club Sandwich @ Myspace

Endless Desire - Moonstruck

Endless Desire - Moonstruck
Spook 2009

I bought this CD not knowing much about the band and it's come to be one of my favorites records that came from this part of the world lately. Music wise, this one is a little bit on the heavy side of things, but while you listen to it you know this is still a hardcore record not a metal album.

So, what do we have here? Endless Desire comes through Moonstruck with a powerful combination of savagery and rage. 10 tracks filled with enormous head stomping guitar riffs and punishing drums. You get harsh, angry vocals backed by a solid, creative musicianship. From the first track they speed up the pace and don’t let go till the end. The songs on this album are straight and to the point with furious fast parts and neck breaking breakdowns which is just the way I like it. I know it starts to sound like I’m paid to advertise this CD but believe me, I really tried to find something to pick about but despite few minor flaws, nothing really bothers me with this cd. There’s always a need for a bands that keep it aggressive but still and surprising so if you’re in the mood for some mosh action, give it a try.


Endless Desire @ Myspace

Shorter Than Fast - HxC

Shorter Than Fast - HxC
DIY 2009

I gotta be honest, I don’t listen that much to youth crew/positive old school hardcore anymore, at least not as much as I used to. Times when I’m in the mood for this type of stuff are few and far between, but when it comes, Shorter Than Fast is not a bad option.

They’ve been around since 2003 and beside this EP have released a demo in 2006 and appeared on two hardcore compilations. I can sense a lot of dedication and sincerity in what they do. The band’s bio says they take inspirations from bands like Kid Dynamite, Raised Fist and Stand And Fight and even if I wouldn’t say they’re as good as their influences, it’s still a good listen. This four-piece’s sound is best described as positive old school hardcore. They sing in French and I agree it works great for them. The EP consists of 6 tracks and if I had to choosew the best one, I would go for the opening one called Vie Moderne, which is just a fast paced hardcore track but with nice build up at the beginning and guitar hook that makes it stand out. Overall, if you like this type of stuff you should give it a try. And if you know French and like to sing a long, make sure to check em out on stage cause these songs are just made for live performance. Personally, Shorter Than Fast impresses, but lacks the musical prowess to really make my jaw drop.

Shorter Than Fast @ Myspace

Kickback signs to GSR records, No Surrender out this June

Some bands are famous, others are infamous and Kickback from Paris, the latest signing to the GSR roster, are most definitely the latter.

With a history that is rife with controversy, violence and hatred along with a middle finger and fuck you attitude to the hardcore scene that spawned them, Kickback return with their first album in almost 10 years titled No Surrender. As one of the first bands to fuse metal and hardcore, Kickback continue where they left off and all 11 songs on No Surrender are fuelled by the hate that drives them. Stephen's vocals are as raw and pissed off as they ever were, spitting venom and rage with every twisted line of contempt. The music is a barrage of metallic riffing and thunderous drumming that lurches with groove forcing you to bang your head. With a history that spans almost 20 years and with thousands of records sold worldwide this is a much anticipated release for many people and is a continuation of the band's already powerful and destructive legacy. Kickback are very much back on the map and will be a force to be reckoned with in 2009 when thoughts and ideas have become weak and watered down and an attitude of following the leader with a sheep like mentality has become the norm, Kickback are here to tip the scales and upset the balance. No Surrender is just that and more and with a standpoint of Forever War, let the controversy continue.

No surrender will be out on June 12th 2009.

Stigmata: albums re-issue and reunion shows this summer

I Scream Records is releasing "The Wounds That Never Heal", a re-issue of the Stigmata albums "Hymns For An Unknown God" and "Do Unto Others", on June 9th 2009, the year Stigmata is doing a few reunion shows to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The band officially stopped performing in 2001 (although doing 2 exclusive shows in 2005 and 1 in 2008) and Stigmata alumni have gone on to make big musical waves with the likes of Shadows Fall, Murderers Row, Great Day For Up, Dead Rabbits, Crisis, to name a few.

This is a collection of two hardcore legacy, hard to find albums with a total of 20 solid, in-your-face, no-holds-barred hardcore tracks, and 1 extra bonus track, all for the price of one CD!

Stigmata ruled the Upstate New York hardcore and metal scene with their street smart, musical urban warfare and have developed a strong and loyal following in the underground hard music scene.

This is without a doubt THE album that can get the job done if you are in need of a heavy music fix with attitude!!

Stigmata will play with the original line-up at the 2009 Black 'n Blue bowl on May 30th in Brooklyn, NY. Make sure to go check them out!

Eulogy Recordings signed xTyrantx

Eulogy Recordings is very proud to announce the signing of Detroit's xTYRANTx. Eulogy will re-release "Prepare For Devastation" on July 7, 2009.

Commented bassist Chris Zomerfeld "We a re real ly excited to be working with Eulogy Recordings. With a great roster, and the push to get our sound out to the right people its a perfect match. It is important for us to be involved with a label that has been dominant in hardcore for so many years, so we lo ok forward to the partnership. We've already started writing our upcoming EP to be released on Eulogy, and I'm excited to say its the heaviest, hardest, energetic music we've ever wrote."

Added Eulogy owner John Wylie "We are very proud to give "Prepare For Devastation" a proper release worldwide for xTYRANTx. Their music is brutal and their message is about as sincere as you can get. We were very excited when they contacted us and we're happy to have them as part of the Eulogy family."

Bio:
You've heard the rumors, most of them are true. There are very few bands around in today's hardcore scene that will stand up for what they believe in, and live the lives they preach, but thats exactly what you'll get with xTYRANTx. With a line up of hardcore veterans from a long list of classic bands from the Detroit area you’ll get a refined sound with music that will not disappoint. After many years of hard work, the band signed to Eulogy Recordings for a re-release of "Prepare for Devastation", and they’ve begun writing an album that will prove to be the band’s most anticipated, energy packed, fast, heavy, and hard hitting record yet. The infamous, the respected, the feared, xTYRANTx.

Lineup:
John Music - Vocals
Dave Hayes - Vocals
Brad Walker - Guitar
TJ Ulin - Guitar
Chris Zomerfeld - Bass
Joe Sucaet - Drums

Myspace: www.myspace.com/xtyrantx

Bun Dem Out - Perucho's Tale

New song by xDeviantx

xDeviantx from Ukraine has posted new song on their profile called Keep It Alive. Take a listen to it here.

Wreckonize

Name: Wreckonize

Location:Italy-Ancona

Active since: 2006

How do you define your overall style?
It’s not easy to define our style, we don’t have a precise definition, sure we arent beat down or metalcore, our ispiration is all good bands present or past. Bands that most inspired us are from NY in 80-90’s, so maybe our style could be like NYHC.

What do you have recorded so far?
We just finished to record a new demo, it will be oh myspace soon, and it can be downloadable our first demo of 3 songs.

Tell the history of the band. How and when did it started?
We began to play in 2006, in 2007 we fixed the members of the band, and then we recorded our first demo of 3 songs, after some shows and some time to create new songs at the end of 2008 we recorded again and the work will be out in 2009.

What’s been happening with the bands since the demo came out?
It's thanks to the first demo that we could know new people around italy having shows. Now we hope that with that new demo we can do the same..ahahah

Were you in any other groups before you hooked up as Wreckonize?
Yes, each of us had previous bands, but now is our that goes on, unfortunately others broke up.

Where is the band from and what is the music scene like there? What is 071HARDCORE crew?
We are from ancona, in the center of italy, the initial scene of our city allowed us to form wrockonize, bands that were there before us gave also a hand both to play and for some other stuff. 071hardcore is nothing but the name of our “crew”, few persons continue to believe in this music and lifestyle, fortunately our scene seems to create, and we hope to do our best to carry it on.

Is there any story or concept behind the title Wreckonize?
No, there isn’t…

Where do you get your ideas and inspirations for the song lyrics?
Lyrics come only from things that happen in our everyday life, no crap…only real life.

What are the best and worst aspects of being a part of hardcore scene? What do you love and what do you hate?
It’s a difficult question…it’s not easy to say what we love of hardcore and what we hate. We don’t like italian hardcore scenery…too much little realities spread all over the country and often those are very different. Somewhere there are only beat down bands, and somewhere only metalcore, and the majority of times those bands are too simple…fortunately is not always like this, there are still valid groups that continue their style without falling into simplicity, this is the characteristic that make a group valid.



What are you feeling that's big right now when it comes to hardcore? Are you guys into beatdown, metalore, emocore or any of those styles?
No we don’t like nothing of this. Fortunately in our city there aren’t none of those styles, but if there were, we would respect them, everyone must do what he likes and what he wants.

What’s happening in the Italian hardcore scene right now kids in other parts of the world should check out?
As I said before we don’t like Italian scenery

Which movies have made the greatest impact upon you? ?
hahahahahah porn movie of course, then splatter, horror movies and trash italian movies from 80-90’s.

Shout outs and/or last comments?
Yes, i’d like to thank you for this interview and for the chance that you gave us, then we want to great all people that support us and thank to all those who read that interview or who downloaded our demo…get ready to the new one!!

You can find Wreckonize here.

”Behind Obstacles Lies Truth” by Bolt

Helsinki’s hardest are back at it. ”Behind Obstacles Lies Truth”, the new full length album by Bolt, is yet another impressive epitome in the band's twelve year long career. It’s also yet another step forward musically, ideologically, and in terms of production. With added harmony, greater impingement, and undeniable musicianship, the band have once again reset their standards.

http://www.myspace.com/boltstyle

Straight Opposition's complete discography available now

OUT NOW FOR BLDCLOTH ( Bulgaria ) A VERY SPECIAL REISSUE OF ALL STRAIGHT OPPOSITION DISCOGRAPHY CALLED " 20 STEPS ON MEDIOCRACY ", STARTING FROM THE FIRST PROMO ( d.i.
y 2004 ) TO THE LAST EP "GATHERED AGAINST MEDIOCRACY"( Indelirium Records 2008 ) , FOR A TOTAL OF 20 TRACKS FROM THE PESCARA HARDCORE BAND!

http://www.myspace.com/bldclotclothing

Furious Styles - Menace

The Furious Styles - Menace
Eulogy 2008

I just hate when such a great band like Furious Styles puts out a great record like Menace and then disappears leaving me with no chance to check these songs live. It’s really fucked up what they did!

Furious Styles is one of the bands that carve their own lane in lyrics and music. It’s not your typical NYHC record, it’s not your average old school, new school or whatever album. It is apparent throughout the album that the band has it’s own flow and stands out in the crowded hardcore scene of today. Just listen to the songs like Rat Poison or Stillbirth and you’ll get what I mean. What also stands out is the sincerity in the lyrics. With a machine gun flow singer Michaels spits out tales of fake friendships, broken dreams, empty promises, living a fucked up live and police oppression of course. I guess many of us can relate to this stuff. Production helps Menace a lot. It’s way more raw and dirty than before and that’s something I really missed on Life Lessons. The sound is meaty and clear enough to know what’s going on, but at the same time without getting overpolished. Overall, Menace combine the hard hitting song writing with some good old styled ‘fuck the world’ lyrics and is one of the few CDs I’ve heard recently that I simply love every track on. From start to the finish they keep the adrenaline level high and Menace ends up being an extremely powerful album!

PS. Did I mention ACAB cover by you know who? No other track could fit more on this record!



Furious Styles @ Myspace

Strength For A Reason news

The new full-length cd 'Burden Of Hope' will be officially released June 1st on Filled With Hate Records. It will be available through our webstore as well as the FWH e-store.


The split 7' with No Turning Back on Filled With Hate Records will be officially released on May 2nd. It features 2 new songs from each band and is a limited edition picture record. It will be available through our webstore and the FWH e-store on May 2nd.


The split 7' with Cold World on As One Records will be released this May on As One Records. It features 2 new songs from each band and is a limited edition colored vinyl release. It will be available through our webstore and As One Records this May.


We are working on a webstore portal to bring everything together in one place for people to find SFAR merch easily. The webstore can be accessed from our Myspace page, but it is currently under construction. As for right now, the link for our shirt distributor's SFAR page can be accessed.


The SFAR / Cheap Thrills European summer tour is coming quick. Dates are being finalized and there will be alot of news coming shortly. For the latest info, check out the official tour page at http://www.myspace.com/sfarct2009.

Barricade - Michelle

Deven

Name: Deven

Location: Namur/Charleroi (Belgium)

Active since: 2003

How do you define your overall style?
All school hardcore!!! We have so many different influences... so, we try to mix them the best way we can.. when you listen to the demo, there are songs that are completely newschool with moshparts, some others are definitely old school & most of them mix the whole shit.. you know, we don't want to play a sound that's always sounding the same... So, we decided to mix it all & to qualify it as « All school hardcore »...


Whats your goal with this band?
We have no specific goal. We just want to play the music we love, to share our point of view, our values or our frustrations, but always if we're having fun in doing what we do. Our songs talk about friendship, disgusts and hopes for this world, staying true to ourselves,.. You know, the usual stuffs.. That's usual, but that means so much to us...

What do you have recorded so far?
«Demo 2004 » (unreleased, kept in a secret place for the good health of everyone, ahah! ), « Eat a pitbull and become a super hero » (2005), « Games Are Over » (2008).

Why did you choose to release "Games Are Over" by yourself?
We have no label & we're not especially looking for it... So we decided to make it DIY.. According to us, that's the first demo we recorded that reflects the sound we want to play... We are proud of that demo and want people to hear it.. That's why we share it in free download..

Any favorite songs off the album that really stand out for you?
If we had to choose, we'd say « Hardcore Family » & « All United As One ». We like the mass sing along on them, especially in the shows... But in each songs, there's a part we particularly like... So we may say that we stand out for all of them...

You’ve got a song called Hardcore Family. Do you think that such a feeling of unity is still present in the scene?
It can shock some people but : « Definitely, no we don't ». Nowadays, when you go to a show, there are always some fights. A crew against another crew, a band of brothers against another band of bros. We're young (average 22), we didn't live the true unity that you could see like 15 years ago (not even sure it truly existed..). So we can't talk about it... But nowadays, when you're in a show, all you can see is a competition between people.. « Hardcore Family » is not a song about the unity in the scene. It's about the unity between us, the unity with our friends, our families and few bands that became friends. Unity exists but not with everyone... and that's the same message in « All united as one ». The sing along is « Hardcore family united for party », we try to make people understand that they come to a show to have fun, not to find enemies... you know, it's a « party song », hehe. We feel so glad when people come to sing with us.. for few seconds, they're not there for violence but for fun..

Where are you guys from? How did the band get started?
We began in March 2003. At the beginning, every members were from the area around Namur. We were 5 members: Thomas (vocals), Pierre and Olivier (guitars), Charles (bass) and Denis (drums). We were relatively young, the average age being 16 years old, and we didn't really know each others. We shared a similar ambition : a desire to create a powerful sound. So, Deven's story began. We had like 20 shows with this line up, played with bands such as Broken oath, Burning Skies, Arkangel, Surge of fury,... & recorded 2 demos (that are not in anyway what we're playing today). Then, in 2007, the group’s line-up is modified due to the drummer’s departure. Two Violent Thought members (from Charleroi's area) are integrated, bringing their influences at the same time: Julien as second vocalist and Kacem as the new drummer. Few months later, we recorded « Games Are Over ».

What are your primary musical influences?
uh.. seriously, we can't say.. Hardcore, for sure.. but we like so many type of music.. from true hardcore to punk/oi to thrashcore to new school to beatdown to metalcore to deathcore to metal to hip-hop... It depends of the members! If we should choose some bands, we'd say Agnostic front, Madball, Terror, Knuckledust, Sick of it all, Backfire!, Settle the score, Discipline, Warzone, Die...my demon, Shattered realm, Walls of jericho, CDC, Murder practice, Nasty, Blood for Blood, Broken oath, Ninebar, Pitboss 2000, Trash Talk, Extortion, Pushed too far, Surge of fury, Bun dem out, TRC, Six ft ditch, Parkway drive, All shall perish, As blood runs black, Waking the cadaver,.. So many different styles and so many other bands that influence us, we can't choose!

What do you reckon are the most exciting bands on the French hardcore scene?
We're belgian (hehe) (sorry guys, my mistake!! - Dloogi), so on the (active) belgian scene, we'd say Pushed too far, Nasty, Surge of fury, Deviate, The set-up, Reproach, True colors,... but check our friends from Dirty fingers, Truth in blood (side project of some Deven's members, hehe), Boxing crime, Glory goes down, The last shot of war,... For France we'd say: Danforth, Alea jacta est, None shall be saved, Kickback, Kill for peace, Providence, Tiger Joe, Back 2 Fist,...

What are the future plans for the band?
Just keeping it up and real! We're working on new songs... Not really sure when we're going to record them and what we're going to do with them.. maybe a split cd or another mcd.. who knows, maybe a full lenght later!... We just can wait to finish the set, then we'll make more shows and look for shows in farthest place..

Deven at myspace

Know Your Rules

As I can tell from KYR, we played a lot of shows and drove hundreds of kilometres and when we arrived there were about 10 people in the club or the show was bad, the sound was really shitty and you didn't get enough money for the fuel at the end of the show. This shit really fucks you up. But you have to go on! You have to get respect and and a name with your band and that can't happen without playing shows. And it doesnt matter if there are 10 poeple or 400, if there are the right people, you will have a great show.
How long have Know Your Rules been going for now?
We exist since early 2007. After a few lineup changes in the beginning, the line up was complete in spring of 2007 and we continued to write songs and looked for shows. A few month later we had enough stuff and we played our first show in November 2007.

When and why came the decision to start the band?
We have played in different bands before, but that wasn't quite the music we really wanted to make. And because we were pretty much the only people in our area that listened to hardcore we got together pretty quickly. After a few jam-sesions together we saw that it worked out well and decided to get things on.

Could you explain the meaning behind the name Know Your Rules?
It stands for what it says. Know Your Rules! I think that the meaning is, be shure about your rules and the things that you want to achieve in your life. And never give it up for someone or something, you have to always remember your rules and the things that are important for you in your live. Always keep struggling and hold on to your values and rules. That signifies and is Know Your Rules!

How would you describe your bands style? It’s a beatdown music for sure but what bands have influenced your sound?
Oh my god. There are lot of bands that influenced us! I think every band member has got his own special bands wich influenced them. But i would say that our style is influenced by bands like Shattered Realm, On a warpath, Kickback, Death Before Dishonor, Nasty, OLD Sworn Enemy, OLD Hatebreed, Embraced By Hatred and a lot of Old School stuff like 25 Ta Life, Anger Miami Fl., Madball and some Metal stuff and a little bit Rap!

What are you hoping to accomplish with The Loyalty?
We wanted to release a Demo to show the people what we are all about and what we sound like.

What was the reason to release it DIY?
We are a young band, Loyalty was our first record ever. So we had no music out before Loyalty and it's not easy to get a good label when you have no demos to make an impression. That's why we released it DIY, it was the best and easiest way for our first Demo CD. And now the people know us and our music. But we are searching for a label. So if you have a label, check us out, get in touch with us and offer us a good deal.

What's the general response been like to this release?
The response to Loyalty is very good. There are a lot of our very first songs on this Demo and we get a lot of positive feedback. We are satisfied with the response. When we where recording it we never thought of it being sold in Europe, America and Japan through distros. That was a major success for us.

Care to give us some insight into the lyrical content of the album?
The lyrics are about many things. Most about personal wars, to hold on to your friends and family, never give up and other stuff like this. But if you wanna know more, buy our record and listen to it! So you can make your own content of our lyrics.

You guys have played a lot of shows. How important do you feel it is for a hardcore band to get on the stage and perform?
I think it's defenetly the most important thing to play shows. You have to play shows as often as it you can, especialy in the early days of your band. Cause it's good chance to get connection to some important people for you and your band. Sometimes it's hard in the beginnig for a band. As I can tell from KYR, we played a lot of shows and drove hundreds of kilometres and when we arrived there were about 10 people in the club or the show was bad, the sound was really shitty and you didn't get enough money for the fuel at the end of the show. This shit really fucks you up. But you have to go on! You have to get respect and and a name with your band and that can't happen without playing shows. And it doesnt matter if there are 10 poeple or 400, if there are the right people, you will have a great show. And last but not least I think it should be the best thing ever to play shows for you and your band. Cause if it's not, you're in the wrong buisness!

What is the craziest thing that ever happened at one of your shows?
We've expierienced quite a lot of strange shit. From accidents on the way to a show over venues without backline and everything else to crazy old people in the pit. You'll never be bored with us...hahaha

German hardcore scene is very strong nowadays and with some many bands around it’s probably hard for the young bands to get noticed. How supportive is the hardcore scene in Germany to upcoming bands like yours?
It's true there are a lot of bands around in Germany. Every Myspace-victim can meet up with his Internetfriends and make a "brutal-faggot-smashing-cunt-slapping-beatdown-hardcore-band" and be the Kings of Kindergarden. There are hundreds of bands in germany but only a handfull of good ones. But I think if you are good and dedicated to what you do, you will get noticed, cause people will notice that you're serious about what you're doing.

What's the relation between hardcore and hip hop scene in Germany?
I don't think that the Hip-Hop scene in Germany is supportive to the Hardcorescene, because most of the Hip-Hop-Guys don't even know about Hardcore. On the other way around many Hardcore-Guys know about Hip-Hop and listen to it. So I'd much rather say that HC is supportive to Hip Hop.

Why do you think beatdown hardcore got so much popular in Germany?
I don't know and I don't care! But yeah beatdown is hyped in germany in the last years. And that fucks me up...haha Maybe it is cause a lot of very good beatdown hardcore bands worldwide are from germany. But I think that all the beatdown trend kids/bands are about to die out. I don't wanna say that all the new beatdown bands are fake or not real, but I don't like people or bands who do it because it is trend. And when the hype is over, they are gone and angry with oneselves because now they listen to electro or whatever but they got their 25mm plugs, their piercings and tattoos cause they where so true back then, when they were hardcore.

What was the worse hardcore fashion you’ve ever witnessed at the show?
I don't know. I guess I just hate all those fashion-victims that wanna look like clones and who do things because they apply to be "cool" or "scene" or whatever. Just do your own thing and don't imitate others but be yourself.

What can we expect from Know Your Rules in the near future?
We are writing new stuff. We are developing in songwriting and lyrically. Our Bassplayer just left the Band so there are some Line-Up-Changes to come. As mentioned above we are looking for a label. Of course we want to play as much shows as possible. So drop us a line if you've got something for us. We'll play everywhere for fuel-money and beer. Maybe there'll be a split or some kind of output from us in 2009. So keep your eyes and ears open...

Know Your Rules at Myspace

xHard Lifex

Name: HARD LIFE

Location: LOUISVILLE, KY

Active since: August 2KH8

How do you define your overall style?
Everyone in the band brings different influences, but overall we consider ourselves a Beatdown Hardcore band.

What do you have recorded so far?
The "36 Styles of Death" Demo which is just a 5 song demo.

Hard Life is a strong name for a band. What is the significance of it?
Hard Life means. Lifes hard baby! what it means to us is that fuck the world and society is shit.

So, how did you guys meet in the first place?
Well 3 of us met in high school (Cody, Phil, and Kenneth), and the rest of the band met at shows.

Do have any long term goals as a band?
Hopefully. just seeing where it goes right now. so not really any planned out!

How important are lyrics for Hard Life? Where do you draw your inspirations from?
We enjoy offending people but at the same time making a valid point and most of them are more or less jokes. aka dont take it too serious! But our newer stuff is going to be more serious.

Care to give us some insight into what inspired the TAKE BACK OUR SCENE song?
Well we got tired of hearing pig squeals and seeing dudes in jeans tighter than their girlfriend's. also just people in this scene for all the wrong reasons such as money, fashion, to be cool, and/or just to be different.

Is cum DUMBster inspired by a real person or it's just a song to piss the more sensitive kids off?
It has multiple meanings, but we like to piss people off with it more than anything. As a matter of fact, there is a posi-scene down here and they think we're a sexist woman hater band. but for the record we love the womens!

What bands had the biggest influence on your sound?
Bulldoze, Integrity, Merauder, All Out War, Slapshot, Sheer Terror, and One Life Crew.

Describe the Kentucky hardcore scene.
It's pretty much dead. And what's left is pretty much segregated, such as posi-kids, deathcore kids, etc. etc.

What are your thoughts on hardcore scene as a whole at this point in history? Promising or dissapointing?
It's pretty much hit or miss. There are some places that have amazing scenes such as Pennsylvania, California, New York, Boston and Ohio as far as America goes.

What hardcore bands do you find fresh and exciting?
Taste the Steel, xTyrantx, Stout, Pound for Pound, Creepout and Enemy Mind.

Any last shout outs, fuck offs or death threats?
Shout outs: Brandon, Dustin, and Gladiator (OH), Scott from FROM HEART BOOKING (KY), Justin and Off Balance (IN), Brett and Guerilla Warfare(TN), Chris and Suicide Pact(OH)
And we don't really have any fuck-offs or death threats. But you know who you are!!!!

Hard Life at myspace

The Alliance - Hit Em UP

The Alliance - Hit Em UP
DIY 2007

I know this record came out in 2007 but this review is for those who are still not familiar with this Detroit act. It’s their third album so far and the music on this one might surprise you if you remember their previous work. While Time Heals Nothing and In Love, In Honor, In Death were typical mosh-filled hardcore records, decent, but nothing above average, this time they put more stress on groove side of things.

The outcome is one of the most intense albums that came out in 2007 and even since then not many records have made so big impression on me. One of the reasons this album works for me so well is the way they mix intense and heavy hardcore with some rap influences. In some parts they remind me of bands like Second To None or Fury Of Five. Just like them, they pack their songs with a lot of great hooks and memorable riffs and basically, there’s always something interesting going on to keep my attention. What I like about these songs is that their style swings around from that heavy mosh, double bass heaviness to powerful and faster groove. Lyrically, this album is straight street music, giving you real life tales of struggle, empty pockets, sacrifice and survival. It’s really hard to pick up my favorite tracks, but I would go for American Way and Color Blind (which is great song about how much nazis and racists are not welcome at the hardcore scene). If you like down to earth hardcore, you will definitely be able to connect with their music.


The Alliance! @ Myspace

Outbreak announces "Work To Death" 7" single/Digital Download

Bands surviving over five years is almost unheard of with the quick turnover rate in today's independent music scene. Outbreak has managed to overcome this obstacle, all the while battling lineup changes and still managing to tour on 5 of the 7 continents. Global touring with a frenzied live show is what's contributed to Outbreak becoming a household name in the punk/hardcore world.

With no signs of slowing down and in preparation for a new full length coming later in 2009, Outbreak and Think Fast! Records have teamed up to release the 7” single/digital download entitled “Work To Death”. The effort is a mere taste of what's to come in 2009. Expect the fast and frenzied punk/hardcore you've come to expect from Outbreak, with equal flavor from the more recent releases, all the way back to the beginning, and of course with a fresh appeal that you've come to expect with each Outbreak release.

"It's been a couple years since we released anything new, so we're excited to finally have something for everyone to hear. Basically we've been working on a new album, and in the meantime decided to put out a couple of the songs on vinyl. We wanted to get something new out there soon, and rather than wait for the entire process of the album, we figured it would make sense to do something sooner and closer to home" - vocalist Ryan O'Connor, who also co-owns Think Fast! Records.

You can hear the track "(Work)ing Dead" on Outbreak's MySpace page, the Think Fast! Records MySpace page, or on the Think Fast! Records streaming media player (aka "TF! Radio", available by clicking the boom-box icon on the top of the Think Fast! Records website - www.thinkfastrecords.com).

"Work To Death" hits record stores on June 9th. If you're not a vinyl fan, you can pick up the release on iTunes and through most other popular digital retailers. Pre-orders will start toward the end of April through the Think Fast! webstore including colored vinyl combinations, an exclusive Outbreak t-shirt, and to top it off, all pre-orders will come with a free digital download coupon.

To celebrate the new release, Outbreak will be taking to the West Coast in late May/early June with the Cro-Mags. More headlining dates surrounding the Cro-Mags tour will be surfacing shortly.

Blackriver Boys: debut CD out soon on FWH Rec.

The BLACKRIVER BOYS are the project of the century. Comprised of ex-VIETNOM DMS members Aaron and AK-Ray, also live guitarist for SKARHEAD & DANNY DIABLO, Adam G. (Aaron and Ray's favorite strip-club D.J.), Dru the unknown soldier and a studio collaboration with Dusty, former drummer of GOOD CHARLOTTE. This is a band of brothers putting true feeling behind powerful harmonies and giving the passerby a face-full of brutal reality.

Filled With Hate Records announced the release of the long awaited debut record, "STEEPED IN TRADITION". Get your hands on a copy today via Filled With Hate (FWH)or download a digital copy from over 400 digital music distros. Keep an eye out for CD's direct from the BRB page and updated merch, it's coming. So tell your friends, tell your enemies, tell the world ...the boys are back, BLACKRIVER BOYS.

http://www.myspace.com/blackriverboys

"Global Beatdown" 4way split on Spook Rec.

Spook Records are back with some more brutal music to keep all the beatdown lovin freaks satisfied:


We can admit that awesome split is in progress.Cool bands from different parts of the world will be together on the one CD.

Lineup is :
M.T.G.
aka MONUMENT THE GHOST (USA)
www.myspace.com/mtg412

BLOOD BY DAYZ (Germany)
www.myspace.com/bloodbydays

DOWN TO CONCRETE (Poland)
www.myspace.com/downtoconcretehc

BORN INTO SUFFERING (Australia)
www.myspace.com/bornintosuffering

if everything goes right release date should be end of june 2009!!

xAFBx: 2003-2009

Here's the statement taken from their myspace profile:

If you haven't heard already we have broken up. Our profile was hacked in
january and we havent been able to get on here, but we got the password
back and letting everyone know. Due to a conflict of members we have
decided to go our separate ways. We ARE in the works of booking a final
European tour for our fans over seas. We would like to thank every
single band that has helped us, toured with us and/or befriended us.
There is too many to list but YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! We are makin a last
shirt if you look at our webstore you can purchase them at this time.
Thank you for the years of support and look out for our europe dates
with awaken demons. If you have any questions we are sorry but we cant
answer your individual emails. just know that it was time to end and
members have gone their own ways. THANK YOU!
Source

Suburban Scum

Name: Suburban Scum

Location: New jersey

Active since: August 2007

How do you define your overall style?

New Jersey and New York Hardcore blended together.

What do you have recorded so far?
We recorded a demo in 2007 at our friend Franks house which is pretty awful and I never want it to see the light of day. That is a poor representation of what we are now. And in the summer of 08 we recorded the 4 song demo that we currently have up on the myspace.

Why the name Suburban Scum, is there any meaning behind it?
There honestly isn't much meaning behind it. We are all from the suburbs and are generally scumbag's or were scumbag's at one point. We said it one night at a party as a joke and kind of stuck with it to this day.

Who are your main influences musically?
For the band our influences transpire from a lot of old NYHC. Madball, Merauder, Biohazard, V.O.D. (demos up to self titled), and a lot of Jersey bands that came before us ETC, Fury Of Five, Nj Bloodline, Ensign, and a bunch more. Me personally I can say I wouldn't be doing music if it wasn't for Rage Against The Machine and Deftones. Both of those bands got me very stoked when I was younger and still do and are a huge influence over what I do and how I write. Were attempting to bring things back to what they once were but still keeping it fresh. Songs with meaning behind them and stuff that isn't written just to be heavy and senseless. Shit people can connect with without writing it off as "just another mosh band".

How has the 2008 demo been received and do you think it will help you to release full length any time soon?
The 2008 demo was received pretty well actually. At least in New Jersey a lot of kids seemed to dig it. I was excited how it came out at first but can point out a few flaws and things Id like to do different now, but overall it went over very well. We played a ton of shows this year and are continuing to play out more and more as we get our lineup adjusted. Id say right now we are the most focused musically that we have ever been with the lineup that we have. We are all connecting really well. We are currently writing for a full length that will be out in the summer entitled "Suburban Discipline" and that will be out on Ride The Fury Records. We are like 6 songs deep into the writing process and are going to right about 4 more. Once were set were going to go record with Will over at the Machine Shop in Jersey and let him work his magic. We couldn't be more excited to let this hit peoples ears.

What are some of the things you're talking about in your lyrics?
I talk about anything that I'm feeling at the moment. Personally I struggle with a lot of depression and a lot of that comes out on the new songs. Im very hard on myself. Honestly anything that I find wrong I write about. Im pretty up front.

I've seen the footage of your live show and this shit looked very intense. Is it something you have to practice and work on or does it just flow naturally?
I mean Id say it flows naturally. There's not a certain thing we do that were like "ok at the next show this is what's going to happen." We kind of just let everything come together and what you see is what you get. Thank you though I appreciate the compliment.

So what's the hardcore scene like in New Jersey right now?
The scene right now in NJ is actually picking up a lot right now. Im starting to see a lot more kids at shows that I don't generally know and kids are broadening their horizons and being less picky with certain bands they accept or listen to. Shows are drawing very well and each section of New Jersey has something going on. A lot of local bands doing there thing and adding their own flavor to the scene which is always nice to see. Everyones doing something different and its only growing. It seemed like there was a dry spell in New Jersey and that seems to be over. Im very excited about it.

How do you think it compares to the times when bands Fury Of V or E-Town Concrete were killing it?
Well Ive never actually had the chance to see Fury which is a shame but im only 21 and they were ripping it up when I was like 11. I got a lot of respect for them and all of the bands in that era. ETC lasted a while after that and I can say ive seen them more than Ive seen any other one band in my life. Proud to say that too. Id say right now its a lot less rough than it once was. From the stories that I heard Jersey is "nothing like it once was" but I can't draw that conclusion because I wasn't there. I just want to make New Jersey as good as It can be right now and not worry about the past but look onto a bright future.

What are some of the things you don’t like about the hardcore scene?
There are a few things I don't like. I don't like how picky kids are or how kids write things off because its not considered "cool" to like. A lot of people like let people force whats in down their throats and its hard changing a lot of peoples minds or getting them to listen to you. I can't stand people who walk around with elitist attitudes either. No one in the hardcore scene deserves to be bow downed to or looked up to. Everyone is the same and should be treated the same.

What can people expect from you in the near future? Where do you hope the band will be in a year’s time?
Well you can expect Suburban Discipline to be out this summer. We are going to be doing a few weekends in the summer. Everyone works so touring may not be a possibility. We'll see what happens and ride out the full length. People may hate it and i may be getting ahead of myself. In a years time I hope we have out a solid release that can open up a few eyes and ears and have some solid shows under our belt. That is all.

Is there anything else you want to add?
Add Ride The Fury Records and check out all the bands that Pat is working with.

Check Suburban Scum at: http://www.myspace.com/suburbanscumnj

Trapped Under Ice & Forfeit signs to Demons Run Amok

Demons Run Amok is totally psyched and very pround to announce two new signings!
We welcome Trapped Under Ice and Forfeit to our growing Family! We will handle their Releases in Europe.

Trapped Under Ice:
After the Stay Cold 7” and a Split 7” with Dirty Money, Trapped Under Ice is ready to conquer the World with their first Full Length Album at the beginning of June! Don´t miss those guys at their European tour from 08.05.2009 – 26.06.2009 with LA finest TERROR! More news will be announced soon.
www.myspace.com/underdaice

Forfeit:
Will release their full length later this year - watch out for news. They will be on Tour in Europe with Belgiums Killing Machine The Set up 03.06.02009 – 26.06.2009
www.myspace.com/forfeitny

Thanks to the Bands and of course to Reaper Rec.!

We will announce more news in the next couple of weeks - watch out!
www.demonsrunamok.de
www.myspace.com/demonsrunamok

Chains Of Hate posted new songs

Chains Of Hate uploaded 3 new tracks off their soon to be available e.p. 'Through My Eyes'. Listen to this stuff here.

Heaven Shall Burn - Black Tears

Heaven Shall Burn - Black Tears [NEW DVD OUT: MAY (EU)/June(US)]

Code 30 news

The new album "World's End" is finally recorded. It has to be mixed and mastered and its ready to go. Check their myspace soon for some new tracks!

Backfire - In Harm's Way

Backfire - In Harm's Way
GSR 2008

I’ve never been their biggest fan but there’s no denial Backfire! is one of the most important names In European hardcore scene. I guess I will have to pay more attention to what they’re doing since In Harm’s Way is one of the hardest albums I’ve heard in a while. It’s pretty unusual for a band with such a long history as theirs, but as far as I’m concerned, this is their best release so far!

Everything about this release is just perfect. They’re still doing their brand of old school hardcore but are not afraid to throw some metal licks now and there. It’s fast, angry, energetic and everything hardcore should be. In some ways, In Harm’s Way seems to be a natural follow up to their past recordings. The euro-core sound and the AF/Madball influences that defined the band’s style on their first albums are still present but not as obvious as before. If you ask me, songs on this album are far tighter than anything the band had done before. Just listen to the How Do You Like Me Now, the already hardcore classic with guest vocals from Stephen of Kickback! fame! This is one of the records that you feel connected to because the band knows not only how to create a powerful songs, but they speak about the things that every hardcore kids can rely to. Just check out the lyrics to This Thing We Have: ‘This is our game and it’s not over yet. There’s so much to come still good times ahead. This is our thing and it’s still worth fighting for’. Brilliant! With topics ranging from the hardcore scene to some personal stuff, they offer something for everybody.
A solid record with hardcore anthems that will stick in your head until the day you die. With top-notch production and tight song writing, In Harm’s Way serves as an excellent introduction to Backfire and real hardcore in general for all the hardcore kids raised on My Chemical Dildo and shit like this.


Backfire! @ Myspace
GSR Records