Fullback 89
It's amazing that I just cannot get tired of bands like this one - it's just pure hardcore, nothing more nothing less. Fullback 89 takes you back down the memory lane when it was all about circle pits and sing alongs and having fun!
It's amazing that I just cannot get tired of bands like this one - it's just pure hardcore, nothing more nothing less. Fullback 89 takes you back down the memory lane when it was all about circle pits and sing alongs and having fun!
You guys have just released your debut recordings so I guess many people would like to know more about you. Could you tell us how Fullback 89 started? What was the reason to form a hardcore band?
We are FULLBACK 89 from Valencia Spain repressenting the back to the roots hardcore. We started in the winter of 2008, while talking in our drummer's record shop with some friends about the idea of starting a new band focused on the sound and the ideas we grow up with, which is classic nyhc the old way. We were already involved in other bands in the past like Ownfight, Social Combat, also in record labels like Backside, fanzines, etc... But we decided it was time to get the 4 old friends together, and make an old school band.
So how would you describe Start From A Scratch to someone who haven’t heard it before?
It's hard, rought, agressive mid tempo HARDCORE. We are not great musicians but we do it with our hearts, and I think that is reflected in our sound. You can feel the fury, many choruses...
We know it’s deeply rooted in classic hardcore sound, but what bands in particular had the biggest influence on your songwriting?
That's a hard question, actually I can't find a band to describe our sound or the way we write the songs. We grow up listening to bands like the Cro-Mags, Crumbsuckers, Antidote, Negative Approach, Icemen and things like that. Maybe some of our sound comes from there.
Do you think that the lyrics and the message in hardcore are of the same importance as the music?
Sure we think so, you know, when I was younger, I remember listening to everysong and checking absolutely every fucking lirycs. At that age, you are under the influence of many things, and when you are into hardcore that's where you learn your values. It doesnt mean that all your songs must have a message, sometimes they are only about things that you like, or situations you have lived... you know what i mean...
Although your debut EP has been released on a physical format, you’re ok with people downloading it for free and even posted a download link on your Myspace profile. I like this type of attitude. Do you feel it’s a good way to go for a band like yours or are you regretting it already?
You are right, we have released our first ep START FROM SCRATCH on a limited edition of 500 vinyls 7"s. We are all into vinyl and record collection, so we had to put it out on vinyl. But we know that most of the people doesn´t even own a record player, and also we know that the kids now a days download for free the music. We don't give a shit about money, because we know we will never get any money by playing hardcore, so we just want our recordings to be listened by the most people possible. So everybody is welcome to download it for free. In case someone likes it and want to support the band they always can get in touch to buy us a record or ask their distros around.
You guys are true to the old ways of playing hardcore. Is it more important to respect the traditions of the style, or it’s rather about pushing the genre's boundaries? Is there a way to achieve a balance between progression and tradition?
Thats something that a lot of people is asking us, we find important to pay respect to the roots and play the way it was done back in the days, but we respect all new styles that emerged later, we like many different styles, even if we play old school.
So what is your definition of real hardcore sound?
I don't think there's only one truth, you know what I mean, everyone can have a feeling about it, for me , personally, it's fast and aggresive music done by the working class with a positive message. When I say positive doesnt mean "straight edge", that's something personal. I am talking about a life based on building up, not destroying...
And apart from music, what hardcore lifestyle means to you? Is it about politics, friendship, pride or something totally else?
I believe for all of us hardcore has been a way of life, we spent more than 20 years involved in the scene and for example, for me, it's the only way. Sure friendship, pride and things like that are importat. You must have pride in yourself and what you have, what you do ... But the most important value is Respect. Politics are for politicians, we preffer the word "ethics" insted of politics.
So you guys are not here for the kids but for their girlfriends haha Do you get many groupies playing in hardcore band?
Haha, that's just a fucking joke we wrote on our myspace band bio.And its fucking far from reality, no groupies at all in our shows...too bad...haha
Spain have been hit pretty badly by the still ongoing economical turmoil. Has it affected any one of you personally? Is it harder for you to make ends meet nowadays?
Yes man, you are fucking right, fortunatelly we all had jobs and keep it, but lots and lots of our friends, families, etc.. lost their jobs and are in a fucking bad situation. People can't pay their bills and are loosing their houses....We really hope things change soon
What kind of stuff are you guys listening to now?
I will speak for myself ( Ivan-Singer) I have been listening latelly to bands like The Mongoloids, Downpresser, The Rival mob, Violation, Rotting out, Backtrack, Fire and Ice, Alpha and Omega... Lot's of stuff...
The most important questions of them all – Boston or New York? Or maybe LA?
If you ask me, I would say NY, but if you ask our bass player...I think he wouldn't say that...haha...we have talk about it so many times while having a beer... Let's say that both cities had fucking great bands,and we love them all. About LA, there's a lot of new bands emerging from that area latelly that I personally love, as you can see in the other question...
And if you could make out with Lady Gaga or Elton John, who would it be?
C'mon man, what a question... I think Gaga could fit so well on our cd covers...haha... but we don't like any of them... i think it would be better if they make it out between them...
What are the future plans for the band?
First of all we want to release another 7" with 3 songs that couldn't be release in our debut, they belong to the same recodings sessions. Also we have plans of reconding an lp at the end of this summer, so far we have already a few new tracks and we are working on writing new material. We want to find as well a good label for us, and i dont mean a Major or some kind of a big label, but someone who shows interest in what we do and have the same passion as we have on our music. Last but not least we would like to thank dloggi for this interview and congratulate him for the good job he's doing with HARDBOILED. Thanxs to everybody and see you in the pit!!!
Fullback at Myspace
“Banging the drums of war” to be reissued this year
Purification's classic album, “Banging the drums of war”, will be reissued by Burning Season Records. The new version will include 2 brand new tracks which will be recorded by the band in the upcoming weeks. Also, get ready for band's reunion tour which will take place in July/August 2010. More info coming soon.
Avenged Sevenfold have a new drummer
Avenged Sevenfold have recruited Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy for their upcoming... wait, do anybody reading it really give a damn about Avenged Sevenfold? No, I don't think so...
Death Before Dishonor tour dates
Here are some tour dates for the one of the hardest working bands in hardcore:
Death Before Dishonor & Cruel Hand on tour w/ Terror:
Feb 26 Rotterdam, Netherlands @ De Baroeg
Feb 27 Lindau, Germany @ Club Vaudeville
Feb 28 Kufstein, Austria @ Kulturfabrik
Mar 01 Wien, Austria @ Szene
Mar 02 Muenchen, Germany @ Backstage/Werk
Mar 03 Saarbruecken, Germany @ Garage
Mar 04 Bruneck, Italy @ Ufo
Mar 05 Mulhouse, France @ Le Noumatrouff
Mar 06 Mons, Belgium @ Maximum HxC & Metal Fest
Mar 07 Sneek, Netherlands @ Het Bolwerk
Mar 08 Koeln, Germany @ Essigfabrik
Mar 09 Hamburg, Germany @ Markthalle
Mar 10 Berlin, Georgia @ SO36
Mar 11 Lodz, Poland @ Dekompresja
Mar 12 Magdeburg, Germany @ Froximun Arena
Mar 13 Leipzig, Germany @ Conne Island
Death Before Dishonor On Tour W/ Evergreen Terrace:
3/16 Houston, TX @ The Junction
3/17 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
3/18 Austin, TX @ East End Tattoo - SXSW (no Evergreen Terrace)
3/19 TBA
3/20 Little Rock, AR @ Juanitas Cantina Ballroom
3/21 Claremore, OK @ The Tree
3/22 Springfield, MO @ Outland Ballroom
3/23 Kansas City, MO @ TBA
3/24 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
3/25 Chicago, IL @ Reggies Rock Club
3/26 Ft. Wayne, IN @ Sunset Hall
3/27 Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theater
3/28 Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
3/29 Charleroi, PA @ Club Octane
3/30 Covington, KY @ Mad Hatter Club
3/31 Evansville, IN @ Boney Junes
4/1 Memphis, TN @ Hi Tone Cafe
4/2 Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
4/3 East Ridge, TN @ The Warehouse
4/4 Tallahassee, FL @ Big Daddys
Mission Quest For Metal Fest Tour:
6-Apr Philadelphia, PA @ The Barbary
7-Apr Baltimore, MD @ The Side Bar
8-Apr Richmond, VA @ Alley Katz
9-Apr Virginia Beach, VA @ Kempsville Ruritan
10-Apr Raligh, NC @ The Brewery
11-Apr Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
12-Apr Atlanta, GA @ P.S. Warehouse
13-Apr Johnson City, TN @ The Hideaway
14-Apr Louisville, KY @ Bulldog Café
15-Apr TBA
19-Apr Cincinatti, OH @ Warsaw Arena
20-Apr Cleveland, OH @ The Pirates Cove
21-Apr Pittsburgh, PA @ TBA
22-Apr Rochester, NY @ Dubland Underground
23-Apr Worcester, MA @ METAL FEST
Death Before Dishonor & Cruel Hand on tour w/ Terror:
Feb 26 Rotterdam, Netherlands @ De Baroeg
Feb 27 Lindau, Germany @ Club Vaudeville
Feb 28 Kufstein, Austria @ Kulturfabrik
Mar 01 Wien, Austria @ Szene
Mar 02 Muenchen, Germany @ Backstage/Werk
Mar 03 Saarbruecken, Germany @ Garage
Mar 04 Bruneck, Italy @ Ufo
Mar 05 Mulhouse, France @ Le Noumatrouff
Mar 06 Mons, Belgium @ Maximum HxC & Metal Fest
Mar 07 Sneek, Netherlands @ Het Bolwerk
Mar 08 Koeln, Germany @ Essigfabrik
Mar 09 Hamburg, Germany @ Markthalle
Mar 10 Berlin, Georgia @ SO36
Mar 11 Lodz, Poland @ Dekompresja
Mar 12 Magdeburg, Germany @ Froximun Arena
Mar 13 Leipzig, Germany @ Conne Island
Death Before Dishonor On Tour W/ Evergreen Terrace:
3/16 Houston, TX @ The Junction
3/17 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
3/18 Austin, TX @ East End Tattoo - SXSW (no Evergreen Terrace)
3/19 TBA
3/20 Little Rock, AR @ Juanitas Cantina Ballroom
3/21 Claremore, OK @ The Tree
3/22 Springfield, MO @ Outland Ballroom
3/23 Kansas City, MO @ TBA
3/24 Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
3/25 Chicago, IL @ Reggies Rock Club
3/26 Ft. Wayne, IN @ Sunset Hall
3/27 Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theater
3/28 Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
3/29 Charleroi, PA @ Club Octane
3/30 Covington, KY @ Mad Hatter Club
3/31 Evansville, IN @ Boney Junes
4/1 Memphis, TN @ Hi Tone Cafe
4/2 Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
4/3 East Ridge, TN @ The Warehouse
4/4 Tallahassee, FL @ Big Daddys
Mission Quest For Metal Fest Tour:
6-Apr Philadelphia, PA @ The Barbary
7-Apr Baltimore, MD @ The Side Bar
8-Apr Richmond, VA @ Alley Katz
9-Apr Virginia Beach, VA @ Kempsville Ruritan
10-Apr Raligh, NC @ The Brewery
11-Apr Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern
12-Apr Atlanta, GA @ P.S. Warehouse
13-Apr Johnson City, TN @ The Hideaway
14-Apr Louisville, KY @ Bulldog Café
15-Apr TBA
19-Apr Cincinatti, OH @ Warsaw Arena
20-Apr Cleveland, OH @ The Pirates Cove
21-Apr Pittsburgh, PA @ TBA
22-Apr Rochester, NY @ Dubland Underground
23-Apr Worcester, MA @ METAL FEST
Bridge Nine will release Underdog discography
Here's official press release:
Things over at the Bridge Nine Records have been busy this winter and we are proud and excited to announce the release of NYHC legends Underdog discography titled "Matchless." Set to hit stores on May 18th, 2010, this comprehensive release will include both "The Vanishing Point" and the Demos on CD/double LP. Bassist Russ Iglay said, "This release has been a long time coming. We're glad that it's going to see the light of day this Spring on Bridge Nine and we can't wait to get out there and play more shows this year!" Buzz has been re-building around the band since their performance at last year's Burning Fight show in Chicago - expect to see Underdog on the road this summer in support of this release.
Things over at the Bridge Nine Records have been busy this winter and we are proud and excited to announce the release of NYHC legends Underdog discography titled "Matchless." Set to hit stores on May 18th, 2010, this comprehensive release will include both "The Vanishing Point" and the Demos on CD/double LP. Bassist Russ Iglay said, "This release has been a long time coming. We're glad that it's going to see the light of day this Spring on Bridge Nine and we can't wait to get out there and play more shows this year!" Buzz has been re-building around the band since their performance at last year's Burning Fight show in Chicago - expect to see Underdog on the road this summer in support of this release.
Underdog has been a staple in the hardcore scene since their inception in the 1980's and the release of "Matchless" will further cement the impact that the band had upon the world. The two key, constant elements of Underdog during its span of four years were Richie Birkenhead (vocals) and Russ "Wheeler" Iglay (bass) who decided to form a band while talking at CBGB in 1985. The band, named True Blue for about a week, soon became Underdog. These two NYHC matinee regulars and longtime skateboarders, Richie and Russ, were indeed at opposite ends of the spectrum in temperament and circles they ran in. Case in point: Richie did time with Youth of Today and Russ with Murphy's Law. Underdog was also one of the first punk bands with deep roots in skateboarding, and skating still remains a focal point in the life of the band. Richie, while fronting Underdog, raised the bar in NYHC during those years, in a scene filled with aggro, straight-up hardcore bands that concentrated more on athletic, than vocal prowess and melody on stage. He prowled the stage, commandeered the crowd and could switch from a guttural scream to the voice of a choir boy in a split second. Russ, well known for his Andy Capp, drink up, devil may care, knuckle-up persona equaled Richie in the stage presence department, swinging off ceiling pipes and taunting the crowd all while keeping the rhythm section tightly pumping with kid brother Dean Joseph (Iglay, stolen from Jersey Shore pranksters Good Humor), who replaced original drummer Gregg very early on and remained a permanent member. Underdog became a hugely popular musical hybrid capable of playing shows with any other band while winning new followers along the way. Their "fuck with our friends and you fuck with us" attitude wasn't just a bullshit theme for a song, like lots of other bands. These guys practiced what they preached. The band's attitude on stage encouraged everyone in the crowd to let loose and go nuts without fear of getting sucker punched or bullied by anyone. And they did. Underdog shows were sweat-drenched, hard dancing, sing-along events for everyone involved.
Their first 7" EP released on New Beginnings Records (with Gregg Pierce on drums and Danny Darella on guitar) instantly became a hot commodity in the NYHC scene, spread through the U.S. and was quickly out of print. The legendary Matt Solomon cover art became the unofficial trademark for the band on T-shirts, flyers and tattoos. On the power of that 7 alone, While Richie, Russ and Dean remained fixtures (except for Richies brief departure to play for Youth of Today on one album/tour)(vocal duties were briefly taken over by Carl DiMola), guitar players were to Underdog what drummers were to Spinal Tap. Original guitarist Danny was later replaced by Arthur (Token Entry, Gorilla Biscuits), who was subsequently replaced by skater dude Chuck. For the recording of the Over the Edge demo, and also at the tail-end of their existence, Underdog played as a trio, with Richie on guitar. Already quite aware of Underdog and after hearing their 1988 Over the Edge demo, Caroline Records signed the band to record what became the album "The Vanishing Point." The band had matured into an extremely tight musical unit, mixing the best of power, melody and even reggae into a volatile mix second only to Bad Brains. Chuck Treece joined the band on guitar to help record the songs already written by Richie and Russ. Recorded in one week at Electric Reels in upstate NY and produced by Don Fury, "The Vanishing Point" was one of the most anxiously awaited records of the year. A 1989 nationwide tour to support the record was their biggest and most successful at that point and there seemed to be nothing standing in their way. Sadly prophetic, the title of the record rang true at the conclusion of that tour. Arriving back in NYC and dropping off Richie, Russ and Dean drove home for an agreed upon short break. That short break became a long break and they decided to cancel their European tour.
Now Underdog is back with the original core line-up, and with longtime friend and American Standard axe-man Matt Dolan as a ful-time member of the band. Look for the Underdog discography, "Matchless," to hit stores on May 18 2010 from Bridge Nine Records.
Crime Scene / x Strength Through Purity x - March Tour 2010
Crime Scene and xStrength Through Purityx are hitting road this March. Here is official poster for the Australian tour:
Mark My Words / Strenght Approach Euro tour dates
Here are confirmed show dates:
24/04/2010 @ Liberation Fest - Acrobax, Roma (ITA) w/ No Turning Back & more...
25/04/2010 @ Liberation Fest - Blogos, Bologna (ITA) w/ No Turning Back & more...
26/04/2010 @ Pieffe Factory, Lucinico (ITA) w/ No Turning Back
27/04/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
28/04/2010 @ Cassiopeia, Berlin (GER) w/ Good Clean Fun
29/04/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
30/04/2010 @ Stumpf, Hannover (GER)
01/05/2010 @ Gerber 3, Weimar (GER)
02/05/2010 @ Chemiefabrik, Dresden (GER) w/ Risk It!
03/05/2010 @ Juha West, Stuttgart (GER) w/ Stick To Your Guns
04/05/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
05/05/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
06/05/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
07/05/2010 @ JH The Bassment, Houthalen-Oost (BEL)
08/05/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
09/05/2010 @ TBC, Torino (ITA)
24/04/2010 @ Liberation Fest - Acrobax, Roma (ITA) w/ No Turning Back & more...
25/04/2010 @ Liberation Fest - Blogos, Bologna (ITA) w/ No Turning Back & more...
26/04/2010 @ Pieffe Factory, Lucinico (ITA) w/ No Turning Back
27/04/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
28/04/2010 @ Cassiopeia, Berlin (GER) w/ Good Clean Fun
29/04/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
30/04/2010 @ Stumpf, Hannover (GER)
01/05/2010 @ Gerber 3, Weimar (GER)
02/05/2010 @ Chemiefabrik, Dresden (GER) w/ Risk It!
03/05/2010 @ Juha West, Stuttgart (GER) w/ Stick To Your Guns
04/05/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
05/05/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
06/05/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
07/05/2010 @ JH The Bassment, Houthalen-Oost (BEL)
08/05/2010 @ TBA (SHOW NEEDED - Contact: johanna@mad-tourbooking.de)
09/05/2010 @ TBC, Torino (ITA)
Strength Approach to release MCD/7" and full length this year
After more than two years spent on the road supporting their last full-length, relentlessly shredding stages throughout Europe, USA and Australia, as well as a few line-up changes, the hardcore powerhouse from Roma, Italy known as STRENGTH APPROACH is about to come back with some heat for your eardrums.
DEMONS RUN AMOK ENTERTAINMENT and COUNTDOWN RECORDS are proud to announce the release of this deluxe edition 7"/MCD, aptly titled "STAND YOUR GROUND". This record is the proof the band has crushed all odds faced during their almost 15-years existence, are here to stay and have settled themselves as a true legend of Italian hardcore. Serving as a preview of their new full length "WITH OR WITHOUT YOU" to be released later this year, these new songs show the harder side of the band, a much more mature songwriting and the band's will to step up their sound to a new level. The new record will be available as a deluxe edition featuring both vinyl and CD version, packaged with an amazing artwork by Dave Quiggle (Sick of It All, New Found Glory, Sworn Enemy)
The release will be followed by a European tour supported by Australia's MARK MY WORDS starting April 24th, which is being booked right now by MAD TOURBOOKING, as well as appereances on several summer festivals and more touring all over the world.
Marked For Death records
Market For Death is a new label from Germany. It was founded just at the beginning of 2010 and since then started working with bands like Cunthunt777, Bravestar, Nothing To Regret and Still Alive. The future for them looks promising so be sure to check out their upcoming releases. Here's their website.
From their Myspace:
Marked for death was founded in early 2010. The label owner of Marked for death has the motivation to give the scene something back after being so long part of it. In Europe we don..t have many labels that support hardcore bands. So this label would give the opportunity to release their stuff on that imprint. This isn't a company, this is more like a family!
The south area of Germany has some really great bands like the most discussed and controversal Cunthunt777, the heavyweights Bravestar and the youngsters of Nothing to regret. Also watch out for the US band Still alive! These heavy hitters from the US will hit Europe as a split partner of nothing to regret in May. In the future there will be more bands on the label from all over the world!
The south area of Germany has some really great bands like the most discussed and controversal Cunthunt777, the heavyweights Bravestar and the youngsters of Nothing to regret. Also watch out for the US band Still alive! These heavy hitters from the US will hit Europe as a split partner of nothing to regret in May. In the future there will be more bands on the label from all over the world!
Plakkaggio H.C. - Fronte Del Sacco
Plakkaggio HC play the style which can be probably best described as a mixture of hardcore, punk rock and a dose of metal. I know it sounds cliché so far, but believe me – these guys are pretty good at what they do.
All the good ingredients are here - angry vocals backed by a mixture of vicious riffing and aggressive grooves. The band is maintaining diversity from song to song with their style ranging from straight up punk rock to hardcore to metal. You definitely gotta give them props for making an effort at trying something new. At first it was kind of hard to get into this album, but more I listened to it, the more I enjoyed it and found some of the songs particularly memorable. At moments they sound is typical punk rock, and then all suddenly throw in some heavier part and start sounding like a straight up hardcore band. And what I like about it is that they never lose focus and always sound straight to the point. The songs are fresh and original and well executed. Sure, the album loses a little slack now and then but luckily not enough to kill the good experience. As for the lyrical content – well, they sing in Italian in most of the songs which is a big plus in my book but on the other hand I can’t understand a word they’re saying. They sound pretty pissed off though. The only songs that are sung in English are about rugby and worshipping satan while listening to Darkthrone. Judging just by these tracks, there’s a sense of humour throughout the album which is another thing to like here.
I’m really like the band’s approach to this album – its loose concept makes it a good listen and on the whole this is a solid release. And while this isn’t a musical evolution, it’s hard to not find yourself endeared to the album. This one is well recommended.
Author: Dloogi
Year: 2009
Band's Myspace
Clenched Fist
There's no need for introduction here. If your hardcore education doesn't include Clenched Fist you are seriously missing out. Seven years after their debut full length, the infamous Memphis band is back with another punch of pure old school hardcore. Check out what singer Juicy Joel had to say about it!
There's no need for introduction here. If your hardcore education doesn't include Clenched Fist you are seriously missing out. Seven years after their debut full length, the infamous Memphis band is back with another punch of pure old school hardcore. Check out what singer Juicy Joel had to say about it!
There was about 7 years gap in between your previous album and Just Like Roaches. What’s been happening with Clenched fist since the "Welcome To Memphis" came out?
Band members leaving or having kids is what happened. Stuff like that makes it very hard function as a band and it still does.
So at what point you decided it’s time to get your shit together and release some new music? When did you start writing new songs?
We never "didn't have our shit together" We started writing songs before "Welcome To Memphis" even came out. It just takes a long time for CF to do anything because everyone has other priorities in their life. We also do everything on our own. We pay for our own recordings and merch and book our own shows. And that money is saved on the side, outside of rent and bills and all that. Nothing CF does comes easy or quickly.
And what’s the status of the band right now? Apart from the album, are there any other activities going on with it like playing shows or touring?
Yes we are playing shows when we get asked to. We try to do anything people ask us to play. We would like to go to Europe some time. That would be great.
Having listened to the new album plenty of times now and I gotta say I got what I was expecting from you – straight in your face hardcore with honest, no bullshit lyrics. What was the process of putting together Just Like Roaches like? What we the main influences when you were writing new songs and did you have any vision how you wanted them to sound?
The process for writing songs in CF is pretty typical. A riff or some simple idea starts the whole thing off, then the song is put together and arranged, then I write lyrics to it. Sometime we'll play new songs live before I have any lyrics and I'll just make shit up on the spot. That's how "Dying at 33" on the new record came together. As far as influence goes, it's the same thing as it's always been...NYHC and Cleveland HC basically.
So how do you feel about the new album now when it’s finally out? How do you think it compares to your previous records? Is there anything different on this album that people might not expect to hear, like clean vocals or shit like that?
I'm pretty happy with how the record came out. My brother was there helping me the whole time I did my vocals and the record is better because of it. And we recorded the record at the same studio that has done ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Al Green, Three 6 Mafia, and many many others. That was a big deal to me. There are gold and platinum and even diamond awards all over the place there. And as far as what people can expect goes, if they're familiar with CF then they already know what to expect, just pure hardcore. No clean vocals or soft parts or any of that shit. CF will never do anything like that ever.
Is there any lyrical theme to the album? What are some of the topics you touched this time?
There is no central theme to the lyrics. Every song is different. The song "Just Like Roaches" is a whole metaphor about the band and how we will never stop. "Summer Avenue Bastards", which I wrote with my brother, is about ourselves and how we grew up. Other stuff I touch on are memories of dead family members, loneliness, and things that disgust me about the modern day hardcore scene.
So far, the album is available just as a digital download only. Where did this idea come from?
The album is digital only in the USA because most people over here don't buy CD's anymore. We're not a well known band at all so for us to print up thousands of CD's that only a few people will buy is stupid. So we decided to put it up online for free. People can pay for it if they want to or they can have it for free. It's their choice.
Are there any plans to release it also on physical format like CD or vinyl?
Yes. Filled With Hate Records will have a special CD version of Just Like Roaches in Europe later this month (Feb 2010). It is a special CD that is packaged like an old style vinyl LP. There are 26 tracks. 10 from the new record Just Like Roaches and 16 old demo tracks that are not available with the digital download version.
Hardcore has always been more than music. What aspects of it appeal to you the most? Do you think it changed the way you live your life and see the world in one way or another?
Yes hardcore definitely changed how I am in my life. All of my friends came from the hardcore scene. And I still go to a lot of shows and meet new kids and see new bands. A lot of people my age have given up on hardcore or they think "it's not like it used to be". Of course the scene is different now. New kids learn everything from the internet and a lot of what they learn is wrong. But if no older dudes stay around and teach these young kids how to do things then the scene will be terrible. I have been a part of the hardcore scene for literally half my life and I learned a lot from people I met here. My dad died when I was 7 years old. People from the hardcore scene taught me lessons that my dad wasn't around to teach me.
Hardcore is also full of shit talkers and Internet thugs so when you play in a band it’s probably hard not to hear some stupid stories about yourself . What was the craziest gossip you’ve heard about your band?
I've heard rumors about CF jumping people for no reason or starting trouble or something like that. Which is all bullshit. Those rumors were really from the early days when we were kids.
You guys have been around for so long and probably many kids come and go. Is there anything you wish the younger generation knew about hardcore that they’re not getting right?
I think a lot of kids today pretend to be something they're not. A lot of them think they are street thugs and they love to pose for pictures they put on the internet where they try to look hard. Young kids need to be comfortable with themselves and whatever they are naturally. Also young bands needs to learn to book their own shows and manage their own bands. Too many young bands want to have a manager and a booking agent and all this bullshit that they don't need. A lot of these young bands have no idea what it was like to tour before there was GPS, the internet, and cellphones. It was very different and more difficult.
Many kids find themselves less and less connected with the hardcore scene as years go by and they grow older. Do you think your attitude in this matter changed throughout the years?
For several years I worked in an office every day and I didn't ever travel or go to that many shows and I thought all the new bands sucked and that all the new kids were faggots. Once I quit my job and started my own business I started touring with Death Before Dishonor and helping out with This Is Hardcore Fest and I realized that there are some good new bands and some new kids who will turn into lifers. The scene is definitely different now but it's not dead. It just needs older people to lead by example. I love hardcore and will never leave it.
You’ve been always representing Memphis scene so what’s happening over there right now? Who are some underrated hardcore bands from your area that you think deserve more attention?
The Memphis scene is pretty small and it's pretty much always been that way when compared to other cities. Some bands in Memphis to check out are Dead City, Bury The Living, First World, Pulltrigger. They can all be found on myspace and have music available.
How about the punk rock scene? Are hardcore and punk rock scene in Memphis united as one or is there a division between them?
I hate punk rock. But if you want to know about a legendary punk band from Memphis, check out Pezz.
From American perspective – what is your opinion about European hardcore scene? Has European bands influenced you in any way?
My brother plays in Death Before Dishonor and they play Europe a lot so I know about a lot of the European bands. And most of my friends from other bands also tour Europe a lot. Even from years ago I listened to Backfire, Kickback, Rykers, Out For Blood, and Stormcore. I bought all those bands' records when they first came out.
What's the best food joint in Memphis?
Central BBQ (cbqmemphis.com) is the best place for food in Memphis and the rest of the world.
My last question would be if you weren't into hardcore, what do you think you'll be doing?
There's no way I would be into anything other that hardcore so I don't know how to answer. I never did any of the normal shit people are supposed to do in life. People ask me sometimes "what were you like in high school?". I was into hardcore, I played in Clenched Fist, and I went to shows. I hated school and all the shit normal kids did. I'm still that way now.
Thanks a lot for your time man! Any last shout outs or death threats?
Any bands or record labels that need art, check me out at JuicyJoel.com. Look for Clenched Fist "Just Like Roaches" CD available in Europe from Filled With Hate Records later this month. They will also have CF shirts. Thanks man.
Check out: justlikeroaches.com/
Bloodstained is dropping new album on Ratel Records
Polish deadliest hate machine, Bloodstained, are back with a new release! Their new album called Saligia will be out shortly on Ratel Records. Meanwhile, check out their myspace profile and listen to new songs they've uploaded recently - Wrath Innate and The Hell Is Yours (feat. Matthi from Nasty). War is coming!
Nunca Mas
Nunca Mas started out in the late 90's as one of the first bands in Guadalajara, Mexico mixing hardcore attitude with metal riffs. Read the interview where the band sheds some light on how the hardcore and life in general in Mexico is like.
Nunca Mas started out in the late 90's as one of the first bands in Guadalajara, Mexico mixing hardcore attitude with metal riffs. Read the interview where the band sheds some light on how the hardcore and life in general in Mexico is like.
How do you feel about We The Outcast when it finally came out? What has been theresponse so far?
The album is finally out! We composed the album thinking about the possibility to be heard not just in Mexico but in other world wide hardcore scenes, that’s why this time we used the English language. We’d like to show kids in other countries our point of view concerning things that are happening in Mexico.
The edition isn’t big, only 500 copies, we know the best distribution nowadays is through internet. If someone is interested in having a copy, you can send us an e-mail or check it out on www.interpunk.com also through some distros around the world, check out www.myspace.com/nuncamashc for more info.
It seems the lyrics are an important part of your music. What are some of the topics you speak about on the new album?
We talk about the hardcore scene, pride, being strong in this world (you know, topics that make hardcore what it is). It’s also important for us to express our opinion against racist ideas, religious and moral fanaticism, politics of control imposed by the government and commercial empires, people who are forced to work as slaves throughout the world or people that try to escape from Mexico and nearby countries crossing the border.
As you said, your previous album was more metal influenced, while the new one is acomeback to more traditional form of hardcore. What was the reason for the change of style?
Yes, well, we are metal lovers, metal has always been an important part of our sound. We went through a period when we only had three members in the band, this forced us to play more like a trio metal band, especially in live shows. Now we have two friends that joined Nunca Mas’ lineup, Antonio Saucedo from INVICTUS MANEO (RIP) and VENGANCE IS MINE and Rafael Raygoza.
The fact is that we have never been a traditional hardcore band or an old school hardcore band, it’s more like we grew up listening NYHC and the 90’s new school hardcore like Integrity, Earth Crisis, Strife, One King Down, Final Exit, Purusam, Refused and those kinds of bands, so 15 years later, it’s funny, we refer to our influences as “old hardcore”.
Anyway, we really love oldschool hardcore, but NUNCA MAS has been since it started a hardcore/metal band.
For those who are not familiar with Nunca Mas, could you please introduce yourself and tell some basic facts everybody should know about the band?
Nunca Mas is: Gabriel Ochoa- vocals and music writer (also guitar in ANTES DE MORIR), Humberto Lopez- drummer, Tina Godoy- bass, Antonio Saucedo- guitar, Rafael Raygoza- guitar. We’re all old guys around our 30’s now, except Rafael who is the young blood in the band and is 20 years old.
We’ve got an entire commitment with hardcore, we give all we got with all our hearts and that’s what’s it’s about for us.
You guys have been around since the 90’s. What was the hardcore scene in Mexico back in the days? How do you think it has changed since then?
I think it’s a world phenomenon, you know, back in those days there were only a few bands around, it was easy to get to know each other, organize shows, tours, and have a good time. Now there are a lot of bands playing all around, some great new bands, others sound just the same, and more with these new tendencies parallel to hardcore called deathcore or whatever.
The scene is good, almost any hardcore band can get a good show in different cities throughout Mexico, not so big but around 100 to 400 people, depending on the band.
So what do you think about the state of Mexican hardcore nowadays? What are some of the bands you would recommend?
It’s pretty cool, I sincerely recommend bands from our city (Guadalajara) such as ANTES DE MORIR, MATA LEAO, REAL, SANTA FAMILIA, from Tijuana NUESTRA SANGRE and THE UPRISING A.D., from Hermosillo GRITO, from Monterrey VENGANCE IS MINE, FIGHTBACK, FURENS, LAST BULLET, ALGUNA VEZ FUI CIEGO, from Mexico City DRIVE BY, DESPUES DEL ODIO, SANGRE DE INOCENTES, UNDERSTAND, from Queretaro SOLDIER and VEINTICUATRO-SIETE.
That’s only to name a few, if you have time I’m sure you can find a lot of more good hardcore bands from Mexico.
What are some of the major problems you have to face when running a band in Mexico?
Well, we don’t have known labels, big booking agencies, managers or big distribution companies and our mail service is really bad and expensive. Bands do their own things, as best they can, a lot of times with their own money. Bands have to deal directly with independent promoters, with no contracts or guarantees. It’s difficult to hook up a venue, because if it’s for concerts they’re very big and expensive, and if it’s small, for sure it’s a bar, where the public- including underage attendants- is expected to drink if you are planning to be able to do shows there again--- this is all really hard to deal with.
On your song writing and when you come up new ideas, do you go through some kind of ritual or do they just come to you?
It just comes to us, nothing special, practice is the best inspiration.
Yes, narco war, emerging diseases, corrupted politicians it’s our everyday bread, the important thing here is not to be afraid or ignore the problem. Be proactive; never be indifferent upon an unjust situation, don’t be afraid to say something about it. It’s like “somebody” wants to us be scared all the time, but I can say that people around me live ordinary lives, work, have families, study, you know--- life. Everybody sooner or later can be presented with a difficult situation, that’s why we have friends and family. Don’t be afraid to visit us.
Do you think hardcore in Mexico can a be a positive force to show the kids that there’s more to life than this bullshit and to keep them away from problems?
Yes, that is one of the best things we can express in hardcore, use your brain, stay away from stupid things but be conscious of the situation, be smarter than the majority, take initiative and have a clear perception of reality. United we’re strong, right?
When it’s all said and done what do you want to be remembered for the most?
A band’s musical goal is to send out a message of optimism, be who you are, have faith that there is a solution for problems that arise in life.
Thanks for taking your time to do this. Any last comments?
Listen NUNCA MAS and other Mexican bands, keep in touch, we always e-mail back and invite us to your local scene, we invite you to ours.
Check out Nunca Mas at Myspace
Born To Hate #4 coming out Spring 2010
So if you don't know, the 4th volume of Born To Hate video magazine is coming out Spring 2010. Expect 33 of the heaviest bands in hardcore and 3 hours of intense live footage.
The band included in this edition are:
SKARHEAD
COLD WORLD
LOYAL TO THE GRAVE
WITHOUT REMORSE
COLD EXISTENCE
REFUSE TO FAIL
LIONHEART
THICK AS BLOOD
ALPHA & OMEGA
PIECE BY PIECE
HAMMERFIST
RETALIATE
WISDOM IN CHAINS
HIT LIST
RISE FROM ABOVE
PROVIDENCE
BLOODLINE LTD
SIX FT DITCH
DEATH COMES FAST
LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
WITH OPEN FORCE
NASTY
DEAD & BURIED
WORLD OF PAIN
A DEATH & A PROMISE
MURDER DEATH KILL
TROUBLESOME
XIBALBA
SMASH YOUR ENEMIES
FORSAKEN
COUNTIME
STEP UP!
TITLE FIGHT
King Of Clubz / Providence split 7" in works
As posted by TonR (this crazy dude who's doing vocals for Providence), Paris owned Providence will release split 7" with Chicago's heaviest King Of Clubz. Here's what TonR had to say about it:
Chicago's hardest KING OF CLUBZ and Paris's heaviest PROVIDENCE teaming up to bring you the most fierce and punishhing 7 inch of the decade. Out June 2010 on U.S. based label ON THE ATTACK RECORDS (Weight Of The Crown, Smash Your Enemies, Fatality...)
Stay tuned fellaz !!!!!
Stay tuned fellaz !!!!!
To Kill signed to Let It Burns Records
Alright, fasten your seatbelts: In order to unite all preeminent European hardcore bands in one big family, we made celebrate another big achievement: TO KILL are from now on part of the Let it Burn Records roster! We heartly welcome our Italian friends and look forward to releasing their arresting new album "Antarctica" any time soon.
There's a lot of bands who claim to be "hard working" and "dedicated" but most of their strength lies in getting drunk at band practices, playing local shows and recording a demo every two years. The bequest TO KILL has already created since their formation in 2004 is intangible. Besides the release of three albums and two EPs, they are one of the most active touring bands in hardcore: over 10 (!) extensive European and US tours with bands such as BANE, HAVE HEART, LIFERUINER, PARKWAY DRIVE, BURY YOUR DEAD, VERSE, SET YOUR GOALS, RAISED FIST, GATHER and so on is an amount that European band can trump. TO KILL literally live "on the road".
TO KILL about their signing with Let it Burn Records: "We have some good news from the ToKill camp: After we parted ways with our old label, we've been talking and discussing on what would be the best for us as a band and considering their amazing work ethic, their deep hardcore rooted attitude and the happiness they showed in the possibility of working with us, we feel like we found a new home in one of the longest running hardcore labels in Europe, the german based Let It Burn records. We've known these guys for a long time and we know we can totally trust them in the release of our new record 'Antarctica'."
We already got a chance to listen to 'Antarctica' and were quite impressed by the new level of heaviness TO KILL have reached. A well balanced and effective mergence of metal (20%) and (modern) hardcore (80%) that sounds more '2010' than anything else from that genre-mix I heard in a long time. Check out our audio player or mp3-download section for a first impression.
www.letitburn.de/jukebox/
Album artwork and release date are going to be announced any time soon. In the meantime catch the band on their tour with Shai Hulud.
There's a lot of bands who claim to be "hard working" and "dedicated" but most of their strength lies in getting drunk at band practices, playing local shows and recording a demo every two years. The bequest TO KILL has already created since their formation in 2004 is intangible. Besides the release of three albums and two EPs, they are one of the most active touring bands in hardcore: over 10 (!) extensive European and US tours with bands such as BANE, HAVE HEART, LIFERUINER, PARKWAY DRIVE, BURY YOUR DEAD, VERSE, SET YOUR GOALS, RAISED FIST, GATHER and so on is an amount that European band can trump. TO KILL literally live "on the road".
TO KILL about their signing with Let it Burn Records: "We have some good news from the ToKill camp: After we parted ways with our old label, we've been talking and discussing on what would be the best for us as a band and considering their amazing work ethic, their deep hardcore rooted attitude and the happiness they showed in the possibility of working with us, we feel like we found a new home in one of the longest running hardcore labels in Europe, the german based Let It Burn records. We've known these guys for a long time and we know we can totally trust them in the release of our new record 'Antarctica'."
We already got a chance to listen to 'Antarctica' and were quite impressed by the new level of heaviness TO KILL have reached. A well balanced and effective mergence of metal (20%) and (modern) hardcore (80%) that sounds more '2010' than anything else from that genre-mix I heard in a long time. Check out our audio player or mp3-download section for a first impression.
www.letitburn.de/jukebox/
Album artwork and release date are going to be announced any time soon. In the meantime catch the band on their tour with Shai Hulud.
Starkweather update on the upcoming releases
"Deathwish releases are in the pipeline. Looks as if This Sheltering Night will see light of day late April. The Overmars split? Well, that one will be taking a similar approach to its release as Blacklisted - No One Deserves To Be Here More Than Me.
"The splits that are in progress with Little Girl Terrorist and Thousandswilldie will, hopefully, be mixed early April. These things take time and money.
"And, finally, right? Rennie has completed vocal work on tracks by Pulling Teeth ('Generals of Darkened Hymns' which will be on a split with Irons coming out on Deathwish), Pristina ('The Drought' - which in addition to their vocalist, Brendan, there are appearances by Bloodlet, Hope and Suicide, Junior Bruce vocalist Scott Angelacos, Steve Austin of Today is the Day and Charles Manson), and Elodea. Other things are in the works for Concealment and a very interesting multi-vocalist project from Caina which is best described by Andy himself at this blog post.
"The splits that are in progress with Little Girl Terrorist and Thousandswilldie will, hopefully, be mixed early April. These things take time and money.
"And, finally, right? Rennie has completed vocal work on tracks by Pulling Teeth ('Generals of Darkened Hymns' which will be on a split with Irons coming out on Deathwish), Pristina ('The Drought' - which in addition to their vocalist, Brendan, there are appearances by Bloodlet, Hope and Suicide, Junior Bruce vocalist Scott Angelacos, Steve Austin of Today is the Day and Charles Manson), and Elodea. Other things are in the works for Concealment and a very interesting multi-vocalist project from Caina which is best described by Andy himself at this blog post.
The band is also playing three shows this March:
3/26 Philadelphia, PA @ the Ox
3/27 Albany, NY @ Bogie's
3/28 Brooklyn, NY @ Public Assembly
Liferuiner tour dates
Here are the tour dates for Liferuiner in March:
3/2 Montclair, NJ @ The Meatlocker
3/3 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Loft
3/5 Manchester, NH @ Rocko's
3/6 Naples, NY @ Hardwear
3/7 Utica, NY @ TBA
3/8 Albany, NY @ TBA
3/14 Vineland, NJ @ Hangar 84
3/15 Charleroi, PA @ Club Octane
3/19 Macon, GA @ Suite 200
3/22 Houston, TX @ The Junction
3/24 Marietta, GA @ Swayze's
3/2 Montclair, NJ @ The Meatlocker
3/3 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Loft
3/5 Manchester, NH @ Rocko's
3/6 Naples, NY @ Hardwear
3/7 Utica, NY @ TBA
3/8 Albany, NY @ TBA
3/14 Vineland, NJ @ Hangar 84
3/15 Charleroi, PA @ Club Octane
3/19 Macon, GA @ Suite 200
3/22 Houston, TX @ The Junction
3/24 Marietta, GA @ Swayze's
New album from Copykill out now
After the absence of almost 10 years, the originators of Ruhrpott Hardcore Mosh are back with a new album – still representing the dawn of a new breed. But their new record is not a just simple follow-up to their “Victim or witness” debut, released about a decade ago. The band still maintains the traditional COPYKILL properties of a metallic, heavy and furious Ruhrpott Hardcore sound, but mixed up with a much more mature song writing. So folks, prepare for 10 fucking restless tracks of devastating Ruhrpott Mosh.
Record-Release Show will be on March, 13th at the "Bringing Back the Glory" Festival in Essen, Germany.
Click here to order.
Record-Release Show will be on March, 13th at the "Bringing Back the Glory" Festival in Essen, Germany.
Click here to order.
Hang The Bastard
Here's a short interview with London based Hang The Bastard. This is in my opinion one of the most interesting bands that are coming from the crowded UK scene. They know how to keep it heavy but also are not afraid to get dirty and experiment with their sound.
Here's a short interview with London based Hang The Bastard. This is in my opinion one of the most interesting bands that are coming from the crowded UK scene. They know how to keep it heavy but also are not afraid to get dirty and experiment with their sound.
When did the band get together and how?
Me(Chris) and Sam started the band summer 2007. We had never been in a band that played what we we’re really into. We we’re hanging out one day and both came up with the idea to start this band.
Who are your influences?
We have a lot of different influences, but I suppose to sum up you could say more classic rock bands like Black Sabbath and hardcore bands like Integrity.
How do you think the scene is doing in England and worldwide?
The UK scene has been good to us so I cant really complain, sometimes I worry whether some of the bands are sincere about what there doing or if there just doing it because its some passing faze to them, same with some of the kids that turn up to shows. But then these people always go away after a year or so. But at the moment there are a lot of great bands emerging and shows are normally well attended which is great. I cant really say what the world wide hardcore scene is like as we have only ever ventured to mainland Europe twice but from the looks of things people are checking out more and more good bands and helping them out and I guess that’s all you can really ask for.
Have you any shows planned in Middle/Eastern Europe?
Not yet but we will do one day!!
Where do you most like to play live?
There’s towns where we know shows will be good, but we seem to get good reactions almost everywhere we play so I don’t think I could say a specific town or place, although London is always good, but that’s our home town. I love going to a town or city where we have never played before because you have know idea what the shows will be like. Going over to the mainland in the summer was a bit like that.
Who would be your favourite band to share a stage with?
Black Sabbath or Slayer
What are you working on in the studio at the moment?
We just recorded two songs that are due to come out on a split 7” with our friends Brutality Will Prevail, this is due out around the 16th December 1010. We very happy with the songs, probably the heaviest that we’ve done so far, I think everyone will agree too.We are currently working towards a new full length to be released on Holy Roar Records early next year, so far the songs are sounding a lot darker that previous efforts and a lot heavier, just like the songs on the new split.
What are your main lyrical influences when you are writing songs/records?
Just whatever’s going on in our lives or the way we feel about certain subjects. I just try to write what’s real to me and not bore people with generic crap.
Do you have any specific rituals for the studio, or just go in and play?
Beer and weed seems to be a vital part in the writing process for the others, I just stick with a cup of tea.
What do you feel has been the high point so far as a band?
I think just getting to play with some of our favourite bands and gaining a lot of support from people in the UK scene. Going over to the mainland was amazing, we got to play Pressure Fest which was probably the biggest thing we have ever done so far.
Hang The Bastard at Myspace.
The interview was done by: Chlebik.oi!
Boston's Ashers to join the Thorp Records family
Boston’s ASHERS are a rare band. Ashers, fronted by Mark Civitarese of THE UNSEEN (Hellcat Records) on vocals, is Boston's new diamond in the rough. Mark’s versatility of working in The Unseen, as well as experience lending his vocals to tracks on albums by bands such as A GLOBAL THREAT, BLOOD FOR BLOOD and DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR, has made his voice one of the most distinct in the punk and hardcore worlds today.
Ashers became a band as a result of the chemistry discovered between Mark and Billy Brown of CRASH AND BURN (Thorp Recs) and DEADLY SINS, two bands that became synonymous with the creativity of the Boston scene. Mark and Bill constantly found themselves contributing to each other’s projects and finally decided to begin a proper full time band together. Ashers scorches listeners with a vortex of blistering hardcore, dirty rock, anthemic punk, and barroom metal that creates a new flavor altogether for fans of aggressive music. Now joining with Thorp Records, the band has just begun their onward march towards introducing the world to a new sense of aggression. Expect the Thorp Records debut from ASHERS early summer 2010.
Check out the Ashers signing video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oVZ2b23sN0
Download an MP3 of “End of the Rope” (demo) here:
http://media.thorprecords.com/mp3s/ashers.endoftherope.mp3
Thorp Records founder, Andy King, explained his thoughts on Ashers:
"I've known Mark as kind of an over-the-phone friend since 2005. We used to chat all the time just about music and Boston bands in general. We always talked about trying to find a way to work together with The Unseen, but it just never materialized. When he let me hear what he was doing with Ashers, I was blown away by the guttural ferocity of the music and the uniqueness of the sound and the aesthetic approach. Knowing that Bill Brown was involved, served to brand the sound as even more distinct and noteworthy."
Connect with Ashers online:
http://thorprecords.com/bands/ashers.php
http://myspace.com/asherstheband
http://facebook.com/pages/Ashers/239337004405
New Vietnom album update: guest appearances announced
VIETNOM have played a packed show with COLDSIDE last weekend to over 500 enthusiasts and it was a blast !
In other VIETNOM news, the band are putting the finishing touches to the album by recording the vocal tracks. Special guests Kevone Bulldoze, Jorge Merauder and Skam Dust have already laid down their tracks, so we expect the record to be finished sometime soon... more news when we get it !
In other VIETNOM news, the band are putting the finishing touches to the album by recording the vocal tracks. Special guests Kevone Bulldoze, Jorge Merauder and Skam Dust have already laid down their tracks, so we expect the record to be finished sometime soon... more news when we get it !
Still Alive
Still Alive are holding it down for the Inland Empire of Southern California. They admit to being fifluenced by a lot of East Coast Hardcore and I can agree you can hear some of that NYHC flavor in their sound. Here's a short interview with the guys to let you know who they are and what they're about!
Still Alive are holding it down for the Inland Empire of Southern California. They admit to being fifluenced by a lot of East Coast Hardcore and I can agree you can hear some of that NYHC flavor in their sound. Here's a short interview with the guys to let you know who they are and what they're about!
I know you guys are busy preparing the new full length. Could you give us some details about it – how far are you with writing and recording this stuff and when will it see the light of day?
Were about half way done with it. Two of the songs are on our myspace now, were going to write about six more songs and throw in two old ones that will be redone. It should be out mid 2010 hopefully.
How do you feel the band has evolved or improved from your last album to this upcoming release? What's your favorite song from the upcoming record?
We feel that we’ve improved a lot since our last cd, the songs are more exciting and have a better mix of hardcore/metal/hip hop. The last album had songs on it that we first started writing as a band and they were good for the time being, but now we have a more solid sound that puts our old stuff to shame, it has a better flow to it and we’ve really tried to incorporate hip hop this time around. My favorite song so far is called “we were down” which is about shady friends. The song is really important to me because I’ve lost a lot of friends this year.
Talking about Inland Empire, how well has it been doing for you guys? What has the response been like?
Great… kids seem to be catching onto it more and more, I always see new faces in the crowd singing with me and fucking it up in the pit, it’s a trip cause I never thought kids would like us let alone know the songs word for word. As far as the cd goes, Its done well for being a small time release and just to put it out there, once were out of cd’s we wont be reprinting them so get one before there gone.
Is there a theme that runs throughout your lyrics? Where do you draw your influences?
There isn’t a theme really, I just write about stuff that I see or feel needs to be talked about. Friendships, Addiction, America, Fakes, Religion, etc… I don’t want to write the same song over and over because I see too many bands do it and it gets old fast. I like to listen to shit that’s real with lyrics that have no boundaries. One singer that I admire is Mean Pete “Remembering Never/Bishop/Until the End” because he always talks about a wide range of topics that affect everyone in a way, whether is the war were in, the religion we follow or shit we eat he speaks his mind and shares an idea and to me that’s what hardcore’s about.
What song feels the most important to you lyrically of the upcoming album?
“Plant a Flag” which is about America’s need to fix the worlds problems without fixing the problems in our country.
What drives you keep wanting to make music- like what's your biggest desire with this band?
This band never wanted to be the next big thing, we just want to make music that we like and if we could help one person out through our music then it’s worth it. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have music in my life. Honestly when kids come up to me and tell me they listen to us everyday or tell me their favorite song it makes me want to pay them but since I’m fuckin broke I guess the only way I can repay them is to keep doing what I love. The fans are what keeps us motivated.
Who are some of the bands that have influenced you musically?
My band is influenced by (Death Threat, Madball, Terror, Vietnom, Sworn Enemy, Biohazard) a lot of East Coast Shit.
What are some of the touring plans for the band?
We need to get a Van number one, We are so broke as a band. Once we get a van we plan on hitting up some West Coast spots (Norcal, TJ, Vegas, Texas, Arizona, and Reno again) we plan on hitting the road way more.
What band, current, or already broken up, would you really like to tour with, or just play one show with?
Fuck, that’s a hard one. Probably Madball. We would be too down to tour with them.
How are things in Inland Empire when it comes to hardcore? How would you describe your local scene?
It’s not the greatest, we have our share of drama here, but there is a good handful of kids that support the few bands out here. To be honest though, there isn’t really a scene out here… the Inland Empire isn’t known for Hardcore, But were trying our best to change that. Our Goal is to have a united and functioning scene out here, but don’t get me wrong shows still go off out here just not as often as we would like.
What are your thoughts on Internet and hardcore, especially when it comes to talking shit on message boards?
Go to our Myspace www.myspace.com/stillalivehxc and listen to “all for show”. A long time ago some fucks were trying to get brave with us on the computer but had nothing to say face to face so that’s why we wrote that song, FUCK INTERNET “TUFF” GUYS! For real. Aside from that the Internet can be a good thing for bands. It helps put your music out to the world but I hate when people hide behind keyboards.
What are the best and worst aspects of life in Inland Empire? Is there much gang and drug violence? I’ve heard the region is considered as a capital of methamphetamine production?
It all depends where you live you know? Places like San Bernardino, Rialto, Ontario, and parts of Riverside all have Gang Violence and high drug activity. But for the most part it’s a chill place to grow up. Everywhere you look there is violence it just depends on the neighborhood really. I see meth everywhere it is a growing problem here.
Before we wrap it up, would you like to give some basic info about the band to the readers who may not have heard of you? How did you all meet? How did Still Alive come about?
As far as Nick, Ricky, and Myself (Paul) we started Still Alive in 2006. We were really influenced by a lot of East Coast hardcore bands and we thought it would be a new style for where were from. The IE didn’t have many hardcore bands, and the ones that were around broke up or sold out. All of us in the band met at shows and have been friends for a long time. Music is something that connected us and always will connect us to each other. To people that haven’t heard of us we play East Coast Hardcore with a West Coast feel. Think Madball, and Terror, meets Vietnom.
When it’s all said and done what do you want to be remembered for the most?
Playing sincere music that didn’t go along with the trend, and holding it down for where were from.
Crackdown posted new track
Crackdown posted new song on their myspace profile. It's called Unbrekable and it's heavy - make sure you check it out!
Drama's German tour
Spanish act Drama is doing a German tour this month so be sure to check them out when you get a chance. See the dates after the jump.
"DRAMA is a hardcore metal band based (featuring the ladies who run CLITOCORE fanzine and BORN TO HATE's guitarrist) on BARCELONA-SPAIN. We are working on our second 7inch coming out next febraury 2010 and we are doing some promo stuff for that and our coming tour around Germany on febraury. So me and my bandmates would be appreacite if you can help us publishing on your site about our new record and the tour, cause i see you do a great labour and support to the hc scene. If you need further info about the band, just ask us! On our myspace you can check out tunes, videos, pics and our download link of our debut 7" "Creación Destructiva"."
From Heartache To Hatred finally released on CD format
Words can't describe how I hate digital downloads so it's only right that Thorp Recs. are finally releasing one of the best hardcore albums of 2009 - From Heartache To Hatred by Bulldog Courage - on CD. Antisocial, ignorant and nihilistic, this is a type of album to give the inner thug in you a chance to break loose. Order this shit here.
Official press release:
Bulldog Courage is a fierce combination of in-your-face street punk and east coast hardcore all wrapped up in one ugly defiant package. Based out of Albany, NY, the band is not easily compared to any other punk rock or hardcore outfit around, but it's not hard to find yourself wrapped up in their world of love, loss, loyalty, heartache and hatred. After listening to the band just once, it's almost as if they have been with you all along. Their songs herald unique stories of family and friendship that burn right into you. Often described as a gritty marriage of Cock Sparrer and Blood For Blood, BULLDOG COURAGE attracts a wide interest from those who listen to music from the street; the band has an amazing ability to reach out to punk rockers, hardcore kids, skinheads and the average everyday working-class guy.
There's no shortage of fun to be had at Bulldog Courage live show either, from sing alongs to cover songs, and drinkin all night, the band surely knows how to deliver the goods all while leaving you feeling like you just got punched in the face.
For Fans Of: COCK SPARRER, BLOOD FOR BLOOD, AGNOSTIC FRONT, WISDOM IN CHAINS
There's no shortage of fun to be had at Bulldog Courage live show either, from sing alongs to cover songs, and drinkin all night, the band surely knows how to deliver the goods all while leaving you feeling like you just got punched in the face.
For Fans Of: COCK SPARRER, BLOOD FOR BLOOD, AGNOSTIC FRONT, WISDOM IN CHAINS
First Blood posted new song
First Blood have posted unmastered version of their new track “Enemy” online here. It's from their upcoming album “Silence Is Betrayal“, which is due to be released this spring through Trustkill.
Ratface is working on a new album
Straight outta Finland, Rattface will release their new album "Ratassed" on February 26th through Full House Records. The band has posted two net tracks on their myspace profile. This one will include guest appearance by Peachey from Six Ft Ditch among others.
Here's the tracklist:
1. Ratassed (feat: Peachey Six Ft Ditch)
2. Pain Meetz Counterpain
3. Crazytown Coolio
4. Nightwizh 4 a War
5. Jägermeiztershow
6. Burana1000 (feat: David Shatterproof)
7. More Booze More Sex (Feat: Pussy Rat Dollz)
8. Year Of Hate
9. King King Of Bling Bling ( Feat: Shaka)
10. In Satan We Trust ( Feat: JakeFiend)
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AFTERPARTY AREA. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK
11. I Don't Like Hardcore
12. Gute Scheisse
Inner Dam discography on Self x True Records
One of the best news in beginning of 2010 that the great band INNER DAM, from Orange County, N.Y. have gathered to make a FULL discography. The band began in the fall of 1995 and made a good scene in mid 90's metalcore. Influenced by UNBROKEN, MORNING AGAIN, SLAYER, GREEN RAGE, 108, UNDERTOW, CHOKEHOLD, STRIFE, CRO-MAGS, BURN, etc.
Guys have put out many releases through the years. This month band going to record seven cover songs to be added to a discography. Listed below is what the discography would include:"Through the Eyes of Suffering" demo (0RINAL MIX).
"Through the Eyes of Suffering" re~..recording.....from 7inch.
"The Day Everything Meant Nothing" 6 song cd.
"compilation" songs....."Structure" & 108's "Killer of the Soul".
"The Last Second of Forever" 7inch. (this was NEVER put onto CD)
And....7 cover songs to be included such as:
Unbroken/Razor.
Undertow/Taken.
Chokehold/..Anchor.
Helmet/In the Meantime.
108/Opposition.
Inside Out/No Spiritual Surrender.
Integrity/..Systems Overload.
(These songs were covered as pure inspiration to INNER DAM).
And maybe practice tape which was Recorded in 1997 put on.
Check out the INNER DAM site for band info.
Self X True Records are very happy to be part of it and release discography in 2010. More info will be soon.
Conqueror
How often do you get to listen to hardcore from South Africa? Conqueror are here to prove that guys in Johannesburg are holding it down for hardcore and they're thirsty for your blood! If you're down with some thrash infused hardcore, make sure you keep your eyes on this band!
Name: CONQUEROR
Location: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
Active since: 2009
How do you define your overall style?
Straight up hardcore with a blend of old school thrash.
What’s your goal with this band?
Tear shit it up as far abroad as we can. I think if we could jam one of those hardcore all dayers over Europe side it would be a definate goal attained. Nothing beats touring.
What do you have recorded so far?
We did a 3 track Demo a while back which is up for download and are currently tracking 3 more tracks with our local bro's Go!Go! Bronco for a split EP. Gnarly
Could you introduce the band and tell us where you’re from? How did the band came together?
5 dude's thrashin it out. Myself (Rich) and Rod spoke of starting a band, we then laid down a DEMO and asked Ross to yell out some vocals. From there we got Nem and Ben to round things off. Ben used to jam for a horror punk band called Dean and the Deadbeats which was dope as hell, so he was a must. Rooted in Hate City JOHANNESBURG South Africa. South of Heaven.
The good old thrash core influences are pretty obvious in your music but it also feels like you wanted to give it a more modern twist. Would you agree with that? Was it the idea from the start to blend both old and new influences or did it just come natural?
Thrash is king. Praise to SLAYER and D.R.I. I don't think we wanted to give it a "modern twist", it's just how we knew to play it. The idea was to play straight hardcore but there were thrash elements which we could'nt resist. The tracks for the split are loaded with squeels and dive bombs.
What do you want listeners to experience while listening to your songs?
Fear and Doom, with a gnarly backtrack. Haha. If the tracks make dude's wanna mosh out then i'd say we're doing what we aimed for.
Where did this religious, or you could say anti-religious, themes in your image come from? Is there any deeper meaning to it or is it just for a shocking value?
We believe ourselves to be advocators of free rational thought, and although we don’t purely rely on shock value, we can’t deny that we use this element of surprise to challenge peoples’ pre-existing value patterns and static paradigms. This is important to us, as we all share the common belief amongst ourselves that organized religions inhibit the evolution of society by continually creating more dividing lines, which in turn make it easier for people to discriminate against, judge, and ultimately drift further and further away from each other. Most of us come from Christian homes, and what we have come to realize growing into adulthood, is that the motivation behind our peers and families’ beliefs is not love or reason, but a blind fear for the unknown, backed solely by outdated and unsubstantiated myths. We have grown to despise the hypocrisy of the average South African church-going Christian, most of whom (apart from an hour on Sunday) lead lives driven by love for money, hatred of fellow races, and passionate violence inspired by cultural phenomena including sports and a group mentality fuelled pride. We believe that a good life is one inspired by love and guided with knowledge, and we don’t see how any organized religion can further this cause, seeing, as history has proven, that the only effects it has had thus far are mass murder, genocide, oppressive morals and condoned delusion. It is time we as a human race shrug off these ancient and oppressive myths, and move forward into an era of scientific exploration and understanding, realizing that although there might not be a rational explanation for every human experience, we still can’t rely on Egyptian allegory for the answers to our questions, because the answers we come up with will be open for interpretation. This leads to a vast variety of differing explanations, splitting into different denominations, and essentially more confusion than we had to begin with. This is where we find ourselves today, and surely this is testimony to the falsehood of the answers that we’re given, and some of us choose to believe, because we don’t want to burn in the hell that someone realized thousands of years ago could be a mechanism of social control. Anyone who claims to know the truth is a liar. It is only they who claim to seek the truth that should be trusted. We don’t know the truth, but we are unhappy with the way that the masses accept deluded testimony as fact, and so we feel it is our duty to challenge blind faith and the stupidity of the actions that it so freely encourages, and we do so with love and joy in our hearts, with music as our only weapon.
How many shows have you played so far? What was the most memorable one and is there any you consider to be a total catastrophe?
We have only jammed a couple so far. Not even at 10 yet. The first show was super gnarly, we were on at like 12am and dudes pulled through to check us out. It was also with our GGB hombres. Rod tends to keep the Catastrophe under control.
What can we expect from you guys in the future?
The GGB split out early next year. A euro tour sometime next year. Drop us a line if your keen to give us a hand. Would be much appreciated. Haha. Advert. EP out 2010.
Any additional comments or shout-outs?
GGB! Kawabunga crew, Mr Alper, Ash.
STAY POSITIVE.
Cold Hard Truth is back with 'Deliver The Fear'
UK's heaviest, Cold Hard Truth, are back with Deliver The Fear - 11 tracks filled with hate, revenge and no pity for your sorry ass. The release date is 30.01.10 but you can pre-order this shit here and listen to one of the new songs here.
That's some heavy shit. Cold Hard Truth bounces everything... it sounds like a fuckin big ass bulldog is standing behind the mic singing and this time there really is one standing behind it. The riffs and drums sound like the punisher is shitting bombs filled with testosteron. Pelbu (Knuckeldust and Bun dem Out) is featured on 2 Tracks.
Tracklist:
01. trust in few
02. twenty yard hero
03. bound by blood
04. deliver the fear
05. cycles of suffering
06. die hard... or die harder
07. enemy down
08. more enemys than friends
09. telephone tough guy
10. punisher
11. cold hard killer
