"First World Collapse" EP from Ashes Of Betrayal

When musical aggression, brutality and speed meets a pissed-off, critical socio-political and thoughtful mind approach... then comes Ashes Of Betrayal new "First World Collapse" EP. 5 fierce sentences of guilt against the First World Order burned and forged into a Slayer-Arkangel-Liar musical style. Out now on Strikedown Records.

Pacto de Sangre album Sangre Joven available now

Pacto de Sangre album Sangre Joven is now available on Useless-Distribution. 10 Tracks of pure Andalusian Beatdown, 2 vocalists and earth-shattering breakdowns…

New album from Alea Jacta Est will drop late June

Alea Jacta Est will release their new album called Gloria Victis late June on Useless Pride Records. It will feature xGerardox (Nueva Etica), xGuiguix & John (Through My Eyes). You can place your pre-order here.

Lazare to drop debut EP this June

Debut EP from Lazare containing 4 tracks will be avaible on June 19. The band will have release party in Rouen with Providence and Out for the Count. Watch out for an uncompromising hard band with a pounding underground attitude, that's so rare these days not to be mentioned!

Cold Existance MCD finally available

Hailing from Sin City Las Vegas, the SOSF Crew four-piece is ready to kick your ass with their angry, frustrated, filled-with-hate, pissed-off Old Style Hardcore. This output delivers all must-haves of a good traditional Hardcore record. Plain brutal music, raging vocals, breakdowns, crew-shouts and non-nonsense lyrics. People, going nutz for bands like old BLOOD FOR BLOOD, SHEER TERROR, NEGLECT, MADBALL and MERAUDER will dig this shit. And as a highlight COLD EXISTENCE recorded a cover-version of the D.R.I. classic “I don´t need society”.

Nothing To Regret / Still Alive split CD out now

Four new songs from Still Alive and five from Nothing To Regret. You can pick up your copy from Marked For Death Records, Caboose Recordings, Filled With Hate Records, Good Life Records, Retribution Network and through some other labels and distros!

Break The Boundaries from Renegade out now

Renegade was formed mid 2009, By the end of 2009 they had certainly made a name for themselves in the western Sydney area. Now in 2010 their debut Ep "Break The Boundaries" is out on the streets now! Check out their webstore for merch and music.

Life Of Agony limited pre-order

During the next couple of weeks you can pre-order the "20 Years Strong | River Runs Red: Live In Brussels" release with an exclusive "20 Years Strong" t-shirt for only 19.99. A beautiful digipak package, with foldout poster, holding a full length CD and DVD of Life Of Agony's 20th anniversary performance in Brussels, Belgium. The DVD also features bonus material and the "20 Years Strong" documentary.This is a limited and exclusive offer so take advantage of this great opportunity today. Place your order here. Pre-order ends on July 9th in Europe and July 16th in the rest of the world.

Killing Time - Three Steps Back

Well. 14 Years later, we have a new Killing Time. I wanted to put this in before the interview, so as to eliminate all bias. Here we go. Overall, this music kicks ass. That could be the review: plain and simple; direct and blunt; no frills - like a Killing Time album.

The songs are all under 2 min; no emo singing, no experimentation, no post-hc influence, no gimmicks, no leaps of faith. The fact that they are the original 4 plus one - solidifies this classic ensemble. (Anthony Comunale, vox; Carl Porcaro, gits; Anthony Drago, drums; Rich McCoughlin, gits; Chris Skowronski, bass)Responsible for the first Breakdown material, Raw Deal demo, and the Hall of Fame "Brightside" lp, this line-up has written music together for 25 years. And it comes across with a blistering slap as they synchronize seemlessly. The production holds the tough feel, while leaning towards a crisp sound that lends itself to each individual's actions and a cohesion that melds indistinctly. This lp is mixed so well. I can pick out the bass, which frequently deserves the spotlight. Nothing is done on those four strings by the numbers here. Decisions in writing and in mixing let the nuances perk up with flair. The guitars play well together. Often, we have a solid, focused riff; while simultaneously leaving space for the lead to play around and wander. Vocals are flawless. Not aged one bit. No stupid ass singing. Just a spoken, fierce delivery of throaty sage to explain what's fucked up with this world and the ugly ways in which people interact with each other.

To do the "for fans of" thing; in case you are new or haven't tuned into Killing Time in 20 years... First off, i think of the much younger, Philadelphia based
The Virus. The vocals are dead on and the music is the same. Anyway, since these dudes sparked this style, lets compare. Think Ag Front- LAJFA/One Voice. Murphy's Law fast spite and spunk mixed with Inhuman's stark stomp with a dash of Cro-Mags. True NYHC. Think Poison Idea - BVBO/FTD and The Pist. Maybe KYI hopped up on steroids and sarcasm. Maybe Bane and The Wretched Ones have a quickie in the men's room while MOD watches? Think when NRSV plays a 'catchy' song... i don't know. Did you get Colletti's "Loved & Hated' or the mighty Against the Grain? This is like just a step away from that. the perfect amounts of Terror mixed with Gorilla Biscuits. Anyway - if you like any of these bands, kneel and pay homage to Killing Time.

This is a true collaboration, all members are credited with music and lyrics; coupling up and writing solo. A true group effort.

This isn't "Brightside Pt II". But it isn't "The Method Pt II" either. This album would have felt like the natural, gradual step in between the two. There is a maturation in this album, but there are tons of "Brightside" moments. More than moments, this is actually pretty akin to "Brightside". There's no denying that these guys honed in on the 'method' or, er, sound, that they created. This album could have been recorded in '88. Rest In Pieces/AF/Breakdown/Killing Time feel, through and through. There are some metal parts, some rock parts, mostly punk parts; but they are all liberated by the heavy hardcore that these dudes originated. Killing Time has grown, but not changed.

welcome back.
thanks guys.

1. "Flight Plan" kicks right in with a straight 4/4 drum beat, quick riffing, and some screaming guitar. Anthony Comunale comes in with his voice in the same exact shape as any other KT output. the riff is heavy and fast. This is pure NYHC. No apologies. at 1:20, we get a vicious breakdown that rivals any band of kids that grew up on this shit. The lyrics are peppered with a refrain of "fuck them!". It is a phrase that is a flippant response to anyone that might degrade those of us that live a hardcore/punk lifestyle; eschewing all the benefits of productive responsible lifestyles. We get some pretty damn good benefits out of this life. Tangible, visceral ones that feed people's desires that they do not reflect on til they fuckin retire.

2. "Spaceheater" jumps right in with NYHC old-school flavor; a touch of late '80s but not too crossover. Some slow sludgy parts provide a nice kickboxing soundtrack in between the comfy riff that propels the fast parts. This is classic.

3. "24" jumps in with a quick riff that is laid with what is followed by a dissonant lead the elevates the tune. The drums pounds away with speed. This tune is a touch more punk. It has a bounce to it. This tune blazes by at 1:44, not a second wasted. The vocals bounce with the sound; and gang chants are added to bring that punk feel home. Amazing.

4. "Cropduster" continues on the hardcore punk trek. We get beaten with a pummeling, gritty beat and moments of the bass being jiggled at chaotic speeds. A clean riff carries the song through what we want; 2 quick verses and then a rolling breakdown with gang chants. It picks up and builds at the end to culminate into an exhausted exhale.

5. "Mingus" comes in with a punky-new school gallop that has me dancing in the mirror. i can see the kids running side to side and picking up change. A nice nod to the 2000-era bands that expanded on KT's sound. Every thing comes full circle, i guess. It has depth with the guitar lines. There is more going on in this song. Adding to a youth crew feel is a presence in the bass that grasps the listener. The lead guitar is allowed to go astray more and is featured. While, it is not something i always look for in my HC - it certainly does not detract.

6. "The Accident" a good mid-level stomp. the drums really push the bass, which is promoted in this mix. it diverges off the simplistic path and adds a level of groove to this joint. The vocals are fierce and contemplative. there is a catchiness to the main guitar line, especially in the chorus that will get you singing along. The bass lays this foundation well. The leads, again, add little squeals that will have Carl from ATHQ basking. "We've all been searching the wreckage" is chanted at the close and provides a nice coda.

7. "Rope A Dope" This tune leans more towards that punk hardcore feel. Not Bad Religion catchy, but Murphy's Law. All the instruments meet a nice middle ground. Each is allowed to shine and titillate in the mix , while they all complement and yield to each other. There are two parts that step back a touch - dying for a cavalry of sweaty bald guys to pick up change! and i will be right there. good shit.

8. "Inheritance" my first reaction to this was that has a splash of 'rock' in it. I mean, it's a hardcore song. And not like a Brookyn Biohazard/LOA groove, but just a little more rock than other tunes. Listening to it again and again, the parts in this have a down stroke feel to the riffing, a retarding effect, almost. it allows us to catch the riff and dance. Its good. it is a nice pause.

9. "Half Empty" No resting! Let's go! Speed picks right back up wit this one. and a chorus of chants ("Half Empty!") rest on a fierce gallop of drums and bass, as we forge a path of ash from the suckas that stood still. Boom! A solid breakdown in the middle lands expertly. Which then picks right back up to cruise throughout the rest of this strong song. Probably in the top 5 of the album.

10. "Lookout" yeah. you should. Pile on right away. Music and gang vocals paint a picture of the singer getting forgotten under like 50 kids on the edge of the stage. AC emerges from the crowd to growl over the bouncing, wiry riff. Drums concretely establish the standing beat, over which all of the instruments convene to add to the frenzy.

11. "Crouch" ..."don't be a pussy, boy!" yeah. Don't. Jump up and do your own thing. This tune crushes.

12. "AKB" Somehow they lifted a 1987 Anthrax stomp for this. it works. "Everyone's out to get me!" and "Leave me Alone" are the constant repetition of these lyrics. And the metal riffage adds to the paranoia. There is a quick, but crisp bulky breakdown in the middle. The song is harsh and tough. perfect.

Review by Hutch from Empty Hands blog
Label: Dead City Records
Year: 2010
Band's website

Suburban Scum - Internal War

After impressing demo I’m glad to say that Suburban Scum have pumped out some nifty shit with their debut album. It’s pretty much amazing how they managed to pack so much hostile, grimy and anti-social vibes into such a short record.

The musicianship is top notch and the compositions are equally skilful put together. The guitars lay down a wall of sick riffs while the drumming is downright punishing, creating very brutal songs that never go down in intensity. The songs are far more diverse than your average hardcore band without using any of that clean vocals or metalcore bullshit. They don’t go over the top with song writing though, they just keep it stripped down and vicious and that’s the way I like it. There isn’t a weak track on the album and somehow their brand of hardcore is more vibrant than anyone else’s in the same bracket. I’ve heard a lot of people comparing them to Trapped Under Ice and I could agree to some extent, but they definitely have a style of their own. I also gotta mention the awesome front cover and the whole package of this CD in general. It makes it worth investing your hard earned money into this then just downloading it off Internet.
This record is one of the best examples of what I think is one of the most promising areas in hardcore today. From old school to new school, from mosh to circle parts, Suburban Scum fuses all these elements together with skill and a sharp eye for detail so the outcome is nothing but one of the best albums I’ve heard in recent months. Hardcore is once again reckless and antisocial!

Review by Dloogi
Label: Ride The Fury
Year: 2010
Band's website

Purification reunion tour

More dates tba!

17.07 Rohr/Hartberg – Burning Season Festival (AT)
23.07 Plzen – Fluff Fest (CZ)
31.07 Aachen – Musikbunker (GER)
02.08 Paris – Pixi (FR)
03.08 Zurich – Dynamo Werk 21 (CH) + FIRST BLOOD
04.08 Augsburg – Circus (GER)
05.08 Mannheim – Red Box (GER)
13/15.08 - Ieper Fest (BE)

Deez Nuts signs with Mediaskare Records

Mediaskare Records has officially signed a North American deal with Australian hardcore/punk band Deez Nuts. Fronted by ex-I Killed The Prom Queen drummer JJ Peters, the band's latest release, "This One's For You," will be available later this summer (the effort is currently available in Australia via Roadrunner Records).

Pushed Too Far

Pushed Too Far from Belgium have just released their third album, Up For Grabs, and if you like hardcore done raw, check it out! Here's something on new album, hardcore, band's plans for the future and life!

Pushed Too Far from Belgium have just released their third album, Up For Grabs, and if you like hardcore done raw, check it out! Here's something on new album, hardcore, band's plans for the future and life!

I’ve heard the new tracks from the upcoming record and I am most definitely digging them. Could you tell us how representative are these songs for the rest of the material?

They are very much representative, though some songs on the album will be a little bit darker, slower or faster, there's a pretty good variation on the CD. Two more tracks have been posted up our myspace, so go check them out and let us know what you think of them!

What would you say is the biggest difference between the your previous releases and "Up For Grabs"? What’s the direction you’re going with for the album?

For most people the biggest difference will probably be the change of vocals. But nevertheless the rest of the music has changed too, the easy "beatdown"-parts have made way for another way of releasing the anger, more in the breakdown direction. I guess we simply matured...

What are some musical influences that have shaped the band over the years? Who are some hardcore bands that you look up to?

Different bands will come to mind, ask any of us this question and you will hear 5 different answers, but if you ask me, I'd say Madball, Bulldoze, Judge, Ryker's and a slice of Skarhead! As for bands I look up to, that's a hard one, since there's so many to mention, but I'll try to keep it brief. Madball & Biohazard, for getting me into Hardcore, Krutch & Judge, for the aggression, Neglect, Blood For Blood & Sheer Terror, for the nihilism, and Next Step Up, just for being Next Step Up. Also mad props to No Turning Back for doing what they do, haven't seen much bands living it like they do!

What about the lyrical content? Is there an underlying theme you’re trying to stick with?

Well, not really, though some things do come back. It's about what we see & do, what/who we love & don't, it's about Hardcore, about being betrayed by friends, it's the way we see the world...

Do you get political in your songs? How important do you feel it is for hardcore bands to speak out about political movements and ideas?

The only song a little bit about politics would be "Bread & Circuses", and it's mainly about how it doesn't do a lot for us, and tries to keep us blind from the real problems in the world. I mean, we are from Belgium, and our federal government just fell, because they couldn't agree what language people need to speak in an area around Brussels about 20KM2... We have a worldwide crisis, growing poverty and unemployment, racial problems... You'd get disappointed in politics pretty fast then. The newest scandal here is about religious people molesting little children, and they don't even get prosecuted for it, they even get to keep their pensions, because it happened more than 5 years ago... But still, even without a government worthy of the name, this country has been going on for 3 years, with the rich getting richer, and the poor just trying to get by... I don't think Hardcore should be (only) about politics, but it's not a bad thing to see the bigger picture every once in a while, and getting your views out.

The guest list on the album is pretty impressive. Who you got on the album and how did these collaborations come about?

Well, it's a long list for sure, and we all choose them because they have been friends of us for years. Tito from Surge of Fury sings on two songs, and he mainly is one of my best friends, the same goes for Buske from One Step Beyond, when friends become family there's really nothing much more you need. We also have BartV from For My Enemies (RIP), who we did a tour with last year, Andrew from True Valiance (UK) because he became a very good friend, Maarten Trail of Hope, who has been supporting us for years, and Joeri from Enough Said & Gebo from Strike With Vengeance, the new blood! Nicho (our guitar-player) does a few lines too, and the backing-vocals have been done by 30 people I guess, just because it was fun to all hang out at High Lake Hill Studio!

What’s your label situation? Who will release "Up For Grabs"?

The album will be released on our own label, Clenched Fist Records, which has already put out all our previous Cd's, as well as a few others. We discussed looking out for another label, to maybe get a bit more exposure or something alike, but in the end Hardcore still is, and always should stay, DIY. Most of the new bands try to get on a label as fast as possible and think they will conquer the world because of it, but when you do it yourself, the satisfaction is much bigger.

What are your expectations for the CD when it comes out?

May it crush everybody! Seriously, we hope a lot of people pick it up, and like it as well. We've put our heart in this, and we feel like this is the best one yet, so we sure are proud. As far as downloads go, because it's a soft spot in the current music industry, we certainly prefer people buying our CD, though we realize it might be hard for some people. But still, nothing compares to having the CD in your hand, seeing the artwork (done by Joe Glorybound Tattoos & BSK_NMC) and putting it in your radio. I personally take a lot of pride in my ever-growing Hardcore collection (+1200 Cd's, records & tapes).

You’ve gone through some line-up changes lately. Who are the new people in the band?

Since the last CD the only change has been on the vocals. Our previous singer decided is was time to take a turn in his life, and DMZ filled in the spot! But this is also the first CD written with all of us together, since Nicho only joined the band right before the previous CD was written.

And how did Pushed Too Far get together in the first place?

It started out in 2003 as just a few kids that needed to let some steam off, and after 1 year and a half a demo-tape got released, ever since Pushed Too Far have started and kept playing shows all around. A half year later a mini-cd got recorded, but things only started to go the way they were supposed to after the release of "The Anger" full length. In the beginning there wasn't a very big scene at this part of Belgium, certainly not in the "Beatdown"-style, so we played the H8000-area regularaly (had some of the best shows with Retaliate RIP and Die My Demon RIP), it was only after "The Anger" got out and a few other bands started (like Johnny Unstoppable) that things over here got going. After that, we took a second guitarplayer, which did a great deal to our sound, and released a split-cd with Point Of View, shortly followed by another full-cd called "Fools Never Move On". Now last year the original vocalist left the band because of issues with his girlfiend, and we replaced him by DMZ, who had been following PTF since the beginning. We released another demo, and now this year we got our newest full-cd out, entitled "Up For Grabs"!

When you look at the scene, what do you think hardcore is lacking?

Dedication, respect & history. People tend to forget what has happened in the past, and what people have sacrificed to get the "scene" to where it is now. With more respect, downloading wouldn't be such an issue, since you would simply buy what you like, knowing the band didn't make it for free either. People wouldn't trash the venues, leaving their garbage at the door and harassing neighbors. And dedication, because a lot of people just get into it, and drop out a year later, when they hop on the newest trend. It takes dedication to be in a band, ask anybody that is about his girlfriend and you will already know why. And I might even add passion and unity, because fighting each other is a stupid thing, when we should be fighting the system.

What are your favorite current hardcore bands from Belgium?

We got a pretty vivid scene over here, with a bunch of new bands, and old ones picking up again. Without having to pick my favorites, you should definitely check out Surge Of Fury, Strike With Vengeance, One Step Beyond, Trail Of Hope & Enough Said, just because they helped us out with the vocals on the album, and because they all are great in what they do. Other bands and friends of ours would include Angelskin, Saviour (new CD coming out!), Headshot, The Setup, Johnny Unstoppable, Tear It Down (new CD on the way), Murderhorn (just released the CD), Point Of View, Crossed The Line (just released the CD) & Accept the Change. And of course there's the well-known ones like Arkangel, Length Of Time, Out For Blood who recently reformed... really, things are good over here! Sorry for those I missed, but there's always too many to mention!

What can we expect from you guys in the near future? Are you have any goals set for the band or are happy to just go with the flow?

Well, the release-party was last week, and we're playing with Hoods in Holland this week, followed a bunch of other shows. We'll be going through Europe with our friends in Headshot (looking for a show on the 3rd and 7th of July, hit us up!). After that we just continue to play shows, and will start working on new material again, for a release somewhere next year... We'll pretty much go with the flow, so hit us up if you'd like to book us!

Closing comments for readers?

Check out the new album and come out to one of our shows of course! Check out all the bands mentioned, support your local scene, because you need it more than you think. Buy music if you can, go out to shows, dance and sing along! Thanks go out to everyone that supported us in any way, Bart at High Lake Hill Studio and Nicolas Decleve for doing an amazing job on the recording, and ofcourse to the Hardboiled Blogspot for letting us do this interview! Bring back stagedives! Pushed Too Far 2010

Check out band's Myspace.

Dead Reprise - Signs Of Reality

Here's the track from band's upcoming album!

Lazare - This Is For Hardcore

This is new track from the upcoming Lazare MCD for NBAB. They've been around since 2008 and this is gonna be their first official release. If you're into metallic hardcore done right, keep an eye o them!

State Murders - Es La Hora

Down to Nothing - All My Sons

Can Reaper Records put out a bad release? No. No they cannot. Before all you kiddie had this myface crap - way back in 2000 - we had simple websites, where bands could post demo tracks, if you were lucky. i had picked up DTN songs back then. Then "Save it for the Birds" came out on Thorp and i could not stop playing it. Now in 2010, these RVA SXE dudes are still crushing.

Most people are not sxe that were in 2k - never mind sxe and still in the same band! take that dave peters and most of boston. This band is stronger than ever and ripping through through speakers and touring hard.

now - as a caveat - i have not loved all their releases. "...Birds" is pure gold. The KLU split was solid; leading to "Splitting Headache", which was a little unfocused - solid but not quite my favorite. then, they got signed to rev; i was proud. i had hoped for the best. "Higher Learning" 7" dropped - it had a 4 Walls Falling cover, and the other 2 songs seem to grab that influence. It was good, but not quite that magic that "Birds" had. So when "The Most" came out, i was hesitant. like a moron. I eventually grabbed it and it pounded me. Fierce strong delivery of pissed vocals and music. Then, "Hen Hem" 7" came out - i thought, "Let's Go!". i do not know if it is ironic hipster crap or what - but this sucked. maybe i just don't get the joke...

SO NOW WE HAVE: "ALL MY SONS"

So fucking good. "Birds", "Most" feel - back to 100% movement; angry, fast, strong sxe 'core. They add the DTN twist - a little rock, a little metal - this isn't straight youth crew. They're a thousand bands that have been spawned in this sound now-a-days - but these guys help solidify it as a sound and do it better. This had that stomp that will get the kids moving from side to side and flying all around the stage.

These 6 songs are heavy, mid-tempo sxe gems built for moshing side to side and having pile-ons. your fingers will point despite ability of motor activity and you will bob your head. All the cliche adjectives will work here - punishing, crushing. They have clear vocals shouting frank, positive lyrics (not hippie crap, but like crown of kings, "6:15")

These guys do not let up for a second of this e.p. - i hope they gain even more momentum.

Author: Hutch

Check out Emptyhands, blog by Hutch with lots of hardcore goodness!

Label:Reaper Records
Year: 2010

Check out the band at their Myspace

Cowardice

Cowardice are the proof that Tacoma hardcore scene is going strong! Pounding grooves and real life lyrics, that's what you can expect when picking up their newly released split with A Better Hope Foundation. We spoke about this and some other topics with Jeremy, the voice behind the band.

Name: My name is Jeremy.I sing in Cowardice

Location: Tacoma, Washington

Active since: December 2008

How do you define your overall style?
We just play pretty straight forward hardcore. I am horrible at answering that.

What’s your goal with this band?
Hopefully that someone can get out of one of our songs what I have gotten out of others. Show that hardcore can be more than just kids being angry. Being angry and having reasons behind it and trying to do something about it.

What do you have recorded so far?
We have a demo that is free for download on our myspace(myspace.com/cowardicewa). We also just put out a spit 7" with A Better Hope Foundation on Anthropogenic Records.

To the readers out there who aren’t familiar with Cowardice, give us some run down on the band’s history and some basic info.
We are a hardcore band from Tacoma, WA. We started around December 2008. The band already existed under another name. But when my old band broke up Josh(who sang at the time) switched to bass and I took over vocals. We changed the name and wrote some new songs and became Cowardice.

The split with A Better Hope Foundation should be out some time soon. Give us some details – what should we be expecting to find there and how does your music differ from the demo days? 
The split just came out on Anthropogenic Records. It is a split with A Better Hope Foundation from California. We have three songs on it. The songs are just stronger than the demo songs in my opinion. The songs on the demo were more personal and about me lyric wise. This one varies more on topics. A song about dealing with alcoholism in my family, one about the music thse days not having much substance, one about people taking more personal accountability in the actions they take.

How did you hook up with Anthropogenic Records? What are your thoughts on the stuff they’ve been putting out so far? I’m hyped how good Wreak Havoc 7” is! 
We put on a show for A Better Hope Foundation last fall and they had a show fall through the day after. So we put together a last minute free show for them at our venue and a bunch of kids showed up and went nuts. They were excited that people cared enough to help out a touring band. In the past my old band and ABHF talked about doing a split but it never came worked out. So they approached Cowardice and asked if we wanted to. They said they had a label that wanted to do it already and it was Anthropogenic. So we said, hell yeah.

You’re serious about your lyrics. Care to tell us where do you find your inspiration? What are some of the songs that feel most personal to you?
To me, lyrics are just as important as the music. Lyrics can make or break a band or a song for me. I remember my earliest experiences with music sitting in my room listening to a CD for the first time and reading the lyrics along with it. I have learned so much from the music I listen to. I feel that not enough bands these days take what they say with enough importance as they should. There are very few times in your life you can say something and have it have a chance to change or affect what the person listening thinks or feels. Playing music and singing in a band is one of those times. I have seen what the power of your words can do. I have felt what they can do. I find the inspiration in everything around me. People ask me why I am so angry. My response is always, why are you not? Or, why do you hide your anger. My words may not be happy, but who is happy all the time? Because I have this outlet I am able to release that and not hold it in. If you met me in real life and only knew my music you'd be surprised. I am one of the most laid back people you will meet. But I just take those moments when you hurt, are angry, are sad and put them to paper. Every single person has those moments. Whether it is being unsatisfied with your life, losing a relationship, a death of someone close, seeing the horrible things that surround us every day and wanting to do something about it. Those are things that every single person will experience at one point in your life. Hardcore is just an outlet to not forget those moments and to deal with them. Your chance to have a voice and maybe say something someone will relate to and realize they aren't alone when they feel what they are feeling.

For me, the song Grandfather off of our 7" means the most to me. Mainly because what it is about is still going on. My grandfather was an alcoholic and drank himself to Alzheimers. The last time I went to see him he shook my hand when I left and said "it was nice to meet you." I've known him since I was born. To see someone spend their entire life just to forget it in the end is hard. An entire life to wake up in a world with no family and no friends, honestly and truely alone is terrifying to me.

I really like the story behind Shadow lyrics. In these economically unstable times it seems like more and more people are hitting hard time. Since you’ve been there and done that, what would be your advice for them?
First, here are the lyrics and my explanation off of our myspace to the song Shadow.
"I saw the light turn into darkness. Put out the fire and choked on the ashes. I struggled to catch my breath and almost lost my life. There is failure in the shadows. It's all I've ever known. Losing faith in everything makes you find yourself.
I got to a point in my life where I had given up on everything. I had lost my job, my own place to live, my relationship and I was left with nothing but myself. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. Losing everything forces you to find yourself, who you are and what you want to be."

I wrote those lyrics after I had lost what felt like everything. So all I had was myself living back at my parents house at the age of 24. I spent time with just me. I thought about giving up on life. But realized that everything I thought I lost wasn't really much at all. I was so caught up in the idea that I needed all these other things to survive when all I really needed was myself. When you have faith in nothing else all you have is yourself. Which is the first thing you need to have faith in to survive.

Many of the songs you wrote speak about hardcore scene. What does it mean to you to be a part of it? What’s the essence of hardcore for you?
For me, hardcore isn't a scene. It is so much more, as cheese as that sounds. Hardcore is something you can be not only a part of but you can make a difference with it. You can start bands, put on your own shows, write your own zine, you can go to shows, you can sing along, you can talk to the members of the bands. The kids writing the songs are the same kids going to the shows. The kids jumping on your head are the same kids putting on the shows. As cliche as it is, it is who I am. What I have gotten from it I will take with me the rest of my life.

When it comes to hardcore-punk, who is your favourite lyricist today?
One of my favorite of all time is Greg Bennick from the band Trial/Beneath Earth & Sky. The words he put out on the CD "Are these our lives?" changed how I thought about music and the power of what you say can have. To me, the best lyrics can stand alone without the music.

How is the state of hardcore scene in Tacoma ,what are some other bands from your hometown we should pay attention to?
Tacoma is awesome. We have built something that blows my mind. The hardcore kids here have gotten together and built something great. We have our own venue(VIADUCT), our own fest(RAINFEST), kids that print shirts for bands, kids still putting out zines, a lot of kids that volunteer and make this all work. Not just in Tacoma, but the surrounding areas are just as good. Dangers wrote a song about a house in Bremerton that put on shows. Within an hour in different ways there is Olympia, Bremerton and Seattle. All have there own little communities that have a lot of kids and kids doing things.

How does the near future look for the band?
We just lost our original Guitar play, Donny. So we are getting a new guitar player, Caleb and getting him up to speed. We are working on writing and recording by June. Hopefully a full length. Just taking time and writing and making something we are proud of. I have a lot I want to say and am putting a lot into the new songs.

Anything you would like to add?
Thanks for doing this. Check out these websites for more info on what is going on in our area.
http://www.viaductvenue.com
http://www.nwhardcore.com
http://www.oursound.net

Abandon

Abandon is a California based Vegan/SxE band with a strong socio-political drive. Their newest release, "The Death of Urgency", was released on vinyl at Death of a Modernist records. For the CD version, contact xCatalystx Records.

Abandon is a California based Vegan/SxE band with a strong socio-political drive. Their newest release, "The Death of Urgency", was released on vinyl at Death of a Modernist records. For the CD version, contact xCatalystx Records.

How did you get hooked up with Death Of A Modernist and Catalyst records?

Death of a Modernist is run by a friend of ours, and it's a new label. Our upcoming LP is going to be their first release, and we are really excited about this. We talked to xCatalystx about releasing our LP on cd format, and they had heard some good things about us so they agreed to do it. Unfortunately, we've taken longer than we wouldve liked releasing our record but so far everything is going good.

Is it important for you to have it also available on vinyl format as well?

Some of us like to collect records and prefer the way music sounds on vinyl, so we thought that we would rather release it on vinyl and cd rather than just cd.

What's behind the title "The Death of Urgency"? It there any deeper meaning behind it?

"The Death of Urgency" is a line taken from one of our songs. The song itself deals with the topic of straight edge, and living a sober lifestyle as being more than just a choice but also an idea with radical potential. The lyric from the song states "the death of urgency is at the hands of diversion", and what we meant by this is that the urgency and yearning for a better world sometimes dies at the hands of intoxication and addiction.

Songs I've heard from you reminds me a lot of some of the stuff I was listening back in the 90', like Culture, Endeavor… Would you agree with this comparison and do these influences go beyond the music? I mean, most of those bands had a strong sociopolitical drive and the same could be probably said about Abandon.

Thanks for the comparison, it really means a lot to us. Some of the Bands from the mid-90s are some of our all time favorite bands. The influence of these bands definitely go beyond the music and into the realm of ideas. All of the members of abandon identify themselves as part of the vegan straight edge movement, and were all involved in different kinds of political and social activism.

How would you sum up the main message you as a band want to get across to the listener?

All of our songs have different messages, and deal with different topics, but our main message is that there is a better world, a better future for all of us: a life in a world and society that is free of oppression and discrimination, where egalitarianism and cooperation take precedence over individualism and competition; a world where it is possible to live in harmony with ourselves, with each other, and with our planet, and that it's a thousand times better than the bleak nightmare of a future that it's being currently created for us. The struggle will be enormous, but it lives on.

What do you guys do to get your message to the kids who haven’t heard about veganism or straight edge and not to falling in a trap of preaching to the converted?

You know what, I personally haven't thought much about this lately, but there have definitely been talks about starting to book shows and gigs with different styles of bands, so that we can reach a wider audience, especially here in southern California.

So tell me about a typical Abandon live experience and why kids who are not VSE should check out your band? What do you guys think about violent dancing?

We put a lot of effort, energy and emotion into our performances, so the shows are ussually very energetic and definitely loud. For kids who are into hardcore but are not VSE I would say that we also sing about different topics, such as religion, isolation, and the culture that we live in. We xo not support dancing that it's too violent and out to hurt people or create fights, as we see that this creates problems and rifts within our community, and makes some people feel unwelcomed in the hardcore scene, but moshing without being out to hurt people is fine.

In a time when it's hip to do drugs and celebrities like Paris Hilton are role models for the young generetion, do you think SxE is still a force that can bring some positive change in young people's lives and keep them from doing a lot of mistakes?

Definitely, it's still a powerful movement, and when I was growing up drugs were also cool and role models were terrible (I don't think there's been a time when this hasn't been the case) and straight edge helped me out immensely to stay away from drugs and not make bad mistakes when I was younger.

And personally, what was your reason to get involved? what do you think abstaining from drugs and alcohol changed in your life?

I remember having gotten a hold of a couple of Crass and Conflict records, which at the time blew my mind. Their message about social control and the way the elite and ruling classes can benefit from a drugged and doped population to stay in power really struck a chord with me. Eventually I also got the Minor Threat records, and absolutely fell in love with them. Around this same time one of my closest family members drank themselves to death. From this point on I decided to live a co pletely drug free life. As time went by, I saw some of my closest friends fall into the downward spirals of addiction and ruin their lives in the process. Abstaining from drugs and alcohol has helped me avoid all of this, it has given me a different outlook on life itself, and the role that intoxication has within our culture and our communities. It empowered me at a young age to make decisions for myself rather than fall to peer or cultural pressure, and it has saved me quite a bit of money, hehe. It has definitely been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

How do you feel about hardcore scene nowadays? What is the most interesting aspect of being a part of it?

It definitely retains the potential to be an incredible thing, but as of right now I feel as if the hardcore scene is underperforming. The most amazing thing is the dedication that members of the hardcore scene display towards their communities outside of shows and gigs.

Who are some underrated hardcore bands that you think deserve more attention?

I am originally from Chile, and I've been living in the states for about 7 years. Two of my favorite Chilean bands are Contra Todos Mis Miedos and To Feel Alive. Another band that I think is absolutely amazing is The Separation from northern California. I am currently on tour with them, and they are incredible individuals. One of my all time favorite straight edge bands that I also think is really underrated is the now defunct Time For Change from southern California

Anything you would like to add?

Go vegan! And if you have questions, feel free to write to me.

Band at Myspace

Shut The Fuck Up - Scumbag

Shut the Fuck Up are from Indiana and their style places them somewhere between classic NYHC sound like Breakdown and hateful style of One Life Crew.

First Blood touring Europe in July and August

First Blood will be touring Europe this summer. Here are the dates:

July 16th Schweinfurt, GER – Alter Stattbahnhof
July 17th Hartberg, AUT – Burning Season Festival
July 18th Cluj-Napoca, ROM – Irish & Music Pub
July 19th Presov, SLO – V-Club
July 20th Krakow, POL – Face2Face
July 21st Poznan, POL – Pod Minoga
July 22nd Siegen, GER – Vortex
July 24th Linkoping, SWE – HC Festival
July 25th Hamburg, GER – Logo
July 28th Trier, GER – Exhaus
July 29th Lille, FRA – La Chimere
July 30th Viveiro, SPA – Resurrection Fest
July 31st Karlsruhe, GER – Stadtmitte
August 01st Bologna, ITA – Blogos
August 02nd TBA, SWI – TBA
August 03rd Zurich, SWI – Werk 21
August 04th Ingolstadt, GER – Paradox
August 06th Essen, GER – Filled With Hate Festival
August 08th London, UK – Underworld
August 09th Manchester, UK – Star & Garter
August 10th Southampton, UK – Joiners
August 11th Plymouth, UK – White Rabbit
August 13th Villmar, GER – Tells Bells Festival
August 14th Torgau, GER – Endless Summer
August 15th Prague, CZE – 007 Club
August 21st Amsterdam, NET – Winston
August 22nd Landgraaf, NET – Oefenbunker Landgraaf
August 27th Greifswad, GER – Baltic Sea HC Fest
August 28th As, BEL – Vlamrock

Terror, Grave Maker, Naysayer and Foundation tour

Here are the dates:

6/18 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
6/19 Omaha, NE @ The Commons
6/20 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock
6/21 Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
6/22 Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
6/23 Toronto, ON @ Poor Alex
6/24 Montreal, QC @ Underworld
6/25 Jonquiere, QC @ Cafe Theater Cote Court
6/26 Quebec City, QC @ Cafe L'agitee
6/27 Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
6/28 Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place
6/29 Albany, NY @ Bogie's
6/30 Pittsburgh, PA @ Smiling Moose
7/1 Long Island, NY @ Ethical Humanist Center
7/2 Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz
7/3 Philadelphia, PA @ Barbary
7/4 Richmond, VA @ Alley Katz
7/5 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
7/6 Raleigh, NC @ The Brewery
7/7 Johnson City, TN @ The Hideaway
7/8 Birmingham, AL @ The Firehouse
7/9 Atlanta, GA @ 585 Wells St.
7/10 Charlotte, NC @ Casbah
7/11 Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theater
7/12 Corbin, KY @ CMA Center
7/13 St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
7/14 Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone Cafe
7/15 Oklahoma City, OK @ Bricktown Live
7/16 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
7/17 Austin, TX @ Red 7
7/18 Dallas, TX @ The Door
7/19 Lubbock, TX @ The Foundation
7/21 Albuquerque, NM @ The Launchpad
7/22 Tempe, AZ @ The Underground

Stick To Your Guns - Amber

The Wrong Side - Dumptruck demo 7" pre-orders are up

Finally available on vinyl, the original recordings of The Wrong Side. Originally released in 2003 as the DUMP TRUCK - Feelin' Good Demo cassette on Lockin' Out Records. Before the name change, before the full length on Stillborn...there were 4 raw tracks recorded at Dead Air Studios reflecting their NYHC influences with a modern twist. Place your pre-order here!

Xibalba teamed up with BDHW for the upcoming album

"Madre Mia Gracias Por Los Dias" by Xibalba should hit the streets soon by BDHW Recs. According to the label, 'only a few last things need to be checked at the pressing farm'.

New Domestic War album out soon on Seventh Dagger

Ok, so if you're still not aware - Domestic War (Erie hardcore) has joined Seventh Dagger family for the upcoming release. The band has uploaded 2 new tracks on their Myspace and they still hold their ground when it comes to heavy and gritty hardcore! You can also buy this t-shirt and get for free digital sampler of the upcoming album!

Creepout - Tribe Called Hardcore

Creepout are well known and established Japan band. Here's the title song from their latest album "Tribe cAlled Hardcore"!

Snatch Club - Adrenaline

Snatch Club from Germany should appeal to everyone into breakdowns and double bass. And if sick and cocky lyricism is also your thing, no way you're not gonna like it.

Purification announces new CD

Purification is reforming and will release the re-issue of their latest record "Banging the drums of war" (originally out on Uprising Records) this summer on HUP supporting the European dates the band will play. There has been a quite important change in the line-up for this iconic Vegan Straight Edge band from Italy, and the upcoming CD will feature 2 bonus tracks featuring the new singer.

Here's what the band stated about the comeback:
"Purification always meant militant vegan straight edge. And in this lack of bands carrying the ideology nowadays we found the main reason to bring Purification back to life. As the spirit of the message always overwhelms the mere members of the band, we still believe that it makes sense to play and tour again even if with a major change in the line-up.

A new era in Purification history has begun carrying the same passionate spirit that made the band appreciated worldwide, that gave us wonderful memories and we are sure will give us wonderful times again.

While some people would think we are doing a mistake, or that we are doing it for the money (what money by the way), or that hate us for some reason...well, we hope you change your mind.

We are deeply connected to this reality and we still have the power to change it for the better. We believe that spreading the Vegan Edge message through the band is a powerful weapon that we have to use.

We particularly believe a new horizon is to be seen and hopefully we will accomplish something more with the comeback of Purification."


A new song will be posted monday 31st on band's Myspace.

Cornered posted new songs from the upcoming album

Living The Lie is the title of Cornered upcoming album. The band has posted couple of new tracks on their Myspace and they all sound promising! This is definitely a type of hardcore we like over here at Hardboiled webzine!

Final Prayer early recordings to be released on Let It Burn records

Let It Burn records will release early discography of Final Prayer. 'Best of Times' first and foremost documents the band's early history: From the humble beginnings, aka the demo days, to two split releases, to the first album. Second, with the demo and the split releases being long out of print, seeing copies of their demo being sold for stupid amounts of money on Ebay not only made them wish they had kept some somewhere, but also made it a necessity to make these songs accessible again for a fair price.

Earth Crisis cancel European tour

Here's the message from the band: "Unfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances, we will be cancelling our upcoming European dates in June/July. The good news is we'll be starting work on our new record and are shooting for a early 2011 release. Sorry Europe, we'll see you next year with a new record!!"

Eulogy Recordings signs Stand United

Eulogy Recordings are very proud to announce the signing of Iowa's Stand United They are currently recording their new album in Des Moines, IA with Dustin Miller from Audio Aggregate Studios (Fleshrot, It Prevails). Their new album will be released on Eulogy Recordings this fall. They are currently planning a fall tour to support the album.

Drummer Seth Gagle commented: "We are very excited to be signing to Eulogy Recordings. This is a huge accomplishment for all of us in the band. Some of our biggest influences and favorite bands have been on this label. We will be announcing our August tour and fall tours shortly on our Myspace and Twitter."

Eulogy owner John Wylie added, "Stand United is ready to take the world by storm. They have spent a long time preparing this record and its well worth the wait. The band will be on the road nonstop when the album comes out. Everyone will have the chance to experience their intensity first hand."

By My Hands working on a new album

Glasgow based By My Hands are working on new full length called "Growing Older...Getting Colder...". What you should expect is 9 tracks of powerful, heavy hardcore with reckless breakdowns. Note that this is their first release since CDC split that came 4 years ago. No word on the label yet but more info should be coming soon!

Cornered

Here's an interview my friend did with the band couple of months ago and it took so much time for my lazy ass to post it up. Anyway, Cornered is one of the coolest bands nowadays and it's still worth a read! They're having new album coming out this summer - don't miss it!

Here's an interview my friend did with the band couple of months ago and it took so much time for my lazy ass to post it up. Anyway, Cornered is one of the coolest bands nowadays and it's still worth a read! They're having new album coming out this summer - don't miss it!

At the beginning tell me something about you, who is who, what's the band history?
I am Niels, the singer. We started out early 2009 writing songs, we knew eachother from other bands we've played in before. Played our first show in March I think, released our demo on 7", went on tour with Deal With it, put out the split 7" with Cold Snap and so on...

In what bands did you play before Cornered?
Bands we played in before are remain, new morality, straight a's and the hunger and probably loads more.

2009 is ending. Was it a good year to Cornered as a band and to you personally?
Fuck yes, Cornered played more shows than I thought we'd do. People have been treating us really good. its awesome.

If you could change something in the passing year what would it be?
Fuck that, no regrets!

Due to dictionary 'cornered' means to be in a possition of great difficulty, brought to bay - is this definition mirroring your feelings these days? What fucks up you most?

The thing that pisses me off the most is definately people that expect to get respect when they don't give respect. Everyone feels that they deserve to be treated as some sort of god, fuck that shit. Fuck everyone.

What had the biggest influence on your music? Can you name 3 records that have shaped you as a band?

Fury of Five - At war with the World - picked this one up years ago and have been moshing to it ever since. It's not where you're from it's where you're aaaaaaaaaaaaat!

Crawlspace - Don't get mad, get even. - Belgian metalcore at it's finest (see also Length of Time/Arkangel and CONGRESS)

Knuckledust - Dustography - dont need to add anything to this. It's just a hard record.

After things you wrote im suprised that you didnt mention any bands from Cleveland. In music youre playing its easy to hear influences from bands from that city. Are you into Clevo hardcore? was bands like confront or OLC inspiration to you?

WE LOVE ONE LIFE CREW, they were definately an inspiration to us. Integrity, Face Value and fucking ringworm... you name it i love it.

You've released your 7" demo in Crucial Attack, your split with Cold Snap was released in worship rec. How did you start this cooperation?

The cooperatioin with Crucial attack was an easy one, Franke plays the guitar for us and he was stoked on putting out our demo on a 7"
With Cold Snap it was different, I liked the band and asked them if they were up for it. They had probably heard of us too and were into the idea, then Worship Records contacted us and told us they wanted to do the split which was released in November.

Are you sattisfied of this release?
I am pretty happy the way it came out, artwork looks sick and the songs are hard.

You were on tour with Deal With It. How do you remember that time? Any crazy shit happend?

People died on that tour man. It was one of the weirdest experiences I've had in my life. I can't really find words to describe the fear I was in on this trip. It was like being stuck in a van with 'that guy at the festival' for 17 days straight.

This question is literally taken from Black Dog zine - What is your opinion on the "third X"?
The whaaaaaaaaat?? I reckon the first two X'es are a lot better since they came in first. Then the third one is obviously a bit overrated.

Any final word?

DONT SAY A WORD
I WONT NEGOTIATE
NO COMPROMISE
NOW IT'S TOO LATE
FINAL WORD
THERE'S NO HELP TO FIND
FINAL WORD
REVENGE REVENGE IS MINE

FUCK LIFE FUCK LIFE FUCK LIFE FUCK LIFE FUCK LIFE FUCK LIFE

You can check out the band at their Myspace

Cowardice - Grandfather

It is off of Cowardice split 7" with A Better Hope Foundation. It just came out on Anthropogenic records.

Through This Defiance - Hostility Towards the Opposition

So - one day about 6 weeks ago, i wandered to Skare Tactic's page to see what they are up to and i got directed Through This Defiance. I would not say their is a fluid exchange, but of the same ilk. The whole shared family/ex-current members incestuous feel of Donnybrook/Blood Stands Still/Skare Tactic. Despite the formal connections to the latter, i hear Folsom's sound all over this. Not just the music, but the vocal style, subkect matter, and delivery. If you enjoy any of these bands - you will dig this (not quite the thick metal of BSS, or speed and fury of ST; but it all sounds similar.

Specifics? MidTempo beatdown core. This shit is to get the kids moving on the floor. Chest pounds, pointed finger, stage dives and high fives - and that was just me alone in my room! This is pissed off. heavy, brutal hardcore with that LA street attitude. I do like how they forgo that image - and have that more social aspect in their imagery and name.

To sum up - mostly mid-tempo, high kicking beatdowns. Some songs step it up with faster beats - a great flow and balance between the songs. Double bass creeps in the fray to accompany pummeling riffs that lead to some of the best breakdowns i have heard in a while. Vocals are mostly speak words of street, the system, snake-ass liars, and the crew.

This has been getting constant play from me. Check out "How I'm Livin" & "Still Deceived" for extra heavy, thicker metal vibe; "One Life..." & "Another One..." for that bounce; "Time to Shine", "Generation Lost" "Hometown Hero" are probably my standout tracks for their straight up sore sound and fun time changes; but this whole disc is filled with winners. Big Ups!

FOR FANS OF: Folsom, Bulldoze, 25 ta Life, LA hardcore; somewhere between Mushmouth and Powerhouse...yeah, i said it!

*** and as a side note - in a perfect world; hardcore unity is prevalent and everybody that gets it is down. more variation in ethnicity would be sweet. LA seems like the place to have that happen. so i would hope women are included in this mix - with out but making it a big deal. That being said - when a tough ass band that delivers, also has a hot woman holdin it down - damn! much respect. Punk rock usually attracts the rejected; so, it's nice to see some one with beauty and brains and damn good taste in music.

This is guest review by Hutch is is also running his own blog: http://www.emptyhandspvd.com/.
Label: Our Blood Records
Year: 2010
Band's website

Pre-orders for Fed Up! Sheer Poetry have started

Pre-Order The New Full Length from these NYHC Drunken Masters. 12 tracks of Drunken Patriotic Fun. For fans of Agnostic Front, Murphy's Law, Cro-Mags, YDL, Warzone, The Abused, Breakdown, Sick Of It All, NYHC done right! Place your order here.

New Deez Nuts album is out!

This One's For You is a new album by Australian bad boys of hardcore - Deez Nuts. It was released by Roadrunner and contains 11 songs of hardcore made for partying and fighting. Check out their Myspace to listen to some of the new songs.

Update on the new Vietnom's album

VIETNOM are finally recording the last of the vokillz for their upcoming CD, 'Weapon of Mass Destruction' on Good Life. After that the record goes straight to producer Nicolas Declève who will do the mastering on this bomb! In other news, VIETNOM will take part in AGNOSTIC FRONT's Victim In Pain 25th anniversary tour on selected dates.