Classic Shit: Kickback - Forever war
Paris, filthy Paris... I have no idea what's the story behind this clip, but some of the dance parts are fucking awkward. I can't even figure out if it's on purpose or not. I guess nowadays you can shot a better video with your phone, but back in the days it wasn't so easy Anyway, this is a classic tune in a true meaning of the world.
New Blood: Dead Weight (UK)
For the uninitiated, how did Dead Weight come about?
Dead Weight was formed in late 2010 when Sam Hames (Vocals) wanted to start a new St Albans Hardcore band as many new bands were coming out of the area at the time, after a few practices trailing various friends the band started playing shows in March 2011, the line up at this point consisted of Sam Hames (vocals), Sam Gale (guitar), Josh Khalid (guitar), Thomas Debaere (bass) and Wolfie Cloutman (drums). Josh Khalid and Wolfie Cloutman have since been replaced by Aidan Starr and James Mason respectively.
Victim Of Deceit dropped last year, how do you feel about it few months after it came out?
Stoked. It definitely rejuvenated us as a band, UKHC has taken a more metallic tone and structure since and around the time that we released the EP and that definitely helped us get it out to a wider audience. We hadn't played too many shows prior to the release of Victim of Deceit due to changing band members and the good reaction we got helped us get back into playing shows and enjoying them as we did when the band started out.
Billy Club Sandwich DVD in the works
I just got news in the mail that Billy Club Sandwich is putting out DVD containing footage from their Japan tour and some extras This is good news if you're a fan of the band just like I am. Each of their releases is dope, but I get most crazy when I hear The Usual Suspects album. This is the finest example what that a powerful groove mixed with ignorant vibe can't do no wrong. I don't think they would be able to come with a weak song even if they wanted to. Obviously, Dead City Records is having a hand in making this dvd happen.
DVD will include:
Billy Club Sandwich live in Japan
Japanese touring and traveling footage
Bonus DVD Footage:
"Bottom of the Barrel" official video
"Bottom of the Barrel" outtakes reel
"Suckerpunch" video and interview from the out-of-print 2004 Guerrilla Warfare DVD
"Narco Cabron '97" official video
"Martin Gonzo Mega Mixx" video
Japan Suspects Tour DVD Trailer
Japan Tour Photo Gallery with over 200 pictures
Review: Eden Demise - Triumph Over Adversity
Eden Demise are a long running band from crisis-stricken Greece. Longtime readers will recognize this name, as I've done interview with them way back and also reviewed one of their previous records. I wasn’t even aware they’re still active, but it’s cool they haven’t given up. I guess all the problems their homeland is going through became a fuel for anger on this album. The music is a cross between early Hatebreed and late Throwdown, if that makes sense. There is a stamp of moshcore in everything from the album’s cover to song titles to music itself. This might be even too much mosh for some to handle at once. Although there’s nothing bad here as such, there’s not many killer tracks that really get the juices flowing. Some of this album is forgettable; but the highlights should work for the fans of the above mentioned bands. Compared to their previous stuff, the sound is much more into heavier territory, but still maintain the overall core vibe. This might not be my favorite style of hardcore, but I gotta admit it's far from bad. Plus, I respect the band that stay true to themselves and don't fake it.
Filled With Hate, 2014
ViDEO: Agnostic Front - A Wise Man
This video has been already all over hardcore side of Internet, but in celebration of the best AF album in years, I gonna share it anyway.
Point Blank at Southeast Beast 2015
I'm still trying to figure out what's the point of watching live footage of hardcore show you haven't even been to. If I could only see myself doing any type of crazy stuff in there, like getting punched in the face or jumped on, that would make more sense.
New Blood: Revision
Give us some background on Revision. Who’s in the band and how did it get started?
Revision is 5 friends that wanted to play music together. Brandon is are front man. Luke is slapping the bass. Glen is the young blood on guitar. Kevin is the beat maker. I (Dennis) play second guitar. We live in a area where HC is scarce , so I guess trying to jump start a scene would be nice too. 3 of us are edge 2 are not but we all love the core.
The 2014 demo was your first release, how long was it in the making?
I believe it took about 5/6 months but I think we had the songs ready earlier then that. We were just waiting to record.
The tracks on the demo sound powerful. Do you have a process when it comes to writing new songs or does it just come to you?
Most of the time we'll jam shit out in the spot. If we like it we keep it. Then Brandon writes lyrics to whatever fucked up riffs we have written.
New tunes from Demonwomb (Vienna, Austria)
Demonwomb "s/t" 7inch soon out on Powertrip Records. Peep the sound teasers below. I was into their previous ep but Touch Of Death is some next level shit. The band sounds more pissed off than ever, unrelenting hardcore with a metallic touch.
Don't sleep!
Review: Bloodstained - Headless Kingdom
Bloodstained emerge from the depths of hell to drop filth and dirt into your useless life. There is a fury driving this record, most of the time it moves at frenetic pace filled with jagged riffs and crushing drums. Musically,the project is of a high caliber, the tracks are well engineered and hit in all the right places. I will go as far as to say they’re top of their weight division right now. The riffs, the vocals, the drumming - everything about this record is nothing short of a tour de force. The songwriting is on point and the way that everything they put into these songs flows together is genius. They deliver the brutality, but at the same time a lot of the riffs and hooks are memorable. You get drawn into the album from the first listen, and the more time you give to it the more you discover.
One thing that can be said about the music is that it is truly fucking evil. Not in a goofy meaning, but really brutal and depraved sense of a word. From the record packaging to the lyrics to the sound samples, the overall theme of the album is negative, as it was recorded solely as an output to share their bleak reflection of humanity and its dirty deeds. Exploring realities of life that turned into the intersection of cruelty and depression, the album does not leave much hope regarding where the human race is heading.
For one thing, Headless Kingdom actively invites comparison to Kickback or Arkangel, if not exactly musicwise, than definitely in the overall vibe. Shit, since Kickback days, Europe was seriously lacking bands that could create such dense and dark version of hardcore.
This is not a band that walks middle ground, but rather one that is confident about their style and message and has been taking it to the next level with each release. I am glad to see Bloodstained still going strong, having a deal with a label with a recognition and distribution like Filled With Hate is definitely a good thing for them. I hope this will turn more heads and they get attention they deserve.
Introducing: Sikspak from Calabria, Italy
Sikspak is a new band from Calabria (‛Ndrangheta) region of Italy who have their debut ep due out via CBC Records. This is probably one of those bands not many folks hear about outside of the local scene, which means most people not gonna read this post even up to this point. The teaser for the record looks and sounds pretty crazy and they seem to be highly influenced by cheap and sleazy horror flicks, which is always good thing in my part of town. I respect people with such distinctive taste in culture. If this is your thing make sure you check out the entire album when it drops.
Spirits (FFO: Count me out, Battery)
State Of Mind Recs from US and Reality Records from Europe have joined forces to release new album from Boston's Spirits. It's called 'Discontent' and it "touches on personal themes for singer Mike Assatly as well as topics like cultural expectations, police aggression and others." Fuck the police!
The band is streaming two new tracks, one of them being Cranberries cover which is too much for my taste, but the other track is pretty good if you like old school hardcore that can make you stage dive, at the same time making you tap into your emotional side. We all need that from time to time, just don't forget to listen to some Madball when you're done.
New Hollow Truth
Powertrip Recs are streaming new ep by Dublin's own Hollow Truth. You might recognize the band from the interview I did a while back. I am not disappointed at all with this new album, I think these new tracks are the band at its tightest. The title track, The War Economy, is a monster. Everything about this one is great, be it the riffs, the groove and the vocals that are all over the place.
New Blood: Point Blank
Point Blank are from Tallahassee (Florida), which is a place I know absolutely nothing about but their debut ep Life Crisis is the sort of record that should have made their hometown a hardcore mecca. Their sound can be best described as classic sounding hardcore with a heavier vibe, which means it's fast but it also hits hard. I recommend you pay attention to this band.
For those who are unfamiliar with Point Blank, give us some introduction?
POINTBLANK is a hardcore band from Tallahassee, FL that was formed just to open local shows for touring bands. The group ended up being very compatible, and some really heavy stuff came out of it. Some hard work payed off with some recognition, thus we went a bit further & even blew ourselves away with Life Crisis.
Life Crisis came out in April, how do you feel about it months after it dropped?
Life Crisis, when it came out, was a very proud moment for all of us. Over the next flow of months we realized that the tracks be perfected, and we have decided to re-master and re-release with harvcore records.
MFD 024: Steel Nation - The Harder They Fall
If you're not a vinyl fan, the CD version of new Steel Nation will be released via Marked For Death.
New M.O.R.A. tunes
New 7" by Finland's MORA is coming in about a month. It's gonna be called 'Halveksunnan aika' and I have it from the sources close to the band that it translates to 'Times of Contempt' in English. Of the two new tracks that you can stream right now, Jaksaa jaksaa is a definite winner.
Video: Crowned Kings - Enemy
This track is probably their best stuff to date. This, and the fact that Dre Stewart from the Donnybrook is submitting guest vocals, makes me seriously consider checking out their new album (Demons Run Amok). I did an interview with this band back in 2010.
Demo Daze: Reactor 4, Rapture, Harsh Reality
Reactor 4 - Demo 2014
Richmond, VA finest punk rock. Three tracks strong and all of them rip. Listening to this shit makes me wanna engage in some illegal activity.
DOWNLOAD / BANDCAMP
Rapture - Trials Ep
Los Angeles new blood brings tough sounding hardcore that's vibrant and fresh, but also does not disappoint when you're looking for heavier groove. Give up and comers a chance.
DOWNLOAD / BANDCAMP / INSTAGRAM
Harsh Reality - Trapped
This demo slipped under my radar when it came out last year, but it is so good I am sharing this one for anyone else who's also missing out.
DOWNLOAD / BANDCAMP / FACEBOOK
New Hate5six videos
Watching new videos done by these dudes makes me think I don't need to go to shows anymore. Just gonna kick back with potato chips, relax and enjoy the show. There's been a huge update on their site lately. Check out what else they got here, apart from Bitter End video above other footage include Foundation, Death Threat, Suburban Scum and more.
Quick update from Seconds Of Peace
My dudes in Seconds Of Peace are teaming up with Beardown for a split tape due out this April via The Bro Code Commitment. The whole thing will be limited to 150 pieces. 3 new tracks from each band, plus a collabo song.
New Disgrace coming soon
As you might know about two weeks from now Disgrace is dropping new album via Closed Casket Activities. It's gonna be called 'True Enemy' and judging by the two tracks they are already sharing from the record, it's gonna be dope. As far as metallic hardcore goes, this is one of the newer bands I dig the most. A perfect blend of gritty hardcore vibe and raw heaviness, everything served with double dose of aggression.
Respect the bad guy
Krutch breaking down the science of being tough:
pahxc: HOW MANY PEOPLE DID WE HAVE TO BEAT UP TO BE LABELED A TOUGH GUY BAND?
Good question, we became a "Tough Guy" band in 96', before that we where only in a triple A tough guy league....But in 96 we beat up the required amount to turn "PRO Tough Guy band"...I believe the number was 666..We are very very proud of our "TOUGH GUY BAND" Status, originally we where going to be a "Youth Crew" band, but we where not skinny enough..then we decided to try "Emo", but noone in the band wore glasses, plus sweaters make me itch..The whole Vegan thing woulda been great for us, except for the fact that we love to torture animals and stuff, so eventually we tried this "Tough Guy" style out, and it's workin' out O.K.
Source: PAHC webzine
New Blood: Cold Truth
Cold Truth are keeping it real in their area, which is Tacoma, WA. Definitely a band worth checking out if you're into hard-hitting, aggressive hardcore with a crossover vibe.
Tell us what people should know about Cold Truth.
We’re a straight edge hardcore band from Tacoma, WA. We just let the music speak for itself.
How did the band get its start?
I came along pretty early in the game. My understanding is that when Trevor, our singer, and Patrick, our bassist, were in Prepare the Bride half of that band went to start Singled Out. Trevor and Patrick decided to do a heavy band. Originally it was going to be like this early 2000’s Throwdown kind of thing. Then Trevor asked me if I wanted to play guitar. So, I wrote Choke, Life Lesson, and True Love pretty quickly, and Patrick and I collaborated on Mind’s Eye. We got Chris to slap some drums on it real quick and went to the Mukilteo Mansion and recorded with Cameron Heck. Then we had the South Sound Demo.
Review: Bloodlands - Nihilistic Dimension
Bloodlands hails from Finland and features members of Ratface, No One Is Safe and couple other local bands that make you expect quality. What they offer is heavy, thick metallic hardcore with an old school death metal twist. This combination is more often a miss than hit, but they kinda get this formula right. Over past few days I’ve been really getting into this album and the more I listen to it the more I start to appreciate its strong points
.
While Nihilistic Dimension is not without its flaws, it is a very entertaining and solid release showcasing wide range of skill and ideas. Despite all the heaviness, the main vibe is hardcore, so it’s not straight up death metal and it’s definitely not deathcore. For the most part the music is brutal and to the point as they keep tracks time down around two minutes. The tempos range from slow to fast, and most of the songs are driven by thick midtempo rhythms, filled with tight riffing, tremolo picking, pounding drums and booming double bass. From time to time they toss in some badass solo, but it’s done in right amount. All the way throughout the album the band as a whole hold together tightly, these dudes know what they’re doing. The production is crisp, even sometimes too crisp for my liking as some more dirt and distortion would do this album good.
The record was put out by the band themselves, so if you dig their sound do your part and get to getting.
Life For A Life - new video, new ep
That new track from Life For A Life does not disappoint, but that's what I expected. I knew this band is destined for greatness. The band is dropping a new 'Soul On Ice' EP this coming May via Innerstrength Records. Very cool!
New Blood: Society Sucker
Society Sucker are a new blood from Wilmington, North Carolina who dropped really tight self titled debut ep last year. Check it out if you're into heavier NYHC style, it sounds like they were really pissed off when recording it. I can never get tired of this type of hardcore.
Society Sucker is straight up hardcore and I dig that 100%. When you were starting out did you have a clear idea what type of music you want to play or did it just happen?
In the beginning we just knew we wanted to be heavy but we also wanted to keep more melodic and "groovy" elements prevalent in the music, but we hadn't necessarily figured out exactly how we wanted to go about it. Our demo was our first stab at it but by the time the demo tape was out we had halfway written our EP where, in my opinion, we really found our sound. So I guess you could say it just happened, but we definitely wear our influences on our sleeve.
The future is now
2015 is shaping up to be another fat year for everyone into raw and gritty hardcore sound. It's been years since I found core and I still get excited about tons of new records, demos and bands that are popping up all over the scene. Here's a little run down on what I'm definitely looking forward to checking out this year.
1. New King Nine and Suburban Scum
Closed Casket Activities are going hard this year with a slick plan to dominate heavyweight division in hardcore. No joke. First, I hear they will be dropping new King Nine album, the album is due late 2015. Next thing I know, Suburban Scum will be releasing a debut full length "Ultimate Annihilation" this year via this very same label. More info coming soon, but I expect nothing but dopeness from this band. Scum bands never fails.
2. Lifeless
That is the type of a band this scene needs more of - working class hardcore, dedication, realness. I've heard some music off this new record and it's beyond hard.
3. Steel Nation
If you seen the new video you know these dudes cooked up some hard-hitting shit for this comeback album. Of all the records that are about to drop this year, this one I'm most stoked about.
4. Hardside
Honestly, not much is known about the new LP except the process of putting it together seems to be in an advanced stage. Plus, the band gonna drop a video for one of the new songs.
1. New King Nine and Suburban Scum
Closed Casket Activities are going hard this year with a slick plan to dominate heavyweight division in hardcore. No joke. First, I hear they will be dropping new King Nine album, the album is due late 2015. Next thing I know, Suburban Scum will be releasing a debut full length "Ultimate Annihilation" this year via this very same label. More info coming soon, but I expect nothing but dopeness from this band. Scum bands never fails.
2. Lifeless
That is the type of a band this scene needs more of - working class hardcore, dedication, realness. I've heard some music off this new record and it's beyond hard.
3. Steel Nation
If you seen the new video you know these dudes cooked up some hard-hitting shit for this comeback album. Of all the records that are about to drop this year, this one I'm most stoked about.
4. Hardside
Honestly, not much is known about the new LP except the process of putting it together seems to be in an advanced stage. Plus, the band gonna drop a video for one of the new songs.
Review: Creepout - Ovskvre Tortvred Order
Japan’s reigning kings of hardcore Creepout come back with new ep which was put out by FWH Records as MCD (as far as I know, there’s a vinyl version of the release as well). One look at the front cover and you know they carry on with their Cleveland worship thing. Everything about the package, from the layout to the logo (designed by Dwid himself) screams Holy Terror. They are trying hard, to the point some might call it biting a bit too hard off of Integrity/In Cold Blood style, but since there’s nothing bad about the music as such I have no problems with that.
With the music taking a similar approach as band’s previous record, a split with Integrity, Ovskvre Tortvred Order brings on the heavy, metallic side of hardcore with a grim, negative twist. I remember Tribe Called Hardcore had more NYHC/OLC flavor to it, but this time it’s all darkness and depravity.
The riffs are bit more technical than before, the music definitely got heavier and the overall vibe drifted much more into darker corners. The vocals are brutal like they should, dude’s doing great job.
I am not sure I get all the lyrics though, some of it sounds bit odd. It's almost like they were trying to sabotage this record on purpose coming with some cheesy lyrics like ‘Shut the fuck up and go away (4x)/ Fuck you bitch ass (3x) / I want you nothing’. It’s like Dwid going all out Rick Ta Life style. Either they were not giving a fuck at all or were trying too hard. I look at the lyrics are integral part of harcore, so this made record’s impact lesser than it should’ve been. But other than that, the record is dope. Check it out!
Video: Hollow Truth - The War Economy
Hollow Truth have new video out for The War Economy, which is a new track off the upcoming 7" of the same name. When I first time heard this band I was hyped and it's cool to see them still going strong. This new song is assisted by Ronnie of Warhound and sounds more dope than any track at Next Level or Enemy. This new ep, due out via Powertrip Records, is shaping up to be really something to look for.
Yeah, the filters they used for this picture might come off as hipsterish, but just try to get past through that and enjoy the music.
Check out the interview I did with the dudes back in 2013.
New Blood: Shadow Of Doubt
Some dudes in Texas teamed up for this new band and they're killing it all the way. It probably helps that some fo them had previously sharpened their craft in bands like Bitter End or Hardside, but they hold their own even if you put that 'all stars' bullshit aside. I've got admit, debut demo by Shadow Of Doubt was one of the highlights of recent months for me. I can attest it is dope, no only because it includes Telltale cover, but basically each track is tight. Far from generic hardcore but still sharp all the way. Here's an interview with Ely (vocals).
Can you give us some introduction to Shadow Of Doubt? How did the band come together, as a whole?
Well shadow of doubt is patrick from (hardside) on guitar, my man jake on bass, Lorenzo on drums and me on the mic.
I asked Patrick if he would be down to write some riffs and we kind of pieced songs together and kind of just asked the rest of the guys if they would be down to jam and play some gigs. And our bass player jake recorded all the music.
Review: Life Sentence - Marked For Death
Life Sentence are from Albany, New York and this is their debut ep which dropped last year via Panda Claw records. Marked For Death is definitely my type of shit, aggressive and no bullshit. The band lays down heavy but tight hardcore that place them somewhere along the lines of Last Dayz, Soul Search or Death Threat. It’s not a rocket science, you just gotta put together some tight riffs, strong drumming and pissed off vocals and that’s it. The track Under Siege is a fine example of band doing it right - a monster stomp with furious vocals. This shit is pretty basic, but take it as a compliment. The title track also gets the job done and is my another favorite. Another proof that most of the times simplicity is the best. Truth be told, none of the 4 tracks in here go below a certain level of standard.
The lyrics are down to earth and with lots out of the gutter attitude that makes this stuff very relatable. Some of this stuff might seem bleak and negative, but the ultimate message is to hold your own. Every kid reading this can relate to that type of real life poetry.
All in all, this is a solid record which seems to have slipped under the radar when it came out. If you haven’t checked it out, you’re missing out.
New music: Coldburn
Coldburn are working on the follow up to The Harsh Fangs Of Life and to get a taste of what's to come you can check two of the new songs below. Both tracks are solid and there's something to them that really get the head nodding. The video has so dark and negative vibe to it I am starting to feel some empahty for these dudes. Whatever type of problems they got themselves into, hope they get through it soon.
I think these dudes have potential to come up with really strong album, if they only don't fuck it up with too much of that Joy Division shit and keep it sharp all the way. Pre-orders are here.
I think these dudes have potential to come up with really strong album, if they only don't fuck it up with too much of that Joy Division shit and keep it sharp all the way. Pre-orders are here.
Demo daze: Cold Truth, The Heist, Nuke
Cold Truth - No Rules
100% hardcore/hardcore, awesome band that I'm sure we'll hear more of in the future. FFO: Backtrack, Donnybrook, Crown Of Thornz, Manipulate, No Turning Back and basically solid hardcore.
FACEBOOK/DOWNLOAD
The Heist - Demonstration
Fast, aggressive old styled hardcore with mean breakdowns from somewhere in Europe, but I don't know exactly where. If you want to have this one on wax, you can cop 7" from Farewell Records here.
FACEBOOK/DOWNLOAD
Nuke - W.M.D.
Metallic hardcore outta Montréal, Canada. Among the lines of Merauder and Hatebreed with some Crown Of Thrownz groove added to the mix.
FACEBOOK/DOWNLOAD
New music: Bent Life - Cheat Death
Bent Life is streaming new track from the upcoming 7" ep due out via Bad Teeth Recordings. I gotta say that new tune is fire, but I know these dudes could do no wrong.
Spineless bastards
Watch nothing change
There’s no liberation
For those who’ve learned to love their chains
Watch nothing change
There’s no liberation
For those who’ve learned to love their chains
Video: Bloodline Ltd / Skam Dust - Bloodust
This is brand new vid from Bloodline Ltd outta Johannesburg. South Africa. Skam Dust is lending his psychopathic vocals to most of the track and definitely steals the show on this one. He should start his own hardcore band, get some dudes who can rip Leeway riffs and lay that groove down like Crown Of Thornz used to and get on with it.
I'm not saying the rest of Bloodline is not keeping up. The track is blazing, and the scary, big dude who fronts the band on usual also plays his part well. I'm definitely gonna check their future stuff.
Review: Last Dayz - Ready to Die
So, this is the end. Ready to Die is band’s last release, and when I am writing this review it’s long past their farewell show. Sure, it’s a shame, but you gotta respect a band that decides to call its quits when they are on top of their game. So many bands just drag on and on till the point when nobody really cares that it's not even funny.
Anyway, back to this ep. How badass I would like their last record to sound? Well, it’s that badass. Welcome to the world where words like delicate or gentle don’t exist. The band kept moving forward with each release getting constantly better at their craft. With this final ep they sound more creative and skilled than ever, but they also sound more pissed off than ever. Tough, hard-hitting hardcore stripped down to the barest bones, proving that Poland should be 52nd state somewhere between NJ, PA and MI.
In their weight division, they just were much better than anyone else in Europe at the time. The ep was put out by Ratel Records and they made sure the package is solid and worth your money. Get it if you haven’t already.
Naysayer will be touring Europe this Summer
NAYSAYER / FRIEND OR FOE / BLIND BELIEFS
european summer tour 2015
Steel Nation - Bleak Outlook
Check out the visuals to what's probably gonna be my favorite album of 2015. Steel Nation is not only one of the the dopest bands of all time, but damn, this track is harder than hell! Crushing, metallic hardcore with negative attitude that makes you want to walk around with a knife. A big-ass kitchen knife.
The band is getting ready to drop yet another full-length this year, "The Harder They Fall" via Harm Reduction Records. Order your copy here.
The Real Deal Interview
The Real Deal is a new killer Clevo band with beefy but to the point brand of hardcore. Their tape was released by Straight & Alert Records from France and it was definitely one of the highlights of 2014 for me. Their style is more of 'punch you in the face with a brick' street tested NYC sound than typical Clevo heaviness, and they keep it aggressive and vibrant all the time. I advise everyone to give it a try if they haven't already. Awesome stuff. Anyway, here's an interview with Andy who handles vocals for the band.
Give us some background on The Real Deal - history, who is who in the band, how did you all get together?
Well there is the four of us Me (Andy) on vocals, Burger on guitar, Woods on bass, and Nick on drums. We have all played together in other bands early on and have all been kickin it for years, just thought the time was right to get together and jam and see where it goes. It all clicked well and we decided to get it goin. So far the response to everything we've been doing so far as been very welcoming as far as the Cleveland hardcore scene goes.
Review: These Streets - Life From The Gutter
I love when you cop a record from the band you know nothing about and the very first track hits you so hard you don’t even know what happened. That's was the case with this ep by These Streets. Things go into high gear immediately with tough vocals over stomping grooves and sharp riffing. The band goes hard on every of four tracks on this ep, with some really dope and better than average guitar work over tight ass section. The occasional solos make the ep that much better.
The drums are way forward in the mix, but after a while it didn’t bother me at all. As far as the vocals go, the dude flows nicely with a sense of purpose in his voice when he spits stories of relationships gone sour, standing your ground, making right (or bad) choices in life and society pressures. Now and then he gets support from the crew, and man, those gang vocals sound like snatched straight from old Biohazard album.
If I was to say anything negative about this ep, I can’t lie, my first thought when I got this record was that this is some ugly ass cover. I don’t get it how they could allow it to happen, such a dope record with such a lame front artwork. I am glad my natural curiosity to discover new bands and integrity as a reviewer didn’t allow me to write it off at start.
All in all, I'm really feelin' the overall vibe of ep and I would recommend everyone to check this band out.
Panda Claw Records
These Streets
