Hardway Interview

Towards The Light, recently released output by Italy-based Hardway, showcases the band at its best. Fast, intense hardcore executed with a solid flow and great musical production. There’s a lot of energy to these songs, but you can’t help sensing the feeling of anger, dirt and pain creeping through. Almost five years into its existence, the band seems to finally have found its playing sound. Here’s the short interview with the band about the new EP.

Towards The Light, recently released output by Italy-based Hardway, showcases the band at its best. Fast, intense hardcore executed with a solid flow and great musical production. There’s a lot of energy to these songs, but you can’t help sensing the feeling of anger, dirt and pain creeping through. Almost five years into its existence, the band seems to finally have found its playing sound. Here’s the short interview with the band about the new EP.

Tell us something about the upcoming EP, "Towards The Light"? Is there any major difference compared to your last album?
Towards The Light is the new EP coming out really soon on StrikeDown Records, it contains 5 tracks we've written and arranged during the last 2 years. Compared to our last album (Hold Out To The Last) is more intense and visceral, we've tried to search a raw sound, less metallic without the drum trigger and other studio effects. It's definitely more mature, the gloomy lyrics describing anger, hope, pain and dreams in drastic visions. We're really satisfied about it.

Towards The Light - what does this title mean to you?
It means to always follow what you’re looking for, if you got a target, do all what you need to find and reach it. The Light suggests you the way to carry on and don't lost during the route.

When do you think the EP will be released?
In the first months of 2012.

Have the recent political and economical issues in Italy affected you personally or how you run the band in any way?
It will touch all of us indirectly, causes the increase of property taxes, on market prices, retirement prospects, we are all involved.



Do you have any opinion about the ongoing crisis in Italy, and Europe in general? How do you think it will evolve?
The crisis of 2008 was umpteenth time equation gone badly because of political speculation of banks and the average citizen who was addressing them as if it was an information door not considering the possible implications of their maneuvers debt.
Said that, in the near future we think that there will be a more significant gap between rich and poor even with current measures, if they can contribute to limit the stock of public debt does not facilitate the recovery and not even the development necessary to restart the economy.

What’s next after the EP is released? Do you have any other tours planned?
We're planning some shows to promote the new Ep, but most importantly we're working on new songs that blow your mind and we'll record them soon.

Is there anything else you want to say?
Thank you for interest in Hardway, follow us on facebook and our tumblr because more news are coming with new good tunes! Peace on earth war on stage!

Defiant Youth launched webstore. Merch from Terror, Suburban Scum and more!

Defiant Youth has recently launched its webstore with some decent-looking stuff from bands such as Terror, Suburban Scum, Downpresser and Alpha & Omega. All tees are limited to 50 pieces and hats to 24. All orders start shipping February 19th.

Chains Of Hate vs. Surge Of Fury split out now on Rucktion

New split between South Wales heavyweights Chains Of Hate and Belgium's hardest Surge Of Fury is out on Rucktion! Each band delivers three brand new songs plus one cover each; Surge Of Fury plays District 9's "Live Life" and Chains Of Hate does Cold As Life's "Cold As Life".

Death Grip to release "Forever In Doubt" in late February

Pennsylvania-based Death Grip plans to drop new album at February, 20th. "Forever In Doubt" will contain 8 tracks of heavy, hard-hitting hardcore combining old school sound with fast parts and heavy breakdowns. You can order the CD here.

HHF Benefit Show in London - Knuckledust, Cold Hard Truth and more!

The UK benefit show for The Hardcore Help Foundation (The HHF) will take place March, 24th at The Purple Turtle. Admission is £10 and everything goes to HHF. If you can, go and support a good cause! About HHF: hese shows have been happening all over Europe as a way of raising money towards a great cause and now it's London's turn to help - The HHF amongst other ventures recently have been providing support and funding to the victims and communities of the Japanese Tsunami disaster.

It's about Friendship, Loyalty & helping each other out, when you're in a bad situation.

That's why The Hardcore Help Foundation was put in place. The HHF is a collaboration of friends and volunteers from all over the world to support (hardcore) kids and people who need serious help. We are collecting merch on hardcore shows and accept donations. We also have some own merch in our onlineshop for sale. All profit goes to people worldwide who need help. The Hardcore Help Foundation is a non profit project and part of an registered social association, Die Flotte e.V. in Bochum (Germany). A social club that helps people.

The London show line-up includes:

Knuckledust (UK)
Awoken (UK - REUNION!)
Cold Hard Truth (UK)
No Second Chance (UK)
Back To Square One (France)
Blade (Belgium)
Embrace Destruction (Italy)
Fort Vallance (UK)
United Blood (Belgium)
No Sense Of Decency (Germany)
Stand For Truth (Belgium)
No Direction (UK)

Go For It! posted new song Arbitrary Law

German-based Go For It! has posted new song, Arbitrary Law, which serves as a teaser for band's upcoming album Misantrophy. The album will contain 14 songs and come with couple of features. Internet rumors talk about Settle the Score and Cindy from All for Nothing.

Pre-order for the upcoming Take Offense EP are up at Reaper Records

Reaper has launched pre-orders for the new Take Offense four song 12″ EP “Under The Same Shadow." The EP is to be released in three color options: clean, black and gold vinyl. T-shirt plus vinyl packages are also available. Listen to the title track here.

United Riot to release NY Hoods' Neutral 86 Demo on 7"

United Riot plans to bring official re-release of classic 1986 Demo by NY Hoods. This is first time Neutral is released on vinyl! NY Hoods is classic NYHC with members who later went on to play in Side By Side, Absolution, Burn and Breakdown among others. The songs have been re-Mixed and remasted to top quality. You can order the vinyl here. Everyone who Pre-Orders gets a Digital Download and Exclusive Color Vinyl.

Brawl to drop new album via Westcoast Worldwide. 7" to be released by Irish Voodoo

Westcoast Worldwide Records has recently announced the signing of Boise, Idaho-based Brawl. The band recently completed its latest offering, “Punishment” at Pittbull Farms in Victorville, California with producer/engineer “Pitbull” Dan Banura (Murder Death Kill, Blood Stands Still, Donnybrook). The New album is set to drop March 6th, 2012. Irish Voodoo Records will handle 7″ duties for the release.

“We couldn’t be more excited to join the WCWW family” states vocalist Eric Muniz. A lot of what we are about is old school ethics, hardcore pride, and hard work. Westcoast is totally about that too. It seems to be a great fit and we couldn’t be more in to it”.

“We love Brawls old school approach to hardcore”, comments Westcoast Worldwide founder Mikey Hood. “Friends, family, good times, and hardcore. That for us is really what it’s all about. These guys are rad. We love bands that play, and book tons of shows, and open venues, and really keep their scenes going. As for the sound, If you like bands like Death Before Dishonor, Propain, North Side Kings, or Breakdown you will love Brawl.”

Founded in 2010, Brawl has been pummeling the Northwest with two DIY releases under their belts, in addition to several tours. “Being a hardcore band from Boise is tough”, says Muniz. “There wasn’t a ton of opportunities for a band like us, so we had to make our own. We’re just four guys that really love this music and this scene, and we feel very fortunate that we get to play it, book it, be so involved in it, and enjoy it so much. Not only in our home state, but in other places as well. This really is our way of life.”

“Punishment” by Brawl will be available March 6th, 2012 on Westcoast Worldwide Records

Look for Brawl on tour with Murder Death Kill in Spring 2012

Terror - The New Blood

New Terror video pays respect to the true hardcore tradition. Keepers of the faith!

No Love - new song off War Hound's upcoming 'Colder Than Ever' album

War Hound has posted new song taken from their upcoming album for I Scream. No Love is a teaser for the 'Colder Than Ever' and damn, they go hard! We're not even full month into this year and I can tell you right now this one is gonna be on my Best of 2012 list. Listen to the song here.

I Want You Dead - AΩ 7inch

AΩ, new 7 inch from I Want You Dead, is a follow up to their 'We are the Legions of Scums' LP and showcases huge progress the band has made. The Greeks have put together some seriously heavy and menacing tunes which despite superb production sound as evil and dirty as they should. Even without reading the lyrics, just from the way it sounds I can image the type of sick thoughts being spat in these songs. Disgust, hatred, vengeance, contempt are some of the themes explored here and they sing it like they mean it. As always, the band is offering their music for free download but if you want to cop the vinyl, click here. Download it.

Hoods - Night Rider

Hoods pay homage to their hometown Sacramento with the new Night Rider video.

Strikedown Records has launched pre-orders for new Hardway CDEP

Towards The Light, new EP from Italy-owned Hardway, will contain five songs of heavy and reckless hardcore. "More intense, visceral and relentless compared to the debut album, such as the lyrics more gloomy, describing anger, hope, pain and dreams in drastic vision," as described in the press release. The songs were recorder in February/March last year and mastered at Swift Mastering (London - UK). You can place your order, as well as check out one of the new songs, here.

Six Feet Under releases new music from Current, Gypsy, Wrong Answer and Guilty

Six Feet Under has started 2012 strong with new releases from Current, Gypsy, Wrong Answer and Guilty. Apart from Wrong Answer, I haven't heard any of these bands but they all seem interesting. Continue reading for official description of each release from the label.

GYPSY - Giant's Despair 12"/CD

This was a long time in the making. Finally seeing the light of day is the debut full length from GYPSY. "Giant's Despair" is 10 tracks that have been well worth the wait. Sounding even more now like Knapsack, Jawbeaker and Dinosaur Jr than the 7" did, the LP features top notch production from Will Yip (Blacklisted, Mother Of Mercy, War Hungry). Oh and they feature members of Cold World, Mother Of Mercy, Stick Together, and the dude who books United Blood, if you're into that sort of thing. The track Sleep Well can be heard on the SFU Homepage. The LP will be available in 3 colors on a first come first serve basis. There will also be a deluxe edition out of 50 with a special color limited to 50 and containing one of the dreamcatchers used in the cover photo shoot, along with a few other extras.

CURRENT - Peace, Love 7"

Another new band on the roster, CURRENT hails from Syracuse, NY and came to our attention after we heard their impressive demo earlier this year. After several sporadic gigs in upstate NY opening for Polar Bear Club, Harvest and some others they got it together to write this 7" for SFU and despite us taking forever to get it out its finally ready for preorder. 6 songs clocking in at almost 13 minutes, sonically appealing to fans of everything from Burn to Quicksand to Bane to Modern Life Is War with ex members of Meltdown, Forfeit and Unholy and current members of Reign Supreme.

GUILTY - s/t 7"

We are pleased to bring you Sweden's finest export, GUILTY. Their demo also caught our eye earlier this year after our friends at Control Records told us to check it out. The demo is great and the new 7" is even better, featuring 4 new tracks drawing influences from the Cro Mags, Madball and a healthy does of Master Of Puppets era Metallica. Don't sleep on this 7", it's one of the best we've heard here in a while.
Being released in conjunction with in Sweden and Carry The Weight Records in the UK. SFU will have 2 colors of vinyl available, 400 pressed total, and the other labels will have 1 color each.

WRONG ANSWER - Cross A Black Cat's Path 7"

Philadelphia's premier naughty youth crew band, WRONG ANSWER are back with their new 7" and first for SFU. After 2 records on Harvcore and tours of Europe and the US, Wrong Answer is a welcome addition to the SFU Family and we are pleased to be working with Ogden again (i think?).

Sentenced To Fight Interview

I did an interview with Sentenced To Fight when they back in 2009 just short time after they released their first demo. Fast forward to 2012, they’ve already released two albums and plans for 2012 include a split with Hold It Down from Indonesia and next Insurreccion, new full length expected to drop this Fall. Not bad for a band with no label support, huh? You definitely gotta give them props for sticking to do-it-yourself mentality. On the other hand, it puts to shame all the lame ass bands crying about not getting proper support from the labels. Anyway, here’s the recent interview I’ve done with the band. It’s about their current activities, the past and the future, but also gives pretty cool insight into Puerto Rican hardcore scene.

I did an interview with Sentenced To Fight when they back in 2009 just short time after they released their first demo. Fast forward to 2012, they’ve already released two albums and plans for 2012 include a split with Hold It Down from Indonesia and next Insurreccion, new full length expected to drop this Fall. Not bad for a band with no label support, huh? You definitely gotta give them props for sticking to do-it-yourself mentality. On the other hand, it puts to shame all the lame ass bands crying about not getting proper support from the labels. Anyway, here’s the recent interview I’ve done with the band. It’s about their current activities, the past and the future, but also gives pretty cool insight into Puerto Rican hardcore scene.

It’s been a while since the last interview we did. What’s been happening with the band during that time? Tell us something about the latest album, Declaracion – why kids should check it out?

Well I think our last interview was back on 2009 , and we where about to release Jauria Guerrera our first album. During that time we continue playing at shows and representing until late 2010 . We took a new member on our family Jose Moran . we called him "Goldo" hahaha wich is of the best musicians we had in the band so far. While we where working on something new , we didn’t know that our first album was traveling the world via internet . Then When we decided to release a preview the new album , one of us wrote Sentenced To fight on google and the support was amazing . People from places like Indonesia, all Latin America , US , Japan and Europe knew about us we had messages in Greek , French , Japanese , French we even got to use google translate to write those brother back. We never thought that LA JAURIA will grow that big.

In July 30 2011 we released our second album "DECLARACION" WICH IS AN EP. It has 6 songs . Kids should check it out because this album defines what STF's all about . Declaracion is full of positive hardcore made for achieving supremacy of self esteem and to make people remember what HC is about. The songs we all in the band had a particular favorite song , but we all have in common two songs : LOS MUERTOS VIVEN which is about the old school people from the scene all around the world are coming back to make scene kids remember what this was all about from the beginning. The other song “Union y Fuerza” , this one is very special because talks about our believe in LA JAURIA our family , strength and union , respect , honor , loyalty values that had been forgotten. Overall The album is sick.

How has your sound developed since the first demo?

Sentenced To Fight has evolved into a more complex sound , more fast roaring riffs mixed with a little touch of beatdown . It has been a long work but finally we are hearing how we have been changing our sound through the years to a more complete sound.

Declaracion is a strong name for an album. What is the meaning behind it and what message you want to convey with it?

We have seen through all these years how people passed a long our scene and leave and never learned a damn thing about life . Declaracion is a clear as water statement , its a war declaration to ignorance and iniquity. We wrote this to make people understand that our moral values those forgotten thoughts must be brought back by ourselves. This album is about achieving self supremacy and learning how to achieve a better way of life without losing your pride.
Although Declaracion is just out, you told me you already work on new release. Tell us something about the songs? How are they sounding?
Yes actually we have two releases to make on 2012 . First is a split album with indonesian band Hold It Down . This record will be great this band reminds me somehow of nyhc style. Right now we are working on whats gonna be our third album "INSURRECCION". So far the new songs are incredible, we are making better music each time we sit to make new sounds. Its going to be a 10 song album. So Stay tune "INSURRECCION" FALL 2012.

What are some of the struggles you have to face when running a hardcore band in Puerto Rico?

Since our scene is strong but little , its not easy to get money together to produce albums and merch, but we still do this you know. It's hard but if you like this you do it period. And this has never been abut the money but unfortunately it is necessary to make some things happen.

Do you have and defined goals to achieve with this band?

I think every band even if hardcore or not had always goals to achieve. Ours is to continue delivering good sounds with a positive message to “LA JAURIA” worldwide. And of course we want to travel and play at shows in different countries and we are looking forward to do it this year. Make people know PRHC through the words of STF's music. But the most important goal is never forget where we came from and what this has always been about . That’s the main goal.

What artists/bands or albums changed your life? Why and how?

Man , first time I heard Madball it blew my mind it was back in 2000 when at school my best friend's father put the record “Demonstrating my style”. I just loved the sound and avery part of the music speaked for it self. From that day on I knew I was gonna do this for the rest of my life . Other bands like Agnostic Front , Warzone , Cro-Mags , Skarhead , Minor Threat and 25 ta life. Local band “Golpe Justo” make awesome music and shows when we were younger , and keep that “ I live this shit” going on always.

What is the hardcore scene in Puerto Rico like nowadays? What band we should check out?

Hardcore scene right now is crossing some difficult times but later on 2011 people start going to shows again and old bands are coming back Hardcore still Lives , We fought to maintain it alive and now is coming back there a lot of people working on making things happen again and its good for the scene once again. You should check local bands like : Clear Convictions , Quejidos del Seol , Bajo Presion , Rise in Sorrow , With Open Force and Golpe Justo is back in business one of the pillar bands on hc on the island you should check them out!!

What are some of the best and worst hardcore albums of 2011?

Best albums probably be: of course it’s our opinion: Lionheart- Built On Struggle, And Agnostic Front – My Life My Way. Worst album : any album that was not make this year , we support hc worldwide if you doing something to keep this alive its good!!

Cornered - Fuck Off

Wow. No big adjectives or obscure words here. Just "wow". This shit is impressive. Taking a push from NYHC crossover like Leeway, mixing in some present day like Mind Eraser and Rival mob and Terror; but mostly i would liken this to Shipwreck and Living Hell and the most apropos comparison - which coming from me is the biggest compliment - is Palehorse. They sound very similar and i am the most grateful for that. I loved Palehorse. and all that mentioned, this band is from Holland. Anyway, in the landscape of today's hardcore, Cornered stands out. even though i was quick to throw some "For Fans Of..." names, these guys have a distinct sound. Heavy. Cornered however 'influenced' by metal tendencies, definitely stand strong on the hardcore side of the metal core label. I mean can you hear the late 80's crossover compared to 7 Seconds or Uniform Choice? Of course.

but the rhythms pummeling through your speakers are for the moshers. the pit will be satiated. Check the bass intro to the song "Fuck Off". Agnostic Front could have written that. Your ears get cohesive attack from all members and their instruments. Vicious, seething screams from the vocals spit condemnation and warning to this fucked up world. Again, to draw on similarities to Palehorse, there are lyrics of world collapse, illuminati, secret societies in control and the like. Musically, the sharp riffs and quick drums never let you rest. This shit is fast and time changes galore keep you on your toes. and swinging your fists. There is a bounce and the EuroHC sound is in there; which harkens the NYHC love again. this band is so good. "Betrayal" is stand out - so fast! and then the breakdown would be sure to bring down any venue. "Lies" is of the same ilk, crushing riffs sped up forcing all in ear shot swear allegiance and start kicking and punching. i truly can not get enough of this ep - bring on the full length! fo real - this is a refreshing change to some of the formulaic HC out now. and as i said, they ain't re-inventing the wheel, just bringing a sound that is powerful and invigorating. this is on the soundtrack to change and revolution, no doubt. It has the speed, the fury, the hate, and the energy to remain steadfast amid the chaos.

6131 Records, 2011
Review by Hutch from Empty Hands blog

Death Row and Power Play pre-orders launched in Ratel Webstore

Ratel Records has launcher pre-orders for upcoming Death Row and Power Play 7"s. Death Row plays reckless, honest and in your face hardcore and they proudly represent Warsaw, Poland. Power Play is a Kiev, Ukraine-based hate machine which is sure to make heads roll with their debut EP - Roar of the Street Dogz. All orders ship early February 2012.

New album from Lionheart is coming soon

[Official info]: Mediaskare Records is proud to announce that California’s own Lionheart will be entering the studio in January with producers Matt Hyde (Hatebreed, Slayer, Terror) and Nick Jett (Terror). They will be recording at The Sunset Lodge in Silverlake, CA. The follow up to 2011’s Built On Struggle is slated for an early 2012 release. “It’s an exciting opportunity to be able to work with Matt Hyde and Nick Jett on this album,” says Lionheart vocalist Rob Watson. “Matt Hyde’s resume speaks for itself, and we know Nick from previous tours done together so it will be awesome to work together on something like this. We’ve been working on this record since the release of Built On Struggle, and we can’t wait to start recording it. It’s heavier, harder, and more pissed than anything we’ve done to date.” You can catch the band on the upcoming Persistence Tour in Europe with Suicidal Tendencies, Biohazard, Terror, etc. and on the first day of this year’s New England Metal and Hardcore Festival with The Black Dahlia Murder.

Face Your Enemy - Losing Control

Latest Face Your Enemy video for Losing Control from the "Message in a Bomb" album.

Bridge Nine Signs The Alligators (members of AF and Insted)bers)

[Official info] Four of some of hardcore’s most important names from both coasts got together to finally bring back that early 80′s hardcore sound; this sound is called The Alligators, and they will be releasing a new record on Bridge Nine in 2012. Featuring members Roger Miret (Agnostic Front), Rich Labbate (Insted), Steve Larson (Insted) and Barret Burt (Insted), The Alligators sound a bit like something that might’ve been filed in between Miret’s primary band, Agnostic Front’s, landmark albums United Blood and Victim In Pain and is undoubtedly an old school hardcore band. The Alligators wear their influences on their sleeve – tipping their hat to bands like SSD, Antidote, Negative Approach, Poison Idea, Scream and more. Vocalist Roger Miret commented, “The Alligators has been a fun side project i’ve been doing with the guys from Insted(California Hardcore band from the 80’s) – an odd fit you might think, but make no mistake: those guys are hard. Rich and I have been friends since the early 80’s and periodically talked about doing music together, so this is a record I’ve been meaning to do for a long time coming. With the addition of DYS and Antidote to B9 roster and the re-release of Agnostic Front’s ‘VIP/United Blood’, we are happy to add this to the Bridge Nine family.”

The Alligators’ debut full-length for Bridge Nine Records, titled Time’s Up, You’re Dead, is slated to hit stores on March 27th, 2012 and more information regarding album details, new song premieres and upcoming shows will surface soon.

Coldside - Hooligans

Official video for Hooligans of new Coldside full length.

Far Beyond Our Depth, debut EP by Providence, re-released at Rucktion

Since the beginning of December you can order a re-release of 'Far Beyond Our Depth', first EP by French war machine Providence at Rucktion webstore. The album has been sold out since 2010, so if you still don't own it here's your chance. The new version includes newly improved artwork! The other news from the band are that there's a new line-up: xReggiex of the 90' legendary Parisian band Drowning (BTB, RPP) joined as guitarist and Mika168 from Third Man Down( Hellsinki, Finland Hardcore) joined as bass player. Drowning is one of my favorite bands ever so can't wait to see the band live! And while you at Rucktion webstore, check out the CD version of King Of Clubz/Providence split! Other Rucktion news: South Wales heavyweights Chains Of Hate are teaming up with Belgium's hardcore veterans Surge Of Fury for a new split CD coming out on Rucktion very soon! Watch this space.

BALANCE: New book on European hardcore scene

[From the mailbox] Borne out of the American punk scene of the late 1970s, hardcore music raged through the 1980s, spreading to towns and cities across the globe. The hardcore network spans all of Europe, and Balance visits every major node of it, opening the doors of the bars and dives that host Europe’s hardcore bands. Capturing the chaos of the mosh pit, the monotony of the office, and the sheer energy of the music, Balance pays homage to the bands, promoters, designers, and supporters who have made the decision to live a hardcore life.

Balance: European Hardcore features striking photography of shows and portraits of influential musicians. Alongside these images, the authors provide insights into the informal rules that give order to the international movement—for example, all lyrics are written and performed in English—allowing readers an insider’s perspective on the enduring but underdocumented music scene.

Balance focuses on the current European scene, documenting the lives of musicians who strike a balance between their day jobs and this vital musical force. From tattooists in Portugal to miners in Poland, Balance uncovers the twin lives of those working to support their passion. Hardcore has always been more than just music and although the performers and fans across the continent speak different languages and live in different places, they are tied to each other through a communal music scene that transcends borders.

Tom Barry is the drummer for London hardcore band Kartel and has been a fixture of the city's hardcore music scene since the 1990s. He began covering alternative and underground music as a staff writer with Big Cheese magazine before moving into youth work and continuing to contribute to community-focused publications. His writing has covered a variety of subjects, from interviews with Slayer to the content of local school meals.

Sophia Schorr-Kon is a freelance photographer who took up photography at the London College of Communication. She has covered a large range of UK music festivals such as Glastonbury and Bestival. She has also worked with many bands and musicians, shooting for labels such as Sony. Schorr-Kon also works within the political sphere and regularly contributes to the New Statesman.

Mark Batty Publisher (markbattypublisher.com) is an independent publisher dedicated to making distinctive books on the visual art of communicating, showcasing the visual power and innovation of contemporary culture in all of its varied poses. Today, the visual comes at us from more places than ever, and its dissemination is faster and more advanced every year. Books from Mark Batty Publisher capture this acceleration on the pages of every book. Affordable, well designed, thoughtfully created, and produced to last, MBP books are artful products that readers want to hold onto forever.

Bitter End - The Hand That Feeds

Bitter End video for “The Hand That Feeds” off their last album Guilty As Charged.

New 7" from Wolf City to be released on Irish Voodoo Records

Irish Voodoo Records have started pre orders for the new Wolf City 7" called "Better Days". The label is also selling 25 test pressings, hand stamped and numbered. If you're not familiar with the band: Named after the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, Wolf City was born in 2009. Calling Reno home, their sound is fast, mean, in your face, but not watered down.

No Hope No Escape - new 7" from By My Hands to be out on Purgatory Records

Glasgow-based By My Hands is dropping new 7" on Purgatory Records (Broken Teeth, Brutality Will Prevail, More Than Life and others). It is called No Hope No Escape and contains three tracks of hard as nails hardcore: No Hope No Escape, Rust and Hollow, which features Jeremy from Lifeless. Check out their Stereo Killer profile to listen to new songs. The four-piece band has been around and this is their forth release after MCD and split on Zone 6 Records and full length Marked for Death records.

Hounds of Hate released debut 7". Angry and fast straight edge hardcore in vein of 80' NYHC sound

[From the mailbox:] Hounds of Hate from Braddock, PA has released their debut 7" with Katorga Works. Featuring current and former members of CREEM, Natural Law, and Pissed Jeans, Hounds of Hate play unrepentantly straight edge hardcore. Objectively leaps and bounds better than their demo, this 7" also is far more in the vein of late 80s NYHC, I would say particularly that of Sick of It All and Warzone.

Trapped Under Ice - Pleased To Meet You

New Purification album “A Torch To Pierce The Night” due out February 2012

After 15 years from our debut 7”, “Vessel of Wrath”, Purification’s legacy continues with the release of a brand new CD called “A Torch To Pierce The Night” due out February 2012, courtesy of the Germany based label Bastardized Recordings. The CD will feature: A spoken word by John Joseph (lead singer for the Cro-Mags); Artwork done by Dave Quiggle; New versions of Legion & Lex Talionis. For further news, merchandise & music, you can check band's Facebook page!

Memento Mori - Demo 2011

Memento Mori from Lleida, Spain consists of local scene veterans who've been playing in various bands since 1988. I don't know much about Nausea Pause, Diskordia, Totus Pus and their other projects from the past but I guess most of them didn't get much fame outside Catalonia and Zaragoza regions. Anyway, the current band Memento Mori was formed in 2010 and takes influences from classic hardcore bands like Agnostic Front, DRI, 7 Seconds with strong punk rock, and sometimes even rockish feeling. It's worth checking out if you're into that type of stuff, though I think the band would definitely benefit from heavier sound. But, since it's just a demo, I won't hold it against them. Download!

New Ninebar Album out now on Rucktion!

Ninebar at their best, with guest vocals by DBS (Injury Time, Kartel, Bastard ovechild) and Pelbu (Knuckledust, Bun Dem Out, Maldito, BDF)! 12 brand new tracks of heavy and original hardore for fans of Fury Of Five, Sheer Terror and Neglect, from one of London's longest existing hardcore bands, whose roots reach back into the late 1990's. LBU godfathers! "900" sees NineBar blend elements of speed and pounding heaviness with melody and groove, combining their trademark sledgehammer style with occasional rock, punk and metal influences, whilst retaining plenty of the chugging brutality and crushing breakdowns that have brought chaos to dancefloors around the UK and beyond! Out now on Rucktion.

Only Attitude Counts - Make Amends

Spider Crew - Still Crazy But Not Insane

Trends come and go but you got to have respect for bands that do their own thing throughout the years with no fucking compromises. And I guess Spider Crew never had it easy, just try to remember how not even long ago it suddenly wasn’t cool to wear your hair short or go to the gym or you were almost a social outcast for not reading poetry to sleep every day and your pants were not tight enough. In times like this, when hardcore scene is in danger and the forces of evil have already raised its ugly head, albums from Vienna bands like Spider Crew, Only Attitude Counts and their countless other projects are like islands of sanity.
This new album from Spider Crew, Still Crazy But Not Insane, is nothing you have not heard on their previous releases, but by no means I gonna hold it against them. I somehow knew what to expect and I got what I wanted. The music is still strongly NYHC influenced, bringing to mind bands like Agnostic Front or Madball. I mean, the title says it all, right? After latest Terror album, this is another brilliant tribute to Raybeez and his music and legacy. That’s all about good old school values in life - brotherhood, self respect, loyalty, perseverance, hardcore and tattoos. That’s what it is about – we all love when hardcore bands go more serious on what’s happening in the world, but I guess sometimes it’s also important what kind of person you want to be and how you want to live your life. It’s hard to point out a single best track. I definitely dig the title track, with a catchy chorus and strong vibe in general. Blue Blood Warrior and Egomaniac are also killer tracks, definitely something you want to smash faces to. Not to mention fast, pissed off songs like Revenge Day or My Life/My Rules, with up tempo beat and sing along craziness. Definitely a solid release from a great band!

Review by Dloogi
Label: WTF Records
Year:2011

Sicker Than Most signed to Goodlife!

Sicker Than Most formed in a house in Trenton NJ and were brought together by a series of horrible events that made us what we are. Since then we've grown into one of the heaviest bands to come out of New Jersey. Some have moved on but the ones who remain, are dedicated to bring nothing but songs that turn the dance floor into a warzone, topped with crowd pleasing sing alongs of a message that comes from our hearts. Full length CD coming soon on Good Life Recordings. Expect quality beatdown hardcore featuring ex-members of Clubber Lang! Check out Where We're At featuring James Ismean aka Stikman from Fury Of Five! [from mailbox]

New Blood: Lockdown

Lockdown represents Virginia hardcore scene with a heavy-ass sound which makes you think of bands like Bulldoze or Merauder. They already got pretty cool demo out, Born Guilty, which gives a good showcase of what they're capable of. Combined with some dark, but mean lyrics, you know it is worth checking out. We caught up with Matt, band's guitar player, to let us know the story behind Lockdown, future plans and other stuff typically discussed during hardcore interviews. Enjoy!

Lockdown represents Virginia hardcore scene with a heavy-ass sound which makes you think of bands like Bulldoze or Merauder. They already got pretty cool demo out, Born Guilty, which gives a good showcase of what they're capable of. Combined with some dark, but mean lyrics, you know it is worth checking out. We caught up with Matt, band's guitar player, to let us know the story behind Lockdown, future plans and other stuff typically discussed during hardcore interviews. Enjoy!

Who is who in the band and how has Lockdown came into being?
Lockdown is a 4 piece band. We have Dan doing vocals, Myself(Matt) playing guitar and vocals, Charlie on bass, and Dave on drums. We started in 2010, one of my older bands broke up and we got together and just started jamming some songs together and made a demo, and just been going from there.

Tell us something about Born Guilty? Why kids should check it out?
Born Guilty is the latest thing we recorded. If your into some sort of heavier hardcore its definitely something you want to check out. If you like Merauder, Bulldoze, Dying Breed, bands along those lines you will probably enjoy this.

What do you write your lyrics about?
Our singer Dan writes all the lyrics to the songs, but what I can tell you is that they are something that everyone can relate to. He sings about stuff that has happened in his life. They are all just very powerful, raw, and real.

Born Guilty is easily available for free download, but are there any plans to release it on a physical format?
We recently just put Born Guilty up for download, shortly after we got a couple emails from some people interested in putting it out. We are just waiting to hear back from them. Hopefully in the next couple months we will be able to say that we will have it out on vinyl.

Virginia has been producing some great bands in recent years, just to mention Naysayer, Fire And Ice or Down To Nothing, and the local scene seems to be blooming right now. What do you attribute it to?
Virginia does put out and has been putting out amazing bands. Down to Nothing, Fire and Ice, and Naysayer are all great bands, and doing really big things. I think its awesome to say I'm from Virginia and be part of this scene, I love it. I think what we attribute to it, is simply being from Virginia Beach. A lot of really good bands come out from the Beach, but not many people know about. So any way we can spread the word about them we do. There so many different sub-genres of hardcore that comes out of Virginia that there is something for everyone, which is really cool. We play more of a Hardcore/Metal Beatdown style, so I think thats the other thing we attribute to it.

Has it made it any easier to get their name out for bands like yours? And what are some of the bands who people from outside Virginia might still not know but they should check out?
A lot of really good bands coming out right now. Dead & Dreaming from Woodbridge are something you do not to sleep on, one of my favorites personally. Our friends in Paper Trail from VB just some new stuff out called, "Raw War," if you like heavy straight up hardcore check this out. Tough Luck, Break Away, and Upper Hand from Richmond are all doing really cool things right now. I could keep going cause there are so many good bands here.

What have been the high points and low points of being in hardcore scene?
Being in hardcore I've only had high points really. Meeting and becoming friends from all over the country is easily one of my favorite things about hardcore. Being able to see all my friends at a show in one place is awesome. Just the overall vibe that comes out of hardcore is awesome.

What do all the band members do outside the band and how is living in Virginia Beach like?
Aside from Lockdown, we all work and some of us go to school. We are actually kinda spread through out VA. Some of us live in Williamsburg and some of us live in Newport News. We don't actually live in VB anymore, but its were we go to all our shows and its where we call home.

I’ve heard you’re already working on some new tunes. Care to tell us something about it?
We are working on 2 news songs which we plan on recording in December for a split 7 inch with our friends in Dead & Dreaming. These two songs are easily the best songs we have written yet. They are heavier, faster, and harder. If you enjoy beatdown and heavy hardcore, our new songs are something you will want to check out.

Any last comments or shout outs before we finish?
Just want to say thanks for taking the time to do this interview with us. Check out all the bands coming out of VA, and keep and ear out for our new stuff. Hardcore Lives.

Wisdom In Chains - My Friend

Alcatraz to drop full length on Demons Run Amok Records!

Alcatraz are back with their first Full Length! After releasing one MCD and a split 7” with Berlins very own Final Prayer, “Smile Now, Cry Later” will hit the stores 18.11.2011. Having an South America Tour and a short Europoean Tour with First Blood under their belts, “Smile Now, Cry Later” will be the next step on the Alcatrazs way to Olympus! Influenced by the likes of Death Threat, Ringworm, Integrity, Hoods and Buried Alive! “Fast, loud, aggressive, just the way we like it!” Pure and raw Hardcore without an placed attitude – but with passion and anger! Alcatraz featuring current and ex members of First Blood, Embrace The End, Execution Style, Allegiance, In Memoriam, Set Your Goals, and Breaker Breaker."

The CD/LP contains also their long sold out Demotape!
Check out the shop for different colors: www.demonsrunamok.de
150 in Silver!
150 in White!
200 in Black!

Nails and Skin Like Iron to release split 7"

Bringing two energetic but diversified contemporary hardcore acts together in one pure and primal slab of wax, Nails and Skin Like Iron will collaboratively self-release a split 7” EP this January. San Francisco’s Skin Like Iron have already become a well-known entity in modern hardcore with nearly ten releases on such admirable dissident hardcore labels as Six Feet Under and React Records. The split leads off with two tracks of their melodic, yet abrasive hardcore, boasting an ambitious and emotive energy that many similar contemporary acts lack in severely.

The B-side of this crushing joint venture is owned by NAILS, hailing from Oxnard, California (the same town as the legendary Dr. Know), and undoubtedly one of the most devastating acts within the present expanses of hardcore. As on their Southern Lord debut LP Unsilent Death NAILS get in, kill, and get out, just as fans expect on these two tracks, which are in fact a preview of what is to be expected of their upcoming full-length, now being constructed for release via Southern Lord in the first half of 2012.

This one-time pressing of 1000 copies will be split between a publicly available reserve of 900 copies on black wax and 100 copies on blue, available from the bands only. The artwork was handled by SKIN LIKE IRON’s Alex Capasso who has handled the art duties for previous releases for the band.

Stay tuned for preorder info, an exclusive stream of the release and more in the weeks ahead.

SKIN LIKE IRON & NAILS Split 7” Track Listing:

* 1. Skin Like Iron “Disappear”
* 2. Skin Like Iron “The Parade”
* 3. Nails “Annihilation”
* 4. Nails “Cry Wolf”