Seventh Dagget in collaboration with Dave Quiggle brings you Death To False Straight Edge t-shirt to satisfy all your militant needs. Click here if you like the design.
Death To False Straight Edge tee by Dave Quiggle
Seventh Dagget in collaboration with Dave Quiggle brings you Death To False Straight Edge t-shirt to satisfy all your militant needs. Click here if you like the design.
Limited Halloween tee from Seventh Dagger
This is 2009 limited edition HALLOWEEN box. Each box is hand screen printed and numbered to a limited count of 50. Each box comes with one HALLOWEEN SEVENTH DAGGER shirt and contains one surprise CD and 7 inch record. It's first come first serve. Click here to order.
My First Failure - s/t
This is my first experience with this band so I’m not gonna compare this album to their previous work. To me it’s like a band that comes out of nowhere and the only thing I knew about the album before I pushed play is that it had a cool album cover. Well, the music itself is interesting and kind of different from your average hardcore band.
The most enjoyable thing about this album is how they fuse hardcore beats with some rock tunes. I know it’s just being me closed minded, but there are many bands that overuse rock tunes in their music and it can dampen the overall energy of the album. Thankfully, My First Failure successfully use these elements to enhance their music. The compositions are quite busy, combining solid musicianship and creative songwriting frequently embellished with complementary melodies and heavier breakdowns. The foundation of their style is crossover between hardcore and metal, but many other genres are also represented. Of course, there’s nothing perfect and throughout the album there are numerous times when they get too carried away with it which results in songs losing all the punch. I like to hear something I can remember the song by and with tracks like Until Today this does not work well to say the least. Sometimes the band just don’t quite gets it right but these moments are luckily few and far between. My First Failure is way more cooler when they decide to go heavy and that’s when things start to get exciting. The best song on the album is About Hearts with a powerful breakdown in the middle. There is a solid chemistry between the musicians on this track and the band tears it up with some chugging riffs and nice melodies. The mosh part in this one is just the best moment on the whole CD and they should stick more with this type of sound in the future. I mean, I like their willingness to experiment but they need to work on finding a better balance between clean melodies and heaviness.
The overall feeling of the album is rather dark and sometimes even nostalgic, but somehow it’s not that pessimistic as I expected it to. The lyrics are very personal and I think most kids can connect with them. Most of the songs deal with hardcore as a way of life, music, scene, friends and just doing something constructive with your life. Alexa is doing a great job with a solid and powerful vocal delivery. Her style of singing reminds me much of All For Nothing’s Cindy which is not a minus in my book at all. Actually, if I said this album is All For Nothing playing Poison The Well songs minus weak ass clean singing I wouldn’t be that far from the truth. Anyway, the band shows a lot of potential and even if they need to work a little bit more on improving their compositions it’s a compelling and interesting record with a great sound and songs to back it up.
Author: Dloogi
Label: Demons Run Amok
Year: 2009
Animal Instinct
"I also think that this is what makes HC so different and unique compared to any other scene I know ... there was never a blueprint for the core. No set of rules to belong to. HC is what YOU make of it!"
First of all, what is it about the NYC hardcore scene that had such an impact on you and the music you play?
I don´t really know... I think it might be the raw energy and heaviness that somehow comes across stronger in the typical NYC sound than in the sound of most other scenes. Plus, they wrote some really good songs that stood the test of time. Some of the bands also played their instruments damn well and came up with recordings that even to this day sound very good. ( Cro-Mags, Leeway, Killing Time) but by the way, each one of us also listens to a ton of other stuff... :-)
What is your favorite NYHC band?
oh man, impossible to answer! Of course, everyone in the band likes the cro-mags, killing time, breakdown, ect... For me personally I might be the Cro-Mags. But I think youth of today had the biggest influence on my life!
Your debut 7” is out now and I gotta say that from what I’ve heard it’s some really powerful stuff. To the people who don't know you, how would you describe the style and sound of your songs?
Thank you! We really wanted to capture that raw feeling of bands like breakdown and killing time! We didn´t start AI to come up with a new sound. We just wanted to play
hard and simple hardcore the way we like it and the way only few bands play nowadays. We wanted to show everyone that there´s nothing wrong with being a traditional hardcore band. If you do it well and with heart, people will appreciate it.
You've called your band Animal Instinct. What does that mean to you? How do you think it’s reflected in the music you create?
It reflects the raw feeling that I mentioned before! We just thought it fits really well to the way we see the band and the music we want to play. There´s no deep meaning behind that name. I think it´s just a good name for a hardcore band. That´s it.
When you're writing new songs, where do you get your inspiration from?
We get our inspirations from other hardcore bands! I’ve been listening to hardcore for many years now. And it still gets me pumped. I listen to a song and might think that I want to write songs just as good as that one. So I sit down and try it. I really can´t see myself playing any other kind of music right now.
What would you say is the main message you try to send through your music?
We are not really a "massage band". We all have our own ways to go through life. But if there is one common thing we try to say, than it would be "be yourself, don´t fake anything" that´s basically it. We didn´t start AI to change the world or make big promises we can´t keep. Focus on your own life and live it as good as you can.
How and when did you guys decided to form a band? Which bands influenced you when you first got together?
Roman, Raphael and myself already played in solid ground together and know each other for many, many years. So when we decided to break up with solid ground (we didn´t have enough time to keep touring, and our other guitar player, David, is now a dad) it was clear that we still wanted to do a band together. So we started AI and asked André to sing. He´s also been going to shows since the early nineties and we already knew that he is an awesome singer. To complete the line up, we asked our friend TC from VALE TUDO to play bass. Basically the initial idea to start AI was in summer ´08. Roman and I were listening to breakdowns "sick people" at my place and we thought that it is about time to start a new band with that same feeling and the same kind of sound like breakdown ca. ´87. I think we did a good job:-)!
What aspect of hardcore makes the scene attractive for you and is the reason you are still involved in it?
I always try to focus on the good side of hardcore. That means, I just try to stay away from all that kindergarden crap on the internet, the message boards, and all that. I don´t really care about the latest trends and which band is the latest hype. I try to ignore all the rumors and just hang out with my friends and listen to that bands I like.
What are your thoughts on hardcore scene nowadays - do you think it’s moving in the right direction? Are there any things that you’d like to change about it?
To be honest. I really don´t care much about it. I know what HC means to me. but I see so many different "sounds" and "lifestyles" that are considered HC that I really lost sight and interest to care about what you might consider HC or what some guy in Germany or in the states might considers HC. I also think that this is what makes HC so different and unique compared to any other scene I know ... there was never a blueprint for the core. No set of rules to belong to. HC is what YOU make of it!
What about the scene in Switzerland? What are some good bands from there that we should know?
The scene over here has always been pretty small but decent. I really like that it is all mixed up and never just metal kids, punk kids, or core kids! You see pretty much the same kind of people at every show. So that´s cool. For example, the last SOLID GROUND show was together with our friends in CATARACT. some bands you might want to check out are : VALE TUDO, FALL APART, DEADVERSE, LIFERIDE, PLAY TO DESTROY, BEGGERS AND GENTRY, SEED OF PAIN, CATARACT, LIFE AS WAR, ECT... they all sound totally different but you should definitely check them out!
How would you describe the hardcore community over there? What style of hardcore is most popular?
I think I just answered this one! There is no typical sound that everyone plays... and that´s good!
Do you remember the first hardcore song you ever heard? If so what was it?
Hmmm ... I’m not quite sure. It might have been the Cro-Mags "alpha omega" record when it just came out. Around ´92 or so. I remember roman and I were still into metal. To this day, it is one of my favorite records!
Nowadays kids seem to want bands to expand the boundaries of the genre more and more and sometimes it feels like nobody can appreciate the good, simple and straight in your face hardcore song. How do you feel about it? What's more important in hardcore to you: musical skills or feel?
It´s all about the feeling man! 100% ! But I totally don´t mind bands that like to experiment a little more than we do:-)! I mean, it´s not that I just listen to BREAKDOWN every day, all day! We all listened to all kind of music and styles. If you start a band, you should just play whatever you like. If it is HC, cool! But if it has a different approach to it, cool too!
What's next for the band? Are there any tours in works or plans for a full length?
Well, we just released our debut ep called "stick like glue". It is out now on TAKE IT BACK records. It´s a new label a good friend of mine and myself are running. Now we just play some shows and see how it goes. I don´t think that we have the time to tour. Since we all have full time jobs, other bands, and stuff. But we´ll see... we already wrote some new songs the we plan to record sometime next winter / spring 2010. But I think it´s going to be another 7" ep.
Than for the interview. Anything you would like to add?
Thank you for your support! Check out some of the other stuff I’m involved in: http://www.myspace.com/takeitbackrec and http://www.myspace.com/liferidehc. LIFERIDE is a brand new band and we will release our debut 12" this winter on our own label, TAKE IT BACK RECORDS. We will have some songs up on our MySpace site soon! It´s Roman (Animal Instinct, Solid Ground) on drums, and Emile (State Of Mind) on vocals ... and ohh yeah. While talking about STATE OF MIND. You should check them out. They are sooooo good!
Check out Animal Instinct at Myspace.
First of all, what is it about the NYC hardcore scene that had such an impact on you and the music you play?
I don´t really know... I think it might be the raw energy and heaviness that somehow comes across stronger in the typical NYC sound than in the sound of most other scenes. Plus, they wrote some really good songs that stood the test of time. Some of the bands also played their instruments damn well and came up with recordings that even to this day sound very good. ( Cro-Mags, Leeway, Killing Time) but by the way, each one of us also listens to a ton of other stuff... :-)
What is your favorite NYHC band?
oh man, impossible to answer! Of course, everyone in the band likes the cro-mags, killing time, breakdown, ect... For me personally I might be the Cro-Mags. But I think youth of today had the biggest influence on my life!
Your debut 7” is out now and I gotta say that from what I’ve heard it’s some really powerful stuff. To the people who don't know you, how would you describe the style and sound of your songs?
Thank you! We really wanted to capture that raw feeling of bands like breakdown and killing time! We didn´t start AI to come up with a new sound. We just wanted to play
hard and simple hardcore the way we like it and the way only few bands play nowadays. We wanted to show everyone that there´s nothing wrong with being a traditional hardcore band. If you do it well and with heart, people will appreciate it.
You've called your band Animal Instinct. What does that mean to you? How do you think it’s reflected in the music you create?
It reflects the raw feeling that I mentioned before! We just thought it fits really well to the way we see the band and the music we want to play. There´s no deep meaning behind that name. I think it´s just a good name for a hardcore band. That´s it.
When you're writing new songs, where do you get your inspiration from?
We get our inspirations from other hardcore bands! I’ve been listening to hardcore for many years now. And it still gets me pumped. I listen to a song and might think that I want to write songs just as good as that one. So I sit down and try it. I really can´t see myself playing any other kind of music right now.
What would you say is the main message you try to send through your music?
We are not really a "massage band". We all have our own ways to go through life. But if there is one common thing we try to say, than it would be "be yourself, don´t fake anything" that´s basically it. We didn´t start AI to change the world or make big promises we can´t keep. Focus on your own life and live it as good as you can.
How and when did you guys decided to form a band? Which bands influenced you when you first got together?
Roman, Raphael and myself already played in solid ground together and know each other for many, many years. So when we decided to break up with solid ground (we didn´t have enough time to keep touring, and our other guitar player, David, is now a dad) it was clear that we still wanted to do a band together. So we started AI and asked André to sing. He´s also been going to shows since the early nineties and we already knew that he is an awesome singer. To complete the line up, we asked our friend TC from VALE TUDO to play bass. Basically the initial idea to start AI was in summer ´08. Roman and I were listening to breakdowns "sick people" at my place and we thought that it is about time to start a new band with that same feeling and the same kind of sound like breakdown ca. ´87. I think we did a good job:-)!
What aspect of hardcore makes the scene attractive for you and is the reason you are still involved in it?
I always try to focus on the good side of hardcore. That means, I just try to stay away from all that kindergarden crap on the internet, the message boards, and all that. I don´t really care about the latest trends and which band is the latest hype. I try to ignore all the rumors and just hang out with my friends and listen to that bands I like.
What are your thoughts on hardcore scene nowadays - do you think it’s moving in the right direction? Are there any things that you’d like to change about it?
To be honest. I really don´t care much about it. I know what HC means to me. but I see so many different "sounds" and "lifestyles" that are considered HC that I really lost sight and interest to care about what you might consider HC or what some guy in Germany or in the states might considers HC. I also think that this is what makes HC so different and unique compared to any other scene I know ... there was never a blueprint for the core. No set of rules to belong to. HC is what YOU make of it!
What about the scene in Switzerland? What are some good bands from there that we should know?
The scene over here has always been pretty small but decent. I really like that it is all mixed up and never just metal kids, punk kids, or core kids! You see pretty much the same kind of people at every show. So that´s cool. For example, the last SOLID GROUND show was together with our friends in CATARACT. some bands you might want to check out are : VALE TUDO, FALL APART, DEADVERSE, LIFERIDE, PLAY TO DESTROY, BEGGERS AND GENTRY, SEED OF PAIN, CATARACT, LIFE AS WAR, ECT... they all sound totally different but you should definitely check them out!
How would you describe the hardcore community over there? What style of hardcore is most popular?
I think I just answered this one! There is no typical sound that everyone plays... and that´s good!
Do you remember the first hardcore song you ever heard? If so what was it?
Hmmm ... I’m not quite sure. It might have been the Cro-Mags "alpha omega" record when it just came out. Around ´92 or so. I remember roman and I were still into metal. To this day, it is one of my favorite records!
Nowadays kids seem to want bands to expand the boundaries of the genre more and more and sometimes it feels like nobody can appreciate the good, simple and straight in your face hardcore song. How do you feel about it? What's more important in hardcore to you: musical skills or feel?
It´s all about the feeling man! 100% ! But I totally don´t mind bands that like to experiment a little more than we do:-)! I mean, it´s not that I just listen to BREAKDOWN every day, all day! We all listened to all kind of music and styles. If you start a band, you should just play whatever you like. If it is HC, cool! But if it has a different approach to it, cool too!
What's next for the band? Are there any tours in works or plans for a full length?
Well, we just released our debut ep called "stick like glue". It is out now on TAKE IT BACK records. It´s a new label a good friend of mine and myself are running. Now we just play some shows and see how it goes. I don´t think that we have the time to tour. Since we all have full time jobs, other bands, and stuff. But we´ll see... we already wrote some new songs the we plan to record sometime next winter / spring 2010. But I think it´s going to be another 7" ep.
Than for the interview. Anything you would like to add?
Thank you for your support! Check out some of the other stuff I’m involved in: http://www.myspace.com/takeitbackrec and http://www.myspace.com/liferidehc. LIFERIDE is a brand new band and we will release our debut 12" this winter on our own label, TAKE IT BACK RECORDS. We will have some songs up on our MySpace site soon! It´s Roman (Animal Instinct, Solid Ground) on drums, and Emile (State Of Mind) on vocals ... and ohh yeah. While talking about STATE OF MIND. You should check them out. They are sooooo good!
Check out Animal Instinct at Myspace.
Four hardcore tracks you need to listen
There's so much going on it the world of hardcore nowadays that sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the good music coming out. That's why I've chosen few new tracks from the bands that still don't get as much recognition as they should. I will be trying to post stuff like that from time to time so if you're in a band and are interested in getting some more plays, get in touch. For those that like their hardcore served raw.
Out Of Breath - Has It Come To This
Hailing from the city of Lahti in Finland, Out Of Breath has been making its name recognizable for the fans of heavy hardcore since 2003. As they said it: "The idea of the band was just to play heavy hardcore and have fun, but at the same time to bring something new and fresh to this scene." It's hard to pin down their sound. It's definitely metallic and heavy, but at the same time some faster parts show that they know how do get the pit running in circles. Here's the new, yet unreleased track called Has It Come To This:
Kill For Peace - Eat Some Kilometers
Kill For Peace (France) has been putting feat in emo kids hearts since 2005 with their slick combination of NYHC and heavy breakdowns. The band is going to hit the road September 2010 playing in various places in France, Belgium, Italy, Spain among others. Here's the news track called Eat Some Kilometers:
For My Enemy - My Music, My Weapon
Based in Germanyy, For My Enemy reps DSA crew with their brutal assault of neck slappin beatdown hardcore. Here's one track of their debut album, Welcome To The Dirt. Fasten your seat belt, here comes My Music, My Weapon:
Witchunt - Hominid
Witchunt seems to be highly influenced by Holy Terror bands but they say bands like Black Sabbath or His Hero Is Gone also had an impact on their songwriting. Here's the track called Hominid and it sounds pretty dope if you ask me:
New A389 merch: Day Of Mourning (!), Pulling Teeth, Slumlords...
Reposted from A389:
Crime Scene will be doing A389 merch. They're fast, reliable and have had a long relationship with the label as well as all of the bands I've ever been in. In short, they rule. So with that being said. Check out Series One: Day of Mourning; Oak; Pala; Rot In Hell; Pulling Teeth and Slumlords. Click here to enter the webstore.
Wolf City
Name: Wolf City! (Bryant)
Location: Teno, NV
Active since: January, 2009
How do you define your overall style?
Straight up, fast paced, in your face hardcore.
Whats your goal with this band?
To take it as far as it can. If the kids are into it and the name gets bigger then I will take this band as far as possible.
What do you have recorded so far?
We have a 5 song demo right now (on our page) but were making plans to record a new ep.
“Hardcore is a brotherhood. Straightedge is a brotherhood” - what exactly that means to you and how kids reading this interview can perhaps apply it to themselves?There's too much drama in the scenes around the country. When I got into hardcore it wasn't the cool place to go but it WAS a place to get away from all of the middle school, high school bullshit. No judgement, who cares what your wearing, where you grew up. It didn't matter. Straightedge is a worldwide movement and its up to the kids involved to keep it going and not destroy it. Its not about going to a show and fighting other straightedge kids. Its about straightedge kids being there for each other.
"10,000 kids, one heart, same blood" -unconquered
So how did the band came about?
Everyone was just kind of fed up with afb and its stress. Not anything else to say really.
Since most of you were also involved in xAFBx, when writing tracks for Wolf City do you feel any pressure to satisfy the xAFBx fans or you see it as a new start and just go on doing your thing?
No pressure at all. To me wolf city is a brand new band. We wanted almost no ties to afb what so ever.
There’s a lot of controversy surrounding straight edge nowadays, especially with the bands promoting it in the so called ‘militant’ way. What do people get most commonly miss-construed about it?
Like every movement there are different lifestyles and beliefs. People get straightedge kids so misconstrued, when in reality 95% of these people are just like everyone else minus being sober. You got the violent, the anti violent and many more different lifestyles inside the straightedge movement. But were all brought together through a common belief.
There’s a lot of home pride in your band. How much of an influence was the city you live in, on your music?
Our name is based off of this town. Our local college football team is the nevada wolf pack. So we figure why not have a band with as much city pride as possible. Its all about having pride in your city. Wherever it is.
What is it about Reno in your opinion that it’s a home to such a strong SxE scene?
The kids here are awesome. As of lately we've been trying to build up the scene so every single kid can come to a show and release some aggression and have some fun. Its not about how hard you are, or how many tattoos you have. And once every kid in this town knows that they are welcome, then we will have an unbeatable scene.
Who are some of the band from Reno people should give a listen?
I don't know links that well but here's some local bands that everyone shouls check out.
Out of reach
Contend
xbarcadiax
The farley overdose
Citizens
Beyond the pit
The airplane game (not hardcore but good stuff)
Crimetime
What are the future plans for the band?To take it as far as we can. If the kids are into it then we will do whatever is possible with the band.
Anything else you would like to add?
Not really. To anyone reading, thanks for the support and keep the movement alive.
Wolf City at Myspace
CDC - Burn
This time PA’s pride CDC teamed with FWH records to deliver another blast of hardcore brutality. If you’re a fan of metallic hardcore, I’m sure you’ve heard about ‘em so let’s keep the introduction to the minimum and get down the business.
I’m just gonna come right out and say it: Burn is one of the best albums of the year. Vocals drive the album. Brooke occasionally changes his style, he likes to throw in some typical hardcore shouting as well as some rap influenced patterns. Concept wise and lyrically Burn is quite dark, with songs like Ten Amerikan Days or Let It Burn dealing with the socio-political topics, but there are also tracks like Ghost Writer which leave some room for interpretation. The rest of the band pick up the slack and each song is delivered with the sort of maniac aggression, yet there still is a good amount of variety. Burn is complex and destructive and the band throws in a lot of breakdowns as well as moments of melody and fast parts to get the pit moving. They keep it even brutal and aggressive all the way but also vary styles and tempos which make this CD very enjoyable from start to finish. The instruments sound clear and punchy and the guitar riffs are aggressive, yet very catchy. My only problem with this CD is that it’s so damn short and. Sure, it offers a lot of bang for your buck, but still they could have come up with few more songs.
I love every song on this short album, and I have a different favorite daily. It’s engaging and pure nonstop awesomeness. If you look at it as a beatdown album, it could be the genre’s strongest statement of the year. But labels are just labels cause the band has succeeded to create its own identity. Anyway, no matter what you call it, it’s still one of the dopest moments in hardcore this year.
Author: Dloogi
Label: FWH Recs.
Year: 2009
Few links every hardcore kid should check out
Folks from Seventh Dagger records launched their own blog where you can find some interesting stuff like interviews with Blackout Rage, xUnbreakablex and more... - seventhdagger.blogspot.com
Punk Gang History at Greaserama - Part 1 | Part 2
Straight Edge is no sex, no drugs, just rock and roll - an article on Straight Edge in Metro magazine - Metro.co.uk
Crank Call Fanzine #1 posted at xStuck In The Pastx blog - xstuckinthepastx.blogspot.com
Oi! – The Truth by Garry Bushell - www.garry-bushell.co.uk
Punk Rock Fight Club: Inside the bloody brotherhood of FSU, where violence rules and wearing the wrong T-shirt just might get you killed - Rolling Stone
Racist Rock: Do the right thing [they got it really twisted with Breakdown and Hard Skin] - www.sandiegoreader.com
Brooksite
Band’s name: Brooksite
Location: Long Island New York
Active since: Spring 2008
How do you define your overall style?
Beatdown Hardstyle
What’s your goal with this band?
To do something people will remember and of course to keep hardcore alive
What do you have recorded so far?
A 2 song sample in 2008 and the 5 track Reclaim Ep in early 2009, a one new track in early spring 09
I just want to get a little history on the Brooksite. How did you guys come together?
Who is who in the band? Victor and Nick wanted to started a new heavy band, they were both previously in a melodic hardcore/rock band called Galilei, which was pretty successful on long island. Victor plays guitar, Nick plays bass, Lumpy plays guitar, Colin is the vocalist and Corey is the drummer
It’s not hard to notice that metallic hardcore is on the rise nowadays. How do think your band fits into the scene? Why people should give it a listen?
We fit into the scene because were just a bunch of friends in a hardcore band just trying to have a good time and have a true understanding for what hardcore really is, hence why people should listen to us.
Can you tell me about The Reclaim Ep. How would you describe these songs?
Its pretty solid, but we don't really enjoy it too much, Our new shit is fucking HEAVYYY
What has been the response so far?
People like it but they have no idea whats coming
For someone who hasn't experienced you all live, what's to be expected?
Lots of hate mosh hahaha
Who are the main influences on the band - in terms of music, film, politics etc?
Basically bands like Hatebreed, Shattered Realm, Buried Alive, Six Ft Ditch, Earth Crisis and Swear To God
How familiar are you with the European scene? Do you have any favourite bands from over here?
Yeah, that scene rules...Special Move, Cold Hard Truth, Crawlspace, Nasty, Six Ft Ditch, Providence, Redound all great bands
Favourite horror movie?
What do you think about the new Halloween movie from Rob Zombie? I personally love the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the original Halloween, i dont know how i feel about rob zombies remake, probably gonna see it soon
Favourite porn star?
Gianna Micheals, Julia Bond, Peter North ;-)
What are the next plans for the band?
Make all new material, put out a split with our friends in King Nine (myspace.com/kingninehardcore)
Any last words?
Would just like to shout out some of our friends bands
KING NINE http://www.myspace.com/kingninehardcore
STRENGTH THROUGH SUFFERING http://www.myspace.com/strengththroughsuffering
SOWN IN TEARS http://www.myspace.com/sownintears
TWO WILL WITNESS http://www.myspace.com/twowillwitness
WOLVERINE http://www.myspace.com/wolverinelihc
WITHOUT REMORSE http://www.myspace.com/withoutremorse
ENEMY MIND http://www.myspace.com/enemymind82
LINE OF SCRIMMAGE http://www.myspace.com/lineofscrimmagebk
thats about it man, thanks for the interview!
Brooksite at myspace.
xLost In Hatex
xLost In Hatex is a straight edge band from Brazil formed in 2007. They just got the Disciplina E Honra Ep out and you should give it a try if you dig bands like Earth Crisis, Obituary, Biohazard and Confronto. The band is working hard to get their name out in international hardcore community and they definitely deserve some more attention.
First of all, how was 2k9 for xLost In Hatex so far? You guys have released a new Ep so I guess there’s no reason to complain?
Wellington: This year was spectacular; we already started launching our EP in January, that's amazing for us. Recording in our city is a very hard work. And we did our t-shirts merch with our own money, this is other big step for us.
Your new Ep “Disciplina e Honra” just came out. What people should expect from this stuff?
Wellington: An album which was done with much respect and dedication, true and real lyrics, this album comes from the streets to the streets.
You guys had the chance to test the new songs live. How was the response so far?
Wellington: The shows are a time of great tension, now after lunching our EP, we play our songs and people sing with us, moshing and representing what hardcore is about. It is very rewarding
Lyrically what kind of themes do you explore in your music?
Wellington: The pride of the path we have chosen to follow and we try to show the distraction that drugs cause to our generation. And in our country we have other big problems as poverty of population associated with alcohol and drugs. We hope kids listening to our songs will stop and think about it.
What bands have been biggest influences on your music and lyrics?
Wellington: Out there is basically xMaroonx, Heaven Shall Burn, Have Heart and here in Brazil we have great bands like Confronto, Condolência and Point Of No Return.
So what it is about straight edge that makes it a lifestyle for you? What was the main reason why you said no to drugs and alcohol and smokes?
Wellington: Yes, SxE is a lifestyle for us, I think the mains reason for all of us was the idea "I can’t only want the change, we have to be it" make the difference, we don’t want to be one more person on the streets with life destroyed by drugs and alcohol.
What would you say about the Brazilian hardcore scene nowadays? It seems to be very metal influenced with a lot of kids following the SxE lifestyle. Would you agree with that?
Wellington: Not much, the Brazilian hardcore still keeps fairly traditional compared to the North American scene for example, but there is the influence of metal bands like Obituary, Slyer and others. But hardcore still on the streets and still have people working for the scene! Here hardcore is not music, it’s a lifestyle.
Any good, upcoming Brazilian bands everybody should check out?
Wellington: Confronto and Fim do Silêncio. You need to hear it!
Big business and hardcore? As a band that chooses to release their first recordings DIY, do you feel hardcore scene can benefit from big labels and media hype?
Wellington: I'll be quite honest, I think bands should benefit from all it can, I do not see problems in a hardcore band joining a major label if you’re still consistent and true to yourself and your fans.
What are your plans for the future with this band?
Wellington: Next month we will be entering the studio and recording another EP, as yet we’re unable to record a full CD. We want to get a record label, and some support outside of Brazil, and if possible play gigs in other countries, it is our dream!
Thanks for the interview, anything you would like to add?
Wellington: I would like very much to thank the opportunity that the -Old School Hate- gave to us, thank you reader who was willing to know us!
xLost In Hatex at Myspace.
First of all, how was 2k9 for xLost In Hatex so far? You guys have released a new Ep so I guess there’s no reason to complain?
Wellington: This year was spectacular; we already started launching our EP in January, that's amazing for us. Recording in our city is a very hard work. And we did our t-shirts merch with our own money, this is other big step for us.
Your new Ep “Disciplina e Honra” just came out. What people should expect from this stuff?
Wellington: An album which was done with much respect and dedication, true and real lyrics, this album comes from the streets to the streets.
You guys had the chance to test the new songs live. How was the response so far?
Wellington: The shows are a time of great tension, now after lunching our EP, we play our songs and people sing with us, moshing and representing what hardcore is about. It is very rewarding
Lyrically what kind of themes do you explore in your music?
Wellington: The pride of the path we have chosen to follow and we try to show the distraction that drugs cause to our generation. And in our country we have other big problems as poverty of population associated with alcohol and drugs. We hope kids listening to our songs will stop and think about it.
What bands have been biggest influences on your music and lyrics?
Wellington: Out there is basically xMaroonx, Heaven Shall Burn, Have Heart and here in Brazil we have great bands like Confronto, Condolência and Point Of No Return.
So what it is about straight edge that makes it a lifestyle for you? What was the main reason why you said no to drugs and alcohol and smokes?
Wellington: Yes, SxE is a lifestyle for us, I think the mains reason for all of us was the idea "I can’t only want the change, we have to be it" make the difference, we don’t want to be one more person on the streets with life destroyed by drugs and alcohol.
What would you say about the Brazilian hardcore scene nowadays? It seems to be very metal influenced with a lot of kids following the SxE lifestyle. Would you agree with that?
Wellington: Not much, the Brazilian hardcore still keeps fairly traditional compared to the North American scene for example, but there is the influence of metal bands like Obituary, Slyer and others. But hardcore still on the streets and still have people working for the scene! Here hardcore is not music, it’s a lifestyle.
Any good, upcoming Brazilian bands everybody should check out?
Wellington: Confronto and Fim do Silêncio. You need to hear it!
Big business and hardcore? As a band that chooses to release their first recordings DIY, do you feel hardcore scene can benefit from big labels and media hype?
Wellington: I'll be quite honest, I think bands should benefit from all it can, I do not see problems in a hardcore band joining a major label if you’re still consistent and true to yourself and your fans.
What are your plans for the future with this band?
Wellington: Next month we will be entering the studio and recording another EP, as yet we’re unable to record a full CD. We want to get a record label, and some support outside of Brazil, and if possible play gigs in other countries, it is our dream!
Thanks for the interview, anything you would like to add?
Wellington: I would like very much to thank the opportunity that the -Old School Hate- gave to us, thank you reader who was willing to know us!
xLost In Hatex at Myspace.
Alley Gods - Alley Gods
Just when you thought the whole world gone metal, you discover a band like Alley Gods which kind of give you some hope.
It’s fast and angry but very danceable at the same time. They made sure they packed their songs with the quickest tempos and meanest dance parts. Naturally, the ep has a fantastic old school feel. These guys obviously learned their licks from the early pioneers like SSD, Agnostic Front, Warzone and Minor Threat. The music is heavily rooted in what has been done in the past, yet when you think of it, most of the old school bands nowadays wanna sound like Have Heart and there are few bands who actually deliver that pissed off style of hardcore. The A-side of this Ep contains 4 tracks from 2007, while B-side is taken from the September 2008 recording session and while there is no big difference in style between them, the newer material display the progress the band is making. While still staying true to the concept of fast old school hardcore, their songs got more complex with more hooklines and better delivery. I don’t have a lyrics sheet but with song titles like Food For The Guns or Beers & Queers it seems like off-the-wall jokes and attempts to get under everybody’s skin. Which is nice.
What I like about what Alley Gods are doing is that they are really holding it up for the true pissed off hardcore sound. No bullshit, just a high-energy slap of hardcore.
Author: Dloogi
Label: Poolside Records
Year: 2009
Alley Gods at Myspace
Mobsters and Kiss Your Ass Goodbye tees from Pound For Pound
I've just came acrosss a merch store of Pound For Pound (which happens to be one of my favourite bands) only to discover they've got some nice tees in stock. Click here and check it out by yourself.
Providence - Far Beyond Our Depth
The raw energy and brutal heaviness of the Providence' debut full length made it pretty easy for me to get into them. If you’re feeling beatdown hardcore is getting too generic and predictable, I suggest you give those French moshers a try.
I didn’t pay much attention to their demo recordings but I’ve heard a lot of people telling me good things about them so when I popped the Far Beyond Our Depth CD in, my expectations were high. The album opens with Introblivion, a short and forceful blast of meaty guitar work, pounding drums and double bass action soon joined by insane vocals. When the galloping riffs and drums make way for a neck breaking groove part, you know this shit is for real. Providence is ferocious and brutal as any good beatdown hardcore band should sound, but it has the right groove which puts them ahead of the curve for a lot of bands that follow the same path. It’s laced with that raw hardcore with lashings of heavy breakdowns as well as some slick fast parts for circle pit action. The compositions are quite busy and the music is more detailed and richer than the average. The album is well produced with the guitar, bass and drums all blending flawlessly.
Let me also take a time to appreciate the artwork. The illustrations are done by Brice Besson and are one of the best work I’ve witnessed in hardcore recently. Totally out of the box but staying in line with the title of the album.
There are no fillers on this CD the whole package is tight from the music to the production to the artwork. If you are into this heavy heavy stuff, it is a must.
Author: Dloogi
Label: Rucktion
Year: 2009
Providence at Myspace
No Man Is Just A Number
Number 6: [referring to the chess game] Why do you use people?Chessmaster: Some psychiatrists say it satisfies the desire for power. 'the only opportunity one gets here.
Number 6: That depends what side you're on.
Chessmaster: [quickly] I'm on my side.
Number 6: [quickly] Aren't we all.
Chessmaster: You must be new here. In time, most of us join the enemy - against ourselves.
Down To This
Name: Down To This
Location: 252 North Carolina
Active since: Sept. 08
How do you define your overall style?
Bare bones hardcore ha ha !
What’s your goal with this band?
Keep it real and inspire kids to be real
What do you have recorded so far?
A 6 song e.p. On Faction Zero out this October
You guys are in the process of putting out your first ep or it might even be out already. What’s the deal with that and what people should expect from this stuff?
It's pretty much the top 6 songs from our early setlist. It's kinda diverse from rocking 2 step shit to brutal mosh without being metal.
How would you describe the ep when it comes to the lyrics? What was your main inspiration for them?
It's kind of a mix of us venting about stuff that's happened to us and the state of the fucked up "underground scene" and also there are some anthems about brotherhood and how important sincerity is in a time of trendiness and passing phases in hardcore.
How did you guys meet in the first place?
Me and the drummer and bassist were in a shitty death metal band with nothing going for it and we all kinda looked at each other and knew we wanted to do something more sincere and honest. Our bassist had been jamming with Alan in another project and they wanted to do stripped down, beatdown hardcore and since me, John and Josh wanted out of the band we were in we kinda began writing with Alan and it came together super quick.
Who or what do you feel has motivated you to start this band?
Being sick of all the flavor of the month shit going on in our scene and wanting to take it back to basics.
Is getting your music released by a record label something you'd try to achieve with down to this or you plan stick with the diy approach in the future?
We definitely want to work with a legit label that understands hardcore and also understands that we want to get rewarded for what we put into this. There is nothing wrong with taking this shit as far as possible while staying true to where it all came from. We want to expose all the kids to the way we rock ha ha. But seriously we want to go as far as possible or until we kill each other.
What do you feel the biggest events for hardcore scene were in 2009 so far and which albums do you think really stood out from the rest?
I think the $10 for $10 tour was a huge success in getting real bands out there on tour together and reppin' the real shit to a bunch of kids that may not have ever witnessed anything like that. The new Trapped Under Ice album is very unique and brutal in its own way. The new Death Before Dishonor shows a real sense of individuality and trueness to self in that it mixes punk with oi and metal in a seamless way that just keeps moving forward.
How do you feel about the hardcore music coming from the North Carolina? What are other bands from this area everybody should check out?
The hardcore scene still a very tight knit, underground kinda network that seems to refuse to let the mainstream infiltrate it. There is a huge metal legacy in this state that has reluctantly embraced hardcore so it exists but is still not getting the love it needs. Bitter peace, struck out and conquer me are a few NC bands keepin hardcore alive.
What's your opinion on the European and Asian hardcore scene?
Oh my god I fucking love the London scene! Knuckledust, TRC, and No Turning Back are sick! Any European BFL band owns! Also my boy Hiro's band Loyal To The Grave rep hardcore so hard in Japan. I feel that Europe and Asia support it way better than the states ever will. Also those dudes don't fuck around. They are very protective of the culture form what I've seen.
Thank you for the interview! Any last words?
You are very welcome. It's very flattering that you guys are even interested in a shitty band like down to this ha ha. On a final note I wanna say that this thuggish violence has got to stop at the shows. We should be fighting the bouncers, cops, drug dealers and asshole thugs and not each other. Hardcore kids need to team up to keep it going not kill it by making people afraid to go to shows.
Down To This at Myspace
Matinee: Photographs from CBGB's 1983-1985
"Photographer and film maker Drew Carolan returns to the scene of a series of photographs he made of the CBGB hardcore matinee's from 1983-1985 on the Bowery in New York city."
[Un] titled
UN TITLED is a photography book put together by 6 amateur diy photographers from European scene: Sheep, Marian Magdolen, Monika Chilmon, Jan Urant, Patrycja Gagan and Roman Laris. It should be out this winter and from you can see at their MySpace profile, it’s gonna be some top quality stuff. It will be limited to 500 copies only so don’t sleep on it. Watch for updates on their MySpace profile. It’s a shame that with some many good photographers around there are so few initiatives like this one. Let’s hope that the idea will catch on enough that we'll see some more of such goodness being released in the future.
And All Was Silent
"We remember when Hardcore wasn't a fashion show and bands weren't trying to get famous playing it. For us it isn't and never will be about any of that. We just want to play as many shows as possible and have fun and meet some cool people while we're doing it."
Introduce your band to our readers and tell us where your bands from.
Yo we're And All Was Silent, from Woonsocket Rhode Island. Victor (vocals), Jimmy (Bass), Brandon (guitar), Brian (drums).
How did the band start?
(Brandon) In 2005 Brian originally played guitar, I sang, and we had another drummer. We started out playing high school battle of the bands, and breaking shit.
Can you tell us why No Turning Back is worth a listen, and what should kids expect from it?
(Brian) I think its not your average cookie cutter hardcore cd, its a straight up beatdown record, with mad breakdowns, and sexy 2 step parts.
(Jimmy) Its a good album and after you listen to it your gonna wanna come out to a live show.
With song titles like "Put this in your mouth" and "Better off dead" it seems you're not beating around the bush when it comes to writing lyrics. How would you describe the lyrical content of the cd and where do you find your inspiration?
(Victor) The content is simple and straight to the point, my inspiration comes from everyday occurances and situations. I hate people who talk shit but cant back it up, thats what "Put this in your mouth" is about, and "Better off Dead" is about people who were served a silver spoon and have never changed there mentallity, thinking they are better than everyone else.
So what is your label situation and where can kids buy your EP?
(Brandon) Our EP is self released on our own label, Hit The Deck Records. Its available at andallwassilent.bigcartel.com, interpunk.com, and off our myspace myspace.com/andallwassilentri . Were looking for label support and distro in europe, and as well as a label for our next record which is ready to be recorded early 2010.
You guys are working with japan based Retribution Network, how did this collaboration come about?
(Jimmy) We started selling our EP on ebay, labeling it for fans of Boston Hardcore, a few people in Japan bought it. Shortly after Retribution contacted us requesting a bunch of merch, because kids in japan were asking for it.
"We remeber when hardcore wasnt a fashion show and bands werent trying to get famous playing it" is a quote off your myspace page. So how do you feel about the hardcore scene today? Do you think that media recognition helped to spark a revival of the genre or rather made it just another trend?
(Brian) I think the recognition of hardcore bands is good for a few reasons to bring new kids to shows, theres nothing wrong with that, but in my opinion the genre of hardcore is over used and not understood. Im sick of all these shitty little kids wearing chicks pants, crying into the microphone, having a shaggy haircut, and playing breakdowns and thinking there a hardcore band. Real hardcore isnt about how many people can see your nuts in the pants your wearing, and real hardcore isnt just about breakdowns, which most kids dont understand.
What is the hardcore scene like in Rhode Island?
(Brandon) All the venues got shut down, so now its hard to even have shows. When there is all ages venues shows go well theres a decent amount of kids who still care.
What are the bands plans for the future?
(Victor) Keep doing what were doing, play as many shows as possible, and record a new full length cd. Also we want to play outside the USA, and get fucked up!
Anything else you would like to add?
(All) Check out our stuff on myspace if you like it buy it help us out, we would also like to thank Dloogi for hooking us up with this interview. Shout outs to our boys in RI, MA, and All in Crew in CT.
Introduce your band to our readers and tell us where your bands from.
Yo we're And All Was Silent, from Woonsocket Rhode Island. Victor (vocals), Jimmy (Bass), Brandon (guitar), Brian (drums).
How did the band start?
(Brandon) In 2005 Brian originally played guitar, I sang, and we had another drummer. We started out playing high school battle of the bands, and breaking shit.
Can you tell us why No Turning Back is worth a listen, and what should kids expect from it?
(Brian) I think its not your average cookie cutter hardcore cd, its a straight up beatdown record, with mad breakdowns, and sexy 2 step parts.
(Jimmy) Its a good album and after you listen to it your gonna wanna come out to a live show.
With song titles like "Put this in your mouth" and "Better off dead" it seems you're not beating around the bush when it comes to writing lyrics. How would you describe the lyrical content of the cd and where do you find your inspiration?
(Victor) The content is simple and straight to the point, my inspiration comes from everyday occurances and situations. I hate people who talk shit but cant back it up, thats what "Put this in your mouth" is about, and "Better off Dead" is about people who were served a silver spoon and have never changed there mentallity, thinking they are better than everyone else.
So what is your label situation and where can kids buy your EP?
(Brandon) Our EP is self released on our own label, Hit The Deck Records. Its available at andallwassilent.bigcartel.com, interpunk.com, and off our myspace myspace.com/andallwassilentri . Were looking for label support and distro in europe, and as well as a label for our next record which is ready to be recorded early 2010.
You guys are working with japan based Retribution Network, how did this collaboration come about?
(Jimmy) We started selling our EP on ebay, labeling it for fans of Boston Hardcore, a few people in Japan bought it. Shortly after Retribution contacted us requesting a bunch of merch, because kids in japan were asking for it.
"We remeber when hardcore wasnt a fashion show and bands werent trying to get famous playing it" is a quote off your myspace page. So how do you feel about the hardcore scene today? Do you think that media recognition helped to spark a revival of the genre or rather made it just another trend?
(Brian) I think the recognition of hardcore bands is good for a few reasons to bring new kids to shows, theres nothing wrong with that, but in my opinion the genre of hardcore is over used and not understood. Im sick of all these shitty little kids wearing chicks pants, crying into the microphone, having a shaggy haircut, and playing breakdowns and thinking there a hardcore band. Real hardcore isnt about how many people can see your nuts in the pants your wearing, and real hardcore isnt just about breakdowns, which most kids dont understand.
What is the hardcore scene like in Rhode Island?
(Brandon) All the venues got shut down, so now its hard to even have shows. When there is all ages venues shows go well theres a decent amount of kids who still care.
What are the bands plans for the future?
(Victor) Keep doing what were doing, play as many shows as possible, and record a new full length cd. Also we want to play outside the USA, and get fucked up!
Anything else you would like to add?
(All) Check out our stuff on myspace if you like it buy it help us out, we would also like to thank Dloogi for hooking us up with this interview. Shout outs to our boys in RI, MA, and All in Crew in CT.
Boxcutter -The Ill Testament
Polite, sensitive, mature, gentle ...Boxcutter is none of these things and less. The band is known for the hip hop tinges to its music and this is what separates them from your regular hardcore band. To kick things off the CD opens up with Kingz Of Thugz, which is purely rap joint with violin-filled beat where the band is flexing their lyrical skills to give you idea how it is in their world and what type of topics you’re about to experience on the rest of the material.
Things haven’t changed that much since their last album and their delivery is still rugged and raw meaning that they didn’t try to change their attitude to fit the scene. With all the rap going on, the band has struck a fine balance so there’s enough hardcore breaks here to get you moshing. And when they get heavy, they’re at the top of their game! The biggest banger must be Crown Of Righteousness, one of those songs that you'll listen to several times, before you proceed with the rest of the album. James Ismean’s son features on a joint and he kills it! It’s rude and outrageous and packs a lot of adrenaline. I also must mention BLF Soldier and Get Up as songs that seriously get my blood pumping. What I like are the references they make both in hardcore and rap tracks to the classic hip hop acts like Mobb Deep, Biggie, Run DMC, Slick Rick among others.
The Ill Testament is best when it goes in hardcore direction musically, while the hip hop tracks don’t appeal to me that much. It’s peaks are very high, but the rap joints on the album seem to be filler to some degree. That’s the problem, there are some great hardcore tracks here where the band’s delivery is fat and forceful but they are broken up by rap tracks that are formulaic and occasionally boring, very often begging for a faster, more dynamic flow. To my surprise, the hip hop track I’ve found most entertaining is The Recipe, which blends club beats with some gangsta swag and while I’m not much into this type of stuff usually, this song is ain’t that bad at all. I guess it’s because compared to the rest of the hip hop material it’s rather up-tempo and fast. Still, I don’t want these criticism detract from the truly impressive work that this album is. It has it flaws but it doesnt take away from the fact that The Ill Testament is a solid effort.
Author: Dloogi
Label: Goodlife/Screaming Crow
Year: 2009
Boxcutter at Myspace
Screaming Crow
Goodlife
Bad 2 The Bone II documentary
Strength For A Reason/No Turning Back - Split 7"
You can’t go wrong picking up two of the best hardcore bands from USA and Europe on a single piece of wax. And hell yeah, this is some real shit!
Strength For A Reason takesa side A with two songs lifted from their latest full length. Both of them kick ass and what you can expect is that the band gets right to the heart of what hardcore is. There’s really something fucked up with the world today and those guys are seriously pissed off about it. Next comes No Turning Back which probably is the most known European band nowadays. All I can say is that they totally deserve all the attention they’re getting. Not only because they worked hard for it, but just for the fact that when it comes down to it, they know how hardcore should be played. The musicianship is top notch and the compositions are full of aggression and intensity without losing a sense of melody. The lyrics are honest and something every kid can relate to.
Both bands represent everything that epitomizes what hardcore is about. Dope lyrics, powerful music and somehow positive vibe despite the aggressive delivery - everything a hardcore kid could ask for. And if you are a record collector you will surely appreciate the superb artwork of this picture disk.
Author: Dloogi
Label: Filled With Hate
Year: 2009
No Turning Back at Myspace
Worth The Pain at Myspace
Filled With Hate Records at Myspace
"The King of Fighters" is being made into a movie
If you love cheesy kung fu flicks with really bad acting and outdated special effects, you might get stoked that 'The King Of Fighters' game is being turned into a movie. Looking behind the scenes, there's gonna be some real B-rated action extravaganza!One Step Down
Band’s name: One Step Down/OSD
Location: Bury St Edmunds!!!
Active since: OSD first started killing people's ears back in 2002/2003
How do you define your overall style?
Since starting 6 or 7 years ago, things with OSD have changed. One thing being our sound. We get chucked into allsorts of catagories like, punk, hardcore, metalcore, metal, thrash, metallic hardcore... WE JUST BOUNCE!
What’s your goal with this band?
I dont think OSD have a goal, in terms of makin many or selling out arena shows. If we do have a goal, its to try and play a new show in a new town or city every month. Not alot to ask for, is it?!
What do you have recorded so far? Jeeze, i've lost count! I think OSD have recorded about 5 demo's, and 1 full length (which never got released). We' were never bothered if our records didnt make it into peoples music collections or onto their ipods, we just like'd getting a feel of being in a band that spent time in a studio! But the last 2 records we made have started to appear in peoples record collections and ipods. simply because we started to play more shows, giving a CD to someone everytime they brought a t-shirt. I still listen to the first OSD demo and the latest, and its amazing! There's so much change, but you can still tell its OSD.
Could you tell us how did you guys got together to form a band?
Well it all started with Lew, Adam & joe. Lew and Ad are brothers, and Joe rides bmx with Ad, and they were just really friends from school who shared the same interested in music and bands and wanted to start a band! Lew used to sing and play bass. Then Joe's sister's boyfriend, Dom, came in to play bass. Later on, Ad went to uni, then i stepped in to play drums. A couple of years later, Ad came back and we wanted him to get involved again, so i stepped onto 2nd guitar and Ad went back on drums to make it a 5 piece. Dom left not so long ago, and then our good friend Chris stepped in on bass!
Who are the members of the band?
Lewis Blythe-Vocals, Joe Embrey-Guitar, Adam Blythe-Drums, Chris Davies-Bass & Sean Griffin-Guitar.
What are your main influences?
I never like answering this question, because people always assume that by saying 'influences', thats what were saying we sound like! which is not the case. If you listen to some of our earlier stuff, you'll hear alot of Donnybrook, SOIA, Madball and all that. And if you listen to out latest demo you'll hear some First Blood, Liferuiner, Knuckledust and all that! We all listen to the same music and totally different bands, and we listen to different music as well! There are us who bring in a bit of punk, and there is one who will chuck a bit of metal in there, so on and so on.
I read a hilarious quote from a review of one of your shows which says “Shaved heads, shorts, new-era hats and bullshit tougher than thou attitudes” and I gotta say it makes for a perfect advertisement of your music. Is this kind of feedback you would like to get?
No, it isnt at all. Its not the perfect advertisment for OSD, thats bullshit. That particular show... my hair was past my shoulders, lew only shaves his head because he's going grey. The dude who wrote that review was'nt reviewing, he wanted to be a critic. We dont mind critisism, but the dude was just being an arsehole. In that whole review he did not once mention on the performance or music. He seems to consider himself as a fashion guru.
So how do you feel about kids bitching about everything that’s not in line with their vision of hardcore like this band said this and that or that band is moshing too hard and shit like that?
Them kids are douchebags. They only think like that because some band have drummed it into their heads. Im getting really fed up with the kids at shows today. I think thats why alot of the older crowd dont get to shows anymore, they've realised its bullshit, and the younger kids are concentrating on being cool and tough. I have no problem with young kids coming to shows, but they need to drop the fucking attitude, some of the older kids are like that as well. The last 2 shows OSD have played, ive seen a number of kids getting violent and trying it on with other kids because they feel they need to prove themselves. Its so upsetting.
Do you think that hardcore got too soft, too nice lately?
No, i just think that some bands have wanted to mix up their love for softer and more expressive music with hardcore. And thats fine. I cant say im personally into it, but who said hardcore had to break bones and smash teeth? Its like saying... "Do you think rap music has got too soft, too nice lately... Because... artist have decided to rap about real things that happen. Its not all about weed, bitches and money". If you dont like it, its cool, stick to what you know. Let them get on with it.
On the other hand, how do you feel about the politics in hardcore? Do you think it’s possible to find a perfect balance between having fun and spreading the positive message to the kids?Politics... i would'nt bother. Politics in hardcore or any other music is just another way of getting people to listen to how you feel. Im not dissing it, nor am i supporting it. I just dont give a fuck. But spreading a positive message is different and important. You should'nt abuse your position and power of being able to get a group of 30, 50, 100 or even 1000's of people to listen to you. If you can do that, you can make a change, make if for the best!
What part of UK you guys are from and how the hardcore scene like over there?
We're for lully suffolk! Its the same as everywhere, it has its high points, and its low points. And at the moment i think were on a low. People have no money which means people cant afford to go to shows and promoters cant afford to pay bands. Its a vicious circle. But it would help if bands stopped trying to charge through the roof and promoters stop trying to make a living out of it, then we could charge L2 to get in and more people would be able to afford it!
You guys seem to be playing a lot of shows. What’s the most memorable gig you ever played?
Haha, the most memorable gigs are always the bad ones... and we've had alot of them. We always used to struggle with kids at shows. Its getting easier now, i dunno what we've done to change their minds! but, the most memorable gig for OSD would be... The Minerva, Southend-on-sea, 2007 w/ By My Hands, Your Demise & BWP. Everything went wrong. The sound guy said we were shit. One of our friends was walking around the venue giving away free CD's of us, and one dude even brought one back because he realised it was the last band who played, BEING US!
So what are the band’s plans for the future? When is the debut album coming out?
Well we dont like to make plans because things never go according to plan. But, we just wanna keep playing shows, more shows, new towns/city's, with new bands! The debut album will come out when we agree on a set of songs to put down, have the money to record it, and when someone wants to release it!
Ok, thanks for the interview. Anything else you would like to say to the kids out there?
Thankyou! Its been a pleasure. And there is actually... GO CHECK US OUT IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY!!! www.myspace.com/osdbsehc
In Blood We Trust - On Thin Ice
In Blood We Trust - On Thin IceFWH 2009
This album can come as a surprise for everybody familiar with band’s previous work. They definitely picked up a pace this time and the music overall got more of this classic hardcore feeling. This new formula is obviously working for them giving the songs a certain freshness and vitality. You can hear some good hooks and groove parts coupled with harsh and cocky vocals and a lot of gang action. On Thin Ice uses a lot of different kind of structures, from fast parts to beatdown breaks, and somehow it all flows naturally. The foundation of their music is still based on chugging riffs, massive bass and breakbeat style drum breaks and even if there are many ‘I’ve heard it before’ moments here, as long as they keep it fresh it’s fine with me. What I also like is the fact that In Blood We Trust are obviously having more fun this time. The feeling of the album is still of posing tough but they coupled it with more of a laid back approach and that’s what scores the points here cause if you gotta punch somebody in the face at least have fun doing it. It’s something making the whole delivery much more entertaining for sure, even though the lyrics hit all the standard clichés like revenge, backstabbers or staying true to your crew. The production is flat and too raw for this type of music which perhaps is the biggest minus. A lot of things they do over here seem to lose all of the impact it would have with a more fat and balanced sound. It has its ups and downs, but the more I think about it, the less there is to criticize about this record. They are definitely going in the right direction.
Author: Dloogi
IBWT at Myspace
Filled With Hate Records
The week wrap-up
"What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist." —Salman Rushdie
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Some stuff you might find interesting:
Muslims Not 'Free of Being Mocked,' Danish Cartoonist Says - FoxNews.com
Europe’s Socialists Suffering Even in Downturn - NYTimes.com
Photoshopped Images Could Carry Warnings in France - Physorg.com
Oxfam launches East Africa appeal - BBC
Nestle milk link to Grace Mugabe - BBC
Iran Says It Test-Fires Longest-Range Missiles - Fox News
What Is Iran Afraid Of? - Slate.com
What's "Unlawful Sexual Intercourse"? - Slate.com
The Polanski Uproar - NYTimes.com
A Primer on Racism - Slate.com
China Is Wordless on Traumas of Communists’ Rise - NYTimes.com
China's Online Censors Work Overtime - BusinessWeek
A Human Rights Breakthrough in Guatemala - Smithsonianmag.com
The Fatal Consequences of Counterfeit Drugs - Smithsonianmag.com
