Featured bands: Pummel, Restraining Order, Holy Hands, Burden, Kind, Corrode, Vantage Point, Jinx, Boiling Point, Dropdead, Peace Test, Spring Tide, Free, Darklands, Wound Man, Antagonize, Anxious and Brother.
Coucou, les chaton.ne.s! We're back with another entry. I'm deeply sorry for my long absence but you know, life's just a fucked up mess. Concerning some of the blog updates, I decided to push both the special post of this month and the "big surprise" to january because I need to polish some details. During this month, I'll publish some of your review submissions, more colombian hardcore punk releases, our impressions of the Damage Is Done Fest, and a few "unexpected" entries as well. And, I'm already finishing our "best picks of this year list" but, as always, it will be published until the next month since you never know if someone would release something on December 31st at 22:00h ET, right? Anyways, I always try to compensate you my reckless abandon and I'm pretty sure you'll love this one.
So, I've been waiting more or less two months (or a little bit more) to finally review this interesting compilation featuring modern hardcore bands, plus one "legendary", from the New England region in the US, each one mostly exploring different styles such as powerviolence, emo and metallic hardcore with only a few alternative rock and acoustic exceptions. It was released by Atomic Action Records, a record label founded in 1989, ended in 2000 and restarted in 2012, on October 15th with 675 copies available (200 white colored vinyl, 400 black marble colored vinyl, 75 yellow colored vinyl (the latter weren't asked for but yeah, nice)). There also was a 100 blue colored vinyl limited edition (with different color scheme om the front cover) which was exclusively sold during the Infest/Converge weekend (Boston/Rhode Island September 20th - 21st).
Coucou, les chaton.ne.s! We're back with another entry. I'm deeply sorry for my long absence but you know, life's just a fucked up mess. Concerning some of the blog updates, I decided to push both the special post of this month and the "big surprise" to january because I need to polish some details. During this month, I'll publish some of your review submissions, more colombian hardcore punk releases, our impressions of the Damage Is Done Fest, and a few "unexpected" entries as well. And, I'm already finishing our "best picks of this year list" but, as always, it will be published until the next month since you never know if someone would release something on December 31st at 22:00h ET, right? Anyways, I always try to compensate you my reckless abandon and I'm pretty sure you'll love this one.
So, I've been waiting more or less two months (or a little bit more) to finally review this interesting compilation featuring modern hardcore bands, plus one "legendary", from the New England region in the US, each one mostly exploring different styles such as powerviolence, emo and metallic hardcore with only a few alternative rock and acoustic exceptions. It was released by Atomic Action Records, a record label founded in 1989, ended in 2000 and restarted in 2012, on October 15th with 675 copies available (200 white colored vinyl, 400 black marble colored vinyl, 75 yellow colored vinyl (the latter weren't asked for but yeah, nice)). There also was a 100 blue colored vinyl limited edition (with different color scheme om the front cover) which was exclusively sold during the Infest/Converge weekend (Boston/Rhode Island September 20th - 21st).
Now, this compilation includes some material taken from each's band most recent records, which also, most of them, were published and distributed by Triple B Records from Boston, Massachusets. I've wanted to write about this record label since some time ago due to the excellent amount of records available lately on their catalog (some of them potential candidates for our best picks of this year). I guess I'll do something about it in the upcoming weeks...Yeah... And, there are only a few promo tracks for upcoming records such as the contributed ones by Pummel, Corrode, Peace Test, Jinx and Dropdead, for naming a few.
Finally, as I've done with previous compilation-related posts, I'll give a brief information about each one of the participant bands. Don't forget to click on the image above for listening to this compilation and, of course, support the bands. Totally worth it. With all written, let's begin.
Pummel
This is a hardcore band from Boston, Massachusetts that has been in the game since 2016. They have released so far one demo (2016), Force Of Will EP (2017), one promo EP (2018) and they will release a new record next year (I'm not sure if it's an EP or LP, though). Regarding the sound, Pummel mixes both classic New York and Boston hardcore punk styles with modern traits and touches. They reminded me of the early years of Turnstile, some 90s hardcore revival bands such as Incendiary and Foundation and even, in some extent, '00s bands such as Carry On and Betrayed. Cool. Finally, let their contributed track to this comp, Shell Shock, pummel your brain and happily die caught in a mosh. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Restraining Order
Photo taken from No Echo.
Holy fuck. How could I miss this powerhouse from West Springfield, Massachusetts? Everyone is hyped about them since their debut in 2017 and also were one of the top bands in New Age Records' catalog last year. They have released so far one demo and Something For The Youth EP (2017), self-titled EP (New Age Records, 2018) and This World Is Too Much LP (Triple B Records, 2019). Regarding their sound, Restraining Order pays homage to the all-time classic bostonian hardcore style executed with more modern traits and both personal and political lyrics. Indeed, the spirit of bands such as Slapshot, Negative FX and Jerry's Kids is almost intact. They will surely remind you of NWOBHC acts such as Violent Reaction and The Flex as well. Finally, do not miss this band out. Their more recent LP is definitely one of our candidates for AOTY. Damn, it's so fuckin' good...Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Holy Hands
This is a pretty interesting band from New Bedford, Massachusetts featuring ex and current members of Sweet Jesus, Fiddlehead, Intent To Failure, Broken, among others. They have released so far: one self-released demo (2016), Sweet Love EP (Atomic Action Records, 2016), New Magnetic LP (Atomic Action Records, 2017) and Igntion Songs (2019). Their sound is heavily influenced by posthardcore and melodic hardcore bands like Seaweed, At The Drive-In, Grade, Jawbox, Farside and even Hot Water Music with both slow/fast-paced overlaps, clean vocals, precise drumming and simple yet heart-touching guitar and bass riffs. Finally, they somewhat reminded me of Young Conservatives and Stay Clean Jolene from the UK which is pretty awesome to be honest. I really dig it. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Burden
Burden is a band from Boston, Massachusetts that has only released one demo (NxA Records, 2013) and Fate Of The Nation EP (NxA Records, 2018). Their sound is a pretty interesting mix of hardcore punk and oi! with both aggressive and melodic musical execution. I really have to admit that their contributed track to this compilation is pretty catchy and fun to listen to. Finally, if you dig oi!-influenced hardcore bands like 86 Mentality, No Time, Battle Ruins (US), Crown Court (UK) and Coupe-Gorge (France), I'm sure you'll love this one. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Kind!
Kind! is another band from Boston that has released one demo, Humility EP (2017), one promo tape, split EP with Discourage (2018) and Haven EP (2019). Regarding their sound, Kind! is heavily influenced by youth crew-related bands such as Youth of Today, Bold, Beyond, Token Entry, Inside Out, etc. with positive, fun and political lyrics (like those bands should always be). They reminded me of those revival bands in the early/mid-00s such as Better Than A Thousand, Battery, Fumbles In Life, Sportswear and more. Such good memories...Finally, do not miss this out for opening up the pit. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Corrode
Corrode is a recently-formed band from West Massachusetts and features ex-members of Swear Jar, Mountain Man, Vaccine, Orchid and Ampere among others. They only have self-released Age Of Ruin EP (2018) and one live session at Dead Air Studios (2019). Regarding the sound, Corrode plays d-beat-influenced american hardcore pretty much like Nosebleed, Törso and Haircut with political lyrics. I really liked this band. Finally, click on the image for getting redirected to their official bandcamp account. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Vantage Point
Vantage Point is a straight edge hardcore punk from Boston active since 2016 and has released so far: one demo (Strive For More, 2016), self-titled EP (Straight and Alert (France), 2018), and An Answer You Won't Find LP (Triple B Records, 2019). Regarding their sound, Vantage Point is like a some sort of revival band following the path of local bands such as Bane, Verse and Have Heart, whose style was really popular back in the days with longer songs, more personal and touching lyrics and an interesting mix of old-school bostonian hardcore with more melodic traits and breakdowns. Despite having influenced a whole generation, this style had a short lifespan. Guess we'd write about it sometime later...Finally, click on the image for getting redirected to their official bandcamp account. I'd consider their more recent work as a candidate for our best picks of this year. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Jinx
Note: Who's that Pokémon?
I'm not really sure about the origin of this band since I couldn't find anything related to it. Indeed, no bandcamp, no YouTube channel, no info available on our complex punkhardcoredex database (patent pending), etc. I guess this is a recently formed musical group and their contributed track, Waste of Time, is their promo for an upcoming record. Unlike other bands included in the compilation, Jinx is more into some sort of posthardcore thing with some alternative rock traits. I can't recall right now what kind of bands they reminded me but I really liked it. Sounds familiar...Finally, if you have more precise information about this band, please let me know. I'd be thankful. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Boiling Point
Boiling Point is a recently-formed hardcore band from Providence, Rhode Island and only have released one demo early this year. Their sound is a mix of old-school bostonian hardcore punk, with some slight d-beat and powerviolence traits. Most of the musical execution is short and mid-tempo paced with some eventual modern breakdowns and slower interludes with a pretty interesting sludge feel. They reminded me of bands like Vile Gash and HOAX mostly. And, yes, the band's name is a reference to SSD's classic anthem. FOF Chain Rank, Sunshine Ward and Crazy Spirit. I hope they release soon an EP or LP. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Dropdead
Photo taken from No Echo.
Ah, yes. The legendary hardcore outfit, also from Providence, Rhode Island, is finally here in the blog. They've been active since almost 30 years ago and also have been a reference to the whole powerviolence subgenre. And, yes, it's one of my favorite bands of all time. Sadly, this is not the right time to write about their history but I'll do that some time later. Early this year, they released a demo, which is an appetizer for an upcoming full-length album with their iconic sound almost intact (although, in some parts, they reminded me of modern bands such as Warthog). Their contributed track to this compilation, Hatred Burning, is a warning of the rise of the extreme right-wing lately. Damn, everything we feared the most...Look, Bart, Dropdead is back. Finally, do not miss them out. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Peace Test
Peace Test is a recently formed band from Providence, Rhode Island and only have released one demo and promo in 2018. Their contributed track to this compilation, Fixed, is exclusive to this release and probably part of an upcoming record. Regarding the sound, the band mixes modern hardcore with powerviolence. They reminded me of bands like Water Torture and Sex Prisoner. Can't wait for their first album. Finally, click on the image for getting redirected to their official bandcamp account. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Spring Tide
Spring Tide is a hardcore band from New Bedford, Massachusetts that have released so far some singles on their official bandcamp account. Their contributed track to this compilation, Failure Face, also is exclusive to this record. Regarding the sound, they have an interesting mix of posthardcore. melodic hardcore and NYHC with fast-paced and precise execution. They somewhat reminded me of UK bands such as Frame Of Mind and Stages Of Faith. Pretty awesome. I hope to see their first album as soon as possible. Finally, click on the image for getting redirected to their official bandcamp account. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Free is a hardcore band from Boston, Massachusetts featuring ex and current members of bands like Have Heart, Fiddlehead, Sweet Jesus, Mindset, Give, Down To Nothing, for naming a few. They have only released one demo (not on label (Free self-released), 2015) and Ex Tenebris EP (Triple B Records, 2017). Regarding the sound, their style is a living homage to old-school Boston style hardcore executed by a modern band. Pretty much like bands such as Waste Management or No Tolerance. Also, their contributed track to this compilation, MA Flex, is a critique to those hardcore punks that claimed to be "open mind/open heart" some years ago and now are so goddamned assholes. True stories, dude/tte. Finally, click on the image for getting redirected to their official bandcamp account. Hope to see a brand new album sometime soon in the future. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Darklands
Darklands is a band from Providence, Rhode Island and have been in the game since 2013. They have released so far: demo (2013), self-titled EP (2014), St Thaddeus EP (2015), split EP with Twin Foxes (2017) and Hate It Here LP (2018). This is also an exception to the rule of relentless sonic attack in the whole compilation. Indeed, their sound is a mix of indie emo, posthardcore with some slight traces of post-punk and even shoegaze in some parts. They reminded a lot of both Jawbreaker and Knapsack. And, that's a good thing. Yeah. Finally, click on the image for getting redirected to their official bandcamp account. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Wound Man
Wound Man is a powerviolence band from New Bedford, Massachusetts that have been in the game since 2016 with a prolific discography including their mindcrushing Prehistory 7" EP (2018) and their split with Regional Justice Center (2019) (Yes, the latter probably is one of the candidates for our best picks of this year). Regarding the sound, Wound Man sound like a modern powerviolence mixing metallic hardcore breakdowns, grindcore and even some static and noise. This is just a pummeling attack in your brain. Oh, and you could book them for your social events since they performed for their vocalist's wedding with the vocalist of Brother (another local powerviolence band). Ha ha ha nice. Finally, click on the image for getting redirected to their official
bandcamp account. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Antagonize
Antagonize is the most recent musical project of Aaron Bedard, ex-vocalist of Bane. They have released so far one demo (2018) and Slip Death LP (2019). I remember some years ago that he decided to call it quits after Bane's disolution. But, you know, the hardcore flame will always call and you gotta answer it haha. So, unlike Mr. Bedard's renowned project, Antagonize is far more aggressive and less melodic and the lyrics are more political and outspoken (albeit you will still find his particular writing style). I was really surprised with the final result. Finally, click on the image for getting redirected to their official bandcamp account. I'd consider their more recent work as candidate for our best picks of this year list. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Anxious
Anxious is a band from Connecticut and have released so far Carved EP (2017) and Never Better EP (2019). They also have an exclusive live session to Axe To Grind, a hardcore podcast. Regarding the sound, Anxious has different posthardcore, NYHC and even emo influences. They reminded of the early years of Turnstile and Angel Dust mixed with Touché Amoré. I really liked their musical execution and instrumentation which is fast, emotive and precise enough for pleasing your cravings for wild tunes. Finally, click on the image for
getting redirected to their official
bandcamp account. I'd consider their more recent work as candidate for
our best picks of this year list. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Brother
We finally conclude this entry with this powerful female-fronted powerviolence band from New Bedford, Rhode Island. They only have released two demos: one from 2016 and the other one from early this year, as well as contributing one track to America's Hardcore Vol. 4 compilation and this one. Atomic Action also compiled both demos on a 7" vinyl. Regarding the sound, Brother mixes old-school powerviolence à la Infest with grindcore. They reminded me of american bands such as Escuela Grind and Oxidant. Finally, click on the image for getting redirected to their official bandcamp account. Highly recommended. Enjoy and until next time. Stay tuned. Kisses and hugs!