Video: Cold Hard Truth - TruthGetta
I wasn't aware Cold Hard Truth were active again but it turns out the new album Truthgetta is dropping on FWH Recs as we speak. Back in the days I was very much into Reflect The Conflict, but I got mixed feelings about this new track. They used to be more Shattered Realm than Nasty, but somehow this old school beatdown groove is gone and they moved toward something way more modern. The whole album is posted on their bandcamp and I can easily name tracks that are better than the title one, like Violence Is The Answer - the shortest one but most tight. On the other hand, there are tracks that are fast but don't really go nowhere and after their over I don't remember any of it. Best thing for you to do is to check it out yourself and make up your own opinion.
Bandcamp: No Way Out - Corrupt Corrupted Corruption
The title of this demo made me stop for a second and think what the fuck, but it makes more sense when you read the lyrics to Pharoah's Fury which deal with injustice and pressure from those in power. Actually, these tracks have more depth than it might seem on first listen. Much of this material deals with police abuse of power, but there is a room for more personal stuff as well. Musically it's hard-hitting and raw like any good hardcore should be. The skills are there and they know how to write tracks both bouncy and heavy.
BANDCAMP
Review: Backfire! / Cornered - split
More Backfire! and Cornered never sits wrong. Both bands dropped full albums in recent times that were so good that obviously no one expected this split to disappoint. And they didn’t. When I got this shit for review after first listen all I could think about is that what both bands do over here is on the level many others will never reach. Only two tracks in total and from start to finish they give it raw and uncut. There was not a wasted moment in this. Backfire is sending you straight to hardcore heaven with Mosh Minable. The track is sharp and in your face, from chugging rhythms to hard as hell groove to forceful vocals everything gets the job done. Cornered as always delivers beastly tracks blending fury of hardcore and evil of metal to good effect. No doubt Time Has Come delivers that rage that is expected from this band. Raw, bitter, and loveless work of hardcore.
Strength Records, 2016
Back in the days: Krutch road stories
Taken from an old interview with Richie Krutch back from 2002:
Any Interesting Road Stories From Any Of The Bands?
HAHA, yea a lot, but here is one of my favorites...The first night we played Germany, our shit was stolen, I am talking CASH, cameras, jackets. So we were like fuck it, we split up, some went up the street, some went down the street, next thing we know, our man Pepi is walking towards up dragging this German skinhead dood, he found the guy with all our stuff. So we torture him, make him take us back to his house, bash in the door, all that. Anyway, after leaving him near death, our drummer Shawn turns on his video cam of the show that night, It turns out the kid that stole the camera taped himself jerking off in the alley near the club... we were laughing like crazy.
Review: God’s Hate - Mass Murder
I’m not falling for all the hype surrounding Gods Hate but I gotta admit there’s this element in their music that makes them stand out in today’s hardcore landscape. Mass Murder delivers was the certified and official sound of hardcore around 1997-2000, the period when the finest records by Hatebreed, Born From Pain and 100 Demons came out, Yeah, so this shit has been done for ages and copied ever since but still not everyone can pull off this style right. There has been a slew of bands paying homage to that sound but somehow God’s Hate seem to do it better than most. Mass Murder is tight skills, impeccable ear for sharp riffs and heavy vibe all funneled into hard as nails hardcore. What makes it click is that it’s heavy as hell and sharp in its execution. No game changer but the record is filled with fat riffing and massive groove, there are even solos that are well placed so they don’t bog down or halt the flow of the song.
Lyrics have more depth that I expected. Throughout Mass Murder there is a sense of injustice and chaos of everyday life. It’s not a downer though the band speaks about serious stuff to make you aware and stand up to the forces that are pressing down on us.
All in all, people acting like this type of sound is too played out have to stop pretending hardcore is something more than pissed of people. As long as it's sincere I'm all for it.
Closed Casket Activities, 2016
Cornered Interview
The new album is called Hate Mantras, can you tell me the story and idea behind the name?
Daan wrote a Rhythm to the Madness EP called Hate Mantras. That band quit so he had those songs ready. We didnt use any of the songs but the name stuck. A hardcore song is a Hate Mantra per definition. It fits the lyrics as they deal with a lot of hate.
Personally, I think the album rips. As this is your creation, how is the album sitting with you when you listen to it now?
I am really into it. Its the first record that came out quite quickly so whereas before it would take ages for the record to come out and I'd be fed up with the songs before we even recorded them or put them out. I love each song for what it is because we've all contributed to this record instead of having one of us writing all the riffs. The guitars and the drums sound tight and I like the way my vocals ended up on most songs.
How is the record doing in terms of feedback from the listeners? Was it well received? Are you even concerned about this stuff?
Its always nice to hear kids are into it, everything we've gotten back so far has been very positive so thats cool. Even before the actual record was out. Reviews have been overwhelming and many of my friends were into it and even my family liked the way it sounded for the first time that meant a lot to me.
Video: Bayside Kings - Another Point Of View!
Another dope band from Brazil. This track is short but slick as fuck. After seeing this clip I've checked their older videos on youtube and they were ok, but this new one is definitely more up my valley. There is tons of great hardcore coming from Brazil nowadays and hopefully more people from Europe, US or Asia will give that scene a chance.
Review: Concrete - No Dawn
Another one from Albany,NY-based Concrete and just like their previous stuff, No Dawn is a heavy-hitter. The band specializes in heavy, gritty hammer-and-nails hardcore and in this regard, this ep does not disappoint. It seems like they were aiming for heavier sound than on previous records, but thankfully they managed to do it without losing all the necessary hardcore elements. Their sound is deeply rooted in old school but with solid metallic parts and breakdowns and mosh. These dudes can play and skill-wise this is above the average, the guitar work is technical though they keep it sharp all the way and drumming is more than on point. Especially the rhythm section is keeping everything together with a steady groove for the rest of the band to follow.
If you're into heavier side of hardcore you owe it to yourself to listen to this one because it's exactly what one would need. Though it sounds technical, it’s hard-hitting and carriers enough of that anger and aggression that separate hardcore from phony metal. Each track is hard hitting and punchy and this might be their best material to date.
Fast Break! Records, 2016
Debut 7" by Red Vision (Richmond, VA hardcore)
Richmond, VA traditional brand of hardcore . This self titled 7" has been brought to the masses by Edgewood Records. When you have a hardcore record where every element fits - the band is legit, music hits hard, vocals are on point and lyrics are no bullshit - you gotta appreciate it. Give it a try.
FFO: Floorpunch, 86 Mentality, & Sick Of It All
PAHC history: Boxcutter begginnings
From an old interview with Richie Krutch about how Boxcutter came about:
Well, we recorded 4 songs for a Krutch EP then we realized that the contract we already where in would forbid that CD, so we decided to make another band with some other guys. Thats why the Thug Rock CD is like it is...the new Boxcutter is much different, the songs where written for Boxcutter, not Krutch, whole new style."