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JEFF ROBINSON - In Memory of Generic Thrash
That summer , before my first year in high school, my mom gave me my yearly five
MEMORY OF GENERIC thrash jcffRobinson
IN
I've met a lot of my friends in the punk scene by mail, and on the rare chances I get to meet these punks face to face I always seem to get the same reaction: "What's up with the hair, bro?". Admittedly, I don't really look at all like a punk rocker. I recently met a few of Athena's colleagues from the high school where she teaches and they had the same kind of reaction: "He looks like he should be playing folk music, not punk rock". Ouch, that one hurt. Well, here's the story so once and for all you can all just go about worrying about your own hairstyles. When I was 12, my parents divorced and I stayed to live with my mother in a huge two story plywood house in a cardboard suburb up here in Northern California. Being a single, working mother and buried under the financial strains and hard work it takes to raise a kid by oneself, a few things had to be neglected so more important things such as putting food on the table and making sure the car was operational so she could get to work and back everyday took precedence. One of these things was haircuts. About a year would go by and my mom would notice my hair was getting pretty long. She'd give me a few bucks and send me off to Supercuts, or some other pre-fab hair "style" place that inhabited most strip malls back in the late ‘70s/early ‘80s. Being the only long-haired boy in the suburb was pretty cool until the neighbors started to not allow their kids to play with me and it wasn’t until later I find out the reason: they considered my mother a bad parent who lost her husband and neglected her child by letting him run around with that wild long hair, and they'll be damned if they were going to let their children hang around with such a disgrace to the neighborhood. By the time I was ready to enter high school, I barely had any friends at all.
bucks to go to Supercuts and get a haircut. I promptly went to the pizza parlor and spent the money on video games (I was addicted to Missile Command) and a $5 Iron Maiden "Killers" shirt from the Heavy Metal shop at the mall. I loved metal when I was 13 and had collected quite an extensive array of metal cassette tapes by then. And with the help of those lame "music clubs" I could get 10 tapes for a penny by just writing in the names of boarders who had rented the upstairs bedroom from my mom when we needed some extra cash. Sure enough, 10 tapes would show up every other week until I ran out of names!!! Metal was my life (this was 1982) and all my metal heroes from Maiden to Priest to Sabbath and Ozzy all had cool long hair, and from now on, so was I!!! I returned home from my video game binge to a hellstorm of my mother’s fury but after a good evening’s worth of rage she was finally resigned to the fact that her son had no interests in haircuts anymore. Being a supportive parent, she let me do my thing and be myself and I loved her for that. Little did I know how that decision would torture me for the next two years. I entered high school with my interest in school already dwindled down to nothing, still no friends and hair down to the center of my back. Not a very good situation for a kid in a new school. Harassment started from day one. Jocks would start the name-calling ("Hippy", "Freak", etc.) immediately and as the first part of the semester wore on it would escalate into physical intimidation. I would get knocked down and then have my books thrown all over the "Quad" (the school centerpiece where the seniors and jocks would congregate). Not being a dumb kid, I started avoiding the "Quad" at lunch by making a bee¬ line straight to the library where I knew I could kick back without fear of harassment. I would hide in there everyday, always looking over my shoulder for the next ass kicking. After that semester I was put into a new history class, Military History. I ran from the library after lunch to the first day of my Military History class and walked in the door to find half the class was made up of seniors and jocks... what did I do to deserve this? I was under constant mental torture for the rest of the year. The jocks had their girlfriends or friends constantly yank on my hair from behind during class. If I turned around or made any attempt to discourage this they sent me notes threatening death, beatings and numerous other punishments. Pictures depicting me (a long haired stick figure) hanging from a tree or having a textbook shoved down my throat were given to me every day.
This continued all year until thankfully summer came, but the harassment did not end. Two of the jocks had moved into my neighborhood and had somehow gotten my telephone number. They would rain prank calls on my house everyday. Embarrassed, I asked my mom if I could have a phone for my room. Not that I had anyone to call, but I didn’t want her to know about the prank calls and the daily harassment I was enduring. She would tell her friends about how our phone never stopped, and how "all of my friends" were constantly calling, all along never knowing that those calls threatened me with death or hurled insult after insult, hour after hour, day after day. With the sheer will and embarrassed determination I hid it all from her and it started taking its toll on me. I was constantly depressed and living in fear and I isolated myself in our house. I didn’t leave the house for 90 days, all summer. I started drinking my mom’s alcohol and sniffing everything in the cleaning cabinet from Raid to Pine-Sol. Everyday the jocks would ride by my house and throw batteries, rocks or whatever at our metal garage door. The sound of metal hitting metal sounded like gunshots and sent a quivering fear shooting off inside me. I would hide in my closet for hours as they beat on the door, standing outside writing filthy insults and names for me on my driveway in chalk. I would emerge from my closet and hopefully find them gone, and then immediately pick up any projectiles they hurled or wash off the driveway before my mom came home and would see what a loser, friendless son she spawned. My 10th grade year was about to start and I was an emotional mess. The first week was hell reincarnated. Having not left the house for three months, the jocks finally had me outdoors. I was chased home everyday. Everyone in the school laughed at me and hated me. The final straw that broke me into dark, fear-wrought emotional fragments came only two weeks into the new school year. I was feeling oddly pretty good that day. My mom had let me get some clothes that I wanted before the school year (not just what was on sale at the time, like every school year before) and I was sporting a new TI sweat jacket, the kind that all the jocks wore. I didn’t feel the need to run home (as usual) until I saw the jocks’ truck coming at me and, instinctfully, I flew into a sprint towards home. No way could I outrun a Ford Ramcharger (or whatever hicks drove back then) so I slowed to a defeated stop, out of breath and ready to take my lumps... only a block from my house. But the jocks didn’t jump out to beat me down this time. They all hurled a volley of eggs simultaneously. The
JEFF ROBINSON - In Memory of Generic Thrash
g COLUMNS Ou
NEEDLESS TO SAY, I ENCOUNTERED JUST AS MUCH ASININE REACTION TO MY PREFERRED HAIRSTYLE BY THE PUNKS AT THE TIME AS I RECEIVED FROM THE JOCKS. eggs broke all over me into a gooey mess, gelling my hair into a sticky wet mess. My new TI jacket was ruined and as they drove off laughing and still hurling insults, I finally broke down and cried for the first time, laying covered in eggs, on the street. I couldn’t go back to school. I was emotionally devastated and cut school for 30 straight days before the school board kicked me out for "non-attendance". When my parents found out I had not been going to school I finally had to tell them what I went through the last two years. Shocked, they sent me off to a private school where it took two more years for me to get over the events of the last two summers. Well, eventually I became more socially adjusted and made some new friends at this new school and got turned on to punk rock here as well. It was one of those continuation schools for fuck-ups and I felt right at home, needless to say. No social pressures or crap like that, the only drawback being that it was a private school and expensive and that it was 40 miles away. I was, after all, banned from the local school district. After two years here my parents could no longer afford the tuition and it was decided I should get my GED certificate and be done with school for good. My interest in college or any further schooling died a long time ago and my parents realized this. I came back to the old neighborhood for good and found things had changed. Heavy Metal was now popular and my hair style was now a subject of some envy. I made some friends with the younger crowd and it was evident the hicks and jocks who tormented me had moved on. And though there was still a darkness that enveloped me from time to time, life became a bit more livable here. Me and my new friends became jaded on heavy metal and came to the conclusion that punk rock was where our musical and political interests really lay. We were prototype suburban punks, filled with ideals and beliefs, though with no real way to voice these beliefs. So we started a band after numerous attempts to revive a death metal band we had going off and on with this wanna-be rock star dude from the local music store. A punk band, the first one from our town. Things were finally on the positive side for me. One night we all got drunk at my mom’s house while she was out to dinner with a friend. The decision was made the night before to shave our heads. I was toying with the idea of getting a huge mohawk and was fairly excited at the prospect. Hell, I had long enough hair that the hawk would stand at least four feet when up!!!
Two of my buddies went first, going for either total baldness or your average short buzz-cut. My turn came and by then I had talked myself out of the mohawk for practical reasons. Who the hell wanted the hassle of keeping a four foot mohawk up everyday? I'd go broke buying the gelatin alone!!! So I opened a beer and said, "Just buzz it". The clippers jammed so one of my buddies had to run across the street to get another pair. As I sat there looking at myself in the mirror it all started to come to me. Just what the fuck was so punk rock about getting a haircut that looked like your dad’s? And really, what the fuck is so "hardcore" about getting a buzz-cut just like those motherfucking jocks that harassed, beat, and mentally tortured you for a huge chunk of your life? Huh? After all that shit you went through to stand up and be yourself in the face of constant abuse, never once considering changing even in your darkest hour... now you’re going to show your defiance to society by getting your haircut AND LOOKING JUST LIKE THEM? My buddy ran up the stairs, plugged in and asked if I was ready. I stood up, grabbed my beer and stated flatly, "Fuck it, I'm keeping it."
ENDNOTES * Needless to say I encountered just as much asinine reaction to my preferred hairstyle by the punks at the time as I received from the jocks. I would constantly get kicked in the gut while in the pit, spit on, get my hair pulled and chased around by skinheads. Only this time I was ready for it emotionally. Nothing could steer me away from punk rock, my resolve was a rock. Being new to the scene was hard for newcomers back then. Punk was still a place for outcasts and fuck-ups. You weren’t let in without earning it. Our band finally grew out of our suburb and we hooked up with punks in surrounding towns. We were still the weird guys from the nowhere place. Something about us was always "off. After a few months we were
finally accepted and taken in by the veteran punks. You knew you were really down when they gave you your first punk nickname. * One day we came to the punk rock practice studios where we had a room. Finally determined to make a set list I went upstairs to find a pen. The punks had already gathered to start drinking, drugging and other shenanigans. I came in to say "Hi" and was met with a loud, ringing greeting replete with my new, hard earned punk rock nickname: "What up, Hippy!!!!" Oy. * I still have social scars from the days of living in my closet. I continue to have severe anxiety in social situations. No matter how many times I, say, go to Gilman St., my stomach always tightens and I feel nauseous up until I see the first friendly face, then it disappears. I have a big problem with the phone. The phone rings and I still, to this day, feel fear. As most people that know me will tell you, I rarely will call anyone if I don't have to... and even then it will be only my closest friends and band members. Some days I have to turn off the ringer to deal with it. I don't think I'll ever be cured of that and I've resigned myself to this fact. Where I would be without email or mail services I have no clue. * Every time I hear of a school shooting or any similar emotional blow-up by a teenager on the news I always silently wonder inside how that didn’t happen to me. I could have so easily erupted on those that tormented me back then, but I always took the abuse in silence, ashamed of myself and the terrible life I was born into. Maybe it was because I was not raised in household with guns or possibly just because I was raised to respect people, fearing that if I retaliated on those bastards I would lower myself and be just like them... I don't know. It was easier for me to just withdraw from life and I can't help but wonder which line of action I would take if I was growing up in today’s society. That scares me. * If you are having troubles like this I really do encourage you to tell your parents. I know I had a fear that if I told my parents what was happening they would take the abusers side and force me back into the jaws of the lion. This was totally unfounded and my parents asked me what I wanted to do and left the decisions up to me. You may think that your parents would do the same, but give them at least the chance to help you and hear them out. I wish I did and I think hiding it from them damaged me for good, and that if I was able to tell them from the start, I wouldn’t have all these social phobias that still haunt me today. If you’re convinced that your parents would not understand, try the many teenhelp services in your area. This info is available from your school. You are definitely not alone, though it may feel that way.
Jeff/CC/6W/High school punching bag Akautsch@aol.com
COLUMNS
alamoe joe - 310 reasons: ATHENA KAUTSCH - ...And One For The Ladies
it amazes me what passes for "doom" and "sludge" nowadays, without really getting into the bands themselves, o.p. shirts and custom chevy vans have nothing to do with doom or sludge, it's better you just call a circle a circle, and you're a bunch of happy longhairs. what is it with the desert and the solar system that fascinates and dominates the album art of so many stoner rock bands? there's nothing "doomy" or "sludgy" about hiring a manager and talking about girls and surfing in your lyrics, how is it "doom" when you spent $10,000 recording an album? and how "doom" is it when you're trying to get shoe endorsements from skateboard companies? and, unless things have changed since i last checked, signing publishing deals with guys who drive lincoln navigators isn't too "sludgy", but, yeah, keep playing music for the girls, fuckin' hippies. once in a while a stoner/doom band will get it right, soulpreacher has recently put out a cd called "sonic witchcraft" on man's ruin, which isn't too far away from what bands like eyehategod are doing, but on the other hand they aren't talking about girls in tube tops riding skateboards either, the recording is kinda thin, but when the singer's yelling shit like ".... like a stillborn child" kinda seems like it comes from past experience, i hate the layouts on these man's ruin releases.... confederate flags, bud leaves, and pictures of the solar system are on like every record, if someone can tell me what pictures of saturn have to do with hating yourself and drinking hard liquor please write or email me and fill me in.there's a band from england called electric wizard who put out a 12" on bad acid records called "supercoven", amazing shit, as with most bands who put out "amazing shit", i figured they'd break up right before they hit
their stride, but fortunately for the 850 or so of us in the world who are into this type of shit, they just released their new one on rise above records called "dopethrone", another fucked up and burned out stroll through depression and marijuana abuse, this has more underlying dark "space out" stuff coming from the guitars, also some really good hoarse/belligerent vocals straining to cut through all the music, the only thing i didn't like about the record is the bio that came with it where it says "....their most acid drenched, yet accessible, and diverse material to date", there's nothing "accessible" or "diverse" about this cd. people who get paid to write bios always know what they're talking about. fueled by pabst blue ribbon and probably a good amount of hatred for their asshole bosses, leechmilk kick down a fairly bleak account of what's going on around the atlanta area nowadays with a new cd called "starvation of locusts", some pounding shit.... mostly mid-paced, but goes into the semi-slow torturous shit from time to time, kinda along the lines of like seven foot spleen, anyone who remembers waiting in line 4 hours to get gas at the tail end of carter's rule will appreciate some of the artwork, this sort of music always holds more water to me when it's from the south, write them at edmond@mindspring.com ... one of the slowest and most under-rated/unknown bands in the doom genre finally get released (again?) on cd - thergothon "in the streams of inferno" came out back in 1990 as a cassette only, and finally comes out on cd via avantgarde records, severely slow doooooom. much slower than like griefs "dismal" lp, even the fuckin' vocals are slow, not much variety, kinda like your daily routine you spent years in college trying to accomplish, yay, fun! i used to get pretty irritated seeing people selling the clearlight demo put onto cdr on ebay for $15, and apparently so did tony presidio (amen), as tee pee records has just put out the "mystick krewe of clearlight" as an official release, complete with an awesome full-color booklet, an instrumental blend of 70's southern rock and eyehategod, with an organ, it all works really fuckin' good together, great harmonies between the guitar and organ, i'm down with it. has jimmy and joey from eyehategod in it, and on the original demo it says something like "if you think you can sing to this, then get in touch", but i think the only thing a singer could do to this is ruin it. boulder's singer(s) yell shit at you through an alcohol marinated mega-phone on their new cd "ravage and savage" on tee pee. this band continues to impress me. soulful trucker punk rock that isn't too much into wiggers or your roommates dot com job (just like me), this also has the "rage of it all" lp on it. real good shit from ohio. ***** ummm, when you send tapes and shit, it's usually a good idea to write your band's name on the tape itself, next issue i'll try to nit-pick and find faults with another subculture or genre of music :) the 2000/2001 hockey season is here, but if you feel like it, i'm at:
p.o. box 4452, inglewood. ca. 90309. or alamoejoe@hotmail.com
I went to see YELLOW MACHINEGUN a couple of months ago at the Howling Bull show. I had picked up their 12" while I was in Japan over the summer and was looking forward to seeing them. As they were setting up, I noticed how small the band members were. Japanese people aren’t known for their physical stature, but these ladies seemed especially petite. Their sound is anything but, however. I was having a really good time watching them play. They were fun to watch because of the contrast in their demeanor when they were playing and in between songs. When the music was pumping, it was loud and angry as was their performance, but between songs, they were all smiles. It was endearing, really. So anyhow, I was watching their set when I all of a sudden heard a male voice towards the back of the club yell out, "Show us your pussies!" I quickly looked over in the direction of the voice to see who the jerk was, but it was too crowded; I couldn’t spot him. I heard his cronies laugh and say, "Dude, that was fucked up!" but they were still laughing. I was disgusted, really disappointed, and embarrassed to be in the same room as that person. The rest of the show was ruined for me. I don’t think the band heard the comment and I don’t know if they know enough English to where they would have understood the comment anyway. Whether they heard it or not, the point is that it was very disrespectful towards the women in the band who took the time and money to fly to this country to play for us. I was embarrassed for the jerk who said it and embarrassed that this person probably considers himself a punker. No matter how many times we think a band’s lyrics are preaching to the choir, it’s obvious that some people still don’t get it. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Now anyone that knows me knows that I’m not a preachy p.c. type. There’s nothing wrong in finding a person attractive, whether that person plays in a band, works at the local coffee shop, or is your UPS delivery person (ours isn’t attractive, by the way). It’s totally normal and human to be attracted to someone, whether it’s their blue eyes, their talent, their butt, or their sense of humor that gets to you. It was obvious that many of the people at the show thought the women in YELLOW MACHINEGUN were attractive. They are. What separates this normal reaction and the asshole who yelled out the offensive comment is this: Respect. That guy needs to learn what the definition of the word is.
ATHENA KAUTSCH - ...And One For The Ladies (continued); MAX WARD - Fin De Siecle Max
I get comments from time to time, as I’m sure other female musicians do, about how I "play good for a girl." These comments aren’t always from men, either. Now, I’m really not that good of a bass player. This isn’t one of those false modesty things where I want you to say, "No, Athena. You really are good." I’m really not. I think I’m adequate; I don’t suck, but I’m not great either. I never practice. Ask Jeff! So when I get these comments, I first find it funny that someone would actually comment on my playing ability because there just isn’t anything to comment on. It’s the equivalent of complimenting a drummer for keeping time. After the humor and the "god, this person doesn’t know shit about music" thoughts subside, I get angry. I used to bite the person’s head off to the end result of "What a bitch!" but I’ve learned. Yelling at someone, while it does feel cathartic, doesn’t solve anything. I now will talk with the person and explain why there isn’t a place for comments like that as while the intent was a compliment, the result is an insult. It seems to work and I’ve had people say things to the effect of "I never thought about it before... thanks!" That makes me feel good, like I educated someone. A teacher’s job is never done, I guess. Kind of related to the "you play good for a girl" topic is the "hold my jacket while I go in the pit" topic. I think I’m overly sensitive to this one. Whenever I go to a show at Gilman, I sell records from our distro. I like doing it. I’m social and I like to talk and meet new people. I get bored easily at shows, especially between bands, so it’s a win-win situation for me. Since I’m standing virtually in the same spot for the duration of the show, some of my friends will ask if they can leave their jacket or backpack with me. I don’t mind because they would do the same for me. I do, however, get annoyed when a person I don’t know will ask me to do the same. Part of it is that I don’t want to be responsible for their belongings should something happen to them. Mostly, however, it annoys me because I feel like the proverbial girlfriend who holds her boyfriend’s jacket while he goes in the pit. So I say no to these requests. Most people get an annoyed look on their face, which I have to admit, I kind of like seeing. It’s like, "Ha! Take that!" I also notice that when Jeff is selling the distro records, no one asks him if they can leave their stuff with him. I don’t know if that’s due to the hilarious rumors that go around about how "mean" he and the guys in his band are, but I do notice that it never happens. What’s up with that? Well, I’ve rambled enough so it’s time to put a close to this column. Next issue will feature the interview with Victoria from Damad that was supposed to be in this issue. If there are any female drummers in Northern California who are interested in starting a hardcore band, please contact me. Ami from the Dairy Queens
and myself have been working on some songs, but we need a drummer! So if there are any female drummers with their own mode of transportation and their own equipment who are interested in starting a all-female hardcore band, please contact me at:
Akautsch@aol.com Bye for now and take care until next issue.
Putting out a record is like waging war. Well, not full blown war, but let's say diplomacy. I came to this metaphor just this last week when I had to go at it with a certain pressing plant. It got me to thinking.... When people complain about putting out records, I normally think, "What, are you? A fucking slacker?" It's not that hard to sit down and do mail, get things organized, and waste a Saturday night stuffing records. No big deal. This is how I have normally thought about it. But not until last week have I delved on the multiple areas of pressure that you’re put under; the balancing of everyone's wants, and the politics of dealing with pressing plants. So here goes a desperate attempt to make the war/diplomacy metaphor work: 1 - Interest number one: the band. This is the most important entity in this process (some labels forget this). So your first responsibility is to them. You get their wants, their requests, their expectations. Now you’re armed with your goals. You have your project set. 2 - But you have a budget; this is your interest (somewhat). You need to appease the band while being able to finance it. This can get tricky, but it’s your job, so get used to it. 3 - Now you go to the table, with your interests to the pressing plants (the most despicable group of lying cheats in the world). Seriously, ask anyone and they will tell you how fucking lame these scumbags are. Some are way worse than others, and if you really want to know, write me a letter and I'll tell ya who.
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NEVER FORGET WHO YOUR ENEMY iS: THE PRESSING PLANTS.
4 - Now you’re engaged in a battle of wits with your enemy. Your prior experiences have taught you that: no, they can't complete a job within nine weeks although they say five weeks; they will add extra charges at the end; they will lose your master; they will send test pressings to a label on the other side of the continent; they won't return your calls; they will cash your check the minute they get it, but put your project on the back burner. So you’re there, at the table. They know they have something you want, and they're going to milk ya for it. A couple weeks go by, and nothing. You ask your arch nemesis, "So, how are things going? Any problems?" and they answer, "No, everything is great, in fact, your stuff is shipping tomorrow!" Ah, the old "your stuff is shipping tomorrow." This is the oldest trick in the book. Your master isn't even out of the box, while the 70 year-old plating guy is smoking weed talking about CCR out in the pressing plant parking lot. Around this time, your "masses", the band, are starting to wonder, is this guy for real? Did he fucking rip us off? I mean, it did take us two years to get him the material, but shouldn't our double LP be out in four weeks? Ah, so now the diplomat is surrounded. You’re trying to appease the one group you care about (the band) although the band is starting to raise the stakes and put some flames under you. Oh, and while you’re at the table, getting breaking reports from your aide about the band's escalating interests, a new group forms. These people have been good, in fact, they supply you with something you and your bands can't exist without: money. It’s the distributors, and you have probably
COLUMNS
MAX WARD - Fin De Siecle Max (continued); RUDOLF EVERTS - Sold Out: DAVE WITTE - Beers & Bands
already figured out which ones are cool and which ones aren't. But they have their own "masses"... the stores, who have been asking ‘em, "Where the hell is the new record by GOAT VOMIT?" So now you have double pressure to get this record out on the time that the pressing plant said it would be done by. And this is where you have to conjure up your most powerful diplomatic skills: you need to weed through all the crap the plant is telling you and try to decipher their encrypted codes. You apply pressure when necessary, but too much will get you nothing. You tell the distros and the band the situation to calm their nerves. But this won't last for long... you need to get the record out. You have to be straight forward with the band, but in the end, if the plant lags, the only person the band will blame is you. There are variations to distributors as well. Some have a binding agreement (which could work best for you in some cases) where if you go exclusive with them, you are able to tap into the unlimited credit they have with the pressing plants. It’s not a pact with the devil, just a very shaky agreement. Some distros though actually have joined with pressing plants, signing away their ability to choose who to press through... this is when one of your own is in bed with the enemy. Never forget who your enemy is: the pressing plants. So, sometimes you have a success. Sometimes, the record comes out sounding awesome, no typos, good print job, etc. Sometimes, it’s delayed (this happens more than you think). Sometimes the plant fucks up so bad you have to send everything back. Sometimes you get a kick ass record with minor typos (this happens to me 90% of the time). There are multiple scenarios, but everyone of these requires this skill of diplomacy when dealing with the vultures out there. I love doing a label for the sole reason of making the bands happy. Seriously, there is nothing better than watching some unknown band get a record out (something they didn't think anyone would do), and with the right ads and distribution, they get noticed in the scene. By me meeting bands like DISCARGA from Brazil, LIE and JELLYROLL ROCKHEADS from Japan, and etc... and watching them get stoked when people say, "This record is awesome," means the world to me. I'm not trying to take any of the credit here, don't get me wrong.... the bands did it themselves. It just took people to hear it to get them a response. But every time you sit down to listen to your new favorite record, think about the war that was waged to get the fucker out between the label and the enemies: pressing plants. Write me at:
Max/625 Box 423413. San Francisco. CA 94142
I confess. I sold out. I stopped listening to hardcore, punk, powerviolence, grindcore, fastcore, mincecore and any other taste of core available. I’m sold to pop and besides that, I’m striving to achieve a certain level of maturity. That means I’ve got my career planned out and from now on I’m only interested in stock rates, tennis, the latest type of mobile phone and which lease-car has the most electronic gadgets on board. A side effect is also that I can’t attend shows anymore. Hey, I have new values to maintain. (This sounds more serious than' breaking the edge as I read back ) Back to pop. I’m gonna go to a Melanie C (Yes, the sporty element of that rebellious girl band from England ) show. In fact, when you are reading this I’ve been there already. And stoked I am. Is that all you might think? Yes! Back to reality now and kinda trying to continue on Max’s last episode on the ups and downs of the hardcore scene. Focusing on Europe and especially Holland, of course, I think things are pretty healthy right now. The youth crew hype faded and there’s lots of more ’’extreme” bands popping up, be it grind or fast hardcore or whatever. People start new bands or side-projects. There’s tons of shows going on. Lots of bands cross this side of the ocean to make their noise. And I’m glad. Of course, a lot of bands have always been around doing their thing but it’s getting more attention. Hope it doesn’t turn out to be the next big thing. In my opinion it’s better to have less people completely enjoying themselves than a large crowd of temporary employees of the hardcore army. The thing that is still huge here in Holland is the tough-guy hardcore. It’s probably the biggest “scene”. Soccer shirts, well trained arms, crews and mean looks always come to mind when I think of this. I’ve seen some bands but it’s not my thing. The atmosphere at such shows is kinda aggressive. Maybe I dislike it because I’m not tough. Metalcore also takes up lots of attention. What always strikes me is that the impression is created that it has something to do with hardcore. A lot of bands might use a
hardcore approach, but musically it’s still metal. There’s nothing wrong with metal but at least admit you play metal. What seems important is who can mosh the hardest. I like my share of wrestling but I can’t completely get the windmilling and kickboxing thing. Back to the music this zine is focused on... bands worth checking out: B.S.E., Seein’ Red, Insult, Mihoen, Point of Few, Betercore, My Minds Mine and more, of course. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m glad lots of things are happening. It also has to do with the fact that, until a few months ago, I lived in Amsterdam. Always something to do there. Not only “extreme” stuff but all styles of things. I’ve seen great shows of bands like Texas Terri and the Stiff Ones playing with Fabulous Disaster. I love going to shows, hanging around with some friends, seeing bands play, joking around a bit. Music still gives me a change to get rid of pressure, stress or whatever is on my mind. During work I have to endure conversations like mentioned in the opening sentences of this writing. Phones, cars and other, to me, not life threatening subjects. Looking forward to an upcoming show always makes me forget those things. Trying to put this to an end. I still listen to Mel C. but I kinda got forced into writing about it... I’m cheap, I know. It has something to do with a guest list scam. That’s all I’m gonna say about it. At least it gave me a change to open up a column with it. Don’t take it all too serious and have fun.
Rudolf
ATTENTION BEER DRINKERS! Welcome all once again. This time around things are a little different. A little more ranting. This one is about skinheads. First, let me chat beer. I went to the Brooklyn Brew Fest and, boy oh boy, was it great. Soooo many great beers to try and so little time (only six hours). I'll mention the true standouts. My favorite overall was Young's Double Chocolate Stout. This beer is a wondrous creation. Thick & darker than any other I think. Bitter and hearty to the last total chocolate after taste. A smooth silky ending with each one. Hear they have it in the draught cans now; seek and
DAVE WITTE - Beers & Bands (continued); MATT AVERAGE - Paper Cuts
COLUMNS 33=
rn consume. Another brilliant beer hails from Canada and is a Belgian Abbey imitation, but still has the content, taste, and kick to seal your doom. Canada's Maudite. Complete with Satan with his arms crossed and laughing at you on the label, this is a true winner. The third and final beer I'll mention is Pyramid's Apricot Ale. Man... this sucker was DEE Licious. Fruity and sweet with each sip. If I'm correct this is an American made brew from California. (Editor’s note: Yes, actually Pyramid brewery is in Berkeley directly across the street from 924 Gilman) If you like beer, try these three. While we're shootin' suds, it brings me back to the front. I'm enjoyin' a Guinness (the ultimate gift to beer) and watching The Dropkick Murphy's for the first time. Their Celtic Punk Rock complete with bagpipe march intro totally blew me away 'cause I'm as Scottish as they come, mates. I even managed to finally toss the Caber effectively this year at the Scottish Heritage games, but anyway... back to the beat, beer and boneheads a.k.a. skinheads. Lately they've come out of the woodwork, as they say, sporting their mean spirits, tattoos, and lack on consideration for others. It's like they just dropped out of space near me. I've seen them at two shows within two weeks and I've never really seen them before. What I'm getting at here is why the hell do the skinheads "show" how tough they are and make it a difficult time while watchin’ and dancing to a band? I think it's totally not
needed. Dancing with cigarettes, pushing people out of the way for no reason and even punching a girl during the Dropkicks. I go to see D.R.I. psyched as hell, (and they did a great job minus the drummer, they had not been able to summon the speed DRI is famous for... besides the drummer, I was totally pleased as they played everything you could think of!) and there are the skinheads AGAIN, and they give me the nod like they've accepted me since I happen to have a shaved head. No thanks fellas... I went home and lost my sideburns almost instantly 'cause these guys just really make me very upset that I can't enjoy myself watching a band without worrying about one them starting shit with someone because of how they look or where they are in the club while watching the band. The worst of it is for some reason the skinheads like to hang in numbers, making it nearly impossible to talk sense when a problem does arise. In sum, they suck and make me want to not go to shows, which is bullshit 'cause everyone is entitled to a good time. Wish the characters could understand that they can have a good time and not have to ruin someone else's. Shit... I even felt somewhat relieved when when I saw some the hardcore kickboxing/karate morons doing their thing and those guys are another issue, but not nearly as much an issue as the baldies... So, stay home skinheads, unless you want to share a good time with other people at shows. Don't be so damn selfish!
Dave
Before we get started with this issue’s installment of Paper Cuts, I’d like to take a moment and address some comments and complaints in various zines about the production of newsprint zines. The biggest complaint is that newsprint is ugly. I can’t argue with that, but are you gonna read the zine or hang it on your wall? The basic function of a zine is information and communication. The reason zine editors choose newsprint is largely due to its cost efficiency (which covers the argument about why not xerox, or offset over the allure of the gray paper you now hold in your hands). When you start printing large runs of your zine it’s far cheaper to go newsprint than it is to hit up the local copy shop, and the quality is often better. The best mode of printing is definitely offset, but the costs are outrageous, and can drain you bank account quickly! Then you gotta factor in mailing costs. Newsprint is a lighter bond than xerox, and offset, therefore cheaper to send out. Punk rock shouldn’t mean you have to go broke to get your project out there to those interested. Another complaint about newsprint is that it ages quickly. Why not show the same consideration for your zines as you do your record collection? I have newsprint zines from the early ‘80s that are still holding up. The thing to do is head down to your local comic shop and invest in poly bags. Get 8 1/2” x 11” for your full size zines, and pick up the comic book sized ones for the digest sized zines (just tape the excess baggage around the backside). They also make a large sized bag to fit your Slash and Damage collections. I think they’re called Life Magazine bags. You can also pick up boxes specifically designed to hold magazines. It doesn’t cost much to maintain your zine collection, and it doesn’t require much time. For some reason punks tend to overlook zines. I guess it’s not as cool as bragging about your record collection, but zines are the most accurate history you’re gonna find on punk, and also great reference material. If you wanna know all you can about a particular band (without asking them first hand) you can refer to your zine collection for the information. Wanna know about rare records? Check your zine collection. Wanna know what hardcore was really like “back in the day”? You guessed it, check your zine collection. Besides, smart punks read!
COLUMNS
MATT AVERAGE - Paper Cuts (continued)
Now, the reviews... Perhaps the biggest news in regards to punk zines is the resurrection of PROFANE EXISTENCE. A case of perfect timing as well, seeing as how folks are waking up from eight years of Clinton. We’re starting to see a larger mass of people participating in civil disobedience, such as the WTO march in Seattle, A16, and on a somewhat smaller scale the actions at the Republican and Democratic conventions. Anyway, the bastion of political punk rock is back, and they pretty much pick up where they left off. You get your news of actions from around the globe, opinion, theory, and the like. This issue (#38) brings us an article on eugenics and its link to the Nazis, a report on the May Day protest in Minneapolis, Aus Rotten interview, columns and more. Send $1.00 to P.O. Box 8722, Minneapolis, MN 55408. The first issue of SCREAMS FROM THE BALCONY shows a zine with a lot of promise. The editor, Veena, is looking to bridge hardcore and politics. Though in many ways hardcore is rooted in politics, Veena believes that people tend to focus more on one instead of the other. Inside you’ll find an interview with Damad, a historical piece on Kerala, and article on the A16 protest, and an interview with Jenny Whorley, discussing strippers in San Francisco getting unionized. Send $1.00 to 6 Post Lane, Livingston, NJ 07039. REFLECTIONS #13 is an issue not to be missed. If this issue is any indication of what lays ahead then Reflections stands as a force to be reckoned with. You get interviews from the likes of What Happens Next, Trial, Bloodpact, Nate Wilson, Dillinger Escape Plan, a Mainstrike U.S. tour report, and tons more, including columns, articles, and reviews. I believe $5.00 will secure you a copy. De Nijverheid 30, 7681 MD Vroomshoop, The Netherlands. SUBSIDIZED MESS is turning out to be a zine with a consistent schedule. I have a feeling this publication will garner a good sized following. Just a hunch. The second issue just came out, and it’s a strong progression over the first one, which was pretty good as well. In this edition there are more personal writings, a tighter layout, interviews with Dead Nation, Change zine, a reprint of the BGK interview in MRR #43, and the highlight for me was the historical piece on Life’s Blood. The price can’t be beat either. Two stamps or trade to Joe Hays, 61 Hacklebarney Rd., Long Valley, NJ 07853. The latest issue of RUMPSHAKER is pretty damn good. With every issue this zine has made considerable progressions in all areas, from content to printing. Issue #5 stands as a milestone. The printing is top notch, the photo reproduction is good, and the layout is pristine. Don’t forget that perfect bound spine either! As far as content, Eric takes the standard formula of doing a zine and tweaks it here and there. On
the surface it appears normal, but as you delve in, the end results are different. The interviews are in-depth, and at times they stray from the regular mode of conducting Q & A’s, such as having Indecision going to a fortune teller for the interview, or having Atom from Atom And His Package interview the guy who picked a fight with him. Even sitting down and having discussions with punks and their moms proves to be interesting and entertaining. Among the bands and people questioned are- Kid Dynamite (the final interview), Crudos, Ire, Good Clean Fun, Ian MacKaye, and more. There’s also a section of punk photographers. $5 to Eric Weiss, 72-38 65th Place, Glendale, NY 11385. Every now and then I come across a zine that totally blows me away, and reminds me of what makes zines cooler than records. PERSONALITY LIBERATION FRONT is one of those zines. Kylie packs PLF with a ton of text and graphics. A good portion is personal writings and opinion, with pieces on thinking beyond straight-edge, how women are limited to speaking only as a woman, alienation from normal society as well as punk, and more. Then on the musical end we get some good interviews with Arms Reach, Atom And His Package, Knuckledust, and Submission Hold, and let’s not forget about the reviews, among other things. The layout is cut and paste, with a great personal feel, mixing handwriting with type. $3.00 ppd to Kylie, P.O. Box 3023, South Brisbane BC Qld 4101, Australia. CARNAGE ASADA is a publication that totally took me by surprise. Pretty much, it’s a killer photo zine with some writing, which they push to the back. The photo reproduction is really clear for a xerox zine, and in the safety and comfort of your home you can look at bands like The Locust, Nerve Agents, No Reply, Cattle Decapitation and the like. There’s a piece on the writing side that reminds me of something you’d see in the Stalingrad record, with various historical events of human suffering and atrocities. I hope to see more of this zine in the future. $2.00 ppd to P.O. Box 6715, Oxnard, CA 93031. The essential zine for record fanatics has to be GAME OF THE ARSEHOLES. Newsletter style, and focused solely on hardcore punk records new and old. This is the type of thing you keep to reference when collecting, or if you’re wanting to find out some little known fact. In issue #3, hardcore and obscure bands like E.A.T.E.R. (Sweden) and Appendix (Finland) to name but a few. The writing is opinionated, yet this guy knows a ton of stuff, sort of like someone at a Trekkie convention. It’s unreal! I enjoyed the statistics he compiled of the Gordon Solie Motherfuckers show in Cleveland, and I respect his opinion because he knows Devoid Of Faith are, as he says, “one of
the finest bands of the ‘90s.” Send this man a stamp! Stuart Schrader, 9 Fenwick Road, Whipany, NJ 07981. Punk and science-fiction go hand in hand. Anyone who reads the stuff knows what I mean. R’LYEH RISING is an awesome zine from up in Portland. The covers have a cool sci-fi theme, there’s stuff on H.P. Lovecraft in almost every issue, the music coverage is cool, and the cut and paste design heavy with the white text on a black field is killer. Issue 4 has perhaps the best Oi Polloi interview I’ve ever read, along with a Mass Separation chat, and a quickie with the director of “Re-Animator” and “From Beyond”, Stewart Gordon. Issue 5 has scene reports from the UK, and Belarus. Then you get interviews with Hellkrusher, Gloom, and Stracony, plus a cool comic version of Lovecraft’s “Memory” towards the end, and then there’s some reviews. Issue of R’lyeh Rising go for $1.00 each, so why not get ‘em both? P.O. Box 40113, Portland, OR 97240-0113. Next up, we have the first two issues of RAW PUNK BASTARDS. Cut and paste affair that could stand to use some punctuation in the writing department. Issue one has interviews with Diskonto, Despite, Thabto, Game Of The Arseholes, Holy Whores, and Self Destructive Species. Issue two has Final Massakre, Disclose, Chode Brand Music, Aftermath, and Totally Ridiculous. $1.00 per copy should do it. P.O. Box 197, Steger, IL 60475. For the misanthropic, there’s a new zine called INFECTION you can vent your hatred towards the human race with. Fast music and zombie movies are what keeps ‘em from slicing their wrists. Interviews are with Shank, Despise You, Pig Destroyer, Sound Pollution, 625, Deadbodieseverywhere, Wadge, Sloth, Seven Foot Spleen, and a reprint of an interview with a necrophile taken from some website. Send $2.00 to 634 Millwood Rd., Toronto, ON M4S 1K8, Canada, or e-mail ngadke@mail.com Though it doesn’t come out often, when it does it’s worth the wait. DOWNSIDED #3 is here with Rubbish Heap, John Holmes / Flat Earth, Creation Is Crucifixion, The Jam Session, and more. There’s also a few opinions and reviews. The layouts are computer generated, clean, yet visual. Only $2.00 worldwide!! Toni Eiskonen, Siltapellonkuja 2 K 98, 00740 Helsinki, Finland. www.freespeech.org/downsided One zine that I always look forward to seeing is FRACTURE. While they may not have too much on the hardcore side of things, it’s still an interesting read, and a reliable source of information. Issue 12 brings us an interesting conversation with Ray Cappo (it’s pretty good, no kidding!), with columns and reviews, and you have a zine that should be a regular staple in your zine diet. In the U.S. send $3.00 to Deep Elm Direct, P.O. Box 36939, Charlotte, NC 28236, e-mail: order@deepelm.com. Europe, send $2.00 to the main address: Fracture, P.O. Box 623,
MATT AVERAGE - Paper Cuts (continued)
Cardiff, CF3 4ZA, Wales, United Kingdom, email: fracturezine@hotmail.com. Everywhere else, send $3.00 to the address in Wales. Hope that wasn’t confusing. PAST MIDNIGHT #4 is out and about. A little thinner, but still has all the things you expect. The highlight here is an interview with Erich Keller (Fear Of God / Off The Disc), and then you get talks with Insane Youth, and Ensuing Hell. There’s also a couple articles, news and reviews. $2.00 ppd to Lilegren, Hoders Vag 2, 51254 Svenljunga, Sweden, email: pastmidnight@hushmail.com Making its way down he runway is EAT SHIT #13. Interviews are with Resist And Exist, Litmus Green, and Redrum, some clippings, opinions, reviews, and a comic about going to a potTuck (totally reminds me of my old housemates!). 2 stamps sent to Box 4766, SLT, CA 96157 will get you a copy. CAUSTIC TRUTHS! #74 mainly consists of opinions and articles (this issue has pieces on activism, Dow Chemical, etc.), with an interview from Frank Kozik. $1.00 ppd to P.0. Box 54298, 152 Carlton St., Toronto, Ont., M5A 2K0, wwww.caustictruths.com Ever notice how half-sized zines from he UK have a way of packing their pages full of content, more than your average full-sized publication? MASS MOVEMENT #7 is brimming over with interviews, columns, and reviews. The coverage touches all bases in punk rock, with conversations with Grief, UK Subs, Miozan, Doctor Strange, Boy Sets Fire, Shelter, Underrule, and a few more. The type is a little small, but there’s a ton of reading to be had in this small compact size that could last you a bus ride across town and back. $3.00 ppd to Tim, 18 Hazeldene Ave., Brackla, Bridgend, CF31 2JW, South Wales, UK. UNBOUND is the kind of zine I’ve been wanting to see for a long time. The music coverage is around grind, hardcore, and death metal (interviews with Aborted, Cenotaph, Grade, Coalition Against Shane, Grade, Grey Area, Watch It Burn, and more), but the real highlight is the horror movie coverage! There’s an interview with director Andreas Schnass, a piece on Godzilla, and a filmography of Umberto Lenzi. Great stuff, and I hope there’s more gore in future issues. $3.00 ppd to Mike, RR#3, Site 7, Comp. 19, Thunder Bay, Ont., P7C 4V2, Canada, e-mail: massmrdr@hotmail.com Seems Canada is prolific in zines of the “short, fast & loud” variety these days. DISCORDLA #4 is here with humor and music coverage of such bands as Coalition Against Shane, A.C., Spinecast, Impaled, Indecision, Cephalic Carnage, and more. Don’t forget to enter the contest about Tony Danza! $2.00 ppd to Peter Richard, 16894 St. Andrews Rd., Caledon East, Ontario, LON 1E0, Canada, e-mail: discordia_zine@hotmail.com
COLUMNS There’s a new zine out of the Oxnard area called ALWAYS TRY. Basic production, copied and stapled up in the corner, with a cut and paste layout. Reminds me of early IT’S ALIVE. Super enthusiastic on today’s hardcore, with interviews from Whatever It Takes, No Reply, Fields Of Fire, and an In Control tour diary. Hopefully we’ll see a new issue soon. $2.00 to 333 Sunset Dr., Oxnard, CA 93035. e-mail: ZackOxnard@aol.com After a short absence, DIMINUTIVE RAGE is back with its fifth issue. In this installment Saira makes a point to “include as little band coverage” as possible because as she points out, there are more things going on in this culture that doesn’t involve music. Should be interesting to see what ways this zine will develop if she keeps this policy for future issues. Inside you’ll find opinions and thoughts on things like record collecting, double standards, gossip, and more. There’s also some book reviews as well. $1.00 to Saira, Po. Box 80338, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Speaking of zines that have been away for a while, P.U.N.K. is back in the fray after a six and a half year hiatus! In many ways it’s like they haven’t missed a beat. The definitive source for what’s happening in the Bay Area with interviews (this issue’s centerpiece is What Happens Next?) and a bevy of photos from local touring bands like Harum Scarum, Crow, Despite, Capitalist Casualties, Bratmobile, Brain Blood Volume, and more. There’s also columns and a scene report of local happenings in that place a few hours north of paradise (paradise being Los Angeles!!). Glad to see this zine back in action. Send $3.00 to 456 Castro St., San Francisco, CA 94114. This isn’t a zine, but the other day I received a copy of the ST. PETER GHIDORA demo. Features Evan from BURNED UP BLED DRY, and the sound is along those lines. Crushing hardcore that decimates on contact, but they also throw in these odd bits that are sometimes introspective and quasi-tuneful in the fracas. Eleven songs, and not one bad one in the bunch. My favorite track is “He Will Be Blind By Morning”. $3.00 to Evan, 4420 South R Circle, Forth Smith, AR 72903-3503. Rob Levinge, if you’re reading, please send me your complete address. I have your order here ready to go. Alright, I’m out of here. Thanks to everyone who has sent zines in for review. Please keep ‘em coming! The proper channels are listed below.
Matt Average P.O. Box 64666. Los Angeles. CA 90064 engine98@earthlink.net
TOP TEN
TOP 10 OR SO
JOSH BAKER
JEFF ROBINSON
• The LONG overdue, ‘suddenly* high rate of.com unemployment in SF • IRON MAIDEN * Brave New World CD {21st Century Maiden!) • REGISTRATORS • Singles IF • THE HAUNTED - Made Me Do IT CD* • ARTIMUS PYLE - new T ♦ Live + everything else • TRAGEDY - live + LP • GEHENNA - ‘new7 IP • BEARBOBN S.S Matt Wbeks can do no wrong • FALL E1LRNT/NEIGIIBORS/DEG ENERICS-Live (different shows...) • DELTRON 3030 - Del the Funky Homosapien + Automator = Awesome
• ELBOW DEEP /THREE FOUND DEAD - LP • ASIA KASK - Rock Mot Svinen LP & 'Dll Sista Droppen EP (both great re issues) • COMPLETE EXCLUDE - Peace CD • V/A "Sudden Impact* LP (Flame, Gouka, lYapped, Little Bastards) • DEFIANCE - Nothing Lasts Forever LP • BONDED WITH BLOOD/JUSTICE SHALL PREVAIL split EP (Finnish sXe) • HELLNATiON- Cheerleaders For Imperialism LF • HARMONY AS ONE - Stranger In Your Own Land EP • NO JUSTICE - Still Fighting EP •PLUTOCRACY f Sniping Pigz LP
ifB BRANIN • KR1GSHOT - ...Och Hetet Kvarstar 7* • GOB - The Kill Yourself Commandment DC • COMATOSE - s/t 7" • DIR YASSIN - Durchbrechender Geist T •THE CONTROL - s/t 10* • THE DEGENERICS - Generiea 12* • DEAD NATION - DeadEnd 12* • RUINACRE - s/t 12” • V/A Memories of Tomorrow Hardcore Compilation 12" • VULGAR PIGEONS - Genetic Predisposition 7" • SOUND LIKE SHIT - Once Upon The Metal 7" • STRONG INTENTION * Each Day Uved.„An Act Of Defiance 7" • SHIKABANE - Ego And Desire T • CHRIS DODGE / DAVE WITTE * Prime Ministers Of Power Violence... er.. I mean East West Blast Test CD
ROB COONS • ANGRY SAMOANS - The Unboxed Set CD • V/A - "Really Fast VoL 1,2,3” double CD • WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?- Stand Fast 2000 7" • NILE - The Black Seeds Of Vengeance V • CIRCLE OF DEAD CHILDREN- Exotic Sense Decay 7" • CRUCIAL SECTION - Language Isn’t the Only Way Of Communication LP • GORDON SOLIE MOTHERFUCKERS* - Power Bomb Anthems Vol. 1 10" • TEAR IT UP! - demo tape (ex-DEAD NATION) • EYEHATEGOD - Confederacy Of Ruined Lives CD • ZERO BOYS - Vicious Circle reissue CD
KEN SANDERSON • NICE VIEW - V H Krigshot - 7" • FROM ASHES RISE - LP • WHAT HAPPENS NEXT - LP & live w/ NO JUSTICE at 16th St Bart • BORN DEAD ICONS-Work LP • GLOOM -r //CROW -12" • GUYANA PUNCH LINE - Irritainment for the Masses 7” • KILL THE MAN WHO QUESTIONS - Pigeon English 7" •JUDGEMENT-CD //EVANCE/JABARA - split LP • DISCORDANCE AXIS - The Inalieanahle Dreamless CD • Engine fanzine - No.6 //FUN PEOPLE - live
GRAHAM SLEIGHTHOLME • DEAD INSIDE ♦ demo CD and live « URKO - advance songs for US • BLAST - l^e Power Of Expression LP • FLACHENBRAND - songs from split 7" w/FOB • SLEEP -Jerusalem (the greatest stpner band and they ain't on Man’s Ruin!) • KABINBOY - all recordings and as people « ENDSTANB - live (amazing) and as people • APHEXTWIN - Come To Daddy • GOVERNMENT ISSUE - Discography CD Part 1 • SCALPLOCK-On Who’s Terms LP
DAVE WITTE • THEDEGENEBICS • Generiea (punk masterpiece)
CHRIS DODGE
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MELT-BANANA - Teeny Shiny and live CROW - Neurotic Organisation T and new j2” BRUJERIA - BrpjerizmoCD SCALPLOCK - On Whose Terms? CD SLIGHT SLAPPERS A Selfish World Called Freedom CD JOHN WIESE - Collected Tracies CD/BASTARD NOISE - live GOB - The Kill Yours# Commandment LP HATED YOUTH - Hardcore Rules 7” N.O.T.A. - Live At The Crystal Pistol CD Y-advance album/SKRUPEL-advance album/OTOPHOBIA-advance 7" ATROCIOUS MADNESS - 7” and 6”
RUDOLF EVERTS • MELANIE C - Northern Star CD / live • BERZERK - Theyreaftame LP •THE CONTROL-s/t 10" • CHARM - 7" •SOUND LIKE SHIT -7" • MIHOEN - recorded and live • VOORHEES - Bookburner 7" and live • GOB - The Kill Yourself Commandment LP • DISCORDANCE AXIS - new CD • DAMAD / MEATJACK - split 10"
KEN POLLUTION
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• IDOL PUNCH - Cultrure Market 7" & CDs • RAZORS EDGE - Thrash Em All CD • PAINTBOX - Earth Ball Sports Tournament CD • SEX MACHINEGUNS - all • UNCURBED - songs for Really Fast comp. • AVSKUM - In The Spirit Of Mass Destruction LP • STALKER/D.D.I. - split LP • MELT-BANANA-live • SEVERED HEAD OF STATE - 7" • CHEE’S - Whiteberry Tie
• INDEX - s/t • RUSH - Exit Stage Left • BANE - It AH Comes Down lb This • VOIVOD - Nothingface • AT THE DRIVE IN • Vaya • ISIS-Celestial • CAVE IN * Jupiter • STYROFOAM - The Point Misser • DAHLIA SEED - Excuse AH the Blood
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BLACKENED
http://www.profaneexistence.com
DISTRIBUTION
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GIMME FIVE - “What are the 5 most memorable gigs you’ve seen?"
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FEATURES
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EACH ISSUE GIMME FIVE WILL ASK MEMBERS OF THE "SHORT. FAST + LOUD!” STAFF TO ANSWER A QUESTION WITH A LIST OF FIVE (HENCE THE TERRIBLY CLEVER TITLE). THE QUESTION THIS TIME AROUND IS:
“WHAT ARE THE FIVE MOST MEMORABLE GIGS YOU'VE SEEN?” CHRIS DODGE This months question is a tough one for me. As soon as this goes to print, I'm sure I'll think of five that were
Dave and Al. They played a non-stop set of nothing but
• GAUZE, MELT-BANANA, SLIGHT SLAPPERS,
O.G. MDC tracks! Nearly every song from the first album
SPAZZ
and the "Multi Death Corporations" 7" was on the set
This is not only one of my favorite shows to have seen,
list! No words can truly describe how on fire they were!
but one of my favorites to have played. There were a
better than this, but these are all definitely top
few other bands on this show, too, but true to form I
contenders, regardless. By the way, I apologize if it seems
• BGK, CCM @ The Farm, San Francisco, CA / 1986
too self-indulgent, but I've included a few shows that I've
Nearly all of the shows at The Farm were big. It was a
actually played at. But considering they are truly some of
big room. Room for a lot of people, and therefore a lot
my favorite and most memorable gigs, I think I can
of idiots. Many of the shows were plagued by insane
rightfully include them. In no particular order, here we go:
Nazi skinhead terrorism, but some were actually "safe", too. In any case, in the mid to late '80s it was probably
• MDC @ Pony Express Pizza, Redwood City, CA 1988 or '89 - Over the years I've seen endless incarnations of this classic band, but this show stands out among all of the others because I felt that I truly got to see MDC at the top of their game. Pony Express Pizza is exactly what it sounds like: a hole in the wall pizza place that had punk shows. It was a pretty cool spot for shows, even with the crazy things this short, Chinese woman who ran the place used to do... she used to always wear a red and white striped shirt, kind of like an old fashioned barber, and when everyone started a pit, this lady would start hitting everyone with a big flashlight and yell, "No thrashing!" Ah, the good old days. Anyhow, I can't even remember who else played at this particular show; all I remember is MDC was hands down the best I've ever seen them. Why? Well, during a very brief period of time around 1988 or '89, the original MDC line-up from their days in Austin was playing out. I'm talking ORIGINAL. Not Franco, but Mikey Offender on bass (since he predated Franco, few people know that Mikey was ever in MDC... check out any old Offenders records for proof of how amazing this guy’s playing is). Plus Ex-Con Ron on guitar, and of course
@ Cyclone, Tokyo, Japan / March 1998
the best place in the Bay Area for shows. Anywhere
can't recall who they were. All I know is I've never felt more honored in my life than to share the same stage with these other bands. The one thing I thought was freaky was that Gauze, one of the most revered and classic Japanese hardcore bands ever, actually OPENED the show. I felt really weird and selfconscious to be playing after them, but then it was
from five to eight bands were on any show and the line¬
explained that Gauze actually wanted to open. At all
ups were always solid. Probably the best show at The
shows in Japan, no matter how small the room is (and
Farm was this one with BGK on their second tour of
a lot of 'em are no bigger than a postage stamp), there
the States. If I remember correctly, the show was right
are amazingly perfect sound systems in every single
around the time before their second album came out.
club. Therefore, every band needs to do a soundcheck.
BGK’s second album was so-so, but that first one was a
For those who don't know, the first band on the bill
classic, and that night they were in classic form. The
always soundchecks last. So the reason Gauze wanted
bass player was nuts... he played super fast with his
to open the show was because that meant they would
fingers, not a pick, and most amazing of all he was on a
get to soundcheck last, and therefore they could be
fretless bass.
Italy's Cheetah Chrome
picky about their sound and make sure it was perfect.
Motherfuckers played before BGK and put on an
It was a treat in itself just to be able to see Melt-
The master!
incredible show.
It doesn't get much better than
Banana, one of my favorite bands ever, doing their
seeing five older Italian guys jumping all over the stage
soundcheck for half an hour or so. And then standing
like escaped lunatics. I remember everyone gasping as
in a room with no more than 10 or 15 other people (the
CCM's singer took off his shirt to reveal a ton of scars
promoter and other band members), I got to watch
from self-inflicted slashes across his chest and back.
Gauze soundcheck which was basically like having
Keep in mind, even though it was already '86, a lot of
them play a private show for almost an hour! So
people still weren't hip to GG Allin, so this was kind of
amazing I can't describe it accurately... and the show
a freaky thing to see. MDC played this show as well as
hadn’t even started yet! Once the doors opened, the
Boom And The Legion Of Doom. There were two other
room was packed like sardines and the moment Gauze
bands but I can't remember who they were off-hand.
hit their first note, there was a sea of people stage¬ diving immediately. I stood next to the drummer & had
1
GIMME FIVE - "What are the 5 most memorable gigs you've seen?"
the best seat in the house for one of the best HC bands ever
Vandals, Dr. Know and some others (everyone hated us when
and the place was coming completely unglued. After a few
we opened that show, by the way), but this New Method gig was
other bands, Melt-Banana expertly executed their set like
more "hardcore" and more what I was into, although Legion Of
always. I've never seen a Melt-Banana show that was less than
Doom itself was far from being the high speed thrash band that
excellent. The only advantage of this one was, once again, I
I wanted to be in... we were more "punk", often to my
was able to stand on stage and have my own little space to
disappointment. In any case, I remember being excited
privately absorb the greatness of this band. Slight Slappers
because this was the first time ever that I'd played a show and
helped make the Spazz tour possible and are seriously some of
people actually danced while we were playing! Sounds dumb,
the nicest, most sincere, genuinely great people I've ever had
but it was a big deal. People actually moshed! Ha ha. To cap of
the pleasure of meeting. They made us feel welcome and
my euphoria, C.O.P. and Capitol Punishment kicked major
comfortable the entire time and I am deeply honored that
booty, as you could imagine. On a side note, the last live show
Spazz was able to play with them several times in Japan. When
Legion Of Doom played was at Ruthie's Inn in Berkeley in 1986
the Slappers hit the stage, mayhem ensued as per usual with
with Cryptic Slaughter and Wehrmacht. As was par for the
vocalist Kubota bouncing off the walls like a Mexican jumping
course, Legion Of Doom was ignored by the whole room, with
bean. They hammered out an amazing set of insane thrash and
the exception of one guy who was jumping around like mad and
got me and Dan to do vocals on their cover version of the
dancing totally by himself. I ran into that same guy again
Spazz song "Swampfoot". By the time Spazz hit the stage, I felt
about eight years later and it ended up being Pete Ponitkoff
like I was about an inch tall... following such an unstoppable
who is now the singer for Benumb! It’s a small world after all...
line-up was embarrassing, quite frankly. But we played our usual set and the place turned upside down. I've literally never seen that many people stage diving anytime I've ever played a show. And when we were done, the crowd yelled for encores so much that we ran out of songs to play. It couldn't have been more perfect if I had scripted it myself. • ADRENALIN O.D., D.R.I., BLAST, SPECIAL FORCES, CHRIST ON PARADE @ some rented dance studio, San Jose, CA / 1985 - This show stands out in my memory because all of these bands were at their peak around this time. A.O.D.
KEN SANDERSON 1 - ILL REPUTE, STALAG 13, CAPITOL PUNISHMENT, ROTTERS @ San Luis Obispo Memorial Veterans Hall (1984?) My first punk show. Ill Repute were hilarious. Stalag 13 filled in for Aggression who canceled, they jumped really high. Capitol Punishment thrashed. The Rotters sucked. I found a letter from Ill Repute recently that said "Dear Ken, We're out of stickers, Our 7" is out, Ill Repute" and realized I too was a teenage loser, so have mercy on the "send me stickers" kids, willya?!
was still playing all thrash & only had the first album out.
2 - BAD BRAINS REUNION TOUR, Metroplex, Atlanta, GA
D.R.I. still had not released "Dealing With It" (I don't care
(1986) Uh... all “Rock For Light” material... Enough said.
what you all say, I still think this album was a letdown after the
3 - GROSSEST NATIONAL PRODUCT in my bedroom, (1987)
22 song e.p.), Blast didn't have any records out yet. Special
This was the first hardcore show in my hometown of Auburn,
Forces only had the 1st 12" out (and the best record of theirs
Alabama. A really wild party (especially since it was thrown by a
by far). Christ On Parade didn't have any records out at all and
straight edge kid). Fistfights, someone was giving away acid, we
was just starting as a band. It goes without saying that all of the
got kegs of beer off the commissary at the Army Base in Georgia
bands were excellent. Except for Blast, it was non-stop
and someone had to dump them in the woods when they got
fastcore. I remember the guys in Blast got in a fistfight on¬
trailed by the cops then go back and get them, so we tapped two
stage and ended their set early. I also remember this being the
kegs at like 11 PM. GNP played two sets and had to move inside
first show I went to after shaving my head (I had fought it for a
when the cops showed up. They thrashed, played their sloppy
long time but finally submitted to peer pressure). The funniest
brand of noisy thrash for hours. They, along with the Knockabouts,
part about it was that I was just a stupid kid with a homemade
were one of the first hardcore bands in Alabama, and still play
Agnostic Front shirt that I'd made myself with a black laundry
their punker-than-punk punk with hints of BLUE CHEER today.
marker, but just because I was bald, all of the skins at the show, who I didn't know, were all saying "hi" to me and treating
4 - ASSFORT at 924 Gilman Street, (1996) If there was any
me like their pal. I kind of had carte blanche that night. For
question that international hardcore ruled, ASSFORT proved
instance, during D.R.I. and A.O.D., I was dying to be front and
the point by absolutely decimating Gilman on a show with
center at the stage for my favorite bands. I stood there banging
Assuck and Swing Kids... I was lucky enough to take them
my freshly bald head like crazy and everyone in front of me
around for a handful of shows in the Bay Area; absolutely jaw
immediately moved, so I was able to stand exactly where I had
dropping intensity and energy matched with jaw dropping
wanted to. It wasn't intentional on my part; I wasn't acting like
musicianship. The photo from the Prank 7" is the end of their
a tough guy, I was just excited to see the bands. It was one of
set and pretty much shows the mood and feeling of the show.
those weird "scene dynamics" sort of things I suppose.
Also GAUZE, U.S. mini-tour and live with Deathside and GISM
• CAPITOL PUNISHMENT, CHRIST ON PARADE, LEGION
overwhelming energy. One of the best bands on the planet.
in Roppongi, Tokyo 1995. Always the best. Total speed, totally OF DOOM @ New Method, Emeryville, CA / 1986 - Another show that I played at. Legion of Doom (not to be confused with
5 - RORSCHACH, MAN IS THE BASTARD, PSYCHO,
Boom And The Legion Of Doom from Michigan) was the first
THREE FINGER SPREAD, CAPITALIST CASUALTIES +
punk band I was ever in that actually played shows (as opposed
SPAZZ... One of the many great thrash shows at Gilman in
to rehearsing endlessly in the garage and never doing
the mid-late 90's (all the Fiesta Grandes, the Crossed
anything). It was seriously a big thrill for me to be able to play a show with Capitol Punishment and Christ On Parade because
Out/Drop Dead/A.C./Spazz show, Chaos U.K. with Spazz,
they were two of my favorite bands at the time. We had played a
booking and being involved in, this was a way out of control,
huge show before this in San Jose with Social Distortion, The
packed and fun show. I loved having Schlong's acoustic band
Capitalist Casualties and Grimple) that I had the pleasure of
*
FEATURES
GIMME FIVE - “What are the 5 most memorable gigs you've seen?'
Q, play right in the middle of it to break it up... weird to
• PRONG / VOIVOD / SOUNDGARDEN - late 80’s at
get nostalgic about that time already.... I'm also
the Speedway Cafe in SLC, UT - PRONG were still
biased to both Prankfests in Atlanta, Georgia... 1998
good in those days. VOI VOD were totally warped, it
and 1999, my favorite bands, good energy, fun crowd...
was great! SOUNDGARDEN had just signed to a major
the one and only live show of .fuckingcom and the decimation of Sob Story... Smash Your Face destroying the place in 100 degree Atlanta weather.
label and were busting their butt on stage. Stage divers kept knocking over their gear so after many pleas to stop diving they walked off stage. In the resulting crowd outburst a club security guard bashed a kid in the head with one of those giant flashlights
JEB BRANIN
right on the stage where everyone saw it. The place went nuts. A cool, punk rock mini-riot. When
First of all a HUGE thanks to Andy from +/- Records
SOUNDGARDEN found out what happened they came
who, after reading my Gimme Five last issue, dubbed
out and apologized for the guy (even tho' the guy
the Scraps LP for me. He didn't even know me. He
didn't work for them) and played another set.
just did it because he is totally cool. All hail Andy!! Also I noticed a mistake I made in the last Gimme Five. John was not the vocalist for United Mutation, he was the guitarist. Mike Brown was the vocalist I like so much. Another guy named John did sing for them for a short time, but Mike was the man.
• RIGHT WAY / BROTHERHOOD / ACCUSED - late 80’s at the Speedway Cafe in SLC, UT - I was very into sXe in those days and getting to see BROTHERHOOD was amazing. RIGHT WAY were good. The ACCUSED were totally deranged and Blaine let me have the mic to scream a good portion of "The Bag
• HELLBENDER / CRISIS (SLC) - sometime around
Lady Song" while he went berserk bouncing around on
1984 at some city building in Park City, UT - The First of
stage. I went to the show alone and right before the
many times seeing doom metal warlords HELLBENDER.
ACCUSED finished a stage diver hit me and dislocated
They had not really discovered their sound yet. In fact,
my shoulder. I knew I wouldn't be able to drive my
they sucked. But they made up for it over the years. This
stick shift like that and since my adrenaline was
was the only time I got to see CRISIS (SLC)... a fast, raw,
pumping anyway I did a Mel Gibson routine and
rowdy metal band that is still a favorite of mine today.
slammed my shoulder into the wall to put it back in
This was my first gig seeing local bands play. There were
place. It worked but I almost fainted from the pain
all of maybe 5 people there. It changed my life forever to realize that local bands with a DIY approach could rock
(this is a true story, really!). The ACCUSED were doing an encore of "Barracuda" while I did it. I have
out 10 times better than the prepackaged bands on
flashbacks every time I hear that song now.
major labels. This realization led directly to my switch
Others that were equally memorable:
from being a pure metalhead to being into punk as well. Ironic since this was a metal gig.
• INSIGHT / HATEx9 / CRUMBSUCKERS - Got the
• INSIGHT / THE STENCH / FILTH / FIFTEEN /
mic lots of times during the Crumbsuckers’ set. Later found out they were having problems with their
FUGAZI - early 90’s (I guess) at the Speedway Cafe in
vocalist and Brad Collins had recommended the band
Salt Lake City, UT - One of many times seeing sXe
ask me to join since I knew all the words anyway.
masters INSIGHT. They were as good live as any band I
• IRON MAIDEN - Only saw them once. It was in a
have ever seen. THE STENCH was Salt Lake's greatest
small place with only about 900 people and the grandeur
punk band. FILTH was obnoxious and Jake kept
of their music in a setting like that was hard to believe.
verbally abusing some bonehead jock who never figured
Blaze was on vocals and I've never seen a guy work so
it out. FIFTEEN looked like they hadn't bathed in a year and only wore pajama bottoms on stage and traded
hard to win over a crowd who he knew wasn't into him because he wasn't Bruce Dickinson. His performance
verbal barbs with FILTH the whole time. It was
was the most "blue collar" of anybody I have ever seen.
beautiful. FUGAZI was great. I know, I know, they are
My status as a "rock journalist" allowed me to meet
emo and all that, but they were amazing. A stage diver
them after the show as well. I was starstruck.
slammed into Guy and knocked his front teeth. He continued the show with blood pouring out his mouth. Ian kept calling the kid who hit Guy "Sir" very politely
• KISS - Every time but especially in 1984, their first tour without make-up and 1998, the first reunion tour with make-up.
as he tried to get him to come to the stage to talk about paying for Guy's dental work. The band didn't know the kid had broken his arm in the collision and was in shock. The kid collapsed and I carried him out while someone found his friends to take him to a hospital. • Fiesta Grande #3, #4, and #5 at 924 Gilman in Berkeley, CA - Too many memories to even know where to start writing, so I better not get into it. Needless to say I got a chance to see a huge number of my favorite bands. Buy the retrospective album on Slap A Ham if you missed 'em or even if you didn't.
• RAMONES - Farewell tour. They suck live but they are the RAMONES after all. Another time being a "rock journalist" paid off in hero worship. • DEE SNIDER and the SMFs - Yeah, yeah give me a break but I am a total Twisted Sister nut. Saw them in their heyday but nothing was as cool as seeing Dee in a small club paying tribute to himself and giving up the mic to a bunch of fat, 30-somethings, so they could pretend they were rockstars (like me). Dee even stopped the show in the middle and right on stage autographed everything that was passed up to him.
RUDOLF EVERTS • His Hero is Gone Eurotour -1 saw the band 6 times when they were in Europe and almost all shows were amazing. This particular show that I have the best memories of was in Gent, Belgium. I remember driving up there with some friends. We had no clue where the show was but finally after cruising around for a while we spotted a group of people that looked like punks. The show was in a squat and we asked the people outside if this was the place where HHIG was supposed to play. Seemed most of the people were stoned or drunk as they didn't even know. It appeared to be the place. The squat was awfully dirty. To get inside the concert room you had to cross a big hole in the wall. Unhinged from Belgium opened up and played a good set. In the meantime the whole room was filled with crusts and punks. Dreadlocks everywhere. Then HHIG played their part. It was the loudest show I've seen on the tour. Hard, mean and dirty. Just amazing how much energy was there. The weird thing was that I completely er\joyed it but also felt a bit uncomfortable as well. There were some dogs inside the room and I constantly felt dogs bumping into my legs. I'm scared of dogs so that was kinda weird. After the show we were hanging outside gasping some fresh air. Lots of punks outside drank beer and smoked pot. Suddenly somebody drove up, parked the car, opened the trunk and shouted “Free beer”. The guy was either stupid or wanted to buy friends by handing out free beer. All in all this whole night was just special and kinda weird as well. • Fiesta Grande '99, 924 Gilman St. - My first and last Fiesta Grande. Went with two friends. Every single band was great and I was able to see Spazz play live finally. Two bands completely floored me as well. Fuck on the Beach and Lack of Interest. Both made their impression in their own unique way. Besides of that the atmosphere was great and I could buy loads of records. This was just great. • Kill Your Idols / Violent Society / + loads more, Kontich (Belgium) - This gig had a lot of bad bands on the bill. I went to the show with some friends and we met more people from Amsterdam and surroundings over there. We hung around bit, consumed some beer and waited for KYI and Violent Society to get up the stage. Violent Society is nice to see live but it's really my cup of tea. When KYI went up it seemed like somebody flipped a switch. Suddenly a lot of mostly older people from Amsterdam (over 30 can be considered old in HC) went totally ape. Trashing shit up, running around like maniacs, pileons, shouting along. Just great. I think consuming Belgian beer certainly had its contribution in this but it was just great. The band kept on playing and did all requested songs. Everything seemed right about this night of trash. Bruises, and dirt all over my clothes reminded me the next day how good it was. • Los Crudos / Stack / Acheborn / Catweazle / Seein' Red, Amsterdam (Holland) - This gig was in December 1996. The one and only show Crudos did in Holland on their tour. All bands were great, lots of visitors and headliner Crudos was smoking. Not that much action in the crowd but the band was so energetic. I started to appreciate this band more and more afterwards.
FEATURES
GIMME FIVE - "What are the 5 most memorable gigs you've seen?"
• Voorhees / Mihoen / All Tensed Up, Hilversum
cool enough to send me off to shows via the 7B bus to
INFEST came up and played Gilman once with
(Holland) - This gig is just a few weeks ago but I had a
The Farm in San Francisco. Mind you, I was in
AGRESSION and once with PHC. The AGRESSION show ruled since everyone was there to see the Oxnard
great time. The show was in a squat with about 50
6th/7th Grade, hanging out with freshmen, trying to
visitors. It seemed like almost everyone was into it.
act as fucking skate-punk as possible to fit in with
band (and PITCHFORK and some other SoCal bands),
Great atmosphere and action started from band 1.
these dudes I looked up to. So, one of the shows I was
but the PHC show was thin. A true sign of how small of
Circle pits, pile-ons, you name it all. Voorhees was really
lucky enough to see was the infamous “SKATE ROCK
a scene there was for fast thrash then. But this show,
loud and fast and they just kept on playing. Everything
show”, and seriously, that might not have been the
consisting of bands that turned out to be legends
seemed right about this show. Hope more will come.
best show I've ever seen, but looking back, with the
themselves, proved that with or without INFEST, the
I've seen more great shows like E-150 in a practice
love I have for the bands that played, it is.
West Coast was fucking kicking out some brutal bands.
space with 30 people, Drop Dead, Hellnation, Kill
2 - SLAYER, KREATOR, VOIVOD, EPIDEMIC at
6 - GAUZE - I don't care where... Gilman with
the Man Who Questions and also many European
Mountain View Theatre - This show was so insane. It
ASSFORT, or when SPAZZ toured Japan at Cyclone....
bands like Seein' Red, Morser, Stack as well but this
was the Reign in Blood / Terrible Uncertainty tour.....
they destroy every time. At the Tokyo show, I just
is what came up at the moment.
it was fucking super violent, tons of true hessians
remember, all the kids were stage diving with huge
just fucking going insane. After the show was over,
smiles on their faces and you could just endlessly stage
there was 100+ drunk ass metalheads running down
MATT AVERAGE
dive without anyone getting hurt or anything. They play
Castro Street in Mountain View breaking windows
with such fury and speed that when it’s over you can’t
1 - Black Flag - any show - Unbelievable live band
and burning trash cans.... I was fucking scared as
even believe you just saw it. You’re standing there,
that has yet to be matched in pure intensity.
fuck waiting for my mom to pick me up.
saying what the fuck did I just see. Rumor has it that I
2 - Husker Du - at the Velvet Underground (long
3 - FACTION, ILL REPUTE, SCARED STRAIGHT +
will be in Tokyo for their anniversary show where they
gone club in Oklahoma City) - Definitely one of the
local openers - There was a huge scene in the Palo
will play every song they have written split into two
loudest shows ever. A friend whined about having to
Alto/Mountain View area that has completely vanished.
sets. I can die a happy man after that show.
go to school the next morning. In the parking lot we
All the shows used to happen in this landmark theatre
7 - Chicago Festival 2000 - This was truly
could hear the music coming for underneath the
called the Varsity Theatre. Well, THE FACTION was
inspirational... just when everyone said that positive,
street, and it convinced him to say fuck it, we're
huge in Redwood City. The local skate rats, RCBS
energetic, hardcore was dead, this fest consisting of
seeing the rest of the show!!
(Redwood City Boys Shred), would always have the ILL
mainly young, new bands showed those doubters to be
REPUTE logo (IR with hangman's noose), and THE
full of shit. It was two days of super energetic
3 - Instigators and the Detonators at the Velvet Underground (OKC) - The only time I ever felt any sort of “unity” at a HC show. Both bands ripped it up and the crowd was unreal! The Instigators bass player jumped in the middle of the pit with the crowd swirling around him. The singer (Instigators) literally brought the roof down when he leapt from the speaker spread eagle through the ceiling, with a huge dust cloud rolling down and through the crowd. 4 - No Reply's farewell show at PCH - Band and crowd became one as the folks swarmed the stage from beginning to end.
FACTION written on their white button up shirts. So I
hardcore. LIMPWRIST destroyed, NO JUSTICE got a 50
saw a flyer and was like, "this shit's going to be rad." So
person circle pit started on their stick clicks (no joke,
I talked my Mom into letting me go, I went, and half
they hadn't even started playing and kids were going
way during THE FACTION'S set, the place pulls the
ape), LIFES HALT destroyed, THE REAL ENEMY... I
plug. The drummer keeps beating away, and the pit
mean the list goes on. The WxHxN set was the funnest
doesn't stop. So in about 10 minutes, the fucking riot
set I have ever played live in my life. Anton from
cops rush the place, running down the aisles of the place. It was a mini-riot... pretty cool.
Underestimated did a killer job with setting it up. 8 - An all-night show at Gigantic in Tokyo - The 2nd-
4 - BAD BRAINS, DRI, LIFELINE, etc - The only
to-last CAPITALIST CASUALTIES show in Tokyo. We
thing I remember about this show, was it was 250
didn't sleep the night before since we drove straight
metalheads, and 250 Nazi skinheads (I might be wrong,
from Osaka to Tokyo, stopping in Shizouka. We get to
but it sure seemed that way). When I get off the bus, me
town, go to sleep at 5 in the afternoon, and wake up at
5 - Nation Of Ulysses at Ocho Loco (SF) - One of
and my friends have to walk through a line of Nazi skins
10pm to go to the show. There was about 12 bands on
those shows where you wanna jump in a car and
in Potrero Park who have been beating the shit out of
the bill, and we were playing last. The club was called
follow the band around for the rest of the tour.
random people. We make it inside and the show seems
Gigantic, cuz it’s the size of a bathroom, but it was so
normal. DRI plays and the place erupts.... huge pit.
awesome. They didn't announce CxCx was playing cuz
Then BAD BRAINS plays. All I can remember was that
the place was so small, but tons of kids were there.
MAX WARD
I'm hanging off the rafter next to the door and I'm
Each band blew us away, bands like EXCLAIM,
A top 5 of anything is hard, but shows especially just
watching about two people every minute being dragged
CHARM, MORE NOISE FOR LIFE, FLAME, SLIGHT
because you are only left with your memories. You
from the pit bloody and unconscious. No shit. Half way
SLAPPERS... the list goes on. I was stage diving more
can't go back to your collection and pull out a record
through, we decided to bounce since we were easily the
than I was preparing to play. After the show, I just
and pinpoint exactly what you loved about it.... all you
smallest kids there. It was metalheads versus skins.
remember talking to kids outside about thrash, and
have are bits and pieces of images and memories that
5 - INFEST (canceled), NO COMMENT, MITB, FYP,
watching the sun come up. Thanks to Kubota for
for some reason constitutes a better show than
CROSSED OUT, LACK OF INTEREST - I took a
setting that thing up.
another. Ok, with that said, here it goes (with some
Greyhound bus all the way down to LA to see the
Top Five Favorite Live Bands:
extras thrown in cuz 5 is too small of anything!)
INFEST reunion. Of course, we knew there was a
1 - “SKATE ROCK” show at the Farm: SEPTIC
chance of them canceling, but fuck it, it was worth
DEATH, ACCUSED, DRUNK INJUNS, BEYOND
chancing it. So we snuck all these beers onto the
• NO JUSTICE
POSSESSION, CHRIST ON PARADE - My first couple
Greyhound and got toasted on the ride down. We
• LIFES HALT
of shows were just tag-alongs with my sister in 1984-
kicked it around LA until the show, and of course,
85... I had no tastes of my own for punk/hc. But I
INFEST canceled. But the thing was, this show ruled
started noticing what I liked, and by that time my
without them. It showed that fast/heavy hardcore was
sister went to college. So luckily for me, my mom was
more alive then than it was in the days of INFEST.
• GAUZE
• SLIGHT SLAPPERS • RAZORS EDGE
GIMME FIVE - "What are the 5 most memorable gigs you’ve seen?i
ATHENA KAUTSCH 1 - The Gaia at Epicenter, San Francisco - These women were AMAZING! I miss them so much. I've had the pleasure of seeing them a number of times and after each set, every band member would literally be shaking with exhaustion. No band now puts as much energy into their live set as these women did. Big ovaries on these ladies! R.I.P. 2 - Poison Idea at the Stone, San Francisco sometime in the mid 80's - Yeah, the club sucked and I probably paid too much, not to mention the fact that one of the worst Bay Area bands ever, the Slambodians, probably opened since they always got to open for the good bands, but c'mon, it was Poison Idea in their prime! It was loud and intense
FEATURES
helmet / strap it on tour @ the jabberjaw - packed and about 125 degrees inside, helmet was straight up amazing, loud/tight/heavy/etc.; that shit still hasn't been matched.
K*
public enemy / stetsasonic / fishbone, santa monica civic 1987 - p.e. only played one song and i've always thought stetsasonic was stupid, so i remember this gig for 70 some odd fistfights and a blood/crip fight involving about 200 people, and watched some poor guy get stabbed in the head.got to watch it all on the news again that night when i got home. no comment, last show/hong kong cafe - the inevitable, the band was too fucking good to ke^ep it up any longer, set was full of problems, and i think they really only managed to pull off one song..." push down and turn", r.i.p.
Or
SyTT-tOCKIN TnMsH w(Tf-
lister* -■ ~'—pn
runners up:
and I got bruises all over from being up front for their whole set. My best friend got her eyebrows singed when Pig
• fudge tunnel @ the auditorium in l.a.
Champion blew his fire. She didn't care.
• kiss (reunion) @ THE FORUM
3 - Youth Of Today, Underdog, Bold at Gilman in Berkeley a
• circle one @ palms vfw
friend with the singed eyebrows interrupted Y.O.T.'s set mid¬
ERICA BECK
song to ask if anyone had found the shoe she lost in the pit.
• GAUZE at Jam Studo / Shii\juku, Tokyo '82 - It was the
Mr. Cappo was really nice about it. She got her shoe back.
release party of the legendary "City Rockers" compilation LP
4 - Last Operation Ivy show ever - It was a little piece of history. Stop gagging, Jeff!
and other bands on the bill were more like new wavy punk bands. Gauze was the only band that you can tag the name
5 - Christ On Parade at some warehouse party in Oakland,
"hardcore" on. It was my first experience to see a real hardcore band with my eyes and I was totally blown away.
CA -1 had a summer in my youth that I refer to as my "Christ
What I witnessed was the dawn of Japanese hardcore and it
On Parade Summer" because I swear I must have seen them
changed my life. The most amazing thing is that they still
play ten times within those three months. Since I was drunk every time I saw them, their sets all kind of blend together,
stand strong in today's scene after two fucking decades.
but I do distinctly recall having a sort of epiphany when I saw them at this party about how lucky I was to live in the Bay Area and how underrated these guys were!
• Show at Kimono My House / Shinjuku, Tokyo '83 - The most influential and legendary hardcore band was on the bill.I'm too scared to name them but you can guess who.
By the way, a big thank you to Ken Sanderson for remembering
The club was very small and there was no place to run. Some people, even some members of the bands who were supposed
Capitol Punishment on his last Gimme Five list. They're an all
to play, were smashed and bleeding. It was fuckin CHAOS!! I
time favorite of mine and Jocelyn was my inspiration for a long
can't remember if any band could play or not on that day. Fear.
time. Ken P's mention of The Didjits reminded me of the
Confusion. Roar. That's all what I remember. You had to be
Supersuckers! They are totally fun live, especially when Rick
prepared for chaos when you went to the show around that
Sims was playing with them. Rick Sims rocks! And I thought I
time. It was just like a battlefield.
was the only person who liked the HardOns! I went to see them at Gilman a long time ago, but they had to cancel because one of the guy's grandmas died or something like that. They were at the show, but they left quickly for the airport to drop the dead-grandma guy off.
• LIP CREAM at Nakano Kokaido / Nakano, Tokyo '88(?) EXTREME NOISE TERROR toured Japan and they played a couple of shows in the Tokyo area. This one was the biggest show of the whole tour. Many Japanese hardcore bands played with them and tons of people showed up. It was the heyday of ENT but LIP CREAM even blew them away. Totally
alamoe joe not really in order, but: • beowulf, backyard party / duquense boulevard, culver city some fat chola asked me and my friend if we wanted to party, so we said umm, yeah, she drove us to a party where beowulf was playing and the backyard had an empty pool, so we skated it. then the owner of the house came out and said he was gonna shoot us for fucking up his pool, so we left (quick), but still got to see beowulf... and they opened with "tool the jewel" you fuckin' poser. • 16 and slayer in fresno - seeing one of my favorite bands of all time was the shit, they played all the classic shit off the first and second albums and were tight as fuck.then slayer played and did all the standards that i love, me and bob were headbanging with our shirts off.
01 LAW & order !
long time ago - I was very very drunk and had a very very good time. The bands were great. The aforementioned best
MfHORTHREarl
intense ripping thrash. Just incredible. I've seen them several times but this show was outstanding. •H.R. at some club in S.F. in '97 and SOUL BRAINS (a.k.a. BAD BRAINS) at On Air / Shibuya, Tokyo '00 -1 used to be a big fan of BAD BRAINS and collected not only their records but also crazy memorabilia. I even have the box set of their live 7" on Caroline; 3 different color vinyls and the autographed picture of Dr. Know are put in the special handscreened box! I was just crazy. Those shows completely destroyed my love and enthusiasm for the band. To say the least, it was awful. For details of H.R. show, please ask Mr. Ken Sanderson. Thanks. • KISS at Budokan / Kudan, Tokyo '77 - Yes, I saw the original KISS!!! I started my R&R life with KISS.
SOa
RED C and othey,
EDeq 8 ||
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1
FEATURES
GIMME FIVE - "What are the 5 most memorable gigs you’ve seen?”
Blood is still the heaviest LP ever recorded. Hands
KEN POLLUTION • Hard-Ons - Newport,KY '88 Dickcheese tour
• CRUDOS / RESTARTS / BARCODE BIOPSY, 121
• S.D.S./C.F.D.L.-Nagoya 95
Squat, London - B.Biopsy were a great two piece
• Slight Slappers - every time
MITB style band whose drummer was fucking glorious
• Assuck - Lexington, KY '91
to watch, didn’t release anything though and fuck knows what happened to them. Restarts didn’t get to
• Dibits - Cincinnati '90
P.Enemy fight sounds fucking funny sitting here reading it as does the DRI metallers/skins riot.
down and over 14 years ago!
drink and therefore pulled off a storming set. Then
Honorable mentions:
CRUDOS came on and they did what we knew they
Ramones, Manowar, Nice View, Flash Gordon,
could and tore the place up. Everyone^went mental in
Crossed Out.
this tiny basement and the PA was getting knocked off the chairs. The power and passion of the band was
Jealous of some of the bands you fuckers in the U.S. get to see, but hey, that’s life.
JEFF ROBINSON 1 - GBH / Cro Mags at Ruthies Inn, Berkeley, CA Descended into a massive riot with police and sheriffs lining San Pablo Avenue in riot gear and brandishing shotguns. Rioting erupted when GBH threw a 12 pack of Schaeffer beer into the crowd. A good reason to riot, and where the hell do you find Schaeffer beer in Cali these days... Barstow?
amazing; few bands manage to change the way you
GRAHAM SLEIGHTHOLME • NAPALM DEATH / ENTOMBED, Riverside,
live but I think this band did for a lot of kids.
2 - DRI, Bay Area, CA, summer 1985 - I saw DRI 15
Inspirational. Although a week later I put them on in
times this summer alone.
Newcastle - Both bands totally ruled, tight as fuck
Bristol and they got racist taunts and things were
3 - My first punk show - Novato Theater, Novato, CA
and no messing around; myself and a friend spent
pretty shitty with the club owners. Oh well.
- Dead Kennedys, Social Unrest, Descendents &
• Any 1 in 12 Festival, Bradford - Always great
Victims Family.
the entire set shouting REPULSION and SIEGE at Napalm
to
wind
them
up,
they
didn’t
(unsurprisingly) do a request for us. also I remember there were people, (Ash from SAWN OFF / EMBITTERED being one) who would only "dance" to the songs off the first two LPs which was hilarious to watch. Entombed took the stage and the vocalist was wearing a T-shirt which just read "I Eat Christians" which meant they need not have played a note and still ruled. Killer gig and as per normal crap turnout.
gigs and the bands usually make the extra effort to
4 - “Welcome To Venice” Tour, Ruthies Inn - Suicidal
put on a good show; the venue is a DIY autonomous
Tendencies, No Mercy, Excel, Beowulf, etc. - Total
run venue and has a great atmosphere. Going there
violence and bloodshed.
is actually more than music, half the time it’s just hanging out, going for meals and drinks. Some of the fests have been amazing, the one which featured
DROP
DEAD,
DAMNATION
A.D.,
BATTERY, VOORHEES, HARD TO SWALLOW springs to mind instantly. Think that was the fest
5 - Too many shows at The Farm, SF to mention. Listing the bands is enough - Raw Power, BGK, Bad Brains, CCM, 7 Seconds, Agression, early Neurosis, Christ On Parade, DRI, MDC, etc. (not all on the same show dumbass)
where when HTSwallow were playing someone
* Honorable mention - various SF metal shows at
• DROP DEAD / KITO / SUFFER, Packhorse, Leeds
threw a monitor into the crowd and amid all the
the Kabuki with Raven, Venom, Mercyful Fate,
- First time D.Dead came over in 95 (?) and people
chaos and fun people were having, it just fit in and
Metallica, Exodus, Slayer, Laaz Rockit (just kidding)
were so excited I remember meeting Sned for the
no one seemed to notice/care.
etc. & metal shows at The Stone with Slayer (“Reign
first time and for once there was a decent turnout.
Runners up;
This was SUFFER’s first gig or 2nd maybe and they fucking slew me. KITO then took up the challenge
• Fugazi - tighter than anyone, untouchable at what they do.
and fucking destroyed us all. When that band fired
• Good Clean Fun, Leeds - Superb, worth the split
on all cylinders there was no stopping them, one of
lip and hurty head.
the most overlooked bands. D.DEAD were pretty crushing and all but lost out to KITO and they (D.Dead)
looked
confused
at
the
kids
• Melt-Banana, Bristol - Amazing, funny and loud. Full of arty people though stroking their chins.
breakdancing to their set, not really what you
• BSE / Insult, Nottingham - Dutch thrash on the rise! They
expect at one of their gigs I guess.
ain’t emo fans either which scored extra points. Brutal.
• SLAYER, anytime - Plain and simple this band
Hey, and am I the only one out there that keeps a
are the best live band I ever witnessed. Every time
list of all the gigs they’ve ever been to? Am I the
they just know what to do and the diehard fans go
only sad fucker that does this? Can’t really
mad. How can you come close to this? Reign In
comment on the gigs of other people but the
In Blood” tour warm up gigs - total violence), VoiVod, Celtic Frost, Entombed, etc.
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CORRECTIONS FOR SFL #6: *We didn’t give photo credits for the great EXCLAIM photos that accompanied the interview. Chou-hazukashiku natteta!! AH EXCLAIM pics by MIYUKl TAKAMATSU. Ariqatou gozaimashitai!
Hi Chris! First off, thanks for the copy of SFL #6. I love it! Wonderful. Marvelous. It's okay. Hopefully you er\joyed the copy of People Under No King that I gave to you in trade. The big reason I'm writing you is about the "Gimme Five" article concerning the staff's opinions on the five most forgotten HC bands. Personally, I find it hard to believe that killer bands like the Wretched and Code Of Honor are that unheard of, but maybe that's just me. And Ken, I remember seeing ads for the Neuroot record in old zines and was intrigued. I'd kill for a dub of that seven-inch at the very least! I also thought I'd throw in my two cents for what it's worth with a few forgotten punk bands myself. Most of them are local. • THE FUCK UPS: Not the European band, but from right here in the Bay Area. And probably the very first punk band to reside on Mission Street, long before bands like Hickey or Fuckface. Hence their song "White Boy In The Mission" which they were notorious for. I believe they were the only local band playing shows at the time that didn't get included on the "Not So Quiet in the Western Front" comp, probably due to the fact that they were way more un-PC than most other bands at the time. I'm guessing anyway, I was like four years old when that comp came out! I love their "FU82" seven-inch! "I think you're shit! I think you're fuckin' shit! Think what you want of me, but I think you're fuckin' SHIT!!" The story behind that record is that one
of their members actually donated his body for medical science to pay for its release. Now THAT'S hardcore. It was also rumored that vocalist Bob Noxious was a Nazi, but some say that he was just putting everyone on. Who can you believe? I dunno. And as a side note, one or two members did time in Society Dog who areback together now, but that reunion ain't worth catching in the least. Fucking burnouts! • THE MASKED MEN: Like Jeff said about Sairaat Mielet, the Masked Men are more like "unheard" than forgotten. However, apparently they were huge in Baltimore! At the peak of their five-year existence, the Masked Men played spastic punk inspired by the likes of Rudimentary Peni, the Varukers, and Chaos UK. Add on a psychotic vocalist that gave ENT a run for their money, plus an unhealthy amount of homebrew cider (they didn't call it Mirkwood Spider Cider for nothing!) and Carlo Rossi and there you have it. They swore that their first show was either with Spazz or ETO, they couldn't remember. My old band used to play with them constantly and those are pleasant memories. The Masked Men played maybe twenty shows the whole time they were around and never put out a record, which is unfortunate. Their last Bay Area show was in '97 and just about everyone in the audience became a true believer, but too little too late. I wish my copy of their demos didn't get stolen, otherwise I'd probably still listen to it everyday like I used to.
• THE SLAMBODIANS: They were a little before my time, but I found their four-song demo while dubbing tapes at Steve List's house and loved it. Even the ska shit on the second song! The opener, "Slow Ride," is total full speed ahead hardcore that had me wanting to turn Steve's house into my own one-man pit of destruction. I asked a couple old Gilman regulars about them and learned that they never got past mid-bill status and weren't taken too seriously by Gilman booking folks because they committed the crime of being from the vapid suburb of Fremont. • SUBCULTURE: Great HC from North Carolina back in the mid-’80s. Not sure how many records they put out, but their "I Heard A Scream" LP is every bit as good now as it was when I stumbled across it at the age of sixteen. They're kinda in the vein of old COC, for anyone that's wondering. Greg from Lana Dagales and Jeff seem to be the only people that know who they are! A couple others: • PURE HELL: The first all-black punk band, even before the Bad Brains! Or is it "Pure Hell from Philadelphia"? • JESUS CHRUST: Neil Robinson's band in between Nausea and Final Warning. (?) • FEARLESS IRANIANS FROM HELL: From Texas actually. Their singer really was Iranian and sang songs like "Die for Allah." • THE MAU MAUS: One of, if not the first, LA he bands. Not to be confused with the UK band.
CORRECTIONS FOR SFL #6: *We didn’t give photo credits for the great EXCLAIMphotos that accompanied the interview. Chou-hazukashiku natteta!! All EXCLAIM pics by MIYUKI TAKAMATSU. Arigatou gozaimashita!!
Good luck with future zine endeavors!
getting their asses kicked (we managed to get out
Jake Kelly / konstantflow@yahoo.com
of there unscathed though). In my opinion, The Slambodians were a so-so hardcore band who is
P.S. In the shameless self-promotion department, I thought I'd give a plug for the zine I'm finally writing for. It's called People Under No King (get it? HA!) and the seventh issue is out now and available for three bucks. It's been almost seven years since the last issue's been printed, and since the Bay Area once again has a HC scene to be proud of, the time is now! Our little zine doesn't hold a candle to SFL in the least, but we interviewed threefourths of What Happens Next and I think it turned out well. There's also reviews of records and shows, photos galore, and columns from arguably the two most cynical people at Gilman. If you're interested, forget you were just about to get lunch and send your three bucks to the following address: PUNK, 456 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. A couple stamps wouldn't hurt either, and I hope you like 8”xl4" zines.
not necessarily worthy of remembering. They had a meathead, “tough guy”following which is what really gave them the bad rep at Gilman. I don’t remember the Masked Men at all. Maybe Spazz played with 'em on tour, but at the moment I have no idea who they are (were). The Fuck Ups put out a great 7” but, like you say; with Bob Noxious being a known Nazi, they can stay forgotten and for good reason. 1 bought the Subculture album when it came out, listened to it, hated it, listened to it again a year later, still hated it, then sold it. Sorry maybe it’s just me. Around that time, I was at the house of Bob
Greetings SF&L! Must commend you for the section on the "five most forgotten hardcore bands"! This is something me and my friend talk about a lot, especially after hitting a few bowls to the head deep talks then follow. Here's my list for the five most forgotten hardcore bands: 1. Septic Death 2. Negative FX (before Choke started sucking!) 3. The Clitboys (c'mon, they sang "Gay’s OK" before PC-ism contaminated the scene!) 4. Infest (forgotten in MY neck of the woods!) 5. 76% Uncertain Bruce S. / Editor + Publisher. Third Side thirdsidemag@yahoo.com
Durkee, the guy who released the Subculture record... in his garage he still had about 800 of the 1,000 copies pressed of that album (along with most of the other stuff he released on the Fartblossom label that never sold). As far as the L.A. Mau Maus, I don’t remember when their stuff came out, but I’ve always been of the opinion that
Jake-
£3 FEEDBACK
the first L.A. hardcore band (if not the first
Thanks for the list. I saw The Slambodians
hardcore band anywhere) was Middle Class....
many times over the years... one of my old bands
check out their “Out Of Vogue” 7” from 1978 or 79
even played a house party with them in Fremont around 188 where half of the people there were
if you don’t believe me. By the way the zine you
drunk skinheads and the other half were this
good hardcore mag from the Bay A rea. I highly
contribute to is great. It’s nice to finally see a
drunken San Jose gang called S.J.F.U. Not
recommend it to SF+L readers along with other
surprisingly a huge fight broke out and spilled
quality HC mags I’ve seen recently like Discordia,
out into the street with people getting hit from
Mass Movement, Infection, Off Cycle, Unbound,
every direction with loose boards and generally
Zeen, Rumpshaker, etc. -
Chris
Chris, Congrats on another great issue of Short, Fast + Loud. Thanks for mentioning Life Sentence in your top 5 forgotten bands. I’m from Chicago so I haven’t forgotten, but I’m glad others haven’t. I recently got a copy of this zine called “Off Cycle” and the kid who runs it also runs Bloated Records in which he bootlegs Life Sentence’s ‘86 album. If you’re interested, his info is: Bloated Records c/o Vinnie Filippini / 210 Woodcliff Ave #5F / North Bergen, NJ 07047. Also, thanks to Erica Beck for mentioning Wehrmacht and Cryptic Slaughter, two of my all time favorite bands. Speaking of Cryptic Slaughter, howz about doing a “what ever happened to” on them? I really don’t think you can find many better thrash records than “Money Talks”. Anyway, I’ll stop
1
FEEDBACK
m
FEEDBACK - Photo of LIMPWRIST at the 2000 Chicago Fest. by Karoline Collins!
boring you with this letter, but let’s see some Cryptic Slaughter!!! Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the Short, Fast + Loud CD and “East West Blast Test”. Take care, in grind we crust, John J. Tekiela 5155 Newport Oak Forest. IL 60452 jtekiela@reebieallied.com JohnYeah, a Cryptic Slaughter piece would be great but if we're going to do it, it needs to be written by someone who can research it well and do it thoroughly and accurately. I haven't heard from anyone qualified to write it yet, but C.S. should definitely be included in this mag sometime. - Chris ....About Dutchcore from the past: it's so cool and it's no more. It's funny to hear and see a lot of people talking about these wonderful times like some old farts who say things like “back in the days it was all much better” and stuff! I also like the old "fastcore" more but I think this is only because you grow up with those bands and you already have your selection of best bands. I don't know why I say all this, but it's strange that people are living in the past without seein’ the nice things of today. But of course they are gone tomorrow and so we can all idealise them and write and talk about those "wonderful" days. Well, sorry for boring you people over there, take care. Mike D. from the Netherlands tuco_ramirez@hotmail.com MikeObviously I'm very involved in new bands & new music & uthe nice things of today”. But I don't think there's anything wrong with mentioning great bands & music of the past either. Rather than dwelling on it like some old timer, I hope that mentioning older bands will help younger kids understand what the roots of this kind of music are. There are 15 year olds I've heard from who listen to stuff like Spazz & think we "started" fastcore, so it's only fair to give credit where it is due... to the bands that influenced us. Don't you agree? - Chris Q: A: Q: A:
What do the letters in “emo” stand for? Ex Members Of! What’s 30 feet long and has no pubic hair? The front row of a Promise Ring show!
Mosh on and join the Mike Love Must Die Foundation! Cheers, Thomas Philbeck 1516 King Ave. #40. Columbus. OH 43212
Chris, Whooaaahhh... SF+L is fuckin’ raging! I can totally relate with a lot of the columns, too. I’m closer to 30 than most of the people I work with (not all) and play with. Your zine floored me with its content and its unbiased approach to covering all genres of crust / raw / thrash, etc. Not all “HC” kids appreciate crusty shit while a lot of “raw punk / crust” people are not necessarily into most HC power thrash stuff but SF+L is a groundbreaking attempt. You guys should smash the mold!!! Ha ha ha... Take care & don’t stop publishing!! Jason / Raw Punk Bastards zine / P.O. Box 197, Steger. IL 60475 P.S. Skullkrusher has a split tape w/ Final Massacre out now.
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All proceeds benefit KDVS 90.3 FM in Davis, CA. One of the last remaining non-profit free-form radio stations in the world. available now! checks/M.O. made to 'KDVS' Street: $5 well-concealed PPD: $6 cash World: $7 PRICES Distro: S3 PPD USA Distro: S4 PPD World be on the lookout for upcoming lwww.kdvs.org Godstomper/Feces Munchers split 7 '(Cesspool/ALCD) www.geocities.com/alcdrecs ALCD: PO BOX 4301 Davis,CA 95617 USA. crankduplex@hotmail.com
KENJI / RAZORS EDGE WAS INTERVIEWED FACE TO FACE AT A CAFE RIGHT BY THE CLUB THEY WERE PLAYING THAT NIGHT. TWtf OTHER BAND MeIbERS WERE LEFT AT THE CLUB SO THEY WOULDNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T START TROUBLE
WELL, YOU COULD BE CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BANDS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT "BANDANA THRASH" THING...
KENJI: That's true. I like the idea of sleeve art and hardcore sounds connected to each other and that would make the total impression even stronger.
KENJI: (laughter) Yeah, it is a weird fusion of sounds, but I just wanted to have sounds filtered out by my taste and see how would the sounds go together.
KENJI: 1 knew you were going to ask this question, but I wasn’t expecting it this soon (laughter). Well, I have to admit that I've never even worn a bandana myself (laughter). But, you know, in those early days when there was no such genre or style called grunge, emo-core, or even melo-core, there were all just "good sounding bands” in the beginning. And that's when some new terms or genres would be born. "Bandana thrash” is the same thing. People need to name this new type of hardcore sound, hut on the other hand, when I listen to so-called bandana thrash bands, most of the sounds are so different, I can’t really find any similarities in between. Some are metal edged, some are really tight sounding... I think it is just used because it can be easier to sum the sound up. So, I wouldn't deny it but I wouldn't admit either that we thrash with bandanas.
YOU WERE ALSO DRAWING ALMOST ALL OF THE FLYERS...
AND THAT’S BECOME THE BASIS FOR THE BAND RAZORS EDGE...
KENJI: Yeah, I do draw more skaters to all of our flyers, because skating and this thrash heat really go along together. This word "thrash” has this retro feeling to it, maybe a little hit old fashioned to use this word for sounds, but it's so to-the-point when you're describing the hardcore sound. And seeing it objectively, the thrash-core we play really fits in with those dangerously aggressive skaters.
KENJI: Well,the base of our sound would be fhe COMES, STALIN, that kind of 80’s punk. Might be GASTUNK as well. In a much deeper root of our sound, there's definitely a rock influence. We do have fast, light stumbling taste, but still have thrashing riffs, as well as the forwarding rocking riffs. That’s what we did really, we never thought ahout going backwards to the 80's skatecore or anything. We just did what we wanted to do...
BUT YOU WERE USING THAT ‘THRASHER* LOGO ON YOUR 1ST EP SLEEVE. I THOUGHT YOU GUYS WERE INTO THAT TYPE OF SOUND... KENJI: That... was just... I was just in the mood to use that logo (laughter). I know what you mean, but really, it was just my mood at that time (laughter). BUT THAT ARTWORK LOOKED AS IF YOU WERE SAYING, ‘WE SKATE ALL THE TIME!’ KENJI: That skate thing really came afterwards. It wasn’t on purpose... but our sound sure fits with when people go out to skate though.
HOW ABOUT YOU, DO YOU SKATE AT ALL? KENJI: Hmni... at most... jumped over a can (laughter), that’s about it. None of the other members even touched it before, but if we were skating, that's that. Nothing that has anything to do with the hand... that's why I drew a skater on the sleeve. I just felt like drawing one. BUT THE SOUND OF RAZORS EDGE AND THAT ARTWORK SEEMED TO BE SOMEWHAT LINKED TOGETHER.
THAT WORD ‘THRASH* HAS ALWAYS BEEN USED FOR YOUR RECORDS OR TO DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND... KENJI: Yeah, it's blitzkrieg thrash!!! Not a bap, but thrash. Not a speed but a full speeding dash. When we were recording our 1st EP, all we cared about was how much we can pull our tension up high, I can understand when people listen to it, they say it sounds like fastcore, but obviously we are not playing like fastcore because "speed" is not an important thing to us. We need more sliding thrash heats. It is fast, hut still you can mosh to it. AT SOME POINT YOU WERE GETTING TIRED OF ALL THOSE FASTCORE BANDS? KENJI: Yeah, too much of those fast/grindcore bands were around hack in the mid-90’s.That made me want to form a hand with more light, non-grinding sounds. When LOS CRUDOS came around, I really thought "This IS the hardcore sound!!!” They had the 80’s sound playing in 90's intensity, that meant a lot to me. Then me and Jtmya (guitar) were talking ahout all those OUTO, GAUZE type of Japanese hardcore hands because that was our 80's sound, stuff we grew up with. We wanted to start a band with those sounds we used to listen to when we were in high school. And at the same time we wanted to put some light, bubbling FYP type hardcore, along with the melodic choruses. THAT'S A VERY... AN INCOHERENT COMBO OF SOUNDS...
I THOUGHT I'D BE HEARING MORE U.S.-BAND INFLUENCES... KENJI: We sure do have elements from U.S. hardcore. I really like that dry, tingling sound, but I personally think we play more... thinnersniffing type (laughter... note; we sniff thinner, instead of glue) I think Jap punk has more energetic heated up sounds than the US simply because we're Japanese and Jap hardcore is really a one of a kind thing we can only be proud of among the whole Japanese music scene. SO, YOU WERE BASICALLY INTO JAP HARDCORE MORETHAN U.S. HARDCORE?? KENJI: It's not that I only have one interest, hut just Jap-core bands are the stuff I grew up on, all their influences come out just naturally into our music. You know, most of the people spent a really sensitive time in high school and the music you listen to most during that time will stay in yon for a long time. BUT STILL, THOSE SONGS ON THE 1ST EP SOUNDED REALLY U.S.-ISH TO ME... KENJI: I'm really into U.S. hardcore. The way they look and their attitude as well. They never are so... overdone, or
not heavily done. It's not just fast, but has pure hardcore speed and can keep their tensions as high as they can go. It's this brutal intoxication and speed feeling with the choruses that are louder than the vocalist (laughter). Everything is too much, too high, that unusualness is balanced. I think that is real thrash. So that's no doubt people would think about us as a U.S. style band.
BUT THEN, FOR THE LATEST ALBUM, IT DOES HAVE A MORE 80'S JAP HC FEELING THAN BEFORE. KENJI: Hhhmmmm, I didn't intend to make it as a Jap HC style record, we just threw everything we had in. It became more of a discography album, but on the other hand, when we were mixing down the 1st ER vie ***-**% w_ rSHOCTfNG KJWCWWCHVOL.S^ like GANG GREEN snorting coke, we wanted quasi-thinner sniffing sound quality. (laughter)
Hi
SO THEN, IT’S MORE LIKE... IT HAPPENED TO SOUND LESS U.S. AND MORE JAP SOUNDING...
KW£N*S "WE FUTURES (W BJQNNEftS
KENJI: I don’t know... we just made a step closer to our goal. This record, I think, is part of our goal... WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?? KENJI: When we first went into studio, which was around late '96,1 listened to this song that Junya brought in and I just said, "Hey, sounds really cool." I immediately felt Razors Edge sounds were formed already (laughter). Since then we’ve been trying to write a song that would even sound better than that song ("Born Again” that is), which was really catchy, yet has the punching thrash rhythm, it’s compacted, and has melodic choruses.... I can't really find the exact word to describe this, but it was simple yet somewhat deep. This is all up to your sense really. How you manage to give a musical shape to your feelings. It's a really difficult thing to figure out how you do it, but you have to keep trying. WELL, HOW DO YOU COMPARE YOUR ALBUM TO THE PREVIOUS STUFF THEN?
KENJI: Hhhmmmm... more than that, I've never thought that recording an album could be such a drag (laughter). How could you record 14 songs? When we were working on the 1st EP, all we needed was an impact. It's this flow from side A to B, we could just run through with an impact. But for an album, people have to listen to it all the way through. The order of songs bothered me a lot, despite that we don't have many songs to choose from in the first place. We will never be a mass producer...
HAVING SUCH FLEXIBILITY AS WELL... KENJI: I wanted to include some extreme feeling on the album. It's the other way of representing intensity. HEARING ALL THIS, IT MAKES ME THINK THAT YOU ARE PERFECTIONISTS WHO REALLY THINK IT OUT... KENJI: But that never shows on stage at all.(laughter)
SO, IT TOOK THAT LONG TO WRITE AN ENTIRE ALBUM’S WORTH OF SONGS?
SO ALL THIS MUSIC CAN'T BE DONE BY BEING FULL OF ENERGY OR EMOTIONS...
KENJI: When we started working on the album, it was January or February of last year. Then we ended up going into the studio in late December of the same year. By that time we had about 12 to 13 songs and needed one or two more songs to till in. We've never been a band who could go record a song right after we write one. It needs to be rehearsed or at least practiced until we could hear the songs showing each members personalities. After everyone gets to play in their own style, then we finally go into studio to record. That's why it takes such a long time.
KENJI: That’s why I keep setting my senses up high.
wrttt 6«KTSumRS. I FLASH
IT TOOK ALMOST A YEAR JUST TO PRACTICE OVER AND OVER? KENJI: Actually,it’s more like preparation of the songs than practicing. Basically, I want everything perfectly done. Of course, having spontaneous hursts is important, but to have that, I want everything well calculated and to be played in the certain level which then would give more strong aggression to the sound.
But luckily enough, I have great members who can play their instruments without me telling each of them the details of the songs. I never have to be so demanding on them. We can just play out by our... groove? I don’t know. And that would make our originality something special.
IN THAT WAY WOULD YOU THINK YOU COULD PUT EVERYTHING INTO THE ALBUM?? KENJI: To be honest, we could put absolutely everything in until we hum out and lose ourselves (laughter). We are totally white in our heads now (our heads are empty Ed.), we're even feeling a little bit unsettled about what we should do from now on... INTERVIEW + TRANSLATION BY AKIRA TAKEUCHI. FLYERS BY KENJI RAZORS. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAZORS EDGE.
SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE REALLY STRICT WITH WHAT YOU DO... KENJI: I guess so. If I wouldn’t be so strict on myself, then I'd just have big regrets afterwards. But at the same time, there's a song like "Life" (track 12) which is a really short song. This is the only song we wrote during the actual recordings. Junya suddenly came up with these thrashy riffs, so we just went blast with it. I guess it turned out quite good...
RAZORS EDGE: KENJI RAZORS: SHOUT!! JUNYA SUGAR: GUITAR TARO PUNK: BASS YASUKESKINS: DRUMS
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INTERVIEW
SO HERE'S AN INTERVIEW WITH PROBABLY ONE OF, IF NOT THE MOST, WELL KNOWN CURRENT UK HARDCORE BANDS. THEY’VE BEEN TREADING THE BOARDS SO TO SPEAK FOR ALMOST TEN YEARS NOW AND SEEM TO HAVE AT LAST REAPED THE BENEFITS OF STICKING IT OUT, WITH A FEAST OF NEW RELEASES AND FUTURE ONES IN THE PIPELINE. THEY SEEM TO BE ON A ROLL AND WITH A STABLE LINE-UP FOR ONCE. IF YOU LIKE YOUR HARDCORE STRIPPED DOWN AND PISSED OFF THEN LOOK NO FURTHER. Bive us a history of the band for starters.
LECKY: 1987: The MACDONALDS which became STEADFAST. STEADFAST contained Sean Readman, Paul RugmanJones, and myself. FALSE FACE had Gary Cousins and Darrell Hindley. KNOW YOUR ENEMY had Gary, Darrell, and me, and became VOORHEES. IRONSIDE had Richard Armitage and Andrew Wright. VENGEANCE OF GAIA was Steve Stewart and David Allen. The reason we have had so many line up changes is because we've been around for over nine years. David, the first bass player left because he was more into rave than punk, but he didn’t tell us he was gonna guit, he just moved away and never got in touch. Darrell left to go to college, Gary left cause Darrell left, Michael left because he didn't like touring with us because we all used to argue with each other. Sean slapped him in the face at the end of the first US tour. Sean left because he wasn't enjoying it anymore; he didn’t
VOORHEES Interviewed by Graham Sleightholme. Photos either provided by the band or stolen from their website..
want to tour either. Graeme left to go live in California, but it didn't work and he wanted to come back but we'd already got James. Gareth got kicked out cause he was a bad drummer and people kept telling us so. Paul left to go and work in London. Andrew got kicked out because he didn’t turn up to practice and we could only play at weekends cause he lived in Manchester and had no transport. I guess it all boils down to the fact that I was in Yorkshire and everybody else was in Durham. I wanted to achieve more and take it further than anyone else, so I always put pressure on the others to get what I want. You've all been involved within the UK "scene" for, oh, I don't know, ages now; what do you feel has changed for the better since the late ‘BOs when things just died off?
ARMS: I think that the scene moves in two or three year cycles usually driven by backlashes to different trends. The UK scene has been poor for a long time now, but was really bad back then due to crap UK bands, stale old US bands being brought out here to tour, a split between the crusties and straightedge scene, the emergence of emo, etc. In my view, the world hardcore scene in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s was largely ruined by a backlash to the excitement of the‘88 straightedge explosion, which sent too many of the established bands away from hardcore down the road of writing rock-based songs (Into
Another? What the fuck was all that about?), wearing stupid grown-ups clothes (remember Gorilla Biscuits’first Euro tour when they wore loafers and polo necks?!), spending money on expensive production jobs (Chung King Can Suck It), and numerous other crimes. In addition, a lot of the bigger US bands that were considered part of the scene around totally stepped away from it and got huge, which in turn encouraged a lot of people within the worldwide scene to drop down a level and go more underground. Things might have been poor in the UK for one reason or another, but think about the legacy left by some of the influential bands of the late ‘80s - Breakdown, Infest, Larm, Slapshot, Integrity, Youth of Today, Life’s Blood, No Comment, Cro-Mags and on and on. I think that since the late ‘80s and early‘90s hardcore consumers have got a lot more demanding, and are now less willing to buy stale, tired music just because the band playing it promotes a fashionable ideology or fits in with a certain sub-scene. Hopefully the popularity of nu-metal won’t impact on our scene too much. The current crop of what I consider genuine hardcore bands are helping make today's scene exciting and fresh - Kill Your Idols, WHN?, Nine Shocks Terror, Life’s Halt, DS-13, Out Cold, Crispus Altucks,A Poor Excuse,Nerve Agents. STEVE: I got into the HC/Punk scene in the late ‘80s so everything even then was fresh and vibrant to me, a huge difference from the thrash metal/crossover scene that I was previously involved in. There was a good scene in the north-east of England back then but bands broke up, kids moved on and it died a death by 1993. There must only be a handful of people still around from that time. I can't say that I'm too into what's going on in the UK scene these days. Too much emo, too much metal, way too much pop and not enough honesty. Bands that folks should check out are Imbalance, Shank, 30 Seconds To Armageddon, Urko, Dumbstruck, Armour of God, Southport, the Propagumbhis & Dead Inside.
Punk or hardcore? If you had to choose one to describe your music / band, which one and why?
STEVE: I’m a punk and I play in a hardcore band. ARMS: Negative Approach was hardcore - therefore we are hardcore. What do your family/friends (ifyou have any!)/ work-mates make ofyour band?
ARMS: My wife, Sue, is extremely proud of us, despite the fact that she dislikes the music intensely. The rest of my family and my friends are proud, too, but they prefer to "appreciate our talent" from a distance. What do you all do outside the band, as you seem to tour guile a lot?
STEVE: Dave answers phones, Arms works at a bank, Steve co-runs a record shop, Lecky co-runs a skateboard shop and Atko does fuck all. How come you've been over to the States twice (?) now and most UK bands can only dream of it? How do you manage it financially?
STEVE: Voorhees has been to the states three times now. As I'm the new boy and have only been once, you should ask Lecky or Arms for further details. I do know that the last time we lost a bit of money and the other times they just broke even. As we only tour once a year, we consider these trips as holidays and tend not to worry too much about the cheddar. Is it true Lecky had a fight with one of 25 Ta Life whilst on tour with them? (a rumour I’ve heard, care to clear it up?)
LECKY: No, I had a fight with Crazy Chris from the Path Of Resistance. He was sat on the stage during our first show in the US with Hatebreed and 25 Ta Life 4 I asked him to.move. He refused so I kicked him off, literally, and then it turned into a fight. The lights were turned out during this and when they were switched back on he was nowhere to be found and I discovered that myself and Paul, our old bass player were punching each other in the dark. Duh!
VOORHEES Interviewed by Graham Sleightholme. Photos provided by the band or stolen from their website...
What happened to the time when Voorhees was considered a straightedge band and now it seems to be full of drinkers? Who lost the edge first? LECKY: We were never a straightedge band but three out of five of the first line up were straight until we recorded the "Violent" EP. I'm still straight but as people came and went in the band, the replacements have all been drunken fools. I mean, who else would want to join a band as dumb as this? With your tough guy image, has anyone on tour (Ilk or abroad) ever tried to make you live up to it and challenge you lot to a scrap? STEVE: I don't think we have a tough guy image. As soon as people meet us they realise that we're a bunch of soft fools with big mouths. Any scary/funny tour stories? ARMS: On the second IIS tour Lecky fell down a twelve-foot deep storm drain during piss break in the middle of a night drive to Providence, Rhode Island. When we played in Lima, Ohio me and Atko got in some guy's truck to go get beers from a store in town, and the whole back seat was covered in women’s lingerie. That was quite uncomfortable. At Ben from Drop Dead's house we slept on the floor under the maniacal gave of that weird guy that used to play bass in Drop Dead whilst he sat in a rocking chair. When we woke up in the morning he was still sitting there watching us with his crazy eyes. Anyone who has met him knows how disturbing this was. On the third IIS tour, we stayed at a motel in Big Otter, West Virginia. I got drunk real fast and wanted to go out "hunting bears." As I opened the door to go out into the night two-shotgun blasts went
off very close, so I closed the door and got into bed without saying a word. In Europe this year we stayed up drinking all night in bars in Berlin, and whilst I was arguing with some Turks about random numbers they had written down on small pieces of paper, a typical German mullet-headed rock fan started fighting Atko. Luckily we usually have our Director of Foreign Affairs, Will Tarrant from Chainsaw Safety Records, with us to iron out such inconveniences. You may want to check our website for photos of some of the oddballs we’ve came across on the last couple of tours. Lyrically, I guess some of the things you come out with (e.g. "More Violence in Hardcore", "Heroin is Fun" and, oh, at least ten songs dealing with fighting and violence) are not exactly in line with typical HC / punk views, do you ever get pulled up on them? ARMS: No one ever says anything about any of our lyrics for some reason. "Heroin is Fun" is probably our most requested song live. LECKY: About "More Violence in Hardcore"... you can print the lyrics as long as you put the explanation on there, too. Basically "More Violence..." was written in response to all the crazy dancing we saw in the IIS. On our first tour with Hatebreed and 2b Ta Life, people were just windmilling and karate kicking the shit out of each other, and I personally used to get shit from people at shows for bumping into them while dancing, I wasn't trying to be tough or anything,! just like to leap around but I guess it must look worse than that to outsiders. But I never intend to hurt anyone. Anyway this song is just a piss take and I was trying to point out it could be a lot worse. I was never too sure if that’s how it would be taken, so I never let anyone see the lyrics just to be on the safe side.
CO CO
MORE VIOLENCE IN HARDCORE You get ready for the show tonight Hoping like hell there’ll be a fight You know that You're tough with your mates You know you're tough bench pressing weights More Violence in Hardcore You see a girl on the dancefloor You know what she’s looking for A punch in the face will do it right If it’s hard enough she'll lose her sight More Violence in Hardcore Walking home with a broken nose You know it's been a real good show You can't wait for the next night You can't wait for your next fight More Violence in Hardcore
The lyrics to "Feminist" (which was a pre-Steadfast song by The MacDonalds) which we recorded on the "What You See Is What You Get" EP are much worse. Other things that no one has given us any shit for is the backtrack on the first EP where Sean says "misogyny" before the start of "Adulteress" which is about burying your wife alive if she cheats on you like the Romans did; the lyrics to "Punk Slut You Suck" (P.S.Y.S.) from the demo/flexi; the fact that we steal layouts from old bands' records and steal riffs from their songs. Also dealing with lyrics, do you think the lyrics have "matured" as time has worn on? I mean the lyrics on "Spilling Blood..." seem a lot more confrontational and hate filled than say the "13" LP which is lyrically a bit more open to individual interpretation. Are you still as pissed as in the old days?
INTERVIEW
ARMS: I think that the lyrics on our newer releases are still aggressive, and in many cases angrily challenge subjects from more original angles than some of the earlier stuff. I try to write lyrics on different issues and from different perspectives. Some of them are impartial and observational, while others are more direct and involved. There are only so many songs you can write about expressing rage through violence before getting jaded. I always write the music before the lyrics, and write a bunch of songs all around the same time. Sometimes because I try to mix up as many different song structures as possible, sections of lyrics from one song get cut and added into another, so we have do some songs that cover more than one theme or issue. What's the plan for the future regards releases and tours etc? LECKY: The reason we have so many releases coming out now is because we all live close enough (except James who is temporarily living in London) to be able to practice every week, so we just keep writing new stuff, and everyone actually gets along with each other and it is much more fun to do now than it ever has been. STEVE: Tour-wise we hope to get over to the USA again next year. West coast this time. We also hope to play some shows in Finland and maybe Ireland, too. We’ll also continue to play sporadic shows with shitty bands across the UK until the day we die. As for records, we always have a bunch of shit to come out. At the moment we're waiting for split EPs with Kill Your Idols (this is now out!), Insult (DYS covers) 4 F-Minus to be released. There will also be a 12" release of the Out Cold split (on
INTERVIEW
VOORHEES Interviewed by Graham Sleightholme. Photos either provided by the band or stolen from their website..
Deranged) as well as a newly re-mastered repress of the first LP with a CD release to follow. Also the Devoid of Faith split LP is gonna be on CD. There is a track that’s going to be on a Negative Approach covers LP (on Eyeball), also a track on a Negative FX covers 7" Gen from Ruido is putting out. Right now we're writing songs for our third LP, which we hope to record early next year, which will be released by Six Weeks. I take it the "Bookburner" EP back sleeve is meant to look like the Citizens Arrest back sleeve of their LP. An) other cheek) things we should look out for on )our artwork etc? LECKY: The front of the "Violent" EP looks like the Negative Approach EP, the back of the "Spilling Blood..." LP is copied from SSD's "Get it Away" LP, and the centre labels are copied from the Embrace LP. An) final comments, etc.? LECKY: The Northern Wolfpack was first mentioned on the No Way Out demo, and was just a joke really. Then when Slapshot did their first UK tour all the Liverpool and Bradford straightedge kids were following them around and called themselves the Northern Wolfpack. I was living in Durham at the time so I had no involvement and wasn't considered as a part of all that. Then when the scene started to get a bit better again in '92, Nick Royles kept mentioning the Northern Wolfpack in the How We Rock newsletter but it never really existed then either. I was living in Bradford by this time and we (Nick, Arms, Doug from Ironside/Iron Monkey, and myself) used to prank call people and threaten that the Northern Wolfpack was gonna beat them up. We called Decadence Within a few weeks before they were due to play the 1inl2 and they pulled the gig from fear of getting beat up. People keep talking about the Northern Wolfpack who have no idea what it was, as if it was some big crew or gang, but it was all bullshit really... A real gang we had following us around when we toured with Slapshot in ‘92 was the Voorhees Violence Crew. The "Violent" EP had just come out and there were about eight friends from Durham who were really into us so we took them on tour
with us. They were all into fighting and causing shit. One guy, Joe was the head doorman of a nightclub but he was banned from working so he had to do it secretly, so if the cops came he had to hide. The nightclub owners didn’t dare sack him, he really loves beating the shit out of people. Another guy was The Fat German. He wasn’t actually German but people used to think he was a Nazi when he was younger but they didn’t dare say it to him so he became known as The Fat German; he must be about 25 stone. There were various others, too, but they were just kids trying to be hard.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW??? t Original bassist DAVID’s whereabouts are still unknown. t DARRELL is an artist in Durham, not in a band. f GARY is a Policeman and a family man, not in a band. t MICHAEL is living in Middlesborough and plays in a metal band with his brother. t SEAN is a sports coach and a family man, not in a band. t GRAEME is living in London, working as a guitar teacher and is a session musician in an R&B/soul backing band for a female singer who is trying to be famous. t GARETH is in an indie/college rock band; he quit drums and now plays guitar. t PAUL is at university in Sunderland studying to be an environmental biologist, not in a band. t ANDREW is a computer programmer in Manchester, not in a band.
t "VIOLENT..." 10 song EP 2,169 pressed, 1st 1,061 w/white border on front of sleeve 2nd 1,108 with black border on front of sleeve Armed With Anger Records 17/4/93 (AWA03) f "EVERYBODY'S GOOD AT SOMETHING... EXCEPT US!” 14 song flexi 1,006 only due to a bad pressing Armed With Anger Records 2/2/94 (AWA05) f "SPILLING BLOOD WITHOUT REASON" 26 song LP Still in press, first 1,007 have an A4 insert on gloss paper. 2nd press of 523 have an A4 insert on matte paper. 3rd press of 508 have a smaller than A4 insert on matte paper. - Up to this point all sleeves have a 3mm spine and black on silver centre label with old AWA logo. - Due to a change in pressing plants all later pressings have a 4mm spine on the sleeve and the centre labels are black on white with the new AWA logo. 4th press of 492 have an A4 insert on matte paper with a white line approximately 3mm from the edge of the picture. 5th press of 500 have an A4 insert on matte paper. * Essentially there are only two different pressings but these are the suhtle differences for the geek nerds) Armed With Anger Records 11/8/94 (AWA08) t "THERE'S ONLY ONE KEVIN KEEGAN" 5 song EP Split 7" with STALINGRAD. 1,000 only Title and content of this record later renounced hy band once dirty mags jumped ship! Split label release between Caught Offside Records/Thinking
t "CONSOLIDATION" EP Includes track "Pressure” Armed With Anger Records 0/12/92 (AWA02) t "ILLITERATE" LP Includes track "A New Disease" Ebullition Records 1994 (EB0LLITI0N21) t "ENDLESS STRUGGLE" double LP Includes tracks "Fucker" & "Whatever I Do" 1ln12 Records t "ALL FOR ONE" CD Includes track "Education" Grand Theft Audio Records 1995 t "THE BOREDOM AND THE BULLSHIT" EP Includes track "What I’d Do" Refusenik Records 1996 (FUSE004) f "STRICTLY BALLROOM" EP Includes tracks "Always Look On The..." & "There's Only One Kevin Keegan" - FTM Caught Offside Records 1997 (C004) t "A MEANS TO AN END" LP Includes track "Oblivion" First 1,000 on green vinyl, 2nd 1,000 are on black Armed With Anger Records 1997 (AWAOIO) t "DECADE OF DISSIOENCE" CD Includes track "Blood Simple" Iin12 Records 1999
Smart Records 6/95 {C001/THINK2) t "SMILING AT DEATH" 69 song CD Discography CO (everything up until/including SPILLING BLOOD LP) Still in press. First 1000 CDs are printed red only 2nd press of 560 CDs are printed red and black Grand Theft Audio Records 8/96 (GTA013-R#62) t "WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET" 8 song EP 1.000 pressed. First 200 have white sleeve w/live photos on hack
STEADFAST (featuring Ian, Paul & Sean) | STEADFAST 9 song EP 1,000 only, 950 w/black on white sleeve 50 copies have a numbered red sleeve, sold only at Leper Straightedge Fest 1992. Thinking Smart Records 1991 (THINK1)
Crust Records 6/97 (CRUST07-015) t "FIREPROOF" 5 song EP 1,000 pressed, 100 on red vinyl Chainsaw Safety Records 1999 t "13” 13 song LP / 16 song CD No pressing information available at present Armed With Anger (AWA013) / Six Weeks Records 1999 (SW25) t Split LP with DEVOID OF FAITH Still in press, 3000 pressed Gloom Records and Coalition Records 1999 t "BOOKBURNER" 6 song EP 1st press of 1000.100 on clear vinyl, 900 on blue THO Records 2000 t Split CD with OUT COLD No pressing information available at present Blackfish Records 2000 VM*t,YW SHMT.IS WHAf^W tlFT,
FALSE FACE (featuring Darrell
&
Ga;)
t "WHERE IT ENDS" 4 song EP 1.000 pressed The Crab Song Records 1990 (TCS002) IRONSIOE (featuring Rich
&
Andrew)
f "FRAGMENTS OF THE LAST JUDGEMENT" 4 song EP 1,000 only Subjugation Records 1993 (SUB03) t "DAMN YOUR BLOODIED EYES" 2 song EP 1,000 are on white vinyl, later pressings on black Stormstrike Records 1994 (SSR003) VENGEANCE OF GAIA (featuring Oave and Steve) t "OUT Of THE CAGES" EP Compilation, 2,000 pressed Surrounded Records. Italy 1997
INTERVIEW
jp
SATAN'S PIMP / JON KORTLAND interviewed by Jeb Branin
SRTAN'S PIMP JON KORTLAND Interview by Jeb Branin JON HRS BEEN R MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE EKTREME HARDCORE UNDERGROUND EVER SINCE HIS DISCHARGE FROM THE ARMY AFTER THE CIVIL WAR... WELL, MRVBE NOT QUITE THAT LONG... BUT LONG ENOUGH THAT HIS LABEL SRTAN'S PIMP RECORDS AND HIS BRNO GOB (RENO) HAVE BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH THE SCENE.
SRTRN'S PIMP IS ONE OF ONLY R
VERY SMALL HANDFUL OF LABELS THAT I WILL BUY RECORDS FROM AUTOMATICALLY, WHETHER I HAVE HEARD OF THE BRNO OR NOT. SIMPLY BECAUSE THE
History lessons suck but is there any kind of story
SP. Yeah, it's a difficult balance sometimes. The
behind the birth of Satan's Pimp Records?
label was started to release records by "my
CONSISTENT HIGH QUALITY HRS WON OVER MY TRUST.
TO SRY I AM R "FAN" WOULD BE AN
SP. In 1992 the label started basically to release Gob
bands", but the priority seems to be in releasing other bands lately.
UNDERSTATEMENT.
I TRY AND DO RN INTERVIEW
records, but since I'm addicted to stress, the idea
THIS
of releasing other people's records came to mind,
What are some of the Satanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pimp releases you are
TIME I DECIDED TO EHPRND THE FOCUS OF THE
fit this point, there have been 34 Satan's Pimp
most pleased with over the years?
INTERVIEW MORE TO THE LABEL RS A WHOLE.
releases, which may seem like a small number of
WITH GOB EVERY COUPLE OF YEARS OR SO...
SP. I've been really happy with the newer releases.
records for eight years, but it hasn't been easy. I'd say that within the last couple years, I haven't
Has anyone gotten their underwear in a real bind
SP.
been too disappointed with anything. I feel like I'm finally getting a grasp on this whole label thing.
over the label's name? Most people just laugh. My mom
Rny you totally regret having released?
hates the name though. I think
SP. Yes, but if you can't say something nice...
some people might be offended, but don't want to say anything to my face. The postal workers love it. Well, least.
I've
most of them do at heard
about
some
parents being really frightened that their child had an interest in Satanism, but I hear these things second hand so it's hard to be sure.
You have done some really unique things with releases over the years like the White 7" with the clear packaging and the sandpaper, the one sided Gob 7" with one-of-a-kind covers, the Spazz/Gob split packaged like guitar strings and lots of others.
Do you make It a point to try to think of
odd things to do for releases? SP. I'm not so sure if I try to think of odd things. I can't take credit for all the packaging ideas. I
When you run a label and are encourage the bands to come up with ideas
also in bands do you ever feel because the band probably has a better idea of how
like you have to find some to represent themselves than I do. Most bands have
sort of balance
between a very clear idea of what they want from the
releasing your own stuff and beginning. There have been a few very elaborate
stuff for other people? ideas that I wish I would've had the money to do.
SATAN’S PIMP / JON KORTLAND interviewed by Jeb Branin
So what band project* are you doing now?
I
What are the "big sellers" in the Satan's Pimp
guess GOB is nearing its end?
Records discography?
Sfc The latest project I'm working on is Iron Lung.
SP-. You ask some pretty tough questions, Jeb.
It's a guitar/drums duo. Jensen from Redrum/Vae
Well, there have been a few popular items-. The
Victis plays drums and I play guitar. We both do
Spazz/Gob 5", Accidental Double Homicide 2x7",
vocals. It's pretty similar to Kralizec. We just
Fall Silent 12", Cattle Decapitation 12".
finished recording for a full length. We are both pleased with the way it turned out. Also, I play in Vae Yictis, which will be finishing up the second LP and a 7" for El Sabado Records. Gob is actually
PMP-001
bOD
reforming after close to a two year hiatus. Greg
PMP-002
Gob / Freakazold Robot 2000
PM P-003
Zolnksl
PM P-004
Gob
"Winkie” CD (o.o.p.)
PMP-005
Gob
/
PMP-006
Zolnksl
from Lana Dagales has agreed to join as our new bass player. We will be recording this winter.
What releases are on the horizon for Satan's Pimp?
PMP-0Q7 -668
Sfc Next up is a Molehill 12" e.p. which will be co¬
- demo tout ot prinlj - split 7” (o.o.p)
"Dumpeye” 7” (deleted)
Loadstar
- split 7” (o.o.p. )
"Sapsucker Sluggo” 7” (deleted)
Satan’s Pimp Video Compilation 100 minute video compilation tape (o.o.p.)
PMP-008
Zolnksl/Narcissistic Freds
PMP-009
Vol. 1 ■ R Worldwide Release From The Rss Of..."
released with Boredom Noise (Greg from Lana Dagales/Mr. Brainoil) and a 7" by fl Death Between
- split 7” (deleted)
7”comp. w/Freakazoid Robot 2000, Gob, loadstar, Zoinks!(o.o.p.)
Seasons (split w/Hide the Bodies). The Jesus
Have you had any releases that you Just weren't Philbin CD is the newest release, and it marks the
PMP-010
Gob
PMP-011
Satan’s Pimp Dual Cassette Compilation
able to get rid of?
2 cass. w/Freakazoid Robot 2000, Gob, loadstar,
beginning of a more experimental era for Satan's Pimp.
Also
in
the
works
are
records
by
Wormwood, Lana Dagales, Shedwellaz, Hawg
- 4 song 7” (o.o.p )
Terciopelo Yonqui Robot (out of print)
Sfc Oh yeah, there are still some copies of most of the back catalog available.
Jaw, Society of Friends and quite a few more. The
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Pachlnko
PMP-013
Gob
PMP-014
White
PMp-015
Vol. 2 "Accidental Death Through Misadventure Rnd Mayhem" 7” compilation w/Bhang Dextro,
You run a label, work in a record store, are In label is and will be keeping me quite busy.
"I, Naked”?”
1-sided ltd. edition Fiesta Grande 7” (o.o.p.) "life On The Ranch” 7”
Designer, Exit, Jackwacker, and Pachinko
bands and do interviews about music with no You have co-released things with a lot of different
talent hacks...
labels over the years; what advantages are there to
Jaded? Or are you?
How do you keep from getting
PMP-018
Croatan 7” (deleted)
PMP-017
"Grind In The Mind"
7” compilation w/Enemy Soil,
Forced Expression, Maisie, Yilently III, Wadge,
co-releasing things? Sfc Kill me. No, I'm just kidding. I love music and
etc. split label release w/ Bovine (out of print)
PMP-018
Sap
PMP-019
Vol. 3 "Rccldental Decapitation Through Masturbatlon" 7” comp, w/flpartment 213, Everskwelch,
I love what I do. No matter how difficult it gets sometimes, there will always be something that
Polio
/
- split 7”
Maisie, Fork, Gob, and Noothgrush (o.o.p.)
PMP-020
Span
PMP-021
Rgoraphoblc Nosebleed/Laceration
Gob
PMP-022
Scalp-lock
/
- split 5” split release w/702 (o.o.p.) - split 7” (o.o.p )
keeps my devotion alive. Which no talent hack are you referring to?
US 7”
PMP-023
Bhang Dextro
PMP-024
Vol. 4 "Rccldental Double Homicide"
Urn... It is my job to ask the questions here buck-
7” 2x 7” comp
w/figents Of Satan, No Less, Gob, Pig Destroyer, Yilently III, Tomsk-7, laceration. Suppression,
a-roo... Have you mellowed at all with age?
Exhumed,
Facade Burned Black,
Society Of
Friends, Dyslexis Coup, Benumb, more (o.o.p.)
Sfc Notwithstanding my triple-bypass surgery, I would say-NOM! Well, OK, maybe a little. At
PMP-025
Vae Victis / Rhrtman
PMP-028
Tomsk-7 / Idl Rmln
- split 7”split release w/ 702
- split 7”
PMP-027
Deadbodeseverywhere
shows, I bleed a lot less than I used to. I don't
PMP-028
Fan Silent
know. I'll say yes and no.
PMP-029
Vae Victis
PMP-030
Kralizec
LP split release w/625 (o.o.p.)
US " Superstructure” LP split release w/ 702 US IP split label w/ Black Mot
- ltd. Fiesta Grande 7” split label w/Black Mot
Rny last words or other statements of anti¬
PMP-031
Cattle Decapitation
social activism?
PMP-PFR
"Progress For Annihilation"
" Human Jerky” IP ?”comp'. split release
w/Podruido/Ground Zero w/Wadge,
Kuruma
Bakudan, Left In Ruins, The Killers, Siionin Kevat, Fuck
$fc I just want to thank you. I'll leave the anti¬
On The
Beach,
PreHuman
Blasphemy,
Mahogany, Jean Seberg, and Arturo
social activism to the experts.
PMP-032
Rulnacre IP
PMP-033
Gob
PMP-034
Molehill
PMP-035
Jesus PhMbln
PMP-036
R Death Between Seasons
"The Kill Yourself Commandment” LP 12”EP split label w/ Boredom Noise "Subterranean Electronic Blasphemy” CD
w/Hide The Bodies
7” split label release
INTERVIEW
IDAYBREAK - Interviewed by Jeb Branin. B' is guitarist Blake. C’ is guitarist Chris. ‘E' is drummer Eric Ibassist Keeve, and T is vocalist Tony.
REAR
K' i
presses of the first single we had Chris X (Reptilian Records owner) number them all 1 of 8 so no one would fight for the low number. What I mean to say is, "Of course not! Lies started by our enemies!" Next question! E: Very true. I have no part in fighting over our own releases, though. K: We've actually had to order extra colored copies of the last record since we need to have x number of them to satisfy our own record collections. And we had to trade a few, of course. Does being in a band help or hinder your personal lives?
B: It really depends, most of the time not really either one for me, there are times that I would like to go out of town, and we have a show, but usually there are no conflicts from this side of the fence.
WITH THE CONSTANT EXPANDING OF THE EXTREME HARDCORE UNDERGROUND IT IS HARD FOR NEW BANDS TO GET NOTICED. DAYBREAK HAVE OVERCOME THAT HURDLE WITH EXTREMELY COOL RELEASES (LIKE THEIR DEBUT... A PICTURE DISC 7") AND WITH EXPOSURE IN ZINES ALL OVER THE WORLD (INCLUDING AN INTERVIEW IN MAXIMUMROCKNROLL). THEIR COOL COMBINATION OF MULTIPLE EXTREME STYLES INTO A UNIQUELY FLAVORED BRAND OF FASTCORE HASN'T HURT EITHER. THE FOLLOWING INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED WITH THE ENTIRE BAND SO YOU WILL PROBABLY NEED A SCORE CARD...
for doing that. The funniest review I've seen for that record is the one done by a British kid who didn't understand the spoof at all. He just kept commenting on the fact that Tony was wearing a MEGA CITY FOUR shirt in the artwork. The kid had probably never even heard of CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER. K: Those crazy Brits.
million bands out there with the name DAYBREAK has caused you any grief?
T: Hah. Well, to be honest, that was the very first record I had ever heard that turned me on to "fast" music like that. All these years later it is still one of my all time favorites. I was not sure we were going to be able to pull off the parody but when I saw the sketches that Whitney had done I knew it would be great. As a side note, Scott Peterson (C.S. drummer) saw it and liked it so that made everyone pretty happy.
B: Not really any grief yet, I'm not really sure if any of those bands are still together or even know we exist.
E: We wanted a good cover. Seeing that we have no creativity on our own, we stole someone else's idea.
Let me start by asking you if the fact there are about a
T: So far no problems at all. I think any band that is in the punk or hardcore scene would have an understanding like, "Damn, if we were both cheesy enough to use an UP FRONT song as a name we should probably just do a split or something". I don't think the Christian techno DAYBREAK would feel the same way however.
B: All lies.
E: No, I've never heard any of them.
T: Urn.... yeah let me just say that when we got the test
K: Maybe someone might confuse us for one of them and actually like us. That would be great! The last time I interviewed you DAYBREAK had only released one 7". You've been pretty busy recording since then. Can you get me up to date on current and impending DAYBREAK releases?
T: Well, since then we recorded the songs for the ULTIMATE WARRIORS split that was released by Robodog, and 17 more songs that will be on our side of the split 12 inch with GODSTOMPER on At A Loss Records. One of those songs is also our track on the s.f.l. comp but with different lyrics. B: And then we have to go into the studio for the Reptilian “666” box set, but after that, it's up in the air. K: We're pondering a number of splits right now, but nothing is definite... we need to get our asses in gear and record some new material. On the ULTIMATE WARRIORS split your side of the cover is a great spoof on the first CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER album. has got to be a good story behind that...
There
B: Well, we are huge CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER fans, and pretty much we were looking for a record cover to spoof, that one just fit perfectly. The cover was actually done by Chris’ girlfriend, Whitney Dail; we mistakenly did not give her credit
I've heard that the members of DAYBREAK are such record collecting geeks that you even fight over collectible versions of your own releases... true or vicious lies started by your enemies to discredit you in the eyes of the voting public?
T: The band does not effect my personal life that much. It does give me an outlet to jump around and scream and in that way it helps reduce stress generated in my daily cycle of misery, but I know that you really want to know if I get girls this way. The answer is no, damn it, no. E: Kinda hinders, I have a lot going on right now. Trying to focus ALL my time into skateboarding and being in a band doesn't really mix. K: It hinders my life in a lot of ways. Now that I'm a graduate student (read: slave), I have minimal time to get anything done, and 99% of that time gravitates around doing menial band things like constantly reminding everyone to show up at band practice, etc. DAYBREAK seems to incorporate a lot of different vibes in the music. Is that a conscious decision or just a result of the input of different members of the band?
B: Not a conscious decision at all, we all listen to a lot of different music. Actually, I think we wear our influences on our hypothetical sleeves, but mostly just a result of what we're going for when we're writing; we'll be writing and something will just kinda click, and we take it from there. It's not like I say," Well, I was kinda hoping for a PRINCE part," or anything like that. T: Well, we have this formula worked out and if we write a song and it does not fit into it then out it goes. ALL + VOIVOD
DAYBREAK - Interviewed by Jeb Branin. B‘ is guitarist Blake. C‘ is guitarist Chris. ’E' is drummer Eric. K' _ is bassist Keeve. and T is vocalist Tony.
+ CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER = new DAYBREAK song! Pretty easy! C: I don’t think it’s a conscious decision at all. I do think that we are doing something pretty original with DAYBREAK though, and that comes from all of us listening mostly to stuff that isn’t related to the genre that DAYBREAK seems to be pigeonholed in. E: Yeah, I'm really into youth crew and good pop-punk... ALL, DOUGHBOYS, LEATHERFACE. Chris and Tony don't like anything unless it's from England. Anything that's terrible, Blake likes and Keeve really likes. K: Our musical tastes could not possibly diverge any more. Everyone in the band will most likely say that every other person in the band listens to utter crap (unless there is some ass-kissing going on) and that he listens to the best stuff, like in the case of everyone except for Blake and I, ALL is the only band that matters. Blah. It is all the rage for political campaigns to select a "theme song". Which DAYBREAK song would make the best theme song for a presidential campaign? B: None that I know of, but it should be. I think that any BOSTON song would make a great campaign theme. T: I would say none as we are completely apolitical in almost every way. E- Mini-ramp Massacre. K: Gone Fishin'. Describe the average DAYBREAK fan. B: Keeve will say we have no fans, but I'd say our typical fan is usually someone who goes to a lot of shows, like our roadie John Falk (he's actually the 6th member); he is our typical fan, knocking us over, yelling the words and generally harassing us between songs.
describe bands... what are five adjectives that best describe DAYBREAK? B: That’d be Sensitive, Oligarchal, Phlegmatic, Patronizing, and Vanilla-like. T: Obsessive, hyper-melodic, silly, satanic, geeked. C: I'd say melodic, fast, a bunch of ALL rip-off riffs, more ALL rip -off riffs, and fast. I know I said fast twice. We are.
T: Poor guy...his girlfriend dumped him, his friends hate him and he only has his record collection to keep him happy. Or, poor girl... her boyfriend is fucking her roommate and spreading lies about her. Her only friend is her record collection.
K: Dysfunctional, dysfunctional, dysfunctional, and passive-aggressive.
E: They have to be deaf to really like us.
B: That we have a sense of humor, that's usually the most common. There is also the misconception that we are actually people, that's right kids, we're were-goats. Also, we actually are very handsome young men.
K: Hah! You think we have fans. Has the band ever talked about doing something for the sole purpose of taking your fans totally by surprise? B: Yeah, we have. We were thinking about writing a two hour long opus about "Milo and Otis", the movie, or "Babe: A Pig in the City". We were also thinking about playing a show skydiving and the people in attendance would have to jump with us. We've bounced ideas against a wall, but nothing's really quite stuck just yet. T: I think that anything that would totally take them by surprise would probably be resigned to side-project bands but that said we are definitely heading in a way more melodic direction on the GODSTOMPER split and that might turn a few heads. E: Once, we played a show with a lot of crust bands and Tony sprayed the crowd with air freshener. K: Once again there's that "fans" concept.
dysfunctional,
What are some common misconceptions about DAYBREAK?
T: Well, that review in MRR kinda made it seem like we just started listening to this type of music even though I am twenty-eight goddamn years old!! Other than that, everything people think is prolly true. C: We are not a grindcore band, goddammit! I mean it. A blast beat doesn’t make you a fucking grindcore band. E: That we all like each other. K: Everyone seems to think (at least in some of the reviews that I've seen) that we're trying to decide on some style, and that we're failing at pigeonholing ourselves. We won't decide. *Ahem* Sorry, I meant to say we're really just a cock rock band with an intensified amount of intra and inter-band squabbles. Any final words or threats? B: Thanks.
Now that SPAll has broken up is there any meaning left in life? B: Yes, there is still Bass Ale that has yet to be consumed. T: Other than the "Iron Chef1 and ALL I would say nope. E: It sucks, but I'm sure I'll manage. K: Sure! There's still ANCIENT CHINESE SECRET. One of the things I hate the most about doing a zine is trying to come up with new combinations of adjectives to try and
T: I declare war on all R.l. inspired art-punk. I am listening to BIG DRILL CAR as I answer these questions C: Look for the next DAYBREAK release to be a cover of the DOUGHBOYS "Crush" LP in it’s entirety. I mean that, too. E: Yeah, kiss my ass, say grace and leave this place... VIVA LA VORTEX!!!!!! K: Live long and prosper, you Romulan-lookin' jerks.
INTERVIEW
Tomorrow Will Be Worse Vol. 2 8 bands
4 tmm*
l
» **?.
m. ?
24 songs
V/A LP/CD!
Real Reggae (Japan)1 song Krigshot (Sweden) 4 songs MK Ultra (USA) 4 songs Mukeka Di Rato (Brazil) 3 songs 9 Shocks Terror (USA) 2 songs Uncurbed (Sweden) 4 songs Scalplock (England) 3 songs Ruido (USA) 3 songs
ALSO AVAILABLE: MEANWHILE "Same SHit New Millennium" LP/CD UNCURBED "Keeps The Banner High" LP/CD Y "Pseudo Youth... Human Cesspool" CD MEANWHILE "Lawless Solidarity" CD ALL ILL "Symbols Of Involution" 7"EP HELLNATION "Fucked Up Mess" LP/CD EXCLAIM "Out Of Suit" 7" EP BEHEAD THE PROPHET N.L.S.L. "Making Craters. 7"EP KRIGSHOT "Maktmissbrukare" LP/CD NEMA "Bring Our Curses Home" LP/CD UNCURBED "peacelovepunklife" LP/CD SLIGHT SLAPPERS/SHORT HATE TEMPER LP/CD* G-ANX "Flashbacks" CD HELLNATION "Your Chaos Days Are Numbered" LP/CD ROMANTIC GOIRILLA CD GAIA "777 1991-1997" CD
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT "Stand Fast Armageddon..." LP/CD 20 tracks of high energy HC thrash the way it was meant to be. CD includes a live show video.
SCALPLOCK "On Whose Terms?" LP/CD Ferocious political thrash from England. Punishing speed, devestating heaviness.
STIKKY "Spamthology" CD STIKKY "Where's My lunchpail" LP ASSUCK "Misery Index" LP/CD* GAIA "This One" LP/CD SPAZZ "La Revancha" LP/CD SPAZZ/ROMANTIC GORILLA LP/CD SOCIETY GANG RAPE "No Fate" CD 3 WAY CUM "Killing The Life" CD DESTROY "Necropolis" CD ASSUCK "Anticapital/Blindspot + 3" CD ASSUCK "Anticapital" LP
PRICES (including postage): 7"EP LP USA $3.50 $8 world (suface)ZCanada & Mexico (air) $4 $10 Europe(air)/W. Hemisphere (air) $5 $13 Asia/Australia (air) $6 $15
CD $8 $9 $10 $11
CD* $7 $8 $9 $10
send a 33 cent stamp for a complete list of available titles & info.overseas send $1 or 2 IRC's. Free with an order, no checks! use a money order payable to: Sound Pollution. SOUND POLLUTION
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RESSIMISER RECORDS
GRIEF "And Man Will Become The Hunted" CD $10
PHOBIA
UNRUR "Setting Fire To Sinking Ships" CD $10 LP $8
"Destroying The Masses" CD $810" $7
id in USA • Can. and Mex item • Overseas add S3 ach additional. $5 for*LP n ;
jLIILIL
EE
DATACLAST intel viewed by Jeb Branin
INTER: Q_
AS EASILY OVER - THE - T OP GRINDCORE DEFINED BY ITS VISC ER iL EMOTIONAL ETC.) AS QUALITIES (HATE, ANGER, D|TE$T^ HON, ‘ BY ITS MUSICAL STYLllNG (tJLASTBEATS, GROWLING VOCALS, DISTORT O i ETC.) SO I THINK MY SKEPTICISM WHEri I FIRST HEARD ABOUT DATACLAST WAS JUSTIFIED AFTER ALL, THEY CLAIMED TO BE A GR[ND|0O *E BAND THAT SEQUENCING, ONLY USED COMPUTER SYNTHESIZERS, DRUM MACHINE AND VOCALS. ESSENCE OF HOW COULD A BAND CAPTURE BY USING GRINDCORE AS EXPRE&SlDli INSTRUMENTS ASSOCIATED! Wp ARTISTS LIKE OF SEAGULLS... DEPECHE MODE AND FLO MY TEENAGE BANDS THAT WERE THE BANE YEARS? THEY COULDN'T...! THlE HAD TO BE A GIMMICK BAND... OR SO I AiisU ii/l ED. IMAGINE MY WHEN I DUMBFOUNDED AMAZEjMEty DEMO CD AND RELUCTANTLY SLIPPED IN THE WAS ASSAULTED WITH A FlJLL PQRCE GALE OF VEHEMENCE. TSUNAMI LEVEL GRIN0IN LEG TIMATE GRIND DATACLAST WAS NOT ONLY BAND (OR POST-GRIND, MAYBE BUT THEY WERE GOOD, DAMN GOOD, TO BOIOT. YU EY SOUNDED LIKE A GENETIC MUTATION BtOR I OF iA ONE NIGHT STAND BETWEEN OLD SCHO|) NORWEGIAN BLACK METAL AND EARLY NAPty-l DEATH. I WAS AN INSTANT FAN. DATACLAST m D GAMBLED... AND WON. I COULDN'T RESIST AN NTERVIEW...
SO HOW DID YOU COME UP W Til THE IDEA TO SEEMS LIKE DO A "DIGITAL" GRIND BAND AN OXYMORON. ANTHONY: I'VE BEEN A FANATIC/! RINDCORE FAN SINCE I WAS TWELVE YEAR OP BUT I COULD NEVER FIND MUSICIANS OR fHE Tl ME TO FORM A GRINDCORE BAND OF MY OWN IN 1 995/96 I STARTED GETTING REALLY IN 0 !|A!J SH NOISE, AND THEN WAS INTRODUCED TO fHEl IV JSIC OF APHEX TWIN BY A FRIEND AT COLLEGE WHICH OPENED MY CHNO HAD TO MIND TO WHAT UNDERGROLfNID OFFER. I STARTED MAKING wb (J|ORE TECHNO / GABBER / NOISECORE / BREAI'(CORE! TRACKS ON MY MAC IN 1997 AND GOT PRtfTT (|00D AT DRUM PROGRAMMING. I WAS ALSO REAL INSPIRED BY AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEE ) /I(JRTICIAN, THE LOCUST, AND BELIEVE IT OR N( ATOM AND HIS PACKAGE. WHEN I GOT ATON’S UEMO ONE OF MY FORM A GRIND FIRST REACTIONS WAS, "I NEED D THIS THEORY BAND LIKE THIS!" (AT THE TIME THAT ALL MUSIC WOULD BE E ifTER IF IT HAD BLAST BEATS. I THINK I STILL AG* FOR THE MOST BRIAN AT NJIT PART.) IN 1998-99, I LIVED Wl /IRONMENTAL WHERE I WAS STUDYIN PHILOSOPHY AND HE WAS Al CC |VI UTER SCIENCE HP INTEREST IN MAJOR: WE BOTH SHARED FRINGE MUSIC, AND E|_E(fTlj ONIC MUSIC SPECIFICALLY. THE IDEA THAT R AN & I WOULD FORM A BAND HAD BEEN KIC KNii AROUND FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS AT THIS P(fl ff, BUT IT WAS I STARTED NOTHING BUT HOT AIR um )RUM BEATS IN PROGRAMMING GRINDCORE STYI CENT SET UP, REBIRTH. BRIAN HAD A PRETTYjj WITH A HOME STUDIO CONS tllNG OF SOME A MIXER, A DIGITAL AND ANALOG SVNT PC RUNNING MICROPHONE, AND A DECEI CAKEWALK. SO WE STARTED Ml IlG OUT TRACKS
ND OVE YOU LAUNCHED THE IN MAY OF 1999 AND NOW OVER A :ar LATER INITIALLY, RIGHT? HO| DID HAVE OVEII 50 SONGS. AS FOR THE DEA, I DIDFl' REALLY TH NK TOO HARD ABOUT IT, I JUST SEEDED KNOW SOME IDIOTIC JER K ZIN| ! CLOSED MINDED THdff WON'! DOING. LIKE A NATURAL THING FOR ME TO WORRY AT FIRST THAT IT WOULDN BE RECEIVED REVIEW WITHOUT A TRAD 111 VERY WELL BUT WE'VE HAD SOME P®) PLE FLIP (UT (Y'KNOW, PEOPLE LIKE ME). OVER IT, W HICH IS VERY NICE OF THEI ANTHONY: WELL, WE dOT' BRIAN: I IGURED I WANTED TO IN7XLLY H/jVE OFFERED A SPLIT 7" WITHIN 48 I SOMETHING TO VALIDATE ALL TH MONEY VE THE MP3S UP ON THE WEB. WITH HAGAMOTO OF DISCOS AL SPENT OF SOUND-GENERATING El CTRONIC HEARD SOM E OF THE BEATS CO JING OUT OF WE’RE BIG FANS I F PANTALC THAT Wl'QRE MARINERO'S WHIRLWIND) OF GR ANTHONY' MAC IN OUR DORM ROC REALLY NtERESTING AND SHOWED Him some OF SO WE WERE EXTREME-p THRILLED THE FAKE PUNK MUSIC I'D MADE V\ TH MY SE1U P TO DO A RECORD WITH THEM, WHICH / ALL SYNTHS). I USPECT <\N BRIAN: BASICALLY ON E HE HE (NO GUI ELECTRO JIC GRINDCORE BAND iVAS ONE OF HAGAMOTO WAS LIKE, iOK, YOU i ANTHONYf S LIFE LONG AMBITI NS AND HE WITH PANTALONES" BliFORE REALIZED WEICOULD PULL IT OFF TO ETHER. THINK HE WAS A BIT'WAR'IY OFL HOW HAVE PEOPLE REACTED TO (OUR UNIQjUE REALLY PULL THIS OljF AND GOOD?" I DON'T TH NK WE TAKE ON 1 XTREME MUSIC? INTENTION TO LAUNCH AN lY POSITIVE, IT'S BEEN SURPRISING ANTHONY JUST USED IT TO GET OUR MUSIC ' VE HEARD IT. DRUM N A CHINES A'JD WHO WE HOPED WOUL]D HELP ONCE GRINDCOR GO WAY BACK, BUT THE ALSO HAVi THE INTERNET IS A G REAT CC BAD REPIUfATION. TOO MANY PEOPIj DOING VI RY TOOL, BUT I DON'T Till NK ITS SIMPLE SpNGS THAT PRETTY MUC] ALL SOU D FOR A PRIMARY DISTR IDjUTION f THE SAME WE TRY TO AVOID [THAT. MOjST I SEE AN INTERNET ONLY SURPRISIN TO ME IS THE RESPOND OF FRIEFLDS REACTION IS *WHY* DO N'T THEY OF MINE WHO AREN'T INTO GRIN ®ORE AT REAL OUT? IT’S LIKE STIGMA THEY'VE A.LIBEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE YOU COULD BE THE; BEST BAND BRIAN: Uf TIL THEY'VE HEARD US $OME PEOPLE YOU'LL ALWAYS BE JjJST” AN ARE LIKE "YOU CAN'T BE DIGITAL ND GRIND AT THIS MIGHT CHANGE [THE FUT JR BUT I THINK WE PI U IT OFF A|ND DO YOU SEE DATACLjAST RE^MAI THE SAM USUALLY f\FTER DIGESTING WHA1 WE DO Th| EY PERSON PROJECT? TlHE AGREE. THINK WE'RE ONLY U I (QUE INFLUENCES WE COMBINE. NO INDIN DUAL ASPECT ANTHONY: DEFINITELY! UNLES$ NEW. ADD OUT TOTALLY, I HAVEN FULLY I OF WHAT WE DO IS COMPLETE PANTAL ONES + THE LOCUST + K ;rzbow AND FROM THE DIAPHRAGM THE PF YOU'VE GOT 90% OF WHAT WE DO COVERED. 1 HE VERY UNUSUAL AND Specific , TRICK IS TD COMBINE THE BILLIONS 3F IDEAS AND THAT WE FEEL WOULfl) BE AT CHANGED BY AN ADDI TIDN OF A STYLES; OLT THERE INTO SOMETHING NEW.
INTERNET RK OUT? ARE SO A BAND A RELEASE AND WERE OF PUTTING N IN TOUCH INO, AND 3 ABAJO INSANITY, BE ASKED NOW OUT. OUR DEMO, ) THE SPLIT HEARD IT I “CAN THEY LLY SOUND HAD ANY BAND. WE THE PEOPLE STARTED IJ NI CAT IONS THERE YET . WHENEVER MY FIRST ; ANYTHING SOMETHING. WORLD BUT COM BAND iH. A TWO /OICE GIVES 3ED SINGING HAS SOME TIC GOALS /ERY LEAST
Member.
A/ITH GUEST BRIAN: I’M SURE WE i.L DO THE FUTURE VOCALISTS AND GUEST MUSICIA E CONTROL BUT WE WANT TO :EP CRf JjJST THE TWO EVEN ^ BETWEEN THE TWO OF BRIAN: W : DON'T USE A "REAL" S UDIO IN TFfAT OF US, THE GROUP DYN,AjMICS MA RECORDING GO SOMEWHERE / 'JD PAY AN WE DON \L AT TIMES. PROCESS SOMEWHAT CONFRONT OUTRAG EpUS HOURLY FEE TO gi r OUR WOlRK WE HAVE DIFFERENT IDEAS OF WE SHOULD DONE. I I- AVE A SMALL HOME S UDIO SETUP. SOUND LIKE BUT IT’S THE SY IS OF BOTH SEQUENCING VyE USE A COMPUTER FOI THOUGH APPROACHES THAT MAKE IT DATAlCL AND ED ITNG, MOST OF THE SOUND COMES FR )M SYNTHESIZERS AND EFFECTS UNITS VE GOT QUITE DO YOU (CAN YOU?) PLAY LIVE? A BIT OF ELECTRONICS LAYING ARO IND THAT (ET ANTHONY: YES, WE’VE PLAYED \l SO FAR. PUT TO GCOD IUSE. FOR THE KIND OF V1USIC WE DO, OUR LIVE SHOW ISN’T WHAT ’ ADITIONALLY IT’S REALLY ALL WE NEED: I THINK A YTHING MCjRE CALL "LIVE," AS THE M llJSIC IS I [-RECORDED OVERKILL. THE ONLY RE L CHALLEF WOULD COMPUTER AND PLAYED BACK Vj A A L 4 WE HAVE WITH EQUIPMENT LIMI VNONS IS AND GROWL CONNECTED TO THE P.A AND I RECORDING VOCALS WITHOUT GETT IG THAT T. I PLAN TO THE ' AND THRASH AROUND FROMISOIVE GUY'S BEDROOM" VIBE (BPING. INCORPORATE SOME HjRAFTWQF jSQUE STAGE OAT AND TAP VERY TIME PRESENCE, I'M GOING TQ WEAR i ANTHONW ALSO RECORDING PARTS. WITH' CONSUMING FOR US, WE CAN SPEND S| VERAL HOUfiS, ON A CALCULATOR IN Tl SOMETIME DAYS, ON ONE 30 SECC JD TRACK. SO BRIAN: YEAH, I LIKE I TO CALL W J WE DO A GETTING TOGETHER 10 OR 15 MINUTE ! OF MATERIAL “PSUEDO-LIVE” SET. THE! ONE SHOW W PLAYED WAS FOR A REL ASE IS A MAJOR UNDERTA ING. SO IT1 A PARTY IN WILLIAMSBURG, BRC OKI , WHERE WE GOOD THIN 3 WE AREN'T PAYING BY THE jHOUR! WERE PLAYING WITH FAIRLY UNQRTH DOX BANDS.
SO DO YO J EVER USE A "REAL" SfUDIO OR ARE YOU AB_ E TO ACHIEVE YQUR SOUND COMPLE TCLY WITH YOUR COMPUTE!?
THE AUDIENCE WAS ALF IADY EXPECTING THINGS TO BE OUT OF THE ORDlJjAR READY TO ACCEPT UNORTHODOX ACTIONS THE PERFORMERS SO THIS TOOK A LOT OF THt SS AWAY.
DO YOU SEE YOUR S JuNiJ AS A SPIN OFF OF INDUSTRIAL OR BLACIt AL OR EURO-POP OR OTHER GENRES THAT E A LOT OF DIGITAL PROGRAMMING IN THE D? BRIAN: NO, DATAClJhE GRINDCORE BAND, WHlJjE GENRES FOR NEW EVERYTHING MUST BE FRAMEWORK, THAT'S USED TO DESCRIBE OUf MEANING THAT WE GRINDCORE PUSHINcji EXTEND THE GENRE PRETENTIOUS EVEN FOF DESCRIBE 0 U R S E L\ f GRINDCORE." SO EVEN OFF OF ANYTHING OTh| CAN FIND PROBABLY AND REFERENCES TO JUST OFF THE TOP OF HIP-HOP, DEATH MET/1 METAL, NOISE, INDIE PQp ALL-OVER-THE-BOARD , THE EDGE. FIRST, IT HA|s AFTER THAT WE'LL GO ,
IS AT ITS CORE A HAPPILY MINE OTHER AND INFLUENCES, ONTO A GRINDCORE F OUR "RULES." WE S AS "AVANT-GRIND" AT THE FRINGE OF WARDS TRYING TO THAT WAS TOO SO NOW WE USUALLY AS "POST-HUMAN H WE AREN'T A SPIN )AN GRINDCORE, YOU EDS OF INFLUENCES OTHER THAN GRIND. AD: BLACK METAL, NK ROCK, THRASH CO. WE TRY TO BE AS CAN WITHOUT LOSING yvORK AS GRINDCORE, RE WITH IT.
ANTHONY: SEVERAL
HAVE COMMENTED ON THE "GABBER" ELEMEfl OUR TRACKS, BUT I PERSONALLY CAN'T I USED TO MAKE LOTS OF GABBER TRACKS, ' KIND OF REPETITIVE FOUR-ON-THE-FLOOR S HAS BEEN SOMETHING I'VE BEEN EXPLICITL AVOIDING IN THE DRUM PROGRAMING I DO D*|TACLAST. THAT AND uisiuhieu yuy kick I ANY OF OUR SONGS; WILL BE ONE ON THE SPLIT CD WITH THE EAlJ THAT ACTUALLY DOES
TTOE A (JABBER INFLUX
nror
DO YOU SEE DATACLk, ST S PROMOTING ANY PARTICULAR AGENDA SCtOOL OF THOUGHT? ANTHONY: WE'RE NOT
MIPSAGE BAND, NOR AN ACTIVIST BAND, BU WE ARE A POLITICAL/PHILOSOPIf I CAL I BAND. WE'RE BOTH INTERESTED IN CONTINE HILOSOPHY. AND ALSO INTO MORE TRADITIONALl METI ODS OF ANALYSIS, LIKE RATIONALIST ANARCHIsfl (N( AM CHOMSKY). WE'RE BOTH QUITE PRETENTI(Jl|u: ITELLECTUAL NIT-WIT TYPES SO OUR LYRICS, WE HAVE LYRICS, CAN GET LITTLE OBSCURE OTHER GRINDCORE BANDS HAVE MADE JOK lUT JEAN-LUC GODARD AND TEND TO "BORROW LYFgCS OF BOOKS BY DERRIDA, BAUDRILLA: ARTRE, AND OTHER UTTERLY UNREADABLE FI I PHILOSOPHERS?
BRIAN: YEAH, WE'RE C FINftELY NOT A MESSAGE BAND, WE USE OUR AS CANNON-FODDER BASICALLY. WE JUST )W OUT IDEAS AND MATERIAL THAT WE S INTERESTING. I'M ESPECIALLY FOND
SONG OR TO PLAY WITH Dll :EI NT POSITIONS. EVERYTHING WE STEAL WE R CO TEXTUALIZE, SO IT’S FAIR GAME AS FAR AS I M ONCERNED. THE SAME TEXT HAS A COMPLETELY Dl :ERENT MEANING WHEN SCREAMED OVER BLAS iTS AT 200 BPM THAN WHEN IT APPEARS IN TH i DLE OF A POST-MARXIST POLITICAL DIATRI i R A RELIGIOUS SERMON. THIS IS TRUE OF THE RICS WE STEAL FROM BOOKS, THE IDEAS W ROPRIATE, THE SAMPLED VOICES WE USE THE MUSICAL GENRES WE REFERENCE. FOR PLE, WE HAVE A SONG WHERE ANTHONY SIN I THE W.T.O. HAS GOTTA FUCKING GO" OVER A D ]|VER AGAIN. AND IT'S NOT THAT WE'RE NOT SIN 5 NEITHER OF US ARE PARTICULARLY FOND OF T|E TO., BUT AT THE SAME TIME IT'S A PARODY Of STEREOTYPICAL PUNK-ROCK POLITICS. IT'S BLY NAIVE, AND WE'RE AWARE OF THAT.
ANTHONY: WE'RE ALSO INTER
ED IN ART AND ISSUES OF AUTHENTICITY. MRTUE OF THE NATURE OF OUR RECORDINd PF OCESS WE TEND TO UNDERMINE THE ROCK-A JD f OLL AESTHETIC AND THE POLITICS OF PRESEI CE
BRIAN: THERE'S KIND OF A W ,R JAN ASPECT TO OUR MUSIC IN THE WAY WE ’ HlfJ IT UP, BUT THE EXECUTION IS DONE BY MAC HINjE. IT'S DIFFICULT TO FATHOM WHAT THIS DOE! OUR STATUS AS ARTISTS. GRINDCORE IS A \ HANDS-ON, INYOUR-FACE GENRE. A PUTER CAN'T EXPERIENCE ANGER, SO C||N PLAY A SONG "AGGRESSIVELY"? THERE'S CFRT/il HLY A QUESTION OVER WHAT IS IN OUR MUSIC ISN'T IN MORE CONVENTIONAL GRIND, AND ASPECTS ARE LACKING DUE TO THE NATURE H PROCESS. ANTHONY:
WE ALSO COMPETITION FOR THE TITLE
WHAT IS AVAILABLE BY: TF
R TO BE IN WORLD'S MOST
BAND BOTH
FORMATS? BRIAN: WELL, OUR ORIGIN AVAILABLE ONLINE AT OUR wdl A SPLIT 7" WITH PANTALONIi OUT ON DISCOS AL PACIN0 COMP APPEARANCES. WE'VE . A SPLIT 7" WITH AGORAPHOI IT’S NOT YET AVAILABLE. WE NOW ON A SPLIT CD WITH TF RELEASE SCHEDULED FOR WE'LL START WORKING 0 LENGTH ALBUM. THERE'S AL FROM OUR RELEASES AVAILAEjl. ANTHONY: JAY FROM ANB KE PUT OUT OUR DEMO ON 3" GET OFF OUR ASSES AND G ART AND A GOOD MASTEF LENGTH" PROBABLY MEANS 1
SO HOW COOL IS IT TO HAVE A HAM RELEASE?
TFFF -ANTHONY: IT'S DREAMY. I HA’ AS LIKELY TO PUT FORTH NAME DROPPING OR PULLING I A I SAY THIS BUT I'VE BEEN INTO
)EMO IS STILL WE ALSO HAVE UO MARINERO A COUPLE OF ED RECORDING JOSEBLEED BUT WORKING RIGHT WIGS, WITH ITS ARY AND THEN FIRST FULLSOME MATERIAL MP3.COM. HREATENING TO WE HAVE TO SOME COVER IT. AND "FULL UTES.
ACK ON A SLAP
CAPITALIST CASUALTIES 7" STUFF SINCE THE "POWNSIDED" 7" CAME OUT. AND THE NO COMME LOSER IN HIGH SCHOOL I WAS A REAL AW AND RELEASE IN ANGRY, WHO FOUND AN ICE I WASN'T COOL AT ALL. AS FAST AS HELL GRIM FOR SLAP A HAM, IP ^ (REAL HONOR TO BE ON THE REALLY RESPECT WHAT CHRIS S.F.+L. COMP cu; JEL, ALWAYS PUTTING OUT HAS DONE WITH THE EXTREME AND CHAlL sIGjlNG/INTERESTING RECORDS, AT THAT. I GRINNED ALL DAY AND REALLY GOOD )N TO THE COMP WHEN I GOT THEINVl
TAKE ON INTERNET SO WHAT IS 1C? SPECIFICALLY THINGS DISTRIBUTION OF CONTROVERSY AND THE LIKE THE NAPS' MP3.COM CONTRdV ERSY? ANTHONY: THE Mffb. CO VI CONTROVERSY IS TOTAL THERE IS THIS RECENTLY AND UTTER BULL PASSED LAW, THE GITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT S AWAY FAIR USE RIGHTS ACT, THAT TOTALL' AND BASICALLY LOCKS UP FROM THE CONSUfVI HANDS OF THE RECORD ALL RIGHTS IN STUDIOS; THE CONTENT COMPANIES AND CREATION LEECHEjS IT'IS REALLY ALL FUCKED UP COMPLEX SITUATION TO AND A DIFFICULT lAL IN FAVOR OF NAPSTER, DEAL WITH. I'M IN FAVOR OF EMUSIC.COM. I BUT DEFINITELY Mj)l CURRENTLY SPENE 3VE(R $100 A MONTH ON CDS ADDICT, AND I'D LIKE TO BECAUSE I'M A IV JUST DOWNLOAC TONS OF MUSIC FOR $20 A ARTISTS GET PAID (AND MONTH AND HAVI: THE SERVERS). THE FACT HAVE NO TROUBLE DSL LINE OR A CABLE THAT I DON'T H MP3S ARE ENCODED AT A MODEM, AND THA' Which point my ears are MEASLY 128 KBITSj PRESSION LOSS IN A LOT ABLE TO HEAR TH OF CASES) IS ALjL THlAT PREVENTS ME FROM GREAT FOR FINDING RARE SIGNING UP. NAPS' WANT TO HEAR WITHOUT AS HELL STUFF T PAYING JACKED UF PRICjES ON EBAY. EARLY 1990'S AHHbX I WIN TTTATfF FuR"TA"AWlPLb, I Vb FOUND" ’ ROCK MY HOUSE. ABOUT FIVE THAT I BRIAN: "COPYRIGHT] INFRINGEMENT IS YOUR BEST FAIR USE SHOULD COVER ENTERTAINMENT V; AL USE. WITHOUT A ALL NON-COMI\J TED MONOPOLY OVER GOVERNMENT And record labels will DISTRIBUTION, BA : A SITUATION WHERE THE SIMPLY HAVE TO ) PUT MONEY IN THEIR CONSUMER WA IS FORCED TO BY THREAT POCKETS RATHER WAY THINGS SHOULD BE. OF LAW. THIS IS OAD OR GET ALL OUR MUSIC YOU'RE FREE TO Want, we don't care, but FROM NAPSTER IF WOULDN'T YOU UfjE TO OWN THIS LIMITED-EDITION CLEAR VINYL COPY > JUS " LOOK AT THE ALBUM ART!
"AL STYLE OF MUSIC THAT SINCE YOU PLAY EMULATES A NONj-AlGltAL STYLE OF MUSIC, I’M CURIOUS AS TO WHAT jdNDS OF MUSIC ARE YOU A FAN OF? ANTHONY: OH GOD DON'T GET ME STARTED. IF IT'S GOOD AND IT'S NO' DOTH OR 95% OF INDUSTRIAL, I LIKE IT. EVEN SOME (pUNTRY, LIKE JOHNNY CASH. EVEN _Y I'VE BEEN ROCKING APHEX (GASP) DEEP HOUSE K D-fiOfi, RF1 1 F ft SFRASTIAN. TWIN STFRFOLAB.
DISCORDANCE AXIS, DAVE MELT-BANANA PROJECT, JOHN COLTRANE, WITTE/CHRIS DO STORM & STRESS, BOARDS OF ORNETTE COLEM .ONES ABAJO MARINERO, POLE, CANADA, OVAL EXHUMED, CATTLE DEtfPITATION, BEHEAD THE PROPHET IT UNDERGROUND, JURRASIC 5, N.L.S.L., PRIMUS, BOY MODELING SCHOOL, KOOL DEAD PREZ, HANC CEPHALIC CARNAGE, BURNT BY KEITH, WEEZER, 01 iRilFresh, goblin, sanity's dawn... THE SUN, SPK, I USED TO BE INTO a|lpt of harsh noise and black LE BURNT OUT ON IT, LEANING METAL, BUT I'M /\ MORE TOWARDS 4l(jF|0SC0PIC" noise like stuff on INFLUENCES ON MY INPUT TO 12K RECORDS. Bl DRUMMERS. DAVE WITTE HAS DATACLAST ARE KtE, BOTH IN HIS ACTUAL PLAYING BEEN A HUGE INFI WAS 15 AND "ONLY INTO BRUTAL AND BECAUSE Wh MOT ONLY TOLD ME TO GET DEATH METAL," RECORDS BY ASSl| ;k|/nd capitalist casualties, but ’RAISED RUSH AND PRIMUS, ALSO BECAUSE TEACHING ME THE] 1UE OF AN OPEN MIND. THANKS [ NACE OF MACABRE IS A BIG DAVE! DENIS TH AS IS THE DUDE IN CEPHALIC DRUMMING INFLU |MY MIND. SQUAREPUSHER AND CARNAGE, HE BU ; AND JOHN ZORN'S GRIND/JAZZ APHEX TWIN OF CC AGED MY MIND AT A YOUNG AGE FUSION PROJECTS fiOBABLY WOULDN’T EXIST IF NOT AS WELL. THIS BAI 5TARD, WHO WERE MY FIRST FOR MAN IS THE EXPOSURE TO NOIL
BRIAN: I'M OD
THAT I'M IN A GRINDCORE LISTEN TO GRINDCORE OR MORE MELLOW ODDBALL POP mB, CORNELIUS, MOMUS, TEAR slEKAWA, FANTASTIC PLASTIC OF STUFF. BUT BASICALLY I (lAT'S CLEVER, UNIQUE, AND WITH DIFFERENT IDEAS AND 5ANDS THAT ARE WILLING TO W IDEAS AND SOUNDS, BUT feSESSED WITH IT THEY CRAWL S AND END UP DOING TME ALREADY BEEN DONE AND SAME THING Tb|fT EW AND FRESH. I USED TO BE ONLY THINKING LSTRIAL, BUT THE EXCESSIVE INTO A LOT OF RING AND THESE DAYS IT’S DARKNESS GET HNG OVER AND OVER AGAIN. MOSTLY THE SAM
BAND, BUT DO METAL. GENERAL STUFF LIKE STERjJ GARDEN, TAKAK(J MACHINE, THAT LOOK FOR MUS| NOT AFRAID TO INFLUENCES. I EXPERIMENT Will DON’T BECOME
ANY FINAL THO ANTHONY: THAI DIDN’T FIND IT'
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FEATURE
|Y TOUR REPORT - Thomas Francke. Thank you to llja for translations.
Aviv and we were his buddies visiting hiw. Of ceurse, we didn't have lnstruwents with us, even the playlist had been walled in advance. Seeing as we get a pretty cheap flight, we teek geed eld LOT (Pellsh airline) frew Berlin te Warsaw. Threugh varleus circuwstances, we ended up wissing eur cennecting flight and enly get te Tel Aviv the next day. We arrived in Tel Aviv expecting te be grilled at iwwigratien. We were alwest disappeinted that after a shert leek threugh eur passperts we were waved threugh.
It was
alse strange fer us te nete that the passpert efflcials were yeung Israeli wewen apparently serving their willtary duty.
Our fear that we weuld sewehew
get werse treatwent because we were 9erwans turned eut te be geed eldfashiened paraneia. We discevered that 9erwans wake up the largest sectlen ef teurlsts in Israel, besides Awericans, se the efflcials den't want te spell peeple's vacatiens. We were picked up by Fresl and Sebastian, whese flight had IN THE BEGINNING OF 1999 I WAS APPROACHED BY OUR FRIEND ILJA AT A 919 IN THE KOPI IN BERLIN AND ASKED WHETHER WE WERE INTERESTED IN TOURIN9 ISRAEL ANYTIME. THINKIN9 OF IT AS A PRETTY UNLIKELY PLACE FOR PUNK ROCK, I COULDN'T EXACTLY BRIN9 MYSELF TO 9IVE MUCH SERIOUS TH0U9HT TO THE IDEA AND SUBSEQUENTLY SHELVED IT IN ONE OF THE DEEPER RE9I0NS OF MY MIND. UP TO THAT POINT, I WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY TYPE OF PUNK SCENE IN ISRAEL WHATSOEVER AND IT SEEMED AS FAR AWAY AS THE MOON. BUT THIN9S WERE SOON TO CHAN9E... My buddy Jena was setting up a Eurepean teur fer CODE 13 and selidly appreaching hia first nerveus breakdawn. Te wake things even were cewplicated, it had been agreed te fit in ene week in the Middle East in additien te the eight weeks the Harley Punkers frew Minneapelis were deing in Eurepe. The eutcewe ef this trip was tetally up te speculatien because CODE 13 were the first lnternatienal D.I.Y. punk band te hare an erganized teur there witheut a wajer recerd label te back thew up er eren a werk perwit. (Editer's nete: I believe YOUR MOTHER was actually the first D.I.Y. band te teur Israel) Up until new, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;kids" in Israel hare had te be centent with spectacular reck acts such as Expleited er Napalw Death (in their '90s zewbie line-up) and hardcere eutfits like 9uns * Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Reses and Metalllca. It was ebvleus that this situatien needed te be rectified: First centacts were wade te the lecals. The hard cere ef the Israeli D.I.Y. scene revelves areund the wewbers ef the band DIR YASSIN. As chance had it, they had just recerded their first 7" and we (Jens and I) were appreached abeut releasing it en eur Theught Criwe label. When CODE 13 returned frew Israel all in ene piece and full ef praise fer what they had seen, we decided te serieusly censider deing eur ewn little
excursien. Befere hand, the kids frew DIR YASSIN cawe eur way te de a little reck 'n' rell trip threugh Eurepe. we teured with thew fer ene week in Italy and Spain and discerered that they were very nice peeple and ceuld really reck the heuse dewn lire, which always helps. Our plans were beginning te shape up slewly. Fresl, eur singer, wanted te ge te Israel a few weeks ahead te de a practical ceurse at a hespital in Tel Arir. Se luckily, we enly had te finance three flight tickets. Besides wyself, there were Hartwut and Keule ef the band as well as eur friends Stefan and Jern whe were cewing aleng fer the ride. Our friend Sebastian had already left that sawe afterneen en a different flight. Censidering that we're enly a feur persen band, there was quite a wetley crew (wind yeu, net Metley Cruel) that was te cewe with usl Befere we left, we had te werk eut the stery we were te tell the security agents ef the Israeli airline El A1 whe prebably hare the teughest security
gene eff witheut a hitch,
and bearded a
bus te bring us te eur crashing pad in Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv,
situated in the eastern
Mediterranean,
is usually seen as the
capital ef Israel altheugh beth Israelis and Palestinians claiw Jerusalew as their respective capitals. In all kinds ef ways, Tel Aviv is a wedern, westernized city:
there's peeple
jegging at the beach,
techne is being
played in the clubs and there are leads ef tattee sheps. There was a surprisingly lew-key willtary presence in the city. When it cewes dewn te it, it wight as well be any city in seuthern Eurepe.
On eur first day, we relaxed,
went dewn te the beach and checked eut Jaffa, Aviv.
the ancient city next te Tel Of ceurse, we alse get a first
taste ef the lecal falafei: The next day, a few ef us wanted te ge te a dewenstratlen in tewn. The reasen was a vlelent pelice actlen invelvlng a few activists whe had bleckaded a street te pretest against the censtructien ef a
weasures fer airplanes in the whele werld. We were advised te cewe three
new highway in the nerthern part ef
heurs befere the flight because ef the
Israel. The wette ef the pretest was
very elaberate security checks. Besides a very extensive leek threugh eur
us just fine,
baggage,
aleng witheut really knewlng what lay in
the wewbers ef eur little
"against pelice brutality" which suits se we theught we weuld tag
caravan wight be taken fer questlening
stere fer us. We were a bit surprised te
separately and their respective steries cewpared afterwards by security
the weeting peint, which was a pretty
find enly abeut cC westly yeung kids at
persennel. It really helps te have even the west ldletic detail ef yeur trip
busy square in dewntewn Tel Aviv where
werked eut beferehand. It was iwpertant fer us net te drag the lecal punk
Strangely eneugh,
reckers inte the stery, especially since wany ef thew had refused willtary service and at tiwes had the dubieus hener ef being watched by the secret pelice because ef their anarchist activities. Luckily, we had eur singer deing his stint in the hespital in Tel
their presence wasn't really neticed. there was enly ene
sauad car with three pigs inside certainly net what we were used te frew Berlin.
After a while, we were eff,
demonstrating en the sidewalk with the three pigs in tew.
On the way,
flyers
were passed eut te passersby and slegans chanted, all in Hebrew ef ceurse, se I had ne idea what the exact centent was.
Y TOUR REPORT - Thomas Francke. Thank you to llja for translations.
LO
FEATURE
CL. After a while,
I wasn't even te® puzzled
when the dewenstratien weuld step at a red light and wait at the intersectien. The icing ®n the cake was when we g®t t® the wain pelice station and a few higher-up ceps cawe eut t® hare a sheuting watch acress the street. When the ceps started taking pictures, we th®ught it best t® head ®n eut. On Thursday, the 13th ®f January, we were te de eur first gig, in Tel Aviv. Up te this peint it was alse the enly gig that was 1GG% sure. The ether planned gigs, in Haifa and Jerusalew, were enly cenfirwed later that evening. The venue was called Leftbank and was sewething like a cultural center ®f the Cewwunist Party ef Israel. There have been wany punk gigs here befere and the place cewpares well with clubs in Eurepe. The cenditiens were alse siwilar: the weney frew the deer gees te the bands (in this case just us, because the ether bands were nice eneugh t® net take any weney, as they were all frew Tel Aviv anyway) and the venue wakes its weney frew the bar. Anxieties were running high in anticipatien ef eur first set in the Middle East. We didn't even knew if anyene was gelng te shew up ®r net. Anether peint was that we didn’t have eur ewn lnstruwents and didn’t knew hew well we were gelng te cepe with the stuff that was leaned eut t® us by the lecal bands. During seundcheck, things leeked all right though. With tlwe, quite a few folks had congregated outside in the street, we were pretty baffled when the place was packed solid as seen as the deers were opened. Counting the weney frew the deer, we later found eut that about 18G people wust have paid entrance, which was wuch were than we had ever thought possible: It was interesting te note that the average age ef the kids seewed to be around lo years eld, a bewildering aspect for us as it's about 1C years higher at gigs in Berlin. Frew what we were told, the scene is usually aulte short-lived. Only a handful ef people stick around for the long haul. The wain reason is the wandatery wllltary service, which is three years for wales and one and a half years for fewales. Crawling through the desert, the kids seew te quickly lose their interest in punk reck and hardly anybody ever returns te the scene after these three years ef wllitarist brainwashing. Net te® wany have the guts to refuse te go and it's net easy either: There’s n® legal right ef refusal and no civil service. Sewe people have wanaged te have thewselves declared unsuitable or even loony, although anybody can guess that that's net gelng te leek te® good on your perwanent record. In addition, you'll also have a let ef fawily conflicts cut eut for yourself. Most parents weuld be ashawed te have a "deserter" in the fawily. I alse noticed that there isn't necessarily a certain political background for folks te spike their hair and hang eut at punk gigs, like I was
used te frew wy ewn experiences in Gerwany. This was pretty apparent in a situation that happened shortly before the beginning ef eur gig. A political activist weunted the stage te do sewe kind ef a perferwance. Of course, I didn't understand a word ef it, but I noticed that there were very hostile reactions frew the audience. Later on, I asked hiw about it and he said that he had wade allusions t® the then ongoing talks about the Golan Heights. He had said, roughly, that his fight will net be ever until Israel has returned all the Occupied Territories and wade an official apology for the criwes against the Palestinian people. This sentlwent didn't exactly sit well with a let ef the younger kids in attendance and the bravehearted lad get a lot ef verbal abuse for his troubles. In any case, the wusical part ef the evening was started by DIR YASSIN. It was nice to see thew in front of a lecal audience, having seew thew in Eurepe quite a few tlwes. Folks were going wild and it was one ef the best shews I’ve ever seen by thew. The second band was ASTROGLIDES, which has sewe wewbers ef DIR YASSIN doing a kind ef surf-punk which was pretty unusual for wy ears. It was a nice change of pace, however. I can't rewewber the nawe ef the third band that evening because it was in Hebrew. They played rather raw eld school hardcore that pleased the ears. It was apparent te we that the guitarist wust be a big fan of eld CARCASS as he took every opportunity te swuggle in a three second sol®. Hats off for a ceel set: New it was eur turn. I was anxious te see hew folks were going to deal with eur sound, seeing as it's net exactly suitable for easy listening, or pegoing for that watter: I had taken note ef quite a few EXPLOITED and SHAM o9
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patches as well as a good nuwber ef folks with NOFX T-shirts - we had eur work cut out for us. I was alse a bit apprehensive as te hew people weuld react to the fact that we were frew Gerwany, a country held in net te® wuch regard In Israel: But wy anxieties were swept away within a few seconds as people started going cewpletely bonkers frew the very start. The sound seewed to be good, we sweated eur asses off playing as fast as we could and a good tiwe was had by all: The next day we were to go te Jerusalew for sewe sightseeing. It’s only an hour by bus frew Tel Aviv. The night before, we had wet Ablgel and Shukl, two swell folks that offered te put us up in the Holy City. Having added Annick, a nice we wan frew Canada who was hanging eut in Israel at the tiwe, eur traveling entourage had expanded to an enorweus nine people. At the bus station In Tel Aviv, we noticed the abundance ef soldiers going either hewe or back t® their troops, with a let ef very young looking girls aweng thew. Anether thing that caught eur attention was that virtually everyone had a wachine gun with thew, even though they were obviously not en duty. We were told that because ef the general situation, the soldiers don't leave their guns in the barracks but have t® drag thew around everywhere in their spare tiwe, tee. This weasure was taken t® ensure that with the outbreak ef war, which can happen pretty quickly in these parts, everyone won't have te rush acress the country te get their guns. Nevertheless, it wasn't to® reassuring to sit en a bus with leads ef teenagers who have guns but haven’t successfully cewpleted puberty yet. Jerusalew lies en a higher elevation than Tel Aviv so they actually get a little bit ef snow in winter. The first thing you notice is the stranglehold the religious fanatics ef all possible persuasions have ever the city. Everywhere you leek there are nuns, rabbis, veiled Musliws, Orthodox Christians, etc., wixed in with tens ef wllltary personnel t® see t® it that they don’t slit each ether's threats at every step. We first went te the Old City but after buwping into various Christian tourist groups we pretty wuch had eneugh. Te at least get eur winiwuw dose ef tourist bullshit, we decided to check eut the wailing Wall. I'w sure everyone has already seen the westly Orthodox Jews collectively handbanging en television. It was a Friday and the Sabbath was just about te start. Hundreds ef people populated the square, wany of thew gun toting settlers frew the Occupied Territories. Behind the walls ef the wesaue you could hear calls for the big Friday prayer of the Musliws. This wesaue is situated en the site where the Jews want to rebuild ' their eld tewple. Te get te the plaza in front ef the Walling Wall, you have te pass through a wetal detector and be searched. Only the Jewish settlers are perwitted t® reaw around with their autewatlc rifles. Standing in front ef
FEATURE
|
|Y TOUR REPORT - Thomas Francke. Thank you to llja for translations.
the Wall, we were pretty much stunned. It's pretty scary t® see rellgi®us lunacy taking h®ld ®f large masses. A slight dlversian ensued when a huge rat that must hare l®st its way tried te desperately find a way ®ut and caused a bit ®f a panic in the pr®cess. Overall, the wh®le experience left us b®th impressed and frightened. The next merning we g®t up real early as there was mere sightseeing planned. Our destinatien was Jerich®, the capital ®f the Palestinian Auth®rity Territery in the West Bank. We had prevleusly th®ught ab®ut geing t® the Gaza Strip but several peeple in Tel Aviv advised us against it. It’s clear that it can be pretty dangeraus f®r Jews t® enter the Palestinian terrlterles but we weren't t»® sure what the reacti®n w®uld be t® a large greup ®f Germans that didn't quite fit int® tradlti®nal Arabic dressing cedes because ®f punk r®ck. The less adventuraus am®ng us ended up having their way and we settled f®r just Jerich®. "Arafat-City" is situated in the West Bank, net far fr®m the Dead Sea. We decided t® first take an Arabdriven taxi t® the Dead Sea. After getting ripped eff by the taxi driver cencerning eur fare, we weren’t t»® happy t® learn that we were t® pay just te be able t® g® d®wn t® the water at the Dead Sea. We decided t® tell them t® "fuck eff" and set ®ut ®n f®»t int® the desert in the directien ef Jerich®. After just a few minutes, a military jeep stepped next t® us and gave us the friendly advice t® keep t® the left side ®f the read because ®f the landmines marking the b®rder t® J®rdan. This was starting t® be real fun: After a few heurs ef walking, we finally g®t t® the main r®ad t® Jerich® and caught a taxi int® the city. At ®nce, we netlced the "typically middle eastern" atm®sphere that we hadn't enc®untered in Israel. An extremely busy epen air bazaar, denkeys, PLO c®ps and masses ®f
children in the street. We were, ®f ceurse, eyed curleusly by the lecals, but they’re used t® t®urlsts. Abigel wh® came with us fr®m Jerusalem was pretty scared, especially after she gave herself away as being Jewish in the taxi with s®me Hebrew w«rds. As it turned ®ut, there was n® need t® panic. Just the ®pp®site, I f®und the l®cal pe®ple there t® be extra®rdinarily nice, which is a stark c®ntrast t® many Israelis that behave like rude slabs. We went t® a cafe (prebably m®re like a'smeking h®use as there were tans af water pipes standing araund) and because they had n® caffee, the ®wner ran ®ff t® the market at ®nce te get s®me far us. Life here seemed much simpler in terms ®f material wealth, and althaugh there was n® ®ut and ®ut peverty, the difference in standards ®f living between Israel
and the Palestinian Territ®ries became very clear t® us. After a day af many impressiens and f®®d f®r theught, we headed back t® Tel Aviv. Sunday,
the 16th af January, had arrived
and we were ta return ®nt® the path ef rack
’n’
rell. The place was Haifa,
an
industrial city in the nerthern part ®f Israel which we unfartunately didn't really see t®» much ®f as we g®t ®ut ef bed tea late. In fact, we had te drive straight t® the venue which was a kind ®f bar where the l®cal barflies prabably hang ®ut ®r where they might d® a disc® semetime. It was a ga®d sized place which is basically the ®nly gaed thing t® say abaut it, as it turned eut: It didn't take ta® leng fer the f®lks running the place te sh®w themselves as full gr®wn m®r®ns. Instead ®f setting up and d®ing a saundcheck in peace and quiet, we were t®ld t® get ®utside and ended up having t® wait f®r several h®urs in the parking let ®utslde the place which didn't exactly put us in a g®»d m»®d t® say the least: mulling areund,
As we were
quite a few yaunger
kids started cangregating in the parking l®t and when the d®ers were epened, we were gracleusly all®wed t® enter, By new,
tee:
it was ef caurse much te® late
ta d® any kind ®f seundcheck. The place was tetally packed with areund ICG peaple having sh®wn up,
the right
ingredient fer a g®»d shaw. Starting eut were D.P.A., a band frem Haifa that s®unded and leaked pretty American / sp®rty. As they mestly leaned tawards the fast, abrasive stuff and kept a lid an the n®n-sm®kers meshing, I was impressed.
I can't say what the lyrics
were ab®ut as everything including the in-between seng babble was in Hebrew, but the lecal kids were really getting int® it. The secend band were NEGATIVE IMPACT,
als® frem Haifa.
I have t® say
Y TOUR REPORT - Thomas Francke. Thank you to llja for translations.
that they were tee metal-tinged sXe fer my tastes,
altheugh the kids were way
inte it. New it was eur turn and as in Tel Arir the audience went cempletely bankers straight frem the start. leud, wild and dangereusl
It was
But the geed times were te ceme te a painful end. Of the 4500 that had been made at the deer, the ewners ef the place decided te take 4250 fer their ewn treubles. In additlen, the twe lecal bands insisted en getting half ef what was left ever which left us with a wheeping 41251:: Gas meney must be real expensive in Haifa! In any case, eur hepes ef making back the meney fer the flight tickets lay bruised and battered in the gutter. The felks frem DIR YASSIN were alse pretty pissed as they had alse figured that we ceuld get eur meney back and the gig in Tel Arir seemed like a really geed starting peint in that directien. Fer semebedy in the States, it might net be tee unusual te get ripped eff by a club ewner, but in Eurepe, there is an extensive netwerk ef sauats and autenemeus yeuth centres where things werk witheut any treubles. Yeu get gas meney, feed, drinks and a place te stay, maybe even breakfast the next day! All that is paid frem the takings at the deer and the venue makes it's meney frem the alcehel sales. Anybedy whe has teured Eurepe will knew the benefits ef this set-up and it's certainly get nething te de with reck star ambitiens te expect te get these things. In reality, many peeple that set up gigs alse play in bands and when they ge en teur they hepe te get the same geed treatment that they’ve given bands that played in their heme tewn. It's taken a leng time fer all ef this te werk but there's ne reasen why it sheuldn't alse be pessible in ether parts ef the werld. I hepe that with time, things in Israel will develep and grew inte a viable situatien. Even new, there are efferts te seften the financial blews fer bands that ceme dewn te play there. It is planned te have seme benefits with lecal bands te lessen the lesses ef fereign bands. Maybe it's pessible te get a generater and de a gig in a derelict heuse instead ef shevlng 50% ef the deer meney dewn a greedy bar ewner's threat. The next day, we were set te play eur last gig, in Jerusalem. It was clear In advance that this weuld financially ruin us. The venue had demanded te get abeut 4150 in advance which we paid frem the meney we made In Tel Aviv and we alse had te pay extra fer a backllne and there wasn't any hepe ef tee many peeple shewing up. The actual place was nice and small and leeked like a geed place fer a gig, especially since we were te use the PA frem Tel Aviv again. Besides the finances, we quickly figured eut that eur main preblem ef the night was keeping in check the criminally Incempetent hippie dude at the mixing desk. ASTR0GLIDES played befere us and we get a first glimpse ef this guy’s idiecy. The seund was permanently adjusted inte all different varieties ef herrible. When he get the feg machine inte actlen the whele place was turned inte a big cleudy mess and I felt hate
rise slewly within myself. Befere we went en, we made sure te tell the guy in ne uncertain terms that he sheuld tene dewn his reck 'n' rell superstar ambitiens if he didn't want te wind up dead by the end ef the night. He kept his fingers eff the feg machine but ceuldn't resist fucking with the seund and turning en the flickering lights. We had te tell him several times that we were net inclined te play in these disce cenditiens and he finally get the peint after a while. Net very Inspired, fer ebvleus reasens, we played eur., set rather limply te the 30 er se peeple whe were nice eneugh te shew up. After the erdeal was ever, we were teld that the seund had been great, semething I still can't believe te this day. Well, at least we played in Jerusalem ence.... On the last day ef eur stay, eur sightseeing plans were virtually wiped away by a mean sterm that whipped threugh Tel Aviv and made geing eut ef the heuse a questien ef life and death. Se we bummed areund and managed te get that day ever with, tee. In the early merning heurs ef the 19th ef January, we get a taxi te the airpert and were taken dewn te the security checks right away, even theugh eur flight was enly suppesed te leave in feur heurs. We finally get the big check that we were warned abeut. we were separated inte greups ef twe peeple and questiened abeut ged and the werld. They wanted te knew what jeb Hartmut had, hew I get te knew Stefan and where I get the meney, being an unempleyed bum, te afferd the flight ticket. All in all, I have te say theugh that it all seemed pretty prefessienally metlvated and net a particularly effective way te terture Innecent travelers. Next te us was a rabbi whe get the exact same treatment as we did se there's ne faveritism invelved. Inside eur greup, we were semewhat divided as te eur epiniens en the whele precedure. A few ef us were really pissed eff abeut the interregatien. I, hewever, think that there's prebably geed reasens fer all the humdrum, censidering all the attacks en Israeli airplanes in the '60s and '70s. It's pretty ebvieus te me that the Israelis state will ge te great lengths te pretect its citizens. I'm certainly net cendening the pelicies ef the Israeli gevernment, but hardly anybedy will want te argue that seme ef their enemies will think nething ef killing innecent civilians. I persenally weuldn't feel tee safe setting my feet in an Israeli airplane if certain security measures weren’t being taken. Things started getting interesting when we gave different answers en whether we slept ever in Jerusalem er net. After a let ef hassle and a hastily made up excuse fer temperary memery less, we managed te get it ever with. Se eff we went, back te an icy Berlin. In summing up, I’ve realized that I came back with mere unanswered questiens abeut the pelltics ef the
FEATURE
regien than I started eut with. The situatien appears hepeless and I'm skeptical if a peaceful agreement, that everyene will be able te live with, will ever be reached. I can enly warn peeple ef trying te find simplified selutiens yeu're net geing te be able te explain things by imperialism er trying te put all ef the blame en ene side. As an anarchist, I knew that ethnical cenflicts are a lead ef shit and peeple sheuld rather have a beer tegether than having a ge at each ethers threats because ef religlen er natlenalism. But te make that clear te the felks dewn there is a menumental task. A few mere werds abeut the whele D.I.Y. thing in Israel - big preps sheuld ge te pieneers ef the scene like DIR YASSIN whe are trying their darndest se that the kids will be able te see semebedy besides the lecal bands er big name reck idiets. They have te struggle fer a let ef things we take fer granted in eur ewn scene. If yeu want te get in teuch with the Israeli scene, yeu best get in teuch with DIR YASSIN er centact me fer further lnfe. The mere adventureus ef yeu might want te leek inte heading eut te the Hely Land yeurselves semetime. The whele thing was certainly a great experience fer all ef us, se thanks again te all eur Israeli friends! FOR MORE INFORMATION WRITE ME: Themas Franke Bexhagener Str.22 10245 Berlin/Germany theughtcrimeiberlln.sirece.net CONTACT THE ISRAELI MOB AT: Dir Yassin P.0. Bex 647 Nes-tziena 74101 Israel menkey_suitii.hetmail. cem
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(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf _Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleightholme
1
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REVIEW POLICY, If it’s short, fast and loud (or even long. slow, and loud) we want to hear it We review all formats... CDs. vinyl even cassettes! Just because you send something in. it is not a guarantee that we will review it However, the parameters of what we review should be obvious by now. so if your stuff is similar, we will most likely give you some ink. Got it? SHORT. FAST + LOUD! P.O.Box7337 Alhambra.CA 91802-7337 U$A ADAMANTJUM body
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ADAMANTIUM When It Rains. It Pours CD OK, so these guys got their name from the “XMen” comic book. It is good to see that hardcore kids can still geek out with the rest of us! So, let’s cut to the tunes shall we? This is exactly what 1 have come to expect with most hardcore releases today. It is really well produced hardcore that carries a banner of brutal metalcore with straight forward song structures. They take their queue from bands like TURMOIL and BURIED ALIVE and do a really good job of it. The fullcolor layout is simple and pleasing to the eye. And the lyrics are angry rants that are comprised of piss filled words like "Diseased", "Death", "Destruction" "Crumbling", "Disaster" and "Madness". And hey, what hardcore record would be complete without at least one mention of the lyrics "stabbed you in the back"? Nevertheless this is a solid release worth stealing. (RC) Indecision. PQ Box 5781. Huntington Beach. CA 92615 ALUMINUM NOISE All This World Has To Offer.... T It’s the first vinyl release from this North Carolina noise duo. ALUMINUM NOISE creates soundscapes that explore a variety of textures in a short amount of time; you get enough time with each of these four tracks to absorb the ideas without it being overkill but also without it being too brief. There’s trance-like keyboard backed drones, static-laden feedbacky explosions, trippy looped sounds, and intercepted outer space communications. If you dig everything from MERZBOW to the between-song moments of GASP, you’ll likely dig these guys as well. Totally D.I.Y., the insert for this 7” has a list of other underground noise artists and labels to contact. Nice minty green vinyl, too. (CD) Renaissance Rec.. P.0. Box 66U6, Greensboro. NC 27403 AMDI PETERSENS ARME- T If bands like S.O.A. or BLACK FLAG are ever gonna do a reunion, don’t go. Check out this band instead. Totally early ‘80s hardcore all over. It sounds really basic but it’s really raw, especially the vocals are great. The passion just jumps off the vinyl. You get eight tracks and I can assure you you’ll want more. All the tracks just breathe energy and would I love to see this band play live. From what I’ve heard they sure know how to get things going. A great release without just copying the past. It’s got some “new” feelings over it to prevent it from just being a total rip-off. (RE) Kick’n’Punch. Box 578.2200 Copenhagen N.. Denmark AMPS FOR CHRIST / 1 EYED CYCLOPS - split 7“ I’ll admit up front that I’ve heard previous AMPS FOR CHRIST efforts & I don’t really consider myself a fan. I have great respect for Barnes and his ultimate D.I.Y. method of constructing his own instruments. However, his non-M.I.T.B. musical output just isn’t my cup of tea. The first track sounds like a demented version of an acoustic hippie protest song, while the second tune is a noise collaboration with Wood / BASTARD NOISE and basically sounds like the B.N. wall of bleeps with a ukelele behind it. ONE EYED CYCLOPS is a one man sound project from Italy. Of the five tracks, four of them are variations on strumming one guitar string and letting it resonate. Some are multi-layered, some have effects, but they’re all coming from the same place. The only non-guitar string strumming song is a collection of high pitched tones that sound like they’re from one of those 99t, made-in-Thailand, toy finger keyboards... kind of like a door chime song from hell. It’s interesting, it’s different, but I’ll be honest, it’s likely that I won’t give it another spin. (CD) Empty Chairs. Via Yico 22.00196 Rome. Italy
ANAL MUCUS - '86-’97 CD Many years went into making and compiling this massive 57 song collection. It is a retrospective of Concord, California's ANAL MUCUS who existed for 11 years but until now never had an "official" release out on anything other than tape. Although playing a high octane brand of hardcore rife with humor, anger and fun (a la same generation scene mainstays ST1KKY) A.M. struggled to get any sort of recognition from an exploding Bay Area punk scene that probably wasn't nearly as open to being "different" as it proclaimed to be. As a result A.M. had to thrive by going under the underground and playing endless backyard parties. At first listen to these rough recordings I thought, 'This is going to be something that only old A.M. fans from their hometown scene are going to ei\joy...," but after subsequent listens I realized there was a lot more here than that. In fact, any fan of "pure" hardcore is going to dig this. Sure this is raw and under produced but 1 can remember when all hardcore records sounded like this, and I loved it. With their breakneck pace and warped delivery, ANAL MUCUS sound not dissimilar to the Seattle hardcore sound of the very early ‘80s. (JB) Six Weeks Records. 225 Lincoln Ave.. Cotati. CA 94931 ANTHEM EIGHTY EIGHT - Q: And Progress? A: And Progress MCD The second release from these Floridian cats. Steve ex-ASSUCK is in this band, but I’m not sure who the other folks are. But this is a far cry from ASSUCK. It’s not grind or extreme HC in any sense, which is fine, of course; like the name implies, this is new school, ‘88 Revelation-style, youth crew core. I listened to their first album several times and tried to get into it, but couldn’t. I like this a little bit more, but I’m not a bonafide fan yet I’m sorry to say. Lyrics mostly focus on vague feelings of anger and disappointment. Graphics are minimalistic, but not in an interesting way. I kind of like it, but I think it’ll likely spend some time on the bottom of my CD pile. (CD) Schematics Records do No Idea ARMOUR OF GOD / 3RD STONE split CD The new UK supergroup has finally got its shit together to record something. A.O.G. features people from HARD TO SWALLOW, IRON MONKEY and VARUKERS! Only three songs on offer here, but three winners all the way. There's a strong IRON MONKEY influence running through this but also a nod to bands like S.O.D. (USA) and a dose of old NYHC which makes this sound like a complicated set of songs, but in reality it's over before you get a chance to analyze it too closely. Totally fucking heavy bass sound and drums, with layers of guitars on top for good measure. Vocals are pretty raspy and sound like they're stripping Johnny's voicebox by the second. One riff on “My Own Mess” is straight from an old S.O.D. song “Kill Yourself’ and if they deny it, they lie! Regardless of that, a definite thumbs up from me and a band to keep an eye on. 3RD STONE on the other hand don't really do anything overly exciting, but just seem to tread the HC boards like so many others. That's not to say they’re bad, just they have nothing to make them stand out in a crowd, altho' they do provide lyrics unlike A.O.G. If you had to put money on which band will be remembered in five years time, I know where my money would be! (GS) Threefold Records do Thumb Music. Unit 6.0PM House. Haydn Road. Nottingham. NG5 IDG. England ARMS REACH Death To Shallow Hardcore CD These Aussie thrashers are a breath of fresh air in a scene that can often be viewed as stagnant. What makes ARMS REACH so great, you ask? Simple... they’re intelligent. They’re a co-ed band
REVIEWS (QQj I <ac that isn’t afraid to criticize the gaping faults of the hardcore scene itself. Instead of being a bunch of bellyachers, they point out the obvious, yet often unspoken, weaknesses of hardcore and actually give the listener a feeling that solutions are being presented to resolve the situation. Musically, it’s an arse-kicker. ARMS REACH brings to mind a mix of early LACK OF INTEREST, the better youth crew revival bands, and a hint of ANTISCHISM (due mostly to the occasional pissed off female vox). Punishing hi-speed attacks with moshable breakdowns and shout-along choruses. Hope to hear more from ‘em. (CD) 7 Lawson St. Hamilton. NSW 2303. Australia
ARMS REACH / SCALPLOCK - split 7" Australian hardcore bruisers ARMS REACH have a keen knack for effectively combining blitzkrieg thrash and throbbing chugga-core. They avoid the generic pedal to the metal verses and breakdown choruses that countless others employ and instead create the same effect with a less predictable lurching back and forth between time changes. Unfortunately, seriously flawed and muddy production weakens the end result, but if you are a hardcore fan and can't get past low cost production shortcomings you must be a newbie. On the flip side, SCALPLOCK don't fair much better production wise (a possible indicator or mastering/pressing problems) but they do an equally impressive job kickin' out the jams. SCALPLOCK are more chaotic and screechy than ARMS REACH and they attack their music with a more hellbent fire. These tracks are a couple of years old and admittedly the band has made huge strides in quality since these were recorded (check out their latest full length for proof) but there is no denying the pure zeal carved into the grooves of this record. (JB) Shortfuse Records do Clint Chapman. 30 Cottsfoot Path. Romford. Essex. RM3 8BH. U.K.
ARTIMUS PYLE - Cold Cold Earth Y If you’re looking for Southern Fried Rock, you’re barking up the wrong tree. SKYNYRD references aside, A.P. has been around for a while & they’re just now getting the attention that’s long overdue. This trio is all about bombastic, crushing, volume-for-the-sake-of-volume powercore. So much heaviness is packed into these five tracks it literally sounds like my speakers are ready to burst at the seams. The lethal riffing combined with Robert’s anguished vox will definitely raise goose bumps on your goose bumps if they don’t simply scare the pants off of you first. You will like this... that’s not an opinion, it’s a fact. (CD) Prank. P.0. Box 410892. S.F.. CA 94141-0892
ASUNDER / LIKE FLIES ON FLESH split LP ASUNDER is the new evil from the East Bay featuring Dino from DYSTOPIA. They contain the raw brutality of DYSTOPIA, but the approach is coming more from a MELVINS-ish, mega doom / death core angle. They tune to Z and they’re slower than a poke. Slightly metaltinged with echo overkill on the demonic vocals. Heavy and creepy with a late ‘80s vibe. L.F.O.F. also belches out subterranean 1990 metalcore stylings. These Texans also opt for the echo¬ laden vox. Overall they sound like early German deathmetal with the exception of the mellow, quiet breakdowns that are thrown in to add overall dynamics and extra punch to the heavy parts. The production is rough on their side but considering the tunes, it’s more of an asset than a liability. Cool looking cover & insert layout and really cool clear vinyl adds to the package as a whole. (CD) Life Is Abuse. P.0. Box 20524. Oakland. CA 94420
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholme_
ATROCIOUS MADNESS The Uses Of HAARP 7” It’s the second 7” from these Portland thrashers. Total CONFUSE worship. Mad, hi-octane, chaotic crust along the lines of the aforementioned Japanese masters, along with a hint of the discordant chording of LARM. Lyrics cover the usual range of crusty protest subjects. The title refers to a secret government experiment involving the use of ultra low frequency sound waves as weapons. I guess A.M. is using ultra high frequencies for their own subversive attack. To sum it up in three words: distortion, distortion, distortion! (CD) P.0. Box 40113. Portland. OR 97240-0113
ATROCIOUS MADNESS - 6” flexi They just keep cranking ‘em out... there’s no stopping the A.M. steamroller. This is a one-sided 6” flexidisc that’s limited to 1,000 copies. Hopefully you’ll be able to still track it down because I like this material even more than their last 7”. More of their high-end, high-speed distortion assault with wicked vocals. Three tracks that are really good and are over too quickly for me. Again, they utilize the black and white, cut and paste, typewritten look that perfectly compliments what this band is all about. (CD) P.0. Box 40113. Portland. OR 97240-0113
AUTONOMIA / DIOS HASTIO - split Y Now this is what hardcore is supposed to be! Peruvian thrashers AUTONOMIA seriously flattened me with their hyper addictive fastcore. Their three songs contain that sense of immediacy that is so important in good HC. Well crafted, but still simple, blazing turbo speed violence. Their brand of noise reminds me of the first time I heard CRUDOS. DIOS HASTIO are also from Peru. Their three quickcore numbers are also basic and memorable. D.H.’s approach has more of a sing-along nature which works well with their fast and to the point approach. A good split but I’m sorry to say AUTONOMIA really stands out on their own here. (CD) Sin Fronteras Records. P.0. Box 8004. Mpls. MN 55408
AWAKE - Kingdom Of Madness CD This trio from Poland plays U.S. ‘90s style sXe hardcore. It’s not fast, it’s more focused on moodiness and building intensity. Cross the less heavy handed Victory stuff with late era Dischord bands, and you have an idea. In general, I don’t like a lot of what the aforementioned styles have to offer, but for some reason I really like AWAKE. They rely heavily on octave chords which contributes to a more “melodic" (even though they aren’t) feel with these songs. I think the quality I like about these guys is that they aren’t trying to do the phony youth crew thing, they aren’t pretending they’re from the ghetto, and they aren’t spouting retarded gibberish about their “crews”. There’s a certain honesty and integrity that I can feel from AWAKE, and I don’t feel it from most other bands of the genre. This rocks. (CD) Tomasz Goral Konopnickiej 13/34.38-300 Gortice. Poland
THE BAD FORM - Y I don’t know anything about these guys from NJ. A bit of a mixed bag here from this quartet. A lot of the material sounds like garage punk rock’n’roll. Some of the playing is intentionally sloppy to accomodate the genre. It’s well structured overall with rockin’ tunes that are have more in common with the STOOGES than anything hardcore, although a few blast beats drop in for an appearance on the third song. These guys would team-up well with new bands like THE PATTERN or any of those emo kids with mop tops who look like early STONES clones. This wouldn’t appeal to most readers of this mag, but it’s good nonetheless. (CD) Mad At The World. Box 5214. New Brunswick. NJ 08901
AVSKUM In The Spirit Of Mass Destruction CD In the spirit of The Great DIS-core Revival, MOTORHEAD, and all things Swedish, AVSKUM kicks out 13 tracks with that classic ‘80s Scandinavian sound. In fact, they pull it off so well that some of the songs sound exactly like songs on the last MEANWHILE album which sounds exactly like the first DISCHARGE album. Confused yet? No reason to be. This album rules! Better find a spot on your pants for an AVSKUM patch, my crusty friend; after hearing this album you’re going to have a new favorite band. If you like your Swedish hardcore thrashy and simple yet powerful and memorable, then AVSKUM is your best bet. (CD) Prank. P.0. Box 410892. S.F.. CA 94141-0892
BEYOND DESCRIPTION Acts of Sheer Madness LP Finally a long player from these dedicated Japanese hardcore punks!! 17 new tracks of ram¬ charging, frantic Japanese hardcore thrash that simply destroys with every chord. Lyrically poignant as usual in a political and personal manner; anti-cop, anti-state and anti-conformity. It’s about time we see some these veteran bands finally putting out full length records instead of 10 split EPs!!! If you’re familiar with this band, this could probably be their best effort yet (which is saying something!). Leaving the UK crust-core tendencies to a minimum, this is pure Japanese hardcore all the way and what more could you ask or expect? Kills. (JR) Farewell Records. Gustav-Freytag-str. 18. 47057 Duisburg. Germany
JELLO BIAFRA Become The Media 3xCD
A.V.O. - Fuck Positive Hardcore Y Wow, Australia is busting at the seams with great new hardcore acts lately, the latest being APPREHENDED VIOLENCE ORDER. They accurately invoke the vibe of early ‘80s hardcore a la the early Boston sound. This reminds me of being in high school and ordering T’ers from Toxic Shock... even if I hadn’t heard the band, I would buy the 7” if it had six or more songs - that was always a good sign. The 10 songs on this platter meet that criterion, of course; they’re full of that urgency and excitement that old HC held for me. The recording and mix are solid and mighty. The tunes are fast, energetic, and nihilistic. You know what you’re in for with song titles like “You’re A Fuckin’ Prick’’ and “Love Is Shit". Yeah, the lyrics aren’t brain surgery, but they’re definitely worth a chuckle. Excellent cover of JERRY’S KIDS’ “Uncontrollable”, too. (CD) Short Fuse. 34 Atchison Rd. Macquarie Fields. 2544 NSW. Australia
matters even more interesting, they go into this spiel on the one sheet about how their video has been "Banned from MTV Europe" and that the most shocking imagery in the video is of the band itself, who are "A group of monstrous super human mutations". Well, I went to the Earache website and checked out the video. Basically the video involves close-ups on a bunch of guys wearing GWAR style masks (this must be the band members who are monstrous super human mutations) and a couple of actual scenes from autopsies. Well, all I can say is that autopsy photos are a dime a dozen these days, and that I can’t believe that these fools are wearing masks and trying to pass it off as something real. I guess if I was in a band this lame, I would wear a mask to. Oh, the music you ask? Industrial metal with tons of crazy speed and those damn electronic drums that never sound quite right. If these guys didn’t try so hard maybe they could be onto to something, but it definitely doesn’t work for me. (RC) Earache Records
BENUMB Withering Strands of Hope CD No brainer here. This new full length by BENUMB is everything you would expect from these Bay Area thrashers. A perfect combination of rapid fire grindcore, power violence and hardcore, this 30-plus song, 24 minute disc flies by with such destructive speed that all I can do was shake my head at the unbelievable power this band can generate. Blast beat upon blast beat, metal riffing followed time after time by even faster grinding guitar chaos, coerced by over the top, furious, Tve-had-it-up-to-fucking-here vocal madness. This just reeks of nihilism and total disgust at human depravity. Pete's spoken word intro had me quivering!! It’s hard to imagine the nicest guy in the world so close to edge of complete distraught combustion!! Total fucking power. Now it’s up to Relapse to put this on vinyl. (JR) Relapse. P.0. Box 2040. Upper Darby. PA 19082
BERZERKER - The Berzerker CD All right kids, let me get this straight. According to the one-sheet that accompanied this promo, this is the "Most extreme album ever released by Earache!!!" Uh, I don’t really think this record warrants Earache laying their balls on the chopping table like that. And then to make
The sixth spoken word album, "Become The Media", by enigmatic punk and social activist JELLO BIAFRA is without a doubt my favorite by him. His commentary and criticism is evolving beyond the somewhat paranoid and overly simplistic fare he is famous for. He is still an outspoken voice for the radical left but his ideas are more grounded than ever before and he seems to be drawing on established criteria for sociological analyses more than ever before. He acknowledges the thought behind opposition perspectives instead of just dismissing them. He deeply explores concepts surrounding inadequate familial relationships (e.g. poor child rearing) as a core element in societal dysfunction and does so for the first time with legitimate observations and criticism. He might overstate his case a bit when he goes so far as to suggest causal links between his theories and tragedies like Columbine, but I daresay he is more accurate and reasonable than many of the so-called "media experts" who have vomited pure crap (almost literally) in their attempts to find a simple explanation for such antisocial behaviorism. BIAFRA is also more cautious than ever to temper his comments with caveats such' as "as I understand it" and even "correct me if I am wrong" which shows a greater respect for the intelligence of his audience. I'm convinced his relationship with the Nader campaign and his role as a legitimate spokesman for the Green Party has led him to adjust his approach in such a way as to reach out to people, regardless of their political leanings, who are disenfranchised with the current two party system that is manipulated by corporate money and interests. (JB) Alternative Tentacles. P.0. Box 419092. S.F.. CA 94141-9092
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholme
LO
REVIEWS
dm
BLOODSTORM Pestilence From The Dragonstar CD
Louisiana’s REASON OF INSANITY makes their vinyl debut here with five forceful tracks of gruff,
This is sooooo close to sucking it's not funny. I
hair-raising HC. Fast and mean and in between,
mean it sucks, but it has a certain quality that
this is will hopefully be a green flag for a flood of
saves it from sucking completely. Very sloppy,
future speedy releases by these blokes. Fold out
primitive, Bozo The Clown corpse paint wearing
poster sleeve and marbled grey vinyl, too. (CD)
black metal from the US that is very similar to
Burrito Records. P.0. Box 3204. Brandon. FL 33509-3204
early BATHORY which saves it from its own pits of hell. So, if really sloppy, early BATHORY type black metal is your deal, then this is it! (DM)
Soul Sold Music. P.0. Box 920. Yonkers. NY 10701
BROTHER INFERIOR Dismantling The Capitalist Machine T I’m still kicking myself for missing these Oklahoma veterans on their last tour. Why?
BASTARD Barnes
NOISE
+
figuring
Wood
things out
BLOWBACK - I Like Time CD
Because they broke up after it was over. Grrrrr!
Hailing from Niigata (northeast Japan), this is
And to top it off, this record, being their last
BLOWBACK's second release. They've shown us
release ever, is by far their best release ever. So
remarkable progress with this one. Mix
that means I missed BRO’ INFERIOR at their
traditional Japcore with MOTORHEAD-ish wild
peak.
rock'n'roll,
them because it’s best to quit at the pinnacle &
then you'll
get
BLOWBACK.
Double grrrrr! Well, I can’t say I blame
Sometimes it reminds me of PAINTBOX (and this
leave ‘em wanting more, that’s what I say. This
one is produced by Chelsea) but more straight
effort contains seven songs of gut-punching,
forward. Cool driving guitars, tough choruses,
sonic hardcore delivered with speed and
catchy hooks. Everything you need is here. (EB)
accuracy. Tightly played and cleanly but heavily
H.G.Fact Japan
recorded and mastered. This is the type of record that has me flipping sides non-stop because 1
before the start of the
BORN DEAD ICONS - Work LP
set.
B.D.I. plays a flavor of hardcore that is an
clear vinyl round out the package. If you dig HC
amalgamation of several different vibes but the
that’s smartly executed, songwriting-wise as well
An
abstract
moment at a Jim's
one major influence that comes to mind is that
house party in Upland
often forgotten sound that I always called "ghoul-core". You know, that early generation of
CA, circa 1993.
bands who made their music really dark and
BICEPTASAURUS / CAKEHOUSE-split CD
COSTAS
BLOODHAG Gorgeous Ladies Of Writing 7”
Aside from being a collaboration of two bands
These guys are one of the most original bands
with the least memorable names ever, this split
I’ve run across in recent memory. Musically they
disc is a major rager. BICEPTASAURUS hails
remind me of DEAD BODIES EVERYWHERE
from Australia and it’s possible they might have
minus the fast parts. BLOODHAG specializes in
broken up already. These Ozzies blast through a
slower heavycore with gutturally grunted vox.
range of growling hardcore and grind that reminds me of DYSTOPIA meets SHANK. Good tunes & good quality recording. COSTAS CAKEHOUSE is a German thrash unit with just as much spunk as their discmates. However, the C.C. material suffers from a slightly weaker recording and slightly out of tune guitars. But that’s what punk rock is all about, right? It’s all
their lyrical approach. They call their sound on this disc is about a different female author from the mid-20th century. Each song combines biographical facts and humor about each author, and admittedly I’m only familiar with
about the energy and C.C. has that aspect all
Mary Shelley (“Frankenstein”). This angle is
wrapped up. Imagine NEUROSIS on 78rpm meets
very reminiscent of the great MACABRE. Scary
as lyrically, then these guys are the professors you want to have schooling you. (CD)
Sensual Underground Ministries
evil sounding. Bands like AMEBIX or L.D.S.
BRUJERIA - Brujerizmo CD
Bands that rolled the punk sound of the
I've read more than one review of this CD
MISFITS and 45 GRAVE into a joint with metal
(including one in my own e-zine) questioning
bands like VENOM and smoked it. BORN DEAD
why BRUJERIA would make a slick post-
ICONS play fast enough and are seething
deathgrind album like this, after all, the "joke"
enough that they are going to register on the
is over.
thrash richter scale but that whole scatological
up of a bunch of mass murdering drug dealers
darkness gives them an angle I haven't quite heard the likes of before. (JB)
from south of the border but is instead a side
Dead Ative. P.0. Box 97. Caldwell NJ 07006
But the thing that really sets this band apart is “edu-core” for a reason... each of the six songs
can’t get enough. Well printed cover and spiffy
Everyone knows BRUJERIA isn't made
project for members of FAITH NO MORE, FEAR FACTORY and NAPALM DEATH... It is perfectly clear to me why they did it... BRUJERIA didn't
BORN DEAD ICONS - Part Of Something Larger Than Ourselves T
schtick being over, but BECAUSE their schtick
I was intrigued to hear this release, because
was over. It seems to me they had two choices...
everybody has really been raving about this
call it a day and pack BRUJERIA away in the
make this album in spite of their "drug overlord"
band lately and this is the first time that I have
attic or re-invent the band into a legitimate side
heard them. BORN DEAD ICONS create some
project. They chose the latter. With that re-
dark and moody mid-paced hardcore that
invention a change in approach was certainly in
centers on bitter political lyrics. Everything is
order. After all, how much mileage could they
tuned low and loud with gruff/growling vocals.
get from continuing to crank out primitive and
STACK. Intense stuff. Ironically it’s the Germans
music with an insanely clever message. This 7”
and not the Australians who utilize a digeridoo
even came with a science fiction novel. If you
on one song. The graphics for this release are
need
excellent. Nice full color booklet with a white screenprint on the jewelbox. Well done. (CD)
handscreened with glow in the dark ink. Really
In League Wit’ Satan, inleaguewitsatano@yahoo.co.uk
was out of town. I think that this band would be
"Brujerizmo" is a sharp and ultra polished
A side project of the dutch trash-grinders
BLOODPACT / REACHING FORWARD split 7"
recent show with FROM ASHES RISE because I
taken to a new level...
BILE-The Shed MCD
really effective from the stage. F.Y.I., the four
album with cheese grater guitar riffs firing like
INSULT. This project is more focused on gore-
Two sXe thrash bands from two opposite sides of
songs on this record are also on their recently
a machine gun from start to finish. Triggered
grind. It’s got a dirty, mean sound all over. Especially the bass sound is awfully low & deep.
the globe rip and tear though two original
released full length. (RC)
drums snap out crisp beats with the head¬
tracks and one MANLIFTINGBANNER cover
It kinda reminds me of the sound that
each. BLOODPACT from the U.S. are definitely
Deranged Records P0 Box 543. Station P. Toronto. Ontario M5S 2T1 Canada
MORTICIAN creates. Vocals are distorted which fits perfectly, of course. A sludgy and yet still
Everything I have read about them compares
one dimensional deathgrind? Very little it
them to AMEBIX, which seems to be a fairly
would seem to me.
accurate description. While I found this release
exist for musicians to flex their muscle a little
original. (CD)
to be eye opening, it really didn’t floor me like I
bit and have a lot of fun.
Bloodhag. P.0. Box 19802. Seattle. WA 98109
expected it to. I unfortunately missed their
more
gimmicks,
the
cover
was
the more frantic of the two bands. Their
BOY SETS FIRE - Suckerpunchtraining MCD
favorites. I believe the tracks for this split were
A two song CD (first warning sign) of crap-metal
recorded during only the band's third trip into
meets emo-core that would be perfect for the
the studio and in spite of (or maybe because of)
Warped Tour but not for the pages of this mag.
their relative freshness they continue to tighten
One song is a terrible cover of ELTON JOHN’S
damn good for nine mutilations pushed together in 17 minutes. Start ripping flesh. (RE)
and develop their blistering attack in impressive
“Rocket Man” that’s done so straight it doesn’t
ways. They are truly turning into a thrash
work for camp value or even as a legitimately
So It Is Done. P.0. Box 891.9400 AW Assen. Holland
juggernaut amongst the elite in the scene. Their
good song.
intelligence and dedication to an ideal are also
rebellion that’s mall-ready and fails on all
impressive. REACHING FORWARD from The
levels. Not hardcore. (CD)
Netherlands also play hardcore that is heavily
Join The Team Player Records. Attottingerstr. 6a. 81673 Munchen. Germany
listening carefully.
The
battering
blastbeats prevent it from falling into repetition. Can’t tell much about lyrics but titles like “Boiling Flesh” or “Smashed and Battered" should give you a slight hint. It’s a MCD but
THE BLACK LEAGUE - Ichor CD Boring. What more can I say? Boring. They strive
OPSTAND
meets
HELLNATION
flavored
For the members of
BRUJERIA to do that the sound needed to be and indeed it is.
splitting efficiency of a jackhammer. The low end throbs and rumbles setting off those ever so satisfying vibrations in the chest if played loud
hyperthrash is fast becoming one of my
melodic element can definitely be discovered when
Most side project bands
BOY SETS FIRE reeks of phony
enough. The vokills are generic oldschool death metal grunts, which, of course, I love. If PRONG had ever decided to do a death metal album this is what it would have sounded like.
Many may
dismiss this as second rate FEAR FACTORY but aside from the first F.F. record, I would take this over FEAR FACTORY any day. (JB)
Kool Arrow / Roadrunner
BRUTAL TRUTH For Drug Crazed Grindfreaks Only! Live At Noctum Studios + 1 CD Nothing is better than when one of your all time
for a dark and mysterious sound but only manage a
influenced by the violent delivery of neo-thrash
dull and arty menage of tunes that are guaranteed
but they temper things with a definite
to send you running for the aspirin. I suspect
interjection of classic ‘80s chugga-chugga sXe
they’re trying to crossover between hard rock & goth but the bridge collapsed under them. ATROCITY did this years ago and did it well. No need to even think about buying this one. (JB)
influences. Their passion and fire are almost
BREAD AND WATER / REASON OF INSANITY - split T
equal to that of BLOODPACT making this split a
The Lone Star State’s BREAD AND WATER is
definite keeper. (JB)
aptly named because they strip it down to basics;
Reflection Records. De Nijverheid 30. 7681 MD Vroomshoop. The Netherlands
just straight forward hardcore punk with no frills.
TRUTH "Peel Sessions" of sorts. In spite of the
Mid-tempo thrash with vicious female vocals.
unpolished production, this CD captures the
Nuclear Blast
favorite bands continues to release CDs even after they have broken up! These 10 songs were recorded live on eight tracks as a radio promotion in 1998 while the band was touring Australia- so you can think of this as a BRUTAL
band at the height of their career and at their
REVIEWS fiercest and most blistering. You wouldn't think tunes like "Choice Of A New Generation", "Walking Corpse", "Homesick" and "Blind Leading The Blind" could get any faster and more deranged than they are on their original recordings, but they can and do on "For Drug Crazed Grindfreaks...". BRUTAL TRUTH absolutely goes nuts on this recording. They are having a good time letting all hell break loose and it translates into a scathing recording. There is a bonus track of noise recorded in 1994 on here as well but it is only good for helping the listener unwind after the mayhem of the previous 10 songs. (JB) Solardisk. P.0. Box 50.90251 Oulu. Finland BURNING HEADS - Escape CD This is a French band that plays mid-’80s, D.C. and O.C. style, melodic hardcore. Sound generic? Surprisingly, it’s not. In fact, this is a great album. If you’re into stuff like the first DAG NASTY or UNIFORM CHOICE LPs, this album stays true to that sound. “Escape” seems like the missing link in the early DAG NASTY discography with a hint of the few good quality newer melodic bands out there like HI STANDARD. The band bio compares BURNING HEADS to NYHC, but I strongly disagree. There are no ham-fisted, chugga-chugga mosh parts or metallic moments in the least. Chunky production enhances the way-catchy and memorable songwriting. Instead of sounding like the majority of melodic punk bands out there who just try endlessly mimicking NOFX , the lads in BURNING HEADS steer down
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleightholme
the lesser travelled path and come out winners. They kick ass on 99% of melodic hardcore out there... not like that’s hard to do, but you know what I’m getting at. (CD) Victory Records BURNT BY THE SUN / LUDDITE CLONE - split CD This is the debut release by the east coast supergroup BURNT BY THE SUN. Dave Witte plays in this band so you probably know where it’s headed already. Not all blast stuff, it’s that thing I call “The New Jersey Sound” that’s epitomized by insanely complex and technical, over-the-top aggressive tunes. B.B.T.S. dishes it out in spades. You need a map to follow this band. I keep hearing how incredible these guys are live and I even planned a recent trip to NYC around seeing them, but unfortunately the show was cancelled so I still have yet to see what promises to be a crushing live performance. They’ve got more on the way from Relapse so definitely keep your ears peeled for these guys in the future. Speaking of Relapse, LUDDITE CLONE has had a full length out on that label recently and this material carries the torch where the last CD left off. Another N.J. tech band. Completely ass-kicking. My only complaint about this split is both of these bands are so similar that this release sounds like a CD by one band instead of two. They’re both excellent, but when the bands blend together so seamlessly, it kind of defeats the purpose of an effective split band release. Know what I mean? (CD) Ferret 341 Monmouth St 1010. Jersey City. NJ 07302
CAPITALIST CASUALTIES Planned Community 6” If it wasn’t for the fact that I’m writing this review at the last minute just to get it into this issue, I would have otherwise asked someone else to review this one. Why? Because I honestly don’t know what I can say about C.C. that hasn’t been said before. I’ve been a fan of these guys since their first homemade demo from 13 or so years ago. I’ve liked every release they’ve done over the years, and there’s so many by now that I can’t even remember 'em all. Suffice to say, this carries on the C.C. tradition of memorable hardcore thrash. The lyrics are so well written they almost overshadow the music itself. The title track is basically the Y‘2K version of “Pleasant Valley Sunday” or “Respectable Street”, a biting attack on the ugly, hidden underbelly of suburban life. In general, Jeff Robinson’s lyric writing is what I consider to be one of the underrated strengths of this band. This tiny vinyl was originally set to be released by King Of The Monsters, but Six Weeks stepped in and took the reigns. Hats off to them, once again! (CD) Six Weeks. 225 Lincoln Avenue. Cotati. CA 94931
CHARM-Hito 7" I knew CHARM from the “Barbaric Trash’’ compilation that 625 did and I heard some good rumours floating around about the band. The high expectations that I kinda had for this record are completely fulfilled, in fact, my dream came true. A smoking record this is. Not unlike EXCLAIM, this is almost out of control, fast hardcore in a way I think only bands from Japan can do it. It's raging, loud, pounding, fast, just everything. I would say the only minus on this record is the fact that it's a one-sided record because you will be on your knees begging for more. When the needle jumps off the vinyl the only thing that comes to mind is to put it back on again. Nice artwork and colour vinyl as usual. Does somebody want to get rid of their demo? (RE) Coalition Hugo de Grootstraat 25.2518 EB Den Haag. Holland
CATASEXUAL URGE MOTIVATION The Encyclopedia of Serial Murders CD This will blow some minds and maybe even some speakers! CATASEXUAL URGE MOTIVATION from Japan grunt and blast through 22 songs of fierce murder-splatter-grind-gore-sludge core. This CD is actually a reissue and CATASEXUAL URGE MOTIVATION is now known as VAMPIRIC MOTIVES. Think of extremely low tuned guitars that are mixed with a drum machine and some of the gnarliest gargling vocals that you have ever heard and you will start to get the picture. The cover is full of graphically brutal photos from various gore movies. And the song titles are quite a mouthful. Try "He Shot Her Down And Ate Her Flesh, And Then He Said Excuse Me For Living, But I Preferred To Be Eaten Rather Than To Eat" on for size and realize the monstrosity that this truly is. They even do a cover of IMPETIGO’S "Defiling the Grave." Check it out, you fucking sickos! (RC) Razorback Records, c/o Bill Nocera. P.0. Box 321. Farmingville. NY 11738 CAUSE FOR EFFECT - Fast Material CD OK, anytime a band describes their music as “jazzcore fusion” I start to get a little nervous. If my memory serves me correctly I reviewed their split CD with UTTER BASTARD ages ago and 1 slammed CAUSE FOR EFFECT. But since we all live in a "Kinder and Gentler" nation I will try to be as fair as 1 can. The best way to describe their sound is to think of a band taking elements of SCHLONG that tries to add a little grindcore and takes their own stab at creating a band. The music is an eccentric and technical mix of pop, punk and grindcore with crusty deep vocals. Unfortunately the overall musical package and production runs pretty thin and I lost interest after the first song. It all sounds just too simplistic and is not cohesive enough to rock out. (RC) Ecocentric Records. Box 200512.56005 Koblenz. Germany C.B.T. / LIBIDO AIRBAG - split MCD
CAPITALIST CASUALTIES - Gilman Street, circa 1992 by Eric Former
the music is really creative. If there’s ever such a thing as a grindcore rave, LA could headline. The cover of this is so sick I’m ready to throw it in the trash. Seven songs total. Worth getting if you like being disturbed by your music. (CD) Bones Brigade, rue de Crecy. 62140 Brevillers. France
Some of the sickest stuff comes out of Germany. Why is that? C.B.T., a.k.a. COCK AND BALL TORTURE do driving grindcore with some of the most unintentionally goofy vocals ever. They’re so guttural and effects-laden that they come off sounding comical; somewhat akin to a cross between a roaring tiger and a croaking frog that’s slowed down and put underwater. The music is standard, metallic grind fare. On target, but nothing new. LIBIDO AIRBAG do techno grind, kind of like a less good DATACLAST. They possess equally unappealing toilet-bowl vocals, but at least
CIRCLE OF DEAD CHILDREN - 7" Shit, this CIRCLE OF DEAD CHILDREN 7" is one fucking sick and twisted record. Don’t kid yourself because this is straight on grinding metal. I first got turned onto these guys with their full-length CD that came out at over a year ago. What you get here is wide-eyed, hatchet wielding grind that attempts to crack your ribs with some fast and furious blast beats and then they go for the punishing chokehold by slowing things down to almost a stall creating a steamroller of madness. The vocalist has some of the most tonsil shredding growls I have heard in some time. The record itself is a fancy full color picture disc that keeps the evil meter pegged with rudimentary drawings of ghosts and other ghastly things. According to the insert there is a CDEP version of this record on Willowtip Records. It is a keeper in my book. (RC) Robodog Records. 12001 Aintree Lane. Reston. VA 20191 CIRIL / ARMISTICE - split LP If you like O.C. crustcore, then you'll like ARMISTICE. Plain & simple. Stenchy thrashcore that tackles the usual hardcore enemies: War, racism, sellouts, police brutality, destruction of the planet, et al. They know what they want to do and they hit it right on target. Pissed, raw, and speedy... enough said. CIRIL shares the disc in a slightly less spectacular manner than their cohorts. They’re a bit more “punk” and not as thrashy. Another SoCal unit, these lads don’t have much to offer lyrically, but their buzzsaw guitar driven drunk-core drives it on home and is reminiscent of early Riot City label releases. In other words, very much akin to spiky haired, early UK punk rock. Pretty good, but it didn’t necessarily float my boat. I dunno... maybe I need to drink more 40s and shower less often. (CD) Know Records
(J) = Josh Baker/ (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Milter / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhthotme
LO
REVIEWS
Ol. COALITION AGAINST SHANE / THOR Keepin' The Dogs Away split CD Okay, okay, the very nature of this CD is funny enough to ensure COALITION AGAINST SHANE a prize at this year's Power Violence Emmy Awards. The problem is I can't tell how much of THOR's inclusion on this CD is a total joke and how much of it is dorky hero worship?!? It doesn't really matter, I suppose. Nobody with three functioning brain cells is going to listen to the THOR part of it anyway. I make no secret of the fact I love lame poser metal and have been into that whole scene for over 20 years now, but even I, the "King Of No Discriminating Taste", have never been able to stomach THOR whose physical strength is in direct negative proportion to his musical feebleness. C.A.S. is another matter entirely. They play a spasmatic flavor of power violence that propels the overall goof-core quotient of the extreme hardcore scene to new heights (or sinks it to new depths, depending on your perspective). Like all good p.v. bands their music has a feeling of impending entropy, like it is on the verge of spinning completely out of control into a chaotic swirl of crunching guitars, tortured bass lines and exploding drums yet somehow they keep reigns on it all. The energy that is created by pushing music to the edge and holding it there is what makes COALITION AGAINST SHANE so freakin' almighty. The only part of the C.A.S. part of the CD that I don't like is the fact it desperately needs a sample-ectomy. They go so far overboard with the "funny" samples that they even give one its own track. When samples are used between (or in) every song they lose what little impact they had to offer in the first place. They become intrusive and take away from the music, instead of add to it. It is like your friend who never stops telling jokes. The joke may be funny but you are so sick of hearing them from him you don't laugh anymore... (JB) 13th Day Recordings. 7205 Goreway Dr. P.0. Box 59065, Malton. Ont. LAT 4J1 Canada COCKROACH - Stay Angry 7" Blazing fast, rabid hardcore from The Netherlands. That country has been exploding with some awesome fastcore acts in recent years and you can now add COCKROACH to the list of up and coming scenesters. These lads have never heard of speed limits so they spend their time tearing through eight energetic, searing HC thrashers. Willem-Jan from INSULT (NL) sent this one in so it’s good to see the bands supporting each other. (CD) Acme Records. P.0. Box 441. Dracut MA 01826 COMATOSE - 7" It is when I am reviewing records like this that I get frustrated by the fact there are only so many words I can use to describe something as "brutal". Someone really needs to invent a new batch of words for me to use so I can adequately convince you that this is some of the most bloodcurdling aural racket you are ever going to hear. COMATOSE is ferocious and blasting from the first second to the last. They will pulverize your eardrums with their gnashing interpretation of grindcore. While listening to this your head will get to snapping back and forth so fast you are likely to give your neck vertebrae friction burns. Think early BRUTAL TRUTH or PHOBIA on overdrive. What more can I say? If you love extreme music you will revere this. (JB) Thought Crime Records c/o Thomas Franke. Proskauer Str 22.10247. Berlin. Germany COMATOSE - 7" If you’re into the German HC scene over the last few years then you’ll be into this. Metallic grinding thrash with high pitched screams. Some death metal riffing but not overkill. Plenty of hammering HC speed in the mix.
When they slow it down, which isn’t often, it’s in the E.N.T./DISRUPT ballpark. Good (and honest) commentary inside on the hypocrisy of the punk scene. (KP) Thought Crime. Thomas Franke. Proskauerstr. 22. 10247 Berlin. Germany CONGRESS Stake Through The Heart CD These Belgian boys play Upstate NY style metallic moshcore but manage to make it slightly more interesting than their U.S. counterparts by adding more variety of tempos and riff changes. Vocals are raspy and evil sounding while the tunes are cleanly recorded and seem to owe more of a nod to metal than hardcore. Lots of Roadrunner releases in their record collections, I’m sure. One glance at the lyrics and it’s clear that CONGRESS is full-on Godcore. Most contingents of the HC scene automatically think that’s something to panic about, but personally I don’t care about that sort of thing one way or another. But I do mention it because I find it ironic that the message of God is supposed to be one of love, yet one of the band members “thanks” lists ends with the line, “'folk is cheap motherfucker, watch ur back." Those nutty kids. Not the sort of music you’ll find Rod and Tod Flanders listening to anytime soon. (CD) Good Life Recordings CONTAINER CRUSTIES FROM HELL / MIHOEN - split T A new example of what Dutch hardcore / punk has to offer at the moment. The so-called “scene” that everybody is always talking about is pretty healthy right now. There's a lot of new bands forming that go for the more extreme approach. Although C.C.F.H. already split up, they recorded three songs for their side of this platter. Think of HELLNATIONistic music. High pitched vocals, fast beats. The guitar is clearly present throughout all three songs. An occasional breakdown forms the slower parts of the record. Can't tell too much about the lyrics. The lyric sheet is almost unreadable, or I need stronger glasses. Anyway, I can tell you it's about politics and social issues. Conclusion: it's good, but in my opinion it's a bit in the shadow of the MIHOEN side. This band blows everything in its path. Full speed, double bass, hardcore and still remaining that punky touch. Five tracks, good sound. The music is just a bit catchier than the flipside. The band's last 7" completely blew me away and this one is even better. I've seen the band live a couple of times and I've gotten the impression they even play faster live without turning into grind or noise. I can easily say this band forms a serious threat for a band like SEEIN' RED. A great DIY release. Sleeve, lyrics, explanations and the vinyl is taken good care of. Like it fast? This is your thing. (RE) PariacoUective. P.0. Box 1332.3500 BH Utrecht Holland THE CONTROL - 10“ I started saving up my allowance money to buy records in 1978. By 1980 I had discovered extreme music and by 1983 I was immersed in the underground. I have had people ask me how, after all this time, I can still get excited about extreme music. The answer is simple... I keep finding bands like THE CONTROL. Hailing from Buffalo, NY this is yet another band in the ever upsurging thrash scene. A scene that is growing continually closer to reaching musical perfection. THE CONTROL somehow merges a highly chaotic sound with distinctive and undeniably tuneful undertones. The combination of vehement and melodic has quite an interesting end effect... it is like someone is beating you to a bloody pulp but they are doing it with a pillow. If you have no idea what I am what I am talking about you can easily find out because this half yellow, half blue slab of vinyl is only $6 ppd. (JB) +/- Records. P.0. Box 7096. Ann Arbor. Ml 48107
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY America s Volume Dealer CD
COUNTDOWN TO OBLIVION Brain Surgery For Beginners 7"
C.O.C. continue their never ending crusade to be the world’s most inconsistent band on their latest release. Born as a classic hardcore band about a million years ago they mutated into one of the crossover scenes brightest stars. Then they decided they wanted to make as much money as METALLICA and they totally revamped their sound to try and cash in. Ever since then they have been up and down and everywhere in between. Sometimes they have been astounding, sometimes gruesomely pathetic, often on the same album. They never gave up on trying to hop on METALLICA’s coattails but they at least had enough sense to interpret the sound by filtering it through a classic Southern Rock perspective. Often that was their only saving grace. The new album is actually pretty good... especially if you like the new METALLICA sound and if you dig Southern Rock. (JB) Sanctuary/BMG
Well, I should start off by saying that COUNTDOWN TO OBLIVION contains ex-LEFT FOR DEAD and THE SWARM folks. This is dense choppy hardcore that charges on with good precision and strong dual vocals. They throw in just a touch of metal into their guitar riffs, but keep things pretty straight forward and effective. The lyrics center on politics and constructive criticism of the hardcore scene. I really liked the song that deals with the abuse of scene politics and what happens when people make serious accusations. In the description of the song they write, "In our experience of problem solving, we fall back on traditional methods of punishment, like stigmatizing and blacklisting. Our politics should be our means of betterment, not a contest of who has had a shittier life, and how that validates someone under the eyes of the scene jury." Amen! (RC) Deranged Records P.0. Box 543 Station P. Toronto. Ontario M5S 2T1. Canada
CORROSIONE / CATTIVERIA - split LP
C.R. - Forty Six Songs CD
From Italy, CORROSIONE play mid-tempo HC, solid but nothing off the rails. CATTIVERIA, also from Italy, play much more in the grindcore metal influenced sound including the deep throat growls for vocals. The lyrics and explanations that are in English are really good. Comes in a gatefold jacket. (KP) Agipunk c/o Milani Gianpiero. C.P. 63.27100 Pavia. Italy
Every band from the past decade who released more than one record seems to do a discography release and Long Island thrashers C.R. are no different. As the title suggests, you get a lot of songs in a short amount of time. Everything is here: the album, the 7”, the flexi, the split 7”, comp tracks and unreleased tunes as well. For a short period of time, C.R. and BLACK ARMY JACKET comprised what was officially tagged as East Coast Power Violence, so you might know what you’re in for. For me, it has more of a straight forward hardcore sound than power violence necessarily, but what do 1 know about such things? Anguished bursts of hyperactive thrash are tempered with moshable breakdowns and jangly Ebullitionesque chording. Spiffy booklet with all of the lyrics, live pics, and liner notes. (CD) Chainsaw Safety. Box 260318. Belierose. NY 11426-03188
THE COUNT - Romance In Reverb 7” The Count plays "One... two... three... eight! Fast screamo hardcore songs. Mua ha ha ha!" This record reminded me of some of the more stylish southern California bands that have been all the rage - the Indie Violence crew, if you know who I mean. Muddy, lo-fi trebly, overdriven intensity like all the good chaotic San Diego bands - HEROIN, ANTIOCH ARROW, but faster and even more in the new PV formula - like the LOCUST without keyboards/noises, or something. I thought at first that it reminded me of JENNY PICCOLO but when I pulled out that record I realized that I was wrong. JP seems to have a lot more direct a connection to blasting, straight-forward hardcore like CAPITALIST CASUALTIES which THE COUNT only hits on occasionally. Which is fine with me. Self-released, #506/500, with DIY packaging (I think it’s in a trimmed-down file-folder) with what could easily be construed as a joke on hometown heroes MITB and some nice Xeroxover-xerox pics ("One COUNT member fell down on the ground while playing. Ha ha ha ha!") are a nice touch that people seem to be getting away from these days. These guys must be in college because the “suggested song titles” and lyrics are subject to change without notice, which is a good point. Lyric sheets exist to get the ideas of the music and the lyrics across - if the music limits the lyrics to short, inarticulate outbursts that don’t end up making a whole lot of sense, don’t reprint them verbatim. Instead explain your message, or don’t. There are no rules that the lyrics that are “sung” are the only ones allowed. So did I like this record? I guess so - not so much the music, which is pretty good and they are probably better live (most bands are, except that they aren’t straightedge so I’d probably get smoked on during their show, which always sucks, and generally stylish Indie Violence people get on my nerves with their posturing) but checking this record out got me thinking about what D.I.Y. can be, which is cool. (J) Count Records. P.0. Box 1161. Claremont CA 91711-1161
CREEP DIVISION - CD So-so HC that is just there. A few good sing alongs here and there but it was tough to make it through the entire CD. They’re shooting for the ‘80s HC sound but it is just too on the rails. Maybe it isn’t for kids at the mall, but if you’re reading this magazine you more than likely won’t think much of it. Made up of members from SICK OF IT ALL and GOOD RIDDANCE, but since I haven’t listened to those bands the reference doesn’t help me; maybe it will sell you on it. (KP) Indecision. P.0. Box 5781. Huntington Beach. CA 92615 CRIPPLE BASTARDS Misantropo A Senso Unico LP These guys sent me their first demos back in the early 1990’s and, damn, have they improved! The earliest C.B. material was mostly noisecore blasts along the lines of A.C., but nowadays they’re writing really intense grind / thrash / HC with a groove that the early material lacked. After roughly a decade of noise they’re now in their finest form ever. Catchy but brutal outbursts of tightly executed blastcore. I’ve been listening to it repeatedly, and with the amount of stuff I get, that’s pretty rare indeed. The album ends with a re-recording of their 94 song demo from 1993 that’s much harsher and much more listenable than C.B.’s older attempts at this style. Full color gatefold sleeve and a well constructed lyric booklet, plus the first 1,000 are limited to lovely clear purple vinyl. The inside of the gatefold has a photo collage of corpse photos, and anyone who knows me well, knows that I hate stuff like that... so that’s my only complaint about an otherwise excellent release. C.B. just keeps getting better and better and this album is no exception. (CD) E.U. *91 Produzioni c/o Andrea Schintu. Via Mortasco 23. 26100 Cremona. Italy
REVIEWS
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholme_
release, continue with chaos and mayhem with five more songs including two ANAL CUNT covers. Straightforward mincecore that is disgustingly good, and that will make you say "Give me grind or give me death." (RC) Vicious Interference P.0. Box 2331. Land O’ Lakes. FL 34639-2331 CURTAINRAIL / JOHN BROWNS ARMY-split T
CROM The Cocaine Wars 1974-1989 CD This CD is either sheer genius or sheer lunacy... I can't decide which. Nothing at all like I expected from the mighty CROM, "The Cocaine Wars" is still leaving me dumbfounded after repeated listens. Infamous for their barely restrained outbursts of noisecore, CROM has found a way to tether their sound... for better or worse. What they have done is released what can only be described as a rock opera, power violence style. They have couched their 45 second explosions of hardcore mayhem in a melange of samples, sound effects and spoof heavy metal outtakes. There is no break from one "song" to the next, instead everything is tied together into a sequence of "sound events" (for lack of a better expression) that has more to do with entropy than linear storytelling. The 30 "songs" on this CD are therefore melded into one big chain that could just as easily have been called one song with 30 parts. To test my theory I even tried putting this disc on random play and listening to it that way... it just doesn't work. You've got to go from start to finish in the right order for this sucker to sound right. The closest comparison I can make is the GASP album although this is far more tongue in cheek and pokes never ending fun at heavy metal in general and SLAYER in particular. At least that is my assumption... I guess it could be paying homage to SLAYER, but I seriously doubt it and if that is what they were shooting for, they blew it. Regardless this is ten times more listenable than anything SLAYER has done in over a decade. (JB) Pessimiser. P.0. Box 1070 Hermosa Beach. CA 90254 CROW - Neurotic Organization 7” Damn, I’ve been waiting a year for this & it’s finally out! Japan's underrated old school kings of thrashcore are back. The four tracks on this platter were recorded on their trip to San Francisco in early 2000. Fortunately I got to see them play live out here, and ever since then I’ve been dying for some new recordings. These songs are a perfect representation of what CROW has to offer: a mix of 1980 speed Japanese / U.K. hardcore with a dash of MOTORHEAD. Basic but hooky riffs and signature middle-of-the-song solos a la DISCHARGE. Vocals that are yelled, not growled. It all adds up to a sound that smacks of good ol’ galloping HC the way it used to be played. Simply put, CROW rules and Prank never disappoints. (CD) Prank. P.0. Box 410892. San Francisco. CA 94141-0892 CUMSHOTTE / EXCRETED ALIVE split T CUMSHOTTE, who are from Florida, lash out with some simple yet effective grindcore. Fast and tuned low, CUMSHOTTE has two people on vocals and one of them has a shrill high-pitched scream that sounds like he is wheezing through his nose. EXCRETED ALIVE from Spain, now appearing on what must be like their 20th
Tornado vs. Whirlwind; who's gonna win? Doesn't matter. Both bands are fast as hell. CURTAINRAIL from Japan kicks in four tracks of hyperspeed hardcore. Pounding and pummeling and with a rough edge to it. Just like they did on previous output and they do it good. JOHN BROWNS ARMY is a relatively new band with Nate from DEVOID OF FAITH on vocals and guitars, completed with some new blood. They play fast but throw in more “old” hardcore influences compared to CURTAINRAIL. There's definitely some DEVOID OF FAITH sound to it but it's not a copy. In fact, it's just great. (RE) Gloom Records. P.0. Box 14253. Albany. NY 12212 DEADSTARE-T Friends of mine from Down Under keep reassuring me that there are a healthy dose of top notch thrash and power violence bands lurking around Australia in spite of the fact very few are making their presence known outside their homeland. Hopefully this DEADSTARE e.p. on Shortfuse Records can be the catalyst to get more Aussie thrash records flowing into the U.K. and North America. This is a real gem, I gotta tell ya... Thrashing hatecore derangement that goes right for the throat and doesn't stop until the blood is flowing. The sound is akin to STRONG INTENTION or maybe a more frantic LAST IN LINE so you know it is going to blister your eardrums. Nothing fancy and nothing complex... just good ole' hardcore played like there is no tomorrow. Ageless and timeless, this is a record that you will be able to put on 10 years from now and it will still have you bouncing off the walls of your apartment. (JB) Shortfuse Records do Clint Chapman. 30 Cottsfoot Path. Romford. Essex. RM3 8BH. U.K. D.D.I./STALKER - split LP STALKER fucking kill! Fast as fuck HC that crashes for a few seconds to pummel you slower before the annihilating speed returns. Reminds me a lot of Y and it should since Thomas from Y is in the band as well as Jens from PINK FLAMINGOS. You can’t go wrong with that kind of thrash know-how. Some of the best thrash I’ve heard this year. The D.D.I. side is no let down. Fast, not STALKER fast, but still speedy on anyone’s radar. Catchy time changes and angry as fuck vocals with some good shouted choruses. T\vo great bands on one record. Comes in a gatefold jacket with a big insert with all the lyrics. (KP) Thought Crime do Thomas Franke. Proskauerstr. 22. 10247 Berlin. Germany DEAD AND GONE-double T DEAD AND GONE continue to establish themselves as one of the premiere esoteric hardcore bands around. Their NOMEANSNO meets VICTIMS FAMILY meets the DEAD KENNEDYS meets NEUROSIS sound is as fascinating as it is massive. Dense and complex melodies underpin an inherently harsh and meaty approach. With countless Johnny-comelately bands jostling for position to jump on any bandwagon that is conveniently passing by, it is beyond refreshing to hear DEAD AND GONE continuing to strive for distinctiveness. (JB) Gold Standard Laboratories
DEAD EYES UNDER Cursed Be The Deceiver CD This CD was released last year but I just barely got my grubby little mitts on it... and I am glad I did. For someone like me who revels in metal and basks in hardcore this is a near perfect blend of the two extremes. It is dense and relentless and vicious and intense and... diabolical. The vocals are all over the place with screams, roars, shouts, growls... like you might expect a schizophrenic demon to sound. The music is complex and tight with an equal emphasis being placed on speed and heaviness. You like breakdowns? Man, this will break you down. The D.E.P. crowd is going to eat this up. I did. Look for the hidden track as well. It is several songs of the band just going nuts playing loose and frivolous grindcore/mincecore stuff. (JB) +/- Records. P.0. Box 7096. Ann Arbor. Ml 48107
DECAPITATED - Winds of Creation CD Oh shit, I'm way out of my league on this one. I stopped listening to metal bands around 1985 when I found there was a style of music even more brutal... hardcore punk!! I must say this band of teenage longhairs is pretty fucking devastating. Sick and fast tech death metal from Poland very similar in arrangement and cacophony to DEICIDE's "Legion" era with prerequisite brutally fast double-bass drumming and an endless maelstrom of lightning fast death-core riffing. I think fans of this genre would go apeshit over these kids! Definitely an impressive musical outing for a band so young (the drummer is 15!!), and with a huge sounding recording budget to match, metal heads can't go wrong here. (JR) Wicked Worid/Earache DECONTROL - In Trenches... LP
DEAD INSIDE - demo CDR Another new UK band that’s worth paying attention to. Features people from COMET GAIN, USEFUL IDIOT and HARD TO SWALLOW. I heard they sounded like BLACK FLAG prior to getting this, but I would have to disagree and say hands down that this is heavily influenced by B’LAST. That’s no bad thing either as no one’s really going for that sound, so this demo comes across as quite refreshing. They have the ability to pull it off as well; time/tempo changes galore and flowing really well. I guess you could maybe angle a slight BLACK FLAG influence at them, but they stand out on their own too much for that. They have a couple of 7"s on the way via Household Name and Land OfTYeason respectively. As for a track listing, artwork, etc., I can’t comment as this is a blank CD that Kev gave me last time they played. Also no contact info except for Kev’s email address, and I’d try getting hold of this as it seriously is refreshing. (GS) bloodykevhts@hotmaiL com DEADFOOD - Weird Feelings CD Do you like ZAPPA or BUNGLE or CAGE with a hint of VICTIM’S FAMILY, RUINS, and FANTOMAS? Then you already like DEADFOOD. Yeah, it’s one for the more adventurous of you out there, but for those who “get it”, it’s well worth finding. Much akin to the bands I referenced, DEADFOOD is a talented and creative unit from L.A. who takes equal stock in writing tunes that are memorable yet impossible to follow. They violently leap and charge in one direction, only to suddenly stop and bolt in the opposite direction just as quickly. Experimental and freaky but addictively listenable. At least one of the members of the grind outfit FETUS EATERS in this band. Hope I get to see ‘em pull this off live. (CD) Deadfood. P.0. Box 6488. Burbank. CA 91510-6488
Without even placing this record on the turntable I knew what was in store for me. From the band name, to the typewritten lyrics on the back cover, to the spikey haired, studded leather jacket clad band members, everything about these lads screams DISCHARGE! Ten tunes of D-beat madness done at twice the speed of the godfathers themselves. Lyrics are about weapons of mass destruction and bodies lying everywhere, of course. Tunes are basic stenchcore with pissed vox and distortion turned up to 10. There will always be a new generation of D-beat thrashers to carry on the tradition of anti-war crustcore and DECONTROL have just been handed the baton. (CD) Iron Bastard Records P.0. Box 56. Pickle Lake. ON. POV 3A0. Canada DEFIANCE - Nothing Lasts Forever LP Now this is my kinda "thing" right here. Full-on, old school UK, glue-huffing punk-core straight out of the bleak and grey northwest, played by guys with names like Gibby and Niff!! Spikes and studs, charged hair-in-the-air, fist shaking, asskicking punk rock. Heavily under the influence of cider, ale and a million Riot City Records bands, this disc rages from start to end. Typical beautifully done gatefold jacket and poster insert by Mind Control Records, this record is pretty much flawless, written and performed by punks who have studied this style backwards and forwards. Most hardcore kids will pass this off as "old fashioned" (like there is something "new and exciting" about a 20th generation CHAIN OF STRENGTH wanna-be band), but I believe ripping ‘77-’80s punk has a place in this zine, especially when its done with fervent dedication and perfection as DEFIANCE exhibits on this LP. Excellent. (JR) Mind Control Records. 1012 Brodie St. Austin. TX 78704 THE DEGENERICS - Generica LP
DEBT - The Pain of Constant Living CD Released without much notice by most people and I for one had no idea this was out. After seeing them live a while back I thought I'd pick it up and see if they could pull the whole thing off in a studio. Let me tell you these three Irish lads know how to make a racket. Take some parts CATHARSIS and mix it up with some DYSTOPIA and then you're in the right area. Nine songs within which humanity isn’t painted in a very favourable light, and with titles like "The Weakest Link In The Entire Fucking Chain" you get the general idea that these lads want cheering up. Or a few things changing. Packaging wise this looks like a CATHARSIS style release, and all the lyrics are hand written and are a challenge to read but fit in well with the whole feel. On the whole this is a good solid release and I'm impressed to no end. OK, so it isn’t overly original or ground breaking but it's good nonetheless; I just hope some people pick up on them. Oh, and extra points for the “Evil Dead 2” sample. (GS) ControL P.0. Box 6591. Dun Laoghaire. Co. Dublin. Ireland
This LP impressed me before I even put it on. The fabulous two-tone vinyl, the helter-skelter cut and paste artwork, and the lyric sheet which is done up like a multi-page newsprint zine with each song getting an entire page with unique layout. It must have taken the band and label forever to get this all pulled together. Fortunately it was worth the effort! THE DEGENERICS are a tenacious hardcore band who build a frantic and chaotic sound on a foundation of sheer punk rock. They are furious both emotionally and in their delivery. They have a vintage thrash approach but they incorporate all of the violence and severity that the neo-thrash, power violence and crossover scenes embody (except for one outro of reggae surf... which can be skipped). A top notch record that is one of the years mandatory pick ups. (JB) Dead Alive. P.0. Box 97. CaldwelL NJ 07006 DESPITE-s/t T Last issue I reviewed an album by DESPITE from Wisconsin. This 7” is from a different band by the same name, this time from Sweden. There must
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholme
be something lucky about that band name because this DESPITE is excellent as well. 10 songs of slamming Swedish hardcore being thrashed out by young crusty types with tons of hooky riffs and spunky energy. They combine elements of classic Scandi-thrash and E.N.T. so you know it’s a winner. (CD) Nation Of Mrs M.. Petter Andersson. Kallingev. 18.37239. Ronneby. Sweden DIR YASSIN - Durchbrechender Geist 7" Israel has produced a small handful of extreme hardcore and death metal bands over the last 15 years, almost all of which have been totally ignored outside of their homeland. DIR YASSIN may be the band that changes that. They are a fiercely maniacal fastcore band that literally oozes hate and venom. They detest the violent and scarred society they live in, one that, as they see it, promotes racism and oversimplifies complex social issues in an attempt to unify the Israeli people in their struggles against Palestine. They cry for kinship and understanding for all people, not just their "own". They capture the turmoil of their homeland with a musical barrage that is as violent as the social conditions that surround them. If you often find yourself describing your musical preferences with the word "harsh", then this is a record for you. (JB) Thought Crime Records do Thomas Franke Proskauer Str 22.10247, Berlin. Germany DISBEER - The Frost 7” I guess looking for a good suffix for “Dis” is getting pretty tough. They do good to the Dis prefix though. DISBEER belts out some thunderous noise. The production is excellent for this type of band; totally chaotic but with everything still accounted for. No lyrics, but the vocals are foaming at the mouth and adds to the power. If you know the power of the D-beat, get it. (KP) Murder Records. BP 11.33023 Bordeaux COX. France DISCARGA - T The 625 label is all about giving a leg up to new, mostly unheard fastcore bands from all over the world. This release is indicative of what the label philosophy is all about. DISCARGA is a high speed outfit from Brazil that plays hyperspeed HC with an ‘80s edge. Solid, basic, and catchy with a hint of LARM for good measure. A few of the samples seem pointless, but otherwise this is chock full of snappy thrash that warrants repeated listens. (CD) 425. P.0. Box 423413. S.F.. CA 94142-3413 DISCLOSE - The Nuclear Victims T When it comes to extreme D-beat terror, this Japanese unit has been at it longer than most. If memory serves me correctly, I got their first 12” about 10 years ago. This 7” is a collection of comp tracks that were all home-recorded and super raw, yet still damn good and punky sounding. I’m a sucker for generic DISCHARGE worship and these guys are the kings of it. Not original at all, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it. (CD) Whisper In Darkness. Box 40113. Portland. OR 97240 DISEMBODIED - Heretic CD Tech metal tinged hardcore from Connecticut. It’s got That Sound. You know what I mean: dizzy fingers guitar work, ‘90s sXe style drums, lots of E string galloping, hoarse vocals, lots of “fuck you”s and vague lyrics about how much people suck and the things they do suck even worse. Even though I’ve heard it before, I actually really like this disc. These tunes are in the same vein as, say, Victory style HC, but DISEMBODIED blows away every band on that roster by far. Unlike most releases of this genre, I didn’t find myself getting bored with this release. Pretty appealing graphically as well. If you need a soundtrack to doing some floorpunching in your bedroom, this would be a safe bet. (CD) Edison Recordings
DISPLACED PERSON - Motive CD A friend of mine was on the phone to me saying how he'd seen this Japanese band the other day and they were amazing and that they were playing a free gig just down the road from me which no one knew about. So I trundled on down there for the hell of it and proceeded to be floored by one of the tightest bands I'd seen for ages. So I picked up the CD! This is a fairly old recording but the only one on sale. Again like with HELLCHILD, I reckon that this is pretty much a metal record, but that aside it's fucking good. Part TERRORIZER, part PANTERA and fucking heavy as hell. When it comes to doing all the technical bits this band have it sussed. They use 7 string guitars and 5 string basses if that gives you an indication of what they're up to. When they out their foot to the floor and thrash it out they do it pretty fucking well and verge on the over the top grind I love so much. However, there's too much just chugging along to hold my attention, which is a shame as I really wanted to like them after the live experience, but alas, they can't pull it off on record. As for the packaging, the sleeve folds out into a picture of "something" although quite what I'm not sure, answers on a postcard! (GS) Edipse Records. 1-63 Iseda Takaya. Kitagata Motosu-gun, Gifu 501-04. Japan DISREANTIYOUTHHELLCHRISTBAS TARDASSMANX / SLOTH - split T I merely typed the name of the first band on this split and it gave me carpal tunnel syndrome... DISREANTIYOUTHHELLCHRISTBASTARDASSM ANX get their name by combining pieces of words from well established extreme hardcore bands like DISRUPT, CRIPPLE BASTARDS, MONSTER X, ASSUCK, M.I.T.B. and others. I guess it is a mildly amusing way to get a moniker... although the band members using it as their last name in the classic punk tradition is funnier (and yes, it was funny on purpose). Musically they play a primitive brand of extreme thrash that owes everything to their many influences and manages very little that is original, although the lyrics are excellent. Not a bad attempt but with a shelf full of generic thrash records I can't see myself reaching for this one very often. I bet the very first practice demos from CAPITALIST CASUALTIES sounded a lot like this... I also bet the best DISREANTIYOUTHHELLCHRISTBASTARDASSM ANX has to offer is ahead of them, not behind them. SLOTH, not surprisingly (judging by their name), go to the other extreme in speed and play an effect laden sludge. Not super heavy or original but not a bad listen if for no other fact than fewer bands are plying their trade in slowcore than fastcore. When all is said this record is for the “gotta-have-it-all in extreme hardcore" record buyer. (JB) Thrash Bot 1144 A East' 2nd. Escondido. CA 92025
from the bands of my hometown scene... and I'm not sure I would even listen to those. Not everything from the past should be resurrected. Sometimes the decay is just too severe... (JB) Smog Veil PMB 454 774 Mays #10. Las Vegas. NV 89451
REVIEWS CD fits that bill. If you are a fan of anything CHRIS DODGE or DAVE WITTE have done in the past you will want to add this to your collection pronto. If you don't like DODGE or WITTE... well... I hear you can get Backstreet Boys CDs at Burger King, ya bozo. (JB) Slap A Ham Records. Box 420843. S.F.. CA 94142-0843 DON AUSTIN - T
CHRIS DODGE / DAVE WITTE East West Blast Test CD I had the distinct pleasure of getting an advance tape of this album well in advance of its release and I can honestly say that after weeks of listening to it I continue to discover new flavors and shades of sound with each listen. Scene mainstays CHRIS DODGE and DAVE WITTE have secured enough of a cult of personality (at least amongst readers of this zine) that I am not going to list their impressive pedigrees but instead focus on what this "clash of titans" has produced musically. The entire CD is built on 27 rapid-fire drum flare-ups that all last somewhere in the 30 second to 1 minute range. Layered on top of the hyper pounding is an amalgamation of fastcore, noise, thrash, weirdness, power violence and good ole' punk rock. Sometimes it shreds in a fairly recognizable hardcore style and other times it lurches and jerks and swirls and generally explodes in a million different directions not unlike what you might get if Colin of the DOG FACED HERMANS tried to play jazz versions of the ANCIENT CHINESE SECRET album. There is a little bit of everything on here and then some... there are instrumental tracks, songs with death growl vocals, tunes with female vocal calisthenics (courtesy of Lydia from the aforementioned A.C.S.), cuts with razor sharp riffing, pieces of GRIEF-esque sludge and more. If you have a wide open mind you are going to be blown away by the degree of experimentation on this CD. If you have a closed mind and only like your hardcore fast, loud, and violent you are going to be blown away by how every song on this
I thought 1999 was the best year ever for thrash hardcore but Y2K is easily eclipsing it. Brilliant bands seem to be crawling out of the woodwork worldwide. Add Akron, Ohio's DON AUSTIN to the list of bands who on the strength of one 7" alone have catapulted themselves to the head of the class. DON AUSTIN do a mindblowing job of merging the violence of the contemporary hyperthrash sound with the always endearing vibes of vintage D.R.I. All eight of the tunes on this record are a whirlwind of hit and run hardcore that flail the listener for what can't be a combined total of more than six minutes. A template for success if there ever was one! (JB) Rubber City Records. Box 8349. Akron. OH 44320-8349 THE DREAD - Bonnie And Clyde CD With the fracturing of hardcore into countless sub-genres it is almost a surprise when I get a CD that is I can describe as "pure" hardcore. By contrasting it to the various sub-genres I could go on and on telling you what this album isn't but instead let me tell you what it is. It is fast, angry, catchy, melodic, intelligent, diverse, punk as hell, and most of all... it is... not likely to leave my stereo anytime soon! Songs like "East Side, West Side", "Chaos", "Broadway", and "Crossed Out" have seared themselves into my brain. I have played this disc so many times lately it has delayed my getting things written for the zine on time, but who cares? I've gotta hear "No Good For You" just one more time. (JB) Six Weeks DREAD 101 - T Best new record I’ve reviewed so far. Seven songs, Czech hardcore, no frills, mid-tempo metallic crust, with blast enough for all the speed freaks out there, this record is great. The songs have a dual-vocalled, verse-trading setup that reminds me of NAUSEA or, since DREAD 101 has no female vox, ENT. Nothing really new going on here musically, but it doesn’t matter I’m totally satisfied. Not to mention, the lyrics/song titles are Czech with English translations, which is awesome, especially since they have a song called "Read or Die" which hits very close to home (fuckin’ bookstore-core!), and
THE DISSIDENTS Conformity Is Deformity CD THE DISSIDENTS was a 3rd rate punk band that bounced around Cleveland circa 1981 although even by that relatively early date (on the punk rock timeline) they sounded dated. They were the epitome of the basement band who, when they concentrated really hard, might get complex enough to play all three chords of any given song. This CD is a collection of tunes from THE DISSIDENTS recorded on cassette players during various rehearsals and live gigs. For their fans still into punk 20 years later (probably amounting to about five people) this must be a cool memento of a faded glory days. For the rest of us, even those of us old enough to remember punk during the Reagan years, this is total garbage. If I want barely audible recordings of dime-a-dozen punk bands, I at least want ones
CEPHALIC CARNAGE - Thursday August 10th, Jerry's Pizza. Bakersfield California. Photo by Erick Hukka-Pukka
REVIEWS will be my favorite song for awhile. Actually the lyric translations lead me to believe that these are smart guys doing this band - no silly “Smash the State" crap, but instead ideas like "The only revolution I believe in / Is that in your and my head." Makes sense. [J] Insane Society. Box 6.501 Hradek Kralove. Czech Repub.
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholme_
how much influence they have taken from SPAZZ. CRUEL FACE from Brazil go the complete opposite direction with three songs of rough manic hardcore that are simple yet effective. Gruff production and execution give their music a fierce edge, which only enhances their sound even further. (RC) Rhetoric Records. P.0. Box 82. Madison. Wl 53701
EXHUMED - Thursday August 10th. Jerry's Pizza, Bakersfield CA. Photo by Erick Hukka-Pukka
DS-13 - Trash And Burn 6“ First off, I have to say that all aspects of this output seem right. It's well produced, the packing job is amazing. Imagine screenprinted cardboard envelope sleeve, coloured 6" vinyl, lots of inserts and a sticker. The band's music is probably known all over by now as well. I remember ordering this months and months ago and being really stoked about it getting released. Right now I must say it didn't grab me as much as the band's previous releases. It gives me a “more of the same” feeling. Again, this doesn't mean it's bad. Certainly not. It's good old raw and fast hardcore, pissed off as hell. Just too much for me. It's kinda drowning in the sea of releases in this style. Decide for yourself. (RE) Enslaved. P0 Box 169. Forster Court. Bradford. West Yorkshire. BD12UJ. U.K. DS-13 - Vad Vet Vi Om Kriget CD Well, you’re probably more than familiar with these boys by now. They dish out hi-speed Swedish hardcore with more than a hint of U.S. fastcore thrash mixed in for good measure. It’s loud, pissed off, and in-your-face... always a good combo. However, for some reason this doesn’t grab me like 1 was hoping it would. The mix is good and the lyrics that tear apart the punk scene itself are excellent, but there’s something about the riffs here that’s a bit stale. I really liked their split 7” w/ CODE 13, and those tracks are tacked on at the end here for good measure. The more I listen to the CD, the more I like it, so maybe this is one of those releases that requires repeated listenings to fully sink in. I dunno. DS13 are a solid unit who deserve your attention and hard earned cash, but I’d be lying if I said this is one of their better efforts. (CD) Deranged. Box 543 Stn. P. Toronto. ON. M5S 2T1 Canada DS-13 For The Kids. Not The Business T Can you say GO?! Sweden’s own DEMON SYSTEM-13 rip through 13 songs of great hardcore thrash. The songs are short and to the point with great lyrics in songs like "Upperclass Vegans vs. Non-PC Bums" and "War Is Menstrual Envy." They even do a cover of "New Aryans" by REAGAN YOUTH. I got the privilege of seeing this band twice this summer. They shredded the stage and had tons of energy, even with their shows being poorly attended. DS-13 is definitely one of my favorite live bands of the year. As a side note, the cover art on the record is a great little parody of the Heineken beer label. This record has been out for a while (this is the more recent North American pressing), but that doesn’t matter because music like this is timeless. This press is limited to 1,500 copies. (RC) Deranged. Box 543 Stn. P. Toronto. ON M5S 2T1 Canada DUDMAN / CRUEL FACE - split 7“ Oh, how I love those split EPs that come with labels that don’t tell which mde of the record is which. So then you have to sit there and look at the record grooves and check how many tracks there are. And then look at how many tracks each band does and try to match the two. Damn, it always has been a challenge for us mathematically challenged punks to figure this one out. Anyway, once you get this little issue figured out then you will be in for a treat. DUDMAN are a three-piece from Japan that rip through six songs of raging thrash with crazy blast beat time changes and everybody in the band contributing to the vocals. It is amazing
DYING FETUS Destroy The Opposition CD These Maryland boys have been grinding since ‘91 but this is the first time I can recall hearing their tunes. Musically, they do the grindcore thing... blazing fast blasts, moshable breakdowns, searing guitar solos, Cookie Monster vocals; good but nothing original. Their strength lies not in their songwriting but in their execution of the tracks. The stop-on-a-dime technical prowess and devastatingly thick and clean production makes this disc worthwhile. Also impressive are the intelligent lyrics that attack corporate America instead of copping out and going the traditional “entrails and gore” route that a thousand other grinders have travelled. Good layout, lyrics, and delivery, but lacking in the “memorable songs” department. (CD) Relapse EBOLA - Tour 7" OK, so here's the deal: this is a 1-sided tour 7" for the last European tour this lot undertook. It was meant to be a split with SERVITUDE, but as the tour got nearer the band crapped themselves fearing the record wouldn’t turn-up; so they pressed their side onto this to take with them to sell, and lo and behold, one day after they set off on tour the split 7" turned up! So this here is a limited press of 500. That all clear now? Good. Well, EBOLA sure have been quiet of late and it’s about time a new release hit the streets. A slight line-up change has affected their sound a bit but that also might be down to the duration between releases anyway. Well, if you've not come across this mob before, I guess you could call this political thrash. Totally over the top drumming, and the rest of the band seem to be racing to catch up (this is a good thing) and in the process hit anything they can as fast and hard as possible! They are up there with the fastest out there for sheer speed alone, and they have good breakdowns where it's all slow for a while but you know when they crank it up again it might just knock you over. As for the lyrical content, this is something that thankfully unlike a lot of other bands they seem to have spent some time on. “Cockpit” is about idiotic macho dancing and is spot on. “Death to the Shitbreed” is about the BSE crisis and how people who continue to eat meat and catch BSE deserve nothing less. I agree. If you just love your music and want to hear something blindingly fast and ferocious then this is for you, but if you also like your politics, you can't go wrong and you'll be onto a winner with this. (GS) Enslaved. Box 169. Bradford. West Yorks. BD12UJ. UK
have a new 10" out there, which is a split with TO DIE FOR who I think are from Italy. So be on the lookout for these items if you are a fan of this music. (RC) Defiance. Ritterstrasse 50.50668. Koln. Germany
discography is growing so there’s more out there to track down. Forget the U.S. jocks in their Hilfiger gear; support bands like this who are truly struggling and rightfully deserve your hard earned cash. (CD) Sin Fronteras Records. P.0 Box 8004. Mpls, MN 55408
ENTOMBED - Uprising CD
ENGRAVE-Pretend 7"
I think ENTOMBED finally figured out that they have alienated their original following, which wouldn't be a big deal if they had managed to build a new following (how do you spell METALLICA?) but since they didn't do that, they have been left out in the cold as a band people are still willing to buy records from but not because those people are into the band now so much as they respect the history and legend of the band. ENTOMBED are a band whose best days are almost universally seen as behind them not ahead of them. So how does ENTOMBED respond to this? Well, they make a smart move in my mind. They don't try to regress back to their classic death metal roots, which would have been an obvious capitulation to their detractors, and instead opt to give themselves a new sound that pays homage to their roots but strikes out on its own. "Uprising" is the resulting album. Instead of death metal, one might call this "death rock" (except that implies goth, which this is NOT) or maybe "death punk" or maybe "heavy metal death"... I dunno. What you wanna call it is irrelevant. What it is is straight forward, hard rock fury with low tuned brutality and ferocious delivery. The vocals are a mix between shouts and death growls and the guitars are busting out all over the place sometimes in finger flying solos and other times in string bending riffage. To be honest, it strikes me as what the raw scratch tracks from the "Wolverine Blues" album might have sounded like before they were cleaned up and had the rough edges smoothed out. (JB) www.metal-is.com
This is a yet another step in the ongoing hardcore onslaught from Germany. These guys fall into the vein of a lot of the newer stuff coming out of Germany like LOXIRAN. Their well-done, full-color layout on the inside of the cover even looks like the LOXIRAN 10". ENGRAVE have got a varied mix of musical influences in their style that are as far ranging as STRIFE to FUGAZI. This would probably fall under the title "screamo" by current standards. There are lots of fast breaks and solid time changes to the more mellow stuff, which keeps things interesting. And the vocalist has got a good gargling scream that he switches to more of a spoken chant at times. I know these guys
There’s just something about latin thrash that always rules. I can’t put my finger on it, but whatever it is, I like it. The recordings are always raw, and the tunes have more heart and are more “real” than a lot of HC from the States. This is no exception. EXECRADORES deliver thrash via Brazil. They race thru 17 tracks of hi-octane 1983 style fast hardcore. I’ve been hearing a lot from SIN DIOS lately and it’s all been good. They execute the goods by way of Spain. SIN DIOS also specializes in fastcore, but their approach has more of a sing-along quality. It’s memorable and leaves you wanting more. Fortunately their
EXECRADORES / SIN DIOS - split LP
EYEHATEGOD Confederacy Of Ruined Lives CD Theeeeeeeyyyyyy'rrrreeee baaaaaaack... Having disbanded just long enough to release a retrospective album called "Southern Discomfort", EHG are back in the saddle with a new full length opus of aneurysm inducing audio sludge called "Confederacy Of Ruined Lives". These gents are to sludge-core what MITB was to power violence, namely: pioneers, godfathers, kingpins, masters, and luminaries. They blaze the trails that others can only hope to follow. This time around the band have incorporated more rockin' and rollin' into their patented sound (not unlike what the band 16 does) but they do so without sacrificing one iota of sickness or twistedness. Somehow they sound even more "southern" than ever. Being steamrolled was never quite so pleasurable. (JB) Century Media Records 1453-A 14th St #324. Santa Monica. CA 90404 FACE OF CHANGE Keep The Balance CD A band from Sapporo, Japan who plays NY style hardcore. Go figure. Just by listening I can picture a room full of kids, all wearing brand new sports jerseys or hooded sweatshirts, who are all pointing their fingers in the air in unison during the choruses. Sounds like the reincarnation of super early Revelation catalog all-stars like GORILLA BISCUITS or NO FOR AN ANSWER. It’s a hell of a lot better than the meathead metalcore that sing-along hardcore became in the ‘90s, so I’ll take a late ‘80s rehash over that anyday. The label is out of Spain, so lyrics are in English and Spanish (but not Japanese ironically). Limited to 500 so these are probably already gone. Good & simple, straight¬ forward HC thrash. (CD) Soulforce. Apdo. de Correos 18 199.28080 Madrid. Spain FAIRFUCK - T Old school styled hardcore from Denmark. These fellas must have memorized the entire “Flex Your Head” comp front to back before writing these tracks. If MINOR THREAT had some unused riffs lying around, I think FAIRFUCK has
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf _Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholme
stolen them. This is early D.C. style HC with early M.D.C. solos thrown in for good measure. The practice room recording quality is o.k., but 1 think this material would have benefited greatly from a proper studio recording. In general, it’s raw, fast, and out of control.... always a winning combo in my book. (CD) Kick N' Punch. Box 578.2200 Copenhagen N. Denmark FALL TIME/MAR-split 7” MAR is one of those bands that try to combine a bit of everything, covering hardcore, metal and emo in one savage thrust of their instruments. Their first song started out with crazy black metal leads and some double bass drumming and then slipped into some hardcore reminiscent of CATHARSIS. The second song started out with some strong choppy emo-hardcore but totally wimped out during certain parts with some singing vocal crap. No thanks, leave your singing to your choir at Sunday school. FALL TIME has those methodical elements of bands like KISS IT GOODBYE and take a more straightforward approach, blasting out some vicious metal laden hardcore that trudges along quite nicely. (RC) Firewalk With Me Thomas Reitmayer. Lorystr. 54/1/21.1110 Wien. Austria FETUS EATERS - T The vinyl debut for these SoCal grinders is long overdue but a Euro label was wise enough to help ‘em out. If I’m not mistaken, this release is actually the F.E. demo put to wax. 13 tracks of intense and original metal-tinged grind that doesn’t fear experimentation. Any grind band doing something new is certainly a welcome change in my book. They throw in unique sampled sounds and a harmonica among other things to help mix up their brand of aggressive, atonal, self described “vomitcore” (mmm... lovely...). The closest point of comparison I can come up with is maybe PLUTOCRACY or NO LESS, although F.E. plays their cards more conservatively and vies for a more controlled approach to their chaos. (CD) Hammer Werk. Dietmar Eicher. Tiefendorfergasse 1/20. 1140 Vienna. Austria FINAL EXIT /N.O.Y.F.B.- split 7" This extremely limited record (308 hand numbered copies) brings you five minutes of live tracks from Japan’s noise/blur chieftains FINAL EXIT and 67 untitled trax from California's mince/blur ringleaders N.O.Y.F.B. If you think a cement mixer full of pig iron might make great music then this record is gonna be right up your alley. FINAL EXIT constantly fluctuate between moments of semi-lucidity and total white noise. I'm sure they have been called the Japanese answer to A.C. a million times and so my saying it would be redundant... so I won't (even tho' they are). N.O.Y.F.B. churn out a noise fest probably even more raw and underdeveloped than their split with HATEBOX on Fudgeworthy Records, which for those who worship at the altar of 7M.O.N. or the aforementioned A.C. is probably a good thing, but for my money it is flat and dull and has been done many times before... often with better results. (JB) Agitate 96 / Gothic Gospel / Pentagrandma Records. 16161 Nordhoff St #465. North Hills. CA 91343 FRANKENWEENIE- CDR This 22 song disc is a totally DIY effort from the 4 track recording to the handmade covers to the handwritten and xeroxed lyric sheets to the CDRs it is burned on. Plus this is only $3. Some might say this is what the underground is all about! Musically the crude and muddy production quality makes it hard to get the full impact of the hyper-thrash FRANKENWEENIE are spewing but it seems to be as cacophonous and barbarous as any extreme hardcore fan could ask for. The band get excessively sample happy
but so do about half the bands I listen to so it’s hard to fault them for it although I would love to give this recording a sample-ectomy. FRANKENWEENIE are obviously young, indignant, pissed and unruly thus possessing all of the qualities that make up a great thrash band. If someone who knows what they are doing gets them into a real studio (and convinces them to change their name) this band is going to blow people away. A lot of "ifs", but there is a lot of potential here. (JB) Sick Of Being Braindead www.geocities.com/sickofbeingdead GARDEN OF SHADOWS-CD I can’t say this sucks like most metal these days. This is definitely an acquired taste though. Long, progressive-like songs that deserve an open ear and amount of time to digest. The music is good, the vocals are tolerable, there are some catchy parts for sure...BUT it’s nothing that makes me jump out of my seat and go "Holy Shit!.. I can't wait to listen to that again" or "I can't wait to see them when they come around". Maybe they'll do better next time. (DM) Wicked Wortd/Earache GOB The Kill Yourself Commandment LP I obviously savor extreme music and this new LP from Reno's GOB may be the zenith of violent sound. The combination of spastic, wrenching hardcore and wall-of-sound noise is like a jackhammer inside your cranium that is trying its damnedest to burst out. This album will blacken your eyes, split your lips, bust your nose, snap your neck and you’ll love every second of it. The eruption of sound on these twelve inches of swirled purple wax makes Mt. St. Helens look like a party favor. Although there are enough extreme hardcore bands out there trying to do something different to keep the scene endlessly fascinating I can honestly tell you that there are none that I have heard doing what GOB are doing. They take hatecore thrash and interpret it with an AmRep perspective and play it like a sludge band on overdrive who has melted down a stack of FLIPPER albums and injected them intravenously. If you don't buy this and you don't play it louder than hell you are a complete waste of humanity... and if you think for a second that I am writing about the Canadian pop punk band who stole the name GOB then you are truly hopeless now, aren't you? (JB) Satan's Pimp Records. P.0. Box 13141. Reno. NV 89507 GORE BEYOND NECROPSY / ARSE DESTROYER - split T This reminds me of the myriad noisecore releases that came out circa ‘89 - ‘91. T\vo bands blasting through a million songs each at the fastest they can possibly play. No surprise that ARSE DESTROYER has actually been around since those days. TVue to their roots, their side is poorly recorded and consists of an endless number of songs played at lightning speed with riffs that sound improvised. The GORE BEYOND NECROPSY side was a pleasant surprise. They travel the well-worn path of noisecore sickness, musically and lyrically, but their side is both well recorded and well structured. There’s organization to their chaos and even though they rush through 10 songs, there are actual chord structures that you can briefly get into before the typhoon of chaos ensues. I don’t know whatever happened to the ARSE DESTROYER album that was planned on this label, but I think this release was a better idea anyhow because both bands are much better, and more palatable, in smaller doses like this. (CD) Devour. Japan
GOVERNMENT ISSUE Complete History Vol.1 CD What we have here is a collection of songs by one of the greats of hardcore, period. As "discographies" go this is great. All the early material in one go; O.K., so the songs they did for Dischord have been omitted as they're still in press but aside from that you get everything up to 1985 which arguably is when G.I. went downhill, depending on your musical preference (they rocked out so to speak). On here though you get the “Make an Effort’’ 7", “Boycott Stabb” LP , “The Fun Just Never Ends”, “Joyride” and a shitload ol other stuff, a large part of which on disc two is live but even the live recordings are good and hold your attention. The early years of G.I. are fantastic - full on fast hardcore. Sloppy, angry and charged with so much energy it hurts. This CD captures a time when HC was still fresh and original and these guys were adding their own take on things. Obviously influenced by what else was going on around DC at the time, but still had their own sound. Songs like "Hall of Fame" and “No Way Out" for starters are instant classics. However, I could maybe live without five versions of “Sheer Terror” as it grates after a couple of listens. The whole package is presented really nicely as well with a huge ass booklet with liner notes from John Stabb which add to the whole thing. The booklet is full of record info and pictures galore and gets top marks for effort and attention to detail. Oh, a lot of the material on here is also remixed/mastered and sounds great, and the live recordings aren’t just of one gig, they're from about 15 separate gigs which shows the effort they went to to make this release the best they could. Wading through so many live recordings must've been tough just to get one song. As for the second volume, I guess that won't qualify for inclusion in this mag and to be honest is probably best avoided if you ain't interested in melody! Overall though, any fan of decent U.S. hardcore should pick this release up. There's so much on here you can't go wrong. 80 songs in total! And they show how they helped set the standard for today’s scene. You’ve just got to love this release, it flat out knocks the spots off things today some 15 years after the fact. This band have, as corny as it may seem, with the release of this CD joined hardcore's very own "Hall of Fame." Own this! (GS) Dr. Strange. P.0. Box 7000-117, Alta Loma. CA 91701 GREEN BERET / GODSTOMPER split T Another release from the increasingly prolific GODSTOMPER. This duo, consisting only of bass, drums, & vox, drops three new tracks of their patented semi-improv moshcore. Good recording. No surprises here. GREEN BERET finally make their vinyl debut and it’s about time. These Deep South thrashers crank thru three tunes that resemble the bastard offspring of THE LOCUST and NO LESS. Psychotic grinding thrash with wacky vocals, sudden changes, and noisy keyboards. These songs are from their great ‘99 demo. I hope there’s more “official” releases on the way for these lads. (CD) 15 Inch. 516 South Ave 19. Los Angeles. CA 90031 GROT / PURGATORIA - split 7” Well, right off the bat, we have SoCal grinders PURGATORIA annihilating five songs of bullet riddled early ‘90s grindcore. Played well, with constant damage being dealt out by the madman on drums and a gurgling-growling demon on vocals. Definitely Exorcist-core. Good shit by one of the better Cali grind bands. For some reason I thought this band GROT was from Portugal, but this is another GROT. Self described as "Englands most brutal grind band" and what do I know, they very well could be. Decent effort with typical grind/death metal riffing and machine gun blast beats. 500 made.(JR) Agitate 96.11479 Amboy Ave., San Fernando. CA 91340
S5 REVIEWS GROUNDZERO - Healing Leprosy CD The Good: This New England based five piece dwells on the verge of that “tech” sound that so many of the northeastern hardcore bands are known for. Quick tempo and mood changes. Forceful riffs. Gut wrenching vocals. Everything from hyper blastbeats to mosh metal. A great mix. The Bad: Among the many faces of GROUNDZERO is one of clean guitar accompanied by some attempts at emotional singing. Disturbingly emo. Everything about it smacks of pent-up college students listening to too much emo or too many mellow NEUROSIS parts and then badly attempting to ape them. Maybe I’m way off base here, but I’m just trying to be honest with my opinion. I seriously hate this element of the CD, which brings us to.... The Ugly: GROUNDZERO’s cover of BLUE OYSTER CULT’S “Don’t Fear The Reaper”. This gives me shivers just thinking about it. This is one song that I’ve always hated. I don’t want to hear any version of it, ever. It starts out promising with some powerful sludgy chords but then quickly collapses into a flowery, mellow rendition with some seriously horrendous singing that sadly lacks even a hint of irony. Like karaoke gone awry. As far as cover songs, GROUNDZERO quickly redeems themselves with a smoldering rendition of FEAR’s “Let’s Have A War”. Overall: Good band with a lot to offer. If they stuck to their strengths, being the harder elements, and shitcanned the weaker elements, all of the “heartfelt” singing, then GROUNDZERO would be unstoppable and I would be excited to hear their next release. (CD) Society Of The Wrench 16 Collins Road. Collinsville. CT 06019 HARMONY AS ONE Stranger In Your Own Land 7” Nine years after being recorded, this long lost last H.A.O. session has finally been released. A decade ago H.A.O. released two excellent, but underrated, 12” EPs of blasting UK hatecore. Thanks to the dedication of Clint from Shortfuse Records, this band is rightfully being remembered; better late than never I say. Need a reference point? Well, 2/3 of H.A.O. are now in SCALPLOCK and SCALPLOCK basically sounds like a more intense, sped up version of HA.O. In other words, great stuff. This platter is limited to 500 numbered copies & they’re on white vinyl, too. And if you’re still drooling for more after you finally track down this EP, the good news is that there is a H.A.O. discography CD planned for the near future. (CD) Short Fuse Records / shortfuserecords@hotmailcom HASSAN I SABBAH - 7“ I might be getting ready to destroy any shred of credibility I might have, but this record is pretty much emo and I liked it. Four songs, good production and ripping fast blast parts definitely helped me out on this. It starts out with little or no emo, kinda fast screaming hardcore, not too high-pitched or whiny, more REVERSAL OF MAN-ish, and gets super intense and blasting before breaking into a total INDIAN SUMMER or EMBASSY slow, guitar-only part with emo screams over it. I liked the aforementioned bands when they were around (there goes my rep, ha!) and this band does them justice - at least they copied the best of the screamo bands and did a good job. And they especially have the chaotic intensity down so that this was an enjoyable listen. Respect for also replicating the emo-style minimalist cover art (in this case, no printing on the labels and just a sticker on a plastic sleeve). There’s even two untitled songs on here. Cliche? Yes, but the music is good, if you can get into that kind of thing, and I can if caught in a mood where I'm not worried about all my friends hating me for being a wuss ("Part wimp, part puss..." Damone from Ridgemont High). (J) Robodog Records. 12001 Aintree Ln.. Reston. VA 20191
REVIEWS S
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleightholme
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HATECHOIR It Only Hurts The First Time CD Whoa! The cover of this CD says the band is "High Industrial Hardcore" under a picture of a top fuel dragster and a couple of machineguns. Oh man, let’s take a little spin through their lyrical mastery, shall we? In one track we have "Young Cunt in the drivers seat. With her hand on the stick and a fist full of meat. Young Cunt just a little pussy hair, And a menstrual stain in her underwear." There is obviously more from where that came from, but I will spare you the gory details. Keep in mind this is all set to really bad funky electronic music that probably came off a laptop Casio keyboard. Granted that the other four tracks on here are fast and noisy punk rock that could probably find a home in the demo box at Beer City Records, but it really isn’t that good at all. Dude, I know that more than likely within their inner circle of friends this all seems really relevant and funny, but I just don’t get it. (RC) Hatechoir. P.0. Box 2841. Chandler. A2 85244
H.C. MINDS - Superficial Worlds CD
HELLKRUSHER - Victims Of Hate T
According to the little one-sheet that came with the CD this 3-piece from Eugene, Oregon has been around since 1992. Almost 7 years later they finally get their first full-length release out. This is total spaced-out rock n’ roll in the vein of FU MANCHU with a touch of KILLDOZER thrown in for good measure. Deep grooving riffs that crawl by at a snails pace that are backed up with vocals that sound like a forced mix of yelling and singing. They touch on sloth speed grindcore a few times, but once these guys get their groove on, it kind of goes downhill from there. Not bad, but not memorable either. (RC) H.C. MINDS. 29558 Simmons Road. Eugene. OR 97405
Shit, I can’t go any further in this review without mentioning their funny little send-up on the DEAD KENNEDYS "DK" symbol. They change the "DK" to an "HK". It is subtle yet humorous and I don’t know why I haven’t seen somebody do this before. Well, HELLKRUSHER don’t break any new ground here, but then again, they don’t really need to. They just continue to turn out their punishing "comparable to a kick-in-thehead" d-beat hardcore. Think of WOLFPACK or UNCURBED and you will easily get the picture. They cover all the standards, making death, destruction, disease, famine, poverty and war the target words of the day. They even throw on some weird live track at the end with some guy ranting about something. I listened to it three times and I still couldn’t figure it out. (RC) Skuld. Malmsheimerstr. 14.71272. Renningen. Germany HYPOCRISY - Into the Abyss CD Boring... been there, heard that. Dot to dot death metal. One catchy riff every three songs or so. Not my cup of anything. I could get nitpicky with this but won't; just save your bucks for something else. (DM) Nuclear Blast ICON - 2000 demo CDR
HELLBILLYS - Blood Trilogy Vol. 1 CD
HATED YOUTH - Hardcore Rules 7” Lately there are so many classic reissues and unreleased old school HC jems coming out that I feel like I’m in an odd “retro” time warp. The latest member of the club is Florida’s gone but not forgotten HATED YOUTH. These guys were one of the bands on the classic “We Can’t Help It If We’re From Florida” compilation 7” from 1983. I always dug their three tracks on that comp, so I was really excited to hear that Bob Suren / Burrito Records had tracked these guys down and unearthed nine more unreleased H.Y. tunes. All 12 tracks are here in a format that they should have originally been released on way back when. These guys epitomize the HC sound and attitude of the day... fast, three chord thrash with snotty anti-everything lyrics. There’s an energy and a groove that these early bands had that’s missing from most newer bands. Check this out for a history lesson. This 7” made me smile when it arrived... I think it should have been called “Bob Suren Rules”. (CD) Burrito Records. P.0. Box 3204. Brandon. FL 33509-3204 THE HAUNTED - Made Me Do It CD I remember hearing their first album and it didn’t leave any sort of impression on me at all. Needless to say, I thought this was going to suck, big time. Thankfully, I’ve been proven wrong yet again. This is a great disc. However, if you’re not into metal, you’ll want to steer clear entirely because there’s a lot of fretboard gymnastics going on here. Comprised of ex-AT THE GATES and WITCHERY members, these Swedes belt out 1990 style metallic thrash. Kind of like a cross between ENTOMBED and “Heartwork” era CARCASS. They don’t blast off into hyperspeed like most grinders; most of the time it’s either ‘80s thrash or a slower headbangable pace. Definitely worth checking out if this sort of thing floats your boat. (CD) Earache
The HELLBILLYS look like Satanic, outlaw greasers and they sound like the rockabilly offspring of THE MISFITS, THE DWARVES, and even a hint of early CHRIST ON PARADE. Well, there’s a reason for that... their frontman Barrie is the original vocalist for CHRIST ON PARADE. I saw these guys play about six or seven years ago and they were great. This is the first recorded effort I’ve actually heard and it’s as solid as the HELLBILLYS’ own jet-black dyed hair. Rockin’ originals and dead-on renditions of some classic punk tunes as well: MISFITS, RICHARD HELL, and even an ELVIS tune to wrap it up. They deftly mix a good amount of rock for the rockers and a quick thrashy pace for the punkers. Nice Pushead cover art as well. (CD) F.O.A.D.. 4430 Telegraph Ave. PMB 72. Oakland. CA 94609 HELLCHILD - Circulating Contradiction CD So, what's the big deal? Loads of people seem to be going ape over this lot and I'd love to know why. What we have here in my eyes is some Japanese folks doing death metal on a punk label; does this make it cool? No offense, I mean this is a good record and is full of fucking anger, but it is pretty much pure metal. I actually like this but I could imagine that a lot of people would dismiss them if their releases weren’t on an underground label. This could just as easily come out on say Roadrunner and the mainstream metal kids would drool over it. Loads of chugging riffs and double pedal drumming action and a heap of solos to keep you going. I don't have a problem with metal, not at all - I love it, it's just half the people who like this band think metal is shit! Erm, I'm confused. Great packaging though and the artwork looks like it was done by Mid who did all the DEVIATED INSTINCT and SPINEWRENCH stuff years ago. Also it's a shame this lot didn’t get let into the U.K. when they toured Europe recently. I'd liked to have seen the live version, I bet it could've been good. TYuly a great metal record and a band I'll pick up more stuff by. (GS) Howling Bull. Minami-lkebujuro Bldg. 5f. 2-19-4 Minami-lkebukuro. Toshima-Ku. Tokyo 171. Japan
This is great. Metal/emo hardcore type. Early AT THE GATES comes to mind a bit in the riffing. The riffs are some of the best I've heard in a while. Very catchy with lots of melody. The songs are put together very well, flowing nicely. The vocals are kinda buried and they sound premature also. I think the singer (sings in Spanish, I believe) is good but has yet to unleash his fullest potential. The guitar players are excellent and work well together, very tight. Drumming is also excellent, while the bass follows along nicely. The recording of the demo is live and I think captures a good amount of energy with the band, but it lacks in some areas. I look forward to seeing what this band does in the future as there is definitely something happening here. Do yourself a favor and check it out. (DM) Pablo Gonzalez. Adormideras. Edf. Paseo Maritimo. n 6 2 Izq. 15002. A Coruna. Spain
other stuff you can get. I’m not sure if ALL those songs made it on here, but most of ‘em did. The artwork and lyrics and funny shit that came with all of those releases is NOT represented in this CD, which is too bad ‘cause it’s worth looking at. I can’t believe I sort of forgot how crazy and good this music is - you know how all kinds of new shit is constantly coming out, some of it really good and some of it SEEMING really good for like one month until you never listen to it again and eventually forget about it - well IN/HUMANITY is of the “really good” category. If I was going to write a "one-sheet" for this band, I would mention that the band brings together the funny, fucked irreverence of BORN AGAINST, the screaming chaos of Gravity bands like ANTIOCH ARROW with the kind of attitude that can only be found in places like South Carolina - pure blasting hardcore, the likes of which most of you readers are hopefully familiar with by now. In short, this stuff should satisfy all but the most unimaginative or specific fans of fast, crazy music. As an aside, which someone should PLEASE confirm or deny for me, I saw in BUISNESS 2.0 (or maybe it was the INDUSTRY STANDARD or FAST COMPANY... one of the perks of being a .communist designer and making websites for big corporations is having to peruse such riveting publications) when who should I see but a ski-masked, strangely dressed person going by the name Chris Bickel, who is supposedly the “mad scientist behind Epinions.com”). Is this our very own mildmannered IN/HUMANITY frontman making headlines at the forefront of the Internet Economy? And if so, how?!? And why!? (J) Prank Records. Box 410891 San Francisco. CA 94141
INDEX-CD Seems like a ton of ass-kickery is being delivered from this corner of the East Coast lately. The latest installment is INDEX, a band comprised of ex-ENEMY SOIL and DAYBREAK personnel. This quintet busts out eight tracks of mighty hardcore that sounds like the bastard inbred spawn of BUZZOVEN. Tortured vox and crushingly powerful tunes that sometimes bob along, sometimes blast off, but always please the ear with anguished greatness. (CD) Displacer Beast Records 820 Wellington Ave.. Baltimore. MO 21211 IN/HUMANITY Violent Resignation: The Great American Teenage Suicide Rebellion 1992-1998 CD Fuck, this band was good. I was all bummed that I had to review this because I hate CDs (as a format that can hold way too many hardcore songs so that people feel obliged to put out discographies with all the bad albums that came out after the band turned rock, and to add live sets that sound like crap to fill up that 74:30 or whatever it is) and thought I’d end up saying "I loved this band but 42 tracks is too much in one sitting" and that's all. Well, I still think that but I have way more to say: If you haven’t heard this band, I would first buy any of the still in print stuff from Prank Records (which includes this disc) and then get on f’n’ Ebay and find the "Nutty Antichrist" LP - their first - and all the
INTENSITY Wash Off The Lies / Battered Soul CD Energetic fast HC from Sweden that is heavily influenced by ‘80s U.S. HC. It can be hit or miss when you see that as a description, but it definitely works here. Intelligent lyrics and descriptions with personality that don’t come as an afterthought. INTENSITY seem to be getting quite popular here so hopefully they can make it past customs next time. CD also includes the “Battered Soul” 7”. (KP) +/- Records. P.0. Box 7096. Ann Arbor. Ml 48107 INTENSITY Wash Off The Lies / Battered Soul CD Plus Minus Records (+/-) does the entire North American continent a huge favor by'making the second INTENSITY album "Wash Off The Lies" and the sought after "Battered Soul" 7" available on this side of the Atlantic pond on one CD. INTENSITY’S hi-octane hardcore sounds as if it were transplanted straight out of ‘88. Pure thrash madness delivered with a zealots fervor and a psychopaths rage. My college years were filled with the sounds of NO FOR AN ANSWER, INSTED and the like... INTENSITY allows me return to those late ‘80s salad days, yet delivers a knockout punch that still stands on its own even by Y2K’s more violent thrash standards. (JB) +/- Records. P.0. Box 7096. Ann Arbor. Ml 48107
(J) - Josh Baker/ (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolfl -Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) * Graham Sleiahtholmel
INTERNAL VOID - Unearthed CD Can you say SABBATH boys and girls? You know the drill... it’s that retro flavored rock/metal with bluesy riffs and plodding beats. INTERNAL VOID will definitely please the Man’s Ruin crowd. Massive guitar tones, thundering battle drums, lonely vocals. Overall, it just plain kicks ass. Nothing new here, but at least you know what you’re getting for your buck. Light up a fatty, put on your denim jacket, and bang your head. (CD) Southern Lord. P.0. Box 291967. Los Angeles. CA 90029 INTESTINAL DISEASE Counting The Damage LP This Belgian grindcore band has been around forever cranking out the horrendous, and at times unlistenable, Euro noise-grind chaos so popular across the pond back in the early ‘90s. Never could quite get into these guys but this LP is making me think twice. Definitely more of a punk/crusty type vibe here than their past efforts that at times brings to mind UK punk-core legends like CONFLICT or THE VARUKERS. I'm really enjoying this and sorry guys if I sound surprised!! The noisy grind parts are used as a means to escalate the anger and are not bludgeoned to the point of overkill. The cheesy promo copy we received didn’t include a lyric sheet, but this band, despite being musically touch & go over the years, has always flown the left wing banner of hardcore punk political ideology and this LP appears to be no exception with a strong anti-system/anti-government stance (which gets instant props from this reviewer). A pleasant surprise to say the least! (JR) Uxicon Records. Vest 36.3271 Zichem, Belgium
JANMICHAELVINCENTCARCRASH A Cobra Trilogy CD This is amazing! Seriously, one of the more original heavy bands to surface in years. Imagine what it would sound like if the vocalist for SIEGE teamed up with guys from a less wacky DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and then did aggressive versions of VICTIMS FAMILY songs. Super heavy, complex tunes with tons of variety that doesn’t sound the least bit contrived. Lots of cool sounds and samples that flow not only between songs but through the middle of some tracks as well. It’s got that New Jersey “tech” approach with a recording quality that sounds powerful but doesn’t have the phony, squeaky clean tone. These guys should be huge and if there’s any justice in the underground, they will be. (CD) Rage Of Achilles. Box 20508. London NW8 8WT. England JESUS PHILBIN Subterranean Electronic Blasphemy CD JESUS PHILBIN is a one man noise project performed by none other than the Prime Minister of Power Violence himself, CHRIS DODGE. Not surprisingly, CHRIS, er, I mean, MR. PHILBIN takes a good hard look at the extreme noise scene in hardcore and then firmly rejects almost every MERZBOW-idolizing convention in it. He spins this project off on its own trcyectory attempting to visit parts of the noise universe heretofore unknown. In fact "noise" is probably a lousy word to describe it. No, it isn't "music" and, yes, it consists of electronic "sound sculptures" but it isn't really "noise". "Atmospheric" is a better word... Airy at times, creepy on occasion, and tweaked almost from start to finish. Often weirder than a three dollar bill in the collection plate you get bits and pieces of lots of things here... from what could be sound effects on a new video game to what it must sound like to a person who is drowning and within seconds of death. My initial intent in writing this review was to do a track by track description but I gave it up when I realized that trying to represent in words these 15 different creations is beyond my (painfully obvious) limitations as a writer. I will tell you that the packaging is clever, yet simple, to boot... think the Satan’s Pimp 7" by WHITE or the Slap A Ham 5" by the MELVINS. (JB) Satan's Pimp. P.0. Box 13141, Reno. NV 89507
JLIAT 6 Types of Silence / Still Life #5 CD
REVIEWS
FUCK ON THE BEACH - Live at 924 Gilman Street. Photo by Sawa
Following along the lines of the 3" MCD "Still Life #4", JLIAT (a.k.a. James Whitehead) has released another sound sculpture that is an exploration not of sound but of a lack of sound. By writing continuous values of binary code into a PCM sound file, JLIAT has produced an end result that is literally nothing more than six sub one second clicks followed by six 10 minute blocks of silence. In my mind the art in this case was in the creation of the piece not the outcome nor in the commodity that resulted (in other words the CD itself). In many people's minds having an art form with a commodity result cheapens the art and in my opinion the creation process here is to be admired not the product that came of it. The total combination of the six clicks on this disc last less than one second meaning there is over 59 minutes and 59 seconds of silence here. The silence is reflective and isn't truly "silent" if one considers environmental sound around them as part of the artistic piece, but for me that just isn't satisfying and has been explored many other times by many other artists more effectively. (JB) Edition. 1261 Brook KnolL Lawrenceville. GA 30043 JOHN BROWN’S KIDS / SHORT BUS KIDS - split T Kansas City’s J.B.K. kicks off this platter with four anguished HC slammers. The lyrics are full of youthful rage and angst: “Go to a third world country, give a bible to a starving child.... I hope they eat you instead, religion is destruction.” Ha ha! Thrashy, fast buzzsaw punk is what they deliver. S.B.K. are from Lawrence, Kansas (a town I happen to really like, by the way) and they screech through an impressive side of hook-infested thrash punk of their own. If you miss ANTISCHISM, then you might want to give S.B.K. a spin to fulfill your politically aware hardcore needs. Cool. (CD) J.B.K.. P.O.Box 45613, K.C.. M0 64171 JUDGEMENT-Just Be MCD This is their "comeback" release with the new bass player and Jhaja (LIP CREAM fame) on vocals. Maybe it's a controversial release; it's different from what you've expected. You could say that they're not what they used to be. It's more rock'n'roll than intense Japcore thrash and Jhaja's vocals are raunchy and sometimes it's out of tune. But hell, I really like it! He has THE style. If you are heavily into LIP CREAM, maybe you can understand what I mean. You could say that they slow down their music but I feel their "core" has not changed at all. I can hear Zigyaku's brand of great guitars here and there. It's totally cool. Songs are memorable and catchy but with enough aggression. What I wanted to say is "Hell, yeah!!" (EB) H.G.FacL Japan KAAOS - Nukke T Damn, this was a surprise. Somehow Havoc hooked up with some vintage Finnish hardcore. I don’t know the story behind this release, like whether or not this stuff was previously released... sorry, I’m too lazy to dig through my old records to find out if these songs are on any old releases. All I know is this is classic Scandinavian hardcore. Along with bands like TERVEET KADET, BASTARDS, and the whole Propaganda Records crowd, KAAOS were one of the earliest Finnish punk bands. Their tunes are ‘80s thrash speed punk rock with vocals that are a bit more sing-songy than most newer bands are used to these days, but believe me, back then bands of this caliber were the kings of the scene. Eight songs, all of ‘em are pretty long, too, so I feel like I’ve actually had some time to
absorb the songs and the overall vibe of the band; this is what the 7” format should be used for. One thing that cracked me up is on the back cover it says “recorded 1985” but the label has the KAAOS “83 Hardcore” logo on it. That’s OK, I’m a bit hazy on the details of all that older stuff, too. Blue vinyl. (CD) Havoc Records. P.0. Box 8585. Minneapolis. MN 55408 KABINBOY / LARGE MOUND - split T Yes indeed, life's good, another KABINBOY song! I have reviewed a release of theirs in both the last issues so you should know by now how much I'm into this band. The song on here is not surprisingly "untitled" and goes straight for the GORE, MELVINS assault. There's so much groove on here you can't fail to love this record. They just seem to work together as a band so well that it's all there in place and you don't want anything to change. Just find this if you can - truly a great band. The flipside has LARGE MOUND on it, a band whom I've never come across before. To be honest, I can't really say I'm into their sound. It comes across something reminiscent of DINOSAUR JR or SONIC YOUTH, but not done as well. I'm all for bands with different styles teaming up and doing things but this just doesn’t move me. The cover artwork is of two whales, and looks real nice, the vinyl itself weighs so much it's unreal. As per normal it’s limited. This time to 500 which is quite excessive for this bunch, so I guess you'd better start looking now! (GS) Road Relish Records, www.roadrelish.com
KAFKA PROSESS Ingen Fattige. Ingen Rike LP This is total ‘80s mid-tempo Scandi-thrash. It sounds like a record that came out in 1985 instead of one that came out in 2000. There’s probably a reason for that considering KAFKA PROSESS has been around forever. Yep, they’re old timers and they’re staying true to that early sound. It’s thrash, but they’re not trying to break any speed barriers. They keep it at a medium pace and add some sing-along elements and a hint of that ‘80s HC version of melody to their tunes. Lyrics revolve around the political end of the spectrum and the fold out inserts contain a lot of concrete info. Nice wood-block style artwork and clean, albeit slightly hard to read, layout. (CD) Skuld. Malmsheimerstr. 14.71272 Renningen. Germany KILL THE MESSENGER - 5 On 7 T I guess I don’t get out often enough because this band is apparently from the Bay Area and I’d never seen them (or heard their earlier 10")... Well, their sound betrays their origins: some "Word As Law" era NEUROSIS or maybe a faster, harsher DEAD AND GONE sound brought together with guttural, but still understandable hardcore vocals which remind me (not exactly, mind you) of BLAST. On top of the sort of driving rhythms, you get some faster, full-on rockin’ parts, but the whole picture comes together as darkly bitter and restrained, rather than pissed and charging. Well done with heavy-duty production, just not up to the intensity that I’m
REVIEWS
= Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck 1 (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge /.(RE) = IRudolf (J) arts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham SleiqhtholmeEverts
always looking for - at least these past few listens.... I will keep the record, though, and likely listen again to see if I change my mind. [ J] Phyte Records. P.0. Box 90363. Washington D.C. 20090 KILLING MASK - demo CDR Here’s a new Canadian hi-speed unit that’s gearing up to make their mark. This disc contains 11 tracks of minute-long HC outbursts. The female yells in the vocal department are a plus. Tunes are basic four-chord, quickcore and the drumming is pretty much just one-speed: fast! The at-home recording quality detracts a bit from the overall power these folks have, but considering this is just a first demo, it’s pretty cool. This is a 100% D.I.Y. release which is great, but this band will definitely benefit when they hit a real studio and their vicious, anti-musical attacks can be realized to their fullest potential. (CD) P.0. Box 29102. Thunder Bay. ON. P7B 6P9 Canada KOALSLAW / B.G.P. - split T Two years in the making, here’s the debut of Maine fastcore. You never hear a damn thing about Maine, so apparently these lads have taken the law into their own hands and decided to put it on the HC map. KOALSLAW and BAD GENE POOL are similar in that they both rip thru totally primal punk rock that’s roughly recorded (probably at home or at their practice pads) but dead-on as far as all out “play as fast as you can and tear your throat out screaming” energy. KOALSLAW busts out five tunes and B.G.P. cranks thru three. Cut and paste artwork adds to the more-underground-thanunderground feel of this. Some are on limited colored wax, too. Beyond D.I.Y. (CD) Jeff Gentle. 40 River St. Houtton, ME 04730 KOBAYASHI - T First off, the cover and insert layouts are so arty that it took a while to establish who the band on this record was. What you’ve got here are some Austrian kids, despite the Japanese moniker, who mix it up pretty well. The A side sounds like emo kids who took up screaming hi-speed blastcore, in the vein of THE LOCUST without the keyboards. The B side is nothing but techno dance remixes. While these are interesting and original, the guitar riffs aren’t too exciting and are certainly not captivating enough to base a remix on. A decent disc overall with lots of variety for those who seek it. (CD) Invertebrata. Brigittaplatz 22/2710.200 Wien. Austria KNUCKLEDUST Time Won't Heal This CD If you’re wearing a basketball jersey, like heavy metal but call it hardcore, and you’re sick to death of two-faced backstabbing liars... this is for you. Chugga chugga chugga mosh riff metal mayhem. Sounds like all the heavy metal straightedge that is the rage with kids at the malls across America, except these wankers are from London. (KP) Blackfish Records. P.0. Box 15. Ledbury HRB1YG. UK KRIGSHOT - ...Och Hotet Kvarstar 7" This band is easily one of my favorite thrash bands... ever. Just take a listen to this new 7" and I'm sure you'll see why. KRIGSHOT spew a blistering, no compromise brand of fastcore. They play with a gut wrenching vehemence that thoroughly underscores their hyper-political lyrics. The production on this EP is perfect... raw and coarse, but nothing is murky or muddied, just the opposite; the sound is big and loud and in-yourface the way that classic hatecore used to always be. KRIGSHOT are tighter than a republican at an AIDS benefit. This is music that ferociously batters the listener from start to finish. Comprised of members of grind gurus NASUM, it is easy to see why KRIGSHOT are so masterful. (JB) Sound Pollution. P.0. Box 17742. Covington. KY 41017
LANA DAGALES - 7“ Usually when I get to know someone from a band it is because I have heard and reviewed their music and/or they have read the zine and thus we get in touch. Not often do I get the chance to meet someone in a band, go to dinner and later drinks with him, talk to him for hours over the course of two days (never once about his music), go to a show with him and only hear his music a couple of weeks afterwards, almost as an afterthought. But such was the case with Greg from LANA DAGALES. In fact, I was almost reluctant to hear LANA DAGALES for the first time because I didn't want to hate the music and have to give a new friend a bad review... I need not have worried. This record is a barnburner. LANA DAGALES is only a two man project with Greg on bass / vocals and Etay on drums but these two make more noise than a tank battalion on maneuvers. Imagine taking the heavy duty roar of NEANDERTHAL and the breakneck thrash of HELLNATION and combining them into a sound that is an expansion of both, yet mimics neither. LANA DAGALES are one of those rare bands that has managed to incorporate an experimental new vibe into their sound without sacrificing the violent and chaotic essence of extreme hardcore that is what attracts most people to this music in the first place. Using this 7" as a launching pad I can see endless different directions Greg and Etay can take their sound and I can't wait to hear it! (JB) Boredom Noise. P.0. Box 11351. Oakland. CA 94611 LARIAT - Means Of Production CD I got a demo from these guys earlier in the year, and I knew after hearing it that only a short time would pass before they got snapped up by a label. Well, here it is, a few months later, and LARIAT makes their aluminum disc debut. These upstate NY fellas belt out the jams like a rabid crossbreed of KISS IT GOODBYE and the slower, heavier moments of HIS HERO IS GONE with a hint of that Nor’easterner, post sXe, “chugga chugga” element. Furious, discordant, head-banging hardcore that’s hell bent on monkeywrenching the system. The song title of the month is on here: “Rage Against The Machine Which You Are Only A Part Of’. Nice silver-on-black layout, too. (CD) Last Effort Dankwart Dreyers Vej 9.5610 Assens. Denmark LAST IN LINE - Crosswalk 7" There are some groups out there that have managed to recapture the spirit of the legendary NEGATIVE FX. There are also some bands out there that have managed to rediscover the sound of iconic hate-core masters NEGATIVE APPROACH. But LAST IN LINE are one of only a handful of current bands who have been able to do both. Hell, LAST IN LINE sound more like NEGATIVE APPROACH than NEGATIVE APPROACH. They came out of nowhere and within the time it takes one 7" e.p. to play, have established themselves as the undisputed masters of vintage hardcore. This is some of the most bitter and tyrannizing music I
have ever heard. Ever. And that includes the legends mentioned above. This 7" is, in every conceivable way, perfect. Imagine if you dare the raging throb of the first AGNOSTIC FRONT 7”. Then add to it the frenzied and pummeling delivery of INFEST at their best. Now take all the hate of every metalcore band on Victory records and multiply it to the ‘nth degree. Now direct all that unbridled energy into a sound that at its very essence clings to the Mid West and East Coast sounds of 1982 and you have a notion of where LAST IN LINE are coming from. One of my favorite things about this record is the fact it fias all of the fire and fury of the contemporary fastcore and power violence scenes but doesn’t borrow from those sounds at all. If extreme hardcore is going to continue to be the greatest music on the planet it needs bands like LAST IN LINE to separate from the pack and forge new paths through the underground, even if that "new" sound is almost 20 years old. The only possible limitation I can identify with this record is that L.I.L. are going to be hard pressed to improve upon it with their debut LP due out very soon. (JB) Use Your Head. P.0. Box 297977. Columbus. OH 43229 LAST IN LINE L'Esercito del Morto LP Oh yeah, I have been waiting for this one! Ever since I stumbled on their mp3.com site and mailordered their first 7", I have been a dyed in the wool LAST IN LINE fanatic. I was a little concerned that this debut LP was going to pale in comparison to their 7" ("How could it not?" I thought) but my concerns were for nothing. "L’esercito del Morto" picks up right where the EP left off. LAST IN LINE are the new kings of prototypic bloodthirsty hatecore in the vein of the progenitors of the sound like NEGATIVE FX and NEGATIVE APPROACH. I don't mean to imply they are merely reminiscent of that sound or that they borrow from it; I mean they flat out RECAPTURE it. They aren't "inspired" by hatecore, they ARE hatecore. To call these guys "classic sounding" would be an understatement of epic proportions. The hardcore scene is plagued by the cycling and recycling of trend after trend after trend, but fortunately there always seems to be a bevy of young and ferocious bands that remain true to the core identity (pardon the pun) of hardcore. LAST IN LINE may be the best of the best amongst the stalwarts. (JB) Acme Records. P.O.Box 441. Dracut MA 01826 LAST SECURITY I'm Right. You're Wrong LP Hailing from Sweden, LAST SECURITY are another entry in the "generic thrash ‘til death" sweepstakes. They aren't doing anything new and you've probably heard it all a thousand times before but if you like pure hardcore kicked out at a thousand miles a minute with screamed vocals and intelligent lyrical commentary, then this is so far up your alley it may hurt a little bit. It is difficult to explain the appeal of generic thrash like LAST SECURITY... you just have to "get it". If you are amongst the converted then this 14 track, 45rpm 12" is worth checking out. (JB) Putrid Filth Conspiracy do Rodrigo. Sodraparkgatan 35. S-214 22 Malmo. Sweden LEECHMILK - Starvation Of Locusts CD This band seems to have snuck into EYEHATEGOD's studio and stolen their master tapes. Then they sped up the faster songs, slowed down the slower songs and released it. I hate to go so far as to call them "derivative" since I love this album; it absolutely blows my mind, but I just can't get over how much it sounds like EYEHATEGOD. So really you have an idea of what this sounds like already... from
the distorted dirges to the rusty blade vocal wails to the thundering rhythm section, it is all here. This is so sludgey that ocean oil spills by comparison seem diminutive. (JB) Spare Change Records do edmond@mindspring.com LENGTH OF TIME - How Good The World Could Be... Again CD Part newer Earache metal and part Victory style metalcore, L.O.T. floorpunches their way thru 11 heavily produced tracks of lengthy mosh-metal-hardcore. It’s always surprised me how many European bands sadly use the wrong elements of American music as their influences. You’d be hard pressed to find a Euro band that’s influenced by NO COMMENT or CAPITALIST CASUALTIES, but if you want to find bands that directly pull their influences from EARTH CRISIS or any of that “hardline” bullshit, you’ll practically trip over them as you’re walking down the street. Anyhow, the tunes here are adequate and well written, although not original. I’m still trying to figure out the angle on L.O.T.’s lyrics. Every song has some sort of reference to either God, rebirth, sins, praying, heaven, death, et al. This gives them the appearance of a Christian band, but yet there’s still lyrics like, “Leave us alone and mind your own business or clenching fists will strike on your chicken baby-face" (my candidate for Lyrics Of The Month, by the way). If you’re looking for a band to practice moshing in the mirror to, then you know this is the CD to pick up, hombre. (CD) Good Life Recordings. Box 114.8500 Kortrijk. Belgium LENGTH OF TIME - How Good The World Could Be...Again CD Whoa! This is a wild record that swings from being totally good to total crap in the blink of an eye. LENGTH OF TIME play solid metal fused with hardcore. They remind me of ALL OUT WAR. It seems like all the parts are in place with choppy breakdowns and powerful vocals and then they fuck it all up by going into this groove metal thing with the guy trying to sing in this deep sexy voice. I know that this is their third release so maybe they are starting to "mature" as a band. Whatever guys, just stick to the straight-on metal, and leave the groove stuff to the "alternative" (i.e. crap) metal bands here in the USA. (RC) Good Life Recordings. Box 114.8500 Kortrijk. Belgium THE LOCUST Well I'll Be A Monkey's Uncle 2x12" Funny thing about oddball collectibles... when you score a screwy collectible record from a band you adore, it is better than breathing, but when you come across a collectible from an artist you don't really follow, it just seems stupid. The latter is the case with me and this double 12" collectible from THE LOCUST. I've never followed this band and so this all seems a bit stupid. The first 12" is on black vinyl and has a single 51 second song on one side and a locust picture and lyrics etched on the other side. The second 12" is on green wax and has six industrial/dance/whateverthehell remixes of what I assume are original LOCUST tunes. If 1 knew these songs in their original form this might (MIGHT) have been an intriguing listen the first time through, but since I don't know these songs, listening to this electro-masturbation was an exercise in unparalleled boredom. A total waste of my time. This record is worthless outside of its collector dork appeal. (JB) Gold Standard Laboratories
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Steiqhtholme
FRANCISCO LOPEZ - Untitled #104 CD According to the bio sheet, Spain’s FRANCISCO LOPEZ is known for his explorations into “silent” soundscapes but this release is a departure from his usual aural forays. This release is a mixture of silence and sound collage. The disc starts out in deafening silence and the actual sounds creep up during the first five minutes or so through secondlong, seemingly random blasts. The blasts jump out of the silence with more frequency over the next few minutes eventually exploding into a half hour long cacophony that basically sounds like sampled parts from metal and grindcore bands that are overlapped. Sometimes the multiple grind loops are distinguishable, sometimes they are buried under the weight of their own collective noise. It’s an interesting concept, but unfortunately works better as a concept rather than a listenable CD. The silence-to-immediate-noise trade off is okay and the purpose of their juxtaposition is easily understood, but the actual noise part lacks a strong sense of innovation or even time put into creating it. It sounds like any random sampling of death metal CDs I get every week if they were all played at the same time. If you had never heard grindcore or extreme metal in your life, you might be blown away by this and think it’s groundbreaking, but for all readers of this magazine, I think it would merely prove to be a tedious listen. I have a great respect for the Alien8 label, but I’m underwhelmed by this one. (CD) Alien8 Recordings Box 666. Station R. Montreal Quebec. H2S 3L1. Canada MAJESTIC FOUR - Demo e.p. T This Kyoto foursome released these seven songs on a demo back in ‘96. Despite the slight passage of time for this to finally see vinyl, these tracks hold their own and practically kick the living shit out of most newer demos I’ve heard lately. Savage lOOOmph thrashcore that seems like a long lost early S.O.B. session. The name of the band makes ‘em sound like the new crop of emo crap, but don’t be fooled. This is hands down one of the best platters you’ll hear this year. (CD) 625. P.0. Box 423413. S.F.. CA 94142-3413 MALIGNANT TUMOUR Cartoon Violence 7’ It is good to see these guys are not straying from the standard grindcore/death metal formulas. Repetitive, slightly generic grinding riffs that blaze by in a mess of speed and fury? Check. A mediocre demo quality recording? Check. Harsh, throat searing vocals that sound like they are being sung through a bottomless aluminum trashcan? Check. Impossible to find limited pressing from a European label? Check. Wow, this is all key to putting out a great grind metal release, and they pull it off with no problem. The only thing missing is a picture of a mangled or mutated body, but the record comes in a simple paper sleeve with no photos so I will have to do without. I actually am bummed there are no lyrics listed, because I would like to see the lyrics to the song "Why Animal Rights?" And I am not kidding about this being limited; it says right on the cover that this is limited to 100 copies. Hmm, do I smell an eBay auction in the near future? (RC) Uxicon Records, do Burt Beyens. Vest 36.3271 Zichem. Belgium MEDICATION TIME One Free Miracle Ticket CD This has been in the works seemingly forever. Oakland’s MEDICATION TIME was only in existence from ‘97 thru ‘99 and, aside from their demo, it has taken this long for any of their recordings to see the light of day. I liked the demo, but frankly I was surprised by this album because I dig it even more than I was initially expecting to. The tunes are mega crusty, super heavy, intense punk-metal-core that very closely
capture the vibe of “Pain Of Mind”-era NEUROSIS. Lyrics basically confirm that this album is the ultimate soundtrack to agony and desperation. If they would have stuck it out a few more years & come out with more releases, MEDICATION TIME would have surely become fodder for endless patch distros. But instead their legacy might be that of a footnote in East Bay crustcore history. By the way, Mauz from DYSTOPIA plays on this. Check it out while you have the chance! (CD) Life Is Abuse. P.0. Box 20524. Oakland. CA 94620 MICHAEL KNIGHT - Slip And Fall 7" Detroit weirdness - sillycore ranging from under-a-minute obnoxious, stacatto blasts like the dual-vocalled "Never Fuckin Liked You" to the sequencer-driven dance number "Coming Clean" to the slow, painful dirge "I Need Money". And yes, I did listen to side two... Another weird dancy number, this time without the sequencer, that switches gears to straight¬ ahead snotty hardcore which sounds pretty good, followed by another song that I didn’t hear because the phone rang, then "Lost In The Haze" a driving rock number. I’m thinking that folks who like weirdness or silliness mixed with bursts of hardcore will like this. I bet the lyrics are funny because the liner notes and song titles are funny, and the band name is "funny" (although I’ll puke if I get another band-namedafter-a-TV-character record to review) but they aren’t included so I can’t tell you for sure. (J) The 4T6 Music Terrorism Conspiracy and Blood Cult. 49222 Fairchild Rd.. Macomb. Ml 48042-4810 MIDIRON BLAST SHAFT Starts Fires In Your Pants CD This album may have what is the best album title of the year! Gotta love that. The music is even almost as good. If you have missed the decline in the quality of noise rock since the whole AmRep scene went cold, fret no more. M.B.S. may singlehandedly resurrect the sound. They take the classic AmRep routine and then add to it a seemingly incongruent mixture of infectious hooks and complex metallic hardcore. And is it noisy? You gotta be kidding me! Is N*SYNC horrible beyond description? OF COURSE IT IS NOISY. Distortion is an instrument here folks. And I swear to you that I hear a vacuum cleaner being used to flesh out the sound in the same way a lot of bands use keyboards. All this and it is still one of the catchiest noise rock albums I have ever heard. The third track "With A Fine Tooth Comb-over" could be a radio hit. I kid you not. Track seven "Hump Bounce (I Like The Crotch On You II)" - another great title - has these blues inspired hard rock riffs that are so unforgettable pop metal bands the planet over would kill to have them. You might as well put this CD on your Christmas wish-list now. (JB) Reptilian Records MILLIONS OF DEAD COPS Now More Than Ever CD You say you don’t know who M.D.C. are? OK, I want you to put down this magazine and hand in your Hardcore Club membership. M.D.C. are the often underrated O.G.s of the scene. This Austin / San Francisco / Portland / now New York quartet helped to shape the face of hardcore punk with classic anthems like “John Wayne Was A Nazi”, “Multi Death Corporation”, “Chicken Squawk”, “Corporate Deathburger”... the list is endless. And so is their influence. Whether they know it or not, every punk band in existence today owes a debt of gratitude to M.D.C. for paving the way and setting the standard for hispeed, aggressive hardcore with a strong political conscience. This release is an anthology of highlights from every release from 1980 2000. If you’ve never heard ‘em, this is the
perfect opportunity to get primed on the history of the godfathers of political punk. If you’re well acquainted with M.D.C., this is the perfect opportunity to reminisce about the golden days of HC and get inspired and excited again to pull out all of that old vinyl. 30 tracks total. You’re a chump to pass this one up, so don’t. (CD) M.D.C.. P.0. Box 142. Glen Cove. NY 11542 MINOR DISTURBANCE Bullet For You MCD This seven song shorty is an early ‘80s throwback. Mid-tempo, punky thrash with snotty vox-and pissed, suburban angst lyrics... all of the qualities that made early hardcore so great. I was reminded the entire time of the first ZERO BOYS album. Cool cover version of the CIRCLE JERKS’ “In Your Eyes” that does justice to the original. MINOR DISTURBANCE is obnoxious in the best possible way. (CD) $4 U.S. ppd. to Run + Hide. Box 35094. Phila. PA 19128 MOHINDER- LP + CD The best thing about this release is how high it rates on the collector yutz scale of dorkiness. The record part is pressed on caramel colored marble and is the most gorgeous wax I have ever seen. The record assembles all three e.p.s that MOHINDER released prior to their break up several years ago. Included as a bonus with the record is a 40 minute live CD, which is a totally cool idea. Musically MOHINDER seem to epitomize the new wave of extreme hardcore emo/screemo that exploded in the mid ‘90s. Gentle interludes of post hardcore wankering interspersed amongst legitimate bursts of undulating whirlwind-core. I actually like this pretentious and overbearing take on hardcore, but if you are part of the "death to emo" posse this band may drive you into needing professional psychiatric intervention. (JB) Gold Standard Laboratories MONDO GENERATOR Cocaine Rodeo CD You’ve read about stoner rock from the California desert in probably every issue of “Flipside” over the past eight years. If you still have no idea what it’s all about, look no further than this disc. MONDO GENERATOR consists of members of stoner rock godheads KYUSS and QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. Heavy aggro rock without the metal. Just lots of riffs suitable for headbanging plus a few brief treks off the beaten path; one countrified ditty and one faster, semi-melodic thrasher stick out like a sore thumb from the rest of the album. This release is probably a bit too
REVIEWS much on the “rock" side for readers of this mag, but if you dig what the SABBATH inspired genre is up to these days, you’ll likely dig this as well. (CD) Southern Lord MR. CALIFORNIA AND THE STATE POLICE - 10 Song 7" Holy crap, its MR. CALIFORNIA and his ungodly no-fi punk rock assault back for another 10 round bout of disturbed punk expression. His 1st EP was a ridiculous 24 track piece of wax which in a moment of distressed, record distributor panic I felt it was hopeless trying to explain just what the hell was going on, fumbling for and ultimately throwing my hand in the air and describing it as "Devo-esque, if it were not that the songs were all 10 seconds long"! Well, MR. CALIFORNIA saves my ass this time by sticking to traditional GERMS influenced dirty punk. Crude drum machine beats and obnoxious practice amp guitar distort with a much appreciated (at least to this reviewer) snotty-ass punk rock vocal attack in the hollowed vein of Darby Crash. While the 1st EP caused me great consternation and confusion, this 2nd effort was much more listenable and identifiable to me, hence making for a more enjoyable record all around. Now how he conned this Italian label into releasing his wares... that's what I want to know!! More power to him. (JR) Scarey Records do Carlo Calemme Via Galliera 32/1.10025 Pino T.SE (TO) Italy MY MINDS MINE / UNHOLY GRAVE split 7" If you are planning on paving your floor with grind this is the ultimate soundtrack to it. Grind mayhem from Holland vs Japan. MY MINDS MINE is often described as having a NAPALM DEATH touch but I think on these seven gems they threw in less metal than on previous output. Nothing than full throttle grind that will floor you. Most songs stick to the high pitch screaming, which I love. The song “Fuck Off’ will probably end high in the ranking of shortest songs written ever. On to the other side... UNHOLY GRAVE did some serious breeding. Result is a massive amount of upcoming and new records. Maybe they try to beat AGATHOCLES in putting out releases. What you get is five tracks of grind with a more trashy feel to it. More low grunting and still tight as hell. Funny thing is that the band plays a cover by THE VOPOS, a Dutch band from the early ‘80s. Overall, this is an amazing record with nothing but outstanding grind quality. (RE) Rot Away Wijnaldumerstraat 3.8913 BN Leeuwarden. Holland
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleightholme
REVIEWS NILE - Black Seeds Of Vengeance CD
OPPROBRIUM - Discerning Forces CD
Wow! I have heard a couple of tracks from NILE before, but I never really paid much attention to them. Well fuck all, because after listening to their newest full-length I am hooked. This is one seriously fucking punishing release. From the straight-up blast beat grind metal that is full of vicious guitar riffs and totally ferocious drumming, to the singer who has that patented "shotgun blast to the throat" vocals, everything about this record is totally insane. The music is really technical and rises above the endless supply of generic death metal bands floating around. And through it all they find a way to incorporate a variety of traditional instruments and such things as chanting to make the music even more intriguing. The lyrics are an interesting interpretation of ancient Sumerian and Egyptian cultures. And fortunately they include explanations of each song or you would probably be clueless on what the songs are about. Needless to say this record will rip you a new one. (RC) Relapse Records. P.0. Box 2060 Upper Darby. PA 19082
Remember when “death metal” didn’t mean cheezy keyboards that were supposed to sound scary? And remember when it and had nothing to do with wearing fake pointy ears and witch noses? Well, OPPROBRIUM does. In fact, the guys in this band are O.G.s of the late ‘80s / early ‘90s thrash-metal scene. They used to be called INCUBUS but they recently changed their name due to a Top 40 band using the same moniker (I hope these guys at least got some decent $$$ from the other band’s label for the name). The name is different but the sound is the same. This album literally sounds like an unreleased death metal album from 1990. They play fast but don’t go for blast beats. The vocals are shouted but not with the toilet-bowl, Cookie Monster style all the bands use now. It’s refreshing to hear something that stays true to the “classic” sound. No one goes that route anymore, so rather than sounding dated, OPPROBRIUM brings back good memories with their typhoon of guitar noodling and technical song-smithery. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get bored towards the end, but overall it’s a good listen. The new name is both impossible to say and remember, but if you’re looking for this CD, just look for their mascot; it’s the same one from the INCUBUS covers: a hooded ghoul with glowing red eyes. Kinda like IRON MAIDEN having Eddie on every cover. (CD) Nuclear Blast America
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Live at the crystal pistol N.O.T.A. - Live At The Crystal Pistol CD Ken from Prank released this at exactly the right time for me. Lately I’ve been delving into my ancient tape collection and O.D.ing on early ‘80s classic hardcore and thrash. One of the tapes I was giving many spins to was this effort, originally a cassette-only release. But now, instead of dusting off an old cassette that has been warped by years of neglect, I can put this classic release in endless rotation in my disc player. It’s been remixed and even includes a few bonus tracks not on the original. For those not privy to the greatness of NONE OF THE ABOVE, in a nutshell, they crank out hyper-catchy thrash and punk rock with Reagan-era protest lyrics and tunes that are powerful and blistering, especially in retrospect. This was recorded in ‘83 at a local cowboy bar in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It sounds as relevant and urgent today as it did back then. Instead of settling for half-hearted ‘80s “revival bands” that just sound like second-rate ‘90s thrash, why not check out something from the original crop of hardcore pioneers? (CD) Prank. P.0. Box 410892. San Francisco. CA 94141-0892 THE OATH Transatlantic Thrash Terror 7" Arty cover, cut & paste, 8 tracks, fast, trashy, a touch of early ‘80s. Quite enjoyable. Appears to be a project of people from several bands that already earned their recognition. Vocals sound like that guy from CHUCK BRONSON trying to sing a bit more. Appears to be compiled in hours. Ring a bell? (RE) Coalition. Hugo de Grootstraat 25. 2518 EB Den Haag. Holland - or - Gloom. Box 14253. Albany NY 12212. USA
only get a hint of what is really there. Is there such a thing as "garage power violence"? Because that is exactly how I would describe this. In its own right it probably isn't that bad but compared to the slew of amazing thrash records I have reviewed in this issue, it just doesn't stand up with the possible exception of track four, which is head and shoulders above the other three songs. (JB) Alfonso Sedano. Jaen. 8.14300 Villavidosa Cordoba Spain PAINTBOX Earth Ball Sports Tournament CD The second album from the ingenious hardcore band from Japan. I've kept playing it almost everyday and never get bored. Very catchy and memorable songs with quick Japcore beats. They also use various instruments like recorders, trumpets, violins, and so on. And it works very well. Tunes are colorful and never lose their aggression. On top of it, Chelsea's incredible guitar solos are added. Forget Yngwie, he's the axe master. One of the reasons why DEATHSIDE was so outstanding is definitely owed to his talent. Overall, it's very unique and very Japanese and I mean it's great. If you're into Japcore, you'll dig this. (EB) H.G.Fact Japan
OS101 - Pura Vida CD They're from New Jersey, they have the guys from Lord Sterling tattooing them in their ads, they're catchy-as-hell, hardcore pop punk; I'd go see them. It's an easy listen. This is something fun and memorable, check it out. (DM) Victory Records OS101 - Pura Vida CD OLD SCHOOL 101? Oh really? Another band passing themselves off as “old school” when they just sound like the same old tired ‘90s rehash. To me, old school means the ‘80s and there’s very little of that present here. It’s the usual jockcore that usually appeals to suburban white guys who are trying to act like they’re streetwise. These guys have actually been playing in HC bands for years which is the only thing preventing me from calling ‘em POSER 101. Avoid. (CD) Victory Records OVER MY DEAD BODY - No Runners MCD This is the debut EP from a new sXe HC fivesome from San Diego. These guys used to be in bands like BUILT TO LAST, FOUR WALLS FALLING, and UNBROKEN. I’ll be honest, that doesn’t mean anything to me. There’s seven tunes here, two are covers... FAITH (good and catchy) and SEX PISTOLS (bad, especially the mock Johnny Rotten vox); the other five are sXe anthems that are reminiscent of the ‘87 youth crew sound. The lyrics are either in the “fuck you for stabbing me in the back” vein or in the “true til death” camp. The production is spot-on. The songs are constructed in the tried and true youth crew formulas. I’ve heard it a million times before, but at least these guys do it well and do it with enthusiasm. I would have preferred to listen to a strong full-length album (I’m sure they’ve got it in ‘em) instead of an EP with only five original songs. By the time you finish looking at the thanks list, this CD is over. A good start nonetheless and if I had to choose between this and the ‘90s metal version of sXe, I would choose this in an instant. (CD) Indecision. Box 5781. Huntington Beach. CA 92615 OVERPOWERING - 4 song CDR This is a two piece thrash band out of Spain. The recording is pretty underdeveloped and raw on this CDR and it robs the music of any impact. The band is definitely fast and sound pretty pissed but listening to this disc is like hearing a band from outside a club on the street... you
PAINTBOX - Back Reporter 7” Hell yeah! This totally brings back the glory days of ‘80s Japanese thrash. Totally out of control, chaotic and fast hardcore with shout-along choruses. Only two songs here but they’re fast, solid, and stick in your brain after only a few listens. Reminds me of those classic early releases on the Selfish label. And to top it all of, this is a flexi-disc! That’s about as ‘80s as it gets, man. Highly recommended if you can find it! (CD) H.G.Fact Japan PANGS OF REMORSE / RAVELIN 7 split 10” Both bands are from the Czech Republic but the styles on each side of this blue vinyl platter are a stark contrast. PANGS OF REMORSE is a fastcore band with roots firmly embedded in everything from Euro grind to classic U.S. thrash and new school power violence. They manage to cram 14 songs on their side. All fast and chaotic material. The reverb is over the top on the vocals, but otherwise it’s your basic primitive and speedy blastcore. On the flipside, RAVELIN 7 is one band I can’t figure out and don’t particularly want to. I’m definitely open-minded musically, but this is one outfit who does not belong on a split release with a hardcore band. RAVELIN 7 sounds like your average, -college town bar band who likes to “jam” more than play actual songs. There are a few screamed vocals here & there which give me some reason to think there’s a punk connection, but they seem to have way less in common with anything punk than even emo bands (and you know that’s gotta be bad). Get it for the P.O.R. side. (CD) Zdenek Stebetak. Ondrickova 34.360 01 Karlovy Vary. Czech Republic
PARADE OF THE LIFELESS The Anatomy Of People's Bondage CD This CD had been out only a short while when the buzz about it reached me from a several different sources. Word was it is a grindcore maelstrom of inconceivable violence and force... and whaddya know? It is! Completely over the top velocity fueled by maniacal and unrestrained brutality. You think you've heard fast? This sucker blazes right through your brain at light speed. You think you've heard intense? "The Anatomy Of People's Bondage" is so intense it is likely to give you high blood pressure. You think I am exaggerating? I fiat out dare you to buy this CD and not get floored by it. What may be the icing on the cake is that PARADE OF THE LIFELESS had the guts to provide counterpoise to the melange of skull cracking grind with multiple melodic interludes of acoustic calm and improvisational jazz resulting in a complex and divergent sound that is substantially deeper and more elaborate than almost all their peers. PARADE OF THE LIFELESS must be the grindcore blood-brothers of D.E.P. (JB) Dead Alive. P.0. Box 97. Caldwell NJ 07006 PIG DESTROYER / GNOB - split CD Most of you probably know the deal with PIG DESTROYER by now. AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED and ex-ENEMY SOIL dudes making a ruckus. Like previous releases, this has furious, blasting, guitar-heavy (not having a bass player might have a bit to do with that, eh?) assaults that sound not unlike the members other bands, past and present. Good, but frankly this material doesn’t grab me like their other stuff. Their STOOGES cover is probably more fun for them to do than for me to listen to. GNOB has a few releases under their collective belt as well, but they’re less well-known than the trio they’re sharing this disc with. This Right Coast power trio, true to their earlier efforts, adds a ton of variety to their tracks on this split. The compositions are tight but the recording is loose; merely a comment, not a criticism. The overall feel that this band gives me is like SCHLONG with blast beats. GNOB seems to share that same SCHLONG songwriting sensibility that mixes musical prowess with absurd humor. Good tunes. Some money invested in a good studio and maybe a producer’s objective ear could really make these guys a leading force in the scene. (CD) Robodog Records. 12001 Aintree Lane. Reston. VA 20191 PG.99 - Document #5 CD On this album PG.99 come into their own as one of the premier power violence (yes, I like the term power violence and use it liberally in spite of being dreadfully concerned by the fact it is out of vogue) bands on the planet. In the truest sense of p.v., they mix hellbent speed with sluggish heaviness. They also spice things up with the dense and complex vibes of D.E.P. styled dementia. PG.99 are totally crazed and their unfeigned fervor for the music they play is obvious. It is always a plus when a band can unleash the hounds, so to speak, and still be expressive and visceral. In spite of bazillions of notable extreme albums being released this year, I can't imagine anything of this caliber being lost in the shuffle. (JB) Reptilian Records. 403 S. Broadway. Balt. MO. 21231 PROPAGANDHI - Today's Empires. Tomorrow’s Ashes CD It’s the return of the Winnipegan vegans and they’re as pissed and militantly political as ever. As per usual, PROPAGANDHI spits out technically dead-on melodic punk with well written & researched rants covering the usual array of ultra left wing causes. The big surprise here is that in addition to the usual NOFXsounding tunes, there are actually a few screamed, straight forward thrash numbers here.
(J) - J°sh / JEB> = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolfl --verts ! (D.M) ~ Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholmel
I think the bassist from SWALLOWING SHIT might be on board now so that would explain it, I reckon. Otherwise, nothing else surprising or new here. Good tunes with attitude to spare. There’s also CD-Rom tracks with “multimedia presentations” by underground political notables that will surely appeal to non-bathing, pseudointellectual, radical college students who comprise most of their audience. It sounds like I’m ripping on ‘em, but I’m not: Actually, unlike most jock-rock melodic punk bands, I’m glad PROPAGANDHI uses their music to say something intelligent while not losing their sense of humor along the way. (CD) Fat Wreck Chords PROTESTERA - Kampen Gar Vidare LP I’ve never heard of this band ‘til now but I wish I’d heard ‘em earlier. This Swedish outfit is the epitome of what political hardcore should be. This album comes with a thick booklet with indepth lyrics, graphics, explanations, and opinions. Instead of spouting the usual simplistic reactionary bullshit that most bands of this genre suffer from, PROTESTERA actually presents well thought out arguments on the topics they address. Admittedly, the topics aren’t new (the environment, anti-homophobia, direct action, etc.), but it’s refreshing to know there’s some intelligence behind the anger. Musically, this is solid hardcore and punk with male / female vocal trade offs; catchy and anthemic, not unlike ANTISCHISM. Well worth it. If crusties don’t flip over this, then they might as well all just burn their patch collections and get corporate jobs. (CD) Skuld. Malmsheimerstr. 14.71272 Renningen. Germany RATOS DE PORAO Sistemados Pelo Crucifa CD This album is so cool I'm not even sure where to begin... I guess at the beginning... 17 years ago R.D.P. released their first album "Crucificados Pelo Sistema". It was recorded all in one day and may have been the first hardcore record ever to come out of South America. It was a good record but limited by the band's inexperience and the recording technology available to them. Ten albums, an almost complete turnover in band personnel, and practically two decades later the band still saw it as one of their defining achievements. So they decided to re-record it with modern technology and their more brutal contemporary sound. "Sistemados Pelo Crucifa" is the result. Yep, a soon to be quintessential interpretation of an already established classic. If you only know R.D.P. from their metal crossover days, you don't have a clue what they sound like now, or for that matter what they sounded like in 1983. They are a heavy and venomous hardcore powerhouse. Fast, brutal and raw best describe their sound. They have every bit of the passion and force of the current crop of power violence acts... as is made abundantly evident on this CD. The icing on this particular hardcore cake, however, is the fact that as a bonus track at the end of the CD is the original album in its entirety! TWo masterpieces for the price of one and more hardcore than should be legal or can possibly be safe. Gotta love that. (JB) Alternative Tentades. P. 0. Box 419092. S.F.. CA 94141 RAZORS EDGE - Thrash Em All CD Absolutely a must get! Fast HC thrash with a huge SYSTEMATIC DEATH influence. Great vocals with equally great shouted choruses, killer riffs, and more fucking energy than 95% of the shit you will hear this year. You gotta love their pro-thrash attitude with the title, calling themselves “blitzkrieg thrash”, as well as this quote from the back: “Should I Stay or Should I Thrash... You Know? I Know! Thrash Like a Blitzkrieg!!!!!!”. They must kill live. 14 songs, all classics. Off your ass and get this now! (KP) Tag Rag. 3-6-10 Nakatu Kita. Osaka 531-0071. Japan
REVIEWS
REACH THE SKY - Friends. Lies, and the End Of The World CD Never heard of these guys ‘til now but I guess they’ve been around a few years. Musically, you’ve got well constructed melodic hardcore that’s halfway between SICK OF IT ALL and NOFX. Big budget production that’s as squeaky clean as one would expect from the likes of Victory. But the real surprise here is how BAD the vocals are. If you’re going to attempt melodic hardcore you should at least be able to carry a tune. The shouted vocals are good, but the attempts at “singing" are staggeringly sour and are a huge distraction on what is an otherwise solid album. (CD) Victory RECENSION / DRUNKEN ORGY OF DESTRUCTION - split T D.O.O.D. are from New York and specialize in short, speedy delivery of blistercore anthems. Nine furious blasts with multiple vocal approaches (don’t worry, they’re basically different pitches of screaming your head off). There are several between-song samples and the lyrics are both vague, strange, and oddly funny which leads me to an obvious SPAZZ comparison. Speaking of samples, Ontario’s RECENSION uses them between their songs as well... in fact, they use them so often that they’re practically in need of what Jeb would call a “samplectomy.” That aside, this trio barrels full speed ahead through 10 well done tracks of whirlwind thrashcore. The lyrics are wry and pissed off in just the right way, not to mention they contain one of the better song titles in recent memory, “Fuck You, You Pitboss 2000 T-Shirt Wearing Motherfucker.” Ha ha! Graphics are courtesy of the COMBAT WOUNDED VETERAN school of design. Great stuff all around from two newer outfits worthy of your attention. (CD) Sounds Of Revolution 1620 George Ave.. Windsor. Ontario. N8Y 2Y6 Canada RED STAIN - Dead End T If I understand correctly, this trio is comprised of Japanese blokes who live in Australia. This five song effort contains hardcore thrash that’s played at two speeds: fast or faster. The drumming is of the robotic, wind-up-and-go variety, but that’s what the majority of this music is all about, isn’t it? It’s your basic four-chord fastcore with gruff vocals. Lyrics are half English and half Japanese. Nice to see they aren’t fully submitting the predominantly English-only scene out there. No new territory has been laid claim to, but if you want straight forward angry HC, RED STAIN delivers as well as any. (CD) Spiral Objective Box 126. Oaklands Park. South Australia 5046 REPRISAL Boundless Human Stupidity CD This is a pretty fucking killer release. REPRISAL from Italy takes the nod from bands like ARKANGEL and creates their own style of crazy metal hardcore. Fierce metalcore with huge breakdowns, punishing drumming and mindblowing guitar leads. The vocals are a mix of harsh screams and deep crusty growls. The production is top notch and just oozes power and destruction. The lyrics obviously play these guys out as straightedge vegan-warriors. A total no¬ compromise, eye-for-an-eye attitude is brought out here. Think of the lyrics of EARTH CRISIS and the picture will become very clear. "No compromise has to be accepted in this endless war of survival... Freedom of all oppressed lives from bloody men’s hands." This is one of my favorite releases from Good Life Records, ranking right up there with LIAR’s "Invictus". (RC) Good Ufa. P.0. Box 114.8500 Kortrijk. Belgium
REPUGNANCE Maximum Perversion CD This name rang a bell with me as I must have distributed some of their stuff at some point way back when, and sure enough these Spanish grind/gore core freaks have been around since 1990. Definitely in the grindcore realm of bands like IMPETIGO, REPULSION & AGATHOCLES (this disc appears on Burt/AG's label) with predictable metal interludes, blast beat passages and guttural vocal chord annihilation that at times succeeds and occasionally falls short. Not too groundbreaking but at least they have the sense to keep the songs short as grindcore was meant to be played. These 16 new tracks clock in around 20 minutes and the production keeps it lo-fi and raw like all good underground grind should be recorded. This didn’t do much for this punk rocker but I'm sure there is an army of kids out there that would eat this up. (JR) Uxicon Records. Vest 36. B-3271 Zichem. Belgium RE-SISTERS - Riots Not Diets 7” Wow, where do I start on this one? This is one of the most angry and radical punk releases I have seen in some time. The RE-SISTERS is an all¬ female punk band from Switzerland and they have a very strong feminist stance in their lyrics. I think they say it best in the awesome booklet that accompanies this record. They say, "Our lyrics are about sexuality, gender, dykeism, beauty-images, wimin in resistance, squatting and other political stuff." Without going into ail the lyrics all you have to do is read some of the song titles like "Cellulite Punk", "S.C.U.M. (A Day In The Life Of A Woman)", "Lesbian" and "Intimidate - The Dick" to know that they really mean business. The music itself is really raw punk with spiteful vocals that is full of intense rage. In all honesty, the music isn’t that great, but it is still an effective platform for their message. Records like this are so important, because whether or not you agree with their message, their politics will elicit a reaction from the reader and/or listener and actually make them think. (RC) Skuld. Malmsheimerstr. 14.71272. Renningen. Germany ROMEO IS BLEEDING The Principle of Pain CD Well, something of a surprise here - a decent French band! Now that's not meant to be a nasty remark regarding the French, it's just that they hardly ever seem to produce good bands.
R.I.B. go for the COALESCE approach to things and have those metallic guitars going off in all the right places, and with quietly sung bits (you know the ones that sound like TOOL et al) which then descend into death metallish screams and growls. The structure of the songs seems to be very chaotic and all over the shop, but purposefully so, and they pull it off. The photo on the inside of the CD has them all looking fresh faced and clean cut which, I'm sorry, but loses them points as I want people who look like serial killers making music like this; scaring people has its place and its music like this, so lads I’m sorry but you're gonna have to try and look bedraggled or something. This isn’t gonna win any awards for being original, but then they probably knew that themselves, but hopefully they'll gig a lot and show the other French kids that playing good music is in general a good idea and I hope they follow suit. For a country so big, I’m mystified as to the lack of bands. (GS) Plastik Culture 32 Rue Portalis. 13100 Aix-en-Provence. France RUIDO/FUCK ON THE BEACH split T What's to say about these bands? Maybe that both sides of this record kick ass? Definitely! RUIDO opens the match and scores three touchdowns. Rough and raw tracks of fast hardcore, sung in Spanish. No more, no less. I can start comparing them to bands like LOS CRUDOS but that’s not fair. It's unique enough to stand on its own. It's not groundbreaking or new, but I think that's not always necessary. F.O.B. on the flipside also has their unique style of fastcore. 1\vo new songs, an outro and, of course, the theme track “F*ck On The Beach”. Balancing on the thin line of going over the top, they score four goals of powerviolence. Solid release, everything's right about this one. Final score 3-4. (RE) Know Records. P.0. Box 90579. Long Beach CA 90809 RUN FOR YOUR FUCKING LIFE - LP Well executed hardcore record from these San Diego kids. Old school riffing tweaked just enough to make it sound fresh and urgent. Vocals remind me slightly of early BORN AGAINST (think 1st 7") before they went to shit. The energy remains really high and they don't overload you with numerous new school changes or go too fast for their own good; the tempo remains consistent and this works in their favor.
REVIEWS °?| ad
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleighlholme
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After numerous listens, this LP kicks more ass each time; no need for boring metal parts or other trappings of the current modern hardcore bands, but not afraid to throw you a curve every now and then. Lyrically pissed off and at times confrontational, lots of venom and hate. I like! Very enjoyable record. (JR) Gloom Records. RO. Box 14253. Albany. NY 12212 RUPTURE-Cunt Of God CD There is nothing quite so frustrating as giving a bad review to a band like RUPTURE because every negative aspect of this band (and there are many of them) is an intentional part of the band's persona. As I write my complaints people are apt to dismiss what I have to say by simply thinking that I am one of those closed minded fools who is easily offended. I guess I can't really fight that perception (although it is totally false) any more than 1 can help the fact I simply must write a negative review here. Why? Because this CD sucks. Period. 1 have followed RUPTURE for years, sometimes liking what they were doing and sometimes not, but I can easily say this is by far the worst thing I have heard that they have managed to churn out. First of all the production is horrid... Not "good" horrid as in raw but "bad" horrid as in too annoying to listen to. It is murky, choppy and detracts from what little power the band manages to create. The real problem with this CD tho' is the lyrics. Yeah, yeah... I know... they are meant to be offensive and I know they are supposed to be funny, but 1 will be damned if in the name of being "shocking" or "humorous" I am going to put up with this kind of crap. RUPTURE cross the line. 1 refuse to listen to the kind of racist and homophobic crap played by bands like SKREWDRIVER and O.L.S. and I will be damned if I will listen to the same thing from RUPTURE just because they are trying to be funny. At the end of this record they start chanting "lynch the fags" or something akin to that, and that just isn't funny. I don't care what you say to try and defend it. There are so many people out there who harbor that attitude for real that whether RUPTURE mean it or not doesn't matter because they are playing right along with the bigots and hate mongers who go gay bashing for fun or don't hesitate to harass and harm a person based on their preferences, race, religion, ethnicity or sex. Let me put it this way... Matthew Shepard, the gay University of Wyoming student who was brutally beaten and killed, would probably not think this CD was funny, but the men who killed him probably would. If you think that statement is too harsh then you are naive and whether you want to accept it or not, you are contributing to the problem and not helping find a solution. (JB) Released on a label that should know better and usually doesn't stoop to this level..
VOORHEES sound while the older stuff sounds like FUCK ON THE BEACH meets early RUPTURE. This disc delivers 26 vicious hi-speed attacks rabid vocals and rapid fire delivery. Great lyrics, too. CROSSED OUT, NAILED DOWN... the next step in the natural progression? SAWN OFF, of course. (CD) Flat Earth Records. P.0. Box 169. Bradford. BD12UJ. UK
they brought out an American flag and set it up at the front of the stage during one of their shows. Now if they only started their record off with the "Pledge Of Allegiance" AGNOSTIC FRONT style... Anyway they go for the throat with an effective combination of really fast old school hardcore and modern hardcore breakdowns. Add a touch of melody and you get the complete picture. (RC) Shing. Konopnickiej 13/36.38-300 Goriice. Poland
SAWN OFF-CD Sad as it may seem, since Sned joined this mob people seem to have started paying attention. Sad as they were good prior to that! What we have here is 26 songs in just under 26 minutes. Political thrash all the way and done the way we like it, extremely fast and pissed off. Two vocalists chasing each other through the songs ranting like a good 'un about political issues which seem to be going out of fashion in the "trend" orientated scene. Songs like "Bastard Church", "Execution Justice" and "Nazi Stickers" put their beliefs out in the open and make it obvious where they stand. Some of the songs on here are culled from the split with HEALTH HAZARD and some comp tracks also. Basically if you like your music fast and frantic then you should check this out; fucking grade A thrash from the people who helped shape the UK scene musically years ago and are still not giving up or in! I guess if you cross @narcho politics with today’s thrash sound you can't go wrong, and the anger and feel of the whole thing oozes with more rage than half the bands who worship satan and try to be evil for the hell of it. Passionate thrash! Listen to the song "No Way Out" and fail to feel any sort of anger and you truly are a lost cause, a fucking beauty. Artwork is class, a picture of Michael Caine (“Get Carter” film, etc.) with a shotgun (sawn off obviously) looking tough as ever. Look, there's even a JUDAS PRIEST cover on here! So just buy this. You will not be sorry. (GS) Flat Earth. P.0. Box 169. Bradford. BD1 2UJ. England SCALPLOCK - On Whose Terms? CD Hyper-political and hyper-thrashing seems to be a combination that serves SCALPLOCK well. "On Whose Terms?" is another wrathful soapbox of ultra-raging hardcore the band mounts to educate the extreme music underground (and anyone else who might choose to listen) as to the plight of indigenous peoples the world over who pay a dear price for the rest of the world's "progression". SCALPLOCK uses their music as a tool to address broad scale sociopolitical issues which in the hands of a less skilled band it might come across as trite, but as presented, are very forceful and resounding. Their violent music and concerned lyrics have actually allowed some people to take potshots at them as "fascists" who call for 1st world intervention in 3rd world nations as a means of controlling them. What a total pile of crap. SCALPLOCK calls for involvement and education not intervention and then only as a means for reparation for past ills and as a balancing of the world’s scales of distributed wealth. An admirable stance driven by mind-numbing hardcore fury. You gotta appreciate it on every level. (JB) Sound Pollution. P.0. Box 17742. Covington. KY 41017
accompanying each song to shed further light on what the messages are. Nice, stark, black and copper cover graphics. This is a one-sided disc, but I wish they would have mastered it with half of the material on both sides so the sound quality could have been even louder. But I’m nit¬ picking here... this is a solid slab of HC fury that’s well worth getting if you can track it down. The Lengua Armada label is somewhat of an enigma; the releases are impossible to find, and if it weren’t for the kindness of some of the bands sending stuff directly, I would never see any of this label’s output. (CD) Lengua Armada. 2340 W. 24th Street Chicago. IL 60608 SEWN SHUT - Masquerading The Guilty In A Garb Of Innocence 7"
SEIZED - Live At KFJC MCD Yep, it’s the return of the multi-bass driven, bombastic attack from The Great White North. This disc was recorded in January ‘99 live on the radio at one of the best stations in Cali. The sound quality is excellent and the tunes are devastating. If you aren’t familiar, the SEIZED sound is comprised of two dueling, down-tuned bass guitars, pounding drums, and possessed vox. Comparisons to M.I.T.B. are inevitable and there is definitely a huge influence noticeable in the playing style, but SEIZED dwells more out into the neanderthal land of pure brute force through music. The SEIZED torch is being passed on and can be heard thru newer bands like TUSKS OF BLOOD. Spot-on material here, including an AUTOPSY cover song, that’s catchy and memorable and more than capable of blowing out your speakers if you’re not careful. And for you collector types, there’s even some versions of this disc with a limited, hand numbered, silkscreened cover. Limited version or not, you’ve gotta track this one down. (CD) Les Productions Gobelin P.0. Box 893. Sherbrooke. QC. J1H 5L1 Canada SENTIMIENTOS OPRIMIDOS / DIRTIES split 7" This slab has two bands from Argentina. S.O. rages through five songs of fast hardcore with screechy vocals. At certain points it leans towards rolloverthefloorandcryaboutthetrees emo but the majority of the music is just too fast and straightforward for that. I would love to hear more from this band. The DIRTIES choose a somewhat different direction for their music. It’s melodic punk rock with female vocals and they do it well. I’m a fool for music like this. The last track is kinda noisy and the singer suddenly shouts like a maniac. Anger and despair all over. I’m sold. (RE) El Grito. P.0. Box 18198. Los Angeles. CA 90018
The cover art on this record is so cheesy that I kid you not when I say I chuckled out loud when I saw it. I mean, c'mon, every cliche in grindcore all on one cover... gore, upside down crosses, a crucifix, nuns, skulls, a chicken scratch logo, big block lettering, spikey-hair band member photos and a nifty icon perfect for lettering on homemade jackets and t-shirts. It is all here., and that is just on the outside of the cover! On the inside there are more skulls and a skateboard pic to boot!!! It is the SPINAL TAP of grindcore covers. Some part of me thinks that it is supposed to be a joke, but most of me thinks it is just dumb. Thankfully, however, you don't have to listen to the cover art because musically SEWN SHUT are the real deal. Eleven hyperblasting grind/thrash tracks in under ten minutes. Rabid fast parts, evil slow parts and more than enough harsh and menacing musical mayhem for even the most diehard grind aficionado. This sucker clamps down on your throat like Nosferatu on a crack high and doesn't stop ripping and tearing until you are good and dead - what more could you ask for from a grind band? It is somewhat in the vein of COMATOSE so you know it is worth tracking down and tracking down soon... and after this review you should at least know it when you see it... (JB) Sounds Of Betrayal do Ridrigo Alfaro Sodra Parkgatan 35.214 22 Malmo. Sweden SHANK / SCALPLOCK - split 7“ With SCALPLOCK's just released CD on Sound Pollution Records and SHANK's upcoming disc on Slap A Ham I think it is safe to say (albeit a bit cheesy to say) that these two bands are significant "up and comers" in the extreme hardcore scene. If hardcore has demonstrated anything over the years it is that it needs an influx of powerful and ferocious bands to keep things from getting stale... no slight to the mainstays of the scene, but the average hardcore fan has an attention span of about 20 seconds and if they don't hear new and raging bands they turn into jaded old farts who sit around bitchin' about how great it was "back in the day". Both of these bands take the radically extreme milestones achieved in hardcore during the last ten years and push it even further with explosive outbursts of disharmonic mayhem. No wonder they don’t like the phrase "power violence"... it is too tame to describe them. (JB) Retribution Records. UK
SEVERED HEAD OF STATE - 7"
SAWN OFF - CD Hyperspeed blasts from the UK that stylistically have more in common with US power violence and Japanese fastcore than the traditional UK thrash sound. In addition to the new material, earlier split 7” and compilation tracks are also included on this CD. The newer stuff has a
SCHIZMA / TEARS OF FRUSTRATION split 7” This EP combines SCHIZMA from Poland with TEARS OF FRUSTRATION who are from the USA. SCHIZMA from Poland have a great NYHC style that rips out some thick-necked hardcore that has a solid combination of speed and breakdowns. Though SCHIZMA are not exactly original, it is rad to hear a hardcore band of this genre that is from Poland. From what I can gather TEARS OF FRUSTRATION have got the whole working class/blue collar/patriotic slant going on in their lyrics, beliefs and live shows. I was even reading a live show review about how
Killer, no nonsense, raw, fast HC that is punishing from beginning to end. The faster they go the better it gets. Lyrics mainly about anger at society blindly heading towards oblivion. Get this! (KP) Ebullition. P.O.Box 680. Goleta CA 93116 SEVERED HEAD OF STATE - 12" This Oregon / Texas foursome busts out with loose and chaotic political fastcore. They deliver their hardcore with lots of speed and loads of power. The rabid vox curse out lyrics that revolve around the usual “downfall of this corrupt society” themes. One big plus for me is that in addition to the lyrics there are also explanations
SHANK / UNHOLY GRAVE .- split 7" SHANK hail from an island in the Atlantic and UNHOLY GRAVE hail from an island in the Pacific which isn't really noteworthy except for the fact that it is surprising that the sonic ferocity of these two bands hasn't set off some sort of tectonic catastrophe that sinks their respective homelands into the sea. SHANK are a fierce and hostile hardcore act whose thrashing craziness alternates between mere whirlwind and deadly tornado. Best of all they may actually make you think while they are overpowering your aural senses. They hate to be pigeonholed as a
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Milter / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholme
power violence band or tagged with any of the latest catch phrases that could reduce them to a commodity, so let's just say they are sheer POWER and exemplify VIOLENCE in music. The production on this record is the best I've heard from them as well, very in your face and crisp (and, yes, it was still recorded in some guys basement). UNHOLY GRAVE by comparison suffer a bit from spotty production but their one of a kind take on music more than compensates. If you were able to surgically graft early NAPALM DEATH onto MELT BANANA you might get something that sounded like this. Each time I hear this band they seem to be coming more and more into their own. One of only a handful of acts who can be experimental without sacrificing any of their core grindcore sound. (JB) Sterilized Decay P.0. Box 16. Barrow-in-Fumess. LA14 3GH, England
SHIKABANE - Ego And Desire 7" Extreme hardcore is a lot of things, most of which I love, but one thing it generally is not is distinctive. You could take most of the bands out there and interchange them with other bands and hardly anyone would notice. This isn't all bad, mind you. Capitalist Jeff didn't coin the term "generic thrash" as a totally derogatory term, more like a statement of fact. So when a band like SHIKABANE comes along with their slightly divergent combination of sounds, it catches my attention. Onto a framework of grinding thrash discordance and mayhem they weld two embellishments you don't always find. The first is melody. Buried under their wall of noise is an oddball sense of melody... almost jazzy sometimes, albeit jazz being run through a blender on puree. The second element is complexity. Although SHIKABANE are coming from a completely different direction the best comparison I can make is the wondrously thick and heavy musical weavings of DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN. There is simply more depth to this music than your average grind/thrash/fastcore/power violence band. This is the vinyl release of the MCD on MCR Records but I don't know how readily available either of these will be in the U.S. so stateside fans need to start hunting. Our European and Japanese readers need to go out and get this right now! (JB) Agipunk do Milani Giampiero. C.P. 63.27100 Pavia. Italy
SILNA WOLA - Zero Akceptacji 7” SILNA WOLA have been active for some time now. If you’re not already familiar with them, they are from Poland and play metallic crust with the tortured vocals. Speed ranges from ENT style thrash to slow metal paced sorta along the lines of CONCRETE SOX. Lyrics cover Chinese politics, environmentalism, positiveness of punk, and the power of love - seriously!!! (KP) Insane Society c/o Barvak. P.0. Box 6.50101 Hradec Kralove. Czech Republic 16 - 2000 advance demo CD You can just about count on one hand bands that are as cool as 16. After nearly a decade of pounding nails into the aural cavities of extreme music fans worldwide, 16 are demo-ing a new batch of tunes that clearly demonstrate that (unlike most bands) they are not mellowing with age. If anything they are getting more intense, more angry and more raging. Although often lumped in with the extreme sludge bands, 16 are really a beast of several configurations. Yes, they have the anvil pounding heaviness and distortion of sludge but they are also deformed and ugly like good noise-rock bands. They have the high quality song writing and classic guitar raunch of punk rawk 'n roll but also sport a metal infatuated underpinning that gets the ole' neck a-thrashing. They may be blood brothers of the likes of EYEHATEGOD but they are the ugly stepchildren of FLIPPER as well. How any extreme music fan can possibly NOT be blown away by this is beyond me. Every time I slip this disc in I end up cranking the volume all the way up and forgetting the world around me... like I am wrapped in a cocoon.... a cocoon made of glass shards and barbed wire. (JB) www.mp3.com/16 $KRUPEL - Gyroscan T5-11 LP It took me a couple of times through this album before I really connected with it but once it got its claws into me it wouldn’t let go. SKRUPEL play what they call "posi-grind" which is actually a pretty good definition. Grind from the hardcore side of the coin with lyrics decrying the ugliness that seems to infest many parts of the underground music scene. Eveiy time I listen to this record what really grabs me are the guitars. This guy turns six strings into an audio buzzsaw. I never think of grindcore as having anything like a "guitar hero" but if I did he would get my vote. It's not that he is a virtuoso or that he throws solos in everywhere, it's simply that he knows how to give a riff a serious workout. I'll bet you a dollar he has his roots in heavy metal. (JB) Thought Crime Records c/o Thomas Franke. Boxhagener Str 22.10245. Berlin. Germany
hoping it would be and more. 20 tunes that pull no punches when it comes to tsunami powered fast blasts. And I won’t even get into the completely bizarre naked guy pics on the cover. They smash headfirst thru bruising mini-epics like “Tokyo Power Violence” and “Sgt. Slappers Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The only thing that could possibly be better than listening to this album is seeing ‘em live. They’re seriously one of the most out of control live bands I’ve ever seen, not to mention some of the more truly goodhearted individuals in the scene. I’ll be singing the praises of SLIGHT SLAPPERS ‘til the cows come home., so it’s in your best interest to check ‘em out while you have the chance. (CD) H.G.FacL Japan THE SOUND OF FAILURE - CD SLOTH / DINGUS - split 7” Once again, the insanely prolific SLOTH returns with yet another split 7” in their seemingly unending series of splits limited to 100 copies. This time the Ohio sludgesters belch out more of their SABBATH / SLEEP inspired dirges. Each track varies in sound quality and performance, from mellow and clean to rabid and dirty. I like the different recordings. It all adds up to lo-fi, snail paced fun. DINGUS is one of the bazillion bands spearheaded by SOCKEYE’s Dave Schall a.k.a.Food Fortuna. Food’s bands are always insanely primitive, weird, hilarious, and unpredictable. DINGUS is kind of an improv mish-mash of various sound textures being hurled past in every direction. Almost like a Special Ed version of JOHN CAGE sound collages or JOHN ZORN’s “Lacrosse”. Completely bizarre yet compellingly listenable. These bands seemingly have nothing in common with each other, but when you think about it, folks involved in both bands have long discographies under their belts yet still remain relatively unknown, even in the underground, so a team-up between these two seems more than appropriate. (CD) R0. Box 1251. Mentor. OH 44061
SLIGHT SLAPPERS - A Selfish World Called Freedom CD This Tokyo thrash unit has waged a highly charged, high speed war on the scene since the early ‘90s and yet only now has the first SLIGHT SLAPPERS full length album been realized. It’s about goddamn time!!! This disc was ail I was
Don’t know anything about this band except that this CD just arrived out of the blue one day. Judging from the pics & artwork, I thought they’d be “sensitive” college kids who were addicted to emo and would try passing it off as hardcore. Thank god, I was totally wrong. This CD kicks mjyor booty. This Pennsylvania trio belts out nine high-energy hardcore tunes. They manage to harness the intensity of good hardcore without following generic song structures. Plenty of hooks, stops & starts, and discordant riffs but also a lot of character that demands attention as well as repeated listens. Intelligent lyrics that basically say everything is fucked up. So what else is new? Well, what’s new is that this CD is great & my ass has been kicked again for my usual musical prejudices and assumptions. I’ll be psyched to hear more from these lads in the future. (CD) Breathmint P.0. Box 54. Richboro. PA 18954-0054 SPACEBOY - The Force That Holds Together A Heart Torn To Pieces 10” It was bound to happen... space rock has infected every other genre of music, why not grindcore? SPACEBOY are the band that PINK FLOYD would be if they played grind. Eerie, esoteric, experimental, psychedelic, and pretentious as hell. 1 guess SPACEBOY could be considered a peer to, say, NO REST FOR THE DEAD (although an inferior one) but instead of funky they go for dreary. This record is a good listen the first time through but I don't think I will be pulling it off the shelf very often. Like PINK FLOYD, I appreciate what they are doing... I just don’t like it. At all. (JB) Howling Bull America. P.0. Box 40129. S.F.. CA 94140 SPAZZ / 25 TA LIFE - split 7"
SOUND LIKE SHIT Once Upon The Metal 7"
SHORA - Shaping The Random CD New Revelation / Victory style metallic screemo from Switzerland. It starts off with a cool sounding power electronics piece and launches into oddly chorded, new school sXe style core. The thing that sets them apart from the crowd is their insertions of off-kilter quirkiness in the New Jersey tech vein. They’re probably damn good live. The recording is top notch, clean and heavy. Overall, you’re in for some angry sounding discord-core. (CD) Grave Romance Records. Patrik Steinhauser. MarieCurie-Hoehe 24-26.66740 Saarlouis. Germany
iS REVIEWS
I was instantly attracted to this record by its D.R.I. spoofing art but a cool cover means absolutely nothing if the music isn't there to back it up. Fortunately SOUND LIKE SHIT do nothing to live up to their name. This is first rate fastcore insanity. Japan is doing its best to monopolize this vibe and S.L.S. do their peers proud... or maybe even do their peers one up. Whirlwind riffing, spastic vocal calisthenics, and epileptic rhythms combine to create an adrenalin rush of musical excess. There are so many great Japanese fastcore bands that it can get hard to decide on favorites, but on the strength of this record alone you can put SOUND LIKE SHIT near the top of my list. The first song on this e.p is called "Power Violence Seminar For Teenagers" which is my nomination for "Best Song Title Of The Year". (JB) Six Weeks Records. 225 Lincoln Ave.. Cotati. CA 94931
I was beginning to doubt that this record even really existed let alone that it was ever going to be released. Almost two years after the fact, it is finally beginning to trickle out to the masses. Apparently the delays in the release were due to difficulties in getting the nifty die-cut cover made. In fact, the copy I hold in my hand is sans that cover and is instead a limited edition alternative cover produced for sale at the Hellfest in New York. Titled "Highway To Hellfest" this already collectible goody features a spoof of the cover art on AC/DC's "Highway To Hell" album. Musically this record was hailed as an oddball pairing of bands from the day it was announced. Noo Yawk mainstays 25 TA LIFE play a metal infused take on NYHC and are always five steps ahead of the pack when it comes to flat out heaviness. Best of all they do it without sacrificing one iota of HC credibility (a la PRO¬ PAIN) or caving in to any trend (a la more NYHC bands than you can count in a week of counting). I have very little other product by 25 TA LIFE but I love everything I have heard and this is no exception. Death metal bands the world over only wish they could be this heavy! And speaking of heavy... On the SPAZZ side of the record we are treated to four of the heaviest tunes the band
REVIEWS has ever done. Recorded at the same time as their track on the "Short Music" compilation the band is captured here in a transition phase. They are obviously moving towards the more direct and flat out thrashing sound they perfected on "Crush Kill Destroy" but they still have plenty of the meatier and more metal influenced feel that defined them about three years ago. The raw and in-your-face production adds to the bone powdering crunch of the record as does the mediocre mastering of the vinyl. I've heard the final mix of these tunes before being mastered to vinyl and they are much cleaner sounding. As odd as it sounds I think I prefer the slightly muddy sound here. It gooses the low end quite a bit and makes for an uglier vibe... which is a good thing. The end result of this transitional sound is that the songs are faster than greased lightning yet more pulverizing than a steamroller at an egg farm (an analogy that is so bad it is good, eh?). This split is destined to be included with splits like the TOAST split and the BAJ split as a fan favorite. (JB) Edison Recordings. P.0. Box 42586. Philly. PA 19101 ST. PETER GHIDORA - demo cass. Evan Garner, formerly of BURNED UP BLED DRY, is playing guitar and screaming for a new band called ST. PETER GHIDORA. Although the sound is a departure from BUBD, I don't think any fan of the extreme is going to be disappointed! S.P.G. is a chaotic hardcore maelstrom. Imagine the texturing and depth of DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN delivered with the unbridled chaos and raw passion of pure thrash. Because hardcore is in a seemingly constant state of flux with offshoots of the root sound sprouting in all kinds of directions I shouldn't be surprised when 1 get a demo like this, but I always am. The diversity of sound S.P.G. is creating blows me away especially considering how frantic the music is. I hate to even mention emo in the same breath as I review this tape but I honestly think that the whole heavy handed emo scene with their screaming and ranting are somewhere in the deepest parts of their hearts trying in vain to create music that has the gut level expression heard here... and this is only their first demo! (JB) $3 ppd to Evan Gamer 4420 South R Circle. Fort Smith. AR 72903-3503 STATIC 84 The Servants Are Rising CD Sounds like German guys trying to copy the early ‘90s California melodic hardcore that they’re obsessed with... probably because that’s exactly what this is. I was expecting lousy Victory style emotional HC. Instead it’s Revelation style emotional HC (yeah, I know, “what’s the difference?”) that’s not lousy at all. In fact, it’s pretty darn good. As you would suspect, this 'is a really “clean" release, from the recording to the cover layout, it has that total “pro” vibe. The tunes are good. Interesting octave-core that demands a headbob or two and more than a token listening. Worth checking out if you dig well done melodicore without the excess sobbing. (CD) Join The Team Player Records Attottingerstr. 6a. 81673 Munchen, Germany STRIKE ANYWHERE Chorus Of One LP Melodic HC very much along the lines of AVAIL. Six songs and if you’re into the melodic AVAIL sound, there is no doubt you will like this. Singer has a good voice and the production is really good. For me it gets a little too sappy at times; 1 had to put STALKER on immediately afterward to get my thrash fix. (KP) No Idea. P.0. Box 14636. Gainesville. FL 32604
|(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / <RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf I Ikverts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Steiqhtholme-1
STRONG INTENTION - Each Day Lived... An Act Of Defiance 7“ It seems that dead serious, dyed in the wool, hatecore thrash is making a long overdue comeback and bands like LAST IN LINE and STRONG INTENTION are leading the charge. STRONG INTENTION are like a bullet to the brain... they burst through your skull at an infinite velocity, turn your grey matter into slop, and flare out the other side leaving only splattered blood and shattered bone behind. They take the lessons of bands like INFEST, BORN AGAINST and GO! and interpret them via the vibes of NEGATIVE FX and NEGATIVE APPROACH. Although no less punishing than the current power violence flavors, STRONG INTENTION are really coming from a different angle... it is totally refreshing to hear! One of the year's ten best 7"ers, without a doubt. (JB) Six Weeks Records. 225 Lincoln Ave.. Cotati. CA 94931
SWALLOWING SHIT - s/t CD These Winnepeg thrashers were around from ‘94 to ‘97 and released two 7”ers plus had a few comp appearances. And I only know that because I’m reading the liner notes. Yeah, SWALLOWING SHIT was one of those multitudes of bands that I heard about but never actually heard. Until now. All 16 tracks are fierce and furious hardcore with several blast-beat outbursts for good measure. Punishing riffs and enraged vocals are overshadowed only by the excellent lyrics. The song titles alone are worth it... “You’re Not Old School, You’re Just Old”, “More Lyrics That May Offend The Honkys’’... you get the picture. Smart but not lacking a sense of humor, not dissimilar to scene-mates PROPAGANDHI. And not ironically one of the ex-SWALLOW!NG SHIT guys is now in PROPAGANDHI. But the tracks here are 100% harshcore in spades. Awesome. (CD) G-7 Welcoming Committee. P.0. Box 27006.360 Main Street Concourse. Winnipeg. MB. R3C 4T3 Canada
SUICIDE PARTY - 7"
SYSTRAL - Black Smoker CD
Whoa. A two piece band recorded on 8 track. Rawness to the max. Uplifting song titles like “Life Burns Me Out” and “I’ve Had Enough”. Put NEGATIVE APPROACH’S “Ready To Fight” on top of this and you’ve got yourself a perfect soundtrack for violence. This record is just hardcore. Raw, fast, basic, angry, mean, loud, terrifying. Spread out over four songs of their own. Of course, it’s also nice to tell that the two brothers in this band / project also perform(ed) in TALK IS POISON and FULL SPEED AHEAD. To make it even more interesting the sleeve and artwork are stunning as well. Rush out on the street and find this piece. (RE) Politically Corrupt 754 Wood Ave. North Brunswick. NJ 08902
As soon as the first song started, I was convinced that this was playing at the wrong speed. You know... that sound of a 45 rpm record being played at 33 rpm. But as soon as I remembered that this is a CD and not vinyl, I could only marvel at the fact that these guys are so goldarned HEAVY. This is one of the beefiest sounding discs of the year. Dense metallic sludge with blasting hi-speed outbursts and distorted subterranean vocals that are rivaled only by the throat of Ralphy from DISASSOCIATE or possibly Todd from HIS HERO IS GONE. The tunes are head-bangable, memorable, and generally lethal. The dismal artwork compliments the music, too. The canned cheering crowd sounds that are thrown into a few songs are funny but distracting and don’t really fit in with the flow of the album as a whole. But in general, this one comes highly recommended. (CD) Edison - U.S. / Chrome Saint Magnus - Europe
SUNN 0))) - The Grimrobe Demos CD Who the fuck are these people? Total mystery band. Whomever they are though they seem to have been in deep seclusion listening to nothing but the last SLEEP LP and the mighty EARTH repeatedly. Three songs on this CD clicking in at 55 minutes total, so not for the speed freaks out there. Basically, a band that likes to get a guitar riff and hold that riff for five minutes just to make you understand how fucking good it is, and then hold it for another five minutes further to make you then despise that goddamn riff. Totally fucking out there noises going on in the background as well (swear I hear dolphins!) so I guess all you acid heads might appreciate that. Seriously though, this is a fucking good release; in the world of sludge and doom they’re pretty fucking great, but like 1 mentioned earlier, very like EARTH, so much so it hurts. One guitar can do some serious damage. As for the packaging, well it comes in a sealed black bag with the logo on it, so they ain’t exactly screaming out to be noticed. Minimal being the word. As a side note, there’s only 500 of these little beauties, so start searching. (GS) Hydra Head
TARANTULA HAWK - LP This is the first time I’ve heard about these guys. They’re from San Diego and apparently have been hitting the bong a lot. This unit dishes out progressive rock with a distinctly evil edge. All¬ instrumental tracks here that incorporate the heaviness and ingenuity of MAN IS THE BASTARD with the psychedelic flurry of GASP. Their double bass guitar assault is enhanced by the presence of distant church organs and intense looping sounds. The CD contains bonus CD-ROM goodies. Mighty and unique. (CD) Life Is Abuse. P.0. Box 20524. Oakland. CA 94620
TEEN CTHULHU / AKIMBO - split 10" I’ll admit that it took me a minute to figure out what speed this record was meant to be played at. It sounds damn good at both 33 and 45, but I finally settled on 33 & decided to stick to it. TEEN CTHULHU is a Seattle band that seems to be on the black metal / fantasy trip without actuallybeing metal. They conjure the feel of that genre, but wrap it in a post-hardcore, screemo package. Two basses, some keyboards, torn-throat vocals. Almost like a Norweigan black metal opera performed by one of those bands in the G.S.L. scene. AKIMBO is also in the screemo vein. Their type of music is too harsh to be called emo, but has too many quiet, introspective, fall-on-thefloor-and-cry parts to be called hardcore. It’s the sort of thing that Heartattack and Punk Planet types eat up like a stoner in a Twinkie factory, but let’s face it kids, it’s not hardcore. The screamy, loud punk parts are technically solid and AKIMBO is good at what they do I suppose, but I’m sorry to say I’m not won over yet. (CD) Rock & Rollplay. 634 NW 48th St Seattle. WA 98107 TERROR Y MISERIA - 7“ Via Argentina this outfit delivers pit-inducing, fast hardcore. The chords are simple, the beat is hyperactive, the vocals are screamed, and the choruses are aided by a gang of rowdy apolitical hell-raisers. Their message is one that decries myriad social injustices. Their music and message is dealt swiftly and deftly. You can’t go wrong supporting good ol’ hardcore with some meaning behind it. (CD) Sin Fronteras. P.0. Box 8004. Minneapolis. MN 55408
TERRORAIN - 1988 Demos 7“
SUNN 0))) - 00 Void CD They describe themselves as “power ambient drone”. That pretty much says it all. SUNN is comprised of members of BURNING WITCH and GOATSNAKE so you probably have a clue already about how goddamn powerful they are. This band is all about amp worship, to the point that they don’t even have a drummer! Yep, it’s full-on, booming sludge with E strings that are tuned to Z. Excellent production that properly captures the bottom-heavy tones and the overall density of this outfit. Impressive and original. Not for the unadventurous. (CD) Rise Above. UK
hardcore and the tunes are infectious to the point that the bursting-at-the-seams energy of this band translates even on vinyl. Rarely can a band make you excited just by listening to a record, but TEAR IT UP manages to do just that. The anti pop punk song “Through Being Cute" is pretty classic as well as “Not A Game” which rips phony political crusties to shreds. Hell yeah! Orange vinyl, too, if you like such things. (CD) Havoc Records. P.0. Box 8585. Minneapolis. MN 55408
TEAR IT UP - T Damn, that was quick. I just got the first TEAR IT UP demo a few months ago and now they’ve already got a record out. Right on. It’s the new band from ex-DEAD NATION dudes and, what do you know, it sounds a hell of a lot like DEAD NATION! And that’s a good thing because both bands shred. In general, TEAR IT UP has faster tunes and better lyrics than the previous incarnation. It’s all about hi-speed, hi-octane
So the story goes these guys were a short-lived band back in the heyday of UK hardcore circa the late ‘80s when such monsters as HERESY, RIPCORD, et al walked the earth. Now thanks to Bob/Burrito Records we can all enjoy this stuff, re-mastered and ready for some deserved appreciation. Much in the vein of RIPCORD & ELECTRO HIPPIES more than say HERESY, this fits into that era perfectly. Grunted vocals over basic fast hardcore. This sounds almost exactly like the early RIPCORD material, with that trademark echoey production and stripped down, raw, thrashing guitar tone. Lyrics dealing with fascism and anti-government themes may seem hackneyed these days, but whose bands lyrics didn’t back in 1988??!! Nice fold-out poster sleeve and pretty lavender wax makes this a fine and worthy reissue. (JR) Burrito Records. P.0. Box 3204. Brandon. FL 33509-3204
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholme
TERVEET KADET Non Ultra Descriptica CD What the hell happened here? A bunch of post¬ hardcore art punks must have jumped TERVEET KADET in an alley outside their recording studio, killed them and then posed as them during the recording of this CD. Either that or one of the best hardcore bands on the planet totally screwed up in some misguided attempt to "evolve" or "mature" or "develop" their sound. Most of this is not even listenable, while a couple of tracks ("Away" and "Memories Of The Past") at least manage to be a shadow of the greatness that heretofore was T.K. Only one song, "Hydraphobic & Paranoid", is any good and even it would only rate as an average song on any previous T.K. album. In the "thanks" list T.K. thank THE BLACK LEAGUE. Maybe that is the problem. Maybe T.K. are trying to be as pretentious and boring as THE BLACK LEAGUE? Who knows? Who cares. I am completely disappointed. (JB) Solardisk. P.0. Box 50.90251 Oulu. Finland 3D HOUSE OF BEEF - Low Cycle CD Without a doubt 3D HOUSE OF BEEF is one of my all time favorite sludge bands. Their noise simply flattens me... they might as well Fire up a steamroller and run me over. Their tortured and twisted musical mutations are as violent as they are heavy. Their low end rumbles have been known to jeopardize the seismic stability of any area they play. On "Low Cycle," their third full length CD (counting a remix album), they have trimmed some of the warts and blemishes off their sound, which initially sent up a red flag with me. However, with repeated listens I realized they did it as a way to make their music more direct, more driving and more bleak. I also suspect that having Alex Newport producing played a role in the slightly more pointed sound. One of the things that I like best about 3D HOUSE OF BEEF is that they just don't seem to fit into anyone's comfortable little mold. Like EHG, GRIEF, BURNING WITCH and NOOTHGRUSH, they are almost too heavy and metallic for the hardcore kidz to fully appreciate. They are also too non conformist and too individualistic for the clone loving doom metal masses. Their quirky use of industrial embellishments and their professional demeanor even sets them apart from the norm in the sludge scene. The band seems determined to carve their own niche and define their own parameters, which in the long run, should prove a wise move. (JB) http://www.3dhouseoffaeef.com 30 SECONDS TIL ARMAGEDDON - CD This has been out a while, but I have only just gotten one so here goes. Former members of VENGEANCE OF GAIA from Newcastle come up with another good band name and go for that metal approach that I expected. Still that's not to say this is predictable or anything. Five songs of chugging metallic hardcore which I guess has sort of had its day but this is still (in my eyes) done well enough to keep you interested. As for a comparison, well, a lot of European sXe stuff springs to mind and apart from the occasional "properly" sung bits, it'd Fit well with something on Goodlife Records. You know, those eerie guitar intros which spiral into riffs and whispered vocals? Well, that's what we're talking here. Nothing ground breaking, granted, but a decent listen if you're fed up with your last CONGRESS LP. (GS) Contrition. P.0. Box 187. Leeds. LS61LH. ENGLAND
jackhammer thrash. 14 tracks of constant machspeed typhoon-core with crunchy metallic production values. Most of you have heard their amazing 7’’ers by now so this album will be no surprise to you. In fact, I really like this, but I think they could have benefited from mixing up the formula a bit here & there for variety. But if you’re in the market for something that’ll peel the paint off your stereo, this album is a guaranteed hi-speed thrash Fix. (CD) H.G. Fact Japan THROWDOWN - Drive Me Dead CD Straight edge brutality delivered with the thundering might of Thor's hammer. Metal influences abound but they are used only as an embellishment to a basic chugga-chugga hardcore foundation. Part thrash, part youth crew (now there is a term I hate...), part grind and all good. This album breaks down, breaks out and breaks your head. It has enough flavors to cross several genre lines in its appeal but when you get singalongs like "Raise your fist in the air, DRUG FREE" you know with which crowd it is going to do the most damage. I'm impressed. (JB) Indecision. P.0. Box 5781. Huntington Beach. CA 92615 THROWDOWN - You Don’t Have To Be Blood To Be Family CD I took one look at the band name & I knew I was in for sXe hardcore of some sort. I’ll admit my expectations were low, but fortunately my fears were unfounded. THROWDOWN adds some serious energy to the stagnant sXe world. They mostly play the ‘90s sXe HC sound (a.k.a. metal)but they mix it up with some bonafide fast beats and some surprisingly super heavy, tuned-down, Relapsestyled riffing. Typical lyrics about unity, not backing down, and sticking together which is basically a combination of the two aforementioned topics. I’m not complaining though... I’d rather hear generic positive messages than all of the phony, tough guy, hatecore crap that has been so predominant in sXe over the past decade. Good stuff all around. (CD) Indecision. P.0. Box 5781. Huntington Beach. CA 92615 TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION 12 Song Demo 2000 CDR This band is sticking its middle finger in the air to just about anyone and everyone. Their whole image is corpse-painted black metal, but you get the feeling it is more of a parody than an attempt to be "scary" or "cool". Black metal fans who have no perspective on their scene will be offended. You gotta love that! That doesn't mean T.F.D. aren't serious tho'. They are. Their lyrics pull no punches and have a notably political edge to them. Misanthropic attitudes, anti bureaucratic ranting and pure spite pepper their songs. Musically they play a wrathful brand of hyper-blasting thrash/grind with twisted electronic enhancements and a sense of urgency. Buried somewhere in the wall of sound being constructed by T.F.D. there is a keen sense of musical counterpoise that sounds jazz inspired. Not necessarily improv but rather loose and unrestrained, kinda like the whole thing is about to surrender to entropy but somehow never does. They take their listeners to the brink of chaos and then dangle them over the edge... never letting go but always threatening to. It is like a torture that instead of scaring you away leaves you wanting more. You've never heard anything like it, I promise. (JB) Ridi Hoak / rich666@voicenetcom
324 - Boutokunotaiyo CD
TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION Demo 2000 v2.0 Grind Over Europe 3 Edition CDR
If you’re still mourning the loss of TERRORIZER, then you’re in for some good news... they’ve seemingly been reincarnated in the form of Japan’s 324. Forget about variations, slow parts, or samples. 324 is all about unrelenting
Yet another CDR demo release by TFD who are taking advantage of the DIY ethic presented by recordable CDs to accomplish two things: first, give their fans something to slip in the ole' stereo at home and, second, to perfect their
musical kaleidoscope of grindcore with a series of pisstakes that are easy dismissed by the non¬ believers but will be tape trading (or CDR trading) fodder for Total Destructo-heads for years to come. The guitar sound is a bit more up front this time.around, but the drums are too buried. The music itself is getting even more spastic. Although they sound nothing alike, fans of GONKULATOR will eat this up because the noise factor is being amplified to the ‘nth degree and because of the way the band is totally mangling black metal, twisting it into an alien form that suits their needs. One of my favorite parts of the disc is the first track which is by itself almost as long as the rest of the songs combined and is a total improv jazz pisstake TFD style with horns. (JB) http://welcome.to/totalfuckingdestruction STEVE VON TILL As The Crow Flies CD You know how NEUROSIS has their long, quiet, moody breakdowns that explode into a uproarious cacophony? Well, remove the uproar & you’ve got this CD in a nutshell. But that shouldn’t be a surprise considering VON TILL is one of the frontmen for NEUROSIS. This is his first solo effort and he did an excellent job of creating soundscapes that evoke emotion without being pretentious. The idea of an all acoustic CD undoubtedly scares most fans of all things heavy, but this disc effectively held my interest to the point that I was surprised when it ended.... I was actually ready for more. This CD isn’t loud or heavy, but its intensity is enough to give you goose bumps. I’m not well schooled in circles of gloomy, introspective music so I don’t have points of reference to give comparison to. Suffice to say it’s part Renaissance Faire (well, the part with the plagues anyway), part AMBER ASYLUM, and part dark Americana music. The compositions are minimalistic but multi-layered and not without hooks. Memorable stuff. If you aren’t too much of a chickenshit to venture into new musical territory, this is a fine place to start. (CD) Neurot Recordings. Box 410209. San Francisco. CA 94141 TRENCHCOAT ARMY - 7” This sounds like a lot of the hardcore 7”ers I got in the ‘80s from one-off bands in odd parts of the country. This four piece unit hammers out six midtempo, in-your-face simple thrash tunes. Grunted vocals and instantly hooky, four chord, speedy songs that basically attack stupid individuals. If you’re sick of bands competing to be the fastest and most brutal, and you simply want to hear some straight up, old style fast hardcore, join the ranks of TRENCHCOAT ARMY. (CD) Mad At The World Records P.0. Box 5216. New Brunswick. NJ 08901 TREPHINE - MCD TREPHINE play a scathing breed of neo-metalcore that relies on the massive riffs and brutal nature of extreme metal genres but counterpoises that with the attitude and delivery of hardcore. Obviously bands of this nature are going to be seen by many (myself included) as a by-product of the Pandora's Box opened by D.E.P., but I hope that isn't viewed as a negative by the readers of the zine. In spite of having chosen to follow a trail only recently blazed through the underground, TREPHINE are a first rate band whose extreme and violent sound are cousin to all that you probably extol in music. (JB) +/- Records. P.0. Box 7096. Ann Arbor. Ml 48107 TREPHINE-MCD Another group of hardcore kids who try to play metal and fail. This is the shit that plagues the hardcore and metal scenes. A bunch of chug-a-lug, non-original crap. A band that would make me leave the room without that intention in mind. Avoid this. Sony fellas... get some new influences already. (DM) +/- Records. P.0. Box 7096. Ann Arbor. Ml 48107*
S5 REVIEWS THE ULTIMATE WARRIORS / KOBRA KAHN - split 7” Wrestling fueled over the top grindy fastcore vs German brutality. If you don’t know yet, the WARRIORS do short maniacal outbursts of fastcore with a grindy touch to it. Over the top high pitched vocals accompanied by some low grunts. Mostly funny lyrics and the necessary wrestling in the artwork. The song “Out With The Old” struck me most. ’’People Over 30 Should Be Banished From The Scene”. “Out With The Old, In With The New” with a slight referral to SEEIN’ RED kinda made me smile. KOBRA KAHN was new to me ‘til now. Think of German musical brutality in the vein of ACME played on 45 rpm with raw shouted vocals. All songs are short outbursts of energy and still they have some melody hidden into it. Great release. For the statistics: T.UAV. does eight songs, K.K. sticks at nine tracks. (RE) Chappi do Stefan Busch Ameckestr. 2.44139 Dortmund. Germany UNHOLY GRAVE / THE MAD TRASHERS split T Like I said in another review for UNHOLY GRAVE, they did lots of recording. Their contribution for this split record consists of three songs from ’98 and ’99. Probably some “older" songs but still great. The band does what it’s good at - making grindcore and striving to maintain something unique in the sound. And they manage to do that. Quality grind. THE MAD TRASHERS is new to me but they certainly wrapped their music under my attention. First off, with the fact that there are 10 song titles, it gives me a good impression of what to expect. Secondly cos’ the music is a blast. What sticks out for me on this side is the amazingly fast outbursts. Drumming is amazingly fast, screaming is high-pitched. The songs are setup in a great way, some solos and some slower parts with shouting, followed up with speed that will drive you insane. Production of the music is good. In fact, everything about this record is good and THE MAD TRASHERS definitely will stick to me. (RE) Broken Brains, c/o Jean Francois Kernec'h. 13 Rue Georges Leygues. 29200 Brest France UNHOLY GRAVE / VIOLENT HEADACHE split T Japan’s UNHOLY GRAVE are starting to be one of those mega-prolific bands like AGATHOCLES who have a release out every month. This time around it’s three songs of crushing grindcore with their trademark “Cookie Monster vs. Edward G. Robinson” trade-off vocals. Really intelligent lyrics in English which is quite impressive considering it’s their second language. The Spanish grind attack of VIOLENT HEADACHE is meaner sounding than ever this time around. Once they added female vocals into the mix, this band’s sound improved tenfold. Their blastcore mini-epics are tempered with slower breakdowns and midtempo hardcore beats. No surprises here, but good material from both outfits. (CD) Wicked Witch. Box 3835.1001 AP Amsterdam. Netherlands UNITED SUPER VILLAINS Choke Slammed Back To Life! LP This is the debut full-length release from these Wisconsin thrashers. U.S.V. delivers hyperactive hardcore in the vein of CODE 13. Snotty, hi-speed numbers that are good, but the real strength of this band lies in its lyrics. Bands like U.S.V. and SHANK are really paving the way for hardcore that’s intelligent and not without a sense of humor. Highlights are songs like “Lyric Sheet” which attacks the scene for not paying attention to the message behind HC songs, and “Left To Cover”, a slam against bands aping each others styles instead of inventing their own sound.
REVIEWS There’s even a song slinging shit at an old band member, “U.S.V. vs. A.B.E.” And any song titled “Everything I Know I Learned From Jack T. Chick" is an instant classic in my book. (CD) Deranged. Box 543. Stn. P. Toronto. ON. M5S 2T1. Canada UNSILENT MINORITY Death Reggae LP This album consists primarily of highly melodic metal tinged hardcore in an emo vein enshrouded with screeching thrash style vocals. I say "enshrouded" because the vocals are a very dominating part of the music and seem to blanket everything. In fact, the shrill hysteria of the vox transforms the music from something akin to emo into a more violent and driving flavor of rabid hardcore. The end result is pretty unique yet highly melodic. I can't lay a genre label on it but I guess the band is calling it "Death Reggae"... (JB) Thought Crime do Thomas Franke Proskauerstr. 22.10247 Berlin. Germany
(J) = Josh Baker / (EB) = Erica Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholme
VOMIT FOR BREAKFAST - Live T Fuck, there must be a god. A live noise-core 7”, just what the world needs. What a lucky tree that paid the price to be the cover. I guess this is one of those bell-weather releases that means quality control is back. Shit... it’s a live noisecore 7”!!!! Only 300 were made so you fuckers can kiss my derriere... Craptacular! (KP) Murder Records. B.P. 11 33023. Bordeaux CDX. France
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? - Stand Fast Armageddon Justice Fighter CD
UNSILENT MINORITY Death Reggae LP Too many musicians in this band. Too much fucking around; it is torture waiting for them to get from point A to point B. Emo metal? Metallic guitars and long songs. Some bands can play their asses off and be absolutely mind blowing (NICE VIEW come to mind), but this reminds me of when I get stuck at some bar with my friend who is a “musician” and I have to sit through bands like this before I oan go home. (KP) Thought Crime do Thomas Franke Proskauerstr. 22.10247 Berlin. Germany UP IN ARMS / ETERNAL YOUTH split T I don’t know anything about this label so I hope to hear more in the future. You want youth crew? Well, look no further, partner. ETERNAL YOUTH hails from Syracuse and fortunately avoids the EARTH CRISIS disease that tends to plague that area of the States. These lads bust out the ‘87 style hardcore thrash. Screamed vocals carry the straight-up, fast youth crew hardcore. One of the more odd lyrical angles I’ve seen lately is in their song “Audrey Hepburn’s Neck" where the title subject is used as a metaphor for “something unattainable.” UP IN ARMS comes from Milwaukee, but I doubt they spend much time in the breweries. They tune way down low for their powerful material, but I can tell the recording doesn’t do ‘em justice. Chuggalug powercore with meat on its bones. “What You Make Of It” is a longoverdue attack on negativity that more than applies to the predominant “hatecore" scene. Good, clean layout. A quality effort overall. This copy is on baby-blue vinyl, too. (CD) Fist Held High. P.0. Box 2652. Madison. Wl 53701 VEHEMENCE / TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION - split 7” As you may know by now, T.F.D. is the new baby of Rich Hoak from Deaf American Recordings / ex-BRUTAL TRUTH stickman. This trio speeds thru several tracks of metallic grind. They screech and blast through their tracks, but the rough recording quality detracts from this bands overall impact in my opinion. Song subjects range from lust for Madeleine Albright to fake satanic worship. VEHEMENCE is from the other side of the pond (meaning the U.K.) and they rip thru three tracks of blistering grind with maniacal vocals. No lyrics, just insane screaming over trillion m.p.h. blasts. Nice full-color sleeve. Well done debut from this new label. (CD) DeathstiU Records. Box 633. Dagenham. RM8 3AZ. U.K.
VULGAR PIGEONS Genetic Predisposition 7“ I had never heard of these West Bay crazies before (apparently they have some BENUMB connections) but I am predicting I will hear a lot more from them in the future. Combining low tuned roar with hyperblast and PHOBIA worship, they spawn a blue collar grindcore that has all the elements I love about the genre with enough of a stamp of originality to not get lost in the shuffle. This is one of those records you can't help but turn up to eleven and snap your neck to. It even has the extra thick feel to it that almost everything recorded at House of Faith has. The cover art and layout is also worth a mention... besides being very clever and superbly done, it is honestly one of the funniest covers I have ever seen... a cartoon of a man and a pigeon being combined in some psychotic scientific experiment. (JB) Howling Bull America
The term "bandana thrash" championed by WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? may have been a joke but the band certainly isn't! By rejecting most of the thrash trappings of the last decade, W.H.N.? are nonetheless a thrash band for the future. On this CD the band have been digging around in the graveyard, and after a bit of grave robbery, have reanimated the corpse of ‘80s speedcore skatecore-crossover and turned it into a contemporary monster. Sometimes I get the impression that people think that because W.H.N.? doesn't sound like a power-violencecome-lately band that they are somehow less intense and brain numbing than their peers. What's up with that? What a total crock. W.H.N.? are going straight for the throat with their mixture of blender guitars and pounding rhythms and they definitely draw blood. The vocals are classic hatecore flavored (a style that has never lacked severity) and are the perfect compliment for the personal and political tirades of the lyrics. As an added bonus there is an entire W.H.N.? CDROM live set recorded when the band kicked the entire city of Chicago right in the face. Totally raging! I have got to see these guys live! Their worship of Japanese hardcore obviously carries over to their live gig where they totally come unglued in the vintage Nippon style. This disc is an instant classic. (JB) Sound Pollution. P.0. Box 17742. Covington. KY 41017
WARCOLLAPSE - CD Really good Swedish HC; bet you heard that before. Like most bands from Sweden they’ve got a strong studio sound. A lot of these songs remind me of 3 WAY CUM. The drummer really stands out. They have the fast Swedish thrash down and even a few killer slower punk songs that make me want hold up my beer in honor of the traditional rockin’ punk. (KP) Mind Control 1012 Brodie St. Austin. TX 78704 JOHN WIESE - Collected Tracks CD Wiese has been cranking out quality noise recordings for years and has recently gained recognition as the non-Wood half of BASTARD NOISE. This collection contains several solo pieces as well as collaborative works with Cory Ronnau (SISSY SPACEK) and the aforementioned Eric Wood. There’s definitely a variety of sounds here, enough to keep it fresh and interesting but also with enough familiarity to keep it within the boundaries of the noise scene. Distorted loops, bleeps, blips, volcanic rumblings, wide open outer space vacuums, the feedings of giant mechanical bugs... just a small sampling of images these sounds conjure. My recommendation is that you turn out the lights, slap on this disc, and see what you come up with in your own adventure into sound. (CD) Helicopter do John Wiese 24846 Walnut St #205. Newhall CA 91321
WITHIN REACH / 1125-split 7" 1125 is a new Polish hardcore band who makes me think of what it would sound like if the first SICK OF IT ALL 7” was recorded with Ralph, the first singer from CAPITOL PUNISHMENT, on vocals. They carry that NYHC sound well, even down to the mosh parts and sing-alongs. They do a decent cover of THE MISFITS’ “Where Eagles Dare” as well. Speaking of covers, Sweden’s WITHIN REACH pulls off a well done version of the GERMS “Lexicon Devil". They did a good job of integrating this punk classic to fit their own hardcore sound. WITHIN REACH drop-kicks two other tracks that are full of basic HC energy and spunk. A really good pairing here as both bands compliment each others sounds rather than detracting from them. (CD) Shing do Tomasz Goral Konopnickiej 13/36.38-300 Gortice. Poland WOUNDED HEAD Posthuman Postmusic CD This is roughly produced, experimental Extreme hardcore consisting of only bass, drums and sometimes vocals. The CD starts off a bit spotty and unimpressive but after a few tracks either the band hits their groove or I finally was able to catch on to what they were trying to do. It is only a guess but l would wager that the songs are on the CD in the order in which they were written and recorded and that the recording
took place over a long period of time since the songs seem to get better developed and more experimental as the disc goes on. There are some pretty heavy MITB influences happening but the bass work is far more complex (this John guy is a virtuoso in the truest sense of the word) and overall everything is a lot faster than MITB was generally known for. Like MITB there are some pretty straightforward hardcore tunes, some noise tunes and some flat out bizarre stuff. Although the band would have benefited greatly from better production, this is still something that is going to appeal to open minded fans of the extreme. The black on black, embossed packaging, by the way, is unique and very impressive. (JB) 6803 Eisenhower Ct. Chino. CA 91710 Y - A Black Sheep Is Still A Sheep T If you haven’t discovered these guys yet, you’d better get on the ball and quick, my friend. Y is one of the best bands to emerge from Germany in recent years. I had the pleasure of seeing them live a few times in the summer of ‘99 and I was instantly converted. Their slower, fist¬ pounding punk is tempered with some of the fastest and tightest blast outbursts around. They are the kings of hairpin tempo changes and songwriting that’s original yet stays within the parameters of extreme hardcore. Four new songs and a G-ANX cover on this effort. Excellent stuff. Wait ‘til you get pummeled by their upcoming album, too. (CD) Excelsior H.C.. R0. Box 14794. Albany. NY 12212 YAGE / ENGRAVE - split T Whoa, timewarp Germany. YAGE are fairly melodic, with emo-style sung/moaned vocals that remind me a lot of my hometown friends JULIA (who had a record out on Ebullition that no one reading this remembers). Unfortunately that was years ago and, for me at least, doesn’t hold up to the test of time. Also, I think that YAGE is a bit more midtempo and, for lack of better words, lacking some of the energy that I remember from bands that used to sound like this (seems like all those bands quit and started new bands that sound like CHARLES BRONSON or HIS HERO IS GONE... which is why I’m surprised to see this record). So, in summary, I didn’t really like YAGE much at all. ENGRAVE are faster, metallic, pretty technical hardcore (with some quieter, buildup parts that could easily be construed as emo). In a nutshell, ENGRAVE sounds like a combo of some of the more straight-forward metalcore out there with the 1st GRADE LP, which I love. Good stuff - sounds like it could have come out a couple years ago, but good. (J) Defiance Records. Riterstrasse 52.50668 Koln. Germany ZANUSSI - r This record was recommended to me some time ago and that’s why I immediately bought it when I saw it in a store. Up ‘til now I don’t have any regrets. This band is from Spain and all they do is punishing. Fastcore with a tiny little twist of metal hidden in the music. Every single song is raging and there’s lots of songs on the record. What more would you want? This is the kind of band that will nail you to the floor-and leave you stunned when you see em play live. Enough about this: go out and get it. (RE) Ozono Kids. P.0. Box 627. Manresa 08240. BCN. Spain V/A - Brutal Police Menace CD Well, it’s not hardcore as far as the music this mag covers, but it’s definitely “hardcore" in an underground D.I.Y. sense. This disc is comprised of mostly NY and New England area artists who churn out everything from found-sound noise to political hip hop to dub experimentalism. After listening to 30 records in a row that are all
I (J> - Jc!!!]j3a((mu{EBn= Eric? Beck / (JB) = Jeb Branin / (RC) = Rob Coons / (CD) = Chris Dodge / (RE) = Rudolf I-Everts / (DM) = Dennis Miller / (KP) = Ken Pollution / (JR) = Jeff Robinson / (GS) = Graham Sleiqhtholme
REVIEWS =tfc
thrash, the variety of this disc is certainly a welcome diversion. The focus of this comp is to protest recent occurrences of police brutality by the NYPD. Included here are a ton of people I’ve never heard of: CRITERION, ZIPPERSPY, NETTLE, SPLICE, YLYPTYK, WELMO ROMERO and lots more. Proceeds from this disc go to benefit a computer room at the counter culture stronghold ABCNoRio. If you’re into exploring a new genre, there’s no better place to start. (CD) Brooklyn Beats. 440 Broadway #3R. Brooklyn. NY 11211 V/A - Critical Pedagogy: A Compilation of Teachers in Punk Bands LP Athena of THE DREAD and co-head honcho at Six Weeks Records doesn't pay her bills thanks to her supreme mastery of hardcore punk music but thanks to her mastery of the English language. She is a teacher, which may not sound like much to some, but from my perspective is just about the most noble and demanding profession a person can have. Especially a person like Athena who is determined to teach a love of learning and the essential life skill of critical thinking to her students. It is very difficult to be a real educator in a society that offers reward for having a simplistic ideology, encourages dumbed-down thinking and expects drone like compliance with concepts and images puked out of television/computer screens. To teach people who don't want to do anything they perceive as "hard" is a an indescribable challenge that you have to live through to appreciate. To foster learning in a social climate that demands the "right" to "be entertained" is, to be blunt, maddening. So my hat is off to Athena. Oh yeah... there was going to be a review here somewhere... This compilation represents two years of work on Athena's part to collect tracks from punk bands that feature teachers. Not just any punk bands either, mind you. Not safe and radio friendly punk bands... Not cute and cuddly pop-punk bands... No! This comp features loud, fast, intense, radical, aggressive and vicious bands. Bands whose style and delivery is, in and of itself, a challenge to societal conformity. Bands like whirlwind grindcore wackos ABSTAIN, full throttle speedsters SEEIN' RED, legendary punk mavericks M.D.C., and the completely underrated THE DREAD (naturally). All in all seventeen bands kicking out seventeen tracks of blistering anti-music. This CD isn’t a gimmick and it certainly doesn't jeopardize the overall quality of the disc in an awkward stretch to stay on topic as many theme compilations do. It is, above all, a solid collection of songs that also happens to pay tribute to hard working punk teachers. (JB) Six Weeks Records. 225 Lincoln Ave.. Cotati. CA 94931 V/A - Iron Columns CD It’s a rare compilation that has me stoked on -it liking every song and every band. I’m sorry to say that this isn’t one of those. It is a benefit for the support of anarchist prisoners Christopher Plummer and Harold Thompson/Raze the Walls Seattle, and it does have some of the finest international hardcore you can find these days (or actually, about two years ago, which is how long ago the double LP version of this came out - and can I say that if you can find that you will be much more stoked, because it has a huge booklet with all kinds of stuff, including a page from each band... I unfortunately don’t have that, so can only tell you about the CD, which has a list of tracks and that’s it.). My personal highlights were FORCA MACABRA who can do no wrong, KRIGSHOT blazing out three thrashers including a MOB 47 cover, SCATHA (not sure this isn’t on their 2nd album though), DISCLOSE, and of course, LOS CRUDOS. Other stuff that might cause people
to want to seek this out (which is probably a good idea if you like compilations): ANTI¬ PRODUCT, DEFIANCE, HALL KEPT, CRESS, LA AFERRA, EXTINCTION OF MANKIND, MAX SLOAN, BLACK KRONSTADT, FMD, DDI, COUNTERBLAST, BOYCOT, DEZERTER, BROTHER INFERIOR and a few more. (J) Mind Control 1012 Brodie Street Austin. TX 78704 V/A - Memories Of Tomorrow Hardcore Compilation LP It was inevitable that hardcore music, especially posi-core, would come full circle and a new wave of ferocious bands would literally recreate the underground in their own image, one that rejects the jaded and self righteous ranting common amongst the generation that came just before them. Ironically their move into the future is accommodated in large part by reaching into the past. This compilation is a collection of the bands playing a role in this resurgence of hardcore and posi-core. These are bands whose sound is fresh and furious. They reject the intolerance and closed mindedness of the hate-edge that almost destroyed the posicore movement. They don't do this by deconstructing that scene but by building up an alternate one... a scene full of the cooperation and passion that marked hardcore "back in the day". Many of them even pay homage to days gone by with sounds heavily influenced by the sXe scene of more than a decade ago. What you aren't going to find here, and I for one find it to be a breath of fresh air, is songs about how "my crew is going to take a lead pipe to your crew unless you finally see the light and admit that I am always right about everything and you shouldn't think for yourself because I will tell you what to think" which was basically the message of almost an entire generation of dimwit hardliners and their gang mentality. The bands featured are NO JUSTICE, LI FES HALT, HSTREET, NO REPLY, BEST OF TIMES, HOLDING ON, DIRTY DIRT & THE DIRTS, CARRY ON, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?, GAZAPACHO, HANDPLANT, VITAMIN X, VARSITY, THE GATE CRASHERS, COMMITTED, and RANCOR. (JB) Youngblood Records. 217 W. Main St, Ephrata. PA 17522 V/A - Menus With Manpower CD The focus of this comp is to benefit KDVS, a radio station in Davis, California that fully supports grind, noise, hardcore, and metal. There are 49 tracks and the bands here comprise the underground’s upper crust: HELLNATION, SLIGHT SLAPPERS, NOOTHGRUSH, AGENTS OF SATAn! AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED, BENUMB, MINCH, EXHUMED, NO LESS, AGATHOCLES.... you name it, they’re probably on here. High quality noise that’s complimented by great liner notes and a cool, fold out, full-color cover collage of weird stuff from Life magazine ads circa-1970. A cheap price, a great line-up, and a worthy cause. (CD) $4 ppd U.S. (overseas send extra postage) to: AdelineLehigh Crank Duplex Recordings. Box 4301. Davis. CA 95617 V/A - Short. Fast + Loud - Vol. 1 CD Wow! What can you say about this amazing release? Here you get 40 bands ripping out 40 songs of some of the most intensely ferocious hardcore around. Check out this line-up. AFTERMATH, B.S.E, CATHETER, DATACLAST, DAYBREAK, DEAD NATION, DESPITE, DISCORDIA, DREAD 101, DUMBSTRUCK, EL NUDO, ENTROPIA, EXISTENCH, FETUS EATERS, GOAT SHANTY, IN CONTROL, INSULT, IRON LUNG, KONTORTION, LANA DAGALES, LIFE IN A BURN CLINIC, LIFE’S HALT, MOUTHBREATHER, MUKEKA DI RATo| OTOPHOBIA, PERUKE, PIGNATION, POINT OF FEW, PROGERIA, RUINACRE, RUINATION, THE SCARLET LETTER, SHANK, SPAUL, TOTALLY RIDICULOUS, TUSKS OF BLOOD, THE
ULTIMATE WARRIORS, UNIQ, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? and WILBUR COBB. Now pick your jaw up off of the ground and try to regain your composure. I was reading something the other day about how unpopular punk has become again. I say that is fine by me, because compilations like this prove that no matter how diluted or unpopular punk may become, there is always going to be a force of folks who play straight from the heart and continually support and reinvent this world of hardcore and thrash. If people want to dismiss this sort of music and/or "sellout" or "move on", I say go for it; just leave yourshoes behind because somebody else will immediately fill them. Anyway, in regards to the compilation, my only complaint (and it really isn’t a complaint, it is more of a curiosity) is that there are only two bands on it from Japan. Not to take anything away from the other bands, but it was surprising to me because the msyority of good thrash and hardcore that I hear these days comes from Japan. Nonetheless, this is a top-notch release and should quickly find its way into your collection. (RC) Slap A Ham. P.0. Box 420843. San Francisco. CA 94142
V/A - Skate All Day Drink All Night 2 T I don't skate, 1 don't drink, but I enjoy this comp 7" a lot! One song each from your favorites: RAZOR'S EDGE, EXCLAIM, TOTAL FURY, MELT-BANANA, IDOL PUNCH, etc. All songs are short, fast and loud. Top notch thrashcore, fastcore, power violence, grind, any term you can tag on them except for the band X ARTS. They're a melodic skankin’ hardcore band and, sorry, it's just boring for me. I don’t see the point in putting such a band on this comp. Anyway, Side B starts with EXCLAIM and they totally blew me away. It was recorded a while ago with the old singer Nate. It's fast, it's crazy, simply great thrashcore. I didn't realize that it's a cover of ROOSTERS (‘80s Japanese band) until they let me know. It sounds like their original song - totally amazing! It's worth checking out this comp if not only for EXCLAIM! (EB) Group Sounds. Japan V/A - This Berkeley! 7“
Is
Kangaroo.
Not
Kangaroo’s slogan for life is “Proud to be loud”. That slogan fits perfectly to this compilation. All bands play hard and fast. Featured bands are: REAL SHIT, KLINEFELTER, TRENCH COAT ARMY, POSITIVELY NEGATIVE, UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONS, KOZIK, UNITED SUPER VILLIANS, DESPISED, DEAD NATION, OUT COLD, NEIGHBORS, BREZHNEV. This should give you an idea of what you can expect. Although every band plays in fact a similar style, they individually add their own unique touch to the sound. The cover is like the “Boston Not LA” cover to complete it all. The release party for this record was a boat show featuring some bands on the compilation and OUT COLD headlining. It wouldn’t be a punk show if something didn’t go wrong. The boat could not get out on the
water because of some technical problems. Great show and compilation nonetheless. (RE) Henk Kangaroo Smit Middenweg 13.1098 AA Amsterdam. Holland V/A - Tomorrow Will Be Worse Volume 2 CD Volume one in this compilation series was a four 7" box set featuring eight of the most extreme American and Japanese hardcore bands in a duel to the death. Volume 2 differs in a couple of superficial ways... specifically that it is a CD and that the bands featured here hail from four different continents... but in the most important way, musically, this is the perfect follow up. Seven crazed thrash bands, each with their own distinctive take on extreme hardcore, race through 24 blasts of hardcore rage. KRIGSHOT fire off four rapid fire rounds of pure thrash and are the best of the best on here. RUIDO let loose three ditties that encapsulate their heavy, raw and classic punk stylings which are played at hurricane velocity. UNCURBED give us four kicks to the head in their prototypical Scandinavian style... I don't know that hardcore gets much thicker than this. MK ULTRA are a musical metaphor for chaos and their four tunes are probably the most frantic on the disc and are right behind KRIGSHOT in the "appeals to Jeb" rankings. MUKEKA DI RATO race through a trio of cuts with a vintage thrash sound. When playing live you can just tell this band works the kids into a frenzy of mic sharing and sing-alongs. 9 SHOCKS TERROR dish out a brace of songs that at first listen might seem more generic than the other bands on here, but once I realized how different the two songs sounded from each other I was more impressed. It is hard to call something "generic" and "diverse" at the same time. SCALPLOCK take perfect aim with their OPSTAND meets HELLNATION one-two combination. If this band doesn't make you think, I daresay you are missing much of the point. REAL REGGAE are the first band on the disc and although they seem to be the odd band out insofar as they give us only one 54 second song. They are also the only band to be held over from Volume 1 and their straight forward thrashing is the perfect introduction to what "Tomorrow Will Be Worse" is all about. (JB) Sound Pollution. P.0. Box 17742. Covington. KY 41017 V/A - When Hell Freezes Over LP Twin Cities hardcore is kicking ass and taking names. This comp assembles some of the most vital HC bands kicking around the Minneapolis area. Both the new blood and veteran scenesters are represented here. The tunes selected are of the predominantly crusty persuasion... they’re either fast or powerful or fast AND powerful. MISERY, PONTIUS PILATE, ARDEN CHAPMAN, CALLOUSED, CODE 13^ FEED THE MACHINE, DREADNAUGHT, SCORNED, and several more are here. Comes with a booklet that contains a full page layout for each band. (CD) Sin Fronteras Records. P.0. Box 8004. Mpls. MN 55408 V/A - Wizards Of Gore A Tribute To Impetigo CD If you know anything about late ‘80s and early ‘90s grindcore, you know that IMPETIGO was one of the under-appreciated bands of the.genre. This Midwest combo unleashed their B-movie-goreobsessed grind epics on the globe through a series of underground 7” EPs as well as a few records on the cheesy Wild Rags label. They called it quits in as this eittupilatioft pfovest iMPETIGO is pm mm forgotten. Grinders mwsndaiditoy Mage to the bftftMd fraaMy. in ft$^pinia$|p |P§ven better jat**& these $tengs thftft'the or$»*l rmTIGO diWa^m iiinciuiiii ISXSDMm WAQ88, DECEASED, GO& BEYOND NECROPSY, MORTICIAN and more. (CD) feBMrtiack Records BillyMra mfeamramfapJUe NY1I738
324 1st full album release on Nov
Slight Stoppers 1st full album release on Nov CD $13(ppd)
5k
LP $15(ppd)
CD $l6(ppd)
now on sale _ Sm] ALL price is ppd PAINTBOX / Earth ball sports tournament (CD) HG-123 $18 H[9 Piea send only cash ■ J Please Fact H.G. fact BLOW BACK /1 like time (CD) HG-128 $16 KJ J.G. 401 Hongo-M, 2-36-2 Yayoi-cho, nakano, Tokyo, 164-0013, Japan JUDGEMENT / Just be... (CD) HG-127 $10 TokV fax 81-3-3383-6885 JABARA / Why we wish (CD) HG-124 $11 fhaxf * hgfact@japan.interq.or.jp http://www.interq.or.jp/japan/hgfact STICKS IN THROAT / Move on zeroes (CD) HG-126 $16 http ENVY / The eyes of single eared prophet (CD) HG-122 $11 FORWARD / Just go forward to death (CD) HG-125 $18 / (LP) HG-125 $20
Now available on TFC Records
Also available on TFC Records aughing Stock
tot itate feat Qqjfal®
Right Torn Clyde ‘Sippin' 7 Inch
laughing Stock
“Long Busridc from Capital City'’ CD
rry release from slimy likes of: We also carr SWEET DADDY 6 ACTION JACKSON And other releases by: THE KRAYOWS AND RID
Manchurian Candidates “Between Reality and Shadow*
The Krayons
“Souvenirs from the Scene of the Crime” Full Length Album
P.O. Box 150877 Austin, TX 78715 www.tfc-records.com
Here's the deal, all EPs are $3 in the US of A; $5 elsewhere. CDs and IPs are $6 here; $8 there. Please add a $1 for 7** & CD’s and $1.50 albums. Send ten budes and you get a booby prize from one of our many trading partners around the world, send us love letters because our po box can seem rather large and empty at times. Coming soon ... new LAUGHING STOCK EP and a full-length International comp. CD. Make money order and checks payable to: Roger Guenero
MOSH OF ASS *7 Oh shit.crazy month, and I just made the deadline for this issue. I had a lot of good tapes come in this time around and I've gotten some good feedback from readers as well.
You can always send demos direct t me for MOA. My address is: Max/625, P.O. Box 423413, San Francisco, CA 94142-3413 No homophobic,
As always, when writing bands send sufficient funds to cover both the tape and postage. I didn't include any prices this time around, so write people first to see if the demo is even available (and send a fucking stamp
WUZOR - Wufuckingzor demo A rehearsal recording of some primitive sludge-core that takes its inspiration from death metal and goof-core. I've heard these guys' name before since the Bay Area has such a lack of new heavy bands coming up. Some of the lyrics have mildly sexist overtones which always seems to accompany bands of this nature (e.g. "Like This Or Like That Bitch", etc). 14 songs in all, fans of EYEHATEGOD would like. As for me, I didn't make it past song three. Dave, 4301 Horner Street, Union City, CA 94587 •
Until next time, keep those tapes coming in, see ya in the pit.
sexist,
- Max of Ass 9/00 Top 10 Tapes
racist shit.
I'm leaving for a WxHxN tour of Japan in a couple of days, so I'm bringing extra loot with me to scrounge up some demos. So hopefully when I get back. I'll have some Japanese thrash tapes for all y'all to read about.
TUSKS OF BLOOE - demo Super slow, bass driven sludge core from Portland. Way back when, I was really into ASBESTOS DEATH, WINTER and the early GRIEF stuff. Now, I can't even make it past the six minute bass intro. GRIEF used to have a shirt that read, "If it's too slow, you're too happy." Damn right I'm happy. Tim Call, 3385 SE Francis, Portland, OR 97202 V/A - "Es War Eineis jena Tage an dem Einfach Alles...Kopstand" comp A cool punk/thrash, low fi comp out of Germany that has a ton of bands on it. Most of it 4-track recordings, but it
•SOOTHE - demo •TEAR IT UP - demo •BURNPILE - tape
(in no particular order):
•HOLIER THAN THOU - 4 song tape
•JELLYROLL,ROCKHEADS - '99 demo (yeah, I know, it’s not in this issue, but I can’t stop listening to it. Best demo I've heard - EVER!)
•MELEE - demo •NO WARNING - advance tape •DOWN IN FLAMES - advance tape
•V/A - "Deny the Report" compilation tapes (Volumes 1 and 2)
brings me back to the olcP "We Got Power" comps or the old BCT comps. Some of the bands are hot, some are not... but all are raw. The best bands are PISSED YOUTH, SUBKUTAN, and the Dutch thrash masters BSE. This whole comp is great listen. Wiho Sturenberg, Petristr. 22, 49326 Melie, GERMANY AFTERMATH - demo I think these guys might even have some vinyl out by now.... but here's a review of the '99 demo. Super fast thrash that takes influences from black metal, Swedish thrash and just good old HC. When they stick with the straight forward Scando-thrash, rip. And the awesome
•INDEX - 3 song tape
thing is that there is no way th^^^Sa^t saying any of the words on the lyric sheet I swear he's just going "Aaaaaaaaccccckkkk" every measure That rules! Features ex-members of som, famous Portland bands. Aftermath,
123 NE Fremont,
Portland,
OR 97212
V/A - "Screams from the Night" comp tape Wow, a second comp tape with BSE on it! These guys are awesome.... I think all the tracks are from their rehearsal demo I got last year, but that's OK/ I m glad they are getting the respect they deserve. Also on this comp are all-stars like KUNGFU RICK, AUTHORITY ABUSE, GODSTOMPER and a whole slough of Midwestern sludge / he / grind ro^SR7S°me b03ndS are horrible' are damn good. KY 4101 7^' W' LakGSide Ave•' Lakeside Park,
SOK - Jak Sasek O HATECHOIR - Warty G. vs. Herpes Faced Girl demo
The Ill
SIZLAK,
Weird fucking demo. It's well written thrash metal like DEAD HORSE or- something, with random noises over the stuff (like birds chirping, lazer guns, etc...) fucking weird. It's entertaining. HATECHOIR P.O.
Box 332,
Thomasboro,
IL 61878
SIZLAK - 2000 demo The new band of CHIMPT which I enjoyed. This reminds me of a more thrash influenced grind band like RIGHTEOUS PIGS. Good death metal influenced hardcore that is DIY and ciated. Good demo
recorded live show. But the studio stuff makes up for it. I jot this from the distro below *ho sells a ton more tapes, so 3et a hold of them for a catalog. Raw Punk Bastards, P.O. Box 197, Steger,
TBSmS adds to the enioy-ent^
IL 60475
NEGATOR - demo Super raw thrash recorded in a garage. Sounds like the drummer is just banging on anything he can hit, and the band seems to end whenever the first member to stop stops. Minimalist to say the least. Good samples from i'rt ypr' s Edge" . Only fans of
P.O. Box 721, Frazer, Japanese thrash!
X got a video of them playing which I Lve and this demo is fucking great, too! Traditional styled Japanese HC that contains multiple female ,.r<i The raw recording quality fdds to'this demo. The best demo so far in this issue of MOA! Write em. Chiyo Tagochi, 2-1 Kamimutsuna-cho, Okazaki, Aichi,
444-0859 Japan
the public - caged Conscience demo This is actually a an EP from Slovakia
ultra-minimalist goof-noise could appreciate this. I.B.S Records, 1574 N. Valley Rd., Pottstown, PA 19464 ALGODON - demo Super slow, death metal inspired sludge.which isn't my cup of tea, but it's a whole lot better than that crappy Sabbath shit that is coming out these days. At least these guys sound like FROST. Two-man band for those who are counting. P.O. Box 25171, Raleigh, NC 27611 FACELESS - tape Wow, from Redwood City! Cool.... too bad it's not my style. Sounds like PANTERA meets SEPULTURA. Faceless, 2716 Goodwin Ave., Redwood City, CA 94061
tlc HC
energy HC. They'll throw in breakdowns and quiet acoustic parts amongst their fast crust thrash. This is really good, I was pleasantly surprised. Might be the best tape this issue. Now I got to get the vinyl, and you should, too. Dusan Ozanak, Zborov Nad Bystricou 455, 023 03, Slovakia DOWN IN FLAMES - demo Wow, great honest youth crew that sounds damn sincere. Vocals that remind me of BATTERY while the music is really good, catchy melodic youth crew. Damn great! Watch out for the EP. DOWN IN FLAMES c/o Anthony tlas: 4 Holly Tree Ln., Pumson, NJ 07760
MELEE — demo '80s thrash influenced band from Massachusetts. Vocals are even more snotty than CHARLES BRONSON or a less frantic SIEGE, while the guitar tones and riffage reminds me of GANG GREEN. Pretty strong debut so hopefully we'll hear more from these guys.... I'm sure their sophomore release will be even stronger. Melee, Box 471, Allston, MA 02134 CRUCIAL UNIT - Live On WPTS This is a pretty entertaining tape. Frantic fastcore that is a little rough on the edges, but still pretty solid. Funny lyrics about "making out vs. circle pits", etc. Mike, 3203 Joe Hammer Square, Apt. #2, Pittsburgh/ PA 15213
An endless barrage of thrash and grind recorded on a four track. Th songs all have structure and don't seem thrown together, and SOK seem to be at their best when they stic with just going straight forward fast (not blast beats). it appears this is a discography stretching from '89-'92. Janne Nihistrom, Vinbhrady 49, Znojmo 669 02, Czech Republic ATROCIOUS MADNESS - tape You might already be familiar with these crusty thrashers already (this tape is actually the EP that came out this year). This tape includes the studio Is well as a poorly
FACE-UP TOIT - demo tape A French bandana thrash unit that just recently formed. While its still pretty rough around the edges, I still can't help but love the '80s approach. With a little more practicing and time; these guys could pump out some thrash. Now they have to do a KRULL cover. Luc Ardilouze, BP 11, 33023, Bordeaux Cedex,
France
HOLIER THAN THOU - demo Ripping Oxnard style hardcore that has a ton of crossover influences. It sounds like a mix between ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT and RKL. This is a four song tape, recorded in a good studio, so write 'em and see what’s up. They just played at Gilman and were awesome. Jeff -Capra, 5860 Mandarin Ave., Apt. #G,
MOSH OF ASS
MOSH OF ASS - Send future tape review submissions to: Max of Ass / 625 / P.0. Box 42$413. San Francisco, CA 94142-3413 USA
~POSSESSION. The vocals EYEHATELUCY
- tape
Funny name. This sounds like a slowed down version of EHG or some other sludge band. The recording detracts from the slo-mo style a little, so you should be a fan of super sludge if you order this. See also the SKULLCRUSHER tape reviewed in this issue. Dirk, Bei Weis, Edelstrasse 78hh, 02953, Halbendorf, Germany EBOLA / MVD - split tape The EBOLA stuff is awesome.... recorded live, but good sound. In fact, I think I like this tape better than some of the vinyl output I have heard from them. MVD is Germany's hidden secret. They did an EP on Rodel back in '94 which just smokes. Fast, furious crustcore that is more Scando-thrash than your modern day crustcore. Great tape.
nd the tape label has a ton more out, so write him for a catalog! ACT+M c/o Dirk Stockigt, P.O. Box 670224, 10207 Berlin, Germany CONFLAGRATION - The Great Fire tape This is a one person band death/hc/sludge act. I'm not too into these kinda of projects, unless they hide the fact that they are a one-person band with the ability to rip. This is pretty loose, and although I admire the scene of one-person grind/hc bands, only a few can pull it off. B.C.A, W. 125 6th Ave. #512, Spokane, WA 99204 BURNPILE - Kentucky Fried Tear Gas This flat out rules. I was scared by the artwork... but this is ripping crossover HC thrash, .like BEYOND
.^two surprises of the 4-track recordings! Doug, P.O. Box 377, Mt. Orab, OH 45154 V/A - "DENY THE REPORT" Vol. 1 and 2 I got two great tapes (these could be the tapes of the issue), featuring new bands from Japan. Some of you might know some of the bands (FOODCHAIN, ONE WAY DOWN, MOUNTAIN DEW, NICE VIEW, STRIKE OUT, etc.) but there are some unknowns on here that rule fucking hard.
each was STAND OUT and REBORN on Volume 2. Both volumes are very well done, so the quality runs right through everything. Exactly how a comp tape is supposed to be done. Too Circle Records c/o Shingo Maeda, 3-29-18, Tokotama-minami, Nerima ku, Tokyo, 176-0014, Japan HEAD HITS CONCRETE Mitakuye Oyasin tape As the advert read, "ten songs in five minutes." Chaotic, fast almost to the point of losing it ghaos-core from exALLOWING SHIT guys.
are spit out, the riffage is awesome- they used to be called RATPISS, but I think this is the best they have done so far. Write 'em and get this tape. Burnpile, 1413 Smiling Hills Blvd., Edmond,
OK 73013
xFUEDx - No Surrender demo Positive youth crew from the Philippines! The recording is
V/A - In Tyrannos com! A great comp tape that really conjures upT" the art of a comp tape. Unknown bands from all over the world (mainly Germany/Europe) are compiled on this comp. Tons of info about anti-militaristic movements in Germany, plus the packaging is nice and DIY. Some unusual bands, some chaotic-emo bands, some grind, etc....The best bands are ABUSO SONORO, DIR YASSIN and SUBMISSION HOLD. Florian, Box:m301130, 04251 Leipzig, Germany
not so hot, but I think it doesn't matter. Good, simplistic, anthemic '88 style
BRODY'S MILITIA - Severe Head Trauma demo Doug (ex-HELLNATION) resurfaces with a distorted laden punk-thrash outfit hailing HC. The tape label is having from a small town deep in Ohio. This reminds more stuff come out (two of me of some early '80s Japanese punk that was which are SPAZZ and WxHxN recorded in a rehearsal room.... mainly collection tapes) so write 'em because of the super distortion on the and see what’s up! guitar and the upbeat punk beats. Good Take-4/Butch Regala, 1260-D Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz,J4arula, shit... hopefully they stick with the great 1003 Philippines
A little fastcore, maybe ew little emo-core. P.O. Box 26014, 116 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4K9, Canada
solo project in his garage.... I was quite worried that it might suck fat ass. But man, is this tape fucking awesome. So awesome in fact that although it was a home recording, it's being put to CD now... and Felix LIFES HALT may be joining the band. Who says thrashers can't jam a little melody. CD out on New Disorder, 115 Bartlett St., SF CA 94110
EONSONER vs. DJ. OPTIMUS PRIME Drunk Technics tape This is an awesome DJ battle tape.... between DJ EONS (a.k.a. KUNG FU DAN) and DJ OPTIMUS PRIME (the original DJ Twinkle Fingers). Really well thrown together mixes with some damn entertaining audio bites over the top. Both DJs years of doing this shines through. No address, so fuck off. LOVE SONGS - tape I fucking hate songs about girls, and melody and all that shit. Feed that shit to the fucking birds. So when Craigums gave me a tape of his
this
INDEX - 1999 demo
and making fucking noise. Good lyrics about how old punks suck for excluding the new generation. N1792 Orchid Way, Hortonville,
I've gotten more tapes recently from Las Vegas and most have ripped. Some that stand out are FADED GREY and TRUCKER CRANK. This tape is
BREAKDANCE - Superbionitic demo This is pretty darn good. The recording is pretty low-fi, but the music is really pissed off fastcore. Really well written songs that are fierce. Can't wait to hear more from these dudes. In the meantime, write 'em for this. Breakdance, 1241 Highland Ave., Iowa City, IA 52240
thrashcore that is slightly polished. Reminds me of late '80s crossover that has some modern influences. 1872 Leonard Ln., Las Vegas, NV 89108
SOMETHING IN THE WATER - tape The tape starts out with a good build up riff that gets your interest right away. The sound reminds me of CITIZENS ARREST, but not really as fierce (what
SELF DESTRUCT - Infected World
,is t-hnnah_.
influenced hardcore... I guess you could say its post-hardcore. But its not math-metal, although UPHILL BATTLE takes inspiration from the same scenes (black metal, death metal, thrash). Good stuff, I can't imagine these guys not getting a record
BACKSTABBER INC.,
out sometime soon. Box 90239, Sta. Barbara, CA 93190 DIS-RE-ANTI-YOUTH-HELL-CHRISTBASTARD-ASS-MAN-X - 2nd demo The second tape I've gotten from these guys... it's still pretty minimalist fastcore recordec^^ fourtrack/boombox.
CROUSTIBAT - War Is Over demo A now defunct Portuguese band CROUSTIBAT play thrash-metal influenced hardcore, much like a younger CATHARSIS. I normally don't like effects on the vocals, but they work well with their style on this one. A whole slew of songs, so it's a nice length. Write 'em, although I don’t know if they are still jamming or not. Bruni Cardoso, Av. Maria Lamas, LT 5 - 2 ESQ, Murtal, 2775-123 Parede, Portugal
This was just recorded on a blank tape,
fast paced hardcore / grind.
love it. Not like I would
etc...since there are none.
listen to ..it everyday,
but
Wthe DEGENERICS).
V/A - Asian Pun^!!^^^ _
Bancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai-city, Miyagi, 980-0811, Japan JOHN BROWNS ARMY - adv. tape Well, what the hell can you expect from Nate Wilson
this is
Really fierce vocals,
Brooklyn, NY 11205
scenes) to a larger audience. Can’t wait for number 3. Tsuyoshi Konno, 1-10-27, l-
but man,
Super primitive recording
BALANCE OF TERROR - demo Hailing from Brooklyn, BOT kick down some dirty hardcore/punk. Really gruff vocals spit out over some well composed hardcore riffs. Could have been written in '83... just a little crazier. The recording helps due to adding some craziness over the demo. Good shit... Balance of Terror 205 Franklin Ave., Apt. #1-A,
faves) and SHOCKED, although the true beauty of this tape is in exposing bands (and
aka THE
QUICK AND THE DEAD - demo
of some super primitive fastcore/powerviol.ence. I
I'm sure we'll see some vinyl from these dudes soon. Chris, 404 Manor Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016
Another great comp tape from Japan, this time featuring bands from all over Asia. Recording quality ranges from studio to boombox, but all of it is good. The winners are OUT OF TOUCH (one of my
54942
pretty damn good grindcore.
Hnod hardcore that has Dient'
Some splits coming up soon, so keep your eyes peeled. 1144a 2nd Av., Escondido CA 92025
WI,
MORAL ATROPHY - demo
'_ NEUKI'3W"*Tiemo Super'metallic crust-core that has some black metal influences, with some DYSTOPIA influences as well. They came through with DESPITE this year which was pretty awesome. Eric P, 1309 S. 21st, Manitowoc, WI 54220
Going into the garage,
recording on your home-deck,
ex-MONSTER X, DEVOID OF FAITH, and THE OATH) but damn good fucking hardcore. Super beefy, taking influences from BASTARD, while sounding like a more straight forward hardcore DEVOID OF FAITH. Look for some splits out soon. Box 14253, Albany, NY 12212 V/A - "Spettro" comp tape A European powerviolence / grind comp tape from Zas (who has put out numerous projects as well)... this one features SL-72 from Belgium, WASTELAND (Belgium), LE CENERI (Italy) and CALIGOLA (Italy). Good
with
I have no idea about lyrics, Ben Boudreau, Apt.
Crazy metallic thrash hardcore 'from ex-ENEMY SOIL crew. This reminds me of fucking RIGHTEOUS PIGS or SINS OF THE FLESH with some totally ripping CELTIC style vocals that are spit out. Good shit... metal done right. Brick in the Face, pmb #570, 21010 Southbank St., Sterling, VA 20165
is what a demo is all
about.
1,
10 Fessenden St
Portland, ME 04103
TEAR IT UP - demo' Man, this is the fucking East Coast issue... I swear. Check out BALANCE OF TERROR, SITW, and now this. So, I do beli.eve this is the new DEAD NATION band... and man does it smoke. From what I've heard, they have already gotten a gazillion offers, so you'll hear their name thrown around soon enough. 59 River Rd. , Denville, NJ 08734 UPHILL BATTLE - demo This tape is a scorcher... in fact, the minute I got my first copy, I ran right over to my friend who has a label and told him he should put it out. Lucky for me I got another onej Very death metal.
comp, though the recordings could be a little better. Get in touch with Zas cuz he's doing a lot of underground tapes nowadays. Zas, Tournoud Marco, Via ‘Roma 59, 10056 Oulx (TO), Italy HALFULA - demo Wow, this is actually pretty ripping fastcore. It has the changes and riffings of "powerviolence" (whatever that means) but the drumming is lOOOmph and the music is quick to follow. Some short songs thrown in between others gives you no time to catch your breath. I'd like to hear more from these guys. 140 Cohen St., Athens, GA 30601
SYSTEM FUCK - tape SYSTEM FUCK go from fast crust style to blasting fastcore, while utilizing^ dual male/female vocals. While recorded on 2-track, the songs show j promise, and if dual vocal anarcho crust is your style, write 'em! Megan, 6626 N. Bendel, Fresno, CA 93222 SKULLCRUSHER - Mentally Disfigured demo Great title by the way. This is super slo-mo sludge- we're talking giving WINTER / CORRUPTED a run for their money, while recorded on possibly a 4 or e* ^ track. This style does really need â&#x2013; "some thick guitar tones to carry it I through, unless you're a die-hard that B is, which in this case you would dig. P Skullcrusher, Box 197, Steger, IL 60475 CHAOTIC DISORDER - Krigets Brutala Vansinne A really raw tape of some Swedish Scando thrash. While they site the classics as influences (ANTI-CIMEX, MOB 47, etc.) their style is way more crude, mainly relying on two chords throughout a whole song. I think they need a little fine tuning.... but not a bad start at all. Peter Gallman, Boden, Sweden
Sergeantgatan 8B,
961
77
OTHER NEWS/ETC... Got an advance tape from Germany's KOBRA KHAN that will be a split EP with ULTIMATE WARRIORS soon on Chappi. Really good stuff; it especially reminds me of later RORSCHACH typical German HC way...).
(in
the
Got the old CISTA RYZA 1998 demo and was blown away. Hailing from the Czech Republic, CISTA RYZA play some original grindcore/crustcore that was thoroughly entertaining. The drummer was ripping, the songs were original, and the singer was belting out lyrics trying to keep up with the fast pace. Plus they use flute, clarinet and all other kinds of instruments. Here's an old address for 'em, don't know if it works or not: Marcel Kollar, Novomeskeho 2, 927 00 Sala, Czech Republic Got an awesome rehearsal tape from an old Saitama band called INFECT. The really crude recording helped the mid-tempoed crustcore of INFECT. They remind me of ACID to a certain extent... total mid-paced crust. Last time I reviewed a tape from a band called AS WE ONCE WERE... well, they changed their name to NO WARNING and it looks like they will have an EP out pretty soon hopefully... Thanks to Stephen Perry for sending in a tape with a bunch of demos on it... the REAL SHIT demo from Japan totally fucking rules hard. So I got to thinking.I wish there was some kind of sampler that could document (and keep up with) the influx of new punk/hardcore/grind/crust/youth crew bands. Reviewing these tapes is fun, but its really just my opinion in words more or less. So, instead of wishing, I've decided to continue with a comp series that I have done two so far of on 625, entitled BARBARIC THRASH DEMOLITION. My next experiment with this is VOL III of the Barbaric Thrash series which will contain a CD that has a shitload of ONLY new bands that I think rock and a 7" EP that contains an old Demo. time around I have bands from
This
Brazil, Singapore, Japan, US, Guatemala, plus a gazillion other places that I think you should hear. The EP will be an old ASOCIAL (Sweden) demo during a period when they decided to hit extreme speeds...I believe its their 3rd demo. If you like PROTES BENGT, you'll love this demo. Until I get tired of doing it, or it becomes overkill with compilation samplers (which it might be already), watch for MOSH OF ASS to work in tandem with the BARBARIC THRASH Series to try to highlight the new bands. And as always, keep the demos coming in.
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GOAT SHANTY 7"EP
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ADEAfflBETWEEN SEASONS 7"EP LYI£ - DRUMS, PAUL - BASS, AARON B. - GUITAR, DAN - GUITAR, AARON N. - VOCALS, ERIC - VOCALS Webster,NYU.SA
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LAMIN(6Stimgs&Throat) ISAIAH (Alcoholocaust) ANIH0NY( Sticks) Colona, CA U.S.A. 7*EP FREHUMANBLASPHEMY {£'/
• ;tit‘ From
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Huve Shirts Ami Patches Available.
& CDS.
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J5 SIX WEEKS RECORDS has a bunch of new stuff out! fl **CAPITALIST CASUALTIES "Planned Community" 6_West Coast political thrash. Three blistering new tracks!
**SOUTH AMERICA IN DECLINE LP/CD:
ratosde parao, digs hastio , TOCATTA & BULLA,
I R A., NEGATIVE CONTROL, PIREXIA, EXPRESA TO EMOCION, RENUENCIA, PUTREFACCION INTESTINAL INSURRECCION, FUERZAX, ENEMIGOS DE LA CLASE, FUTURO INCIERTO, 720, F.D.S., APATIA NO, REDENCION 9-11 ’ ESCATOFAGIA, KONTRAORDEN, DISCORDIA, PARENTAL ADVISORY, 200 MUERTOS, NOTOKEN, ACTITUD SUBVERSIVA, HABLAN POR LA ESPALDO, DEMOCRATIC DISORDER, ARAKAUNA EX-KOMBRO N Y A B AND METAMORPHISIS.
**CRITICAL PEDAGOGY: A COMPILATION OF TEACHERS IN PUNK BANDS LP/CD: MDC, CLUSTER BOMB UNIT, SEEIN1 RED, ABSTAIN, REINA AVEJA, THE DREAD, JOHN HOLMES, COUNTDOWN TO PUTSCH, SID VISHNU, HERS NEVER EXISTED, COUNTERPOISE, JILTED, DAIRY QUEENS, SAUSMIGIE RUKISI, LEOPOLD, DESTROY EVERYTHING, and POWERBALL. Comes with a cool booklet.
**ANAL MUCUS "1986-1997” discography CD:
Classic Bay Area hardcore
punk from the
East Bay.
Concord, that is...loser fuck.
"STRONG INTENTION "Each Day Lived..An Act of Defiance" EP Lightning quick hardcore thrash from Maryland. On tour now!
**SOUND LIKE SHIT "Once Upon the Metal" EP: Crazed Japanese fastcore violence! **THE DREAD "Bonnie and Clyde” LP/CD: Punch-in-the-face pogo-core. 1st new release in 4 years! **PLUTOCRACY "Sniping Pigz” LP/CD: West Bay grind killing spree... *DESPITE “The Destroyers Will Be Destroyed" LP/CD:Rapidfire Midwest downtuned bombraid! Ex-members of URBN DK and 10-96. *THE NEIGHBORS "The More Money One Has the More Important is One’s Life" CD: Classic, snotty fast hardcore from San Diego. Re-released on Six Weeks! "VIOLENT HEADACHE "Bombs of Crust“ LP/CD: Furious political hardcore from Spain. CD has unreleased False Terminal LP from 1995. *WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? "Brutiful Fearing" 6": SF hardcore attack! Didn't get an insert? Send a stamp! *RUIDQ 7": Ripping L.A. thrash. "INTENSITY "The Virtue of Progress" 7": Raging, fast, and heavy posi-core from Sweden. "BOILING MAN ''Roadkill Museum" 7": Crunching early 80's hardcore punk like if The Pist met Filth. "VOORHEES "13" 12"/CD: Thirteen new tracks from U.K. thrashers. "FORCA MACABRA/ARMAGEDOM split LP/CD: Brazil legends vs. Finnish hardcore freaks. All new tracks! "CAPITALIST CASUALTIES "Subdivisions in Ruins" LP/CD: West Coast hardcore. "JAPAN IN DECLINE compilation LP/CD: Slang, Fuck On The Beach, Shikabane, 324, Smash Your Face, Curtainrail, plus 13 more! LP has bonus tracks. PRICES PPD: LPs are $8 No. America/$13 Europe/$16 Japan and Aus. CDs are $10 No. America/$12 Europe/$14 Japan and Aus. 7"/flexi is $3 No. America/$5 Europe/$7 Japan and Aus.
6" is $4 No. America/$6 Europe/$8 Japan and Aus.
Please make checks & money orders out to "Six Weeks Records."
Six Weeks: 225 Lincoln Avenue/Cotati. CA 94931 U.S.A. We also distribute records from around the world for the cheapest rates around! Write
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existence distribution HARDCORE FOR THE KIDS SINCE 1995 SOME OF OUR STUFF FALL 2000 AMEBIX Arise LP AMEBIX Make Some Fucking Noise LP ANTI-PRODUCT The Deafening Silence Of Grinding Gears LP ANTISCHISM Still Life LP ARTIMUS PYLE The Civil Dead 12” ASSUCK Misery Index LP AUS-ROTTEN And Now Back To Our Programming LP AUS-ROTTEN The System Works For Them LP AVSKUM in The Spirit Of Massdestruction LP BORN AGAINST Battle Hymns Of The Race War 10" BORN DEAD ICONS Work LP BREAD AND WATER Future Memories 7” CAPITALIST CASUALTIES Subdivisions In Ruin LP CAPITALIST CASUALTIES / UNHOLY GRAVE Split 7" CHARLES BRONSON Youth Attack 10” CHARM s/t 7” COUNTER-ATTACK Master And Jester LP CROSSED OUT sA LP DAMAD Burning Cold LP DAMAD / MEET JACK Split 10" DEAD NATION Dead End LP DEATHREAT / TALK IS POISON Split 7” DESPITE The Destroyers Will Be Destroyed LP DETESTATION s/t LP & CD DEVOID OF FAITH / VOORHEES Split LP DIAVOLO ROSSO / Y Split 7” DROPDEAD s/t LP DYSTOPIA Backstabber 7” DYSTOPIA The Aftermath CD EXTINCTION OF MANKIND Scars Of Mankind 7” EXTREME NOISE TERROR A Holocaust In Your Head LP
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FALL TIME / MAR Split 7” FEAR IS THE PATH TO THE DARKSIDE Someday... 7” FETUS EATERS Vomitcore 7” FUCK ON THE BEACH Powerviolence Forever LP GASP Drome Triler Of Puzzle Zoo People LP GRIEVANCE Miranda LP GUTS PIE EARSHOT Wait LP GUYANA PUNCH LINE Maximum Smashism LP GUYANA PUNCH LINE Irritainment For The Masses 7” HARUM SKARUM Mental Health LP HEALTH HAZARD / SUFFER Split CD HELLKRUSHER Victims Of Hate 7” HELLNATION Cheerleaders For Imperialism LP HELLNATION Fucked Up Mess LP HELLNATION Your Chaosdays Are Numbered LP HIS HERO IS GONE Fool’s Gold 7” HIS HERO IS GONE Monuments To Thieves 12" HIS HERO IS GONE The Plot Sickness 12” IN/HUMANITY The History Behind The Mistery LP IN/HUMANITY Violent Resignation CD INFEST Slave LP INFEST /P.H.C. Split 7“ KAFKA PROSESS Ingen Fattige, Ingen Rike LP KOBAYASHI Blutbad 7” KRIGSHOT Och Hotet Kvarstar 7" LACK OF INTEREST Trapped Inside LP LOST WORLD Tot Aber HaItbar LP MEANWHILE Same Shit New Millenium LP MEXICAN POWER AUTHORITY s/f2xLP MOB 47 Garanterat Mangel LP NASUM Inhale Exhale LP
www.exdistro.com online catalog updated every two weeks
rocknroleplap mortis out nolo
tccn ctl)ull)u~sunplc clcgance~cbep teen ttljull)u/nUtmbo~10" bloob()ag~g.l.o.U).~7" tbep $5 sePentncli$3.3 trumrl)$7 ppb
coming soon
pouters of bareness sfljatl rain uloob upon tips titi> foe 500 neat s aUunl)0~7" Ijotno erabitus~7" olb ratuler~7" rlieclis or Inbben tush to l otkmolcplap 034 nUi 4Stb st Seattle uia. 0S107
bistro k, minium, Inspirit, anti stickfigure.
Ol POLLOI Fuaim Catha LP OPERATION Destruktiv Utveckling 12" OTOPHOBIA Source Of Confusion 7" PHOBIA Destroying The Massess 10" PLUTOCRACY Sniping Pigs LP PROTESTERA Kampen Gar Vidare LP RE-SISTERS Riots Not Diets 7” RORSCHACH Autopsy CD SCALPOCK On Whose Terms LP SCROTUM GRINDER / COMBAT WOUNDED VETERAN 7” SIN DIOS s/if 2xLP SOUND LIKE SHIT Once Upon The Metal 7" SPAZZ Crush Kill Destroy LP / CD SPAZZ Sweatin’ To The Oldies CD SPAZZ / ROMANTIC GORILLA Split LP STRONG INTENTIONS Each Day Lived... 7" TALK IS POISON Control 7” TERRORAIN 1998 Demos 7" THE DREAD Bonnie And Clyde LP THE OATH sA 7" THE SWARM Old Blue Eyes In Dead 7” TOLSHOCK / SCUMBRIGADE Split 7” TOTALITAR Ni Maste Bort! LP TOTALITAR Klass Inte Ras 7” UNCURBED Keeps The Banner High LP V/A MAXIMUM SUBJECTIVITY LP
w/DS 13, Fear Is The Path To The Dark Side, Diavolo Rosso, Amen 81, Man Vs. Humanity, Peace Of Mind, Universal... VIOLENT HEADACHE Bombs Of Crust LP WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Stand Fast Armageddon ...LP WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Bruitiful Fearing 6”
pbx 159 - 1150 Vienna - austria
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LAST SECURITY last security
Molehill 1Z"Z? iZ. He&d crushing sludae tracks ■ ir*{- frofn Alnb&(n(l'SPeSt
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MASQUERADING THE GUILTY IN A GARB OF INNOCENCE" 7"
l fcmfytn 'tfvise focorfy
jr-i. f.
This is the bands vinyl debut. II songs of total grindcore madness in the vein of early Napalm Death. No complex metal guitar riffs, just straight on hardcore brutality, and yes. they are too punk to be drunk. Asshole!!
O.frvXff&f
"I’M RIGHT. YOU'RE WRONG" LP Finally a full length. After their split T with Man in Shackles and their own 7“ "Fuck your Attitude" we re happy to bring you 14 new songs from this 3 piece. Keeping up their style of fast and chaotic hardcore.
OUT SOON (THAT MEANS IN DECEMBER. YOU STUPID SHIT): Uycwnmy!
s.o.b. fifth
jjpr'Je.sus pfvilbin £p 3fl«.5^He noise froyn the musterjpfr t (n,inc( Oj d'hris Podqe1*0?\^ I imtwrite for free distribution \Lv boredom 'Hoise Cdtdloo J ■JB'v
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BRUCE BANNER “T.B.A."
7"
(Fast grinding HC. The rebirth of the Filthy Christians) sob sixth
EPILEPTIC TERROR ATTACK "We re not the problem" LP
ACURSED/FALLOUT "Split" LP
Their debute lull-length album This recording totally blew us away. Much in the same vein as the 7 but with more of a old school Boston feel to it 16 songs to help you thrash shit up!!!
Acursed are one of the best Swedish crust bands around at the moment. On this recording they have put a little more heavyness into their fast and furious style. Fallout, from Australia, whip out a really aggressive mixture of powerviotence. hardcore, crust An awesome split with the best material from both bands so far.
HEAD HITS CONCRETE IB A" 7"
(Devastating grind/HC arisen from the ashes of Swallowing Shit) All 7" available for $5 ppd (Europe) $6 ppd (World) All LPs available for $10 ppd (Europe) $12ppd (World) Also available from: ^ y>
-.
Ebullition. Vacuum. Havoc + many others (USA) Nat records. Base. Repulsive force. HG fact (Japan) Balowski Records (Holland). Burnout (France) oo.uw«in«
[et in touch for wholesale. Conlact us for more info. Distros and store get
**• •**“ Fiitrul Filth Conspiracy c/o Rodrigo Alfaro. Sodraparkgatan 35. S - 214 22 Malmo. Sweden. E-mail: putridfilth@bigfoot.com
□ROWNINGMAN j8jj8£jg8$R :V- :•
Nine new anthems for the emotionally bankrupt- rendered with surgical-grade, math metal riffage, breathtaking rock injections and razor sharp wit, cutting into your heart in the way only Drowningman can. This is the Rock And Roll Killing Machine.
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REVELATION RECORDS P.0. BOX 5232 HUNTINGTON BEACH. CA 9261 5-5232 USA AVAILABLE AT INDEPENDENT RETAILERS EVERYWHERE • WWW.REVHQ.COM is
UNDYIN6 'THE WHISPERED LIES...1 LP/CD THOUSHT PROVOKING METAL/ HARDCORE ONSLAUGHT WITH EX-CATHARSIS MEMBERS
100 DEMONS "IN THE EYES OF..." LP/CD BRUTAL CONNECTICUT HC IN THE VEIN OF HATEBREED
LENGTH OF TIME
TRUSTKILL FAMILY TREE
"HOW 600D ..." NEW LP/CD DARK & EVIL
BIDCET SAMPLER CD FEAT. TIE BEST RARDCIRE/METAI/PIHK BANDS IN TIOSTXILL RECORDS HI AT MCB PRICE
SEND $1 FOR GOOD LIFE CATALOG + THE PAPER MAGAZINE. COLLECTORS TAKE NOTE 1NE ALWAYS CARRY THE LATEST COLLECTIBLE STUFF. LIMITED PRESSINGS FOR TONS OF RELEASES OR CHECK STUFF ON OUR WEBSITE. GOOD LIFE IS NOW DISTRIBUTED IN THE U.S. THRU LUMBERJACK
GOODLIFE RECORDINGS po box 114- 8500 kortrijk - belgium ph/fax: C323 56 255 377 - fire@goodllfenecopdings.com
Dude, ' |
OF FRIENDS - LP
One of my all-time favorite bands. Insane hardcore that has energy and heaviness, yet is fully original. Fullon speed picking attack
FACE OF CHANGE-1990 Demo
i L
Still
brand fucking- new...
SOCIETY
2xEP
[thrAshcore
Hailing from Sapporo, F.O.C play superb high-energy hardcore. Mixing melody speed, early 7 SECONDS and UNIFORM CHOICE comes to mind. The 4 track style recording adds to the over-all impact of this classic demo.
fwith
BREAKFAST 1
- Debut EP
Debut of Tokyo skate thrash. The band features members/ex-members of OAC and EXCLAIM.
A collection spanning 1990-92. Contains the lBt LP, old Eps, radio show, demo, etc. 40 songs of grind, grind, grind!
HHH - 2xCD Discography A complete discography of Spain's classic thrash band. This contains all vinyl output plus the demo & a live set. Over 100 songs of Spanish fastcore!
-
( The CD and EP on vinyl format. lOOOmph fastcore with insane time changes
MAJESTIC FOUR - Demo EP Brutal Japanese
FEAR IS
Sweatin II CD
[The l"fc LP, the split CD w/SUBVERSION and [ full radio show! 70 minutes of out of print material.
JELLYROLL ROCKHEADS - EP Fucking insane fast thrash in the vein Of early GANG GREEN or JERRYS KIDS.
| CURTAINRAIL/KUNGFU RICK-Split EP
WWW
check out:
625 / po Box 423413 San Francisco, Ca 94142-3413
USA
fast
EP
- thrash blitz.
DISCARQA - EP Brazil's answer to LARM.
. 625thrash.com
KUNGFU RICK - CD l The LP and their split EPs. songs in all.
29 thrash
AVULSION - CD Insane tech grind,
CORNERED For Mailorder EBULLITION: www.ebulltion.com +/- Records: www.plusminusrecords.com SOUND IDEA: www.soundideadistro.com STICKFIGURE: www.stickfiguredistro.com REVOLVER:
all output so far
This Time CD
JRaging fast East Coast style hardcore.
CORNERED - EP 1000 mph fastcore mixed with NYHC.
KURBITS IR 17
www.midheavan.com
songs of
-
Skane Attacks EP
fastcore from Sweden.
ENTROPY - EP
And in Europe:
brutal,
GREENHELL: www.greenhell.de
raw grindcore
Or write to: Ebullition Po Box 680 Goleta, CA 93116 USA
Stores get a hold of: Revolver: 415-241-2420 Ebullition: 805-964-6111 Choke: 773-293-2660 Or any of the others listed on my mailorder listing.
Tokyo fastcore meets Midwestern thrash. Punishing!
THRASH BANDS - SEND DEMOS FOR MOA REVIEW AND UPCOMING COMPS I
speedcore thrash.
THE PATH TO THE
DARKSIDE German
For more detailed info,
man...
YOUTH ENRAGE - LP
Fierce!
PLUTOCRACY - Dankstahz CD
SPAZZ
SlXTwQFME
fucking available,
thrasj
625
carries
SPAZZ,
shirts
from WxHxN,
PLUTOCRACY and 625,
check out
the website
so
for
details. Comin up: GSMF 10" Repress, IMMORTAL FATE LP, DUMBSTRUCK LP, BARBARIC THRASH COMP EP, LIE LP/CD, plus a gazillion more things!
]
NEW, FOR
VOUR
N RNDRTORV
THE DILL INGER ESCRPE PLRN CRTTLEPRES5
CONSUMPTION:
calculating infinity ' LP
"hordes to abolish the diuine" CD/LP
%
CORLESCE/BOY 5ETS FIRE split CD EP (six songs] CORTSNRKE/BURNING HUTCH split CD/[LP coming soon] ISIS
"celestial" CD/2xLP [new on escape artist]
ALSO : CRUE IN "UNTIL VOUR HEART STOPS" CD, "CREATIUE ECLIPSES" CO EP, AND "BEVOND HYPOTHERMIA" CD, NEUROSIS/SOILENT GREEN SPLIT 7", KEELHRUL "ORNAMENTAL IRON" 7", CORLESCE "THERE IS NOTHING NElii UNDER THE SUN" CD, OLD MRN GLOOM "MEDITATIONS IN B" CD, SOILENT GREEN "SEIDN MOUTH SECRETS" LP ♦ 7", ETC. PRICES: 7" = S3.S USA/S6.S lUORLD
♦ CD EP = $6 USA/S9 IDORLO
♦ CO = $10 USA/S1H IDORLD
♦ LP = SB USA/S13 UIORLO ♦
EHLP OR lB"+7" = $10 USA/SIS UJORLO.
ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING. SEND $E IN THE USA OR $H FROM ANVUJHERE ELSE IN THE UJORLO FOR A CD SAMPLER, CRTALOG, AND STICKERS, OR SI FOR CATRLOG ONLV. HVORA HERO RECORDS P.O. BOH 990EHB, BOSTON, MR 0E199. USA. UIEBSITE U1UJUJ.HVDRRHEAD.COM E-MAIL HVDRAMAIL@AOL.COM. THANK VOU UERY MUCH. COMING SOON: HNUT "BASTAROISER" CD AND NEW CD EP, CORLESCE "0:12" LP, RTOMSMRSHER FULL LENGTH CD, SUNN "00 UOID" CD/EHLP CRUE IN LIMITED 7", KID KILOUJRTT CD/LP, CULT OF LUNR 7",
BRRBRRO 7", E NEUf^iff MRN GLOOM FULL LENGTH CDS FROM TORTUGA, AND A WHOLE LOT MORE...
>
Extreme Thrash Power...
ii
STRONG INTENTION day lived..." 7" EP NEW 10 song EP OUT NOW on Six Weeks Records. Blasting anthems of high speed thrash HC power with outraged lyrics addressing classism, wage slavery, homo¬ phobia, violence, and more. Grueling caustic distort in the tradition of STRAIGHT AHEAD, SIEGE, INFEST, LARM & YOUTH OF TODAY. Contact Six Weeks for more info.
Uoorhees"Bookburner"6 song T
SOUTHEASTERN US TOUR 11/24 to 12/3 IT’s $3.50 US ppd/$5 world STRONG INTENTION c/o Zac Intention 40 East Washington Street #2-B Hagerstown, MD 21740 xsimdbcx@cs.com Check out our website: www.angelfire.com/md/strongintention
AGIPUUK
MILAN1 CIANPIKROC.P. 63 27100 PAVIA ITALY email: agipunk@libero. it
NEW!!! NEW!!! NEW!!!
Abuso Sonoro “herencia'LP (ONLY FOR EUROPE!!!)
SHIKABANE
“ego and desire”
EP
(repress!!! repress!!! repress!!!)
ABUSO SONORO/AIMOR P.YO. SPLIT/LP (repress!!! repress!!! repress!!!) UPCOMING....BEFORE SUMMER... CONTRAST'D LP, FORCA M AC A BRA LP STILL AVAILABLE:CATTIVERIA/CORROSIONE SPLIT LP CORROSIONE /CREPA SPLIT LP REPRESS DISTRIBUTED IN NORTH AMERICA BY STICKFICURE
DISTRIBUTED IN JAPAN BY MCR COMPANY IN EUROPE CONTACT US OR TRY SKULDt wholesale onltp FARWELL,THOUGHT CRIME, MAXIMUM VOICE
GHT IN TO U OH: utenti.tripod.it/agipunk
Pinhead Gunpowder s/t 4 song 7" Still Available:
D4 "This Shit Is Genius" CD 7"': $3 US/ $5 World CD: $8 US/$10 World U.S. Cash or MO to Jason Parker
THD RECORDS PO BOX 18661 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55418 DISTROBUTION: No Idea 352-379-0502 Ebullition 805-964-6111
SWALLOWING SHIT- let my struggling spirit be free
S'
11 songs of full throttle, blasting intensity, honky offending, pro-choice, hardcore / power violence brutality from one of Canada’s finest. Proceeds go towards Canadian Indigenous Anarchist Youth, Australian Anti-Uranium activists / blockades and keeping ‘punk’ political. Beautiful colour cover printed on 100% post consumer waste with soyabean inks Copies are $5AUppd in Australia. World $5USppd Wholesale rates & Trades are available
:3*
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#*4'
rf*.
Spiral Objective Mailorder & Record Label PO BOX 126 Oaklands Park 5046 South Australia Fax: +618-8276-5076 Email: spiralob@adelaide.on.net www.popgun.com.au/spiralobjective
EAST TIMOR - A NATION BETRAYED A Hardcore Benefit Release for the people of East Timor HEADS KICKED OFF, FORWARD DEFENSE, COACH, UNDERTONE,JAMES BROOKS This 7”EP comes with a 14 page booklet on the history of Indonesian oppression, the complacency of consecutive Australian governments + fold out cover and poster. All Money rasied will go directly to the people of East Timor JAN / FEB 2000 - The situation is now critical, please support the East Timorese. Copies are $5AUppd in Australia. World $5USppd Wholesale rates & Trades are available
Spiral Objective Mailorder &: Record Label PO BOX 126 Oaklands Park 5046 South Australia Australia Fax: +618-8276-5076 Email: spiralob@adelaide.on.net
TFC Records
BAD MUSIC FOR BAD PEOPLE V/A (CO) RI/MA hardcore compilation with tracks from CONVERGE, DROPDEAD, BLACK DICE, ISIS, AGORAPHOBIC IMOSEBLEEO, PAIIMORIVER, GRIEF, AS THE SUN SETS, MEN’S RECOVERY PROJECT, LIGHTNING BOLT, LANOED, UNHOLY BMX, OLD MAN GLOOM, IN MY EYES, and more. 2<4 songs by SO bands, and this is just a taste of what we have in store for the future.
AS THE SUN SETS each individual...(CD) Heavy technical metal/hc similar to later RORSHACH. ATSS are one of the best bands out there today. Come get your ass whipped, buddy.
PAIIMDRIVER this has no end C12”LP) Hardcore thrash in the vein of DRI. SEIGE, and 97a. .these guys make me want to get up and throw bricks through windows.” Flipside^'ISO
APT. 213/DAHMERsplit C7”EPI Now out of print. Get it if you can find it.
Manchurian Candidates
First Full Length Album “Between Reality and Shadow“
Also available on TFC Records coming sometime:
THE SUM SETS split EP w/ MILLION BARNACLE LAPSE LIGHTNING BOLT:CD CCR tribute (no joke) more trash culture tba
Right Turn Ctr* “Sippin” 7 Inch
Laughingstock
“Long Busride from Capital City”
We also carry release from slimmy likes of: THE KRAYONS and ACTION JACKSON (tere s the deal, all EPs are $3 in the US of A; $5 eisewnere. CDs and IPs are S6 here( $8 there. Please add a $1 for T l CD s and $1.50 albums, soend ten Ducks and you jet a Dooby prize from one of our many tracing partners around the vend, send us love litters because our po box can seem rather large and empty at times. Coming soon... new LAUGHING STOCK EP and a full-length comp. CD. Make money order and checks payable to: Roger Guerrero
P.O. Box 150877*Austin, TX*78715 www.tfc-records.com
all prices ppd US cash (USA/N. AM/WORLD): 7"ep
a/s/G nsuLP 7/9//n
cd 9/io/ti tshirt
a/no/nn
distributed by ebullition, very, blackened, choke, bottlenekk, sound idea, etc. (vacuum ripl
me wtiT
MJ \.
% residue off tommies
m..
^
P“nSinffia7eby
v.> i' ^ w the hands of doom never felt better!! j||
Digipak CD/Pictare IPrt-Sltirt
Also available from Southern lord:
a^ressive heavy as hell
ASSAULT
from members of
ELECTRIC WIZARD "Supercovea” CO/TS, THE OBSESSED "Incarnate" CD/TS/IS, BURNING WITCH 'Crippled laclfer” CD/TS, IHORR’S HAMMER "Dommedapnatt CD/TS
kick in your teeth
CD/TS/Picture IPs: $12 US/$H World, U: S17 US/$20 World, send cash <US$) or moaey order payable to Soathern Lord list alternates or we shall choose themi tor yoa. If yoa want a catalogue' send $2. You can also order with your credit card worldwide on www.southemlordcom
Southern Lord Recordings, PO Box 291967, Los Angeles, CA, 90029, USA tax: 3236666610, e-mail: Southernlordeyalioo.com,
CD/T-Shirt sunn7
WWW.SOUTHERNLORD.COM
New STUFF FROM... Robodog Records mmm
s ®oi - split to
out now,
a sadiStic sMile
Pig Destroyer brings you the most insane grindcore out there today I while Gnob brings you sloppy weed-induced thrash/punk madness.
cm of Bean tHiiM-'tmirwar pic disc r
.
OUT NOW! Circle of Dead Children pump out heavy and technical grindcore/death metal with the most intense vocals you'll ever hear.
i m - mr meo r
out now
Prices: US Can/Mex World Andy Low (not “Robodog Rees”) PO Box 20532 New York. NY 10023
www.robodogrecords.com
m\\\m
mr
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put catchy SCARRED FOR LIFE "Far From Home" Europe Tour 7" 6 new songs by Scarred For Life. Recorded for the Europe 2000 tour. Includes a Batallion Of Saints cover. Get it now before it goes out of print.
Distro by I.M.D.
ph=562-869-9450 fa: 562-869-9653
, , SIOQ3fl fl6T6.
CIRIL - ARMISTICE split 12" LP
Wilmington’s anarcho peace punks, Armistice vs. Long Beach’s Christian Death meets Peni punkers, Ciril.
V/A "What Were We Fighting For?" Dead Kennedys tribute CD
FUCK ON THE BEACH RUEDO split 7"
Anal Cunt, Final Conflict, Missing 23rd, Eyelid, Visual Discrimination, Blanks 77, Insult, Electric Frankenstein, Arson Family, gob, The Dread,
Japan’s premier powerviolence band vs. LA thrash legends.
mMQmmEAiiY mmi THRASH OF THE TITANS comp LP
INSULT "I Wanna Be A Burn Victim" CD 24 songs in 20 minutes. Full on Jerrys Kids meets DRI hardcore.
with Lack Of Interest, DS-13, Dead Nation, Cripple Bastards, DRI, Strong Intention, Beyond Description, Fuck On The Beach, Capitalist Casualties, MK Ultra, Hirax, Ruido A.C., Flachenbrand, Scarred For Life, Insult, Tragatelo, etc....
7" = $3.50ppd N.America/$5ppd World LP = $7ppd N.America/$10ppd World CD = $10ppd N.America/$12ppd World
KNOW RECORDS • P.O. Box 90579 • LONG BEACH, CA 90809 fax: 562-438-3969 • e-mail: knowrec@earthlink.net www.knowrecords.com send money order, check or WELL hidden cash to
; 46 SHORT
DEAD MAN’S CHOIR She Don’t Like It" 7"
46 SHORT "Specimen" CD/LP
The latest from these Hollywood bad boys. More punk-rock-n-roll to shake your rump to.
Old school SoCal hardcore socio-political punk. Ex-members of Visual Discrimination and Final Conflict.
send a stamp to get a catalog of a bunch of stuff that wouldn't fit in this ad
SCARRED FOR LIFE "Born Work Die" CD/LP Varukers meets Discharge politics and punk. Ex-Glycine Max, Dogma Mundista & Pig Children.
THE FIXTURES "One Crisis Short Of Chaos" CD/LP The 4th full length by this long time political hardcore outfit from LA.
ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN/LE SHOK split 7" EF blast out a Black Flagish style punk tune while the Locust side project, Le Shok, continue to offend and destroy everything they touch.
po box 55462. atlanta, ga 30308
REGURGITATED SEMEN RECORDS
presents:
www.stickfiguredistro.com all price ppd in USA. overseas add $1-7" $2 - LP/CD stores: Stickfigure Deals Direct
hawgjaw/manchurian candidates split
deep six#27 7"
WELLINGTON - PYAA’
'american nightmare s/t 77mcd * $3.50/$9.00 'atrocious madness "uses of haarp" 7" - $350 ‘avskum "in the spirit of mass destruction" Ip/cd - $850/$ 10.00 'bablicon "the orange tapered moon" ip - $11.00 'bob tilton/reiziger split mcd - $850 'bodybag romance "gincrusher" mcd - $7.50 'born dead icons "work" Ip-$850
deep six #26 CD contains the dear jesus Ip, trax from 7" splits FALL SILENT,NOOTHGRUSH, and DYSTOPIA; a song on an EBULLITION comp & a unreleased track
MAN IS THE BASTARD “Mancruel”
deep six #24 CD material from the split/CAPITALIST CASUALTIES remixed, split with BLEEDING RECTUM remastered a nnreleased track and 3 noise trax
WADGE / SHIT ON COMMAND - 7" (Can / Us He / Grind Violence)
D.I.E. / REALIZED - 7" (2x Jap Grind Attack) —
Write for Trade / Wholesale Prices:
•bright calm blue "demo* cd-r - $350 'camara obscura/the faint/vue three way split cd - $11.00 • 'casket lottery "lost at sea" 7"-$350 'cast in fire "apology" cd-$10.00 'cex "role model" cd- $1050 'chapter "the bloodthirsty hate the upright" cd - $12.00 'chris lee s/t cd-$11.00 'coitus"necrocomical" cd-$11.00 'countdown to oblivion/they live split 7" - $350 'curl up and die "the only good bug..." cd - $850 'days of war, nights of love: crime thinkfor beginners - BOOK - $750» 'dead and gone "shiney and black" 2x7" - $7.00 'electric company "exitos" cd -$1050 'ethel meserve "spelling the names" cd - $10.00 'festival of dead deer "the many faces of..." cd - $1100 'fuck on the beach/ruido split 7" - $3.75 'godzik pink "es em,ekel em" cd - $12.00 'heavy vegetable "the art of..." 7" - $6.00 *hellchild/word salad split 10" - $850 'zegota "movement in music" cd - $10
$KRUPEL- CD (21 x Ger Grind Madness)
RSR c/o S. Gessner Strasse des Friedens 45 07819 Mittelpollnitz, GERMANY Tel./Fax 0049 36482 30457 email: skrupel@web.de web: http://members.tripod.de/skrupel Still available: WADGE/BLOWER - CD F.O.B. / FLACHENBRAND - 7" RUPTURE "FREUDSTEINS HOUSE" - 7" WADGE -10" INWARD - 7" W.B.I. - MCD Write for Mailorder List with over 600 Items, CD, LP, 7", Shirts, only Noise / Grind / Powerviolence / Crust / Jap Core
deep six #23 12" contains 7"COMMON SENSELESS(snare dance) 7"DOWNSIDED(slapaham), unreleased studio track, demo tracks and live
|ruido "depresion" 7" deep six#22
RIJIDO
ARSEDESTROYER split 7" w/ GORE BEYOND NECROPSY
PiCCO^Q NINE SHOCKS TERROR Zen and the Art of Beating Your Ass LP
Sal9l) DISCORDANCE AXIS jenny piccolo/su19b split 7"
deep six #18 also available: gasp/suffering luna 12" reality part #2 & #3 Ip/cd noothgrush/wellington 7" visual discrimination 7" spazz/lack of interest 7 "
DEEP SIX PO BOX 6911 BURBANK CA 91510-6911 USA pHONE/fax (818)768-5254 email:bobdeep6@aol.com U.S. 7" 4$ 12"/CD $8 WORLD 7" $6 12"/CD $10 www.deepsixrecords.com soon:hawgjaw 12" & I found god 7" hirax picture 7" & infest live 12"
Jouhou CD
ANAL CUNT Old Stuff Part Two CD FAT DAY Futoribi CD Mail Order & Distribution by STICKFIGURE www.stickfiguredistro.com P.O. BOX 55462 ATLANTA, GA 30306 USA Devour
ykdvr@zc4.so-net.ne.jp
5-19 Shiojicho Mizuhoku Nagoya 467-0003 Japan
I thank you Short Fast j Log for filling a void for hardcore fans! NEW LABEL! NEW BANDS! NEW RELEASES FOR '00!
Trucker Cranks school thrash!)
No Room For Fuzzy (melodic hardcore, but NOT pop!) Split 7", limited edition (only 300 pressed!), half grey vinyl Each record numbered individually, will include stickers & patches.
Trucker Crank
- full length CD "Hunting the Hallways" due November '00 Check out Trucker Prank in the upcoming Suburban Voice Magazine comp (winter *00)!
bands- send demos for upcoming CD/vinyi splits, full lengths & comps! Hatecore/Murdercore HIGHLY encouraged!! NO rock stars please.
7"- $4.00ppd, $4.50ppd (grey vinyl) foreign add $1.00 __ 1st come, 1st served on colored vinyl-mail order only! CASH or money orders to: Omar Bruce (NOT Villain Records!)
_JUA|/v
LASVEOAS, nv
Tv3lCo/?DSS9 18021 72
History of the futurE AT A
LOSS
RECORDING S| x dedicated to electronic extremity ^
Damad / Meatiack Split 10" / C.P. - $8 / 610 Each band contributes 3 brand new, unreleased tracks only available on this full length!!!
MEATJACK "Trust" C.P. - S10 " I put 'em up there with Neurosis or Dillinger Escape Plan - heavy and devastating lurch-core - great stuff â&#x20AC;? (Short, Fast + Loud Chris Dodge) Destroying Southern Tradition Compilation 7-inch E.P. - S3.50 Featuring tracks by Deathreat, Damad, Suppression, & Equity.
Make checks or money orders out to Joshua White NOT AT A LOSS!!!!! Daybreak / Godstomper split 12" is next!!! At A Loss Recordings / P.0. Box 3597 / Annapolis, MD 21403 / USA Distributed by STICKFIGURE check 'em out online for the best selection of underground titles at the following: www.stickfiguredistro.com Also check out the new Damad "Burning Cold" on Prank Records
lost in translation -I- substance p 12' radar threat cd
Venetian snares 12" target market research 12" pleasurehorse 12" snares man! 7" askew 12" label 6 mail order $ breakcore + more hotf@tcinternet.net http://hotf.i.am
|poboxl8422-minneapolis, mn 55418-usa
lout now on Crucial Blast... i;■
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You can order Crucial Blast titles online by going to Lumberi^
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Crucial Unit
”s/tM 7” ep the debut release from Pittsburgh's kings of ripping speedcore. 9 songs of hysterical crossover drenched in iced-tea fueled fury. Extremely tight,extremely fast hardcore with an appreciation for then roots (their playful stabs at ANTHRAX are hilarious), while creating their own interpretation of fast 'core. Limited pressing oflOO on colored vinyl for mailorder from Crucial Blast only! Full color packaging with extensive liner notes and artwork.
Rune
"Call of Hearts" CDep the debut EP from Dayton,OH's RUNE. Featuring ex-members of 23rd CHAPTER and current 12 TRIBES member, RUNE delivers 3 sprawling songs of lunatic gnndcore fused with wild electronic s/noise. Their aggressive, original approach to extreme metal sets them apart from the one-dimensional herd. ShreddecLmigraine inducing vocals deEverpersonal,heartfelt verses, backed by holocaustal blasts,schizoid freenoise,and pulverizing sludge o as sages, with production that gives this " ...the cold and desolate atmosphere of a nuclear winter..." (CRASSMENAGERIE).Comes in handassembled 3x2 red and black packaginglimited to 1000.
Not Without A Fight
double CD and book
Over a year in the making this extensive
NO HUMAN VOICE,SO I HAD TO SHOOT HEM, and many many more .Also included is a 64 page newsprint book that,along with extensive lmer notes from the 32 artists on the CDs, features new writings & essays from Crimethlnc Chris Boarts-Lars on,Adrienne Droogas,Jen AngeLDaryl Vocat>Mark Bruback,and more! Comes packaged relope sleeve, sleeve. ^n An eclectic representation of or brut; brut^gnn< sclhandassembled envelope gnndcore,facenpping electronics,DIY metal, and psychotic noisecore oiurr crust,highspeed thrash, isn,savant‘ sludge, dark 4 limited re-issue in new packaging, "GinCrusherHymns'' mCD,Strong Intention "s/t" 7" limit still available: the BodyBag Romance "UmOiusher:Hjntins" mUD,strong1: Fisticuffs “Riot Association1' 7“ Merzbow/Aural Torture Mechanism split CD... coming soon: Unholy Gmv^,Groinchurn,Dataclast,Earwig)s,HaishaMizuko,Katastrofialue,Vu]gar Pigeons,and more... for a copy of our mailorder catalog filled with our releases and the other titles we carry,go to our website and request the V catalog" or send $1 US/$2 world for the print version to be mailed to you post-haste. A “ “ mCD $6 US/ $8 world full length CD $7 US/$9 world -— 4th class. * No checks. aryiand n /4i -UJ04 crucialblast@cs .com CRUCIAL BLAST ONLINE: hWu ^yww.mpremise com/ciuciaJblast
C/o Milaoi Giampicro e.p. 63 27100 Pavia Italy. agipuok@libcro.it
OUT NOW !!! SHIKABANE (Eqo & desire)7” STILL ON THE TOP! CORROSIONE/CATTIVER1A SPLIT LP (great fast and heavy ita-HC VS Italian political Crust grind master!!)
NEXT/decern her.2000>
CONTRASTO LP (Italian-HC-..like Impact/lndigesti but on 45rpm!)
nrHF.R PROni’CnOSS AG 05 CORROSIONB/CREPA split LP AG 07 ABUSO SOtlORO/AMOR PROTESTO Y ODIO split LP SOLD OUT REPRESS
SOON’
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DEADBODIESEVERYWHERE The Dead Shall Dead Remain IfT^i Deddbodieseverywhere
“MEET THE NEW GORE GODS" - METAL MANIACSM W "WITH BLAST BEATS THAT COULD TEAR MOST DEATH META 'THEY'VE RAISED THE STAKES IN THE GOREGRINDM UM'it BANDS IN HALF, VOCALS CHRIS BARNES ONLY ARENA. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING AND WORTH m r /WISHES HE HAD, AND A CATCHY GROOVE ANY BAND T yd WOULD BE LUCKY TO CALL THEIR OWN. ...ANY EVERY PENNY." ■ TERRORIZER , .Jm UN OF AGGRESSIVE METAL MUST OBTAIN THIS!" "...THE PATRON SAINTS OE GORE METAL. ” unrestrained!^ UNCHAIN THl UNDERGROUND •• . 0 GRIND/SLUDGE/FUCKINGINSANITY FROM THE WEST ; "IMPALED PROVES THE YOU CAN JUDGE A BOOK BAY COALITION S DRUNKEST BAND! JHIS IS A LOADED BY ITS COVER... THE PUREST, SICKEST, MOST *■- s ' GUN IN YOUR FUCKING MOUIHJJ^ ^ TWISTED MUSIC AVAILABLE "- POWERSLAVE
‘lo/io-
P DEATH VOMIT RECORDS*a division of NECROPOLIS RECORDS Box 14815, Fremont, CA, 94539-481 5, USAi<C£ Fax 510.623.0927, , E-mail Necrop@necropoli
ROTTEN SOUND '
’Still Psycho
."START THINKING OF THF HEAVIEST SWEDISH Mound you can and imagine it crushing INTONAPALM DEATH... UNRELENTING GRIND CRUSE®
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CREEP DIVISION
"split" 7"
"s/t" IP/CD
ALSO AVAILABLE: POSTAGE PAID in the U,S./Elsewhere
ENSIGN
7" - S3.S0/S6.OD CDsng - S6.00/S8.00 LP&CDep - S8.00/S12.00 CD - SI 0.00/S 14.00
ENSIGN
COUNT ME OUT "110" LP/CD
ft E £<0>ft D S
"Drive Me Dead" 7"/CDsng
"Three Years" CD
"It's Getting Tougher" LP/CD
DEATH BY STEREO
TIME FLIES
"s/t 7" {not available in stores)
"Can't Change the Past" CD
P.0. BOX 5781HUHTIHGTOH BEACH, CA 92615 • WWW.IHOECISIOHBECORDS.COM • DISTRIBUTED BY BEUELATIOH RECORDS
5ive Roadsaw Scissorfight
- debut LP - "Rawk 'n Roll" 2xLP "Piscataqua" CDEP
now next
"Seminar
ii. Old Man Gloom new EP- Milligram
www. tor tugar ecor dings. com
WHAT HAPPENS HiXTP SO-tiAi I'NECSTatcon Lasciate Ogni Speranza imiiiL ill iii] v | Until Today new 7” yeahi youth crew ;:. ||;.Vitamin X lp/cd more youth crew! ff I Taste Of Fear lp grind attack from ’931 I Circle Of Dead Children “starving” Ipf best newcomer on soa, grinding tornado,, ig; Abstain “world full...” lp/cd a classic Rotten Sound “drain” lp technogrind! | f:,Strength Approach “just leaving” 7” glggg- more youth crew to the kids! ggg:' Comrades / Cripple Bastards 7”: : XinvictusX lp Us. posicore old style! i; ! Agathocles / Comrades cd aaarrrgggh! ; Concrete cd class metallic emotive he
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US BANDfiNA THRASH CORE MEETS HARDCORE . CROSSOVER HEROES MjpBfBS). .FIRST 100 EQMESilNfl illTSlTIQN BUG WITHA BflNDAHfl. fi PQSTEBSTIG HERSfHflN D N UMBERED
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;;7” 5$, lp 10$, cd/t’s 12$ all ppd airmail : everywhere, cash only, registered letter is better! Check our website with over 2000 titles, catalogue f | free with order, or send just a $
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S%|f jprsoS! Ilffif Paolo Petraliaf|||li|! ff P^er^S1 da Gubbio 67/69 1 li:°0146 Roma , Italy ;£gjgf
CD/10” • $7 N. America $11 Europe/ $15 Asia
Quadiliacha 107CD Amazing! fast & tight! All Prices ppd EP/107cd's Heretical $3/6/7 usa (Response EP| $4/8/8 N.Am Furious $5/11/11 Europe HC/GRIND! $5/15/15 Asia
Still Available: Social Infestation Redemption CD
Four unreleased bonus tracks. \
VISION OF DISORDER ' STIiriN,
S. Templars / Devilsins 7” sw.ss and usa cop'es
The brilliant new CD/10” by Atlanta’s heaviest grinders. It’s sure to blow your fucking ears out!
93389-0735 List Altamat— minimum.. .Add S2.00 for priority ahipping "‘M^thurwrs^l^3.POSTPAIP.^web»itaj http://members.xoom.com/hukkapukka/fcph.htm ^ ! n-*-r-y
c Loro necoRi PO Box 14230 "Atlanta, GA 30324-123C USA
ail: Goatlord@Mindspring.cc>pfcf'
No/Checks, M.O.'s to John K. Paul are you gonna run and liide'?
AMERICA’S NASTIEST MEET LONDONS MOST HATED FOR A NORTH MLANTIC NOISE ATTACK
TtiWK5 new cd
Please... mess with Texas SPLIT
7
”
<8u.s./»io world
AVAILABLE FOR
GUTS
301-2634 quadra st
£2:00 (UK) $4:00 (ROW) FROM
victoria, b.c.
cana^
16 HAROLD COURT ROAD ROAD. HAROLD PARK. int,/llmC.T|771 16 HAROLD COURT wUtMLnO I ILL
DOMFClRn FSSEX ROMFORD. ESSEX RM3 0 OYU UK
email: info@deathstill.co.uk http:/www. deathstill. co.uk COMING SOON MOROSE/GROINCHURN SPLIT 7”
Wlieri there’s nomore room kil
IMPETIGO SHALL WALK THE E ’NX/IZARDB OF GORE* IMPETIGOTRIEUTECD out ntnv on Razt:cHtck Rucxxds! Tlie ultimate tribute allium to tihe gjods of Honor deatiy^ind. 28 houarls/TO minutes of pute Hood, pcuts, and death metal amiiig& IMPALED
__
BLCO^IOKTHR MGRT1C1AM
EXI-^UMHO MACHCTAZO I LXKMC KR) 1ACJ2C XYRF RFYOND KB Rc X'ST ENL JORL^ED RUXDD DBCEASED MURDER < L^UXTtATION SANJTFYS l AWN
Also includes txrns of jyjcwy am\uL, liner notes,
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FUCK IMPERIALISM! EAST BLOCK RULES!
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7"EP/cassEP SLOyAKIA) 2p^7"EP 60,-
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vrite for whole,si|
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CJSSO
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OUT NOW! Vilently III "1 -sided e.p." 7" A hit-n-run barrage of fastcore: early 80s USHC sound! Only 300 made!/ $3 postpaid in US/ $5 everywhere else
wmm
lip
STILL AVAILABLE! "Speed Freaks 4" compilation 7" Packs a wallop like you won't believe..with heavy hitters like Dahmer, Dudman, Tumult, Cripple Bastards, Ruido, and Demon System 13!! A truly international ass-kickin! Hurry: not many left...$3 postpaid in US/ $5 everywhere else
erttumtofty
.....but don't let
TJ| bands fool ed#! , flllk
i J also ouiit
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AbusoSonoro/fluto^tar split T
SPECIAL DEAL! Any 10 of these records for $20 in US. postpaid' or for $30 outside the US (mix and match is fine)
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MORI FLESH EATING MUSIC FROM SATAN'S PIMP MK-ffiimui-
12
"
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RUINACRI ---—
_mm self titled?1 Loco Diablo is now accepting Demos for Underground Sampler vol. 7 Send 'em to: Loco Diablo Records
with booklet Mailorder gets CLEAR/BLACK marbled vinyly fr H
P.O. box 2841 Chandler, AZ 85244
12
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Underground Sampler vol. 6 out now!!!
The Kill Yourself g ! Commandment j
'JixA
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Mail orderONmilj v/a The Progress lor Annihilation <
Wadge, Kuruma Bakudan, Left in Ruins, The Killers, Siionin Kevat, Fuck on the Beach, Pre Human Blasphemy, Mahogany, Jean Seberg, Artu
<&0 */
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Still Available: Cattle DecapjtatijnJ’Human Decapitation "Human .Jerky” / Vae Victis "Self Titled"
a™?™? PI BOX 13141 Rene. NV 89507 dsa
mmmm
7"-$3.50/85 world 12'- $7 / $9 world
NO checks / Well hidden cash or M.O. payable to Jon Kortland (NOT Satan's Pin
Wholesale nrlces available freni: IMD/ indeeendent Music Distribution 12031 Regent view Ave. Second Fleer Downey. CA 90241 DSA erders@lmusicd.com
TO,
Featuring: The Lincolns, Testicle Bomb HateChoir, Driven Out, The Infamous, Koan No One Cares, Positively Negative, Lugano Blutos Revenge, Victim 26, Runarounds Pull 130, Top Heavy, Authority Zero, Deprive Derelectrics, Crumbums, Earphone Jack Between the Eyes Mikey Burleigh & Starrr, Snatch and Mo'ii!!
_
'stranger in your own land' 7 ep 3 unreleased tracks from the uksanswer to an uzir brutally fast and hard, political straightedgexxx circa ’91. pre-scalplock!
lookout for harmony as one discography cd on shortfuse uk/625!! 7” OUT NOW! - £2 -50($4US)PF0 FROM; CUNT CHAPMAN C/0; ORCHARD HOUSE, BREEDS ROAD, GREAT WALTHAM, CHELMSFORD, ESSEX, CM3 1EE, ENGLAND. shortfuserecords@hotmail.com
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hardcore • emo • metal • punk • indie • noise • clothing • collectibles • auctions • interviews • message boards • 4000+ items • 300+ indie labels • easy-to-use product seach • secure online ordering • open 24/7 • the whole nine yards • oh yeah! brought to you by
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PHOTO: Life's Halt ® Chicago Fest 2000 by Karotine Collins !
CO
GALLERY
the skull busting begin!
<f\iyWJE.
Cower on your knees before 4»* tyrannicalthrash fury of BROOVS MIlfTlA. Twelro tracks oi concussion inducing hardcore, including cowers of MOTQRH6A0 and RUPTURE. Guaranteed tovtefrmeyeur aural senses in vicious fashion! Send $2 USA / $4 WORLD (h wei concealed US cash ordy) for the debut BRODY'S MLfTlA 'Severe Head TraumsT demo tape. Write for fredes, Oo it now!
can you sssmmmmeeellllll what the
FIAT EARTH itECS, HNsawn off V ATI - CD fastfastfast!!
^ * WM
1
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everything recorded so far. "Blast beats galore with pissed off lyrics about how fucked the world is" 26 songs / 26 minutes.
“From Violence pn to Consumerism” Glow. heavy and menacing mayhem riding along the lines of ANTISECT, AMEBIX. AXEGRINDER with a punch of KILLING JOKE." FRACTURE
You re On Your Own "CD (Experi-mental compilation chock full of freaks).
©lie'“Imprecation” EP “misantropo a senso unico
(A Classic - back in press one last time)
out Febl4,2001: a new cd of the most unrelenting, full-on violence of cripple bastards' ultrafast Italian hatecoie and grind nihilism yeti! 16 pages of lyrics and comment, 16 new songs, 33minutesof total grind tornado.SlOusa, $12world
and stuff by: SCATHA, KITO, HEADACHE, JOHN HOLMES, SOLANKI, HEALTHAZARD SUBMISSION HOLD, WITCHKNOT, URKO, HARD TO SWALLOW, MANFAT, LOS CRUDOS, SUFFER , DOOM. _
EUR WORLD
(uk folk) DAMAGE: / send stamp or (POSTPAID) UK (SURFACE) (AIR)
EPICS I £2 I $4 I $5 catalogue 10’VLP/CD
l$10 It12
WELL CONCEALED CASH or CHEQUES (UK £ ONLY) to 1 ‘FLAT EARTH’.-—-
P.O. BOX 169, BRADFORD, BD1 2UJ, UK. sned@flatearth.free-online.co.uk
www.flatearth.free-online.co.uk
Q30aSQ2?SlQQB3 tbfi sad %l sms
japan’s no rest for the dead combine old school cannibal corpse and brutal truth with pink floyd and jimi hendrix, twisting grind/death heaviness with psychedelic stoner melodies into an original and remarkable sound, apocalyptic sci-fi lyrics are screamed and sung and begin at the end of space where the earth is just one atom of the universe and we human beings are such very small things.... a stoner grind/death rocked.SlOusa, $12world
JkViz'Vi-I _EGIAN HARDCORE PUNK
JIN’RIK'SHA1 belgian mincecore meets NYC hardcore grind agathocles black army jacket split 7”.$3usa, $5world
deaf american
VOORHEES "Spilling Blood Without Reason" - first LP/CD repress VDDRHEES "13" LP/CD (Euro pressing) STALINGRAD LP/CD SCHEMA CD Next on AWA: IMBALANCE new LP/CD
ALLTID JAGET du synker inn i doden... 2 x 7" ep: twelve blasts of furious stuff as only the norwegians can deliver, big two-colour booklet-cover.
recordings
c/o r. hoak #3 bethel church road dillsburg, pa 17019 u$a rich666@voicenet.com
KORT PROSESS
distro: australia: in league with satan; benelux: anvil of fury, Canada: sonic unyon; UK; deathstil , sterilized decay; franee- I_normanv mnrhiH: italv: erinnle bastards:
Sri;
^sia- grindmalaya; mexico: vortex: newzeaiana: sudcic Singapore: homegrown; south africa: groinchum; Sweden; distortion; u$a: 6 weeks, ax/cUon beer city, blackened, century media, chimp west, choke, ebullition, escape artist, garment district, infection, interpunk.com, newbury comics, relapse revelation, rhetoric, riotous assembly, sound idea, stickfigure, subterranean, tribal war, very; http://welcome.to/totalfuckingdestruction credit card orders at: www.garment-district.com/deafam
end present 2 x 7" ep: old norwegian hardcore meets NEUROSIS in hell, hits you like a train, "hoarse vocals, raging hardcore - you'd say they had mellowed with age, if this was mellow, excellent stuff", (timojhen, MRR) "every songs is a heavy hit of hardcore that will appeal to anyone that digs the HIS HERO IS GONE thing", (kent, HaC)
Distribution: Bottlenekk, Ebullition, X-Mist. Green Hell, Spiral Objective, etc ★ labels: get in touch for trades ★ UK cheques to "Richard Corbridge ★ US S cash only ★ We also sell lots of other independent releases • see
WWW.awarBCDrds.COin or send an SAE/IRC for our catalogue *
AWA RECORDS PO BOX 487, BRADFORD. BDZ 4YU. UK
svart natt 2 x 7" ep: 16 killer tracks and the best-packaged Scandinavian punk record ever, "whoa, the kings of norwegian hardcore return - with a vangeance" (timojhen, MRR) infos etc.: HeartFirstRecordings Landsberger Str. 146 80339 Munchen Germany stuckinthe80s@heartfirst.net
www.heartfirst.net
GALLERY
PHOTO: Warmachine @ Gilman Street. 2000 by Karoline Collins.