Heavy Hitters

"The long hair, the over tight pants, bandannas, skunk colored hair, the fucking puffy old man penny loafer looking shoes. Shit man I'm just getting mad talking about this.."

Name: HEAVY HITTERS

Location: San Fernando Valley, California

Active since: Fall 2008

How do you define your overall style?
Straight to your face hardcore..with some parts that will make you want to shake your ass and move your feet hah

What’s your goal with this band?
To see the world! For free! lol

What do you have recorded so far?
We recorded our 2008 demo and we're making our e.p as we speak.

Can you introduce yourselves for our readers and let us know where you are from?
I'm Byron the guitar player, Martin plays bass, David and Cesar sing and Felipe AKA Fifi plays drums.

How did you all meet and how long have you all been a band?
It's a very complex and complicated story haha. To put it simple we all met through our previous bands. I kind of grabbed the best guys from all the bands in our area and formed Heavy Hitters.

So how far are you with writing the songs for your debut album? When will it be ready and what kids should expect from it? How realistic is a new album release before ’09 comes to a close?
Well we have 7 songs written for it already. There are some labels interested in releasing the album but we're going to wait on what they say to determine when it will be ready. Well we have gotten a much heavier sound than from the demo. Much heavier breakdowns and a lot of bouncy parts, but I'm making sure we still keep a lot of punk/old school hardcore sound in it. As for the album coming out before '09 is over...I don't think it will happen. But we do expect something new to be out by Spring of next year.

How do the new songs differ from your demo?
They're kind of different but the same at the same time. We're keeping the old sound just adding new things to it. We're already playing some of the new stuff live and everyone is digging it so we know everyone won't be disappointed.

One of your posters says Firestorm Records, but the myspace profile says you’re still unsigned – so what is your label situation?
That's also sort of a weird situation heh. We're on the label but other labels have hit us up and want us to sign with them. Firestorm Records is more of a management company. They get us shows and help us promote our music and things like that. Shout out to Pat!

Are there many labels in Cali interested in bands like yours? In other words, is it hard for a hardcore band to release an album over there?
I would say it's pretty hard to get signed by a label out here. So many bands sound the same here and are doing the same things to the point where no one really stands out. Of course there are many exceptions but for the most part I think it's hard. As for us, we're trying to stay away from the common local 'hardcore' sound and trying to do different things to stand out from everyone else.

How did Eddy and Ant from Skare Tactic doing guest vocals in your songs came about?
What are some other bands in LA scene you’re friends with? Well I met Ant online sort of. He owns a screen printing company called SolidBondInc. He knew we needed merch so I asked him where he lived and he ended up living down the street from me! We been kicking it ever since. I met the nigga Eddy through Ant. We needed someone to play drums for our recordings and Eddy offered to do it. Since then they have both been close homies with the band. We're also great friends with xfacebreakerx, Countime, Few Will Follow, No Reprieve, The Boondocks, Xenocide and a lot more niggas.

Who are your influences? What bands do you look up to?
Terror, Madball, Death Before Dishonor, Trapped Under Ice, Skare Tactic, Fight Like Hell, just to name a few.

Lyrically, where do you find your inspiration?
From life. Also haters, back stabbers, two faced people and more b.s

How many shows have you played so far? What was the most memorable one?
I'm going to say around 50 shows. The most memorable was either the CDC, Folsom and Call To Preserve show at Chain Reaction or the show with Thick As Blood and Lionheart at the Cobalt. Both were great shows for us.

What is the worst fashion you’ve ever witnessed at a show?
Oh mannnnn there's so many! The long hair, the over tight pants, bandannas, skunk colored hair, the fucking puffy old man penny loafer looking shoes. Shit man I'm just getting mad talking about this...NEXT


What can we expect from you guys in the future?
Everything! More merch, more tours, more albums, more sexy, more everything!

Any additional comments or shout-outs?
Umm fuck everyone that doesn't know what real hardcore is. Shout outs to Ant and Skare Tactic, Jr and Countime, SolidBondInc., Firestorm, T.E, Forsaken, Eddy, Terence, Isaac (The Boondocks), shout out to Abnormal Clothing! Shout out to all the homies Dre, Kevin, Chris and XFBX, FWF, everyone on our top! haha. All the homies in the 818 and L.A. Keep it ARMBAR niggaaaaaaaa

http://www.myspace.com/heavyhittershc

CuntHunt 777 / Facecast - Split

Brutal breakdowns that make you wanna go out and beat the shit out of somebody? Check... Metal riffs and ruthless drumming? Check... Mean and angry vocals? Check... Clean girlie vocals?......Not quite, and that's what you want when picking up an album like this. Face Cast and Cunthunt 777 have followed the do's and don't's about making a beatdown hardcore because this shit sounds so damn slick and brutal. Like most music of this style out today, it will be exciting to some and ridiculous to others but if you can appreciate some raw and metallic hardcore this is something for you.

The first band on the CD is Face Cast and no doubt they are the heavyweights in the game. I’m not talking about the music only. The band’s delivery depends on the slow to mid-paced groove mainly and is no way something new or original, but they got some decent ideas and the overall feeling is positive. The singer is spitting heavy gangsterism with song titles like Wifebeater or She’s Got a Dick so if you like some cocky lyricism mixed with brutal honesty, this is your thing. Face Cast is one of the bands you either love or hate and I can imagine some people might just hate their attitude but it’s all good with me. Musically, it reminds me of bands like One Second Thought, only it’s slower and much more metal. The one thing that bothers me is lack of diversity. I’d like to hear some change in the band's sound throughout the songs.

Cunthunt 777 is next with their metallic beatdown delivery. The way their handle their music makes you immediately know they’re from Germany. It has the same vibes as Embraced By Hatred, Fallbrawl, In Blood We Trust etc. That of course leaves very little to the imagination, but I doubt the band planned it to be otherwise. Compared to the Face Cast, their music is more vital and complex, with more tempo changes and cleaner sound. Toss in some brutal and mean lyrics and the result is a textbook example of what beatdown should be. While there is nothing spectacular with this band and they lack a sense of innovation, it’s still a strong slab of aggressive hardcore.

Bottom Line is, this is another beatdown album. If you're looking for a bunch of fast circle pit parts and complex lyricism then this is not the album for you and if you think this style is pointless and plain stupid, I doubt this stuff would change your mind. Me, I like it and like their fuck the world and let’s piss everyone off attitude. This is strictly for the beatdown kids who can take a joke.

Author: Dloogi

BDHW/Metal Wrestling Alliance 2008

Cunthunt 777
Face Cast

This one might just not suck: La Horde

LA HORDE directed by Y. Dahan & B. Rocher. France has got the most talented and sickest horror directors right now hands down. Here's what somebody on IMDB wrote about it: "its french its a zombie film, think frontieres crossed with day of the dead on crack and your near to what this film is like." Do I need to add anything more?

Nassau Chainsaw Skate Decks!

Nassau Chainsaw Skate Decks. If you're into hardcore skating order one here:
http://www.boardpusher.com/nassauchainsaw

Still a gem: The Kinks - Dead End Street

This song was recorded like over 40 years ago but still tells you more about the real life than most of the hardcore bands nowadays.

In Cold Blood - Suicide King

In Cold Blood is one of the most important bands of the 90’ and along with the names like Integrity and Ringworm defined the dark and sinister sound Cleveland is famous for. If you want to know where all the Clevo wannabe bands take their influences from, look no further.

When I heard In Cold Blood for the first time couple of years ago I had been already introduced to the sinister and dark vibe of Cleveland hardcore by the almighty Integrity and Ringworm, but even if it lacked the something new factor, I immediately knew this band gonna stay in my player for more than couple of spins. What we got here is a compilation of their Suicide King demo from 1999 (vinyl version pops up on ebay from time to time), self titled 7” from 1995 and some live tracks recorded in Germany in 1998. So this is actually the first time you can listen to these songs from a CD. If you’re not familiar with In Cold Blood, think of harsh and raw hardcore hybrid with one foot in the punk stylings of Discharge and dark metallic riffs that make you think of Slayer. The drums are punishing and thrash infused guitars add a big dose of heaviness. The production sounds dirty but fits the music and is not harsh on the ear. On top of it, you’ve got the insane and pure evil voice of Bourbon Ziegler. Most of you probably know their successful Victory release called Hell On Earth where different guy called Jason Popson did all the vocal work. Well, both guys fit the music just perfectly and are mostly responsible for the devilish feeling of In Cold Blood’s delivery. As with the rest of the players in this league, vocals are definitely the driving force of the band. And when we’re talking Cleveland, we’re talking devil in the music. Hatred, frustration, misery are some of the words to describe the overall feeling of the album.

If I had a gun to my head and had to say what wasn't perfect, it had to be the package of the album. I mean, to me In Cold Blood is as important as Integrity or Ringworm in shaping what we call Clevo sound and this re-release was a great opportunity to shed some light on the band’s history or just to share some stories from the band’s short existence. Instead, the CD booklet doesn’t provide much information and there are even no track titles or photos of the band. Nonetheless, it was a great idea to release this stuff nowadays. I hope more of the classic, hard to find gems will get such a treatment. In Cold Blood is a band that has a certain item in their music and important name in shaping the hardcore as it is today.

Author: Dloogi

Demons Run Amok 2009
Demons Run Amok Records

Plead The Fifth

"Hardcore to me is all about being yourself, expressing yourself, and standing up for yourself. not giving a fuck what people think about you. Those three things are the best part about it to me, just not giving a fuck what people think, and being surrounded by countless others who feel the same way.!"

Starting with the basics, could you give an introduction of the band for all who don’t know you?
Plead the Fifth is a hardcore band from sacramento, ca. we have been around for a few years playing up and down the west coast. Im Gutto and I do vocals, the rest of the band consists of:
Shane Edge- Guitar
Robbie- Bass
Colton- Guitar
Shane Red- Drums
If you were writing a review of your own music, what would you put?
I'm not sure haha. Old school hardcore with a modern touch, I think that sums us up pretty well.

You guys are bringing back the old school feel with your music and I gotta say I’m definitely feeling it. What are some of your main influences when writing?
Thanks man, I'm glad you like it. We have all sorts of different influences since we listen to all kinds of different hardcore and punk. I'd say for the most part though, later 80's NYHC and early 80's DC stuff is probably our biggest influence music-wise

What are some of the topics you touch in your music and how important is message in hardcore for you?
We mostly touch on just personal things. I write about things that piss me off or about things that I see people do that I am just not cool with, day to day shit you know? We dont ever get really into politics or the scene too much, not like I have anything against bands that do sing about politics, its just not something I know enough about to write about. I think a message is really important in hardcore, I think a lot of kids are just kinda into hardcore because it hip or whatever but lack any real values or substance that I feel comes along with hardcore, so then their bands have songs that lack value and substance and its just filler.


Is Plead The Fifth full time? If not what do you guys work at, what’s it like running a band , playing the shows and at the same time living a normal life?
Plead the Fifth is not full time although we try to get out as much as we can. It was hard before with the line up we had because of people's work schedules, but our current line up is able to play alot more and we will definitely be on the road more over the next few months.
As far as work goes, I work at a print shop, Shane Red and Colton are in retail, Shane Edge is a machinist, and Robbie works in a warehouse. Being in a band and living a "normal" life isnt that hard to do. we just kinda fit it to our schedules, plus all of our bosses are fairly cool about time off and what not so its not really to hard to handle. we will see though, since like I said we will be playing alot more over the next few months.

What are some of the most important ethics and ideals in your opinion that hardcore has to offer to the kids?
I think number one, is being yourself, and standing up for yourself. Not taking shit from people and doing things how I see fit are two of the best lessons I have learned from hardcore.

How is the hardcore scene in California nowadays? How do you feel about it in the term of music coming from your area right now and kids you see at shows? What do you think about scene divisions? Is it happening in Cali?
The hardcore scene in California right now, I feel is pretty strong. Both northern and southern california have a lot of good bands going right now. The scene in Sacramento in particular though, as far as hardcore bands go, aren't too great. There are a few, but not too many. The Sacramento punk/oi bands though, thats where its at. Pressure Point, Whiskey Rebels, Madhouse Disciples, all awesome fucking punk bands.

As far as kids at shows and scene division, it really varies. I think scene division is stupid. In sacramento there are alot of mixed bill shows wiith hardcore and punk bands, which to me, are basically the same thing/ At alot of those shows, you will see hardcore kids, punks, and skinheads all there, and all going crazy and having a good time. Whats lame though is that if a bill of just straight up local hardcore bands play, hardly anyone is there, but when a big touring band rolls through, TONS of kids roll, and you have never seen them before, ever.. Its really weird and pretty annoying to be quite honest.

Except for hanging out with strange looking people and listening to noisy music, what does hardcore mean to you? What’s the best thing in being part of hardcore scene?
Hardcore to me is all about being yourself, expressing yourself, and standing up for yourself. not giving a fuck what people think about you. Those three things are the best part about it to me, just not giving a fuck what people think, and being surrounded by countless others who feel the same way.

How do you feel about metallization of hardcore? Is it destroying hardcore or rather a fresh air in the genre?
I honestly think it's kinda lame. There are a few metallic hardcore bands that I'm all about, dont get me wrong, but the thing that bugs me is when a band is straight up metal, not even a bit of hardcore feel or anything, and they describe themselves as "metalcore." Tagging the "core" at the end doesnt make you legit, it just makes you look lame.

Big business and hardcore? As a band that sticks with the underground, do you feel hardcore scene can benefit from big labels and media hype?
I think there are certain benefits sure, like giving exposure to the scene in general and what not, maybe opening up kids to hardcore who might not have known about it otherwise. Other than that though, I dont really see any benefits. To me it just seems like a bunch of suits trying to make money off of all this.

Is there anything in hardcore scene that pisses you off?
Yeah quite a few actually. The main thing is, like I mentioned before, is kids not supporting local bands. There are so many good bands around here (northern california) and sometimes it just seems like no one cares. That is one thing that has bothered me for awhile. Another thing is kids who are into hardcore because it cool or their girlfriend likes it or something. They dont know anything about where is came from or they dont have any real values, just normal types who "look" hardcore and listen to hardcore, but aren't really hardcore. Does that make any sense? haha

What's one of your most memorable shows you've played?
I think the most memorable one was last summer. It was the last show at the VFW hall we had been putting on shows at for a couple years. We got to play with all of our friends from here and tons of people came out, it was a really awesome way for the place to come to an end.

What kind of stuff are you guys listening to now?
I dont know about everyone else, but right now I have been jamming a lot of Trapped Under Ice, band is so good. Also Crucified, bay area band, is really fucking good. Rotting Out and Creatures also on heavy rotation. Thats it really for newer stuff, I have been jamming alot of Leeway though, born to expire, epic. Cro-Mags, Pressure Point, Warzone, the list can go forever haha.

Do you guys listen to any European bands? Is hardcore from over here popular in states?
I listen to a few, not sure how popular it is though. I like rise and fall a lot, they seem to be pretty popular over here, as does no turning back. as far as other bands though, I dont know, it just seems like a lot of kids dont go seek it out you know? eurpope does have some good bands though.

What are the future plans for the band? Is there any more music in the works?
Right now we got four new jams we are gonna record, those are gonna be on a 7 inch we are putting out ourselves. That should be out late fall/early winter, if everything goes right. we also have a bunch of shows in the works. Southern cali, northwest, and a 3 week western US tour. All that keeps us busy from pretty much now until december.

PTF at Myspace
PTF at Big Cartel

Surprise Attack tshirt sale

"Hey what's up! We have select sizes and color available in these designs and we're trying to get rid of the last of them. So here's your chance to get a sweet bargain. click on the banner for our webstore."

Click here to order.

New merch from Carpathian

Carpathian got some new gear in their webstore.

http://carpathian.bigcartel.com/
http://carpathian.bigcartel.com/
http://carpathian.bigcartel.com/
http://carpathian.bigcartel.com/

Overpain

"We inspired to make music as all the kids nowdays by listening to bands and dreaming that someday we will be like them.."

Band’s name: Overpain

Active Since: August 2007

How do you define your overall style?
Hardcore/2-step with aggressive Beatdowns and Lyrics Straight from the heart.

What’s your goal with this band?
To mark our name on the hardcore maps and to be well respected by the people and the bands.

What do you have recorded so far?
We released a 7track e.p ("Still Standing") in may of 2008 and now we going to record our first full length which contains 13 tracks...


What's the history of the band?
What inspired your original interest and made you decide to start a band? The band started in August of 2007 as i said..by Johnny(Guitarz) Raf(Bass) Voland(Drums) and me (Nikk-Vocals)...Later we switched drummer and bassist and Greg and Tsom completed the line-up...We inspired to make music as all the kids nowdays by listening to bands and dreaming that someday we will be like them..

You guys released your demo last year. Are you happy with the way it came out?
Yeah we are very happy how the thing turned out...Many people asked for the demo and all the copies run out...

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope everyone feel our shit deep to the bone..both musical and lyrical...

What bands have been influential to the band from the start?
We hear many bands(Oldschool and Newschool) but i think that Hatebreed - Terror and First Blood are the first example...When and how did you get into hardcore?All of us started with a different way and different time but we end up choosing the same path...

How do you see the scene in your country as opposed to other places in Europe?
We have a few but very good Hardcore bands that can easily compared with other european bands but we don't have the full support from the people here...so we try to find a way to spread it..We have some bookers/promoters that help a lot!! Also i think we have a great hardcore/punk scene..


Who are some current bands in Greece that you feel everybody needs to check out if they have not already?
I think Senseless - Homicide Effect - Against The Society - Die Without -Voidwalker - Censored Sound - Psycorepaths - Como Esta Loco are worth a check..and many other bands that i can't name them all now..

What are your future plans?
To record and release our first full length through a label and to play as many shows as we can...

Overpain at Myspace.

Trapped Under Ice - Secrets Of The World

Trapped Under Ice - Secrets Of The World
Demons Run Amok/Reaper 2009

If you thought hardcore was dead you'd be correct. TUI is bringing back all the things you loved about it. There's been a lot of hype about this band since their demo recordings and debut 7” Stay Cold and, with no beating around the bush, the new album proves Trapped Under Ice lives up to every bit of it. Their unique skills of writing songs with both a lot of punch and substance helped them to craft wonderful hardcore album for listeners to lose themselves in.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Secrests Of The World carries on almost exactly from where Stay Cold left off. While they haven't made any radical changes to their music, they’re using the same winning formula that's provided them success with their previous recordings. What makes Trapped Under Ice so great is how they stay true to the basics of hardcore while playing their music with a certain freshness and vitality in the sound. They don’t limit themselves in terms of songwriting and directions they can go with their music. Some parts are fast and heavy and just as often the band slow down just to do awkward things. The songs are very diverse and organic but without losing the catchiness and accessibility. Part of the reason that this band differentiates itself from others in the game is how they are not afraid to shift their music by giving room to heavier parts as well as bits of groove and creative riffing. There aren’t many bands nowadays that are able to keep their music so balanced and mature keeping in mind it’s their just first full length album. What I like is the fact that each one of the songs has its own style and signature sound. They manage to shell out some catchy and memorable tunes by way of Believe (nice beatdown part in the end), The Vortex, From Birth or Against The Wall (my favorite one on the album!), but to be honest, it’s really hard to pick the best one.
From start to finish the drums and punishing, and the guitars are full of life and vitality. The fluid and tight delivery walks hand in hand with the powerful vocal work and Justice definitely sounds like a man on a mission. His voice fits the music flawlessly and makes it appear even more powerful. The lyrics are really personal and deep. Somehow they set really bitter and dark tone and are important part of an overall feeling of the album. Lyrics like See God, From Birth or Against The Wall will send shivers down your spine no matter how many times you’ve heard ‘em. The production is superb, with a fat and forceful sound and a bit more punch then on a previous material.

To put it simply, it’s gotta be one of the best albums of the year and there are small chances anything will top it. TUI doesn’t fake the funk at all and if you’re in the mood for some rugged and no bullshit hardcore, they will get your blood rushing.

Author: Dloogi

TUI at Myspace
Demons Run Amok Records
Reaper Records

Ten Yard Fight on RAP AROUND 1995

City Of God's Son

http://www.cityofgodson.com/

“City of God’s Son” is an experimental hip-hop opera starring Nas, Jay Z, Ghostface, Biggie Smalls, Raekwon, Samuel Jackson, Delroy Lindo, and Laurence Fishburne. It is a crime drama/coming of age tale of three fictitious characters growing up in a crime ridden city in a jungle. This project explores the icon of the gangster in modern media, and weaves musical history and gangster film history into an operatic music based story of brotherhood and survival. An homage to 90’s New York hip-hop, “City of God’s Son” is the redefinition of the remix. Featuring legendary soul singer Joe Bataan. The musical/soundscape portion of the project is available for FREE download on this site, the visual/installation is coming this summer to NY.

The Trailer Park Boys movie trailer

The second (and unfortunately last) Trailer Park Movie is coming! This gonna be massive! It looks hilarious and my only regret is that as far as I know, it's gonna be the last time we'll meet those crazy fucks...

Mew t-shirts from Dirtsheath

Dirtsheath is a hardcore band from Germany and they've been around since 1994. If you want to rep old school style you can place your orders here.

Loco Fox

"For me graffiti became a perfect source of adrenaline and positive emotions, a way to fill my life with adventures and find real friends. Every wall and, especially, train panel is a story. Every piece or throwie is another victory. It's a way to feel the pure taste of life every fucking day when you have paint and time to go on a mission."

Could you please introduce yourself? What do you write? Where are you from? What crews do you rep?
My name is Loco Fox, I am from Moscow, Russia. People may call me a graffiti-writer, street-artist or a vandal, but I prefer to call myself a “guy who draws foxes everywhere he goes and tries not to get caught”. I am also in a crew called BLS, which is formed by writers from Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Ufa.

What attracted you to the world of graffiti? How did you first get started into doing graffiti?
When I was a kid a friend showed me a Dirty Hands video tape. I was so impressed that I immediately started writing my first ugly tags everywhere. That was a start, a pretty typical one though.
For me graffiti became a perfect source of adrenaline and positive emotions, a way to fill my life with adventures and find real friends. Every wall and, especially, train panel is a story. Every piece or throwie is another victory. It's a way to feel the pure taste of life every fucking day when you have paint and time to go on a mission.


How would you describe your style of graffiti? What do you find influences you and your work?
I guess, my work lies somewhere between graffiti and street-art. I always liked characters more than fonts and my goal was to come up with my own character – simple but recognizable and vivid. A character that could be painted around as throw-ups and also has a potential for more complex pieces.
Loco Fox became such a character for me – it's original, funny and it also gives an opportunity to change its appearance, mood etc. I paint Loco Foxies with ghettoblasters, vinyl records. Foxes sporting polos, leather jackets, sky masks, crowns etc. I've been involved in hardcore and skinhead culture since my childhood, so Loco Fox often appears as a skinhead. My work is strongly influenced by everyday life, struggle and especially music.

Is there a specific statement that you’re trying to make with your work? What is something you hope people think when they see some of your work?
I want people to think “Oh, that fox again, I saw it million times before and here it is again”. Not so original, but that's the way it is.

How do you do your big pieces? Do you get the permission of land owners or do it 100% hardcore style
I haven't done any legal shit ever. Maybe someday... All of my works are 100% illegal and that's the way graffiti should be. I mean I don't have anything against legal artists, whose skills pay their bills. More power to them! But at the same time, the real essence of graffiti is in illegal activity. To stay in this endless game you have to be smart, fast, work good and be ready to come back and do the same again and again, because the city buffs everything sooner or later. In Moscow they often buff your shit the next morning.
At the same time I never paint on private cars, private houses and on the monuments of art and history. We need to respect each other, our roots and our culture.
I don't think that painting an ordinary gray wall or a train is a serious crime. The results of this “crime” could be easily removed with a bucket of paint.


You call yourself antifascist artist. How is it linked to graffiti, and how graffiti can bring some positive message to the people?
Well, I don't think I am an “antifascist artist”, but the point is that today the bullshit Neo-Nazi movement grows bigger and bigger in Russia and I want to demonstrate that I'm strictly against this shame. It may sound totally weird, but in modern Russia Neo-Nazi shit have become really huge. You can see it on the streets, on the football terraces and even in graffiti and hip hop.
Fascism became a fashion among modern Russian youth, or I'd better say pseudo-youth – puppets manipulated by another trend.

Assholes even try to make their way on the hardcore scene, but they always get their sorry asses kicked when they show up at gigs.

The situation was even worse back in the 90's, when the Nazis totally ruled the hardcore-punk scene, but then a small group of kids started the whole anti-racist hooligan thing, kicking Nazis out of the punk/hardcore gigs.

Another shameful fact is that Neo-Nazis got a total support from government. The cops always try to shut hardcore gigs, kids get arrested and people with antifascist views are called “extremists” by the police and mass media. I've seen enough cops with Nazi tattoos and other shit. It's totally sick to witness such a situation in a country that paid a terrible bloody price for the victory over Hitler's hordes. Today the grandsons of the World War II veterans sport swastika tattoos and praise Hitler.

I believe that in such situation it is crucial to demonstrate your position and stand your ground, because whatever you do – write graffiti or play in a band, you can influence other people. Or at least - stay true to yourself and your beliefs.

Could you expand upon G.W.A.R.P. – Graffiti Writers Against Racial Prejudice a little? What is it about and who else is involved?
Well, it's not our idea. If I'm not mistaken, a friend of mine saw a guy in such t-shirt in some Euro graffiti video. We use this idea to demonstrate that we are against racist bullshit – whatever color it is. Racism has no excuse, these idiots should have no place in our society.

You’ve recently done a bit of traveling with your work, most notably visiting the Mecca of graffiti, New York. How did the trip came out?
That was my long time dream to paint in NYC and it came true. It's a beautiful city with stunning atmosphere. I've got a lot of adventures there – got chased by the vandal SQUAD in subway tunnels a couple of times and was almost ran over by a train. Great trip. I hope to repeat it someday, but it's really hard for a Russian citizen to enter the USA.


So what do you think are the biggest differences between Europe and USA when it comes to graffiti?
I can't say that Russia is Europe. It's geographic position speaks for itself. It's something between Asia and Europe and right now it seems like our country takes the worst from the both worlds.
Anyway, in my humble opinion the main difference is that USA graffiti scene is much more street and freight oriented, while the Europe concentrates on commuter trains.

How would you describe the Moscow graffiti scene? Who are other graffiti artists and crew you’ve been feeling lately?
Our scene is young, but it grows fast. More and more Russian writers get featured in world's leading graffiti magazines, go on Euro tours, demonstrate outstanding styles. I believe it's just the beginning, and Russian graffiti still has a lot to say to the world.

How big is the hardcore/punk community within the world of Moscow graffiti?
I don't think it's really big, but there is enough kids who write and also go to the hardcore gigs.
I don't think I'll make a mistake if I say that the majority of kids just follow the latest trends – in music, style and fashion. But there are some big name writers here who came straight from the DIY hardcore culture.

Do the Moscow artist work together? Is there a competition between different crews and individuals?
It depends. Some kids usually paint together, but there is also enough beef between certain people and crews. Someone crossed the other one, some crew painted in the other crew's yard, you know. Sometimes it ends up real ugly with knifes and lead pipes. But usually it's just stupid kids with nothing to do, who like to run their mouth and then always back off.

How do you think most people in Moscow feel about graffiti? Do you think they like it?
Most of them totally hates it. The main danger for a writer in Russia is not police but some redneck idiots, who can stab you in the back while you're tagging. A few years ago one of the notorious Moscow writers got seriously cut by some jerk, just for writing on the wall. The guy had serious problems with health, but as far as I know, he's all right now and still kicking.

I noticed that people always try to call the police or even attack you when they see you painting, but they almost never react when someone's getting robbed on the street.
People got so upset by tags and throwies on the government property while the same government uses the very same people and then throws them away, It is nothing but a logic of a slave.

The old graffiti rule still works in Russia: “If you can write, you can fight”. That's it.


Have you ever had a graffiti-related problems with the law. Is Moscow police giving you a lot of stress? Do you have any good chase stories you’d like to share with us?
Here in Russia we don't have such a serious anti-graffiti laws and structures as in USA and in some European countries. But I think it's just a matter of time, because everything started here much and much later than in the other world. But we already have train drivers and security guards shooting at kids in train yards and attacking them with railroad hammers and lead pipes, the most modern cameras and sensors in the tunnels and yards and also cops who can beat and torture people and get away with it.

Not long ago we did a back jump on a commuter train in St. Petersburg area, it was crowded and the angry passengers were running out of the car, trying to attack us, so we had to chase them back into the train a few times, until we finished.
That was fun.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?
I hope more and more work, travel, countless new pieces, panels and a few cover designs for some hardcore bands.


Any last shout outs?
Thanx a lot for your support and interesting questions! More power to OLD SCHOOL HATE!
Best greets to all your readers!
If you'd like to check some punk/hardcore from Russia I may recommend you these bands: Proverochnaya Lineika, What We Feel, Razor Bois, Ted Kaczynsky, Villainz United, Old School Values, By-Street, Mister X, Moscow Death Brigade.

What We Feel will be on tour in your country real soon, so don't miss them!

Yo: BLS 1315, RST, HGK, TRC, DSK!

Check my stuff on the Internet:
www.locofoxarmy.com
http://www.myspace.com/feartheripper
Loco Fox above the world!

Chopcore - Your Dream My Loss

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Legions

"However, there are some seriously sketchy bands where we come from who don't represent the true meaning of hardcore at all. But it's not our place to comment on what is and isn't 'hardcore' so it's your choice to decide whats bogus and whats real..."

Band’s name: Legions

Location: Sydney, Australia

Active since: I think like February, 2009?

How do you define your overall style?
Modern hardcore, strongly influenced by old NYHC bands. Think of Ill Blood era No Warning with a bit of Breakdown and Outburst mixed in.

What’s your goal with this band?
Play shows, record songs

What do you have recorded so far?
Just a demo so far. It's available for download on our myspace profile (www.myspace.com/legionshc)

At first could you please introduce yourself and tell us something about the band? Where did you all meet and how did you end up forming Legions?
Tiernan plays drums, Elliott and Brandon play guitar, Jonny plays bass and I (Josh) do vocals. Me, Tiernan, Brandon and Elliott have all been friends for a while and played in bands together before, Jonny was friends with some of our friends so we were introduced and we asked him to play bass for us.


Is there any main idea behind your lyrics? Do you have a certain kind of message which you want to convey in your songs?
My lyrics are more personal, I don't aim to persuade anybody with what I write. They reflect my emotions and my perspectives on myself, the people who surround me and humanity in general.

What was the inspiration for the Bible themed cover of the demo? Is there any connection with the lyrics?
This band has no religious agenda by any means. The artwork ties in with the apocalyptic theme of the intro and the second track on the demo.

What are some good hardcore bands from Australia at the moment?
There's so many, I don't know where to begin really. Miles Away, Hopeless, Blkout, Relentless, 50 Lions, Ill Brigade, Iron Mind, Had It, Lookin In, Dropsaw, No Love Lost, Mary Jane Kelly, Worlds Apart, Persist, Goonzilla, Fixtures, Your Ghost is a Gift...I definitely forgot some but I think that list is big enough haha

What are some other hardcore bands do you like and listen too?
Everybody in the band is into all different styles of music, so I can only really speak from my opinion. I'm into Mineral, Trapped Under Ice, At the Drive-In, Violation, Breakdown, Daylight, Iron Age, The Cro-Mags, Youth of Today, Church of Misery, Dr Dre, Raw Deal, Pulling Teeth...not all of those bands are hardcore but as I said, we listen to lots of different genres.

What do you think it is about hardcore that it became a life style for so many kids all around the globe?
It's fun, straight forward and energetic, without losing its integrity and sincerity.


Is there anything that you think is missing in hardcore movement nowadays?
I'm only young and I haven't been a part of the hardcore community long enough to say I've noticed any dramatic changes. However, there are some seriously sketchy bands where we come from who don't represent the true meaning of hardcore at all. But it's not our place to comment on what is and isn't 'hardcore' so it's your choice to decide whats bogus and whats real.

What can we expect to see from Legions in the future?
We've just completed our demo so at the moment we're just focusing on making our band sound as tight as possible. There are no plans set in concrete as of yet, we want to release a record but we're in no real rush.

Do you have any final message to our readers?
Smoke trees, make money, fuck bitches. Peace.

Legions at Myspace.

Download the demo here!

Endwell - Avoidant

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In Desperation

In Desperation is a type of band that will appeal to a diverse audience of listeners. Although relatively young, they have already developed name for themselves for keeping their hardcore full of passion and energy. Their music is edgy and agressive, but still as catchy as it gets. Whether you like to bust some heads in the moshpit or just looking for a listening enjoyment, don't be sleeping on them!

Can you give a brief history of the band up to this point? When did you guys form and how you got the band name. Any previous bands members were in?
We all grew up going to shows together and some of us playing in bands together before this one. The band started in early 2008. We all live in different towns around northern,CA but we are based in Sacramento. Did a demo shortly after we started with 4 songs, and then the Ghost Town 7 inch pretty soon after that. We were originally called "Desperation" but then found out that a band from Illinois had the same name so we made a minor change that made sense. Bands before this......hmm... well Dan was in Harms Reach and Deathbox, Jared does Give Me Back from time to time, Ryan and Joey have Internal Conflict, and I was in a band called Trash Talk and Drugs of Youth.

What can we be expecting from your upcoming record? How does it differ from Ghost Town, America EP?
The new record I think sounds way better than the Ghost Town record. More time went into it, more thought, and suprisingly less money. But the sound quality is great still. Lyrically its a bit darker. Musically its heavier and has some slower stuff. Its a good progression from the last one.

What label is going to release it and do you have any title yet?
Heart In Hand Records from Los Angeles is going to be releasing this record. William is great and has helped us a lot so far. According to the cover it doesn't have a title, but its called "The Floods".

How would you describe the sound of In Desperation? What bands have influenced your music?
We are a hardcore punk band. We all have different influences but mainly bands like From Ashes Rise, Modern Life is War, Tragedy, Born Against, Left For Dead, etc..

Who or what has had some influence or impact on your lyrics? Where do you find inspiration?
Everyone around me influences me all the time, positive or negative. Recently Ive been reading about hauntings and possessions. Some new songs are about that.

Tell a little about each of the releases you have out? I know only about the Ghost Town, America 7”. Do you have anything else out?
Well we did a demo. Then we did the Ghost Town 7 inch. Next up is "The Floods" 7 inch. We were supposed to be on a couple different compilations but those never came out. We are writing new songs now too for a full length sometime in 2010 hopefully.
What part of California you’re from? What’s the hardcore/punk scene over there?
We are generally from Sacramento,CA. Its in the north. Where are you from anyways? The scene here is pretty good. Its different for sure, bands come through and don't know what to expect when they see punks, skinheads(not the bad kind) and hardcore kids all together, but everyone usually gets along. Fights rarely happen and if they do its usually against nazis, which is cool with me. All ages venues here don't usually last more than a year or so, but right now we have a great house that we do shows at. We also have a coffee shop that treats the bands really well too.

Do you remember the first time you heard hardcore music? What were your feelings then and how did the way you look at it changed since then?
Through skateboarding I had a lot of older friends, and they got me into some of the first hardcore bands I had heard. I already was familiar with Minor Threat, Black Flag, Negative Approach and some others, but they were listening to The Trouble, Blood For Blood, and Buried Alive and that was the stuff that got me really interested. My first hardcore show was First Blood and Terror in San Francisco in 2003 and that was craziest show I have ever seen. My feelings about it haven't really changed much. I'm actually interested now more than ever. I guess the only change would be not really understanding the fashion, although I'm not sure if I ever did. I think getting older tests your beliefs in it for sure, and I feel like I need it now more than ever.

What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?
Hah.. I feel like this is one of those first day of school orientation questions. Guns are a hobby of mine, I'm sure that's sort of surprising.

The hardcore scene is constantly changing. What trends - either in music or not- that you guys really respect and are following?
I could probably go on more about trends I don't like than ones I follow. That new trend where guys move like crabs on stage looks funny. I'll be interested to see where that one goes.

What’s your take on metal influences in hardcore?
Well if you mean the bands that have cyclops hair and play grind riffs followed by pop melodies......I think we all collectively cant stand that it. But, bands like Integrity, Ringworm, and Converge I think are great.

What are the future plans for In Desperation?
We start a west coast tour in 2 weeks with our friends Hell and Reason. That should be a lot of fun for sure. The new 7 inch is coming out sometime in the next month or two. After that just more writing music and hopefully touring. We have no plans of stopping anytime soon. Thanks for the interview, and I hope to see everyone on the west coast soon.

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