Defam Nation's long awaited collaboration efforts with Rude Awakening will be releasing on May 15th. Limited to 50pcs and available online and at the Rude Awakening record release on May 15th at Anchors Up.
M.O.R.A - Self Titled
Where did this one come from? I had totally no idea about this band’s existence until I found this CD in my mailbox. The band hails from Helsinki, Finland and its members had previously learnt their licks in bands like Black Betsy, Spoiled Betty, Confusa and Aurinkokerho. I am not even going to pretend I am familiar with those bands so it doesn’t say much to me and I am not gonna try to draw any comparisons. The artwork makes you expect some more crusty type of sound, but surprisingly there’s a lot of groove in here. After the short medium-paced intro which blasts with double bass and heavy ass guitar work, the first song, Feikki, kicks in and it turns out MORA is as hardcore as it can be.The music is tight technically, but at the same time quite fast and in your face all the time. You can hear a lot of old school hardcore influences, but there’s a slight modern touch to it as well. The drumming is awesome, the guy is on point all the time and controls the pace of the songs flawlessly. MORA has two female vocalists, one straight up screaming and the second one with more harsh vocals. Although it’s not my favorite style of vocals, it fits pretty well with the music and after some time I got used to it.
The girls sing in Finnish which is one of the coolest things about the album. I love bands singing in their native langue and it totally works for MORA. I got the translations along with the CD and lyrical-wise, it carries social and political observations and tackles problems like mindless violence, consumerism, fake people who talk too much shit etc. Usual shit, but the sharp and aggressive delivery leaves no doubt that they're serious about the message they want to put across.
I don’t really feel like breaking it down track by track, it’s totally useless with albums that blast 9 tracks in about 15 minutes. The bottom line is that this is a solid release.
Review by Dloogi
Self released, 2012.
Band's website here.
True Hearted - Californians
True Hearted hails from San Jose, Cali and delivers straight down the line NYHC sound with tight mosh parts and slick delivery. The drums sound kinda odd, I think they're programmed but I can't be sure. But it's nothing that would bother me that much and they got a real drummer now anyway. Overall, it's pretty solid demo and True Hearted has a lot of potential if they continue to write better songs. Just like the Vice Grip, a song the band has just recently released. This one is taken from the upcoming EP, it can be heard here and it's pretty sick. But until this new EP is out, check out their older material as well. Download it!
Upright posted songs from the upcoming Losing Touch 7"
Upright has posted new songs from the upcoming Losing Touch single. The 7" is due out soon on Collision, Green Menace and Street Survival Records. Check out new songs here.
New releases from Marked For Death: Beg For Life, For My Enemy and Anguish
Marked For Death has added new Anguish album to their webstore. The New Jersey-based band "delivers some heavy and pissed off metallic hardcore in the vein of bands like Lifeless, old Hatebreed, Shattered realm and Harms way. After their debut Ep called 'Badlands' the band took the next step to release one of the hardest mosh records in 2012." There's also For My Enemy vs. Beg For Life split. After their debut record on MFD called 'Dark days', For My Enemy are back with some new 90ies metalcore influenced tunes. Similar to bands like Arkangel, All out war or Congress. And last but not least Beg For Life from Yuma, Arizona are finally back with some new songs! After their release on Westcoast Worldwide this powerhouse is back with a vengeance. Beg For Life combines the best parts of metal and hardcore. For fans of All out war, CDC and Line of scrimmage.
Beg For Life Announces New LP, Releases First Single
Westcoast Worldwide Records is proud to announce the upcoming release of the “Mare Miseria” EP from Arizona based metallic hardcore masters Beg for Life. Mare Miseria is the much anticipated follow up release to 2009’s critically acclaimed “Doomed”, and is the band’s first recording with new vocalist Steven Jimenez. The recording duties were handled by producer/engineer Chris Hopkins at Earthbound Recordings in Chula Vista California.“We’re extremely excited about this release” remarks Beg for Life Guitarist Jeff Schuster. “We didn’t want to rush anything on this, and it was well worth it. We pushed ourselves to write the best stuff we possibly could, and we wanted to make a record that is unique sounding yet extremely heavy. We never want to be one of those bands that only strives to sound just like everybody else. We think that really shows on Mare Miseria. We wanted to write a record that is aggressive and hard as fuck but yet something that was distinctive.”
This statement is echoed by Westcoast Worldwide founder Mike Hood:
“Beg for Life is flat out one of the best heavy hardcore bands there is. The record is tough, and raw, and it’s got a big dose of super legit metal riffs that just knock you over. This record is a must have if you like anything heavy. Fans of many genres will be all over this thing, and it will leave them all wanting more.”
Mare Miseria by Beg for Life hits the streets by way of Westcoast Worldwide Records May 29th 2012 (May 27th in Europe via Marked for Death Records). In the meantime check out the first single off of Mare Misera entitled “Goner” below…….
2006-2012: Word For Word called it quits
One of the coolest bands around has unfortunately came to an end. Official statement from Arrest Records website: "Word For Word is coming to an end. We’ll be playing two, possibly three last shows. Our last Manchester show will be at Mad Bob’s Saloon Saturday June 9th and our very last show will be at Anchors Up Saturday August 25th. I once thought that it would be better to not have a last show and just pick up and play whenever, but when you only play shows in the same area and don’t write new material it’s just not the same. So instead of letting the band go stagnant we’d rather go out on a high note. Word For Word is very important to me. I’ve gotten to meet some amazing people through the band. We were lucky enough to get to go on 3 10 day tours (vacations) all of which resulted in me having a nervous breakdown. I’d like to thank Alex from Yellow Stitches/Ignorance for basically singlehandedly making the first two possible and coming along for the last; Josh Hynes for always hooking us up with great shows and filling in for us; Angry Al for doing ALL of our album artwork; Lumpy for putting together all our layouts and other design work. Thanks for everything to anybody who ever cared about this band, booked us and put out our music. Nothing has been more flattering then seeing people with Word For Word tattoos and homemade merch. Everyone of us has a side project now. Brandon and Nate both play in Yellow Stitches and will soon be dropping their debut full length “Good Times,Violent Crimes LP” on Brass City Boss Sounds. Pete and I have started a straight edge hardcore band called Freedom 35 that should be ready to start playing shows this summer."
Lose The Life posts new song. New album on Ugly & Proud Records!
Lose The Life posted new song, Authority Stomper, on their bandcamp account. The song has a strong political message to it and deals with police but from the anti-capitalist perspective. Here's what band got to say about it: "Ah, there's nothing like a song about hating the police! Many punks and hardcore kids can relate to lyrics about getting into trouble with the law. But we would like to raise the criticism to another level. The police as an institution are only made necessary in a society divided between those who have and those who don’t. The law is written to ensure the power of the already wealthy. Thus, the police are nothing but the henchmen of our real enemy: capitalist society." The song is taken from the upcoming album, 'The End of Conformity', which is due to be released on Ugly And Proud Records.
Lionheart - Lifer
Lionheart's music video for their song "Lifer", from their new album 'Undisputed'. Available in stores and online May 8th.
Danforth released Crime In Hell album
New Danforth album, Crime In Hell, contains 13 new Heavy Hardcore songs, a blend of Hardcore, Punk, Hiphop and Thrash-metal in an urban and incisive style. The voices alternates English and French, screaming and hiphop phrasing. Lyrics without concessions invhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifite listeners to share the rage of the band. Featuring US Hardcore Legends such as Danny Diablo (backings by Skarhead : AK Ray, Matty Pasta, Brett Evans, Brooklyn Larry) and Stikman (Fury of Five / Boxcutter / Full Metal Jacket). Recorded and mixed by Sébastien Langle at 8-ball Studio/LoutaProd, master by New Alliance East Mastering (Terror, Converge, Lofofora, ...)
Westcoast Worldwide Records Signs Cowardice
Westcoast Worldwide Records is pleased to announce the signing of Tacoma, Washington based melodic harhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifdcore band Cowardice. The band is currently hard at work at Astronauts Lounge Studios in Tacoma, Washington with producer/engineer Ahren Lanfor recording their new EP entitled “I Am Depression”.“We are beyond happy to sign with Westcoast Worldwide. We’ve been fans since we found the label through Set It Straight about 7-8 years ago and we can’t wait to be a part of it,” exclaims Cowardice Vocalist Jeremy Bushnell. “This record is being written as a whole record together, not just a bunch of songs. It is more thought out, planned and has more focus than anything we’ve ever written. The sound is more zeroed in, more aggressive and to the point. We really tried to latch on to why a lot of us found this music in the first place. It really boils down to the fact that we all found this because some part of us is not alright. This is a record about dealing with that and realizing you aren’t the only one feeling it. We can’t wait for people to hear it.”
“We are really excited to welcome Cowardice into the Westcoast Worldwide Family”, comments label founder Mikey Hood. We have known about them for a while, and they are a great band, and great kids, and they got a lot of heart. We are very excited to work with Cowardice, and we think everybody will really enjoy this record.”
Look for “I Am Depression” in late spring/early summer 2012 on Westcoast Worldwide. In the meantime, Cowardice will be embarking on a short tour of the Great Northwest, which includes a spot on the highly anticipated Rainfest 2012.
Dates are as follows…….
May 2nd / Eugene, OR @ The Venue
May 3rd / Santa Rosa, CA @ Transient Lounge
May 4th / Reno, NV @ Fort Ryland
May 5th / Norcal @ tba
May 6th / Vancouver, WA @ Pop Culture
May 25th to May 27th / Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s (Rainfest 2012 )
No Zodiac - Chaos Reigns
If you're a fan of obscure horror movies, don't sleep on this one. And all you kids talking shit, you need to chill and don't take life so seriously.
Irish Voodoo set off pre-orders for Desensitized , CodeXred and KDC
Irish Voodoo Records has launched pre-orders for new seven inches from CodeXred, KDC, and Desensitized. Each release comes with different set of colors and with CD which contains all the songs. Desensitized
2011 finds Desensitized well-poised to capitalize on the lack of young, fast, pissed-off NYHC bands who actually call NYC home. Already planning their first Midwest tour, they show no signs of slowing down. Their 2010 demo was released as a limited-run cassette tape by Section 8 Records (based in Cape Cod), which quickly sold out of the original pressing. A 2nd pressing was commissioned, and shortly thereafter, the band was contacted by Southern California’s Irish Voodoo Records, who agreed to release Desensitized’s first 7-inch record in the fall of 2011.CodeXRed
CodexRed is a straight edge hardcore band coming out of Reno, Nevada. CodexRed is Alex Haller – Vocals, Adam Farnsworth – Bass, Adam Chism – Guitar, Brian Bernard – Guitar, and Brian Vega- Drums. Starting about 2 years ago with a slightly different line up, but with the same goals, play a lot of shows, have a lot of fun, and get out of town as often as possible. In the Summer of 2010 CodexRed recorded a 4 song demo that has received a lot of positive feedback and they are anticipating the release of 5 new song 7″ vinyl in 2012.KDC
KDC was formed in 2005 in Yauco, Puerto Rico. After a number of demos, local shows, and line up changes throughout 2006 and 2007, they went to record Epidemic Ambition, which was released on Southground Records in 2008. KDC toured the east coast of the United States in the summer of 2009 and in the summer of 2010. After coming back from tour, KDC went on to record a seven song EP called “Good Mourning” which was self released in October 2010. After releasing their EP, Casper and Juanki decided to leave Puerto Rico and continue KDC in Buffalo, NY to be able to tour and make music freely and more consistently. While in Buffalo, KDC recorded a three song demo and added two new members from the local area. KDC creates raw, emotional and passionate music that strives not to fall in into any typical genre. ”I was handed a demo of KDC and was hooked the first time Heard this music come out of my speakers” ” One of the best demos of 2010″ Joey VooDoo.Ablaze - Dead to the World
Ablaze´ first Song on the new split CD with The Black Path (on Marked for Death Records)
HB Radio #1
Here's the first installment of the podcast series I gonna publish now and then with the purpose of bringing you the hardest and the realest in hardcore. While the next one will definitely feature a mix of some well known and more upcoming hardcore bands, I wanted to set it off with a bang! That's why the first issue got some of my favorite songs that send chill down my spine everytime I listen to them. Enjoy this stuff after the jump or open the playlist in a pop up window. Backtrack - United Blood 2012 Footage
Complete footage of Backtrack playing at United Blood 2012 Fest
Onno Cro-Mag and Roger Miret launch Strength Records
[Official press release] One must be insane to start a new record label in these days of ever decreasing music sales. Two guys who were there from the very beginning just pulled it off! Onno Cro-Mag and Roger Miret (Agnostic Front) were brought together by the love for hardcore and punkrock 25 years ago. After teaming up on the successful “Worldwide Tribute To The Real Oi!” albums they had a dream of starting a new record label together. Here we are in 2012 and the dream has become reality. Strength Records stands for honesty, dignity and friendship. It will go back to the times when hardcore and punk was pure and without bullshit. Back to the roots and basics of the scene and is bound to become a family for bands out of all genres.Strength Records is proud to announce the first two releases:
- The return of the old school warriors Hard Resistance (Belgium). Strength Records presents you their new album Lawless & Disorder on the 19th of May 2012. Hard Resistance have developed their own form of hardcore and metal with punk and crust elements, hard hitting riffs and up tempo songs what results in a massive wall of sound with aggressive, in-your-face vocals. The bands brand new songs will lead the old school term all the way to a present new sound.
- As a follow up of the successful “Worldwide tribute to the real oi!” albums, Roger and Onno now compiled a sampler with the best bands around today going back to their roots and covering the songs of their youth. Strength Records presents: “Respect Your Roots Worldwide”. Featuring: Terror, Rancid, Napalm Death, Evergreen terrace, Beowülf, Dropkick Murphys, Peter Pan Speedrock, The Generators, The Bones, Hard Resistance, No Turning Back, Hudson Falcons, Biohazard, The Unseen, Agnostic Front, Wisdom In Chains, Flatfood 56, Good Riddance, Deafness By Noise and many many more. Release date TBA.
No One Is Safe - Strike First Strike Hard
As a general rule, every hardcore band that got at least one member with tattoos on his head is bond to get a good review on this website. Luckily, No One Is Safe’s music would hold its own even if they were bunch of skinny jeans-wearing hipsters. But they’re totally not. On both musical and lyrical side, the album boils over with pride, anger and testosterone. Even though the production is quite slick, everything is raw and uncompromising as it should. From the fast parts to breakdowns, everything seems to be in the right place.The heavy as fuck beats and massive guitar work provide a good foundation for dual vocal assault of Jouko and Timo. Those guys have both strong and aggressive voices which they carry with confidence and charisma. The things get even more intensive when they get couple of their mates to lay down vocals in some of the songs. Resist Forever is a monster of a song with bunch of people, like Matti of Cutdown, Abu from Third Man Down, Ville of Breamgod and Finnish rapper Eme, contributing their vocals. I like this type of crew mentality. The lyrics makes the package complete. No sissy stuff, it’s all about holding your own and standing up for your family and friends. Nothing too ignorant, but no poetry either. Bands like Cutdown, Bolt or Ratface have already proven that Finns got knack for this type groovy and aggressive brand of hardcore. No One Is Safe quite pretty well with those bands and I didn’t even suspect that album gonna be that good.
Review by Dloogi
Poolside Records, 2011
New Blood: 9th Step Interview
9th Step is a relatively young band out of Salem, Oregon that brings straight in your face music which draws as much from the roughest classic hardcore sound as from the meanest punk rock. So you can hear in their music familiar elements from bands like Agnostic Front or Negative Approach and even Discharge or Last Resort. Even if they are not at the level of any of those bands yet, they still go hard tho. I hope every one of you has checked their demo which we recently uploaded, Tear Me Down track is a banger plus you get ACAB cover as a bonus.
9th Step is a relatively young band out of Salem, Oregon that brings straight in your face music which draws as much from the roughest classic hardcore sound as from the meanest punk rock. So you can hear in their music familiar elements from bands like Agnostic Front or Negative Approach and even Discharge or Last Resort. Even if they are not at the level of any of those bands yet, they still go hard tho. I hope every one of you has checked their demo which we recently uploaded, Tear Me Down track is a banger plus you get ACAB cover as a bonus.First off, tell us something about 9th Step. Who is who in the band and how long you've been around?
The idea of the band and where we all met was at a local (Salem, Oregon) all ages venue called the Wasteland. It was owned by a guy named Jared and a few others it wasn't like most venues it became like everyone's home and everyone became friends. Unfortunately, it had to close due to financial reasons.
9th Step is like a mix of a few of the bands played there. I, Tony Morse, came up with the name 9th Step because the 9th step of any "12 step program" is to make amends. I felt this would fit because everyone in the band past and present has gone threw some shit, done some fucked up things, and all you can do at the end of the day is try to make amends. I'd like to clarify that we are not an straight edge band. The line up is Tony Morse (vox) Austin Zepeda (drums) Andy Dornon (bass) Steve Smith (guitar.) I'd also like to thank past members who got the ball rolling Hyatt, "Spoon" and Sam. We have only been a full line up and playing shows since December 2011.
9th Step is heavily influenced by some of my favorite bands like Blood For Blood, Madball or Discipline. What draws you to that type of sound in particular?
Blood For Blood is personally my favorite hardcore band it embodies everything I love about music. The dual vocals work with each other perfectly, their hatred and contempt for society, and the music flows so well while staying so raw. That's where I draw a lot of my influence. But the theme behind all those bands is their raw old school, to the point, and draw a lot of influence from "oi" music, which I like hence; ACAB the 4 Skins cover. We basically take influence from all referent types of heavier music.
What about the lyrical content? Where do you go for inspiration?
Mostly feelings of struggle and oppression, battling with my own morals and with who I want to be. As well as many other social subjects but that's the basis of it.
Playing in a hardcore band can be rough, what gets you going to run 9th Step and how do you manage to balance personal responsibilities with the band?
Music is the only thing that I've really gave a fuck about, so I stay pretty motivated with managing responsibilities. We are not so good at this, Double A, Austin, and I are all jobless not counting random hustles of course. Steve is really good at this, he has a job, a girlfriend, and 3 bands I don't know how he pulls it off but I admire him for it.
What aspect or which band embodies the best of what's happening in hardcore currently?
There is a lot going on, but I would have to say Terror. They are always on tour, always putting out good albums one after the other, and keeping it raw and real! No fluff no gimmicks all while staying humble they deserve every drop of recognition they're getting.
And what embodies the worst aspect of hardcore scene of today?
Unnecessary violence! None of us are pacifists, but when it gets venues shut down and cops called its not cool, just take it down the street!
What are some other bands from Oregon you’re down with?
Get Wise (Hardcore/Punk) and Tides (Hardcore) are very promising new bands from Eugene! Proven and The Athiarchists, are also awesome bands. We played a few shows with a band called Buck Williams from Portland. Very good stuff. They deserve a lot more recognition! We also got all our Salem bands most of which not hardcore but homies all the same; Fuzzy Thunder (Psychedelic Stoner Rock) Skatter Bomb (Ska Punk,) Neversleep (Metal,) Tetramorphic (Metal,) ect.
This one is going to be hard, but what are the most defining albums in hardcore history in your opinion?
I don't know about defining but I'll put some albums that define hardcore for me; Agnostic Front: Another Voice, Blood For Blood: Revenge on Society, and Vietnom Death: Is the Outcome. There is a compilation album called The Worldwide Tribute To The Real Oi Volume 1 and 2. There are amazing Agnostic Front, Cocksparrer, Madball, Last Resort, Sick of It All, and Blood For Blood albums, the list just goes on!
Can you remember what the first hardcore record you bought was?
The first hardcore vinyl I bought was agnostic front Live at CBGB's.
Thanks for your time doing this! Anything you would like to add before we finish?
Hey thank you man your website is a real public service for bands, and your judgment and reviews are spot on. Everyone keep an eye out for our full length demo coming in the next few months. For the readers check out our Facebook. The demo is free in the download section of this sight. Thanks and as always, Fuck the police.
Necks & Ropes album by Reality Slap is out now
Lisbon’s Reality Slap goes straight for the throat with their second studio effort, “Necks & Ropes”, which has been just recently released by Hell Xis. The raging album boosts 22 minutes of early and blood curling hardcore that relights the flame and burning spirit lay down by classic acts like Cro Mags, Agnostic Front, Madball and Terror. It’s a full-on assault full of heavy and hard-hitting riffs, fist-pumping and thundering. The features include: Winston Mcall (Parkway Drive), Justice Tripp (Trapped Under Ice), Mike Ghost (Men Eater) and Poli (Devil in Me).
One Choice - Forever War
For those unfamiliar, One Choice members have did their time in other prominent SoCal bands like Time For Change, Collision, Built To Last and Her Grey Earth. After debut Ep which came out at New Age records, this is their debut full length release. By the middle of the first track, the expectations from the rest of the album are set high. After short intro, Forever War sets things off with a damn catchy hook and hell of a chorus.When Karl of Earth Crisis takes over the microphone, I really feel like these boys nailed it. It carries strong Trial influence, something which can be heard at different points throughout the album, but the band rises above your typical 90’-worship. The guitar work is awesome and the structures of the songs are tight and focused, but don’t lack melodies and plenty of exciting twists and turns. Being in hardcore band, it’s hard to inject emotions other that hate or urge for revenge into the music without sounding pussy. I dig the bands that know how to do that. And this is one of the things I like about One Choice – from personal pain to the disgust and disappointment with the world, they can get the feeling across to the listener in a way that it sounds honest and convincing. If those songs don’t move you, you’re a cold heartless bastard.
One of the standout aspects of the album is the number of guest appearances, which include Karl and Scott from Earth Crisis, Greg from Trial, Mike from Outspoken, Toby from H20, and Andrew from Strife. From Friendship Loyalty Commitment by 25 Ta Life I haven’t heard so many guests lending their vocals on a single hardcore album. All of these straight edge all stars contribute both to the songs, as well as give a short explanation in the gatefold of the album about what sober life means to them. The variety of people involved benefits not only the music itself, but shows that straight edge scene is still strong and vibrant. Pretty good move.
Highly recommended album. I’ve heard they plan to release something new this year, so keep your eyes open!
Review by Dloogi
Seventh Dagger, 2011
Outcast Mentality tees from Crowd Deterent
Crowd Deterent has new tees up in their Crew Life webstore.
Organized Crime Records to reissue classic All Out War album
Organized Crime Records have announced it would reissue the debut full length from New York’s All Out War, Truth In The Age Of Lies. The vinyl LP version comes with expanded artwork and bonus tracks and is being pressed on white vinyl (500 copies), red vinyl (150 copies) and grey vinyl (350). The CD version also includes the band’s 1992 demo. Vinyl version includes digital download of LP plus the 1992 Demo. The demo itself is going to be released on limited 10" vinyl. Click here for more info and preorders, which are due out April 17th.
Sawchuk to Release 'Blackened Minds, Blackened Hearts' this May
Sawchuk is dropping new EP this May in collaboration with 13th Floor Records. 'Blackened Minds' will be released on both cassette and CD. Here's the message from the band: "We will have a new EP out May 25th. Here's how its gonna work. We are doing a limited number of cassettes (50) with 13th floor records. That will be called Blackened Minds, blackened hearts. Then we will also be releasing a CD version of the EP called blackened hearts, blackened minds. The cassette will have two songs that won't be on the CD. So to hear those two songs you're going to have to get the cassette. The cassette will also have a different cover than the CD. We are really proud of this EP, and are extremely excited for everyone to hear it."
Blade signed to Seventh Dagger. New album in the works!
Blade, Belgian Straight Edge hardcore band, is now part of the Seventh Dagger family. The collaboration will result in the release of band's new album, "Armed with Abstinence". Blade describes its sound as "bleak, dark and aggressive hybrid of hardcore and metal, but still staying far away from the current metalcore style. In fact everything about Blade is influenced by the earlier, angrier days of new school hardcore." The band has so far released a split with the German band Golddust on Break Out records, and a 7” named “Lambs To The Slaughter” on Ugly And Proud records.
Show Of Force posted new song, 'Left Behind'
Show Of Force has posted new song on their Facebook profie. "Left Behind" features Jonne from New Morality on guest vocals and can be heard here.
Bitter Taste Of Life Interview
The Swedish band has been around since 2008 but it was last year when it dropped its debut album, ‘Trapped In Lies’, on World vs Cometh records. Bitter Taste Of Life’s influences are pretty broad, you can hear some modern elements in their music, but they have a firm foothold in more traditional sound as well. They have a tour all across Europe, from Portugal to Poland, planned for May so make sure you show them support when they come to your area. The interview was done some time ago but for various different reasons is being published just now so please excuse if any questions seem to be outdated. It’s still a good read though, and the band is definitely worth checking out!
The Swedish band has been around since 2008 but it was last year when it dropped its debut album, ‘Trapped In Lies’, on World vs Cometh records. Bitter Taste Of Life’s influences are pretty broad, you can hear some modern elements in their music, but they have a firm foothold in more traditional sound as well. They have a tour all across Europe, from Portugal to Poland, planned for May so make sure you show them support when they come to your area. The interview was done some time ago but for various different reasons is being published just now so please excuse if any questions seem to be outdated. It’s still a good read though, and the band is definitely worth checking out!Let us know some basic info about Bitter Taste Of Life? How and when it all started, who’s in the band etc...
First of all, we'd like to say thanks for the support and giving us this interview. Keep up the good work with Hardboiled. It all started in late spring 2008 when Olle contacted us. Niklas, Niva and Rickard had another band that weren't going that well, so there was no doubts, we teamed up with Olle. Olle knew two other guys Joel and Marcus who where into hardcore so they tagged along. Unfortunately for us Marcus who played bass at the time had to leave for studies in the US. So we played our first show without bassplayer and for the upcoming shows Niklas and Joel took turns playing bass. After a bunch of shows and a quite unknown demo, Niklas went away for studies as well. Then we decided to put the band on hold for a while. Then in early 2010 Rickard, Joel, Olle and Niva started talking about reviving Bitter Taste Of Life again. During this period we got to know Simon, so he joined us. And by then Niklas was finished with his studies in Portugal and moved back home to Sweden, so we asked Niklas if he’d like to team up with us again and here we are. So now Bitter Taste Of Life is Rickard (vocals), Olle (vocals), Joel (guitar), Niva (drums), Simon (guitar) and Niklas T (bass)
How did you guys come up with the band’s name? Is there any deeper meaning behind it?
We were just brainstorming for a band name and when Bitter Taste Of Life came up we just felt, "this is it". So no, there's no deeper meaning behind it, just a band name that we felt fitted us.
Has anyone of you been in any other band apart from BTOL?
Olle, Joel, Rickard and Niva played in a band called Negative Vibes. Simon was in a band called Orson Sparks and is currently playing in the metal band Arreat Summit.
Can you tell us something about “Trapped In Lies”? What kids should expect to find in there?
It's a 6 track MCD with the signature Bitter Taste Of Life groove, grit and pit starter, with political and angry lyrics.
Lyrically, is there any concept to the album? Can you touch on some of the lyrical focuses of your songs? The lyrics is related to things you encounter in everyday life, what we've been trough and what is happening around us. We think it's very important to be aware of what's going on in our society now a days and how it affects us. Religon, addictions, exclusion and antifascism is some of the thing we touch in our lyrics.
How did you hook up with World vs Cometh?
Christian (also known as "Boris", "Chris") who runs the label is one of our best friends and we asked him if he was up for releasing the MCD and he said yes. And nowadays our guitarist Joel is part of World vs Cometh too. Make sure you all check it out and support them!
You guys are quite different from stuff I usually hear from Sweden. What’s your opinion about the scene in your country and what local bands you support?
A few years back the scene was insane every show was well crowded and everyone went insane when the bands played, but then something happened and the interest in the scene grew a bit cold for a while, not saying that people stopped putting shows up and so on but it felt different and many people you used to see at every show just stopped showing up. Big ups to all the elder ones who's still in the game and going strong. At the moment the scene is on the uprise again, at every show you see new kids, there's loads of new bands coming up and bookers who putting shows up. Shout outs to Norrköping Hardcore, SSE, GBG SXE, Sunpower Bookings, 026 Hardcore, KF Stationen, Västerås SXE and all the others who's putting shows together. There's loads of good bands coming outta Sweden you better check them out! Dead Reprise, Vulture Mob, Decades Of Blood (RIP), Stay Hungry, Elapse, Lose The Life, Keep Rising, Chain Reaction, Guilty, Angers Curse, Kaos, Kris & Helvete, Anchor is some of them.
What is your opinion about Refused? Would anyone get lynched in Sweden for saying their music sucked balls?
Haha! Personally I (Rickard) don't like them at all and I hasn't got lynched yet so I think it's ok to say that they sucked. But there's other ones in the band who likes them. And no question that they was and is a very important part of the Swedish hardcore scene and the development of it.
Let’s get political. In case Greece eventually falls down, followed then by Italy and then probably Ireland, Spain and so on, do you think we should gear up for Mad Max scenario in Europe in any near future?
Well, there's a chance it could get to that point, maybe not as extreme as Mad Max. As long as all the greedy fucks craves for more and can't see the effects of their actions, there will always be people who's going to make their voices heard, whether it's through violent actions, civil disobedience or on a political level.
So another year has ended... what were the best albums of 2011?
Expire - Suffer The Cycle, Grankapo - The Thruth, Vulture Mob - Feeding Time, 45 Stainless - O.G.B.D, Alley Gods - North State Of Mind, Q-Unique - Throwback, For The Glory - Some Kids Have No Face. That some of them… can't remember them all, haha.
What are the next steps for the band? Any chances for European tour?
We're playing at an awesome festival (Killing The Legacy Fest) in Turku, Finland in january, then we're going to focus on writing new songs for a upcoming 7" split with our brothers in 45 Stainless from Finland who will be released sometime around April or may on World vs Cometh. We're going on a European Tour in May between 11/5 and 26/5. It's going to feel good to be on the road again. Otherwise we got some shows planned here in Sweden and in the end of July we're going to play Zvera Fest in Latvia. And during the autumn we're going to work on a full-length cd and try to sort out a mini tour i east Europe.
Ghost X Ship - Cold Truth
Good hardcore doesn’t have to be too fancy. All it takes is substance, sharp delivery and some hard-hitting lyrics. And that’s what Ghost Ship delivers with its debut release. Cold Truth contain all the necessary elements that make a solid hardcore album, from raging guitars to seriously pissed off vocalist to insane breakdowns, all executed with a vivid flow and passion. The album’s sound is loosely possessed of the early Hatebreed or Throwdown but for the most part they keep it pretty fresh and avoid clichés. With no unnecessary tricks, distractions and experiments, I guess it’s the realness and commitment felt in those songs which are essential to what makes it work as a whole. My favorite songs must be Enough, with very well crafted arrangement and catchy hook at the chorus. Monster of a song! On the production level, the album sounds just as it should – not too much raw, not too polished either.
When you pick a Seventh Dagger release you basically know what to expect messagewise and Ghost Ship is no exception. They take a strong and uncompromising straight edge stance but are pretty creative about how they get the message across. While some songs are more on the positive side describing band’s commitment to living a sober life, other will take you to the depths of the dark world of addiction and degeneration. The aforementioned Enough reminds us that addiction is not only about drugs and alcohol but it can affect a person on many different levels. Especially when money is involved, mass media and big corporations will go out of their way to fill your head and body with crap. As a person who tries to make conscious decisions about what to eat and what to buy, I can totally relate to the message in this song. And if you’re ain’t doing it, maybe you should? Everyone got a right to live their live as they want to but being smart is probably one of the best options.
To sum it up, Cold Truth holds all the tricks that make a good hardcore album. If you’re into stuff that’s heavy and aggressive, but still does not lack passion, don't sleep on this.
Seventh Dagger, 2011
Review by Dloogi
Pre-orders launched for debut Ep by Redemption Denied
Save My Soul Records has put up the preorders for the Redemption Denied EP, hardcore from Belgium and the Netherlands, featuring (ex-)members of Blade/World Gone Mad/Blindside. There will be 3 colors: 50 on gold vinyl only available in the preorder package with a 2-sided RD shirt, 100 on white for a upcoming release show and 150 on black vinyl for regular orders. These should be ready to ship late April / early May. Check out band's new song "life sentence" here.
Harvcore launched pre-orders for Ruckus and Bottom Out
You can place pre-order for the upcoming Ruckus album, 'Of Malice And Man', as well as Bottom Out 7-inch Ep, 'Mourning', at Harvcore webstore. Ruckus should be well know to anyone visiting this site, and Bottom Out is a new Long Island five-piece band with influences from bands like Merauder, All Out War and Hatebreed.
Line Of Scrimmage Working on New Songs
Line Of Scrimmage is recording new stuff. The band has couple of new songs ready for the upcoming split, more info will drop soon. Here's what band posted on their Facebook site: "New shit is so hard. Not beatdown hard. NY Hard. We may loose a few fans but we are sticking to our roots. Be on the lookout for the groove and flow that is the new improved LOS."
War Charge to drop its debut self-titled EP
War Charge are a 5 piece hardcore band from Edinburgh, Scotland. Influenced by bands like Bitter End, No Warning, Trapped Under Ice and Down to Nothing. The band recorded there debut 7" with Tom Mitchell in Perth which will be released on April 7th by Demons Run Amok Records - Germany (Trapped Under Ice, 50 Lions etc) and Spook Records - Poland. The debut tour for the 7" will take place during April across Europe, visiting Poland, Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic, events can be found here .
Pre-orders launched for new Wisdom in Chains album
I Scream Records has launched pre-orders for new Wisdom In Chains album,"The Missing Links". The album will contain 13 new songs, including My Friend and Ghost Of Buddy for which videos have been recently released. The pre-orders include exclusive shirt and limited green splatter vinyl edition. CD bundles start shipping April 13th, LP bundles start shipping end of April. You can place your order here.
