Hammer Bros - Sleep Forever

I’ve been hearing a lot about this band lately and was eager to check what’s this hype is all about. As far as I know, the band has a couple of releases out already but this 7” is actually the first thing I’ve heard from them. So, does it live up to the attention they’ve been getting? Honestly, this stuff is straight up mind blowing. Heavily influenced by a classic, straight forward hardcore sound, Hammer Bros take things to another, more brutal level.

This 7” is a perfect representation of the gritty hardcore that is practiced as it was originally intended - raw and uncompromising. You get five songs full of anger, violence and manic destructive ways. This album works because band proves they’ve got their own way of doing things and can make a good use of classic hardcore moves to create something fresh and powerful. The breakdowns are crushing, the vocals insane and the adrenaline level never comes down. The best tracks here are mid-paced New Found Ends and thrash fused Sleep Forever, but all in all, every song here makes for a good listen. Check this album and their other releases!

Review by Dloogi
Label: Arrest Records
Year: 2010
Band's website

Ill Omen - S/t

I remember posting their first demo on this website and now, when I listen to this new 7”, I am pretty much impressed with the progress this band has made. Ill Omen brings four tracks of heavy, reckless hardcore with a slick, metallic edge that puts them somewhere between New York and Cleveland sound.

There are a lot of good things to be found here and all the songs come with a solid dose of exciting hooks, dope riffs and there are even solos from time to time. The rhythm section is on point and provide the right amount of groove. Their biggest strength is how they easily mix up different influences while staying focused on straight up in your face hardcore executed with a lot of energy and finesse. There’s nothing forced here, it can be heard they know what they want to achieve with their sound and how to get there.
Putting any more dopeness into these songs would probably result in exploding as this is some high-quality stuff. I definitely hope to hear more from these guys in the future. In the meantime, I am gonna cop their new split they’re putting out with Get Stitches!. I hope Ill Omen will be soon picked up by some serious label for their debut album so they will have the opportunity to finally connect with a wider hardcore audience.



Review by Dloogi
Label: Poolside Records / Killing The Legacy Records
Year: 2010
Band's website

Turn Away - To The Open Sea

At first I didn’t know quite what to make of this album. I mean, ‘Just a Little smile on your face, could save my day’ is not a best line to open a hardcore album. It helps that the band displays some decent skills, the music is detailed and the songs are well crafted, but it still seems poor and lacking in bite. Each time I have feel for some exciting material it never happens.

Even if some of the songs sound decent, they never follow through with some strong hook that would strike an emotional chord in me. This isn’t helped by the fact that the songs rarely stand out from each other. It might have something to do with the production, which is way too polished in my opinion. The vocals are also disappointing, both in charisma and effectiveness. I mean, even if some of the lyrics are well written, the way they are delivered is pretty much disappointing. I am not into hardcore because of the self pity, I’m here because I angry and I when I pick up a hardcore album I want to hear the kids who are as mad at this world as I am.

On the bright side, the songs that grabbed my attention are Leaving The Town and Second Chances, both with its nice riffing and decent melodies. If only they had spiced it up a little it would be dope.

To The Open Sea is a standard effort that very rarely seems to take off. I hope that with the next album they will be able to craft a more aggressive songs. They got the skills, but they need to ante it up a bit.


Label: Lucifers Legions Record
Year: 2010
Band's website

Decades - Cigarette Burns

New song from Decades, Fort Worth, Texas based hardcore with a dirty punk rock twist.

Show Of Force - Pressure

This is new song from Show Of Force and it's tough as f&*k. Those guys obviously know how to play NYHC influenced tunes and I wish more kids would pay attention to what they're doing!

Edge Of Spirit - Destroy

Edge Of Spirit is one of the best hardcore bands that Japan got currently to offer. This is Destroy - a new song off their 4th album "Edge Of Spirit" which will be out on December. Stay tuned!

Overlord

I've never been into 'ex-members of' hype but when you got guys from one of the most respected bands in European hardcore teaming up for a heavy, mosh driven hardcore, you gotta pay attention. Overlord is made up of people who played previously in Born From Pain, The Setup, Diablo Boulevard and Leng Tch'e. Their mission is to deliver the heavy, metallic hardcore sound the way it was played when Under The Knife came out.

Introduce yourself to the world… who is who and how did Overlord come about?

Nicolas: I'm Nicolas and I play bass in Leng Tch'e and Overlord. I joined because all the guys in the band are longtime friends of mine and I thought it would be fun to play in a no-nonsense straight up hardcore band for shits and giggles. And what do you know, people actually enjoy it.
Dries: Overlord is also Andries (guitar+backings), formerly The Setup (co-founder) and Born From Pain and currently main songwriter in Diablo Boulevard. We’ve got Serch on drums (and also hitting hard in The Setup and Bear) and myselfs on vocals (I used to do vocals in The Setup). Actually Overlord was already formed about 4 years ago when Andries, Serch and Nicolas wanted to do a no-nonsense heavy hardcoreband together. At the time Kris (who now sings for The Setup) was doing vocals. They rehearsed for a while and even recorded about ten songs but those never were released and the project never really took off. Last winter we decided to breath some new life in the project and I (who at the time had decided to quit The Setup) was asked to do vocals. Right now we’re finishing off 4 songs from the old recordings but with the vocals from Dries and we hope to release them as a 7” or MCD pretty soon. We’re also playing some shows to get out there and kick some serious butt.

Born From Pain, The Setup, Diablo Boulevard, Leng Tch’e – this list is pretty impressive. How Overlord is different from what you did in your previous bands?

Dries: I think the biggest difference is the way we see Overlord. It’s a spontaneous project without any pressure, ambitions or “musts”. Most of the guys play in bands with heavy touring shedules so we play whenever we can but most importantly whenever we feel like it, without any pressure. The band’s got simple rules: we want to play heavy hardcore, it has to be real good but we keep it simple and we don’t over-rationalize when we write songs. That keeps it all really fresh and fun.

Do you feel any pressure because people might expect more from you because of your past bands?
Nicolas: Personally I don't because my other band plays in a radically different scene and I don't see those two scenes (extreme deathmetal/grindcore and hardcore) crossing paths anytime soon.
Dries: of course people got expectations when they learn about the people involved in this band. Because of our past and current or previous bands we owe it to ourselves to try at least NOT TO SUCK?. But since this is a project we do just because we love hardcore and we don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone we just enjoy it and don’t care too much about expectations and what not..

Your music doesn’t bullshit around anything and is pretty much delivered in a raw and straight up heavy way. What inspired you to play this kind of music?

Overlord: We all have our roots in hardcore, most of us got into the scene more then a decade ago and we all share a mutual love for heavy hardcore and heavy music in general. We draw influences from the heavy NYHC bands, Hatebreed (Under the knife, Satisfaction, Perseverance-era) but also metalbands like Crowbar, Down.. We just wanted to do a band without too many frills, a band that’s just straight-up heavy. We enjoy playing together and it’s just a great outlet for all of us.

Is there any lyrical theme behind Overlord? Do you feel that playing in a hardcore bands is like some kind of mission to get your message across to the listener?

Dries: The lyrics are the music and vice versa so don’t expect any lightness or happiness there? Overlord is an outlet for anger, the more dark emotions. That can of course mean anger about socio-political issues but also stuff that’s coming from a personal point of view. I mostly write about the world I know but in Overlord I sometimes experiment with the lyrics and more specifically with the point of view and address some issues that aren’t necessarily mine. It’s not all too artistic but for instance I wrote a lyric about the mind of serial killer, which was damn fun to do and a lyric that can also be a metaphor for other issues but a lyric that doesn’t mean I wrestle with same thoughts?

You guys have been here for some time now, I wonder how do you feel about the hardcore scene in Europe nowadays?

Overlord: When you’ve been around as long as we are you notice (big cliché coming up) things go in cycles. We had amazing times with local European bands drawing tons of people to shows and shit going through the roof but right now, for instance in Belgium, less people are involved in the scene, there are not that many shows and only big festival-shows (like the Persistance-tour) or really big bands like Terror, Madball or Hatebreed draw a big crowd. It’s not something to worry about. Young kids will always be attracted to hardcore cause face it, not everyone can relate to the world portrayed in popsongs or R&B or whatever. People are looking for stuff that says something about their live and hardcore will always be there for kids looking for an alternative, an outlet, a positive way to channel anger and frustration about stuff. Hardcore and punk will always bounce back.

The lamest thing about hardcore nowadays is…

Maybe it’s more superficial than it used to be. Kids nowadays don’t have to put in the effort to learn about hardcore and his history. It’s like you can become a hardcore-kid overnight. It’s all there on youtube, the internet.. Maybe that’s the reason why most of them don’t stick around for more than a few years. Maybe they get more easily bored, loose interest because they’re not really touched by the essence of what hardcore means…But then again, this could also be the talk of a jaded old bore so maybe all of this is just plain BS?

What are some European hardcore bands you would recommend?

Overlord: In our region (Antwerp) there are still a bunch of cool bands in all areas of hardcore: Your Highness (think High On Fire), Johnny Unstoppable and Pushed Too Far (both mosh/tuffguy), Bear (mathcore), …Other Belgian young guns like Poison my Blood (metalcore), Hessian (a bit like old Rise and Fall but with a twist), Black Haven (clevo meets sludgy metal), Violent City (NYHC), Get Wise (old school), Generation84 (melodic HC), Golden Bullet (Length Of Time, Congress), Midnight Souls (on Reflections),Trail Of Hope (old school).. Other cool and promising bands: All for nothing, Blood Trial, By My Hand, we all love State of Mind (underrated!), No Turning back (best european hardcoreband), Deal With It, For The glory, of course The Setup and Born From Pain ... Luckily there’s still a lot going on in Europe and luckily all sorts of bands..

What’s your opinion on the new Madball and Terror albums?

Dries: I totally love KOTF! I think it’s a brilliant record. Unlike a lot of people I know I also loved The Damned, The Shamed and I think KOTF is the ultimate mix between that album and the older stuff. It’s one big rush of adrenaline, energy and power but with enough influences to keep it edgy and interesting. The embodiment of the true hardcore-spirit. Like most of us I totally love Madball but I’m just plain honest with you: I don’t listen that often to the more recent albums. Not because those aren’t good or even great albums but it’s a curse for an iconic band like Madball: you get to know them with the classics and you seem to stick to those because they represent a certain era in your life, a certain feeling you associate with those records and unfortunately the new records never seem to grasp that same feeling. But nevertheless, I’ll be checking out the new record anyway.

Hardest hardcore band ever?

Hatebreed (especially end 90’s early 2K) and the usual suspects Cro Mags, Madball. Today Terror.

What can we expect from you guys in the future?

We’re finishing our first 7”/MCD as we speak so expect that one to drop pretty soon. We will keep on playing shows whenever we can and we’ll be writing new stuff. But knowing the agenda of all members we will never be the most productive band on the planet. Our main goal remains: kicking it hard on stage, having a great time doing so and enjoying hardcore to the fullest.

Check out band's Myspace

Crowned Kings

Crowned Kings is a new band from Melbourne, Australia with a tough, heavy sound. Those guys are influenced by some of my favorite bands, like Death Threat or Madball, and are pretty good at what they do. If you're into straight up aggressive hardcore, this one you must check out!

Could you introduce Crowned Kings to our readers and tell us something about the history of the band?

Crowned Kings was started when a group of mates in early 09' from different types of bands throughout Melbourne and had noticed the lack of straight up hardcore bands in our area. We wanted to go watch these type of NY/LA/straight up hardcore style bands, so we thought we'd start our own.

What have you released so far and how would you describe your style?

We recorded a 5 track demo with Samuel Johnson (50 Lions, Samsara, Toe To Toe, Against, etc) at 3 phase studios in Melbourne a few months after we started jamming.
We like to think that our style is tough, in your face hardcore., but we'll let you decide.

What bands had the biggest influence on your sound? It seems like you’re really into American scene, NYHC in particular – is that correct?

We like Madball, Terror, Death Threat, 25 ta life, Gravemaker, Donnybrook, Trapped under ice , Blood for Blood, No warning, etc etc etc you get the idea haha

Reading your lyrics it becomes apparent that you’ve got something to say to the listener. What are the most important issues you deal with in your music?

Some of the lyrics are about how the hardcore scene has changed, and how the label and word of hardcore has lost its meaning a little, with so many bands claiming the label of hardcore to their music without actually living or appreciating what hardcore stands and started for. We want to bring back the friendships and fun of going to shows and that feeling of being accepted no matter who you are or where you're from.

Does it feel like a mission for you to drop some knowledge on the listeners, or it’s more like an outlet for a personal feelings and issues?

Its a little of both, its mainly personal issues and whoever wants to listen can take what they want from our lyrics. Some songs will have different meaning to different individuals.

You guys are unsigned for now. Are there any plans for finding a label?

We are writing now and looking to record a full length next year at some stage.
Wanna sign us?? haha www.myspace.com/crownedkingshc

Give us some info about the Australian hardcore. Are there any bands over there you’re stoked on?

These are some of the bands we think have kept true to their hardcore music and we love watching them when they are touring through Melbourne
Mindsnare, Toe to Toe, Against, Miles away, 50 lions

What are some of the albums that really made an impression on you in 2010 so far?

Terror's new record is on high rotation with all of us. New Donnybrook, Toe to Toe and Miles Away are all fucking good as too

Any bands outside of hardcore genre you listen to?

Midnight Oil
Cold Chisel
Aussie Hip Hop
Rap

What are some future plans for the band? What should we expect from Crowned Kings in the upcoming months?

Playing plenty of Shows and planning our first national tour, keep an eye on our myspace for dates.

Check band's Myspace.

Terror - Keepers of the Faith

First off, i love Terror, so if you hate...why read this. i still can be objective, and will list where their strengths and faults are. A quick synopsis to gage my opinion verse yours...

they came out, i ignored them. i hate over hyped "ex-members of" shit. Then i saw them. I am a judgmental asshole. this band kills. I have loved each Scott V band, anyway. "Lowest of the Low" rules. "Underdogs" was awesome, but felt a little stiff in production; but an incredible album. "Hard Way" - perfect. "RATC" was a great release to tide us over. I play it frequently. "TD,TD" i go back to it the least. a solid release, but i think the Zeuss production tried to push them into something they weren't. Although that said, "Voice...", "Relentless...", "Never Alone", "What I Despise, and "Let Me Sink" are some of their best songs. and i never subscribed to them falling off when Carl or Todd left. Buske and Frank 3 Gun, and Martin are some of my favorite personalities in hardcore.

Songs like "Push It Away", "Out of My Face", "Lost", and "Disconnected" are my tops from these dudes.

SO - i loved "KOTF" 7" that came in July.
and let me also preface this with i was this biggest, loudest naysayer of Chad Gilbert. i was frightened. and again, i am a judgmental asshole. i was fuckin' wrong. This man produced what maybe the best Terror album. "KOTF" find these cats at the peak of their game.

This album is loud, fierce, and angry. Scott's voice has(miraculously) remained strong through 2 decades of screaming. His lyrics won't challenge Keats or Joyce, but he has matured and still loves representing hardcore. I love hardcore (at age 33) and i love seeing other dudes my age still engaged; never mind dudes still enraged and shouldering a scene.
Another aspect i always appreciate of Scott is the lyrics included; with a prose description/explanation *(so buy the bitch - do not just download it). Perspective and personal experience make it uniquely Terror. I feel a kinship through his words. This hardcore scene; this quagmire of outcasts and outsiders become something purposeful and beautiful. Scott's focus of lyrics are decrees and pacts to his family, friends and 'fans' (for lack of a better term). But that's the point of hardcore - 'fans' become brothers and peers. And these denouncements of society's sheep, these clones, these weak ones - our universal derision and condemnation of those types is our bond.

The songs are short and vicious. Nick Jett still gets a huge sound as the backbone of this roadworn outfit. Guitars are crunching and heavy. Drums are pouncing and rigid. Gilbert really did mix this well and extract prime output from each of the players. The formula remains the same. Dance, pile on, pound the chest, and head-nod. bring the mosh and finger point. Glorious. I could have used a breakdown or two more -but this bitch moves fast forward and lots of two-stepping parts.

"You find strength in what you hold in your hand - that's not for me - i'll stay free"

And again, they expanded on the foundation of the formula - this is not hc paint by numbers. Please do not think i blur eac song together They have a formula without being formulaic. I mean, hardcore ain't ELO or Zappa. This is a hardcore album; not even a "genre crossing metal-core album". There are elements of metal - tight riffs, a few leads and dive bombs; definitely some thrash in here - bits of Anthrax/DRI/Metallica *(yeah...the "Only Death" song is an old Metallica style riff; not Motley Crue! You watch your tongue!). They just keep the foundation the same.

This is fight music. These are anthems for the hurt, burdened, forgotten, scorned, furious; those of us who see a fucked-up world and our own contributions in the scourge called 'humanity'. But with a little wisdom and experience, we can move forward and be better than the mindless. Or at least be with those like us. "These are the sounds of the underworld."

This album - whatever you may think of these dudes or there work - tour relentlessly and bring the true spirit of hardcore to the stage and disc.
Raybeez is looking down proudly.
"Always Keep the Faith"

For fans of Terror.

Standout Tracks: "Stick Tight", "Shattered", "Stay Free", "The Struggle" - ...ah, i just picked all the "S" songs....listen to them all, really - there is not a bad song on this. "New Blood" i s bad-ass and Toby2o pops in.

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

Label: Century Media
Year: 2010
Band's website

Madball - Empire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Label:Good Fight Music
Band's website

DJ Muggs vs Ill Bill - Kill Devil Hills

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Off! - 1st EP

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

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

YES! YES! YES!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Label: Vice Records
Year: 2010
Band's website

Ratface - Ratassed

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

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

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

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

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

Label: Fullhouse Records
Year: 2010
Band's website

Agnostic Front working on a new album

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

Eulogy Recordings signs Loyal To The Grave

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

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

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

Death Before Dishonor and Casey Jones tour announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Black Path

The Black Path are Cali based band which takes a lot of influences from the old time metalcore bands. You get some European influences, like H8000 styled metallic hardcore, but also some newer sound is finding its way so it all sound pretty fresh. Here's a quick interview with the band...

Can you give me a brief background on the band and what you guys are currently up to at this moment?

Well we started this band around late 2009/early 2010 and formed together because both of our bands had broken up. We had all kind of been in bands together before this one so it worked out perfect. Right now we are writing for a split with a band called beg for life out of AZ which will be released in mid 2011.

What have you released so far?

A 6 song demo.

Where did the band's name come from?

The name comes from a song of the great hardcore band A Death For Every Sin (RIP) I think it suits us well.

Lyrically what kind of themes you deal with? What is the message you’re trying to present to your listeners?

(I had our singer Matthew answer these 2)
When I write the lyrics I try really hard to make them flow in a nice way musically. What I mean is sometimes I choose certain words not because of what they mean but because of the way they sound. I try my best to have different themes for each of the different songs. But within those constraints I still do my best to express myself. Of course they all deal with anger, despair, and other emotions. I'm not really trying to present a message to the listeners, it's more like trying my best to convey an emotion to them. To make them feel the way I did when I wrote the song.



Is there any social or political message behind the band?

We're definitely not a political band. I always write the lyrics in a vague way, usually because I don't know what the fuck I'm talking about haha. But also because I want people to be able to relate to a song, so even if it might be dealing with politics, people who aren't into that can still project the message of the song onto something else they do relate to.

You guys seem to be heavily influenced of old style metalcore bands, both from the States and Europe. How have kids been reacting to your music?

The reaction has been great. I remember writing these songs thinking maybe kids wouldn't be as into it as they are because it's too "metal" and I knew we'd mainly be playing hardcore shows, but it has a good variety of both genres, and it's fun to mix things up every now and then.

So what’s your opinion of what people currently call ‘metalcore’ – guys in girls jeans and crazy haircuts?

Well personally I'm not a fan of girl pants, and I don't see anyone wearing those to any of our shows, but if you wanna' wear girl clothes and listen to my band go right ahead. At the end of the day it's all about the music.

What are some Cali bands you’re down with and would recommend for everyone to listen?

Life or Death, Xibalba, Ruckus, World of Pain, Still Alive.



What's your pick for best hardcore release of 2010 so far?

All Out War - Into the killing fields, great record! The new Terror is also a really great release.

I’ve seen some rap themes at your myspace profile, like Big L poster or Gangstarr-like logo. Are you guys into this type of music? What are some rappers you support?

A few of us are hip hop heads. One of our singers Matthew is real talented in the beat making department, and I (Jonathan) listen to hip hop just as much if not more than hardcore. Mainly we're into the classics, Biggie, Nas, Gangstarr, Wu-tang, Group Home, Non Phixion, I could go on for days but you get the point. As far as rappers I support now-a-days, Evidence is killing it!

Big up's to everyone that comes out and supports The Black Path and hardcore in general, let's keep this DIY underground shit going!

Manu Armata

Manu Armata is pretty new but promising band from the Netherlands with a strong knack for tough, heavy NYHC sound. Their debut EP called No Victory Without Strife is being released by 5Feet Under Records, but you can also download it for free here!

Name: Manu Armatajavascript:void(0)

Location: Harlingen, the Netherlands

Active since: Manu Armata started in april 2007, the members have bin active since 1994 in different hardcore bands.

How do you define your overall style?

Brutal Harlingen hardcore with a metallic edge

What’s your goal with this band?

Playing as much shows as we can. And spreading our hardcore believes.

What do you have recorded so far?

We just finished our debute EP ‘No Victory Without Strife’. Before this we recorded a promo in 2007 of which we spread 800 copies for free @ our shows.

When, how and why the band came to being?

Three of our members used to play in a band called All Odds Against Me. When we split up in 2006, we started to miss the hardcore music and we decided to start Manu Armata.

What does the name Manu Armata stand for and how does it relate to your music?

Manu Armata means in Latin: ‘Armed hand’. We see our music as a weapon, a weapon we can use in the battle of everyday live.

Could you tell us about your new EP called No Victory Without Strife. What should we be expecting from it?

No Victory without Strife is an EP with six furious hardcore songs. It contains lyrics everyone can relate to. From personal struggles to social criticism.

Instead of making mad money by selling this stuff on cds or vinyl, you decided to share No Victory Without Strife for free so the kids can download it directly from your website. What was the reason for this move?

We think it’s more important that people can hear our music and know what we’re about. Rather than making money of our record sales.



Are there any plans to release it in CD or vinyl format for the hardcore collectors?

At the moment our EP is released on CD by 5Feet Under Records, http://www.5feetunder.com/. Furthermore we are planning on releasing the record on vinyl.

Your lyrics are pretty much straight forward and pissed off. Where do you take inspiration from? Your environment? People around you?

We take inspiration from everyday life. And everything what happens in this world.

What is the hardcore scene in Netherlands like? What are some good bands over there?

It’s been quite for a couple of years but now it’s rising up again. Some good bands are: ‘Striking Justice’, ’21 Gun Salute’, ‘Cornered’, ‘Swim or drown’, ‘Cold blooded’, ‘Born faced down’.

Divisions in hardcore – do you see much of it in the scene in your country?

No, everything is one big happy hardcore family.

What bands would you love to share a stage with?

We already played with ‘Madball’, ‘Sick of it all’ so there’s not much more we could wish for. But we would love to play with ‘Terror’ or ‘Hatebreed’.



Do you remember the first hardcore album you ever brought? What was it?

Madball – Demonstrating my style

What are the future plans for the band?

In februari we’re going to do a tour trough Denmark and Sweden. We’re also planning to play in Germany and Holland of course. Next to that we just shot our first video which will be out soon. Check our http://www.myspace.com/manuarmata/

Any closing comments?

Thanks for the interview, don’t forget to download our new EP at http://www.manuarmata.com/. Hope to see you at one of our shows. Take care and keep it real.

Edge Of Spirit pics from Bloodaxe Festival 2010

Couple of Edge Of Spirit pics from Bloodaxe Festival 2010 with Heaven Shall Burn, Another Victim and Thick As Blood held in Tokyo this summer. Got courtesy of Wypax Photography.

Alpha & Omega - Life Swallower

The band has been getting better with every album they have released and this one is another step in the right direction. With Life Swallower, Alpha & Omega brings to the table one of the more violent albums I’ve heard in a long time.

One song in and you know you’re listening to one tough son of a bitch album. Fueled By Sin is a strong opening to the album combining the best elements of hardcore and metal. And when the next tracks kick in, things only get better. Throughout the album, Alpha & Omega keep their sound focused on slick, thrash inspired riffs while the rhythm section lays down a tight groove that is marks up the music’s rhythm to perfection. The band gets the job done with beefy chords to groovy passages, which results in brutal songs of crushing metallic that never goes down in intensity. Life Swallower offers plenty of anger and rage, but at the same time they keep the right balance and deliver plenty of leads and hooks to get your teeth into. It helps to keep things interesting and give their music more depth without sacrificing the rough edge that makes Alpha & Omega's music work. An element of nostalgia for the 80’ crossover sound can be heard throughout the album with the strong nod towards Cro-Mags in their prime. They also make me think of Steel Nation and Bitter End in regards to the intensity those bands deliver. The vocals of Luis are very intense and lyrically, it’s straight up hostile, dark and negative.

If I had to pick my favorite tracks from Life Swallower I would say that tracks Searching or Stand Alone show how it should be done. Both of these tracks come with slick, memorable riffs and massive chorus that will stick in your head for days.

Listening to this album it comes as no surprise that band has been creating a bit of a name for themselves recently. 2010 is definitely a good year for hardcore with solid albums from bands like Terror, Sick Of It All, Madball, Bitter End or All Out War. And even with such a strong competition, I still consider Life Swallower as one of the most interesting albums that came out this year.


Review by Dloogi
Label: 6131 Records
Year: 2010
Band's website

Parasitic Skies - The Descent

After the well received 7” for Seventh Dagger, Seattle based Parasitic Skies are back with the full length album, The Descent. For those not familiar with the band – they stand for straight edge and veganism and musically are leaning heavily towards metal sound. This album brings a lot of memories of the times when a lot of hardcore bands started incorporating death metal influences into their sound, but it was long before the deathcore plague and it still sounded legit.

That’s the deal with Parasitic Skies – their sound is down-tuned, heavy as fuck, with groovy riffing and deep, growling-like vocals but there are no silly pig squeals and no tempo changes every 15 seconds. The drumming is intense and on point, but thanks God there are no blast beats. Parasitic Skies knows what they’re good at and gets down to business without trying to get fancy. The songwriting on this album has a gritty yet sharp energy. That means the thin line between being cool metallic hardcore band and being lame death metal wannabes has not been crossed. And good, cause it sounds merciless and uncompromising enough without that fake shit. And while the regular songs never let down when it comes to intensity, the instrumental tracks make use of some sludgy, dissonant riffing which adds more depth to the album.

When it comes to lyrics, their approach is far from being straight forward. The overall tone is pretty dark and apocalyptical at times but you gotta dig deeper into what they’re saying to figure out the meaning. This aspect is very similar to now classic H8000 bands like Liar and Congress which also used images of warfare and demons to get their straight edge and political message out.

The Descent is a good album – if you want to hear the solid metallic hardcore but you’re fed up with the current state of the genre, it will give you the experience that you are looking for.

Review by Dloogi
Label: Seventh Dagger Records
Year: 2010
Band's website

Grizz Rock - Mental Abuse

I’ve never been a fan of hardcore kids doing rap thing simply because much of this stuff is garbage. You don’t have to be next Mobb Deep or Wu Tang but some of the rhymes and beats that came from the rappers with hardcore background has been an embarrassment to the game. Grizz Rock hasn’t been an active hardcore musician as far as I know but it seems he has some connection to the hardcore world. Not only Real Recognize Real, a label known for bridging the gap between hardcore and rap, is releasing this stuff, but you can also hear Lord Ezec now and then throughout the album.

Ok, so my expectations were not that high but surprisingly Grizz proved that he can hold his own as an emcee. He might not be the most technically gifted cat out there but with his forceful and vibrant delivery he knows how to grab your attention. It’s pretty apparent he really feels the passion behind his work. It's hard to define any one cut, the album as a whole is the one. Whether he spits some aggressive stuff like Victims Of Society or This Is My House, or goes more personal on joints like Just Like That or Just Another Days, the album is consistent and has a steady flow. Lyricswise, he goes from serious topics such as growing up in the streets and family issues to more relaxed, party oriented bangers. Well, you gotta chill but these sudden style shifts break the grimy flow of the album. These diversions, however, are few and far between thankfully. Grizz sounds much sharper and tighter when he sticks to the dark side of life. Once again listen to Victims Of Society or This Is My House – that’s some aggressive shit I want to hear more from him! Sure, sometimes his rhymes get , but overall he’s delivery stays sharp. On the musical side, it’s nothing groundbreaking, but the beats are solid with with elements like the sung background or acoustic guitar loops.

One of the cool things about this album is how Grizz Rock incorporates rock, sometimes even almost hardcore influences into some of the songs. Just listen to the beginning of the Darkness track – if this guy started a hardcore band that would be massive! Anyway, when Grizz focuses on the rawness, he’s really dope. I’d like to hear his rhymes over some more raw and vibrant beats.

Review by Dloogi
Label: Real Recognizes Real Records
Year: 2010
Grizz Rock's website

Skam Dust - Corona Drug Bust

The concept of bridging the gap between the hardcore and hip hop seems to be the driving force behind Real Recognize Real as their range of releases and distro items include artists from both of these worlds. Being a huge rap fan I can only admire the idea but there should be with no discussion that it doesn’t mean that rappers should be given a credit just because they have ties to the hardcore scene.

Hardcore kids should recognize Skam Dust for his involvement in the already classic Son Of Skam project where he laid down some pretty cool rhymes along with fellow DMS soldiers. Now, couple of years later, his full length album called Corona Drug Bust is out. After a completely passable intro the title song kicks in and it’s fire! The beat is fucking insane and the rhyme delivery by combined forces of Skam and Freddy Madball is reckless. Hands down, the best track on the album. Too bad it is followed by couple of completely passable tracks such as Godz Of War, Pray For Me or Out Of The Zoo. Most of these beats are lacking in bite and have zero personality. And that’s the main issue with this album – while there are couple of tracks here where Skam definitely holds his own, there are also tracks that would be better left out. When it comes to rapping, Skam is not the best lyricist out there but when provided with the right beat, his aggressive delivery make up for the lyrical drawbacks. His style brings to mind classic shouting rap acts like Onyx or MOP and while he’s not on that level yet, but he’s got enough charisma to make things interesting.

Some memorable songs also include Ready To Rock where Skam teams up with Grizz Rock to unleash lyrical mayhem over some heavy ass, guitar-led beat. In Wild Style Life Style Skam dives into hardcore territory proving that he could easily front straight up NYHC band. One Time is also ok, kind of classic New York hip hop song with strong, fat beat. The album also includes couple of Son Of Skam songs – if you don’t have Five Borough Manhunt cd, it might be a treat.

Overall, this album suffers from way too many mediocre filler songs that are so flat and lack character. It has its good share of moments, but the highlights are being dimmed by the mediocre or plain whack tracks. And it’s kinda shame because couple of times here Skam proves that when the beat is right, he can spit fire.

Review by Dloogi
Label: Real Recognizes Real Records
Year: 2010
Skam Dust's website

Left Behind - Skin Deep

Left Behind is LA based hardcore/metal band with influences ranging from His Hero Is Gone to Sepultura to Entombed.

Ill Omen - Dead Friends

Here's the new track of this promising Finnish band taken straight from the still hot split with Get Stitches! Check out what they're about here.

Reason To Fight / Chesty Malone And The Slice'em Ups split 7" on Uniter Riot Records

Rhode Island's best HC band Reason To Fight are back with some ripping New tunes of Working Class Hardcore. In the vein of SSD, Blood For Blood, Last Rites, Slapshot, FU'S these guys keep HC alive. On the flipside from NYC you got Chesty Malone And The Slice'em Ups on vinyl for the fist time ever. There style of HC/Punk is Misfits meets Lunachicks meets Sheer Terror. Some balls out NYHC with female vocals. A classic split on limited edition color vinyl.

Misanthropy, new album from Go For It!, out soon

The Oldschool-Hardcore outfit from the Ruhrpott area in Germany will hit the studio from 08. – 14.11.2010, to record the subsequent album to the debut "Reading between the front lines" from 2009. The album will be entitled "Misanthropy" and deliver enough explosive content with a total of 14 songs. Go For It! raised the Punk line in the song writing process in favour of melodic-weight-bearing moments, up to atmospheric-depressive arrangements perceptibly drawn.

Furthermore, Bud from SCORE THE SETTLE and Cindy from ALL FOR NOTHING will appear on “Misanthropy” as a special feature. Under which label GO FOR IT! will release the album, is not clear yet and up to this date GO FOR IT! keeps covered about a concrete
date and co-laborations.

Purification's Animal Liberation shirt back in stock

Hurry Up! Records has restocked the classic Animal Liberation t-shirt from Purification. If you're down for reppin' the vegan cause, you can place your order here.