MAD EXISTENCE - Self Titled 7"

Location: Richmond, USA

Release: Vinyl Conflict, 2016

Recently added to my "daily dose of fresh HC" playlist together with Headwalk, Lawgiver and True Vision is MAD EXISTENCE's latest record, a 7 minutes rager! After a taste of what would come in that 3-song Promo and a great demo they return with their best burly punk material thus far, maintaining that UK82/NYHC formula, hardcore for steadfast stompers.

As of last friday they are on a rampage with BARGE bustin' out the jam(e)s in a few selected dates around the USA.

PURCHASE 7"/MERCH

DOWNLOAD [+ promo/demo]

damn son, where'd find this?!

TRUE VISION - Against The Grain Promo

Location: Leeds, UK

Release: Quality Control HQ, 2016

Another record Im taking off of my to-do list before this blog go into hiatus, a few remaining ones will come up during this week.

TRUE VISION belongs to the new breed of the Leeds Straight Edge featuring members in some of the finest NWOBHC bands you already luv. They play a rough kind of youthcrew boosted by late 80's NYHC influences like Side By Side, Outburst and Breakdown plus that UK82 rampant attitude.

Exclusive to this release is a cover by the great RELEASE, the other 2 tracks will be on a 7" EP that is coming next season through the successful partnership between QCHC and Painkiller Records, undoubtedly one of the coolest promos you will hear this year!

DOWNLOAD [320kbps]

BIND - 2016 Promo

Location: Florida, USA

Release: Plead Your Case, 2016

The highly antecipated sequel to BIND's Demo finally came to light 4 months ago and for me, it exceeded the expectations! With the introduction of thrash elements into their music they added more firepower and variety to the band's arsenal. Whatever comes after this promo will most likely do some serious ruckus!

In september 23th they will be on the road promoting these new jams w/ none other than Survival Method (ex-label mates) who also has new stuff out, a true vulgar display of shreddin' west coast tour that is.

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GLORY - 3 Song Promo

Location: Boston, USA

Release: Triple-B Records, 2016
Artwork: Bellosi

Newest band from Sam Triple-B with members from Death Infection and Youth Funeral. GLORY plays posi-hardcore late 80's youth crew, Wishingwell era. The demo came out just a couple of months ago with a forthcoming EP in the near future, these dudes don't waste time. A band to watch out for!

My bro Gonz caught their show last week w/ Countdown, Abuse Of Power (new single out!) and Free during The People's Tour date in Atlanta. He told me they rocked so I gave it a go, check if you havent yet!

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DOWNLOAD [320kbps]

LIFE DEBT - Demo 2016

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Release: Second Guess Records, 2016
Artwork: Chad Lawson

This blog is still a thing because of bands like LIFE DEBT! A side project from dudes in Sick Machine (also share members in Crush The Demoniac), a total immersion into late 80's NYHC. That intro on the second track has busted my house down... to dust!

2nd press of the Demo tape is now available through Second Guess, a fairly new label also from Melbourne and while at it be sure to check Society's Chain new jams, play it loud and finish wreckin' the rest of your city block!

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Life Debt supports a drug free and cruelty free lifestyle.

THE SCARE - False Unity

Location: Seattle, USA

Release: Life Of Dreams, 2016

New bloods in THE SCARE (ex-Red Scare) takes cue from the second wave of north american HARDcore, nothing but raw power! Bands that come to mind are Slapshot, Brotherhood and Sheer Terror with elements of contemporary stuff like in Think I Care.

With positive reviews all over on their great 2015 Promo and amusing live performances, they gained some deserved exposure and now present False Unity, their debut 7" on Life Of Dreams Records, to be out next month! If you don't move to this, you're a living corpse.




PRE-ORDER 7"

DOWNLOAD [only their previous material]

RED DEATH - Deterrence

Location: Washington, USA

Release: Lockin Out, 2016

Man.. I have a lot to catch up to, lots of new records/bands and not enough time (who has?). After problems with the first press, RED DEATH's debut single 7" on Lockin Out is finally out, labels 40th release. The DC scene is on fire, Permanent Exile 12" was the shit, everything Protester puts out is tremendous, not to mention Pure Digust, I.C.E., Standoff ... all with new stuff on the streets, plus newcomers in Guilt Parade, Hot Shot, etc the list is long!

Red Death keep up with the 80's influenced crossover, something between D.R.I. and Broken Bones. The title track here is their best one yet! It's fast and abrasive, all go no slow!!

PURCHASE 7"/MERCH
[limited red vinyl still available]

DOWNLOAD
[+ LP and Demo]

CRUSH THE DEMONIAC - Demonstration Tape 2016

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Release: Life Lair Regret Records, 2016

Alex Axemeister Pag from mighty Deal With It teams up once again with Sam Robot Donchi (Hornetz Nest) for that perfect Harley/Mayhew worship. This time (first one under Reincarnation) they have gone further in that pursuit, from the band's name to the krishna influence, CRUSH THE DEMONIAC is Cro-mags all over, Best Wishes era.

The 4 tracks in this demo (+1 comp song) are filled with wisdom and strength to aid in one's quest to conquer their inner demons. Life is hard but their music is harder!

Cassette tapes of the demo are good to go by the also Merlboune based label Life. Lair. Regret.

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This post was brought to you by Big Phil and Bruno Pingua.

ON POINT - Year In Fear

Location: Nashville, USA

Release: Dog Years Records, 2016

ON POINT, Music City Hardcore. I thought this was a youthcrew thing but even though it has a few traces of it, their music is more on the heavy side. For me it sounds like a mix of Shutdown and Down To Nothing, fast, heavy and fun to listen to with a good measure of breakdowns and guest vocals. Fav track : NJNP. 

Year In Fear is their first full-length, released last month in cassette format by the always surprising Dog Years and is getting nothing but good reviews so far. Also, the dude handling the mic here is the same from Headwalker!

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Youngblood 2016 Sampler

Location: USA

Release: Youngblood Records, 2016

Just a heads up on what's coming on the next few months by my fav label out there YOUNGBLOOD RECORDS. This sampler has 2 new tracks to be featured on long due debut EPs by Discrepancy and Stand Off, as well as tracks taken from their demos (including Line Of Sight) and also presents a new band called D.C. Disorder.

Sean's Youngblood has slowed its pace considerably in the record output game but 2016 will prove that the flame is still burning strong!

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LAWGIVER - 2016 Demo Cassette

Location: Malmö, Sverige

Release: Neutral Words Records, 2016

When you put talented people in one place, this happens: LAWGIVER. A new project featuring the finest in today's swedish hardcore punk scene, the shredding force in GUILTY and the high energy of SLÖA KNIVAR resulted in this explosive crossover 5-song Demo!

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HEADWALKER - Wild Style

Location: Nashville, USA

Release: DIY, 2016

Fresh new band outta Tennessee, HEADWALKER. At first the live raw recording put me off a bit but when the second track entered I was sold! 80's hardcore straight from the streets, right in the same alley as those old school revival bands from the past few years such as New Brigade, Disapproval, Hounds of Hate, Free Spirit. 

You're the judge and the jury
the hangman's noose
Only thing you know
is power abuse

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P.A. SLAM

DEVIL'S DARE - Demonstration 2016

Location: Boston, US

Release: DIY, 2016

Long story short: Devil's Dare is Stone Dagger without Brendan (Rival Mob), one of many projects feautring bostonians Chris Corry and Dance Floor Justin, way too many to countdown. This time around is all about NWOBHM worship.

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UNIFIED RIGHT - LP Promo Tape

Location: Florida, US

Release: Moshers Delight, 2016

Probably one of my fav current bands right now, that Demo #2 is ignorant! Moshers Delight is gettin' the job done by putting out these gnarly promo tapes, only showing what's worth knowing.

Reach out your hand there's nothing to fear
He's in this shit like us and wants to be here
It's everyone's right, unified right
Time to drop this bullshit act and stand fucking tight

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RESOLVE - Won't Stand By LP

Location: St. Louis, US

Release: Just Another Day, 2010

My friend Moises sold to me this LP earlier this year and after I put it for a spin I came to realize how great this record was. Won't Stand By is their one and only full-length and was uploaded in this blog right before it's release 6 years ago, but it was missing some tracks, an overall fucked up post. Since I think it deserves more listenings, here they are once again RESOLVE!

Heavily influenced by 3 of the main pillars in the Youth Crew OG bands for me: Youth Of Today, Straight Ahead and Brotherhood. Positive thinking, equal rights and clear minds, this is youth crew 101 done right!

This LP was available in 3 different covers and in 3 or 4 vinyl colors, you can still grab a copy here or here. Besides this record they've put out 1 demo and 2 EPs, last one with leftovers from the LP I think. The demo is nowhere to be found so here is what I've came up with:

2007 - Self Titled 7" (Commitment Records)
2010 - Won't Stand By LP (Just Another Day Records)
2014 - Fall Sessions '09 EP (Just Another Day Records) 

DOWNLOAD [discography]

B'URST! - Grim Machine [INTERVIEW]

Location: São Paulo/Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Release: Assurd Records, 2016

Old school or B’URST! After a few months of delay their second EP was finally pressed into vinyl. Together as a band since 2013 with members hailing from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Here is a brief interview I did w/ Menezes about GRIM MACHINE and The Iron Squad’s background:

1. LIVING FAR FROM EACH OTHER, HOW THE BAND GOT TOGETHER? WHAT OTHER PROJECTS ARE YOU GUYS AFFILIATED WITH (PAST AND PRESENT)?
M- Actually, the band got together because of Rafael Madeira (Pointing Finger / Pressure / Disxease), believe it or not, hehehe! The first place he lived upon arriving in Brazil was my place in Rio, where we start talking about doing a quick project in the vein of Victim in Pain, early Youth of Today and WarZone. The idea was just jam a couple times, record a DT and maybe play one or two shows. That project ended up evolving into a full-blown band with the add of JayPee and Junorz. The line up today consists of me, Menezes, on vocals, JayPee on Bass, Pedro and Junorz on the guitars and Punkids on drums.

Bands we´re affiliated to are just so much to pinpoint, but I would say Reajuste, Newspeak, I Shot Cyrus, Futuro, Direct Shot, Static Control, Black Coffins, Infamous Glory, Power Abuse and WereWolf.

2. EVEN THOUGH THE NEW EP TOOK A WHILE TO COME OUT YOU GUYS ARE KEEPING A GOOD PACE OF NEW MATERIAL OUTPUT, WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE WRITING/RECORDING PROCESS IN GRIM MACHINE AND THE DEAL WITH ASSURD RECORDS?
Well, on the DT as well as in the first EP I was responsible for all the material, riffs, lyrics and all. I would think of something, play it on my bass, recorded, send it to the guys via facebook for them to learn, and then we jam just a couple times before recording it. A pretty fast and straight to the point deal, actually.

With Grim Machine the process was kinda the same, but Junorz and JayPee had a lot more input in the songs, coming up with ideas for riffs, changing structures and things like that. But so, once again, we rehearsed just three or four times together before entering the studio, hehe! We were kinda on a hurry because the band was on hold for almost a year, since Rafa’s departure and JayPee living in Spain for good part of 2015, and also because Paulo (former Institution and Still Strong, who was the drummer for this session) had a tight schedule before moving to Philly.

The deal with Assurd was pretty much the same with Criminal Rights. They wrote me asking if we would be interested in having our next material released by them… We said yes and then start moving our asses in order to have something to be released, hehe!

3. LAST TIME YOU COVERED SFA AND GOT A POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM THE BAND THEMSELVES, ANY REASON FOR PICKING PUBLIC OPINION FROM URBAN WASTE THIS TIME?
I’ve always loved Urban Waste since the first time I listened to them on that old Sunday Matinee compilation. And I thought the lyrics for Public Opinion just matched the overall feeling of the other lyrics on the EP.

4. THE NEW ARTWORK LOOKS DOPE, IT MATCHES THE BAND’S SOUND IN THE HIGHEST DEGREE AS IF IT WAS ALL CONCEIVED IN THE 80’S, NOT DIRECTLY RELATED BUT IT REMINDS ME OF B.SABBATH’S MOB RULES LP. WHO DREW IT?
Thanks, dude! Yeah, Mob Rules, I’ve never thought about it, but now that you pointed out, it really carries a strong resemblance, haha. The artists were two very talented Italian lads, Paolo and Alberto, and actually it was Alessio’s (Assurd Records owner) idea to work with them. We had the same references and it just clicked from the get go. I’m very proud of the work they did.

5. WHICH BANDS FROM RECENT YEARS ARE CACTHING YOUR ATTENTION THESE DAYS, EITHER FROM BRAZIL AND ABROAD?
Oh dude, A WHOLE FUCKIN LOT! Here, the first ones that came to mind are Dedication, Violent Stomp, Dash (a new project from the guys in Guast!), Static Control as well as Velho, Whipstriker and Tyranno from Rio. Also the new Futuro LP is a killer and everything Veneno Lento put out is great, although I wouldn’t consider them new. From abroad, I was just stoked with Firewalker, Anarquia Vertical and Line of Sight last year. Malcontent and Warfare is pretty damn great as well, but what I’m listening the most these days is Eternal Champion, the new Magic Circle album and that promo from Rival Mob.

6. IN AN INTROSPECTIVE VIEW, “OUR SCENE” SEEMS MORE FRAGMENTED NOW THEN NEVER, HATE IS WIDESPREAD. TRUE DIY HARDCORE SHOWS ARE NARROWING TO A FEW ATTENDEES, THE MAJORITY ONLY CARES ABOUT BIG TOURING BANDS AND NARROW-MINDED BEATDOWN ACTS.
ON THE OTHER HAND I NEVER SAW SO MANY BRAZILIAN HARDCORE PUNK BANDS TOURING AND RELEASING MATERIAL IN UNITED STATES AND EUROPE LIKE LATELY. IS THAT ONE WAY TO FASTEN THE CYCLE BACK TO NORMAL OR ARE WE JUST POSTPONING THE INEVITABLE? (DOOMED TO JUST EXPORT MUSIC NOW AND THEN).
I think hardcore is for few people, and it’s just the way it has to be, period. Also, I rather be in a room with 50 strong reliable people than with 200 bandwagoners who just gonna listen those bands for one or two years and then split for whatever will be trending and hip. Man, I came from Rio and here the hardcore scene is pretty much dead and buried since 2006, hehehe! It’s just that washed out third generation of christian beatdown metalcore or some cringeworthy anemic melodic/emo hardcore, so I couldn’t care less for the state of the current “scene”.

I just try to focus on my peers and which bands I think are putting out good music, and these bands happens to be my friend’s bands and the same ones who are being released overseas, hahahaha! I can’t lie, I’m really proud of all of them. DisXease, Dedication, Futuro, Violent Stomp, they’re all great and deserve the recognition. And if you take a closer look, you will see that the people in these bands are the same ones keeping the things going, be it organizing shows, putting up tours for international acts, releasing another bands material, doing zines or just creating a bunch of other side projects. So I think things gonna keep this pace for a while around here, with hardcore returning to be kind of our secret little club.

7. FINALLY, WHERE AND WHEN SOUTH AMERICANS CAN GRAB THE NEW 7”? AND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR B’URST, AN EUROTOUR OR A FULL-LENGTH PERHAPS? ANY LAST WORDS?
September, if you just don’t want to buy straight from Assurd, haha! Our good friends in Violent Stomp will bring us the goods after their tour, long sleeves included for you fuckers who just want to appease your merch fix.

Well, we’re now in process to write new material for a full length and we have this project of recording a bunch of covers from bands we like, hardcore or not (mostly not). And since now for the first time in three years we have a stable line up, yes, we do think about touring. Nick Tape talked to us about playing Damaged City, and also Athos (Broke & Infamous) said he can arrange something in UK for us, but nothing serious so far, we’ll see, there’s a lot of places here in Brazil that we want to go, like BH, POA and CWB, before thinking about touring overseas.

My last words, citing the mighty OVERDOSE, are “enquanto aquela estrela brilhar no azul do céu, o heavy nunca vai parar de rolar!”. Send your hate mail and anonymous threats to xmenezesx@hotmail.com and drop by our bandcamp page, even though the music sucks, it’s for free.

PURCHASE 7"/MERCH

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SPIRITS / DIE FASTER - Split EP

Location: Boston / Virginia, US

Release: Cointoss / State of Mind Recordings, 2016

Totally slept on this one. Who doesn't give a fuck about trends here's a killer throwback to early 2000's era of hardcore, double feature!

SPIRITS comeback with 3 new tracks plus that Cranberries cover they did for a special thing last year. Those 3 tracks were also used for the TOMAR CONTROL split on Speed-O-wax. The first track here might be their best one yet, they should be having a really tough day while writing it coz it sounds pissed af!! Due to their restless nature, Spirits has already released new material after this split, including a flexi promo of an upcoming LP.

I never heard of DIE FASTER but it sounded familiar, turns out they have ex-members from Ammunition in it. Their sound also goes back to early 2000, similar to bands in labels such as Dead By 23 and Western Front where Ammunition released their EP. I have most of these label's stuff, so it clicked for me. Quality straight forward hardcore!

PURCHASE 7"/MERCH

DOWNLOAD [courtesy of cointossrecords]



support DIY or DIE

STILL POUNDING IN Tape Compilation

Location: Italia

Release: Assurd Records, 2016

A sick showcase of Italian old school style, featuring some of the best current hardcore bands from that country (or even the planet). All exclusive tracks by DEFINITE, KNIGHTZZ, ANGLER, RAGE CAGE, CHAINS, HITTIN' RANDOM, SIEGE STOMPERS, MISERY FOR A LIVING, and COSA NOSTRA.

The cassette comes with a booklet contaning graphics + info on each band, that's always a cool feature. Also a 12" version of this compilation might happen in the near future.

PURCHASE TAPE [limited to 100]

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THE HAMMER - Vermin

Location: Göteborg, Sverige

Release: Straight & Alert, 2016

2nd EP by swedish THE HAMMER, back with a banger! The formula was maintained, total rager hardcore, the proper soundtrack for the ongoing decline of western civilization.

Constant state of fear 
People trying to gain ground 
It’s us against each other 
No help to be found 

The state will protect you 
There’s no bigger lie 
It’s eat or get eaten 
The weak are left to die 

Random acts of violence 
There’s nowhere you can hide 
The vermin flood the streets 
You’ll be swallowed 
Swallowed by the tide

7" pre-orders are being held by french label Straight & Alert, ready to be shipped in the following weeks. Altercation rip-off covers are limited to 75 copies!

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CLAIM - Demo 2016

Location: DC / NY

Release: DIY, 2016
Artwork: Emma Hendry

New band in town, actually from 2 towns: Washington DC and NYC. Couldn't find much extra info (don't even remember who showed them to me) except that they share members in at least 2 DCHC bands, Stuck Pigs and Stand Off. Also they already played w/ Krimewatch, Firewalker, Ajax.. so you get the idea what you will find here, raw and pissed old school hardcore all the way. Claim Edge!

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SABOTAGE - S/T EP

Location: Welland, Canada

Release: DIY, 2013

With Climbin' Aboard on a hiatus some of their hosted bands got 'stranded', I mean if you're not from the Niagara-Welland area and there's no established label promoting local bands it becomes harder to follow. Anyway, I did some checking on SABOTAGE, a promising canadian straight edge band and found out about this 5-song EP that never came out, recorded in the same session as the Summer Promo tape (CA018). The sound is much less raw than the demos (I+II) but the aggressiveness remains, no frills HARDcore. 

As far as I know Sabotage is still active and they used to share members with Desperate Times, where Bo used to play also. Speaking of him and the fate of his label I came on a conclusion he started a new one based in Detroit called Insight Records where you can check his newest effort ZERO, as some already know.

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VIOLENT STOMP - Tropichaos

Location: São Paulo, Brasil

Release: Assurd Records/ Hardtimes Recs, 2016

They pulled it off! Everyone starts a band inspired by others and not many ends up developing their own musical identity. Roughly in just over 2 years dudes in VIOLENT STOMP accomplished that with their lastest EP Tropichaos!

They did their homework and the riffs were delivered, when the EP starts some may say "I know where this is going" but as the record progress it shows character and attitude, the grooveness and tempo changes are dead on as well as the vocals, closing out with a great cover by Inside Out.

To go along with this cool-looking-Repka-style-artwork the EP will be pressed in 7" format by the italian label Assurd (co-released with Hardtime Recs) hopefully in time for Violent Stomp's European Summer Tour, which I believe will be their first shows outside Brazil! CHECK THE DATES AND GET DOWN WITH THE VS SOUND.

CULPRIT - Demo

Location: Leeds, UK

Release: Quality Control HQ, 2016

More Leeds Hardcore on your way! New project from the same dudes in Shrapnel, Insist, Obstruct and Night Force layin' down 6 tracks inspired by NYHC's finest moment: '87-'88. If you can't get enough of this type of hardcore like me, then get your fix with CULPRIT.

Quality Control will have the tapes on time for this No Tolerance's UK Weekender, most likely, the remaining will be available on the webstore. The same goes for the Regiment demo tapes.

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KRUST - Paradise In Brick

Location: Jersey Shore

Release: DIY, 2016

To all skate shredders and aggro surfers, this is Shore Style punx round 2!

Dedicated to my bro GONZ.

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KEEP IT CLEAR - Promo 2016

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Release: React! Records, 2016

Move back to 2007/2008, a transition between the old and the new. Renowned DIY labels (and bands) which were once a reference to the Youth Crew revival movement worldwide (Rivalry, Not Just Words, etc..) were slowing their production pace and eventually calling it a day, giving place for new ones to carry the torch which leads us to LEGITIMATE BROS.

From my understanding the Legitimatebros were a Vancouver/Seattle crew (or Northwest Hardcore area) that shared members in a whole load of bands such as: BLUE MONDAY, Go It Alone, Circles, In Stride, ON, Get The Most, Gone But Not Forgotten.. and of course KEEP IT CLEAR. They had a website where you could download demos, check new projects and such, then they started to release records which may resulted in the creation of REACT! RECORDS sometime in 2008.

In the following year came out Keep It Clear's debut self titled EP on Not Just Words which was the label's second to last release. My mind was blown away by this 7" and sure helped keep the YC revival lit on that period together with True Colors, ON, Pressure and the yet ascending Mindset.

Now fast forward to 2014, after a long hiatus, a discography 12" comes out and ideas about getting back together to play live and record a new album were no longer rumours, in midyear they embarked on a full european tour w/ CIAC. With the add of Aram Arslanian (also currently playin in True ID) on the team it didn't take that much longer to go back to studio and record this babe, this dude is relentless, for the sake of hardcore I hope he and the legitimatebros continues to write music for decades.

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you know the fucking deal