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Posted March 1, 2010, 8:26 a.m.
Its been quite some time since Another Breath released Mill City. Granted it has only been a few years, but in hardcore that means an ... read more
Posted Dec. 16, 2009, 10:46 p.m.
The release of The Get Up Kids debut full-length Four Minute Mile is something that I recall with the greatest of ease. My sister won ... read more
Posted Dec. 14, 2009, 7:45 a.m.
Doomriders debut effort Black Thunder launched the Boston-based outfit into action with their dark-themed hybrid of punk, metal, and hardcore. Since its release the band ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8:36 a.m.
I grew up on 90s hardcore, so when I hear new bands drawing influence from that era I get excited. Atlantas Foundation does just that ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8:34 a.m.
I take pride in my local hardcore scene. I try to make it out to as many shows as I can, support friends in bands ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8:16 a.m.
Paths is the second 7 release from Rochesters Like Wolves. I really enjoyed their demo 7, but this is even better, showing immense promise for ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8:14 a.m.
New Jerseys Troublemaker (not to be confused with the Westcoast one) bring forth seven new songs on their Sons of No One 7. The band ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8:11 a.m.
About this time last year I received a 7 from a band named All Through a Life. That 7 contained a welcome surprise of D.C. ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8:10 a.m.
Self-released split 7s are a rarity these days. This one features two bands from the state of New Jersey with both bands offering their take ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8:07 a.m.
This split 7 from Sabot teams up two punk sensations for one exclusive track each. Fake Problems offer up The Manliest Man of All Men, ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8:05 a.m.
Sweden is a country known for its thrash and death metal bands. End of Alls name had me thinking of End This Day. And since ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8:04 a.m.
Monument to Thieves is the title of the second full-length from His Hero is Gone. After listening to this 7 I found faint influence from ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8:01 a.m.
Act II is the second in a series of three 7 to come from Sakes Alive!! and this one picks up where the hardcore group ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 8 a.m.
Northern Towns is a new San Diego outfit that features former members of Over My Dead Body and Please Mr. Gravedigger. Before you get excited ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 7:57 a.m.
Ancient Sky is a fairly new group of individuals with impressive musical resumes with members having performed in City of Caterpillar, Darkest Hour, and Majority ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 7:55 a.m.
The Taxpayers are a three-piece punk outfit from Portland, OR. A Rhythm in the Cages is their second full-length, with twelve songs that run the ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 7:53 a.m.
John Cage was an avant-garde composer, poet, music theorist, artist, printmaker, etc. that was popular in the early part of the 20th century. Litany for ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2009, 7:51 a.m.
Amigos de la Guitarra is a collaborative effort from MGR - the solo project of Mike Gallagher of Isis - and Destructo Swarmbots Mike Mare. ... read more
Posted Dec. 1, 2009, 4:01 p.m.
If youre not familiar with Rot in Hell, then this collection of recordings is a great place to start. Hallways of the Always compiles all ... read more
Posted Nov. 12, 2009, 2:18 a.m.
Beloved was a band that I never really got into. I gave them a chance, but to me, they were just another band in the ... read more
Posted Nov. 8, 2009, 8:19 p.m.
The term pop-punk has been tarnished and dragged through the mud quite a bit thanks to the surge of boy bands disguising themselves as pop-punk ... read more
Posted Nov. 5, 2009, 12:46 a.m.
Its been five years since Cleveland-based Keelhaul last graced us with Subject to Change Without Notice. In that time a lot has transpired, and not ... read more
Posted Oct. 30, 2009, 12:17 a.m.
When it comes to album reissues, it is actually a much more difficult task to write a fair and unbiased review than you might think, ... read more
Posted Oct. 27, 2009, 2:35 a.m.
Progression in music is never an easy thing to accomplish without getting mixed reactions; the hardcore community seems to be especially critical. Youre always going ... read more
Posted Oct. 26, 2009, 3:39 a.m.
Since hitting the scene with a monstrous demo, Folsom have kept themselves busy with a full-length, couple of EP releases, and sporadic touring. The Las ... read more
Posted Oct. 19, 2009, 3:44 p.m.
As they approach twenty years as a band, taking a look back at what Converge has accomplished throughout their career span would be a fairly ... read more
Posted Oct. 19, 2009, 3:34 p.m.
Lewd Acts finally release their debut full-length in the form of Black Eye Blues. And with their first long-player, the San Diego outfit makes good ... read more
Posted Oct. 16, 2009, 12:17 a.m.
With the release of their self-titled debut in 2005 Nightmare of You made it a point to distance themselves from their post-The Movielife buzz and ... read more
Posted Oct. 13, 2009, 10:51 a.m.
Cycles marks a couple of firsts for Soul Control. After a slew of releases (an EP, a split 7, a comprehensive CD release also featuring ... read more
Posted Sept. 28, 2009, 7:36 p.m.
Dead Swans is the U.K. hardcore circuits latest export to reach American soil, currently being championed by the folks over at Bridge Nine Records. Sleepwalkers ... read more
Posted Sept. 22, 2009, 4:02 a.m.
Polar Bear Club is essentially the musical version of the story, The Little Engine that Could. Here we have a band, that started out merely ... read more
Posted Sept. 18, 2009, 12:02 a.m.
If I were to comprise a short list of individuals that I would love to sit down and just have an open-ended conversation with, Andrew ... read more
Posted Sept. 16, 2009, 8:37 p.m.
The European hardcore scene has always fascinated me, and for many reasons. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the world of hardcore on the ... read more
Posted Sept. 8, 2009, 4 p.m.
Texas rockers ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead return with their sixth full-length effort, The Century of Self. The bands newest ... read more
Posted Sept. 7, 2009, 1:16 a.m.
Boston natives Death Before Dishonor really broke through with their 2007 full-length Count Me In. Like its predecessors, it featured a punishing assault of metallic ... read more
Posted Sept. 3, 2009, 10:08 p.m.
Long Island natives This is Hell have been going full-force since their formation in 2004. There has been an endless stream of releases - a ... read more
Posted Sept. 1, 2009, 11:24 p.m.
Its hard to believe that Richmond, Virginia natives The Catalyst are only releasing their first full-length record in the form of Swallow Your Teeth. But ... read more
Posted Aug. 31, 2009, 12:59 a.m.
Occasionally, a member of the staff at Scene Point Blank will write a piece on an artist of which Im not entirely familiar. As a ... read more
Posted Aug. 28, 2009, 2:53 a.m.
Los Angeles by way of Boston by way of Miami by way of Venezuela, Mellowdrone return with a second full-length recording in a career that ... read more
Posted Aug. 26, 2009, 11:19 p.m.
Austin, Texas natives Well Go Machete offer six songs on their debut EP, released through indie label Cedar Fever Records, also based in Austin. It ... read more
Posted Aug. 26, 2009, 11:17 p.m.
Two newcomers from Texas team up for a split 7 release. You get one track each, generally falling within the bounds of the indie music ... read more
Posted Aug. 26, 2009, 11:15 p.m.
Seafoam Recordings teams up No Harm Done from Florida and Offsides from Connecticut on this limited edition split 7. The a-side features the final three ... read more
Posted Aug. 26, 2009, 11:12 p.m.
Two years back I reviewed ¡Apeshit!s self-titled demo. The record contained thirteen songs in just about eleven minutes. This 7 EP - which the band ... read more
Posted Aug. 26, 2009, 11:09 p.m.
With the demise of Some Girls and the considerable downtime of The Locust, Justin Pearson got the itch to do something new. He teamed up ... read more
Posted Aug. 26, 2009, 11:06 p.m.
Massachusetts is obviously more well known for its metal and hardcore scenes, but theyve also got a pretty substantial stream of pop-punk bands churning out ... read more
Posted Aug. 24, 2009, 9:01 p.m.
Massachusetts has been a bastion for hardcore throughout the years, and 2009 isnt any different. Outrage bring forth their debut full-length, Broken, which follows up ... read more
Posted Aug. 20, 2009, 8:48 p.m.
I talk about the Bay Area hardcore scene a lot. Okay, maybe a little more than a lot. But it is a quality scene, so ... read more
Posted Aug. 19, 2009, 11:56 p.m.
Pennsylvania natives Title Fight return with a collection of new and old on The Last Thing You Forget. This 7 contains three brand new cuts ... read more
Posted Aug. 17, 2009, 3:31 p.m.
A few months back I spent a weekend in Chicago for the Burning Fight book release show. Granted this wasnt an exclusively Chicago hardcore event ... read more
Posted Aug. 16, 2009, 10:48 p.m.
Sometimes a band digs its claws into your very essence. This band refuses to let go, and only deepens its grip as times passes. Since ... read more
Posted Aug. 10, 2009, 7:48 a.m.
It has been two years since Broadway Calls last graced us with a full-length release. But in that time the band has been keeping busy. ... read more
Posted Aug. 5, 2009, 8:54 p.m.
Boston-based shoe-gazing space-rockers Constants return with their second full-length and follow-up to 2006s The Murder of Tom Fitzgerril EP. With The Foundation, The Machine, The ... read more
Posted Aug. 3, 2009, 9:36 p.m.
Texas natives Iron Age return with their second long-player, The Sleeping Eye, after making quite a name for themselves with 2006s Constant Struggle. The bands ... read more
Posted Aug. 2, 2009, 10:57 p.m.
Unholy returns with a brand new full-length effort, and with it comes a number of new beginnings. First off, the band has seen a major ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 5:01 p.m.
At Our Heels is yet another in the ever growing list of bands to emerge from the Bay Areas excellent hardcore scene. Alex Pulisci began ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:59 p.m.
Scranton, PAs Tigers Jaw has really captivated listeners since releasing their second full-length album last year. Sure, they released their first full-length two years prior, ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:57 p.m.
Night Minutes is the latest release from New Zealands Strangers. The group made quite a splash with their 2007 debut, Holding., and the subsequent full-length, ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:54 p.m.
The pedigree of Baltimore-based In the Hollows is impressive, featuring members of Champion, Pulling Teeth, and Ruiner. The group offers up their debut release, a ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:53 p.m.
Summer Showers is my first exposure to Alabama group The Recluse. I swore I heard their name before, in fact I think I saw them ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:50 p.m.
After one listen to Eden Compromised, its not surprising to find that Masakari take their name from a battle-axe used in ancient Japan. The four ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:48 p.m.
Oak and Bone hail from upstate New York, but when you listen to their debut 7 you would definitely not assume that by any guess. ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:46 p.m.
Kid Dynamite. Grey Area. Paint it Black. Lifetime. Warzone. Yeah, these guys were in more than just a few quality bands over the past years. ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:44 p.m.
Well. Colourized Audio Transmission from Mirrors and Wires is the most random album that Ive received to review thus far this year. Released on Headcount ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:43 p.m.
Railroaded Records teams up two Eastcoast acts on this limited split 7 release: Zhenia Golov from New Brunswick, New Jersey and Botox Party from Richmond, ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:41 p.m.
Adams Dagger - California by way of Florida. This reminds of the 80s hardcore scene when bands moved from all over to California or New ... read more
Posted July 29, 2009, 4:39 p.m.
A couple of the rust-belt cities connect themselves through this new split 7 release. Detroits Child Bite and Clevelands This Moment in Black History each ... read more
Posted July 27, 2009, 4:55 p.m.
Ill be honest. I hadnt really listened to Pelican all that much since City of Echoes was released in 2007. In fact, I think I ... read more
Posted July 23, 2009, 5:03 p.m.
Throughout their eight-year tenure as a band, The Mars Volta has never been timid about doing whatever they please. The collaborative duo that is The ... read more
Posted July 22, 2009, 12:50 a.m.
People make it a point to search far and wide for new music. Im not against this by any means; Ive found many quality bands ... read more
Posted July 20, 2009, 7:39 a.m.
Never wasting a moment, the Bay Areas Skin Like Iron has brought forth yet another new recording with this seven-track 12 EP. All Human Failings ... read more
Posted July 12, 2009, 9:30 p.m.
Every so often you hear a record and it instantaneously floors you. All Teeths debut full-length I Am Losing is one of those records. The ... read more
Posted July 7, 2009, 2:56 a.m.
Californias most intriguing current hardcore outfit, Sabertooth Zombie, returns with their latest full-length effort. Since theyve last released Midnight Venom in 2006, the group has ... read more
Posted July 2, 2009, 4:24 p.m.
Chicago natives Oceans offer up nine tracks with sixty minutes worth of music on their debut effort. The five-piece maintain a post-rock inspired craft throughout ... read more
Posted June 30, 2009, 4:59 a.m.
Ill be honest here. I was never a huge Outbreak fan. You Make Us Sick was fairly decent, but I was never really sold on ... read more
Posted June 30, 2009, 4:56 a.m.
Hailing from Oregon, this four-piece outfit has brought forth a four-song EP titled No Help. The title of the EP is fitting as the band ... read more
Posted June 30, 2009, 4:54 a.m.
Man Overboard is the latest bubble-gum pop-punk band to come around, joining the existing one hundred thousand others. This four-piece hails from New Jersey, and ... read more
Posted June 28, 2009, 3:44 p.m.
Massachusetts-based Disappearer returns with their long-awaited second release. The Clearing marks the bands first full-length effort, which follows up the bands 2006s self-titled EP release ... read more
Posted June 22, 2009, 2:10 p.m.
Pulling Teeth continues to be an extremely active and productive group - touring the world and releasing three full-lengths and several singles since their inception. ... read more
Posted June 17, 2009, 3:29 p.m.
Just as a clock comes full circle, so does the music world. Every couple of years the music cycle rotates back around from a previous ... read more
Posted June 8, 2009, 12:37 a.m.
Im about to sell five copies of All the Other Animals by Skeletons with Flesh on Them. I can totally picture some chap that works ... read more
Posted May 31, 2009, 11:53 p.m.
Seasons in Verse is the debut full-length from Connecticuts My Heart to Joy. The bands first long player is the follow-up to the bands most ... read more
Posted May 27, 2009, 12:57 a.m.
Heartificial is a two-song EP from Upstate New Yorks Casting Curses. This five-piece hardcore outfit delivers an impact statement in just two songs, something that ... read more
Posted May 27, 2009, 12:55 a.m.
Atlanta-based outfit Gray Ghost return with their debut full-length. Following up their self-titled EP from last year, the band continues to evolve their sound. Still ... read more
Posted May 27, 2009, 12:53 a.m.
Dark Days is a new band from the Bay Area of California and this is their five-song demo recording. It was printed on both cassette ... read more
Posted May 27, 2009, 12:51 a.m.
I got this demo while I was in Chicago recently. This one was being given away outside of a show. Normally when bands do this, ... read more
Posted May 27, 2009, 12:49 a.m.
Nowhere Bound is a new hardcore band from the Chicago area and this is their four-song demo. Theyve got an Eastcoast flavor going on over ... read more
Posted May 27, 2009, 12:48 a.m.
Hailing from Wisconsin, Arms Aloft are quite a surprise with their 7 debut Comfort at Any Cost. This four-song EP follows up a demo recording ... read more
Posted May 27, 2009, 12:46 a.m.
Metalcore has been an interesting genre over the years. Initially bands like Integrity, Earth Crisis, and Unbroken were labeled as metalcore for their metal influences ... read more
Posted May 27, 2009, 12:44 a.m.
So Say We All is the full-length debut from Clevelanders Heads Held High. These five gentlemen have been kicking around in the city for a ... read more
Posted May 24, 2009, 11:46 p.m.
Narrows return to the musical fold with their debut full-length and follow-up to last years very impressive self-titled EP. Like many others, when news of ... read more
Posted May 12, 2009, 12:33 a.m.
Tommy Corrigan does no wrong. Silent Majority was an amazing and completely underrated band. Blood Red was an outstanding and original sounding group. And his ... read more
Posted April 29, 2009, 8:57 p.m.
In spite of its low profile, the Pittsburgh hardcore scene is one of the better currently running, consistently churning out outstanding and original bands. Because ... read more
Posted April 27, 2009, 10:06 a.m.
So often music defines our lives. We hear a song at a moment in our lives that no matter where we are from then on, ... read more
Posted April 17, 2009, 2:43 a.m.
Hailing from New Jersey, Let Me Run is the latest in a series of bands walking the line between the punk, rock and roll, and ... read more
Posted April 13, 2009, 12:28 a.m.
The hiatus and eventual breakup of The Blood Brothers in 2007 left many of their fans heartbroken. But honestly, with as many musical outlets as ... read more
Posted April 3, 2009, 1:19 a.m.
Two very promising bands take on each other with this split 7": Steel Nation hailing from Pittsburgh while Crucified call the Bay Area home. Both ... read more
Posted April 3, 2009, 1:15 a.m.
Here we have another limited edition split 7", this one that was issued in support of These Arms are Snakes and Tropics European tour together. ... read more
Posted April 3, 2009, 1:12 a.m.
This 7 compilation partners two Massachusetts bands on one side and two California bands on the other side. Each band contributes one track each; with ... read more
Posted April 3, 2009, 1:10 a.m.
The Bay Area of California was one of the original breeding grounds for hardcore not to mention a hot bed as of late - ... read more
Posted April 3, 2009, 1:08 a.m.
New York outfit Caleb Lionhearts first proper offering Think Hardcore, Play Pop Punk is a bit of an odd title. Thankfully, the band does not ... read more
Posted March 30, 2009, 1:53 a.m.
How does one introduce Morrissey? By no means am I intending to put the seasoned vocalist on a pedestal of godlike caliber its just that, ... read more
Posted March 24, 2009, 4:49 p.m.
Over their twelve years together as a band New Found Glory has pretty much encountered it all. They started at the beginning on a fledgling ... read more
Posted March 18, 2009, 3:39 p.m.
The glorious split 7 - how I love thee. Whats this? Two bands from opposite sides of the Atlantic? Even better! There is something strangely ... read more
Posted March 18, 2009, 3:36 p.m.
Hailing from Louisiana, its not a surprise that Thou offer up grimy metal/doom on Tyrant. With fellow bruisers like Eyehategod, Crowbar, and Down before them, ... read more
Posted March 18, 2009, 3:33 p.m.
Wunami is a fairly young group from southern California. While I mostly associate this region with its volatile hardcore history, Wunami is about the furthest ... read more
Posted March 18, 2009, 3:31 p.m.
New Jersey natives I Call Fives offer up a style of pop-punk that have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years. You know ... read more
Posted March 18, 2009, 3:28 p.m.
Oddateee is the first artist signed to Däleks Deadverse Recordings label. As a result of this I instantly knew the music, lyrics, and delivery would ... read more
Posted March 16, 2009, 4:07 p.m.
Final Fight finally return with their second full-length. After releasing the acclaimed Under Attack in 2005 the band signed to Deathwish Inc. with promises of ... read more
Posted March 12, 2009, 2:05 a.m.
Some of you may recall a band by the name of Renee Heartfelt. They were a fairly short-lived group that released an EP and a ... read more
Posted Feb. 26, 2009, 8:27 p.m.
Killing Kings 2007 release Delusions of Grandeur was an under appreciated gem of 90s inspired hardcore. It was equally as destructive as it was thought ... read more
Posted Feb. 23, 2009, 12:23 a.m.
Its been over three years since Above this Fire released their debut full-length, In Perspective. Since that recording the band has grown immensely as songwriters, ... read more
Posted Feb. 18, 2009, 10:59 p.m.
Boston-based Ramming Speed burst onto the scene with their debut 7 in 2007. The EP followed suit of the crossover/thrash revival that had recently begun ... read more
Posted Feb. 18, 2009, 12:23 a.m.
There are many names - bands, labels, zines, promoters, etc. - that instantly come to mind when one brings up the 90s hardcore scene. Groups ... read more
Posted Feb. 17, 2009, 12:55 a.m.
Split recordings are almost always unique projects in some aspect or manner; I particularly enjoy them when there is an artist involved that Im not ... read more
Posted Feb. 9, 2009, 8:29 p.m.
Its been an interesting road for Lords since their formation by Chris Owens about five years ago. Initially boasting members of underrated The National Acrobat ... read more
Posted Feb. 8, 2009, 11:45 p.m.
Massachusetts Energy is a band that showed great promise with the 2007 EP Punch the Clock. The bands fusion of the classic punk sounds of ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2009, 9:50 p.m.
Rochester, NY hardcore/punk outfit follow-up their impressive debut EP/demo with a series of 7 releases. Act I is the first in said series and features ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2009, 9:48 p.m.
Texas hardcore powerhouse Bitter End return with a brand new 7 EP. You get two brand new cuts of punishing New York-flavored hardcore on this ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2009, 9:46 p.m.
Like Wolves is the latest product from the upstate regions of New York - Rochester/Buffalo/Syracuse. This record is the bands demo recording pressed on a ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2009, 9:44 p.m.
Eyes Averted return with a four-song EP that the band is once again self-releasing, something theyre used to after self-releasing their debut album back in ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2009, 9:42 p.m.
Bay Area stalwarts Murder Practice return with their second full-length, this time theyve abandoned the world of plastic and CDs for vinyl (each record comes ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2009, 9:40 p.m.
Copper Lung Records strikes with another great find in Atlanta, GAs Gray Ghost. The five-some melds together atmospheric post-rock, meandering drone-metal, and dissonant hardcore on ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2009, 9:38 p.m.
Caestles is a six-person conglomeration of two bands that have fused together to form one entity. And when you listen to the bands self-released EP, ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2009, 9:36 p.m.
Hailing from Maryland, Timber is a hardcore outfit that plays an interesting style of the genre that reaches beyond the typical sounds associated with the ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2009, 9:34 p.m.
Bad Lovers is a new project from members of Restrained. This Los Angeles-based punk outfit offers four songs on their demo recording. Musically, I am ... read more
Posted Jan. 26, 2009, 12:20 a.m.
Cities like Boston, San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles get a lot of attention when it comes to hardcore. And its not that it ... read more
Posted Jan. 26, 2009, 12:14 a.m.
Bad Blood is the debut effort from Swedish hardcore outfit Dead Vows. This release is my first exposure to the band, though I am familiar ... read more
Posted Jan. 14, 2009, 12:17 a.m.
Smartbomb return with their debut full-length, Diamond Heist, following the quite promising debut EP Chaos and Lawlessness. The bands first long-player is packed with more ... read more
Posted Jan. 8, 2009, 9:04 p.m.
Beck has been releasing music for going on twenty years now. Since his first release, the multi-talented musician and songwriter has been labeled everything from ... read more
Posted Jan. 1, 2009, 9:05 p.m.
Every so often you just want a metal album that is that, a metal album. Well here we have just that with the latest full-length ... read more
Posted Dec. 31, 2008, 10:36 p.m.
Its rather interesting that Ive found the work of Bright Eyes to be wholly underwhelming since the release of Fevers and Mirrors back in 2000. ... read more
Posted Dec. 22, 2008, 12:30 p.m.
Harrowed and Wealdstone marks the final recordings from German bruisers Perth Express. Its quite a shame that the band decided to call it a day ... read more
Posted Dec. 22, 2008, 12:28 p.m.
Unchained is a five-piece of youngsters from the Bay Area of California. This release is a four-song demo EP titled Dark Days. On these four ... read more
Posted Dec. 22, 2008, 12:26 p.m.
Pristina is a metal/hardcore outfit from Connecticut. The arrival of their latest EP, Khe Sanh, to my doorstep was a pleasant surprise, one that was ... read more
Posted Dec. 22, 2008, 12:25 p.m.
A Hell Romance is my first exposure to French metal/hardcore hybrid Primal Age. Prior to this release theyve knocked out a few other recordings, garnering ... read more
Posted Dec. 22, 2008, 12:23 p.m.
Hailing from outside of Dallas, this Texas hardcore outfit delivers six tracks of premium melodic hardcore with a slightly metallic edge. Musically their sound reminds ... read more
Posted Dec. 22, 2008, 12:22 p.m.
I guarantee of two things after you listen to All In from You Lose! First off, youll never guess this band is from France. Secondly, ... read more
Posted Dec. 22, 2008, 12:20 p.m.
Common Market is an alternative hip-hop duo from the Pacific Northwest. The group also has another LP and an EP prior to Tobacco Road. This ... read more
Posted Dec. 22, 2008, 12:17 p.m.
On first glance The Franklin Cover Ups name may appear silly. But upon further investigation - a child prostitution ring involving several former U.S. government ... read more
Posted Dec. 22, 2008, 12:14 p.m.
Don the Reader is a new band to me; I was not aware of them until this album - apparently they have a previous EP ... read more
Posted Dec. 16, 2008, 12:24 a.m.
The initial suggestions of United Nations falling under the grindcore, powerviolence, and traditional screamo umbrellas may have created unrealistic expectations for some music lovers. However, ... read more
Posted Dec. 8, 2008, 2:02 p.m.
Last week I completed a short review of this 7 from Last Lights to be posted on the site. It was short and to the ... read more
Posted Dec. 4, 2008, 4:13 a.m.
Since forming in the year 2000, Terror has been unleashing a punishing assault of metallic hardcore punk to the masses. From the get-go with their ... read more
Posted Dec. 1, 2008, 8:38 p.m.
Originally planned as a whole other project of Caleb Scofield under the moniker Heatseeker, Bird of Prey is instead the second full-length release from the ... read more
Posted Nov. 25, 2008, 1:11 a.m.
Some things just get better with age. Suicide Note is one of those things. As the band has progressed over the past ten years they ... read more
Posted Nov. 17, 2008, 11:04 p.m.
I would say ninety percent of the fans of the current bands (Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, Seemless) that the members of Overcast are in werent ... read more
Posted Nov. 16, 2008, 9:13 p.m.
The pairing of a so-called emo band from New Jersey and a screamo/post-rock band from Japan may seem odd. But for those well versed in ... read more
Posted Oct. 28, 2008, 10:04 p.m.
Ah yes, Texas hardcore. In spite of the recent loss of many of its key bands, the various scenes within Texas continue to strike back ... read more
Posted Oct. 19, 2008, 11:10 p.m.
Make no assumptions about it, The Gaslight Anthem are one of the best active rock and roll bands. You can argue over whether they are ... read more
Posted Oct. 14, 2008, 11:19 p.m.
We all know how much I love the Bay Area music scene, so its really no surprise Im loving this split 7 from Grace Alley ... read more
Posted Oct. 14, 2008, 11:16 p.m.
Heavy Hearted is based out of Rochester, NY. Its been quite some time since Ive heard anything new from that area of the state. But, ... read more
Posted Oct. 14, 2008, 11:14 p.m.
Orange County was a breeding ground for hardcore in the early 80s. While many might suggest that the scene there has died off, they couldnt ... read more
Posted Oct. 14, 2008, 11:13 p.m.
Wraith is the latest U.K. export to hit my doorstep. Following on solid releases from Rot in Hell, Deal With It, and Dirty Money, the ... read more
Posted Oct. 14, 2008, 11:11 p.m.
Unsolicited review materials are either one of two things: great surprises or extreme disappointments. Vancouver, British Columbia natives All Through a Life is of the ... read more
Posted Oct. 14, 2008, 11:09 p.m.
Now defunct Virginia Beach outfit Resonance sees their two demos put to wax on this 12 affair. Transfuse boasts ten tracks of hardcore that is ... read more
Posted Oct. 14, 2008, 11:06 p.m.
In First Person from New Jersey starts off the a-side with their dissonant and pummeling metallic hardcore sound. The bands highly concentrated and volatile sound ... read more
Posted Oct. 14, 2008, 11:04 p.m.
Ghostlimb is a project spearheaded by Justin Smith of Graf Orlock. Bearing and Distance is the bands second full-length release and first for Level Plane ... read more
Posted Oct. 14, 2008, 11:02 p.m.
The great state of Texas offers up two songs a piece from O Pioneers!!! and The Anchor. In the works for over a year, this ... read more
Posted Oct. 13, 2008, 3 p.m.
It has been a rather tumultuous year for Mouth of the Architect. Late last year the band announced their breakup as a result of the ... read more
Posted Oct. 7, 2008, 9:10 p.m.
Once again I come into a new full-length from These Arms are Snakes filled with expectations. And while I am filled with hope for repeated ... read more
Posted Oct. 5, 2008, 1:07 p.m.
Wu-Tang Clan member GZA - aka The Genius - is back with his first solo offering since 2002s Legend of the Liquid Sword. But its ... read more
Posted Oct. 1, 2008, 10:42 p.m.
Im not too sure about the bands namesake, but you cant always judge a book by its cover. So, I went into the new 7 ... read more
Posted Oct. 1, 2008, 10:40 p.m.
Brainworms continue their progression with each release. With numerous recordings under their belts by now, the band has finally come to a point where theyre ... read more
Posted Oct. 1, 2008, 10:38 p.m.
Inert is an ex-members of band from Los Angeles. This 7 is the bands debut offering and boasts six tracks of metallic, groove-laden hardcore. Musically ... read more
Posted Sept. 29, 2008, 8:33 p.m.
I cant help but wonder what the music world would be like without experimentation. Sure, the first to try something different is often shunned, but ... read more
Posted Sept. 24, 2008, 12:33 a.m.
When hip-hop exploded in the 1980s it was characterized by flashy outfits, breakdancing, and of course, ghetto blasters. The music was primarily comprised of ridiculously ... read more
Posted Sept. 21, 2008, 2:08 p.m.
Like his Hella counterpart Zach Hill - well, his original counterpart prior to the bands recent additions - Spencer Seim has recently ventured out on ... read more
Posted Sept. 21, 2008, 2:05 p.m.
Zach Hill is quite the accomplished drummer. Hill co-founded the genre-bending duo (now a fivesome) Hella with Spencer Seim. In addition, Hill has found time ... read more
Posted Sept. 17, 2008, 8:59 p.m.
Sometimes, on paper a band can look really good. But when you get around to listening, it just doesnt add up. No Harm Done is ... read more
Posted Sept. 16, 2008, 9:16 p.m.
After debuting with last years Legendary Demo, Boston-based rockers Clouds return with their sophomore full-length. Fronted by former Cave In guitar maestro Adam McGrath, the ... read more
Posted Sept. 14, 2008, 3:18 p.m.
I cant exactly recall my first exposure to Die Young, but I do know the bands 90s inspired hardcore punk sound and intense lyrical messages ... read more
Posted Sept. 7, 2008, 11:41 p.m.
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Grave Maker quickly made a name for themselves thanks to a promising demo and a commitment to the road. With ... read more
Posted Sept. 2, 2008, 11:57 p.m.
For over a decade No Turning Back has been churning out release after release - CD, vinyl, and cassette - of punishing New York flavored ... read more
Posted Aug. 27, 2008, 12:30 a.m.
Hailing from areas around the city of Philadelphia, Braindead have quickly become one of my favorite current hardcore bands. Formed only a few years ago, ... read more
Posted Aug. 26, 2008, 12:37 a.m.
From the get-go Have Heart has had a rabid and devoted following. Beginning with their demo in 2003 and What Counts EP a year later, ... read more
Posted Aug. 20, 2008, 7:52 p.m.
We dont care about your labels and your fucking trends / We only care about the music and hanging out with our friends / So ... read more
Posted Aug. 18, 2008, 3:53 p.m.
When you look at the list of previous ventures from the members of Wait in Vain, its hard to not get excited. Frontman Timm McIntosh ... read more
Posted Aug. 7, 2008, 3:31 p.m.
The background behind the formation of One Day as a Lion isnt really well, there at all. It pretty much consists of a day when ... read more
Posted Aug. 4, 2008, 11:45 p.m.
So many thoughts come to mind when I think of this California-based pop-punk group. This Time Next Year is a band that not only captured ... read more
Posted Aug. 3, 2008, 9:02 p.m.
Erie hardcore. Ninety-nine out of a hundred of you instantly thought of either Brothers Keeper or xDisciplex AD. While these two groups have since fallen ... read more
Posted Aug. 3, 2008, 9 p.m.
Richmond meets Melbourne on this split effort. Down to Nothing follows up last years The Most while 50 Lions follows up an Australian-released full-length of ... read more
Posted Aug. 3, 2008, 8:58 p.m.
Catch Your Breath is an upstart hardcore group from the greater Los Angeles area. I couldnt find much background info on the band, so Im ... read more
Posted Aug. 3, 2008, 8:56 p.m.
I know nothing of the Brazilian hardcore world, nor will I pretend to know anything. In fact, the only things I know about Brazil are ... read more
Posted Aug. 3, 2008, 8:54 p.m.
Heres something new for you. Well maybe not new, but something we dont get much of these days. Offsides is a fast-paced melodic hardcore group ... read more
Posted Aug. 3, 2008, 8:51 p.m.
The Wonder Years return with a brand new 7, their follow-up to last years Get Stoked on it!. The record features four new tracks that ... read more
Posted July 29, 2008, 12:16 a.m.
Whenever I think of Until the End, I think of the time I crammed five finals into a twenty-four-hour period so I could take a ... read more
Posted July 14, 2008, 11:45 p.m.
Connecticut hardcore, no matter how great it is, always seems to get overshadowed by the nearby bustling Massachusetts (particularly Boston) hardcore scene. In fact, oftentimes ... read more
Posted July 9, 2008, 8:52 p.m.
Floridas Fallen from the Sky have been on the upward trend since releasing their debut EP, Tune Out the World, in 2005. They were runner-ups ... read more
Posted July 6, 2008, 11:49 p.m.
Ability is a five-piece hardcore band from the Northern outskirts of Los Angeles. Expired is their debut effort and the 7 features five cuts of ... read more
Posted July 6, 2008, 11:47 p.m.
It must have been two or three years ago now that I received Police & Thieves demo in the mail. I think it came with ... read more
Posted July 6, 2008, 11:46 p.m.
Coptic Times is the latest output from the Texas hardcore scene, but after repeated listens to Temptation that might be one of the last places ... read more
Posted July 6, 2008, 11:44 p.m.
Massachusetts is always churning out quality hardcore and Pitfall is no exception. Another Day at the Zoo is the bands first official release following a ... read more
Posted July 6, 2008, 11:43 p.m.
Counting the Days is back with two new tracks following an LP release in 2006. These songs are very much in line with their previous ... read more
Posted July 6, 2008, 11:41 p.m.
The split effort from Burn Bridges teams up two underrated bands that definitely deserve more attention. Pennsylvanias Braindead and Michigans Blackbirds each deliver original songs ... read more
Posted July 6, 2008, 11:40 p.m.
So we normally stick to reviewing albums that have been released within the last six months, but sometimes we make exceptions. I dont know why ... read more
Posted July 6, 2008, 11:39 p.m.
Grindcore is a genre that you either fanatical about, or you just dont seem to care. I cant say that Im all that jazzed about ... read more
Posted June 25, 2008, 2:16 p.m.
Most people that really delve deep into and are passionate about hardcore and punk know Richmond, Virginia for its fruitful output over the past decade ... read more
Posted June 19, 2008, 10:56 p.m.
Im going to be straight up; Fractures is the most anticipated album of 2008 for me. Sure, there were other albums that I have really ... read more
Posted June 16, 2008, 8:51 p.m.
Italys The End of Six Thousand Years return with their debut full-length following a split release with Embrace the End in 2006. Isolation picks up ... read more
Posted June 16, 2008, 8:49 p.m.
Had it Coming is my first exposure to Los Angeles Bad Reaction, but apparently this recording is a CD version of their previously released 7s ... read more
Posted June 16, 2008, 8:47 p.m.
This split 7 from Basement Records teams up two Los Angeles hardcore veterans for two tracks each: Bullet Treatment and Its Casual. Everything about this ... read more
Posted June 16, 2008, 8:45 p.m.
Within moments of pressing play on Heart vs. Spine it comes as no surprise that The Devil and the Sea call Louisiana home. These southern ... read more
Posted June 16, 2008, 8:42 p.m.
Despite my close proximity to the state, its been quite a while since Ive heard something new from Michigan thats caught my interest. Under Anchor ... read more
Posted June 16, 2008, 8:40 p.m.
Argos Checkmate hails from Syracuse and mix together the worlds of chaotic metalcore and ambient post-rock. You may think the two dont go together well, ... read more
Posted June 13, 2008, 8:16 a.m.
It wasnt that long ago that I caught a little tour featuring Hour of the Wolf, Lewd Acts, and Trash Talk. In fact, it was ... read more
Posted June 10, 2008, 3:03 p.m.
Hardcore is serious business well most of the time. Mixed amongst those pushing forth ideas concerning local and world issues are those out to have ... read more
Posted June 9, 2008, 12:45 a.m.
The Punk Goes series has been running since the start of this century, beginning with metal and running through pop, acoustic, the 80s, the 90s, ... read more
Posted June 4, 2008, 11:09 p.m.
It has been five years since Shai Huluds last full-length offering, the underappreciated That Within Blood Ill-Tempered, The band has returned with Misanthropy Pure, their ... read more
Posted June 3, 2008, 7:51 a.m.
Muse is a band that has long had their music overshadowed by comparisons to the giants that are Radiohead, U2, and Queen. Rather than worry ... read more
Posted May 28, 2008, 11:14 p.m.
Level Plane Records and Teenage Disco Bloodbath Records have partnered together as they team up two extremely underrated artists, at least in my eyes. Originally ... read more
Posted May 22, 2008, 8:23 p.m.
Since the mid 1980s Bay Area thrashers Testament have persevered in the world of heavy metal, undergoing numerous lineup changes and even a few medical ... read more
Posted May 8, 2008, 1:14 p.m.
Down and Outs have been shaking things up for going on four years now. Unfortunately, I really didnt start paying attention to the band until ... read more
Posted May 6, 2008, 1:06 a.m.
There is a small set of musicians that I would consider to be more than just your average artist. When it comes to composing music, ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 8:30 a.m.
Set Foot is a fairly straightforward hardcore band from Vancouver, British Columbia. They may hail from the Pacific Northwest but theyre far different from their ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 8:27 a.m.
Millennial Psychosis features two of the best up-and-coming hardcore bands that the U.K. has to offer. If you havent picked up on these two yet, ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 8:24 a.m.
Zhenia Golov hail from the hardcore factory that is New Brunswick, NJ. I wont bore you with a list of notables that have already made ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 8:21 a.m.
Dynamite Arrows offers up four tracks on Blowin It. The four-piece have concocted a fine mixture of melodic punk, hardcore, and traditional pop-punk. Musically Im ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 8:17 a.m.
Yo Man Go hail from the eastern part of Pennsylvania and they play melodic punk thatll please fans whose record collections boast releases from the ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 8:14 a.m.
Straightforward hardcore/punk. That is what The Netherlands Antillectual offers up on Waves. This 7 features three new songs and three songs from their previous full-length. ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 8:11 a.m.
Square of Opposition Records has teamed up two new bands, or at least two that are new to me team up for a split 12 ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 8:01 a.m.
Fortunately for all, Vanessa Van Basten is not the name of the latest female pop diva. Instead, they are a two-piece instrumental duo from Italy ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 7:58 a.m.
I believe that Boschs With You is the first Russian band Ive sat down and actually listened to. I cant help but make the excuse ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 7:54 a.m.
Three Steps to the Ocean is an Italian instrumental outfit. Like their counterparts in Vanessa Van Basten, Three Steps to the Ocean dabbles in the ... read more
Posted May 2, 2008, 7:51 a.m.
There is a fine line between noise and music. Notice that I didnt say art, because in all honesty, art is pretty much anything you ... read more
Posted April 30, 2008, 4:47 p.m.
Amalgamation II compiles together the three self-released cassette recordings from Skin Like Iron. These recordings were originally released separate from each other beginning last year; ... read more
Posted April 21, 2008, 3:32 p.m.
Culprits is a band that youve likely never heard. What the hell is wrong with you? This New Mexico four-piece serves up five tracks of ... read more
Posted April 21, 2008, 3:30 p.m.
Richmond has always had an impressive hardcore scene, so its no surprise to hear good things from the city in Radio War. The Rising of ... read more
Posted April 21, 2008, 3:27 p.m.
Title Fight is the latest pop-punk/melodic hardcore outfit to emerge from the school of Saves the Day/Lifetime. The three songs that comprise this 7 are ... read more
Posted April 21, 2008, 3:25 p.m.
Ive lived in Cleveland for most of my life and Ive come to know the city as quite the haven for metal. I guess there ... read more
Posted April 21, 2008, 3:24 p.m.
Kiss Dreams Goodbye is the newest offering from Alone, a melodic hardcore band hailing for Italy. This release is the bands follow-up to a split ... read more
Posted April 21, 2008, 3:22 p.m.
Tempo No Tempo fit into that niche of bands that take equal influence from the worlds of indie rock and new wave. Musically speaking the ... read more
Posted April 21, 2008, 12:47 a.m.
The Sword is probably the first band to ever see their career catapulted thanks to a video game. Sure, lots of bands have had their ... read more
Posted April 2, 2008, 7:35 p.m.
It is now five years into Lair of the Minotaurs existence and I think its safe to say that this band is not a gimmick ... read more
Posted April 1, 2008, 11:25 p.m.
I get a lot of albums in the mail, a lot. Every one of them comes with one-sheet containing information and descriptions that suggest that ... read more
Posted March 31, 2008, 1:22 a.m.
Lets be honest, the vast majority of hardcore music is similar sounding. There is only so many ways in which you can arrange music that ... read more
Posted March 27, 2008, 9:25 p.m.
Members of No Trigger and Shock Nagasaki playing melodic hardcore in the vein of Kid Dynamite, Descendents, and 7 Seconds? Sign me the hell up! ... read more
Posted March 27, 2008, 9:22 p.m.
Pop-rock is a huge right now and Attention has a shot at being the next big thing. This four-piece group from Minneapolis contains members that ... read more
Posted March 27, 2008, 9:19 p.m.
Sakes Alive!! hails from Rochester, NY and this is the bands debut offering. Interesting enough, this recording actually started as the project of one individual, ... read more
Posted March 27, 2008, 9:15 p.m.
Emo is a genre that often gets its name dragged through the mud. While there are artists now classified as emo that are pretty horrendous, ... read more
Posted March 27, 2008, 9:10 p.m.
Cleveland-based Salt the Wound has been festering in the depths of the metal world since their formation in 2001. With the release of their debut ... read more
Posted March 25, 2008, 3:13 p.m.
Wavering on the Cresting Heft is the second solo recording from Isis guitarist Michael Gallagher under the moniker MGR. MGR is an acronym for Mustard ... read more
Posted March 23, 2008, 3:44 p.m.
I dont know what it is but Europeans love vegan and straightedge hardcore a lot more than us Americans do, or at least they come ... read more
Posted March 13, 2008, 3:53 p.m.
Sabertooth Zombie is a band that has been waiting to explode for sometime now. After a few self-released efforts, the band release their debut full-length, ... read more
Posted March 12, 2008, 7:08 p.m.
Level Plane Records is a quality label in all that they do. Theyve got the arty-punk and progressive hardcore bands, and they even tackle post-rock. ... read more
Posted March 12, 2008, 7:05 p.m.
Its been a few years now since I first became acquainted with Once Nothing. They were just a local band playing shows wherever they could ... read more
Posted March 12, 2008, 7:02 p.m.
Dead Will Rise is one of the recent signings to Twelve Gauge Records. While the label mainly sets it focus in the hardcore world, they ... read more
Posted March 12, 2008, 7 p.m.
What do you get when you take Clutch and tell Neil Fallon to take a hike? You get The Bakerton Group. While you might think ... read more
Posted March 12, 2008, 6:58 p.m.
ASG stands for Amplification for Self Gratification. The name is rather fitting for this North Carolina rock group. On Win Us Over, their third full-length, ... read more
Posted March 10, 2008, 2:25 a.m.
With their fourth full-length album, Murder by Death has finally brought all their varying influences together. Each of the bands previous recordings focused on a ... read more
Posted March 5, 2008, 5:17 p.m.
Sometimes I wonder if there is any passion left in hardcore - and not passion to be popular, but a passion that inspires a band ... read more
Posted March 3, 2008, 3:08 p.m.
Last year this California five-piece released a heck of a demo tape; one that had me quite excited to hear more from them. Well here ... read more
Posted March 3, 2008, 3:05 p.m.
Massachusetts has pretty much been a breeding ground for hardcore bands since well hardcore started. Defiant Hearts is yet another in the long line of ... read more
Posted March 3, 2008, 3:03 p.m.
When I listen to Resonate from South Carolinas Where it Ends I immediately think of individuals my own age that were spinning Strife and Trial ... read more
Posted March 3, 2008, 3:01 p.m.
It is a shame when a band like Brothers goes unnoticed. This five-piece outfit hails from Michigan and Black Friday is their debut offering. The ... read more
Posted March 3, 2008, 2:58 p.m.
Hamburg, Germany is a city that is known more for its architecture than it is for its musical output. In fact, if you were to ... read more
Posted March 3, 2008, 2:56 p.m.
Short Fuse is a hardcore punk outfit from Münster, Germany. The four-piece outfit delivers six tracks of fast and raw hardcore punk. Blight packs a ... read more
Posted March 3, 2008, 2:54 p.m.
Anti-Flag has always been a band about raising awareness, but usually the subject is tied to our countrys government in some manner. The band continues ... read more
Posted Feb. 28, 2008, 10:20 p.m.
Fast, melodic, hardcore punk infused with melody. That is the short and sweet description of what you can expect from The Steals debut full-length, The ... read more
Posted Feb. 27, 2008, 12:41 a.m.
If there were one band that I felt characterized both the sound and ideals of hardcore in the 1990s, it would be Trial. The Northwest ... read more
Posted Feb. 21, 2008, 3:14 p.m.
Omega is the final testament to the instrumental indie/math/prog-rockers The Cancer Conspiracy. Recorded over four years ago, the album was left in limbo due to ... read more
Posted Feb. 20, 2008, 12:41 a.m.
Philadelphias Reign Supreme burst onto the hardcore scene in 2006 with great intensity. Fronted by former Blacklisted member Jay Pepito and also featuring former members ... read more
Posted Feb. 14, 2008, 4:48 p.m.
Son Lux is the working project of one man, Ryan Lott, a multi-talented musician and artist. At War with Walls and Mazes is his debut ... read more
Posted Feb. 14, 2008, 4:45 p.m.
Arson Anthem has quite the pedigree with members of Pantera, Eyehategod, and Superjoint Ritual in tow. Phil Anselmo, who is joined by Mike Williams of ... read more
Posted Feb. 14, 2008, 4:41 p.m.
Hailing from outside Dallas, ANS deliver a concoction of fast-paced hardcore punk that draws comparisons to the early days of hardcore: Black Flag, Bad Brains, ... read more
Posted Feb. 14, 2008, 4:39 p.m.
Philadelphia is always shooting out new hardcore bands. Lighten Up is one of the more recent products of the city of endless hardcore. The members ... read more
Posted Feb. 14, 2008, 4:36 p.m.
The metropolis of Chicago, IL is home to many many artists. While listening to Sequoia, I found their sound to be somewhat fitting, but at ... read more
Posted Feb. 14, 2008, 4:34 p.m.
Shout Magic is a five-piece ensemble from Philadelphia. Though, if you were listen to the music of Ceiling Fan and Other Revolutions you definitely wouldnt ... read more
Posted Feb. 14, 2008, 4:17 p.m.
Frodus is one of those bands that just didnt seem to get the recognition they truly deserved until after their breakup, and theyre still extremely ... read more
Posted Feb. 5, 2008, 3:30 p.m.
It wasnt long ago that Texas natives This Will Destroy You were nothing more than a well-kept secret. But thanks to a solid debut album ... read more
Posted Feb. 5, 2008, 3:24 p.m.
Evolution in the music world results in one of two things: fame or infamy. Life Long Tragedy have slowly grown from a group of young ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2008, 6:49 a.m.
Some bands just have cool names. Skeletons with Flesh on Them, an indie rock band from Seattle, are one of them. This four-piece indie/rock group ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2008, 6:45 a.m.
Endgame is the latest band to emerge from the New Jersey hardcore scene. The four-piece outfit has returned after a split CD with Movement that ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2008, 6:42 a.m.
Orgone is an interesting term that refers to the life energy of humans. It may exist; it may not. Thats all up for debate. One ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2008, 6:39 a.m.
How do you review an album plastered with a tagline from a review you wrote? Were both about to find out. Rewiring the Human Body ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2008, 6:33 a.m.
I have never been to Maine, but the visual in my head is that the state is a quite tranquil location. I know they have ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2008, 6:30 a.m.
Survival is the debut full-length from No Apologies. This five-piece outfit comes from the land of koalas and aborigines. This album is filled with plenty ... read more
Posted Feb. 1, 2008, 6:28 a.m.
Change! is the latest compilation from the team of Hopeless/Sub City Records and Hot Topic. Included in this release are one CD and one DVD. ... read more
Posted Jan. 30, 2008, 11:09 p.m.
2007 was a huge year for this group of young men from Sacramento. A relentless touring schedule in support of their debut full-length, Walking Disease, ... read more
Posted Jan. 28, 2008, 2:12 a.m.
In the year 2008, one might question the relevancy of reggae and dub on todays music. When you take a closer look at things, youd ... read more
Posted Jan. 25, 2008, 9:03 a.m.
The Huguenots were a band that existed at some point during the late 1990s, or at least that is what I can conclude based on ... read more
Posted Jan. 23, 2008, 4:49 p.m.
If you were to listen to the latest offering from Miles Away, Rewind, Repeat , and yet knew nothing of the band, the last place ... read more
Posted Jan. 20, 2008, 3:40 p.m.
Perth Express is likely a band that youre unfamiliar with, but thats okay. Prior to being contacted by the label in regards to this discography ... read more
Posted Jan. 17, 2008, 2:38 a.m.
The title of this compilation speaks volumes about our nation. While there is an ongoing argument about who invented punk music - not that it ... read more
Posted Jan. 13, 2008, 5:16 p.m.
The members of Battles definitely have impressive resumes when it comes to their former and current musical endeavors. Everyone knows John Stanier from his days ... read more
Posted Jan. 8, 2008, 3:40 p.m.
Do you love bubblegum pop-punk? Do you love sign-alongs? Do you love ridiculous breakdowns? Well, then Four Year Strong and their debut full-length, Rise or ... read more
Posted Jan. 7, 2008, 8:42 p.m.
The history behind Ringfingers Decimal is rather interesting. Tracy Wilson, whom some of you may remember from Dahlia Seed, started the project shortly after the ... read more
Posted Dec. 31, 2007, 11:52 a.m.
Most within the hardcore and punk community are likely unaware of the existence of Lie and Wait. Sure, they are a fairly new band, but ... read more
Posted Dec. 26, 2007, 12:21 a.m.
Modest Mouses We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank have proven to be a difficult album for the staff of Scene Point Blank. Since ... read more
Posted Dec. 20, 2007, 7:49 p.m.
Animosity has proven that metal can truly reign supreme again in the Bay Area. Following the initial burst of thrash metal that drew the attention ... read more
Posted Dec. 19, 2007, 12:58 p.m.
Romans is the latest band to be sprung forth from Vermonts underground music scene - the last two that I recall are My Revenge! and ... read more
Posted Dec. 19, 2007, 12:52 p.m.
One-man black metal projects certainly have become overabundant in the past couple of years. Im not exactly sure what brought on their increased presence in ... read more
Posted Dec. 19, 2007, 12:44 p.m.
After the release of their debut full-length last year, Intronaut return with an EP containing three new songs and some added bells and whistles. The ... read more
Posted Dec. 19, 2007, 12:40 p.m.
Dont Mess with Texas is my first exposure to any artist from the country of Croatia. Despite reading through their one-sheet, I was a little ... read more
Posted Dec. 19, 2007, 12:36 p.m.
The Flatliners hail from Toronto, Canada and The Great Awake is their second full-length. By the Fat Wreck Chords connection, you can certainly expect this, ... read more
Posted Dec. 19, 2007, 12:31 p.m.
This split 7 features two up-and-comers from the hardcore punk scene of Richmond, VA: The Catalyst and Brainworms. Brianworms is up first with two cuts. ... read more
Posted Dec. 19, 2007, 12:26 p.m.
I know Ive said this before, but sometimes a randomly received album can be a pleasant surprise. The Flash Attacks latest 7 release, Revenge of ... read more
Posted Dec. 19, 2007, 12:23 p.m.
This Louisiana/Tennessee metal conglomerate has a fairly funny yet juvenile name that is likely a huge hit with the faux-hardcore kids. But rather than live ... read more
Posted Dec. 19, 2007, 12:18 p.m.
The Narrows have been a band for nearly nine years and yet this is my first exposure to them. And its not like they havent ... read more
Posted Dec. 19, 2007, 12:13 p.m.
Hmmmmmm. Thats the sound inside my head when I popped in New Atlantics The Streets, the Sounds, and the Love. That is the sound of ... read more
Posted Dec. 17, 2007, 3:14 p.m.
The initial rumblings of Said Radio caused a lot of excitement in the punk/hardcore community, and for good reason. Rumors of Said Radio - though ... read more
Posted Dec. 13, 2007, 4:09 p.m.
Has it really been three, almost four, years now since Mike Patton and John Kaada released Romances? Apparently so! Live chronicles the first and only ... read more
Posted Dec. 11, 2007, 4:05 p.m.
Earlier this year Strangers really grabbed my interest with their four-song EP, Holding. On that release, five individuals from New Zealand delivered a devastating aural ... read more
Posted Dec. 5, 2007, 7:04 p.m.
Stephen Brodsky is a shape-shifter. Throughout his musical career, the oftentimes-enigmatic frontman has been the main songwriting force behind numerous projects of all realms of ... read more
Posted Dec. 4, 2007, 6:14 p.m.
Quo Vadimus is the sophomore effort from Philadelphias Jena Berlin. Unfortunately, odds are that most of you reading this are unfamiliar with the group despite ... read more
Posted Nov. 29, 2007, 2:41 p.m.
Lets be honest about things. Deathwish has hardcore locked down and Shipwreck A.D. is a key part of their commanding roster. After two self-titled 7 ... read more
Posted Nov. 27, 2007, 3:40 p.m.
Pulling Teeth have quickly emerged as one of hardcores most respected groups following their formation a couple years back. With a steady supply of releases ... read more
Posted Nov. 20, 2007, 2:05 p.m.
Skeletonwitch is the latest band from Ohio to make it to the big-time. These five dudes sport some silly names - Nate N8 Feet Under ... read more
Posted Nov. 20, 2007, 2 p.m.
Dirty Money is one of the latest upstarts to emerge from the U.K. scene and take hardcore by storm. Dirty Money set forth a furious ... read more
Posted Nov. 20, 2007, 1:59 p.m.
Deal With It is the latest hardcore export from the U.K. This five-piece group of fellas churn out five brand new songs on World Coming ... read more
Posted Nov. 20, 2007, 1:58 p.m.
Show No Mercy hail from Maryland and deliver seven tracks of crossover/thrash/metallic hardcore over the course of Death is My Religion. Musically, the band shows ... read more
Posted Nov. 20, 2007, 1:27 a.m.
I cannot think of another record label that could have released The Black Dahlia Murders new full-length Nocturnal. Sure, any number of labels could have ... read more
Posted Nov. 15, 2007, 8:17 p.m.
One thing that I love about hardcore bands from the 80s and 90s is that they often included background info on the songs lyrics. Perhaps ... read more
Posted Nov. 14, 2007, 11:18 p.m.
Revelation Records has made quite the turn-around in the past two years. Besides mainstay Shai Hulud, the once hardcore-proud label has returned to its roots ... read more
Posted Nov. 11, 2007, 8:06 p.m.
There was a brief period in my life when I lived in Texas. During that time, I attended quite a number of hardcore shows that ... read more
Posted Nov. 8, 2007, 5:22 a.m.
Path to Misery is a musical-collective from Pittsburgh, PA. The group of individuals involved focuses their attention of raising awareness of government actions, social issues, ... read more
Posted Nov. 8, 2007, 5:19 a.m.
I love Set Your Goals, but the popularity of the bands amalgamation of pop-punk and melodic hardcore has brought forth a million and a half ... read more
Posted Nov. 8, 2007, 5:17 a.m.
Division Day are a fairly new band from Los Angeles and they are going to turn some heads with their debut full-length, Beartrap Island. The ... read more
Posted Nov. 8, 2007, 5:15 a.m.
Scream and Light Up the Sky has been a long long time coming. Three years have gone by since their last release. This album also ... read more
Posted Nov. 8, 2007, 5:13 a.m.
If youre like me, the state of Minnesota is automatically associated with one of two things: 1) Mall of America and 2) Fargo. One is ... read more
Posted Nov. 8, 2007, 5:10 a.m.
The Final Beatdown is a complete discography of New Yorks kings of beatdown hardcore, thus the title. The release is comprised of a CD, which ... read more
Posted Nov. 8, 2007, 5:08 a.m.
Badmouth is the latest in the seemingly never-ending line of pissed off hardcore bands from Southern California. Strikes Again is their debut effort, which is ... read more
Posted Nov. 8, 2007, 5:06 a.m.
A cassette tape release? This is the third one Ive received in the mail recently. I dont even know where you get these pressed anymore. ... read more
Posted Nov. 6, 2007, 2:55 p.m.
How does one measure the influence and impact of a band on music? Sure, you could look at album sales, which in the case of ... read more
Posted Oct. 30, 2007, 4:54 p.m.
Following the release of their debut full-length, one of my favorites of 2005, These Days went on indefinite hiatus. Needless to say, I was bummed ... read more
Posted Oct. 29, 2007, 6:17 p.m.
If youre unfamiliar with Rosetta, punch yourself. Seriously, Ill wait. Go ahead and punch yourself if youve never heard of Rosetta. Okay now By now, ... read more
Posted Oct. 22, 2007, 11:31 p.m.
Rob Gordon once said The making of a great compilation tape, like breaking up, is hard to do and takes ages longer than it might ... read more
Posted Oct. 18, 2007, 11:44 p.m.
Last year a band by the name of Cloak/Dagger released a 7 record. That record, Piñata, was easily one of the best slabs of wax ... read more
Posted Oct. 16, 2007, 12:22 a.m.
The Beatles and Silverchair have a lot more in common than one might initially think. But before any of you go and get your panties ... read more
Posted Oct. 8, 2007, 6:58 p.m.
I dont really know much of anything about Reno, Nevada other than its like a smaller, less fun version of Las Vegas. The only other ... read more
Posted Oct. 2, 2007, 2:47 p.m.
First to Leave have been the unfortunate victims of poor timing, not once, but twice. The first time occurred shortly after the release of their ... read more
Posted Sept. 27, 2007, 7:51 p.m.
Unholy first appeared on the hardcore radar in late 2004 when demo recordings from the band surfaced on the Internet. While many may have gotten ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:42 p.m.
Last year I declared this release from Living Hell as one of the top demos that got upgraded to an actual release. After seeing a ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:37 p.m.
The Cancer Kids call Massachusetts home. But unlike many of the artists from the state, they dont play tough-guy hardcore of Death Before Dishonor or ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:34 p.m.
Music from foreign countries is something that I always find interesting, especially when they sing in their native language. La Piovra takes its name from ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:32 p.m.
Tennessee natives Sadville without a doubt could be the biggest misnomer for a group. These dudes dont play sad bastard emo at all. Instead they ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:30 p.m.
Brainworms hail from Richmond, VA, a city with a rich hardcore/punk history. So its not a surprise that the members of Brainworms have made waves ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:28 p.m.
Boston-based hardcore outfit Rampage unleash thirteen tracks of thrash influenced hardcore on Limit of Destruction. Some of the cuts here take on a definite New ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:27 p.m.
Looking at the cover art to this 7 I was anticipating one of two things: stoner metal or art-metal akin to the Hydra Head roster. ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:24 p.m.
Rome Plow Records serves up another offering of under the radar music on this split 7. This time around weve got two bands that draw ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:22 p.m.
The Mall plays post-hardcore with aspects of screamo and indie rock. But the most identifiable characteristic of their music is the use of keys. The ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:19 p.m.
Two artists from California team up for a split 7. Iamb is the work on single individual - Ross Major - with the help of ... read more
Posted Sept. 26, 2007, 2:18 p.m.
Los Angeles-based label Oedipus Records is an independent label run out of an apartment. As an individual doing the same thing with my label, I ... read more
Posted Sept. 23, 2007, 4:16 p.m.
Last year I interviewed New Found Glory drummer Cyrus Bolooki about the possibility of another cover album in similar fashion to the bands From the ... read more
Posted Sept. 20, 2007, 12:02 a.m.
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the union, so you would think that with them already delivering Verse, theyd be all out of ... read more
Posted Sept. 10, 2007, 1:27 p.m.
A lot has been made lately of the throwback sounds that are ultra popular in hardcore these days. It seems that if youre not biting ... read more
Posted Sept. 9, 2007, 2:15 p.m.
Shipwreck burst onto the scene last year with their debut 7 on Rumble Records. The four-song release was an instant hit and eventually brought them ... read more
Posted Sept. 9, 2007, 2:13 p.m.
Erie has a long-standing tradition of hardcore: xDisciplex A.D., Brothers Keeper, Shockwave, and Abnegation. Continuing that tradition is War of Ages, though they definitely mix ... read more
Posted Sept. 9, 2007, 2:11 p.m.
Daymares hail from Poland. Yes, that Poland. Prior to this release, the band had nothing more than a roughly mixed demo, which mixed 90s metallic ... read more
Posted Sept. 9, 2007, 2:08 p.m.
The Fire The Flood hails from North Carolina, a state home to metalcore greats Prayer for Cleansing. Unfortunately, the music that makes up Truth Seekers ... read more
Posted Sept. 9, 2007, 2:06 p.m.
Dark Days is a discography release that compiles the San Diego-based hardcore outfits previous material into one neat package. The CD opens with The Bridge, ... read more
Posted Sept. 4, 2007, 3:31 p.m.
The Colour and the Shape was the Foo Fighters second full-length release, though it was the first album in which Grohl enlisted a full band ... read more
Posted Sept. 2, 2007, 11:44 p.m.
There was a time when I thought that Prepare to be Let Down was never going to be released. The album was slated to come ... read more
Posted Aug. 28, 2007, 8:25 p.m.
Project Mercury is the latest output of material from two of Philadelphias underground sensations: Balboa and Rosetta. The split features original material from each band ... read more
Posted Aug. 21, 2007, 8:23 p.m.
Boston-based and Boston-proud, Death Before Dishonor has been churning out bruising hardcore since they first hit the scene with True Till Death. Their debut EP ... read more
Posted Aug. 16, 2007, 8:21 p.m.
Paper Ships Under a Burning Bridge is the debut offering from Last of the Believers, a new project spearheaded by former members of the extremely ... read more
Posted Aug. 6, 2007, 11:56 p.m.
The Geeks: Korean straight edge hardcore with a youth crew twist. I know what youre thinking; the first time I heard it I didnt believe ... read more
Posted July 30, 2007, 10:05 p.m.
In 2005, former members of Grade and Confine, among others, resurfaced with a new project To the Lions. The band issued up a demo recording ... read more
Posted July 26, 2007, 1:56 a.m.
If I had to loosely describe The Pax Cecilia I would have to use the term rock, but doing so would be a great disservice ... read more
Posted July 26, 2007, 1:53 a.m.
Two of Texas most promising hardcore upstarts team up on this split 7 release. On the A-Side we have Last Minute Fix, who released Revenge ... read more
Posted July 26, 2007, 1:50 a.m.
Stag is a two-piece sludge-metal outfit from Missouri. This self-released four-song EP is a definite homage to the likes of early Neurosis with doom metal ... read more
Posted July 26, 2007, 1:14 a.m.
¡Apeshit! is a four-piece outfit hailing from New York City. They blast through thirteen songs on this, their debut effort, in less than eleven minutes. ... read more
Posted July 11, 2007, 6:34 p.m.
Internal Affairs is a band that embodies what hardcore should truly be about. The music is fast, energetic, and pissed off. The lyrics are honest ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:57 a.m.
Unanimity and the Cessation of Hostility is six tracks of blistering death metal that lasts a mere fourteen minutes. And while this EP is extremely ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:56 a.m.
Two of the worlds most underrated hardcore bands team up for fourteen tracks of no-frills and no-fuss hardcore. First up is Crowd Deterrent from Youngstown, ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:56 a.m.
Massachusetts-based hardcore outfit The Homefront has quite a pedigree of previous bands: Have Heart, Guns Up!, and Verse. And if youve enjoyed the output of ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:55 a.m.
The fact that Limbeck call Orange County, CA home is a bit of a head-scratcher. Based on their home, youd be more likely to expect ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:55 a.m.
Horror-influence hardcore-punk from Texas. That is something that I can get behind. Grave Robbers blast through eight songs in just under thirty minutes. While the ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:54 a.m.
Tennessee hardcore. I know what youre thinking; you thought everyone from Tennessee that was into music plays country. Well youre wrong. Although, the five gentlemen ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:53 a.m.
Sound the Alarm is the latest in a crop of super-young musicians getting a major label deal. And on their debut full-length effort, Stay Inside, ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:53 a.m.
Spires hail from Oakland, CA and deliver a punishing blend of hardcore, metal, and grindcore, not unlike like The Number 12 Looks Like You and ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:37 a.m.
Its been a year since I first reviewed material from this Swedish rock group. Well Aoria are back with a new two-song EP. While the ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:36 a.m.
Whoa! Its like I hit a time warp and traveled back to the early years of the NYHC scene. But I didnt. Off Balance hail ... read more
Posted July 8, 2007, 7:35 a.m.
A demo tape - heck yeah! Its been quite a while since Ive seen one of these. Restrained blast through seven songs - one an ... read more
Posted June 10, 2007, 4:40 p.m.
For the most part, the state of music - underground or major label - is stale and nothing more than a regurgitation of what has ... read more
Posted May 31, 2007, 8:01 p.m.
Andrew W.K. is the latest Renaissance man in the world of music. Like others before him, John Lennon and Henry Rollins among others, W.K.'s influence ... read more
Posted May 16, 2007, 2:44 p.m.
I'm going to be quite blunt right off the bat. Normally I would take the time to write some kind of intro that ties in ... read more
Posted May 6, 2007, 2:43 p.m.
In the event of a worldwide nuclear war, I have come to the conclusion that only one thing will survive. And no, it is not ... read more
Posted April 24, 2007, 5:21 p.m.
Drawing Voices is easily one the most experimental and groundbreaking projects that I have come across in all my years of listening to and reviewing ... read more
Posted April 18, 2007, 3:03 p.m.
I have five different CD players, three in my home and two more in cars. The copy of Threads of Life that I received to ... read more
Posted April 15, 2007, 5:21 p.m.
Waking Giants marks Life in Your Way's jump from the farm leagues to the, well, the somewhat bigger indie league. This is their first effort ... read more
Posted April 2, 2007, 3:28 p.m.
I know this sounds familiar and you've heard a thousand of projects along these lines by now. But bear with me. Following the breakup of ... read more
Posted March 22, 2007, 4:24 p.m.
Many Americans tend to take our music scene for granted, very rarely looking outside of our borders for new music. But if the last couple ... read more
Posted March 19, 2007, 2:59 p.m.
New Hampshire natives Since the Flood have worked hard to get where they are today. In their five years of existence the band has self-released ... read more
Posted March 15, 2007, 4:04 p.m.
I know I've said this before, but God bless the Bay Area! Five-piece outfit This Time Next Year is the latest band to emerge from ... read more
Posted March 12, 2007, 4:36 p.m.
Each year, like so many other music-obsessed individuals, I make a list of my most anticipated albums. In doing so, I am setting myself up ... read more
Posted March 8, 2007, 2:24 p.m.
Reasoning with Time is the follow-up offering to Protagonist's debut effort, Hope and Rage, which was put out by Blackout! Records back in 2003. It's ... read more
Posted March 6, 2007, 4:23 p.m.
Tech-metal reached perfection with The Dillinger Escape Plan's Calculating Infinity. That is my opinion, and you may argue that it is wrong or that my ... read more
Posted March 1, 2007, 8:57 p.m.
Two years ago when reviewing Time for Change's debut EP, Profound, I made it known that while the band delivered some quality music, they hadn't ... read more
Posted Feb. 27, 2007, 5:02 p.m.
It's quite an interesting experience to hear the whole of Cave In broken down into its different parts, in a manner of speaking that is. ... read more
Posted Feb. 20, 2007, 4:22 p.m.
Still Life Records delivers another slab of aggressive metalcore as it teams up Italy's The End of Six Thousand Years and Sacramento, California's Embrace the ... read more
Posted Feb. 18, 2007, 2:26 p.m.
This self-titled affair is the final recorded material from the melodic death metal/hardcore outfit As Hope Dies. Prior to this five-song EP, the band had ... read more
Posted Feb. 13, 2007, 5:09 p.m.
I sometimes wonder what motivates individuals to be in a band full-time. That's a lot of devotion to one thing, and it comes with a ... read more
Posted Feb. 11, 2007, 2:55 p.m.
Those frustrated by the fact that Old Man Gloom is nothing more than a studio project that rarely tours can get excited - at least ... read more
Posted Feb. 5, 2007, 1:58 p.m.
It's quite amazing how widespread hardcore music has become these days. Despites its relatively young age compared to other genres, it has become a worldwide ... read more
Posted Jan. 29, 2007, 5:41 p.m.
The wave of hardcore bands coming from the hotbed that is the Bay Area is endless; Murder Practice is the latest export from the constantly ... read more
Posted Jan. 22, 2007, 3:17 p.m.
Baltimore based Pulling Teeth released an extremely impressive demo and all expectations of what a proper release would be are exceeded on this recording. Vicious ... read more
Posted Jan. 3, 2007, 2:28 p.m.
Windmills by the Ocean is a collection of songs that have been dusted off after they sat on the shelf for... well, for far too ... read more
Posted Dec. 27, 2006, 1:43 p.m.
Emily Haines is a diva. Okay, maybe not in the traditional sense of the word, but if the modern definition - "an extremely independent and ... read more
Posted Dec. 13, 2006, 3:38 p.m.
Reviewing albums isn't an especially technical task. Anyone can do it. But, when you are piecing together your thoughts for an album review, there is ... read more
Posted Dec. 10, 2006, 2:29 p.m.
During the late 90's there occurred a revival of the youth crew sound that had dominated the hardcore scene during the mid-80's up through the ... read more
Posted Dec. 5, 2006, 1:11 a.m.
If you're not familiar with the name Jeremy Enigk, I have only one conclusion: you've been living under a rock for quite some time. Enigk ... read more
Posted Nov. 29, 2006, 1:03 p.m.
Calling All Creeps! is the debut EP from The Neon Hookers. Okay, so the band's choice in name isn't the greatest, but 1) most band ... read more
Posted Nov. 23, 2006, 2:19 p.m.
Born from Pain's fourth full-length, War, is the next logical step for the Dutch masters of hardcore. The music still draws heavily from the 90's ... read more
Posted Nov. 19, 2006, 2:27 p.m.
Say hello to your new favorite band. Well, that is, of course, if you enjoy a band that blends upbeat punk, infectious pop hooks, and ... read more
Posted Nov. 12, 2006, 4:20 p.m.
I've always been fascinated with oceanography, or anything related to the ocean for that matter. And with the oceans covering nearly three-quarters of our planet, ... read more
Posted Nov. 1, 2006, 8:29 p.m.
Pound for Pound hail from Springfield, Illinois, not to be confused with the hometown of The Simpsons, as the true location of that fictional town ... read more
Posted Oct. 18, 2006, 2:53 p.m.
Let's face it, since the departure of Earth Crisis in 2001, there hasn't been a prevalent force in the vegan straightedge scene. I suppose Undying ... read more
Posted Oct. 12, 2006, 4:40 p.m.
Easter, the second and highly anticipated full-length from These Arms Are Snakes, is finally upon us. But just how anticipated was this album? Well it ... read more
Posted Oct. 8, 2006, 1:48 p.m.
A lot of bands get labeled as "angry" or "pissed off" as a result of their lyrical content, and I'm sure you could apply those ... read more
Posted Oct. 1, 2006, 12:34 p.m.
Set it Straight is a band that truly deserves notoriety. Unfortunately, they really haven't gotten much attention outside of the Westcoast, which is both a ... read more
Posted Sept. 24, 2006, 2:22 p.m.
By now all of should know who Isis is and what to expect from them in terms of their music output. A good number of ... read more
Posted Sept. 19, 2006, 3:30 p.m.
Within hardcore there lies a style of music that has come to known as beatdown. It is an interesting but narrow-minded sub-genre to the whole ... read more
Posted Sept. 10, 2006, 2:18 p.m.
Fulton, New York's Another Breath have returned with their debut full-length, Mill City. This is their follow-up to their first offering, 2004's Not Now, Not ... read more
Posted Sept. 5, 2006, 3:36 p.m.
I know very little about the country of Norway. Sure, I could hit up Google or Wikipedia and shoot off some facts about their leading ... read more
Posted Aug. 30, 2006, 3:30 p.m.
Organized Crime Records is branching out these days with the release from a band that isn't from the Chicago metropolitan area. Jokes! Jokes! I'm aware ... read more
Posted Aug. 29, 2006, 1:45 a.m.
It's been a while since Sacramento churned out a new band worth hearing, but Turn it Around is that band. Their four-song 7" is chuck-full ... read more
Posted Aug. 29, 2006, 1:43 a.m.
The A-Side of this split features indie rock outfit A Roman Holiday. Their first contribution to this split is "Octopus." The song is a fun ... read more
Posted Aug. 29, 2006, 1:41 a.m.
Steel Trap is the latest export from the highly talented Bay Area scene. This five-piece group serves up volatile hardcore that no doubt gets the ... read more
Posted Aug. 29, 2006, 1:39 a.m.
This 7" has launched Shipwreck to the forefront of the hardcore scene, and with their recent signing to Deathwish, further fuel has been added to ... read more
Posted Aug. 29, 2006, 1:38 a.m.
Buffalo has a rich history as far as hardcore goes. In recent years things have been a bit stagnant, but bands like Dead Hearts and ... read more
Posted Aug. 29, 2006, 1:37 a.m.
You're Screwed is nine songs of modern punk from Baltimore-based Deep Sleep. The songs on this 7" are quick and to the point and fueled ... read more
Posted Aug. 29, 2006, 1:36 a.m.
When you look at the pedigree of Cloak/Dagger, you really can't argue with it: American Nightmare, Striking Distance, Count Me Out, and Trial by Fire, ... read more
Posted Aug. 23, 2006, 4:37 p.m.
I don't really consider myself to be a professional journalist by any means. But in my position as an "in my spare time journalist" I ... read more
Posted Aug. 18, 2006, 2:28 a.m.
I realize that we are more than halfway through 2006. I realize that Jena Berlin recently began recording their follow-up to this album. But, I ... read more
Posted Aug. 11, 2006, 3:02 p.m.
The members of Baltimore based Slumlords have been around the proverbial block a few times and know their niche. On their previous releases the band ... read more
Posted Aug. 7, 2006, 4:15 p.m.
Hearing a new band for the very first time can be an awesome experience - it can also be horrible, but that is not the ... read more
Posted Aug. 1, 2006, 1:41 p.m.
I'll openly admit to the fact that the vast majority of my music preferences fall to the heavy side of the medium. However, there are ... read more
Posted July 26, 2006, 3:41 p.m.
I just finished watching the trailer for the book-to-film documentary American Hardcore and it got me thinking. Anyone that claims to be a fan of ... read more
Posted July 21, 2006, 4:57 p.m.
Metallic hardcore is easily my favorite genre of not only hardcore, but of all musical genres. My fondness of this genre is a direct result ... read more
Posted July 10, 2006, 3:36 p.m.
The debut full-length from Set Your Goals has been one of the most anticipated releases for myself and countless others for the year of 2006. ... read more
Posted July 4, 2006, 4:47 p.m.
The cover of Last Minute Fix's debut effort, Revenge of the Syringe, depicts a bald eagle sitting in an alley totally strung out. Sitting next ... read more
Posted June 29, 2006, 1:56 p.m.
The Northwest hardcore scene recently lost an undeniable force with the breakup of fan favorite Champion. Fortunately there is a wake of other amazing bands ... read more
Posted June 21, 2006, 3:19 p.m.
It's been a quite wait for Slayer fans, who are as rabid as music fans come. We last heard new music from the metal masters ... read more
Posted June 20, 2006, 10:06 p.m.
I love unsolicited review materials, especially when it's a band I've never heard before, and even more so when said band turns out to be ... read more
Posted June 20, 2006, 10:03 p.m.
A lot of bands claim influence from early hardcore favorites like Black Flag and Minor Threat. Nine times out of ten it is complete bullshit ... read more
Posted June 11, 2006, 4:10 p.m.
I could attempt a witty introduction for this review, but both you and I know that you never read the first paragraph of these reviews. ... read more
Posted June 1, 2006, 4:37 p.m.
Music is an art, and oftentimes musicians will use their art to tell a story - concept albums have become increasingly popular in recent years. ... read more
Posted May 28, 2006, 11:53 p.m.
In the year 2002, hardcore/metal outfit Sworn Vengeance was on the brink of blowing up. The band had finished recording what I consider to be ... read more
Posted May 22, 2006, 2:36 p.m.
Discography releases are a great thing, when they are deserved, that is. When a band has only released material on vinyl or defunct labels and ... read more
Posted May 15, 2006, 4:30 p.m.
Tides have undergone a number of changes since we last heard from them on 2005's Resurface. Most notably, the band has added a second guitar ... read more
Posted May 9, 2006, 2:25 p.m.
While most publications seem to avoid reviewing independent releases, I actually enjoy covering bands that aren't joined to a label. It refreshing to hear from ... read more
Posted May 2, 2006, 8:55 p.m.
The Eagles of Death Metal are back in action and are kicking all notions of a sophomore slump to the curb. Death by Sexy is ... read more
Posted April 26, 2006, 8:57 p.m.
When I started to write this review I wasn't really sure what direction this introduction was going to take. So I decided to let the ... read more
Posted April 23, 2006, 11:35 a.m.
This review is an open letter to all the hardcore bands from the United States, consider yourselves called out. The next big thing in hardcore ... read more
Posted April 14, 2006, 10:11 a.m.
Deje vu. Nearly two years ago I was writing a review of the original release of this EP. I closed that review stating that the ... read more
Posted April 11, 2006, 1:18 a.m.
I know very little of Vancouver, British Columbia other than the fact that the bulk of X-Files was filmed there and that it has the ... read more
Posted April 6, 2006, 4:58 a.m.
A few years back, I used to be friends with this kid Lee. He played drums in a few local metal bands and he loved ... read more
Posted April 2, 2006, 4:12 p.m.
Punk rock has always been centered on the voicing of ones opinion, with the vast majority of those opinions taking direct aim at politics. In ... read more
Posted March 30, 2006, 11:31 p.m.
The Northwest is breathing new life into its hardcore scene. They've got a lot of great bands right now - Go it Alone, Shook Ones, ... read more
Posted March 24, 2006, 1:45 a.m.
Demos can be funny sometimes. They are called a demo for a reason; it's by no means a finished product. And yet many times these ... read more
Posted March 20, 2006, 11:57 p.m.
Auburn is a tranquil town in upstate New York sitting about fifteen minutes outside of the city of Syracuse. You may not be a geography ... read more
Posted March 14, 2006, 12:51 a.m.
Despite what everyone else is saying, I can't call Iron Age a hardcore band. I know they're on a hardcore label and have members that ... read more
Posted March 12, 2006, 4:49 a.m.
A tribute to The Melvins, in theory, is a great idea. Hell, all tribute records in theory are great ideas. They pay homage to talented ... read more
Posted March 5, 2006, 1:05 a.m.
Prior to receiving this album, I was only aware of Ultra Dolphins by name. I'd seen their name plastered on various websites and heard a ... read more
Posted March 2, 2006, 7:07 p.m.
On last year's Hellmouth Rise and Fall showed obvious signs of influence from metallic hardcore acts Integrity, Leeway, and Ringworm. With their new full-length, the ... read more
Posted Feb. 27, 2006, 5:04 a.m.
Ceremony is hateful and unrelenting hardcore/punk from California. Why people from California are so angry is beyond me, but since it results in hardcore as ... read more
Posted Feb. 25, 2006, 7:27 a.m.
Stop this Fall performs a unique mix of melodic hardcore and punk. The closest contemporaries that come to mind are The Suicide File and With ... read more
Posted Feb. 25, 2006, 7:26 a.m.
Mainstream music is constantly changing. Congruently evolving with it are the numerous bands attempting to make it big by cashing in on whatever sound is ... read more
Posted Feb. 25, 2006, 7:25 a.m.
Norma Jean went through a googolplex of vocalists between their last album and O' God, the Aftermath. After choosing one, the band took to the ... read more
Posted Feb. 25, 2006, 7:21 a.m.
Neglect are one of those bands that I always heard about, but never really took the time to listen to. Musically, they are on par ... read more
Posted Feb. 25, 2006, 7:19 a.m.
It is quite likely that Mouth of the Architect has been flying under your radar for quite some time. This is unfortunate, for both them ... read more
Posted Feb. 25, 2006, 7:19 a.m.
There was a slight revival in retro rock-n-roll a few years ago with the breakout albums from The Strokes and The White Stripes. But in ... read more
Posted Feb. 25, 2006, 7:18 a.m.
Those among the cult fanbase of former Far frontman Jonah Sonz Matranga were likely shocked when they heard that his latest project, Gratitude, would be ... read more
Posted Feb. 25, 2006, 7:17 a.m.
There's rap and there's hip hop, or at least that's how things used to be. Now there's Dälek and there's everything else. Dre, Outkast, and ... read more
Posted Feb. 25, 2006, 7:16 a.m.
Armor for Sleep is a band that for me failed to live up to the potential they were capable of on their debut album, Dreams ... read more
Posted Feb. 25, 2006, 7:15 a.m.
South Florida must be a breeding ground for hardcore bands. It seems every three months I'm hearing about another band featuring members of past bands ... read more
Posted Feb. 18, 2006, 1:04 a.m.
In 2005, Shook Ones quietly released their debut LP Sixteen on Endwell Records. Okay, so maybe quite a few people noticed, but I'm just trying ... read more
Posted Feb. 16, 2006, 9:38 a.m.
Live albums aren't worth purchasing 99% of the time due to two reasons: 1) the band doesn't deserve it; 2) the recording quality is atrocious. ... read more
Posted Feb. 12, 2006, 11:34 a.m.
Sometimes the Internet can be a glorious thing, and we can all thank Al Gore for that... It is because of the glorious invention that ... read more
Posted Feb. 7, 2006, 5:30 p.m.
I'm going to jump right to the point; if you don't like rock-n-roll music, you're not going to like Scissorfight. This New Hampshire outfit plays ... read more
Posted Feb. 3, 2006, 7 a.m.
Despite the fact that they are broken up, Carry On is probably the second most talked about band in hardcore - American Nightmare being number ... read more
Posted Jan. 26, 2006, 9:41 a.m.
For this Cleveland math-metal band, this release has been a long time coming. It was several years ago that I heard their first demo; the ... read more
Posted Dec. 27, 2005, 7:20 a.m.
I often wonder how musicians reach the point in their lives where they want to make a change in their musical endeavors. Perhaps they no ... read more
Posted Dec. 20, 2005, 10:54 a.m.
If you look at the musical resumes of the members of I Am the Avalanche, they are quite impressive. Vocalist Vinnie Caruana fronted the pop-punk ... read more
Posted Dec. 9, 2005, 4:36 a.m.
This past summer, while vacationing in California, I decided to do the drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. I drove along the winding road that ... read more
Posted Dec. 3, 2005, 11:41 p.m.
In 2004 we were treated to Carnage, the debut effort from this throwback thrash/metal outfit from Chicago. If you heard it, good. If not, well, ... read more
Posted Nov. 27, 2005, 7:58 a.m.
Hoods, the reigning kings of Sacramento hardcore, have endured a lot throughout their decade of existence. The band have released a slew of recordings in ... read more
Posted Nov. 16, 2005, 8:44 a.m.
If you were to randomly walk into a concert venue while American Werewolves were performing you would be extremely fortunate. The four-piece punk outfit from ... read more
Posted Nov. 14, 2005, 3:34 a.m.
It wasn't too that ago that Killing the Dream was just a band with a demo. Upon first hearing said demo, I shared it with ... read more
Posted Nov. 9, 2005, 7:45 a.m.
It's rather sad that a band as influential as Ringworm has been reduced to being promoted as 'featuring members of Terror.' By no means is ... read more
Posted Oct. 25, 2005, 4 p.m.
If you're craving a throwback to the time when thrash metal was at it's height, then look no further than Municipal Waste's Hazardous Mutation. On ... read more
Posted Oct. 18, 2005, 7:04 p.m.
Some might say that hardcore has gone soft. Those that feel this way have a distorted view of the genre. Hardcore is as explosive and ... read more
Posted Oct. 13, 2005, 3 a.m.
I used to hate 'ctrl,' 'alt,' and 'delete.' Used in succession, it only meant one thing - reboot. That's right! Your computer is fucked and ... read more
Posted Oct. 4, 2005, 7:54 p.m.
In recent years country and folk music have had a significant increase in their influence in the genres of indie rock. We have seen albums ... read more
Posted Sept. 25, 2005, 7:43 p.m.
About a year and a half about I was fortunate enough to catch a Cave In performance at which they debuted a handful of new ... read more
Posted Sept. 12, 2005, 1:57 a.m.
With their fifth full-length, indie music darlings Death Cab for Cutie make the jump from 'the little engine that could,' Barsuk Records, to the big-time ... read more
Posted Aug. 29, 2005, 6:05 p.m.
Throughout the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Nazgul have their own musical score. The music that was written for them is dark and ... read more
Posted Aug. 23, 2005, 6:18 p.m.
With their debut, Save it for the Birds, the Richmond, Virginia straightedge outfit turned quite a few heads with their high-octane approach to hardcore. The ... read more
Posted Aug. 16, 2005, 4 p.m.
This quartet hails from Belgium and obviously has better taste in music than a good portion of the people I cross paths with each day. ... read more
Posted Aug. 10, 2005, 5:31 a.m.
Boring. Derivate. Crap. These are all words that I have heard individuals use when referring to the craze of post-rock/instru-metal that is sweeping our nation, ... read more
Posted Aug. 4, 2005, 4 p.m.
If I had to nominate an album for the most bizarre and intriguing release of 2005 thus far, I would have no problem choosing Sir ... read more
Posted July 31, 2005, 3:15 p.m.
"Evolution is the key to survival." I don't know which famous individual stated this, but I am quoting them both out of respect as well ... read more
Posted July 23, 2005, 4 p.m.
Sandusky, Ohio is home to Cedar Point Amusement Park, the rollercoaster capital of the world. About 45 minutes due east is the blue-collar city of ... read more
Posted July 18, 2005, 5:21 a.m.
Split releases are a great way for bands to promote their music in locations they might not be able to travel to for shows. This ... read more
Posted July 12, 2005, 11:55 p.m.
One of the few perks of writing reviews is that you get stuffed mailed to you all the time. Sure you may not enjoy every ... read more
Posted July 9, 2005, 8:28 a.m.
The 80's weren't really as bad as those VH1 specials make it out to be. Sure the fashion of those years was pretty atrocious, but ... read more
Posted July 6, 2005, 12:41 a.m.
Some people consider hardcore music to be quite contrived. And if you look at it from their point of view, they have a compelling argument. ... read more
Posted July 3, 2005, 4 p.m.
The state of a Connecticut certainly has a grasp on the whole posi-hardcore revival trend that is sweeping the hardcore nation. Despite the state's minute ... read more
Posted June 29, 2005, 4 p.m.
Donnybrook take their namesake from a famous festival in Ireland that is notorious for its brawls. So taking that into account, it isn't a surprise ... read more
Posted June 26, 2005, 5:15 a.m.
The members of Playing Enemy certainly have an impressive resume of musical ventures in which they have been previously involved: Rorschach, Kiss it Goodbye, Deadguy, ... read more
Posted June 21, 2005, 4 p.m.
Whenever I am having a discussion of music with friends, which happens more often then I'd like to admit, for music is my sole sense ... read more
Posted June 15, 2005, 4 p.m.
"Hey, these dudes are seriously pissed." That's probably the initial thought that comes to mind when listening to These Days debut full-length. Yes indeed, the ... read more
Posted May 30, 2005, 4 p.m.
Last year Folsom released their debut full-length through Westcoast Worldwide Records, a label that I would describe as a "word of mouth label." The larger ... read more
Posted May 25, 2005, 4:43 a.m.
Selling out. Trying something new. Maturing. Call it what you will, but a substantial number of underground artists have become fairly well-known after changing up ... read more
Posted May 18, 2005, 4 p.m.
There was a time long long ago when Victory Records put out quality hardcore releases by bands like Integrity, The Path of Resistance, and Snapcase ... read more
Posted May 15, 2005, 4 p.m.
Beginning a band is no easy task, there are many pressures involved with the entire process. Those pressures intensify when you're coming from a previous ... read more
Posted May 9, 2005, 1:48 p.m.
I was having a conversation the other day with a close friend. We were discussing music, as we normally do, and I started quoting some ... read more
Posted May 2, 2005, 4 p.m.
Three months back I attempted to review War is Hell, but something more pressing came up to displace the debut full-length from The Warriors from ... read more
Posted April 27, 2005, 10:43 a.m.
Feersum Ennjin is the work of essentially one man with the assistance of a few close friends. All the songs were written by former Tool ... read more
Posted April 24, 2005, 11:03 p.m.
Above this Fire is a band that I have known since their very inception, a band that I have been able to watch as they ... read more
Posted April 19, 2005, 4 p.m.
On hearing of The Locust's signing to Ipecac, one might be inclined to call this an unexpected pairing. But if you were to take into ... read more
Posted April 11, 2005, 6:46 p.m.
What's the point of an introduction? They really just delay the reader from getting to what they really care about: the actual review. I could ... read more
Posted April 10, 2005, 11:27 p.m.
A year ago, Jesu was only a blip on the radar for most of the music world. And then, as if out of nowhere, Justin ... read more
Posted April 7, 2005, 4:31 a.m.
The stereotypical US citizen knows very little about Australia. In fact, what little knowledge they do have was likely learned from two sources: their grade ... read more
Posted April 4, 2005, 5:08 a.m.
As a youth, my Saturday mornings were characterized by two things: tuning in to watch the newest episode of my favorite cartoons and eating as ... read more
Posted March 29, 2005, 3 p.m.
Each morning as I make my way to work, I find myself flipping through the various local radio stations and select one based upon my ... read more
Posted March 24, 2005, 5:53 a.m.
Cursed - the movie or the band? Well considering one is likely a story lifted from a Goosebumps book and transferred to the filmscreen, I ... read more
Posted March 20, 2005, 4 p.m.
Before Lullabies to Paralyze could even be committed to tape, frontman Josh Homme was faced with several important choices. And none was going to be ... read more
Posted March 14, 2005, 4 p.m.
The Joy Circuit formed out of a unique situation; they were the backing band Ken Andrews hired on for his most recent space/indie/rock outfit Year ... read more
Posted March 10, 2005, 7:34 a.m.
While this album has been out for a little while now, it's somewhat coincidental that I am reviewing it as television is graced with The ... read more
Posted March 7, 2005, 6 a.m.
The melding of hardcore and rock-n-roll seems to be quite the rave as of late. So when you have a sudden influx of bands taking ... read more
Posted Feb. 27, 2005, 11:04 a.m.
Even though Red Sparowes is a new project, they didn't have much difficulty making a name for themselves. Neurosis visual-effects man Josh Graham and Isis ... read more
Posted Feb. 20, 2005, 4 p.m.
Henry Rollins had this to say about being in a band in his book Do I Come Here Often: Black Coffee Blues Pt. 2: "I ... read more
Posted Feb. 17, 2005, 8:58 a.m.
A lot of albums are released during the course of a year. Hell, even if you rule out all the albums that you know you ... read more
Posted Feb. 7, 2005, 4 p.m.
Vocalist Conrad Keely poses a question on the album's title track; "What's the future of Rock-n-Roll?" A rhetorical question? Perhaps, but he chooses to answers ... read more
Posted Feb. 6, 2005, 9:38 a.m.
The city of Detroit has a bad reputation on the streets of, well, the entire United States. It's known as a dirty, crime-ridden city full ... read more
Posted Jan. 26, 2005, 10:17 a.m.
By now everyone is familiar with "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon," that fun movie trivia game that is ever-so-often used as a conversation stimulator. Well ... read more
Posted Jan. 15, 2005, 4 p.m.
The city of Atlanta is known for its output of southern fried rap and hip hop MC's like Outkast, Ludacris, and Jermaine Dupri. But there ... read more
Posted Jan. 11, 2005, 12:20 p.m.
Split releases are a breed that can be difficult to review. Do I review each band's portion separately, or do I give the entire release ... read more
Posted Jan. 10, 2005, 4 p.m.
Though both bands play their own variations of metalcore, this split release is an unlikely partnering. While With Resistance hail from New Jersey, Twenty Inch ... read more
Posted Jan. 9, 2005, 4 p.m.
East coast and west coast heavyweights collide on this split release from two under the radar acts in today's metal/hardcore scene. Hoods and Freya attempt ... read more
Posted Jan. 6, 2005, 4 p.m.
The way the underground music scene, namely hardcore, functions is vastly different from the days before the existence of the Internet. Gone are the days ... read more
Posted Jan. 5, 2005, 6:28 a.m.
The time has finally come. Originally scheduled for a release in November, printing and pressing delays pushed the album's release back to January. Fortunately we ... read more
Posted Dec. 12, 2004, 4 p.m.
Shortly after Kurt Cobain's death in 1994, a local college radio station DJ took it upon himself to air an entire show of Nirvana material, ... read more
Posted Nov. 28, 2004, 4 p.m.
Helmet falls into the category of bands that had the unfortunate luck of spawning a group of bands that were nothing more than third-rate rip-offs. ... read more
Posted Nov. 21, 2004, 4 p.m.
It will take roughly 20-30 seconds of Carnage for you to come to the conclusion that it's no surprise that Lair of the Minotaur's debut ... read more
Posted Nov. 13, 2004, 4 p.m.
Someone call the RIAA because I stole an album. That's right, I downloaded the entire Reclamation Process album using a downloading program that shall rename ... read more
Posted Nov. 4, 2004, 7:22 a.m.
The anticipation of the release of a new album is always a difficult burden to bear. That burden is only intensified when said album comes ... read more
Posted Oct. 25, 2004, 4 p.m.
For Oceansize, 2004 has been quite a delightful year. The band saw the re-release of their debut full-length, Effloresce, here in the US as well ... read more
Posted Oct. 16, 2004, 4 p.m.
Despite what the calendar may tell you, Christmas has arrived early this year, though much earlier than expected. To my doorstep came a US Postal ... read more
Posted Oct. 13, 2004, 11:49 a.m.
After an extensive delay, the rabid and hopeful fans sporting various Hydrahead affiliated t-shirts can finally rest. Old Man Gloom's Christmas brings an end to ... read more
Posted Oct. 3, 2004, 4 p.m.
While this may seem repetitive to say, before you listen to Volume III, it would be in your best interest to purchase the band's last ... read more
Posted Sept. 29, 2004, 4 p.m.
Before we begin I'd like to officially admit that I have a problem. I have an obsession with the Nor Cal hardcore scene. So if ... read more
Posted Sept. 22, 2004, 6:45 a.m.
Maybe I am blinded by my love for Hydrahead Records, but it seems to me that as of late the label has been churning out ... read more
Posted Aug. 25, 2004, 5:07 p.m.
Recently, the scene of hardcore-punk has become a stagnant cesspool of monotony. Out of the thousands of bands playing "hardcore" music, there is only a ... read more
Posted Aug. 12, 2004, 7:52 a.m.
With the way things are going in the music world these days, it should only be a matter of months before Folsom is the most ... read more
Posted Aug. 11, 2004, 4 p.m.
As I did with the review of Volume I, I will recommend that those of you who have not heard Isis, in particular the band's ... read more
Posted Aug. 3, 2004, 5:18 a.m.
Terror might be the only band that could have had a successful career in music without playing a single show. The band's demo made its ... read more
Posted July 26, 2004, 4:43 a.m.
The Dillinger Escape Plan (DEP) certainly have been enjoying the good life since releasing their last full-length, Calculating Infinity, back in 1998. The band was ... read more
Posted July 18, 2004, 4:42 p.m.
A lot of my friends feel they have a duty to recommend me music. I don't mean to sound conceited, but I'm quite an educated ... read more
Posted July 12, 2004, 4 p.m.
Remember those spelling/definition tests that you had to take in grade school? You know, the ones where they ask you to give the definition of ... read more
Posted July 8, 2004, 9:46 a.m.
Meshuggah is one of those bands that make me want to grow my hair out and head-bang for hours on end. When I was around ... read more
Posted July 1, 2004, 3:41 p.m.
Over the years, and it has been years for them, Neurosis have slowly developed from the melodic death metal juggernaut that graced us with the ... read more
Posted June 28, 2004, 2:52 p.m.
It was roughly a year and half ago at the South by Southwest Music Festival that I was able to witness one of the greatest ... read more
Posted June 22, 2004, 4 p.m.
Buddyhead Records is a label fueled by hype. Your Enemies Friends released their debut effort The Wiretap EP on their label. So naturally I was ... read more
Posted June 20, 2004, 4:08 p.m.
A lot has transpired since the Beastie Boys released their last full-length Hello Nasty nearly six years ago. George W. Bush was elected President afterthe ... read more
Posted June 16, 2004, 4:11 p.m.
I am going to assume for your own sake that you are familiar with Isis, the doom-sludge-metal outfit that saw an overwhelmingly positive response to ... read more
Posted June 7, 2004, 4 p.m.
For many, Secret Chiefs 3 is considered to be "Mr. Bungle minus Mike Patton." While I feel this description does a grave injustice to the ... read more
Posted June 1, 2004, 3:11 a.m.
When I was in the sixth grade I had a birthday party and for some reason one of my classmates, his name was Seth, gave ... read more
Posted May 26, 2004, 4 p.m.
Whether you call it tech-metal or mathcore, it's a style of music that has captivated the head-bangers of the world. Gone are the days of ... read more
Posted May 23, 2004, 4 p.m.
In my circle of friends, I am the only one who doesn't find anything remotely interesting about Bane. So what does that have to do ... read more
Posted May 19, 2004, 5:01 p.m.
Back in the mid 1990's, there was one place to turn to for hardcore, and that was the thriving mecca of New York City. There ... read more
Posted May 18, 2004, 4 p.m.
Young Liars was one of the most exceptional releases that I have heard in recent years. It caught me completely off guard. Based on the ... read more
Posted May 13, 2004, 4 p.m.
Every city has that one local band that should be signed to a label and off touring Europe because they are that phenomenal. For Cleveland, ... read more
Posted May 12, 2004, 4 p.m.
Growing up in Cleveland I was more than spoiled when it came to hardcore bands: Integrity, The Spudmonsters, Committed, Ringworm, and countless others. I always ... read more
Posted May 6, 2004, 6:42 p.m.
When I first undertook the task of writing the review for Dancing, I wanted to make sure I did the job right the first time. ... read more
Posted May 3, 2004, 4:36 p.m.
You know those stickers that they put on the front of CD's that say "For Fans Of.." or "Featuring the Hit Single..."? Well, I have ... read more
Posted April 30, 2004, 4:17 a.m.
Back on Jam Room Clutch asked the world, "Who wants to rock?" And on the bands sixth full-length, Blast Tyrant, they respond to that question ... read more
Posted April 28, 2004, 4:54 p.m.
It wasn't that long ago that I was greeted with the news that hardcore act Turmoil had decided to call it quits. After a tumultuous ... read more
Posted April 22, 2004, 4 p.m.
The Bay Area and surrounding areas must have an endless supply of hardcore bands. It seems every week I am discovering a new band from ... read more
Posted April 18, 2004, 4 p.m.
There are side-projects and then there are supergroups. A side-project is something that a band member fiddles with when they are bored. But a supergroup ... read more
Posted April 11, 2004, 4 p.m.
After releasing their debut, The Fake Sound of Progress, Lostprophets have returned with their second album for Columbia Records. On their first effort the band ... read more
Posted April 8, 2004, 4 p.m.
Remember when hardcore music had more in common with punk bands as opposed to metal ones? Remember when hardcore music was concerned with getting a ... read more
Posted April 8, 2004, 3:04 a.m.
I'll be honest right off the bat. The first mention I heard of Murder by Death was when they were making their name change from ... read more
Posted April 5, 2004, 4 p.m.
27 reach beyond simple classification. Combining bits and pieces from indie rock and trip-hop, as well as post-rock and traditional emo, 27 creates their own ... read more
Posted March 31, 2004, 3 p.m.
For those of us that follow the happenings of the music world closely, it seems there is always a release that involves a Queens of ... read more
Posted March 29, 2004, 3 p.m.
There was a time during my childhood when my after-school hours were dominated by sitting in front of the television to catch the latest episode ... read more
Posted March 25, 2004, 4:33 p.m.
Long before the MTV defined "screamo" fad took the music world by storm, there was the underground phenomenon Far, a four-piece outfit from Sacramento, CA. ... read more
Posted March 24, 2004, 4 p.m.
It wasn't that long ago that a band released an album entitled The Shape of Punk to Come. While many ignored its principles, others took ... read more
Posted March 23, 2004, 4 p.m.
It's been a while since I heard a new band that played some outright rock-n-roll. Enter Massachusetts natives Seemless and their self-titled debut. Seemless, is ... read more
Posted March 18, 2004, 1:01 a.m.
While the majority of Texas seems to think that listening to indie rock and "emo" is where all the fun and hype are at, there ... read more
Posted March 12, 2004, 12:49 a.m.
Orange Island are one of those bands who have had the unfortunate luck of being horribly mislabeled as emo. A more accurate description of their ... read more
Posted March 10, 2004, 12:58 a.m.
Before I even begin to go in depth about Year of the Rabbit's major-label debut I want to get one thing clear. I find it ... read more
Posted March 4, 2004, 11:54 p.m.
Fantômas is a musical group whose sound can best be described as a schizophrenic adventure through the world of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller. The music ... read more
Posted March 2, 2004, 11:40 p.m.
Every once in a while, a band comes along that reminds you why you ever got into hardcore music. Far From Breaking, a five piece ... read more
Posted March 1, 2004, 12:19 a.m.
What can I say about Toledo, Ohio? Honestly, I never found anything about the city to be remotely appealing at all. Then again, I might ... read more
Posted Feb. 29, 2004, 10:22 a.m.
Remember when you and your friends formed your first band? It didn't matter what kind of music you were going to play. As long as ... read more
Posted Feb. 29, 2004, 10:14 a.m.
The whole "ex-members of" marketing campaign is starting to get out of control. The hype that surrounds these types of bands before they even release ... read more
Posted Feb. 29, 2004, 7:19 a.m.
Pelican flirted with my heart earlier this year when they released their self-titled debut. And now with the release of their first full length, Australasia, ... read more
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