Some e-mail requests: February 2019

Note: Shaggy, god of life and love, I wanted to see you breaking Scorpion's neck for good on the upcoming next installment of Mortal Kombat. Too bad.

Coucou, les chaton.ne.s! We're back. I have to admit that I'm still having a mental bloc and some difficulties redacting some of the upcoming entries but some of these ones will be unveiled during the next week. Lord Shaggy, forgive our sins and take care of us all...So, in the meantime, I'll upload some of the recent submissions for reviewing I've received lately via e-mail and the blog's FB fanpage (I'm currently not very active at all but it still is relevant). Thanks for your support. Don't forget that in the "Disclaimer" section you can find how to send your requests. I read all your e-mails and messages, don't worry. With all that written, let's begin.

Criminal Inc. - Origen, Devenir, Y Muerte EP (Live Session) 

A pretty interesting band from Santa Marta, Colombia, that I didn't get to know until they sent me this outstanding work. I have to admit that sometimes I do miss this kind of projects because it's nearly impossible to cover everything up. I need to be more aware of these bands the next time... So, Criminal Inc. plays crustgrind  with short, fast and loud songs and, as you may guess, the lyrics are politically-charged dealing with topics such as world domination, nuclear holocaust, territory struggles in the Middle East, capitalism and some mentions to the environmental crisis with Cauca river here in Colombia, among others. I really liked the fact that they used some samplers taken from History Channel and Discovery Channel in spanish (both iberian and latin american) for introducing the subject dealt in each song. Pretty clever. Lastly, if you dig crustgrind bands from Colombia such as Nastiness (Bogota), ANO and Grinding (Medellin) or the bands featured in the 12 Mondakazos 3-way split (all these bands already have been featured here in the blog), Criminal Inc. will please you. I'll patiently wait for their first full-length album. If you want to download and listen to this EP, click on the image above. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

COARSE - I 

Do you remember bands in the same vein as Norma Jean, Poison The Well, The Bled or even Darkest Hour? (Ah, the memories...). Well, this two-man band pays homage to the long forgotten and, surprisingly, underrated mathcore style which briefly caught the mainstream attention with very little and moderate commercial success back in the mid-00s. So, COARSE plays chaotic and distorted metalcore with heavily complex guitar chords and not so orthodox musical execution. This debut EP is completely nuts. I really loved it. Too bad I didn't know it before for including it in our best picks list of 2018. Don't forget to click on the image and listen to this record. Finally, I expect more nes coming from this band in the near future. Highly recommended. Enjoy!  

People's Temple Project / Sleeper Wave split

 
What can I say about this split? Wow, I simply loved it. Indeed, both bands reminded me of early/mid-00s screamo revival acts such as Funeral Diner, Kidcrash and Off Minor, among others. If you know these bands (I certainly hope so), you'll get, in general terms, a cross between melodic and chaotic bursts of emotionally-charged hardcore punk. So, People's Temple Project from NYC, has a mesmerizing mix of the aforementioned revival acts with some post-rock sensibilities, for creating an ambient of fast and slow-paced overlaps. And, last but not least, Sleeper Wave from Indiana has a complex musical instrumentation with jazz and math rock influences but without losing the grip. The dual-vocal style is pretty interesting, though. Finally, click on the image for listening to it. You won't regret it. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 

Cape Light - A Discography

We conclude this short yet wholesome (Ay, qué rico. Papi! Eheem, ok...) entry. So, as the name suggests, this record compiles all the recordings between 2016 and 2018 released by this impressive japanese screamo act. Indeed, you'll find the tracks taken from their split with 5000 (Japan), 3songs EP (originally released as a CD-R) and their self-titled EP.. Regarding the sound, Cape Light plays straightforward screamo with some emoviolence traits in the same vein as Sans Visage (Japan) or Loma Prieta (US) with noisy, chaotic and relentless musical execution. Oh, and I almost forgot, they share members with Komuso, whose debut EP was picked as one of our best records in 2018 so, you may already know of what all of this is about. Finally, click on the image for listening to this amazing band. You won't regret it. FOF: Careless, Det är därför vi bygger städer and No Omega. Highly recommended. Enjoy and see you next week. Kisses and hugs!

La Mort D'Un.e. Moderniste presents: Best picks of 2018 - Colombian edition

 Note: "Suso El Paspi" approves this entry. 

Coucou, les chaton.ne.s! We're final-fuckin'-ly back with our much anticipated best picks of 2018 - colombian edition. This entry was supposed to appear last week but I wasn't at all in mood of writing (I'm sorry for that but, you know, shit happens...) and also tried to get the physical editions of some of these records for digitalize them but sadly I couldn't get'em all. So, I decided to publish them and leaving you some links for listening to them and download them (if possible). Don't forget to click on the images below for doing so. But, don't worry. Despite this, I'm still trying to get my physical copies and upload them here in the blog as soon as possible. Now, I must admit that I'm completely happy with the whole activities within the colombian hardcore/punk spectrum in 2018 since many cool projects saw the light. Likewise, some others still are waiting their long-awaited debut (for example, Empatía, the band I participate to ha ha ha) but I think this year they will make it...I certainly hope so...I also included some international hardcore splits and compilations featuring at least one colombian band. I know they should have been featured in the previous post but, I needed more material for this one ha ha ha. Finally, I hope you enjoy this entry as much as I did writing it. Remember this is not a definitive list with no particular order and if you think there are some other records that I missed out, leave your best picks in the comment section below and I'll review them later throughout the year. With all that written, let's begin!

Primer Régimen - Último Testamento (Byllepest Distro (Norway) (LP edition); Discos MMM (USA) /  Pissed Off Records / Chain Records (Malaysia) (Tape edition) 

The second album, and last one for a while, from this impressive UK82-influenced hardcore punk act from Bogotá D.C. For this record, the band is more aggressive and outspoken than before and the Dead Wretched cover is something to remark to. I completely dig this record and I hope more material from this band in the near future. Finally, you can read our impressions of this great record by clicking here. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 

Abuso - self-titled tape (Pissed Off Records / Chain Records (Malaysia)

The long-awaited debut from this amazing female-fronted hardcore punk act from Bogotá D.C. that really caught us by surprise. Indeed, they play a particular short, fast and loud music with some traits of both post-punk and punk ibérico elements in some songs but without losing the grip. Yay! We've exceedingly wrote about this band so, you can refresh your memory by clicking here, here and here. Finally, the aforementioned malaysian record labels will release next month the physical edition of this tape. Get one copy while you can since this will be the band's only release ever. So sad. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Sin Reacción - self-titled EP (Digital only) (Sin Reacción self-released) 

This is the debut album of this recently formed band from Bogotá D.C. Their sound is heavily inspired by the UK82 style but there are some slight d-beat influences as well. They reminded me a lot of 80s brazilian acts like Olho Seco, Coléra and Garotos Podres mixed with the punk medallo (the original colombian hardcore punk sound in the late 80s) essence. I must admit the musical instrumentation and execution is precise and well-elaborated. And, of course, the lyrics are filled with anger, desolation, apathy and different "no future" stances. Finally, if you dig local acts like Primer Régimen and Reacción Violenta, Sin Reacción might get your attention. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

V/A Silla Eléctrica - Punk Colombia 2018 tape (Fuerza Ingobernable (Colombia) / Pissed Off Records and Chain Records (Malaysia))   

Featured bands: UZI, Reacción Violenta, Víctimas, Abuso, Raw Brigade, Amenazas, Pútrida Sociedad, Muro and Roxio.

If someone asks me how could I describe 2018 in one record, I'd definitely pick this up. Indeed, it spawned some huge surprises such as Reacción Violenta, Abuso and Víctimas, as well as adding some local heavyweights like Amenazas, Raw Brigade and Muro. Likewise, I'm still waiting for some new material coming from UZI, Pútrida Sociedad and Roxio so, let's see if 2019 will be their year. Finally, refresh your memory reading our full coverage of this collection by clicking here. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Vudú - self-titled EP (Vudú self-released)

Do you remember Mr. Baracaldo's Sesiones En Negro? (If don't, refresh your memory by clicking here). Well, this band participated to that great audiovisual project and finally released their long-awaited debut EP. Vudú features members of other local hardcore punk acts such as Devenir and Comemierdas and, just like we stated before, this impressive auto-called Punk Primitivo act mixes both d-beat and crust punk that reminded us of Nausea, Detestation, Aus-Rotten (USA) and Makiladoras (Netherlands) with short and loud as fuck songs. The female/male duet vocals are simply top notch, something not really well explored here in the local scene (or at least that great). Finally, if you speak spanish, you'll recognize some samplers taken from the official latin american spanish dub of american TV shows like Duckman and Bojack Horseman, which are used as intro in different songs for adding some interesting spice to their brutal repertory. Nice. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Reacción Violenta - Todo Sigue Igual EP (Reacción Violenta self-released)

One of the huge surprises in 2018, which also was featured in the already aforementioned Silla Eléctrica compilation. This band displays an interesting short, fast and loud hardcore punk with both UK82 and d-beat influences but with the rabid and visceral latin american feel. There are also some complex guitar chords and riffs without losing the grip. Among all these new local hardcore acts inspired by old-school british hardcore, this is the most rabid and aggressive one (both inside and outside of the stages). Finally, give it a try. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Anger Blast - demo (Anger Blast self-released)

This is another great band that also participated to the already aforementioned Sesiones en Negro. This band wasn't featured in our dedicated note of it because they recorded their live session weeks after. So, I was waiting for their debut and I couldn't expect more coming from this band with this amazing demo. Indeed, this is a living homage to the wildest side in grindcore drawing influences from heavyweights such as Agathocles (Belgium), ROT (Brazil), Carcass Grinder and Unholy Grave (Japan), for naming a few. The music is short, fast and loud with the dark, gritty and pessimistic attitude this extreme hardcore variant is known for. Grindcore at its finest. Pure and simple. No fuzz, no experimentation, no slow-paced moments. Just sonic madness. Hell yeah! Finally, there's one cover of ROT. What else could you ask for? I hope the release of their first full-length album soon. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Amenazas / Víctimas split tape (Disordera Records et al (Colombia))

 
One of the best splits ever released last year has its own place in here. Thanks to the already aforementioned Silla Eléctrica compilation, we could have a preview of what this monster was capable of. Pure d-beat mastery in every single second. Nice. In other news, Amenazas is preparing an european tour this june and Víctimas will be releasing soon a split EP with an icelandic band (I don't recall the name right now). I'll keep you updated when the right time comes. Finally, you can re-read our original full coverage by clicking on the image above. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Los Mierdas (Perú) / SararamíreZ (Ipiales, Col) / Chikungunya (Santa Rosa de Cabal, Col / Ecuador) / Primitivo (Santa Rosa de Cabal, Col) 4-way split (Disordera Records (Colombia)) 

Ah, yes. I fuckin' loved this 4-way split. Puro pinche ruido, homs. If you read thoroughly the blog, you must know about Disordera Records from Santa Rosa de Cabal, whose spécialité is extreme hardcore variants such as grindcore and crust. So, this record compiles Los Mierdas' Mierda Colombiana demo (which was recorded during their colombian tour early 2018) SararamíreZ's most recent self-titled demo, Chikungunya's Ruidos Y Pestes demo and Primitivo's first demo named Ruido Y Guasca Mientras Lo Rasca. Regarding the sound, in general terms, you'll find in here extreme grindcore, sometimes teasing with the noisecore variant (most notably Los Mierdas). There are even some particular traits of each band, for example, SararamíreZ is like a lo-fi and minimalistic blackened Spazz using weird as fuck samplers and even experimenting with some techno (you can hear a brief sample of an infamous Gigi D'Agostino's track, for example. Ha ha ha WTF), harsh electronics and cumbia beats. Yup, NO KIDDING; Primitivo also has a strange fascination with the carranga music (A particular yet interesting regional folklore music. A curious fact: many people here in Colombia jokes about labeling it as jarcor de la loma ("hardcore from the mountain"), including myself, due to its outspoken and uncompromising attitude. Ha ha NO KIDDING). And, last but not least, Chikungunya is like a noisy d-beat cousin of Confuse and GAI (Japan). Awesome. Finally, both cumbia and carranga FTW. Highly recommended. Enjoy!     

Valium (Ibagué, Col) / Trimegistö (Ecuador) - Ruido Sudaca Metal Punkers split (Digital edition)(self-released)

A pretty good split that caught me by surprise a few days before publishing this entry. So, Valium, one of our colombian best picks of 2017, contributes 4 tracks to this record: 2 brand new and the rest are taken from their Guerra Napalm EP (2016). Note that this tracks are live recorded, 3 in Colombia and 1 in Ecuador. Regarding the sound, the band still manages their iconic crossover thrash/crust punk mix with more prominent metal punk elements, something that started since their last record Tierra Hirviendo. I'm starting to think these new tracks are somehow like a teaser of what this band will be creating in the near future. And, last but not least, Trimegistö was a complete mystery to me prior to the release of this record. I'm not sure if this is their first officially recorded material at all. Anyways, this band reminded me of some crust'n roll acts such as Inepsy (Canada), Duke Nukem (Russia) and Black Panda (Spain). Pretty good material for starting the engines. Finally, click on the image above where you can be redirected to Valium's official bandcamp account where you can listen to this record and either buy it or pay the price you consider right. Neat stuff. Highly recommended. Enjoy!    

Párese Duro Contra compilation CD-R (Noise Or Die et al (Colombia))  

Featured bands: Grita O Muere, Los Maricas, Kytate, Ambulo Ergo Sum, Nastiness (Bogotá) and Renkore (Medellín).

Well, this is technically speaking a 6-way split rather than a compilation since each band contributes to this record more than two tracks (except for Ambulo Ergo Sum) but we'll use the latter term only for practical purposes. The name (which can be translated into english as "Stand Hard Against") comes from a political stance used in different local left-wing contexts and the beautiful manga-like artwork was made by Chvlo Bootleg-san. So, this great collection was conceived by our friend known as MmEe MmOo who made a great work compiling, recording and editing great local bands. All the featured tracks are brand new and exclusive for this release. Regarding the sound, it's varied. Firstly, we have Grita O Muere and Renkore, bands with more than 10 years of musical career and also one of the first responsibles of coining the term crust in this land of tropical anarchy; Secondly, Nastiness, also having more than ten years in the game, is one of the most active and relevant grindcore outfits nationwide with their superb music mixing crust, death metal and mincecore as well; Next, Los Maricas with their auto-called cacrecore style mixing different hardcore and punk offshoots and variations (notably melodic hardcore and pop punk) contribute two short, fast and loud songs drawing influences from the californian hardcore scene in the 80s; And, last but not least, both Kytate and Ambulo Ergo Sum are musical projects where MmEe MmOo participates to. The two are some sort of experimental grindcore and sludge outfits, each one with an unique and personal touch. You should listen to them and discover by yourselves the magic behind these acts. I absolutely dig'em. Finally, this is highly recommended. I hope to get my physical copy as soon as possible. Enjoy!


Speedo - self-titled (Digital only) (Speedo self-released) 

What can I say about this record? I simply loved it. This lo-fi and minimalistic experimental one-man grindcore project belongs to XXXXX XXXX, who is the drummer of Püter (a punk band from Bogotá D.C.). And, yes, the name comes from the infamous professional swimsuits brand (But your grandpa uses them on summer vacation, as well. Beurk!). Unlike Püter, Speedo is something far beyond from traditional punk and hardcore boundaries with improvised, unorthodox and "what the fuck is going here?"-esque song structures, and, of course, cryptic and weird samplers before some songs are included, for example, his apparently grandmother is yelling at him because of the noise. Ha ha ha nice!. Some elements of noisecore can be detected too. Finally, give it a try. You won't regret it. Oh, and I almost forgot, this was recorded with a cellphone. Nothing more rad than that. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Desarraigo - self-titled EP (Digital edition) (Desarraigo self-released)

Desarraigo is a recently formed hardcore/punk project from Cali, Colombia. Following the demise of Murraco, their original drummer joined forces with other friends and made this band. Regarding the sound, they have a particular mix of garage rock, classical punk rock, and old-school hardcore punk (and even some songs slightly tease with thrashcore). The musical execution is most of the time fast-paced but there are some slower breakdowns and mid-tempo moments too. Also, the lyrics are in spanish with pretty clever and well-written political and personal stances. They reminded me of now defunct early and mid-00s german hardcore bands that labeled themselves as "thrash punk" such as Dean Dirg, Napoleon Dynamite and Nihil Baxter. Finally, click on the image, listen to this record and support them if you want. If you enjoy acts such as Youth Avoiders (France) and the early works of Pure Disgust (USA), you'll love this one. I hope to get the physical edition soon. For fans of Career Suicide (Canada), Shitty Life (Italy) and Abriss (Germany). Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Chulo (Colombia) / TEST (Brazil) / Exacerbación (Costa Rica) 3-way split tape (Grindfather Productions) 

 

A marvelous 3-way split demonstrating here in latin america we produce top notch grindcore and powerviolence, full of hate, despair, and above all, passion with nothing to envy to other american, european or even south east asian acts. All the content is simply amazing: short, fast and loud. I'm pretty sure you'll love it. Give it a try. Finally, read our full coverage of this record by clicking here. Definitely a must. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Infection 1 - Worldwide Hardcore Attack 2x7" 4-way split (Byllepest Distro (Norway))

 

This is one of my favorite 4-way split ever released in 2018. The featured bands speak by themselves since they're one of the most relevant hardcore punk bands nowadays (Both Negativ and Blank Spell have been part of our best picks of 2018 and 2017, respectively). And since this is a colombian hardcore-related entry, the inclusion of Muro, which is alongside Raw Brigade the heavyweight in the local scene, makes more relevant than ever our entourage. Finally, refresh you memory by reading our full coverage of this record by clicking here. Highly recommended. Enjoy!  

Raw Brigade - Kicking Your Face EP (Raw Brigade self-released) 

Speaking of the devil, Raw Brigade surprised us with this humble EP which is far from amazing. Indeed, their iconic NYHC and youth crew influences are more sharp and overwhelming than ever. Such an unmatchable energy and never ending passion (like hardcore should always be). You can re-read our early impressions of this record by clicking here. Finally, they already teased some songs of their upcoming first full-length album, which will be released through Six Feet Under Records (USA) later this year. You can listen to it by cliking here. Bright future for this band. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   

Valdavia - Quiero Que Esto Sea Hermoso EP CD (Valdavia self-released)

      
This is the debut album from this riot grrrl / hardcore punk band from Bogotá D.C. I completely dig this band because the songs are short, fast and loud with extremely politically-charged lyrics with strong feminist stances dealing with subjects like abortion and culture of rape, among others. They reminded me of a mix between Bikini Kill, Spitboy (USA), Bulimia, Dominatrix (Brazil), Perra Salvaje and Las Otras (Spain). Now, this kind of projects are something really positive for the scene due to the lack of womyn pressence within it. And, they use a xylophone. Yes. This is something rare and uncommon for any hardcore band (I can't recall right now which other one has used this instrument before) but, don't get me wrong, this feature gives a lot of personality to the melodic and fast-paced moments in the tracks. I need this CD ASAP ha ha ha. More feminist hardcore/punk like this one. Please. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Worms Under Flesh / Mico split (Digital edition) (Self-released)

 
Mico from Cali, one of our colombian best picks of 2017, is back with new tracks and this time they aren't alone. Indeed, they share this split with Worms Under Flesh, which is a local band with both hardcore punk and death metal influences. Think about american bands such as Carnifex for getting an idea of what this band is capable of. I never listened to them before but I find quite interesting their music (although I'm not a huge fan of deathcore subgenre). You can listen to their 2016 self-titled EP on their official bandcamp account clicking here. Last but not least, click on the image for getting redirected to Mico's official bandcamp account where you can either get this record for free or paying the price you consider right. I hope to get the physical edition soon. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Mohan, Sangrando Ruido (Col), Miserere (Ger) and Ansiax (France) 4-way split LP (Ruido Total Records (France/Colombia). 

This marvelous 4-way split LP featuring 2 colombian bands and 2 other international bands with some colombian hxc pvnx in the exile. I finally got my physical copy but I haven't finished yet the digitalization. I'll upload it soon, don't worry. In the meantime, refresh your memory reading our full review of this great record by clicking here. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Mongólico AKA Ocilógnom / ZEN-AKU split (Digital edition) (Narcosarcasmo (Colombia)) 

A pretty impressive grindcore split with two of the most recent and relevant bands right now: Mongólico AKA Ocilógnom from Bogotá and ZEN-AKU from Cali. Each band contributes 2 songs with a total length of 3 minutes. Simply nuts. Finally, you can read the full review of this record by clicking here. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

El Incendio Más Largo Del Mundo - Condenadxs EP tape (El Incendio Más Largo Del Mundo self-released)  

The debut album from our chaton.ne.s! of Medellín. El Incendio...clearly surprised me with their eclectic and experimental touch. Indeed, they mix different styles such as screamo, post-hardcore, sludge, metalcore, and even some post-black metal elements for creating something fresh and unique of their own. The musical execution has a mix of both screamed and fast-paced moments with eventual clean voices and slower interludes but, in general terms, is pure frantic aggression. Definitely a surprise this 2018. Highly recommended. For Fans Of Joliette (Mexico) and Vientre (Colombia). Enjoy!

Vientre - Semillas CD (Vientre self-released)

     

Vientre, the amazing Cali-based experimental hardcore punk band, is back after the success of their first work Las Huellas Que Dejamos CD, released back in 2016. Regarding the sound, Vientre still mixes different musical styles such as screamo, post-hardcore, post-rock and ambient for creating a superb atmosphere of bittersweet controlled chaos (with both fast-paced and slower introspective moments). Also, both the musical execution and instrumentation are simply top-notch with a high musical production value. Once again, Semillas is one of the most well-elaborated colombian hardcore punk releases ever. And, of course, 100% D.I.Y. Finally, they're slowly getting some international recognition thanks to their participation to different compilations such as The Ultimate Screamo Mixtape (already featured here in the blog) so, I certainly hope more surprises will be coming from this band soon. Pretty soon. Highly recommended. Enjoy.  

Amenazas / Pesticida SS (Col) / Sinnaciön (Fra) / Huasipungo (USA) 4-way split LP (Ruido Total Records (France/Colombia)

Another marvelous 4-way split LP featuring 2 colombian bands and 2 other international bands with some colombian hxc pvnx in the exile. I've been told next month some physical copies will arrive to Colombia so, I'll try to get mine as possible (I certainly hope so...). In the meantime, refresh your memory reading our full review of this great record by clicking here. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 

Ceguera - Ceneri CD (Ceguera self-released (?))

This is the debut album from this recently formed act from Bogotá D.C. In fact, both this band and Empatía, the band I participate to, had the same debut show early last year. But they did release their EP and us not yet. Curious fact, right? Ha ha. So, Ceguera plays fast-paced metallic-infused hardcore drawing influences from iconic acts such as Converge (US) and Baptists (Canada). Not as dark as you may think but it still does have a pretty impressive musical force to remark to. There are even some more melodic and slow-paced moments but without leaving aside the mid-90s chugga chugga-esque feel with a refined modern execution. Pretty nice. Finally, this record was entirely unexpected to appear here I must add but they deserved a place in this humble list. For fans of the already aforementioned acts from North America. Highly recommended. Enjoy!  

Violencia y Hardcore Vol. 1 - Suacha Punk Hardcore CD compilation (BlackGoat Distro (Colombia))

Featured bands: Bakteria, DPS, Postema, Pútrida Sociedad, Repulssion and Zarna.

An outstanding hardcore punk compilation featuring bands from Soacha, a small town near the southern part of Bogotá D.C. I was kinda impressed since I completely ignored the existence of such bands. If you remember Colombia A Toda Mierda compilation series (some of them already featured here in the blog), the content of this one is pretty similar since the featured bands explore crust, d-beat, grindcore and even punk medallo styles. And, of course, all the featured outfits sing about the social inequalities and injustices we live everyday here in this land of tropical anarchy. I'm not sure if this is the first time or not for some of them (Pútrida Sociedad was featured in Silla Eléctrica compilation). Another big surprise this 2018. Finally, I hope more volumes of this compilation series and more material coming from these bands in the near future. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   

  
STRIKE - La Fragilidad De Su Mundo CD (Towers of Acre (Colombia)) 

This is the second album from this Bogotá D.C.-based modern hardcore outfit. I must admit that I wasn't really aware of their existence at all, but then I listened to this record and, wow, pretty cool. They reminded me of something between 90s swedish hardcore like Refused and Abhinanda and mid-00s american hardcore acts like Have Heart and Verse with a particular mix of mesmerizing melodic traits, relentless metallic guitar riffs emulating chugga chugga breakdowns and precise drum beats (In fact, they share the same drummer of El Maquinista). And, la cerise du gâteau undoubtedly is the lyrics with both personal and political stances dealing with world domination, consumerism, and violence, among others. Cool. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 

Molecular Decay / Destitute split tape (Pochard Distro (Colombia))

An excellent grindcore split I also found just a few hours before publishing this humble list of best picks of 2018. Molecular Decay from Bogotá D.C. really surprised me since I didn't know about its existence prior to listen to this record. The sound is influenced by goregrind style since many all-time classics such as Carcass, Regurgitate and Haemorrhage came to mind after listening to this. Pretty awesome. And, last but not least, Destitute (already featured here in the blog) is back with their own interpretation of crustgrind and deathgrind, paying homage to also all-time classics such as Machetazo, Nasum and Disrupt. Finally, listen to it. I'll try to get my physical copy and upload it ASAP. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Infexion (Soledad) / Visaje (Barranquilla) / Die In Silence (Santa Marta) - 12 Mondakazos 3-way split (Pestes Producciones) 

A pretty interesting 3-way split featuring bands from the Atlantic Coast region in Colombia. The name of the record can be translated to something like "12 cockhits" (You know, the different regional argots in Colombia are just pure magic...) and the artwork was designed by Chvlo Bootleg-san. Regarding the sound, just like Violencia y Hardcore Vol. 1 compilation, there's crust, d-beat, grindcore and even punk medallo styles with the angst-filled and politically-charged lyrics colombian bands tend to project. I really liked this production since we don't see bands that aren't from Bogotá, Cali or Medellín everyday. Finally, there's the Ruido Bajo Los 40° Grados compilation series featuring these kind of bands but I'm doing some additional research and I'll upload them sometime later this year. Promised. Highly recommended. Enjoy!  

Mongólico AKA OcilógnoM - ¡Juuueeeepuuutaaarrrrgghhh! tape

Yes, yes. This was the first release of Mongólico AKA OcilógnoM early last year and it was such a big surprise. Indeed, they left aside their auto-called Bulldozer Grind style for a while and opted to explore noisecore and noisegrind elements with one track with at least 49 songs played in 6:06 minutes!. Awesome. If you dig similar projects such as Bacteria (Japan) or ZG Noise Forces (Croatia), you'll definitely love this one. Oh, and, I almost forgot. The front cover is a parody of the infamous yet all-time classic Bllleeeeaaauuurrrrgghhh! compilation series but with an evident colombian twist (We already featured them here in the blog. Click here for refreshing your memory) fucking minutes. Pretty cool. There's also one cryptic cover of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (a well-known argentinian rock band) so, it's up to you to discover it when you listen to it. The only hint I'm going to give is that it's their most popular song. And, finally, no, this is not our colombian album of the year but almost was (Sorry, les chaton.ne.s!) Highly recommended. Enjoy!  

Coyote - Némesis Latrans CD (Towers of Acre (Colombia))

The second album from our chaton.ne.s! of Coyote. Following the success of their impressive Overconfidentii Vulgaris EP (Coyote self-released, 2016), which also is available here in the blog, Coyote is back with their metallic-infused and politically-charged hardcore punk, more outspoken and overwhelming than ever. Even they added female vocals in some songs. Now, something I noticed about this record, is that all song titles are references to different cartoon and anime characters like, for example, "Android 18" from Dragon Ball series, "Limburger" from Biker Mice From Mars and even "Count Duckula" himself but each one deals with different social and political issues such as feminism, environmentalism, animal liberation, respectively. There's even one song dealing with the never ending territory struggles of some indigenous populations here in Colombia. Pretty clever. When I get my physical copy, I'll surely translate the lyrics into english. They're worth to be read. Finally, if you dig political metallic hardcore like Racetraitor (US), Stampin' Ground (UK), No Turning Back and All For Nothing (Netherlands), Coyote will bite you hard. Really hard. Oh, and I almost forgot. There's one hidden track, which is a cover of Res Gestae's anthem La Radical Contradicción. Coup de foudre instantané. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Uncle Ray / Errante split (Sordid Bin Records (Canada) / Siempre Llueve Records (Colombia))

We mentioned the existence of this record when we reviewed the Grind Your Teeth To This - A Grindcore / Powerviolence compilation (Bruxism Records (Austria)) (You can refresh your memory by clicking here). This record technically speaking is a grindviolence devotee, both bands will surely remind you of renowned acts like Magrudergrind, Hatred Surge and Extortion but you'll also find in their repertory some slower breakdowns in the same vein as Sex Prisoner and Weekend Nachos. Finally, Errante also explores slower breakdowns with some sludge affinities that you should remark to. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   

And the best colombian album of the year award goes to...

Vorágine - Aquelarre CD (Sin Fronteras Discos / Siempre Llueve Records (Colombia)) 

Yes, my chaton.ne.s! of Vorágine are awarded with their first full-length album Aquelarre as the best colombian album of the year. Indeed, the band has developped a more mature and polished sound with prominent post-rock, post-black metal and even some shoegaze influences but without leaving aside their early screamo and post-hardcore roots. As we previously remarked, the lyrics are still personal and political, for example, Holiday, which is dedicated to the memory of a beloved friend that passed away some years ago, will simply break your heart whilst Lady Lazarus: En Busca de Opal will lead you to a cosmic journey from a vvitch's perspective. Awesome. They also have had a slight recognition in some other independent circles because they were the opening act for Alcest from France, a renowned blackgaze act and many metal-oriented websites even either nominated or awarded Aquelarre as one of, if not, the best colombian metal productions of 2018 (Mmm, ok...). Highly recommended. Enjoy and until next time. Kisses and hugs!

La Mort D'Un.e. Moderniste presents: Best picks of 2018 - International edition

 Source: GettyImages

Note: Yes, this powerful trio helped us out for picking up the featured records in this humble entry. Thank you.

Coucou, les chaton.ne.s! We're back with the first entry of 2019. Yaaayyy! As I already mentioned you, this selection already was made before the end of last year but I decided to wait some days later because some surprises could arise at the last moment. So, 2018 really was a good year in terms of hardcore releases since many new surprises saw the light and some unexpected comebacks re-appeared for reviving old glories as well. Likewise, I also have to admit that it was a difficult task and tried to feature underrated acts due to the fact that their absence in other specialized websites is evident. And, despite having one choice as the best album, all these records are highly recommended and pleased me a lot. Don't forget this is just a personal choice and it isn't a definitive list. If you consider that I missed some records, you can leave your picks in the comment section below and I'll try to review them some time later throughout the year. Lastly, the colombian edition of our best picks of 2018 is expected to appear next week since I still need to get some records I discovered during New Year's Eve (You see what I tried to mean some paragraphs above?). With all that written. Let's begin.    

City Hunter (USA) - Deep Blood LP (Youth Attack Records (USA))

This Denver-based hardcore punk band that appeared sometime back in 2013, played a few shows and only recorded one self-titled demo that year. Everyone was talking about them and expected their first full-length album to release anytime soon. Well, the wait is over and, after 5 years, this marvelous LP finally saw the light. If you think a hardcore record could ever be a soundtrack to horror movies (notably the "slasher" subgenre), this one would definitely fit in. Indeed, the music is fast, outrageous with drastic and unpredictable tempo changes that simply will make your ears heavenly bleed. They reminded me of a strange cross between classic 80s japanese hardcore such as G.I.S.M. and ZOUO and 90s Holy Terror acts like Gehenna (USA). Now, imagine this scenario: you're desperately trying to run for your life from the creepy dude on the front cover but this abomination already stabbed you ten times in the back without even noticing it while this LP sounds loudly alongside your cries of pain and despair. Beautiful. I was really surprised with this record. Finally, this is highly recommended. Enjoy! 

Junta (Denmark) - Dystopolis EP (Junta Tapes (Denmark))

I discovered this impressive band from Copenhagen when they announced late 2018 their colombian tour in january 2019, alongside Finisterre, a well-known german neocrust outfit but I didn't pay too much attention. At first glance, I was like "Ok, european bands coming to the country. Yaaay" but when I listened to their more recent work Dystopolis, I simply loved it. Indeed, their style is a mix between old-school brazilian, finnish and italian hardcore executed in similar way to this nouvelle vague of d-beat-influenced american and british hardcore bands like Impalers or Arms Race. The lyrics are in both danish and portugues with political stances, for example, Uma Força Ingovernável track, invite us all here in latin america for doing anarchy. Cool. Finally, check it out. If you dig modern bands like Negativ (Norway) and Orden Mundial (Spain), Junta is for you. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   

 

Suburbanite (USA) - self-titled LP (Youth Attack Records (USA))

  
Someone told me early this year that american hardcore has lost its "fuzz" since long time ago and there are only a few modern bands to remark to. What can I say about this statement? Well, this is partially true and Suburbanite is a clear example of that the so-called New Wave of American Hardcore is each day a real thing. This NYC-based outfit has different american and british hardcore influences with an impressive angst-filled vocal style and a straight-to-the-point musical execution. They also reminded me of some american bands like Green Beret and Pure Disgust that started to gave some new fresh air to some outdated styles. Such a blast. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Negativ (Norway) - Projections EP (Byllepest Distro (Norway), Sabotage Records and Ruin Nation Records (Germany)) 

We've featured this norwegian band in different times, for example, some of their contributed tracks to the Infection Vol. I Worlwide Hardcore Attack 2x7" 4-way split (You can re-read the original review by clicking here) and Blazing Anarchy tape compilation (You can re-read the original review by clicking here), and I get impressed with each new material they release. As we previously stated, this band reminded us of modern american acts like GAG and Creem with the trademark sound of classic 80s norwegian hardcore almost intact. Alongside outfits like Muro (Colombia), ZODD (Singapore) and GAZM (Canada), there shouldn't be labels for trying to describe their style, it's just hardcore punk, pure and simple. Fuck yeah. Finally, listen to it. Totally worth it. The artwork was made by our friend Juan S. Rosillo from Rat Trap Collective (Colombia) (You can check his work out on his Instagram account @juansebastianrosillo). Highly recommended. Enjoy!      

Cadaver Dog (USA) - self-titled LP (Youth Attack Records (USA))

Cadaver Dog also is another example of this interesting modern hardcore punk explosion in the US. This Denver-based is pure non-stopping old-school hardcore driven aggression rabidly executed for fucked up modern times like ours. Indeed, the (beast) spirit of all-time classics such as Negative Approach, Necros, DYS and YDI, for naming a few, is intact. Now, you must know for the entire hardcore punk spectrum, the nostalgia factor could be like a double-edged sword, either a bliss or a punishment, but don't worry this band excels in its own surpassing any expectation. Finally, this 15 song LP will show you that 40 years of short, fast and loud hardcore punk haven't passed in vain. Oh, and I almost forgot, this is an one-man band. Awesome. For Fans Of: Krimewatch, GAG and Glue. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 

Rat Cage (UK) - Blood On Your Boots EP (La Vida Es Un Mus (UK))

Another great hardcore band belonging to the so-called New Wave Of British Hardcore (NWOBHC) surprises us with their impressive debut EP (I know this is a trend we're really obsessed with ha ha). Unlike their local counterparts, Rat Cage is more in the swedish side of things in the same vein as american heavyweights Green Beret and Sunshine Ward. Indeed, you'll find in here an interesting mix of classic acts like Totalitär, Headsplitters and Mob 47 executed in a bostonian hardcore way. Pretty solid stuff. Finally, check this out. Rad as fuck. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   

Envy (Japan) - Alnair In August 7" single (Sonzai Records (Japan) / Temporary Residence Limited (USA))

The glorious comeback of one of the most influential japanese screamo bands in the last 20 years is finally a reality. After the release of Atheist's Cornea EP, through Temporary Residence Limited, in 2015 and their brief yet successful US tour with the loved/hated renowned post-black metal act Deafheaven that year, Envy entered into an "indefinite hiatus" since his original vocalist left the band and no one knew if a reunion would ever be possible again. Luckily, he's back and the group released this marvelous single before the end of 2018. For these recordings, I think Envy is breaking the mould with their own self-imposed post-rock-influenced screamo style since the early-00s with a more refined, chaotic yet melodic musical execution. Indeed, there are slow and fast-paced moments with both clean and screamed vocals and a more complex and mature atmospheric feel. Even some slight black metal moments like many modern post-black metal bands do nowadays can be traced too. Finally, listen to it. I certainly hope a brand new LP from this band in 2019. Highly recommended. Enjoy!  

Vile Gash (USA) - Nightmare In A Damaged Brain LP (Youth Attack Records (USA))

  
Vile Gash is four-piece hardcore band from Columbus, Ohio that has been in the game since almost a decade ago. This is surprisingly their first full-length album ever and I must admit it's a good debut. Indeed, the musical execution is only ferocious, harsh and ugly as fuck. You can relate them to other american d-beat-influenced hardcore punk bands such as Sunshine Ward, Warthog, Impalers and Ajax, for naming a few. There's even only an exception to remark to: the Nightmare In A Damaged Brain track, which is more sludgy and powerviolence-oriented with a "darker" approach that could be an interlude to this sonic madness. Awesome. Finally, don't miss out this band. You won't regret it. Enjoy!

Idiota Civilizzato (Germany) - self-titled LP (Static Shock Records (UK))

One of the huge surprises in 2018 I got to know. If you have thoroughly read the blog in the last two years, you must already know I'm a huge fan of 80s italian hardcore. And, luckily, this band fulfills my cravings for non-stop frantic music. Indeed, you'll find some traces of all-time classics like Wretched, Indigesti, Blue Vomit and Impact executed in a pretty awesome modern and fresh way. Yes, the lyrics are in italian dealing with different social and political issues from a personal and honest perspective. Finally, don't think twice trying to slamdancing with the world after listening to this great record. Just do it. Simple. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   

Baptists (Canada) - Beacon Of Faith  (Southern Lord Records (USA) / Daymare Recordings (Japan))

Ahhh! Yes! I was waiting long time ago for final-fuckin'-ly feature this amazing modern outfit from Vancouver, British Columbia.  Don't get confused with the "modern" label since this band is pure fucking madness. Indeed, they mix the best elements of metal and hardcore punk with a superb musical instrumentation and execution (the vocal style is insane!) for creating their iconic style everyone has been talking of almost a decade ago. There are even some songs with an unique and personal sludge, crust, d-beat and stoner rock touch but without losing the hardcore grip. Imagine something between Converge, His Hero Is Gone and Neurosis (early-00s era). Finally, I must admit that even though some previous works are a little bit "darker" than this one, I completely enjoyed it from start to end and, yes, you should definitely check it out. Highly recommended for fans of ultra-apocalyptic dark hardcore (Is that even a style?) bands such as All Pigs Must Die, Gaza and Cursed. Up da long-haired pvnx! Enjoy!
 
Krimewatch (USA) - self-titled EP  (Lockin' Out Records (USA) / Break The Records (Japan)).

Well, what can I say? I'm in love with this band. Great old-school NYHC savoir faire with both english and japanese lyrics. This is undoubtedly one of the best female-fronted hardcore bands around the globe today. We've featured it many times since 2016 (!) and that's why there shouldn't be more things to write about them right now. You can re-read our impressions of this long-awaited EP by clicking here. Absoultely a must. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

ZODD (Singapore) - Operationally Ready Dead LP (La Vida Es Un Mus (UK)) 

For this edition of our best picks, I was lucky enough to get to know this year more hardcore bands coming from the southeast of Asia, notably Singapore, whose scene has always spawned underrated yet great quality material like this one. ZODD is like one of these modern bands mixing different old-school hardcore styles and making one of their own. Think of bands like GAZM (Canada), Negativ (Norway) and even Muro (Colombia). Not labels, not trends, not subgenres, just pure and brutal hardcore punk. And that's it. Finally, don't miss this record out. There's a lot of fuzz and dissonance that will surely please anyone involved in this thing. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   

Sect Mark (Italy) - Worship MLP (Iron Lung Records (USA))

 
I remember when this band sent me an e-mail gladly requesting for a review. And, what can I say? I was completely astonished. Indeed, this is Italy's response to the emerging modern d-beat-influenced hardcore outfits nowadays such as Nomads, Deformity (USA) and S.H.I.T. (Canada). You can re-read our impressions of this great record by clicking here. Finally, don't forget to submit your material for reviewing it (in the Disclaimer section you'll see how to do it) and, who knows?, it could be one of the best picks of this year. Give it a try. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Exotica (USA) - Musique Exotique #03 (La Vida Es Un Mus (UK))

The third volume of their Musique Exotique series was chosen to be in our best picks of 2018. Why? Well, this impressive female-fronted hardcore punk band from NYC displays a primitive yet satisfying musical execution, which is clearly reminiscent of the content featured in different 80s hardcore compilations such as SUB, Beat The Meat and Raw War (The World of Punk), among others. (I know I must post them someday in the near future...). Also, the lyrics are in spanish and deal with different social and political issues from a latinx womyn perspective (You know how fucked up is the world about the immigration issue nowadays...). Finally, you can also try to get Musique Exotique compilation (Great Dance (Japan), 2018), which, as the name suggests, reunites all of the works of this band. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

SIAL (Singapore) - Binasa EP (La Vida Es Un Mus (UK)) 

The 2018 edition of Not Dead Yet fest in Toronto, Canada featured many high-quality hardcore punk acts around the globe (including Muro from Colombia) and I was highly impressed with the excellent repertory in general terms. But, among all the participants, one band really caught my attention: SIAL from Singapore. Indeed, this female-fronted outfit displayed such passion that I was completely mesmerized by their brutiful musical style, which is heavily inspired by old-school japanese hardcore like Gauze, The Comes and Confuse, for naming a few. Fantastic. Finally, if you dig female-fronted american hardcore bands like Krimewatch, La Misma and Törso, this is for you. Highly recommended. Enjoy!        

ORGA (USA) - Demo (Caligari Records (USA))

  
Our anonymous collaborator codenamed Ariel-451 (Yes, s/he does exist and is more active than ever (albeit low profile). S/he also gave me permission to reveal the name) recommended this demo. I didn't listened to it back then but I did it when I was picking up the records for this humble list and, holy fuck, it's amazing. Imagine the perfect mix between swedish d-beat hardcore punk with early norwegian black metal. Pretty awesome. Some songs are more black metal-related while others reminded of this new wave of blackened metal punk acts such as Devil Master (US) but ORGA is more aggressive and relentless. No fuzz, no introspection nor interludes, just rage and hate. Just that. Yeah. Amazing. Finally, this is highly recommended. Enjoy!

Forra (UK) - Mostrame Lo Peor EP (La Vida Es Un Mus (UK))

Forra is a recently formed band from the UK with members from Argentina, Mexico, Catalunya and The Canaries Islands (Spain). The name means "dumb womyn" in argentinian slang. Now, this female-fronted outfit plays short, fast and loud hardcore punk heavily inspired by old-school bands from the iberian peninsule such as Último Resorte and Cocadictos mixed with the passionate force of 80s latin american acts like Fertil Miseria (Colombia) and Soberanía Personal (Argentina), for naming a few. Finally, try to buy this record since all the proceeds will be given to The Latin American Women's Right Services, a London based human rights, feminist organisation run for Latin American womyn, and 100% run by Latin American womyn. I expect new releases coming from this band in 2019. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 

Zorn (USA) - Demo '18 (Estranged Communications (USA))

A pretty underrated demo from this spectacular band from Philadelphia, the homeland of bands like Devil Master, Blank Spell and Cape Ov Bats. Regarding the sound, Zorn plays blackened metal punk in the same vein as their local counterparts (notably Cape Ov Bats), perfectly mixing both hardcore punk and black metal with complex guitar riffs, slow breakdowns, mid-tempo changes and a shrieking vocal style directly taken from the 3rd circle of hell. There are also some slight post punk and goth rock elements à la Bauhaus and Christian Death but Zorn doesn't lose the grip at all. Finally, I've read in some other websites that this band has an interesting live performance involving coffins, candles, chains, BDSM elements and more, something like a twisted black mass. I hope to see that someday ha ha. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

GELD (Australia) - Perfect Texture LP (Iron Lung Records (USA))

Amazing outfit from Australia, featuring members of different now classic outfits such as Krömosom and Power. If you dig those well-known bands, you already must know of what GELD is about. This is more noisy and apocalyptic than your conventional disclone out there. Indeed, both guitar and bass riffs are insanely complex with a mesmerizing psychodelic vibe, the vocal style is filled with lots of distorsion screaming about paranoia and banalities of the living world and, of course, the d-beat drumming is prominent as ever. There's also one song named The Perfect Texture with a slower interlude filled with industrial and noise elements. Wow. Also, look at the front cover of the record. Where are the skulls with mohawks, the chains, the Discharge style font, the photos of warfare casualties in black and white? Where are they at?. Finally, let dis-bea(s)t bite you and infect you with their brutal style. Amazing. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 


Candy (USA) - Good To Feel LP (Triple B Records (USA))

Last year, I featured their Candy Says EP and I was completely amazed expecting more material from this Richmond-based band. Now, with their first full-length album, I have to admit that my mind nearly exploded after listening to it. Indeed, the mix of 90s metallic hardcore, 80s japanese hardcore, powerviolence, some slight d-beat elements, and modern hardcore execution is something to not miss out so easily. Some songs reminded me of Thrash Talk and Ceremony's early recordings back in the early-00s, while others are more related to modern bands like Trapped Under Ice or Incendiary. Also, I have to admit that this LP is even, musically speaking, far more superior than their aforementioned EP. I was kinda shocked with the burst of brutal energy and musical variety displayed by this band. Last but not least, things cannot be more cooler than this after knowing that the name of the record is a reference to Velvet Underground. Ha! This record was meant to be chosen as our album of the year but sadly I picked up another one. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Joliette (México) - El Alphabiotista 7" single (Epidemic Records (Italy))

This is the most recent single from this amazing Puebla-based post-hardcore band. For strange reasons, I haven't feature it yet and I'll try to reivindicate myself introducing them (finally). So, I have to admit that their musical style is a little it hard to describe since it really is eclectic. Indeed, Joliette mixes different styles such as screamo, post-hardcore, sludge and even some slight traces of black metal. The result? A chaotic, complex and unorthodox musical execution. They somewhat reminded me of Celeste (France) and Oathbreaker (Belgium) in some parts. Finally, they also released last year through Deathwish a live split with Frameworks from the US. It's pretty cool too but I prefer this single. I can't wait to listen to their upcoming full-length album (which will probably be released later this year). Highly recommended. Enjoy!     

Jesus Piece (USA) - Only Self LP (Southern Lord (USA))

Throughout 2018, I saw everyone was talking about this band. Jesus Piece this, Jesus Piece that. I didn't pay attention to it back then but, later on I was kinda impressed with this Philadelphia-based hardcore outfit. Regarding the sound, Jesus Piece is technically a living homage to 90s metallic hardcore bands such as Disembodied, Deadguy and Buried Alive. I've also seen their live performances via YouTube (mostly on Hate5Six's channel) and they're completely insane full with energy and emotion. Their vocalist reminded me of Djinji Brown of Absolution, Chaka Malik of Burn or even H.R. of Bad Brains. I know right now why everyone is mad about them. As far as I know, this is the band's most heaviest material thus far. I completely dig it. You know I love the 90s. And, finally, no, this isn't our pick of best album of the year ha ha. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Derecho A La Muerte (Ecuador) / Agathocles (Belgium) "The Right To Die" split (Música Híbrida Records (Ecuador)

 
A pretty interesting split between the belgian "mince" legends and an emerging ecuadorian death/grind outfit. I think this is the first full-length album of the latter and I must admit that this is a pretty good way to start any band's musical career off. Regarding the sound, you'll find some both deathgrind and mincecore styles so, it wouldn't be necessary to write more about it. Finally, some of the Agathocles' contributed tracks were previously used in a 4-way split with Hybrid Viscery, G.I. Joke and Mucus (Belgium) while some others, well, I haven't found them yet in their ever growing, never ending discography. The artwork was made by our friend Fisch3r (you can check his amazing works here and here). Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Usa La Tua Rabbia (France) / Agathocles (Belgium) tape split (Bisounours Productions (France))

This is also the first full-length album of a recently formed band in Britanny, France. It features the vocalist of Sinnaciön (d-beat-influenced hardcore punk made by colombianxs exiled in France) and it took long time until I could publish this amazing work. The sound is priceless: crustgrind and powerviolence influences, somewhere between Disrupt, Capitalist Casualties, Spazz, Infest and Warcollapse and the lyrics are in spanish dealing with subjects like capitalism, misery, poverty and more. And, yes, the name is a clear reference to Wretched's song. I'm glad that France still is producing bands like this one. Last but not least, Agathocles' contributed tracks to this split are apparently brand new, including one sung in spanish. Cool. This year the record will be repressed on LP format so, I'll try to get my physical copy as possible. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   

Existence (Sweden) - Into The Furnace EP (Quality Control HQ (UK))

I must admit that this EP really caught me by surprise. I didn't expect such living homage to the well-known 90s hardcore scene in Umeå, Sweden. Indeed, you'll find herein the sound of bands like Refused, Abhinanda, Doughnuts, Saidiwas, Final Exit, among others. There are also some interesting and mesmerizing more rock-oriented guitar riffs and "groove" (much like Abhinanda's late recordings) without losing the chugga chugga hardcore grip. The lyrics are in english with personal content (notably dealing with mistakes made in the past and some references to reincarnation from the perspective of hinduism). Last but not least, his vocalist was some years ago in prison due to some antifascist activism led by him. He's now free and stronger than ever and, of course, he still remain an antifascist activist until death. The artwork can remind you of the "Bosch", the renowned dutch painter in the 15th century, whose style could be regarded as anachronic and advanced for his time. Cool. Highly recommended. Enjoy!    

The HIRS Collective (USA) - Friends.Lovers.Favorites (SRA Records (USA))

This is the first full-length album from Philadelphia's The Hirs Collective, previously known as +HIRS+, which is also one of the most well-known american hardcore bands with trans and queer individuals nowadays and their lyrics, political stances and activism involve, as the group itself says: "the destruction of capitalist misogynist scum and empower womyn, PoC and the LGBTiQA community". Now, just like previous works, there are grindcore and powerviolence influences with short and loud as fuck songs but there are other ones more experimental with more electronica, hard techno and industrial sensibilities. The latter are remixes made by artists such as Jenny Pop and Moor Mother. There are also collaborations with renowned indivuals like Martin Sorondeguy of Los Crudos, Sadie Switchblade of G.L.O.S.S., Alice Bag of The Bags, and Shirley Manson of Garbage (Yup, no kidding), among others. Finally, this record also contains some bonus tracks from You Can't Kill Us and You Can Remix Us EPs. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Geraniüm (France) - Fear Is The Enemy LP (Contraszt! Records (Germany))

It's been  a while since I feature a neocrust / blackened crust-related band. I think there aren't so many bands of this loved/hated style out there (or at least I haven't been really aware of them, I guess). So, this is the second LP from this impressive Strasbourg-based outfit. I haven't had news coming from them like 4 years ago and I was kinda surprised by the fact that they still are together making good music. Regarding the sound, I guess they haven't changed so much their neocrust trademark sound but I also detected some more slow-paced moments with sludge traits. Finally, listen to this record. I'll try to feature more bands like this one in the near future. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   

Warthog (USA) - self-titled EP (2018) (Toxic State Records (USA) / Static Shock Records (UK))

This impressive New York City-based hardcore punk is back once again in another edition of our best picks of the year. The first time we featured them was in our best picks of 2016 with their outstanding self-titled EP that year. Regarding the sound, nothing has changed so much at all but their d-beat-influenced hardcore trademark sound is more mature and refined than ever. You can detect different influences drawn from all-time classics such as Mellaka (Finland), Sacrilege (UK) and even Massacre 68 (Mexico). Finally, I highly recommend this 4-track EP. Such a masterpiece. Enjoy!


ZETA (Venezuela) - Magia Infinita EP (IFB Records (USA))

This is the latest EP from this amazing experimental hardcore band from Puerto de la Cruz, Venezuela (now living in the US). I know this band since long time ago but I haven't featured it properly (I guess there's one compilation featuring them). Regarding the sound, well, it's one of those bands that is so eclectic that is really hard to describe. I guess if such thing as "avant-garde fusioncore" exists, ZETA would definitely fit into. You can detect traits from different styles such as screamo, mathcore, avant-garde, ambient, post rock, jazz, latin fusion, post-hardcore and even they use some percussions made with caribbean instruments. Absolutely nuts. There are both slow and fast-paced moments so, draw your own conclusions when listening to them. This is by far their more experimental and ambitious record to date. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Tragedy (USA) - Fury LP (Tragedy Records (USA))

One of the most influential modern crust acts in the last 20 years is finally back with this brand new LP. The band remained almost inactive (with some exceptional and occassional live performances across the US and Europe) since Darker Days Ahead LP (Tragedy Records, 2012). This latter, despite the high-production value and maturity of sound behind it, didn't pleased so much for the change of musical execution. Now. with Fury, Tragedy is back to their original roots displaying their ferocious melodic yet brutal crustcore style they're widely known for. Finally, I have to admit that, even though the rise of d-beat-influenced american hardcore punk nowadays has left good musical outfits, Tragedy-like bands still were missing for these troubled times. I'm so happy that they're back. Highly recommended. Enjoy!     

Slund (Slovenia) - A Very Slundy Christmas (Bruxism Records (Austria))

When we reviewed some months ago the impressive Grind Your Teeth To This compilation, released by Bruxism Records (Austria) (You can re-refresh your memory by clicking here), we also remarked many great outfits among them Slund from Slovenia. Indeed, this outfit was completely a mystery to me since I'm not really familiar with the underground scene from their local country. So, in december 2018, they released this interesting christmas-related grindcore album. You know, christmas and grindcore apparently are a good combination and this band proves no wrong with their unique sarcastic and black humour-filled grindcrushing musical style. I fell in love with this. Highly recommended for Disney and Wham! fans and, of course, the perfect gift for your grandparents. Try to offer it this year. Enjoy!   


Fatum (Russia) - Edge Of The Wild CD (Zay-Nin Records (Japan)) 

I also discovered this band when we reviewed the Blazing Anarchy tape compilation (You can re-read the original review by clicking here) and I completely dig this band. This is basically another great living homage to good ol' british stenchcore (the original crust punk sound) in the same vein as Hellbastard and Deviated Instinct. Both musical execution and instrumentation are quite fantastic with Motörheadish guitar riffs, d-beat drum beats and the dark, gloomy and gritty ambient the crust punk subgenre is known for. Really dope. If you dig german bands like Instinct Of Survival and Indian Nightmare, this russian powerhouse is definitely for thy. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

YURI (UK) - 2 Blast 2 Furious (Adorno Records (UK))

This is probably one of my favorite current emoviolence from the UK. It's short, fast and loud with prominent powerviolence elements into their repertory like the good ol' days of bands like Usurp Synapse, Combat Wounded Veteran and The End Of The Century Party. I'm also pretty sure that both the band's logo and front cover of the album makes you think of a some sort of Slap-A-Ham records tribute band. Well, this is a little bit beyond that. Finally, YURI recently disbanded so, this is their last record ever. So sad. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
 
Komusō (Japan/Sweden) - self-titled EP (Zegema Beach Records (Canada))

An impressive japanese / swedish screamo "supergroup" featuring members of different modern screamo outfits such as Cape Light, Careless, Det är därför vi bygger städer and No Omega. We already featured it so, you can read our impressions by clicking here. Highly recommended. Enjoy!  

Racetraitor (USA) - 2042 (Good Fight Music (USA))

Another blast from the past is back once again with this superb record. Racetraitor was a pretty well-known political outift in the 90s with outspoken and uncompromising stances and was also one of the first bands mixing both metal and hardcore alike creating thus a more extreme form of music slowly drifting apart from punk (Well, kinda). Following the hedious political and economical events of today, the band decided to reunite again two years ago and release new material. They still have their iconic anti-capitalist, anti-racist and anti-colonial statements fused with their 90s metallic hardcore savoir faire. I'll write more about them in the near future. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

KODOS (UK) - self-titled tape (Middle-Man Records (USA) / Adorno Records (UK))

Ok, with this record things are getting a little bit weirder. I remember my friend Harold, who also is the guitarist of Empatía, the band we both participate to, asked me after a rehearsal if I knew something about sass grindcore. I told him I didn't know much about it and when I was picking up the records for this list, BAM! that strange term re-appeared once again. KODOS is probably the only band I know playing that style, which happens to be a mix of 90s emoviolence and experimental grindcore in the vein of Combat Wounded Veteran, The Locust, Melt Banana, Daughters and Usurp Synapse, among others. The musical structure of the song is pretty experimental with drastic and unorthodox tempo changes, weird and obscure parodies and references in the lyrics and female/male duet vocals directly taken from an abattoir of  trolls. Finally, give it a try even though your "purist" grindcore ears will label this band as faux grind. (Just like in the 90s. Ah, the memories...). Highly recommended. Enjoy!
 
Perra Vida (Perú) - self-titled EP (self-released (?))

An impressive female-fronted hardcore punk band from Lima, Peru. Featuring members of other local outfits such as Venganza!, Alias La Gringa and Desakuerdo. This is their debut album which contains only 5 songs. But don't let the number fool you. This work is such a blast. Regarding the sound, the band shares the same sensibilities of emerging spanish-speaker bands in the U.S. such as Tozcos, Futura, Exótica, etc. but the iconic 80s latin american hardcore punk and spanish punk (AKA punk ibérico) feel is prominent. There are also some interesting breakdowns and mid-tempo arrangements. The lyrics are highly political denouncing machismo and sexism within their lives. In fact, Perra Vida is sadly one of the few "not only boys" peruvian hardcore and punk acts in their native city nowadays. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Hank Wood And The Hammerheads (USA) -  self-titled LP (Toxic State Records (USA))

This superb New York City-based experimental hardcore punk outfit was already featured here in the blog in  5 modern american hardcore punk compilations special post, notably their contribution to Ground Zero NYC 2013 comp, as well as in our Damaged City Fest '17 mini-special post (You can re-refresh your memory by clicking here). Once again, this band surprise us with their sound mixing garage rock and old-school hardcore punk adding other not so common elements such as noise, lo-fi and synth punk. I also think this time, the band tried to explore less frantic tunes but still is good enough to please your cravings for speed and fuzz. Great musical instrumentation and execution comme d'habitude. Pretty outstanding. Higly recommended. Enjoy!

Coma Regalia (USA) / Drei Affen (Spain) split (Miss The Stars (UK) et al)

If someone asks me "how would you describe the whole screamo subgenre in 2018"?, I'd gladly respond: "Dude/tte, pick this record up and listen to it". I know it's such a bold statement due to the good amount of records released last year but, yeah, this on mostly covers everything up. So, Coma Regalia has both late 90s and early 00s screamo and emoviolence influences in the vein of outfits like Jeromes Dream, Orchid (USA), June Paik and Louise Cyphre (Germany) whilst Drei Affen is a female-fronted musical group, featuring former members of OsoLuna, adding some crust traits into their repertory making us remember thus great spanish screamo-influenced neocrust bands like SL'S3 and Das Plague, for example. Finally, listen to it. You won't regret it. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Big Cheese (UK) - NWOBHC FM Live '18 + Sports Day Demo '16 (Quality Control HQ (UK), 2018) 

They're currently the kings of this so-called New Wave Of British Hardcore (NWOBHC) so, they must be featured here in our best picks of 2018, right? An excellent living homage to the good ol' days of NYHC in the 80s. No more, no less. In fact, if this band was born in that decade, they definitely would be featured in mythic compilations like New Breed (Urban Style Records, 1989). We already featured this record before (You can re-refresh your memory by clicking here). Highly recommended. Enjoy!

 
Subdued (UK) - 4 Track EP (La Vida Es Un Mus (UK))

When we reviewed early this year some recent New Wave Of British Hardcore (NWOBHC)-related bands (You can refresh your memory by clicking here), there's also featured Torment and Torture, their first EP, and we were kinda impressed with their homage to anarcho-punk classics such as Amebix, Rudimentary Peni and Icons of Filth, executed by a modern hardcore punk band. So, their more recent 4-track EP is no exception to their unique and personal touch and it's more brutal than ever much faster and louder. They even added some kind of manifesto à la Crass on the first track. Neat. Finally, get this record. You won't regret it. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Devil Master (USA) - Manifestations LP/CD/Tape (Relapse Records (USA))  

This is the remix and remaster of their now sold-out demo '16 and Inhabit The Corpse EP (the latter was featured in our best picks of 2017) and this Philly-based blackened metal punk act sounds more malevolent than ever. Indeed, their black metal, death rock and hardcore punk influences are enhanced with this well-deserved boost of technology. Due to this record is a re-release of previous works, I wasn't really sure to feature it, but there's always an exception to the rule. And, their great work deserves any kind of recognition as possible. I love it, sorry. Finally, in March they will be releasing their first full-length album named Satan Spits On Children Of Light, also through Relapse Records, so I'll try to get and feature it in that month. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 
 
Paranoid (Sweden) - Heavy Mental Fuck-Up (Paranoid self-released) 

When we reviewed the Blazing Anarchy compilation (You can re-read the original review by clicking here), we mentioned that this swedish powerhouse was a potential candidate to the best picks of 2018. Well, there you go. They're featured in here. I completely liked their japanese-influenced swedish d-beat hardcore punk musical execution and instrumentation and for this record they add some crust, metal punk and early black metal elements to the repertory as well. I think the record speak by itself and has our seal of approval. Satisfaction guaranteed. What else could you ask for? Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Thou (USA) - Magus 2xLP (Sacred Bones Records (USA))

This is another band I wanted to feature long time ago but, for strange reasons, I always forget about their existence. Luckily, when I listened to their latest LP named Magus some months ago, I wrote the name in my notebook. Holy fuck. I don't even have the proper words to describe this. If you dig sludge bands such as EyeHateGod and Crowbar, Thou is for you. However, note that this band is pretty complex, both musically and lyrically, so, not everyone will enjoy them. In fact, I had some difficulties trying to décortiquer its content. Now, compared to previous works, this LP is a total progression with more atmospheric and ethereal elements. I also detected lots of both 70s psychedelia and stoner rock influences (for saying the least) with pretty slow, hazy and even melancholic moments but the record still is enough aggressive, chaotic and overwhelming for pleasing your ears. That's the magic of the sludge subgenre. Also, read the lyrics, they have a message and needs to be identified. Pay attention, les chaton.ne.s! And, last but not least, the vocal style is pretty dope, closer to black metal. Cool. Highly recommended. Listening to this record is a complete magical ride while blazing it. No joking. Enjoy!

Raw Peace (Belgium) - Total Death LP (Hypertension Records (Belgium))

Ah, a brutal display of violence courtesy of this Ghent-based politicial and outspoken powerhouse. You can consider this as a "supergroup" since it features members of local bands such as Reproach, Blind To Faith and Agathocles, among others. Regarding the sound, I think this is the perfect cross between Discharge and Battalion of Saints with some crust and thrashcore traits as well. You'll even detect some drum beats and guitar riffs closer to some of the band members' previous projects. Cool. Last but not least, the beautiful artwork was made by our friend Mateo Correal (You can watch his work on Instagram as @mattscorreal). Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Gulch (USA) - Burning Desire To Draw Last Breath 

This another of those bands being so eclectic that makes kinda difficult to even try how to describe their style. In general terms, I was really pleased with the final result. Indeed, Gulch mixes different types of hardcore punk such as metalcore, mathcore, post-hardcore, grindcore, crust, d-beat and powerviolence, thus creating an unique and personal form of vicious musical execution. This is probably one of the best experiments involving fusions of "core"-related styles. You'll definitely love this record after listening to it. Trust me. Finally, remember this particular statement made by one fan of the band: "This band rips so hard and makes me want to punch my neighbors". Kudos for that. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   
 
VEGAS (Belize) - Digital Affairs Neurotic LP (Judas Chair Collective (Finland) / The Final Judgement Records (Poland))

It's been a while since we feature Holy Terror-related records and I'm pleased doing so once again with the most recent work of this cryptic outfit, fronted by their enigmatic yet charismatic representant simply known as "T". If you carefully read our infamous yet successful unofficial guide to Holy Terror (You can re-read it by clicking here), you already know of what this band is about: dark, apocalyptic and vicious metal-infused hardcore punk with some kind of idolatry to both Charles Manson and G.I.S.M. (most of the time) exploring existentialist, occultist and demonology related themes. There are also some more slow-paced songs with slight industrial, neofolk, dark ambient and even grunge traits that could also be considered as a interlude of this campaign of destruction of mankind as a way of salvation. Last but not least, VEGAS re-released some early recordings in 2018 compiled in X - Remastered and ReVelations (both available in their official bandcamp account). You should check'em out too. Highly recommended. For Fans Of Integrity, Ringworm and Rot In Hell. Enjoy!        

Blood Pressure (USA) - Surrounded 12" LP (Beach Impediment Records (USA))

Following the steps of powerhouses in this so-called New Wave Of American Hardcore such as Impalers, Ajax and Sunshine Ward, Blood Pressure displays a relentless and straightforward hardcore punk with both american and british influences (notably bostonian style and d-beat). There are even some slight Oi! influences too. Finally, if you dig the aforementioned american bands as well as New Wave Of British Hardcore - NWOBHC acts like Violent Reaction, Blind Authority and Blindside, this Pittsburgh-based outfit will surely blow your mind. Highly recommended. Enjoy!      

TANKE (Mexico) - Centroamerican Noiseterror (self-released (?))

TANKE are a grindcore band from my natal country, Mexico. According to the band, they come from a small industrial town (I haven't discovered which one is yet) full of alienated workers who already get customed to both noise and nocive ambients and that's the reason why this band displays such a powerful sound. If you dig old-school grindcore bands from Spain such as Machetazo, Looking For An Answer and Denak but with the latinx power flavor added, this is for you. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Redbait (USA) - Red Tape (Not On Label (Redbait self-released))

A pretty good female-fronted political hardcore punk band from St.Louis, Missouri. This is their debut and I liked their style fusing crust and 90s metallic hardcore alike with a frenzy energy and bonecrushing breakdowns. I think their sound is somewhere between Misery and Morning Again. They also reminded somewhat me of 00s bands like R.A.M.B.O. (USA), Betercore (Netherlands) and Migra Violenta (Argentina) (probably by the fact that I discovered the term crust for the first time with those acts more than a decade ago. Good memories...). Finally, listen to the record and try to get a physical copy while you can. I'll patiently wait for their first full-length album. Highly recommended. Enjoy!     

And, final-fuckin'-ly, the winner of the Album Of The Year award goes to...

Cult Leader (USA) - A Patient Man LP (Deathwish Inc. (USA)) 

Lastly, we conclude our humble list of our best picks of 2018 with this impressive hardcore outfit from Salt Lake City, Utah. Their sound is pretty reminiscent of those so-called dark hardcore bands like GAZA, All Pigs Must Die, Baptists, etc., for naming a few, with a relentless, unmerciful and chaotic musical execution. It's one of those records that makes you want to break things and persons without even trying to question why is wrong doing so. There are also some songs with a more slow-paced execution with more post-rock and sludge-oriented sensibilities but there still is the dark, isolated and gloomy feel this musical production preojects, for example, To: Aclys and A World Of Joy tracks, are a pretty creative way for accompanying the insane display of non-sense musical violence of this brutiful voyage in other tracks like I Am Healed or Curse Of Satisfaction. So, there's two sides of the coin (one savage, and the other one more docile) and that's something that not many bands dare to explore entirely since is either one side or other. Even there's a third way: a mix of both. Cult Leader excels in both sides individually creating thus something of its own to highly remark to. Absolutely a must. Highly recommended. Enjoy and until next time. Kisses and hugs!.