Getting old sucks, it makes you jaded, outdated, it's inevitable, part of life. The truth is after reading many Top-whatever Hardcore/Metal/Punk albums of 2018 I feel clueless, most I wouldnt even consider as part of these sub-genres! Headed by VEIN and it's KORNVERGE trendy style full of chaotic noise and electronic shenanigans just won't get into my head, when it comes to Hardcore my mind is way too Bad Brains/Cro-Mags oriented. If these websites are calling these albums "refreshing new wave of metalcore" I'm officially now a knucklehead, not to mention all those wanna-be-in-lollapalooza indie groups listed as "best punk". My notion of a possible Hardcore's new direction was assured on bands like Mil-Spec and Higher Power.
Just when I thought that Pop Wig and its array of cool bands would set the tone once again they got ran over and only Turnstile pulled off, according to these critics.
Neverthless, 2018 saw the release of new music by many BIG names in hardcore and melodic punk: SOIA, Madball, Leeway, Terror, Slapshot, American Nightmare, Pennywise, Millencolin, No Fun At All, Satanic Surfers, 88 Fingers Louie... most of them around since the 80's and 90's plus releases by all those new super-punk-groups like Fireburn, Don't Sleep, Beach Rats, For Pete's Sake and Winds Of Promise. It seems there's a general increasing interest in punk rock lately.
Anyway, it's been a while I last did a top list, you always forget something, but I felt compelled to make one this year, for the sake of Old School. Big shout out to Freddy Alva/Urban Styles and InEffectHardcore for keeping it REAL.
LP HIGHLIGHTS:
1. BATTLE RUINS - Glorious Dead (Rock 'N' Roll Disgrace)
THIS is refreshing metal, capisce?
2. WASTE MANAGEMENT - Tried And True (Painkiller Records)
Boston crew mainstays got back together from their dozens of other projects to record under the moniker WM, flawless as usual!
3. FULLMINATOR - Crackattack (Self Released)
Puerto Rico thrash motherfockers, from the future to save us from boredom and hyped metalcore bullshit!!
4. MINDFORCE - Excalibur (Triple B Records)
They met the highest expectations here, Excalibur is one hell of a record! How they came up with so many dope riffs? Hats off!
5. ROD OF CORRECTION - Lies (Indecision Records)
Took SoCal by assault and Primal Rite's place for best new punk metal group. Features dudes from Take Offense and Narrows!
Maybe I am obsessed with crossover but I couldn't let this one out, supeb production and follow-up LP, Suicidal Tendencies worship straight from Stockholm, a head dive into 80's metal glory.
EP HIGHLIGHTS:
1. C.N.D. - Can't Be Killed (Sonic Warfare Productions)
Want to hear something new and fresh? Refresh yourself with a shower of fire in your face, courtesy of CRUDE NUCLEAR DEVICE!!
2. DRK BLU - What It Is (Self Released)
I'm a sucker for Minority Unit ;-) Wally back on track!
3. MIL-SPEC - Changes (Lockin' Out)
Direct yet inventive hardcore by these canadian punks, look no further for the sound of tomorrow!
4. MERE MORTAL - Tartarus (Quality Control HQ)
These Leeds lads know how to make music, Tom Pimlott goes thrash!
5. HIGH COMMAND - The Primordial Void (Haftvad Records)
Speaking of which, Worcester best kept secret, the latest baking out of the Paincave studios.
Honorable Mention: LINE OF SIGHT - Dissent (Youngblood Records)
I am suspicious when it comes to youth crew and Youngblood records, label's only release this year.
Honorable Mention: LINE OF SIGHT - Dissent (Youngblood Records)
I am suspicious when it comes to youth crew and Youngblood records, label's only release this year.
DEMO/PROMO HIGHLIGHTS:
1. DOMINANT FORCE - Promo 2018 (Triple B Records)
Two releases in 1 year by these soon-to-be powerhouses of NY-ish metallic hardcore.
2. STIGMATISM - Demo (Beach Impediment / Static Shock)
One of the realest demo of the year, from the streets to the streets.
3. CHAIN CULT - Demo (La Vida Es Un Mus)
Just brilliant and addictive dark-punk (without souding soppy) from Greece, subsequent 2-song EP is somehow greater, we want more!
4. PEACE TEST - Demo (Self Released)
While Rival Mob is on hold, Trevor Vaughan keeps the fire lit. Shred!!
5. SISSYFIT - Make Em Pay (Self Released)
Totally rad demo by these newcomers, abrasive hardcore riotgrrl power!
Honorable mention: REVIVAL - Promo 2018 (Self Released)
Yo, Colombia represent! Together with Raw Brigade they are making some noise. Listen the promo here, or their newest EP "Expectations".
Worth mentioning "hall-of-fame":
Vanik "Dark Season" is an instant retro Metal classic, with members of Ringworm, Toxic Holocaust +more.
Illusion "Magic With A Smile" didn't exceed their Demo but still a remarkable EP.
Protester "Watch Them Fall" another impressive record by these DC punk mainstays.
Ekulu "S/T" EP got me fooled by the cover art at first but turned out to be a massive 3-song debut, features members from Illusion, Candy and other Triple B alumni.
Diztort "Hell Is..." another release that didn't exceed the band's demo, nonetheless powerful af!
Nekrogoblikon "Welcome To Bonkers" is one of the very few featured on those many Top 10's list that I actually agreed, just too weirdly good.
Subtype Zero "The Astral Awakening" is today's answer to Def Jam-era Slayer, with no releases in 2018 by Power Trip or Foreseen, they reign supreme.
Damn Youth "Breathing Insanity" is the biggest surprise from Brazil this year, amazing anti-fascist thrashcore!
This playlist showcases top picks from that list, plus a few unmentioned great ones:
Subtype Zero "The Astral Awakening" is today's answer to Def Jam-era Slayer, with no releases in 2018 by Power Trip or Foreseen, they reign supreme.
Damn Youth "Breathing Insanity" is the biggest surprise from Brazil this year, amazing anti-fascist thrashcore!
This playlist showcases top picks from that list, plus a few unmentioned great ones:
Best Re-issue:
HARD STANCE - Foundation (Indecision Records)
Technically out next year, digital audio files are ready to be acquired by this amazing late 80's hardcore outfit discography.
Technically out next year, digital audio files are ready to be acquired by this amazing late 80's hardcore outfit discography.
- DEDICATED TO TODD YOUTH, REST IN POWER -
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