To Lie Is To Be Strong: 90s german hardcore punk. Part 2.

Note: Who's the boss here? Of course, it is I, David "el puto amo" Hasselhoff 

Coucou, les chaton.ne.s! We're back with the second part of our 90s german hardcore punk special post. I'm deeply sorry that I couldn't update it yesterday as I teased you on our Facebook group, but I had some issues when uploading the files. So, I already finished the gathering of all the records that will be featured in our special post. There are some unexpected surprises that weren't supposed to be here, but it's cool to find these kind of things during our researchs. On the other hand, it was nearly impossible to get some records that I wanted to feature right here. Due to some technical issues, I'll have to do it later (probably in our infamous Addenda posts. Promised). Finally, I've been calculating and there will be at least 4 or 5 entries but I'll try to finish it sooner before our summer vacations (Yup, I learnt malas mañas in Europe and I always have mandatory vacations haha). As always, you'll only find pure gold in here. With all that written, let's begin. 

Abolition

This amazing musical group existed between 1991 and 1994 and has already been featured here in our blog. It's by far one of my favorite german hardcore punk bands of all time. They only released Jesus Was A Fuckin' Dick 7" (Equality Records/Homemade Records (Germany), 1991) and Complacency LP (Equality Records/ Homemade Records, 1994) and also contributing some tracks to different compilations, as well. Some of their members owned both Equality Records and Homemade Records, two german record labels, that promoted many local hardcore punk outfits in the 90s.

Regarding the sound, Abolition took the best elements of both late-80s and early-90s NYHC sound (you can think of bands like Bad Trip, Hell No, Downcast, Born Against and Rorschach, for naming a few) with clever, well-structured and politically-charged lyrics. These latter were sung in english (only a few in german) and treated different subjects such as religious hypocrisy, death penalty, animal rights, love and sexuality, prisons, among others.With the release of their only LP, Abolition slightly teased with emo and had a more complex musical structure and instrumentation but still kept their trademark sound.

Finally, when this musical group disbanded in 1994, the next year some of their members formed Stack, one of the best local powerviolence acts of their time. Click on the image above for downloading both records. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Hammerhead 

One of the heavyweights of german hardcore punk is here. Hammerhead is probably the most well-known outfit of this time. Since their formation, they didn't stop playing (with a brief hiatus) and are still together, one of the few exceptions to the rule because most of the featured bands in the special post no longer exist. They have released the following records so far: split with Not The Same (1990), Resist 7" (1991),  Apocalypse Is Near 7" (1993), Stay Where The Pepper Grows LP (1993), live split with WWK (1994), Weißes Album LP (1998), Farbe / Color CD (2000), Bahn Frei! Für Liste 1 Sozialdemokraten 7" (2001) and Opa War In Ordnung 7" EP (2016) and contributed many tracks to different compilations, as well.

Regarding the sound, like other local groups of their time, Hammerhead also had late-80s NYHC influences in their sound. You can think of bands like Breakdown, Life's Blood, Sheer Terror and Underdog, among others. Their lyrics were fueled with hate, despair, violence, sarcasm and other negative and nihilistic attitudes. This characteristic made of them one of the few exceptions because german hardcore scene had high political and social consciousness.

Also, their first LP release, probably one of the best german hardcore punk jewels ever released, was controversial because of the original front cover. It featured a drugged womyn and a man with a gun. I'm not sure if this picture was taken from a movie scene or was simulated for the LP release. The next re-issues featured a blank image. There's also a 2007 re-issue that features a cartoon making fun of the aforementioned front cover, as well as the original artwork hidden inside the record.

Finally, click on the image for downloading Stay Where The Pepper Grows LP and Cut The Melon, a compilation that reunites early Hammerhead's recordings, singles, covers and the first two 7" tracks. You can also visit their official bandcamp, where you can buy some of their records in digital format. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Step Into Nowhere

Step Into Nowhere existed between 1991 and 1995. This is probably one of the first 90s german hardcore bands and one of the few ones that started to gain international recognition. Even some of their records are hard to get today (at least a decent physical copy). During their lifespan, they released one split with UK band Violent Arrest, featuring ex-members of Heresy, (1991), self-titled (Mugglewump Records, 1992), Blaue Meere Rotte Schiffe (Homemade Records. 1993) and split with Spit Acid (Per Koro, 1995), as well as some contributions to different hardcore punk compilations.

Regarding the sound, just like their contemporaries, Step Into Nowhere started drawing influences from USHC bands such as Antidote, Crucifix, Verbal Assault, Gang Green, among others, with polticial content. With the release of Blaue Meere Rotte Schiffe, and just like Ambush, they started to develop a more profound, mature and blunt sound inspired by the sludge subgenre, in the vein of Neurosis' early recordings and The Melvins, element pretty uncommon to their local scene because other hardcore punk-related subgenres, such as emo, metalcore and powerviolence, gained more importance.

Finally, click on the image for downloading both splits and some unsorted songs of Blaue...Sadly, I couldn't get this record. It's so fantastic. Another german hardcore punk jewel. When I get it, I'll post it. For sure. Highly recommended. Enjoy!    

Ambush

Speaking of Ambush, this interesting hardcore punk outfit from Berlin existed between 1992 and 1999. During their lifetime, they released A Ocean Of Irrelevance, Zebaoth (1992), demo split with Hunger (1993), Lach! (1994), Amarcord, Pigs (1995) and Revue (1999), and contributed some tracks to different local and international hardcore punk compilations such as Andersen, PLOT and Kellercore, as well. There's also a cassette that compiles both A Ocean Of Irrelevance and Zebaoth records, but I think it's a bootleg.

Regarding the sound, just like early local hardcore punk outfits of the time, Ambush had early-90s USHC influences, however, unlike their contemporaries, they added some early-80's british hardcore elements as well. Also, most of their songs were in english with political consciousness but, curiously, some of the lyrics have grammar mistakes. I certainly hope that this was intentional because most of the non-english speaking european hardcore punk bands spoke and wrote in english correctly. In later releases, this characteristic disappeared.

Later, Tom Rusnak, former Rorschach guitarist, joined the band and with the release of Lach!, they dramatically changed their original musical style adding female vocals, sludge, noise, posthardcore and other experimental elements. Therefore, they created a more refined and complex musical structure, filled with a overwhelming, intense and fierce dark ambient. This is probably the first german experimental hardcore punk band and completely advanced for their time. Amazing.

Finally, click on the image for downloading A Ocean Of Irrelevance 7" and Lach! and Pigs CD versions. I highly encourage you to get a physical copy of Lach! (above all the LP version that has some extra tracks absent on the CD release). It's one of the best experimental hardcore punk albums ever released, as well as an absolutely mandatory acquistion if you dig 90s german hardcore punk. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Age

Yes, it's finally here. Age was a short-lived yet influential hardcore band from Wolfsburg. They only released self-titled 2x7" (Equality Records, 1993) and self-titled LP (Summersault Records/Love Records/Refuge Records, 1994), as well as contributing one track to Benefiz Tape Sampler For Huntsaboteurs compilation. As a matter of fact, Age wasn't only one of the first german vegan straight edge bands, but also was the first emocore band and an international reference to the subgenre at the time.

Regarding the sound, Age played fast and precise hardcore punk, inspired by both late-80s and early 90s american hardcore and emo bands. Even though its sounds wasn't as frantic as french emocore bands of the time such as Finger Print or Ananda, Age had its own superb sound. Also, some of the songs had slow and introspective interludes. And, their lyrics were exclusively in german (with some exceptions in english) with both personal and political content.

Finally, click on the image for downloading both Age's full-length albums. Sadly, the compilation track is absent because I've years trying to get the aforementioned collection and hasn't been possible. Also, remember that along with Abyss, Age made a collaboration song with french emocore band Shatter The Myth, available exclusively on their discography disc. Revisit here the second part of our infamous yet successful 90s french emocore special post to get it. Highly recommended. Their LP is one of my favorite 90s european emo records of all time. Enjoy!   

Nothing Remains

This is an impressive short-lived hardcore punk outfit that released between 1992 and 1997 two 7" (Grey, 1992, Pictures, 1993 (?) and Où Sont Les Neiges D'antan? (1997). The first two were released through Homemade Records, whilst that the third one was released through Day After Records), and one LP ! Dream ? (Day After Records, 1995). They also contributed tracks to different local and international hardcore punk compilations such as Illiterate and Unter Den Brücken, among others.  

Regarding the sound, just like many of their contemporaries, Nothing Remains played fast-paced politically-charged hardcore punk, influenced by USHC bands like Rorschach, Born Against and Downcast. They also added some early-90s emo elements to their repertory. With the release of their first and only LP, Nothing Remains developped a more mature and complex sound, highly influenced by american posthardcore bands of the time such as Quicksand, Fugazi, Unwound and Into Another. I must admit that ! Dream ? is one of the best and completely forgotten posthardcore jewels ever created.  

Finally, click on the image for downloading all the albums that Nothing Remains ever recorded. Some compilation tracks are missing, though. I highly recommend you ! Dream ? album. You're gonna love it. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Hypocritical Society

Hypocritical Society was a short-lived hardcore punk band that only released one 2x7" named Pyre (Equality Records, 1993) and one LP named Failed And Loyal (Equality Records, 1994). They also contributed to different local and international hardcore punk compilations, notably Ebullition Records' Illiterate, that was the way of knowing the early stages of 90s german hardcore scene outside of their territory.

Regarding the sound, Hypocritical Society also had prominent early 90s american political hardcore influences but also added some slow and metallic breakdowns reminiscent to both crust punk and sludge subgenres. As the name suggests, the lyrics were poltically-charged criticizing different subjects such as capitalism, religion and the so-called "modern life", among others. I think that the sound of this band is the direct blueprint for Northcore style that would get all the attention within the german hardcore scene of the time.

Finally, click on the image for downloading Pyre, with artwork, layouts, inserts and lyrics in both english and german. All-in-one. Sadly, I couldn't get their LP. In the near future, we'll feature it. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Luzifers Mob

Ah!, this outstanding heavyweight couldn't be dismissed and it was about time to get the place they always deserved in our blog. Luzifers Mob was a short-lived yet highly influential band that existed between 1992 and 1996. They only released one self-titled 7" EP (Skuld Releases, 1993), self-titled cassette (self-released 1994) and Am Rande Des Urins/Sympathy For The Devil ‎LP, which is a split with local band Golgatha (X-Mist Records, 1995) and contributing tracks to different international hardcore punk compilations such as Whispers!, Die Human Race and PLOT (all of them available here in the blog), among others. There's also available a complete discography disc named Never Mind Hardcore Punk...Here's Luzifers Mob (Crucificados Pelo Sistema, 2007).

Regarding the sound, Luzifers Mob played short, fast and loud hardcore punk with both crust and powerviolence influences, as well as some slight metalcore elements reminiscent to early Northcore bands such as Carol and Systral. You can view this band like Germany's answer to emerging and popular american crust-influenced powerviolence bands such as Man Is The Bastard, Capitalist Casualties and Dropdead. Also, unlike other local outfits, Luzifers Mob sang exclusively in their native language with dark, sarcastic and pessimistic lyrics.

Finally, click on the image for downloading their entire discography. This is not the aforementioned discography disc because I decided to feature the one made by our friend of Blogged And Quartered blog instead (Thank you, pal!). You'll find some extra surprises in there. I highly recommend this band. It's one of the first german powerviolence bands and their self-titled 7" EP is a reference to the subgenre as well. Enjoy!

ABC Diabolo

A Band Called Diabolo (or simply ABC Diabolo) was a band from Saarbrücken that existed between 1990 and 1995. Their first self-titled 7" was released in 1992 through Off The Disk Records and their first LP named Last Intoxication Of Senses in 1993 through Common Cause Records. And, their second and last LP named Give Rise To Doubts was released in 1995 once again through Common Cause Records. They also participated to different compilations, among them Whispers!.

Regarding the sound, ABC Diabolo played short, fast and tight hardcore punk influenced by USHC bands such as Rorschach and Citizens Arrest, as well as early american grindcore bands such as Siege, Psycho and Repulsion. Their sound was the perfect mix of speed, power, frenzy and chaos: not so loud, yet not so weak. On the other hand, maybe their last LP is their best work since we find a good mix of metallic hardcore and grindcore, with some sludge and even drone elements. There are also some dark, gloomy and slow-paced interludes that end up in a burst of energy. 

Finally, click on the image for downloading all of their records. You'll find two files: one made by our friend of Blogged And Quartered blog (Thanks once again, pal!) that compiles ABC Diabolo's early recordings (including two Germs' covers that appeared in a tribute album) and the other one contains the last LP. This is a pretty good underrated band whose luster was unfairly outshadowed by Northcore bands such as Acme, Carol and Systral and you must check it out. Give it a try. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Zorn

Speaking of Northcore, we have here the first band that could be considered part of that trend. Zorn existed between 1993 and 1997. During this period, they released one demo cassette (1993), Heftig Aufflammender Unwille 7" (Equality Records, 1994), a split with german band Zelot (1995, Spring Records), and ...Denn Alle Lust Will Ewigkeit LP  (Maximum Voice Production, 1997). After their last LP, they changed their name to The Men Of Hell, released The Return Of The Gods 12" and disbanded after a while.

Regarding the sound, Zorn played an interesting mix of ultraviolent and soft music. Indeed, there are short, fast-paced metallic hardcore with screamed vocals songs combined with dark, slow-paced and introspective interludes. This unusual mix was the starting point for the whole Northcore style, that made so popular the 90's german hardcore scene. And, just like ABC Diabolo and Luzifers Mob, Zorn didn't have english songs and, unlike their contemporaries with a more established political agenda, their lyrics had a more abstract, personal and obscure touch.

Finally, click on the image above for downloading their 7" and LP. I don't have their 12" as The Men Of Hell. Musically is less superior than Zorn's material but it's still cool to hear. And, their split with Zelot will be featured in the next entry of this special post. If you like different metalcore and screamo bands of the time, you'll like this one, above all their LP. Highly recommended. Enjoy!   

Day By Day

Day By Day was a short-lived hardcore band from Göttingen and they only self-released Ganz Was Feines? (1994) and We Need More Than Your Compassion (199x). They also contributed some tracks to different local hardcore compilations, notably Agressions In An Emotional Way (that also includes other hardcore outfits from their hometown and outskirts). And, the only official release this band got, was Animal Abuse...Is Nothing Bygone, released in 2010 by Twisted Chords, that compiles almost everything that this band ever recorded during their short existence.

Regarding the sound, Day By Day was one of those few exceptions within their local scene. Indeed, they featured a female vocalist, probably the first local band of the time doing so, and their music was precise and fast-paced but with a particular melodic style. Their sound reminded me somehow Life...But How To Live It?'s. And, unlike other emerging melodic hardcore bands of the time, Day By Day's lyrics weren't exclusively deep and emotional since they also had more political content, above all advocating for veganism and animal rights.

Finally, click on the image for downloading their first record. It's a pretty good option for soothing the ears after long and ferocious 90s german hardcore punk sessions. Pretty cool.  Highly recommended. Enjoy!     
          
Spit Acid

Spit Acid was a band from Göttingen and, along with Day By Day, was one of the first hardcore punk outfits of their local town. During their short-lived existence, they only released The Tragedy Of Reality EP (1994), self-titled (Per Koro Records, 1994) and a split with Step Into Nowhere (Per Koro, 1995), as well as contributing tracks to different local and international hardcore punk compilations such as Agressions In An Emotional Way and Break The Distrust, among others.

Regarding the sound, Spit Acid also had early-90s NYHC influences. Think of bands such as SFA, Citizens Arrest, Yuppicide and Rorschach, among others. But after the release of their self-titled, they started to develop an unique and particular melodic style: powerful and captivating. It reminded me some works of swedish hardcore outfits of the time like Refused and Abhinanda. Also, this band's lyrics were in both english and german with highly political content.

Finally, click on the image for getting their EP and some unsorted tracks from their self-titled. I couldn't get the latter complete, so in a next time I'll feature it. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Golgatha 

Golgatha was a short-lived band from the Rhine-Area. They only release Ich Weiss Nicht Ob Ich Weinen Oder Kotzen Soll 7" EP /Spring Records, 1994) and Am Rande Des Urins/Sympathy For The Devil ‎LP, which is a split with local band Luzifers Mob (X-Mist Records, 1995). They also contributed different tracks to local and international hardcore punk compilations such as PLOT and Illiterate.

Regarding the sound, Golgatha was one of the first german hardcore bands with a more refined metallic hardcore or metalcore sound. As many other local contemporary bands, Golgatha took elements from US political hardcore acts such as Rorschach, Groundwork and Born Against and created a ferocious and relentless sound. Just like Zorn, Golgatha also marked a starting point for Northcore style. And, their lyrics were in german with sociopolitical critics.

Finally, click on the image above for downloading their EP and the full split with Luzifers Mob with artwork, layouts, inserts and everything else. All-in-one. About the split with Luzifers Mob, there's a curious fact. The record comes with a poster which should have been the cover of the record but printers refused to press it on the cover. So, the aforementioned image is included and you can draw your own conclusions. These german hardcore punks always wanted to set the world on fire, right? Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Peace Of Mind

Peace Of Mind was a political hardcore punk from Bovenden (near Göttingen) that existed between 1994 and 1997 (with a brief reunion between 2002 and 2004). During their lifetime, they released: Love Your Friends! (1994), Competition, split with Anomie (1995), self-titled 7", split with Strange Fruit (1996), split with Upset (199x), All Set To Boogie And No Place To Go (1997), Reclaim Public Spaces (2002) and Values Between 0 and 1 (2003) and contributing tracks to different local and international hardcore punk compilations. Along with Age and Abyss, Peace Of Mind was one of the references to german emocore in the 90s.

Regarding the sound, Peace Of Mind had both early-90s american political hardcore and emo influences. Think of bands such as Downcast, Born Against, Heroin, Current and Policy Of Three, among others. The music was fast, loud and precise with some slow and introspective interludes in later releases. Like different european emocore bands, Peace Of Mind had both political and personal lyrics with an remarkable DIY spirit.

Finally, click on the image for downloading their first record with artwork, lyrics, layouts and inserts. All-in-one. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Abyss

Another influential german emo band in the 90s is here. Abyss was a short-lived hardcore band that only released a self-titled 7" (Summersault Records/Love Records, 1993, 1994(?)) and a split with american emo band Iconoclast (Old Glory Records/Love Records, 1995). Along with Age, Abyss was the reference to emo subgenre in both Germany and Europe. 

Regarding the sound, Abyss played short and fast-paced hardcore punk, very similar to american emo bands of the time such as Heroin, Merel and Iconoclast. This wasn't your typical emo band with  complex musical structure, this was your truly passionate and straight-to-the-point 90s hardcore band that you'll hear over and over again. Their lyrics were exclusively in english and had both personal and political content. 

Finally, click on the image for downloading their only 7". It's also one of the best european 90's emo records ever released. It's good, sincere and full of passion, just like emo always meant to be. Their split with Iconoclast won't be here because I'll feature it later in other 90's emo-related post I've lately been thinking of. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 
 

Gnezl Drei

We finish this first part with an outstanding yet short-lived hardcore punk band that existed between 1991 and 1995. They only released one demo (1991) and one self-titled 7" (1994). They also contributed the Ever track to Ebullition Records' Illiterate compilation and thanks to this, their self-titled had a pretty good reception in North America.  

Regarding the sound, Gnezl Drei had an unique and particular hardcore punk style. We find both late-80s and early-90s american hardcore and emo influences with an interesting and superb fresh, short and fast-paced execution, along with some slow and slight metallic breakdowns and spoken word. Also, their lyrics were sung in both english and german with highly-political content, denouncing subjects like sexism (notably rape), and introspective moments. And, all three members of the band sing each one one song, which makes you think that there are three different bands in one. Pretty cool.

Finally, click on the image for downloading their self-titled. The file includes artwork, layouts and lyrics. All-in-one. Sadly, I couldn't get their demo. So, if I find it later, I'll post it. For sure. If you dig early 90s american metallic hardcore bands mistaken for emo such as Groundwork and Struggle, this is for you. Highly recommended. Enjoy and see you until next week for more surprises. Kisses and hugs!

To Lie Is To Be Strong: 90s german hardcore punk special post. Part 1

Note: We love Beckenbauer. Are we popular yet?

Coucou, les chaton.ne.s! We're back with our long awaited special post. Yaaayy! This time around, we'll talk about german hardcore punk in the 90s. Since we started this humble website, we've already featured some of these interesting jewels and we wanted to explore more of this amazing hardcore scene. Germany has always been one of the most important epicenters of hardcore and punk. Indeed, since the 80's, we've seen amazing hardcore punk outfits such as Chaos Z, Normahl and Inferno, as well as top-notch post-punk acts like Fliehende Stürme and EA80, among others, that have always been a source of admiration and inspiration. Obviously, for the next decade, german hardcore punks didn't fall sleep and produced a wide variety of brutal and politically-charged music. 

Just like many other contemporary hardcore punk scenes around the world, the american hardcore punk style was gradually gaining more terrain, above all bands of the time such as Downcast, Born Against and Econochrist, whose sound and their highly political sensibilities were a direct influence. When some of these bands made their respective european tours, they couldn't believe how well organized the scene was. Kent McClard, owner of Ebullition Records, remarked this and compiled some of these emerging bands in the Illiterate compilation (we've already posted it, so you can view it once again here. The entry is in spanish, however). 

Thus, during all the decade, many political hardcore punk bands (including vegan straight edge bands) appeared exploring different subgenres. For example, the first wave of 90s german hardcore like Abolition, Truth Against Tradition and Spit Acid, among others, had late-80s and early-90s american hardcore influences. For the second wave, in the same vein as other european scenes of the time, metallic hardcore or metalcore bands were emerging and groups like Loxiran and Lebensreform gained an important reputation inside and outside of Germany. Other bands of the same style such as Bremen-based groups like Systral, Acme, Mörser and Carol, whose ferocious, uncompromising and unbeatable sound also gave them notorious fame. This local scene has also been known as Northcore. Even bands such as Caliban and Heaven Shall Burn have had little mainstream success. Also, some emocore bands like Age and Abyss were a clear reference for the subgenre, and, emerging powerviolence acts like Stack and Y were admired and highly praised as well.  

Finally, like previous special posts, we'll feature you some records and compilations of this spectacular 90s hardcore scene. Also, for this first entry, we'll translate the 90s german hardcore-related compilations we've posted so far (plus one extra). I know this is an uncommon move because the final entries of the previous special posts feature compilations, but these ones will serve as an introduction, or even as an "appetizer", of what we'll talk about. However, the newest compilations we recently got for this special post, will be featured in the last entry. With all that written, let's begin.

500 Years of Genocide

An impressive compilation released by Per Koro (one of the most influential german hardcore punk record labels) and Peacy Records (Luxemburg) in 1993. It contains the following bands: Downcast (USA), Wounded Knee, No More (Luxemburg), Abolition, Truth Against Tradition (Germany) and P.R.A.C.H. (France). The featured tracks are already available on each's band discographies and were taken from a live performance in Luxemburg, during Downcast's european tour in 1993.

The name of this compilation is clear: it conmemorates the massacre of indigenous people in North America executed by european caucasic men, blinded by their insane craving of conquest and expansion. All proceeds were donated to Mohawk Nation, an american non-profit organization that fights for north american indigenous' settlements (only a few remain), their preservation and respect of their environment and vital space. Also, there's included a short yet complete writing about the negative influence of the rich white men in american territories. It's written in both english and german.

Regarding the sound, we find fast, relentless and ferocious political hardcore, highly influenced by american outfits such as Downcast, Rorschach and Born Against. Nonetheless, I must admit that these european bands took these influences to the next level and, perhaps, they were even more engaged to the cause. And, the lyrics are varied, full of both social and political critics, denouncing colonialism, death penalty and prison, among others.

Finally, I highly recommend this compilation. Click on the image for downloading it. You'll find all artwork, inserts, layouts and the aforementioned booklet in the file. All-in-one. Enjoy! 

The Seed Of The Next Season

Another impressive german hardcore punk compilation released by german record labels Per Koro and Alveran in 1999. It was released on both CD and LP formats, with no apparent differences between them. It features the following bands: Jane, Chispa, Systral, Y, Acheborn, Heaven Shall Burn, Linsay, Tumult, Man Vs. Humanity, Enfold, Nyari, Gomorrha, Deamon's Jaded Passion, Mörser, Inane, Metalfist, Caliban and Aclys.

Regarding the sound, we find top-notch metalcore (including Northcore bands), screamo and powerviolence. Unlike other german hardcore punk-related compilations of the time, this one has a superior sound quality and a high production value. It also contains exclusive tracks that aren't available on each's band discographic material, for example, some of Caliban and Heaven Shall Burn's early recordings are here, before having their short "fifteen minutes of glory and fame", Acheborn's To Lie Is To Be Strong track, which is a re-interpretation of Seal (Yup, the british soul/pop singer) and Adamksi's Killer track and Gomorrah's Human Slaughter track, whose lyrics are taken from one of Rüdiger Safranski's, a german philosopher, writings. 

Finally, get this record. One of the best 90s german hardcore punk compilations ever released. Click on the image for downloading it. The file contains all the artwork, inserts and layouts. All-in-one. Highly recommended. Enjoy!


PLOT 

This is a rare compilation released by X-Mist Records in 1994 and contains the following bands: Graue Zellen, Cwill, Ambush, Ego Trip, Golgatha, The Slumlords, Zorn, Acme, Systral, Luzifers Mob, Stack, Time To Suffer Power, Wounded Knee, Mine, Corrosive, Zelot, Dawnbreed and Bohren Und Der Club Of Gore. All of the featured bands are german, except Wounded Knee (Luxemburg) and Mine (Switzerland). Also, all proceeds were used for releasing the first and only issue of a fanzine of the same name. 

Regarding the sound, once again, we have metalcore (including Northcore), powerviolence and even experimental hardcore. Compared with the previous compilation, PLOT doesn't have a high production value nor good sound quality, however, it does have a special charm. Indeed, not only is one of the rarest german hardcore punk compilations, due to its scarce printing, but it also contains some previously unreleased and never heard before tracks. For example, we have Acme's last track ever that didn't have an official release (it's not even included on their discography disc) and Stack's Armistice studio version (originally released on their first demo).   

Finally, get this record. Click on the image for downloading it.The file contains all the artwork, inserts and layouts. All-in-one. Enjoy!

Agressions In An Emotional Way 

A beautiful german hardcore punk compilation released in 1995 by Daydream Records (a short lived german record label owned by Niels Bogdan, bassist of Spit Acid). It contains the following bands: Day By Day, Grey, Spit Acid, Better Tooth Organization, Systral and Peace Of Mind. It was also available in black and white and red. This compilation was meant to appear long time ago here in the blog but I don't know why it didn't happen.

Regarding the sound, we find different styles. For example, Systral surprise us with their Northcore attack; Day By Day is female-fronted with both political and melodic hardcore influences; Grey has post-hardcore influences; Better Tooth Organization has both straight edge hardcore and youth crew influences. They would later form Lebensreform; and, last but not least, Peace Of Mind has emo and post-hardcore influences. Also, the lyrics are in english, except Systral's song, and are highly political.

Finally, get this record. Another outstanding 90s german hardcore punk compilation that it isn't as savage as other releases but it's still pretty cool. Click on the image for downloading it.The file contains all the artwork, inserts and layouts. All-in-one. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

  

Heart Circle benefit compilation

We finally conclude this first part of our special post with this surprising benefit compilation curated by The 90s SCREAMO/HC/EMO/INDIE ROCK FRIENDS Facebook group. All the proceeds were donated to cover Marc Köhler's, a friend of the group and active in german underground scene, medical expenses. He was diagnosed with a strange genetic disorder known as "Factor V Leiden" that severely affects his cardiovascular system. We're not completely sure how he's doing right now, but we hope he gets well soon.

This compilation contains the following 86 (!) bands: Fine Boat That Coffin, A Tired Day's Night, ABCM, Adore_Repel, Andorra Atkins, Apsis, Arktika, Aslov Kinski, Assay, Bängks, BLCKWVS, Bobbie Knollmann, Burke, Carol, CHLRN, Confusing World, Cousin Of Death, Danton, Deadwood, Dear Diary, Decent Paint Box, Derbe Lebowski, Downright, Être, Fallow Deer Fawn, Glasses, H.ate K.ill Z.ersteu, Hatehug, Hell & Back, Hester, Hund Kaputt, Idiotlights, John Matrix, Jukai, Kaschmir Köter, Keep It Alive, Kinetic Crash Cooperation, Kishote, Komma Acht Komma Eins, Kosslowski, La Petite Mort_Little Death, Lassard, Last Beautiful June, Letters To You, Lightsome, Loose Suspense, Lypurá, Mallory Last Dance, Minion, Morla, Mörser, Narrowline, Nausae, Nixion Golden, NOºRD, On Your Marx, Phantoms, Phobos And Eleos, Planks, Rangka, Rant, Redröm, Reno Kid, Resolutions, Rusty James, Sermon, Sesame, Siege Of Hate, Sleep Kit, Sometimes Go, Sonic Skies, Stale, Surmoi, Systral, Tephra, The 244GL, The Notorious Love Affair, The Tidal Sleep, This Too Will Pass, Thurm, Trainwreck, Welk, When There Is None, White Crane, Wolves Reign and Yanos.

Regarding the sound, it has both classical and modern german bands with multiple musical genres and styles. For example, some Northcore and 90s emocore acts such as Systral, Carol, Mörser, Assay, The Notorious Love Affair and Rusty James, some 00s screamo revival bands such as A Fine Boat That Coffin and Trainwreck, as well as other muscial groups that explore post-rock like CHLRN, sludge like BLCKWVS, blackgaze like Apsis, and some 80s Deutschpunk homages like Hund Kaputt. We decided to re-feature this comp, due to the inclusion of the 90s german hardcore punk bands that will be present in this special post. Also, there are some exclusive tracks, for example, Carol's Dark Side Of Genius. Finally, early this year, a second volume was released with only german modern bands. I'm not sure if it's also a benefit compilation for Marc.

Finally, get this record. Click on the image for getting redirected to The 90s SCREAMO/HC/EMO/INDIE ROCK FRIENDS' official bandcamp account. This is probably the best register of the prolific german underground scene, remarking the inclusion of the 90s hardcore punk bands that are all-time classics and an institution for the subgenre, as well. See you next time with more surprises. Enjoy. Kisses and hugs!

John Zorn's experimental hardcore punk sideprojects: Naked City and Painkiller

Coucou, les chaton.ne.s! We're back with another short yet wholesome entry (Ay, qué ricoooo. Papiiii) Ehemm, ok...This time we'll feature Naked City and Painkiller, two amazing experimental hardcore punk projects of John Zorn, a renowned american composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist (most of the time as a saxophonist) that is known by his extensive and prolific musical carrer creating, mixing and arranging music mixed with different styles, notably jazz, ambient, hard rock, both improvised and classical music, among other musical genres and subgenres. He has described his music as avant-garde or experimental. 

This is not the first time that different personalities outside of the hardcore punk community have had interest in the most important punk rock subgenre. As you may remember, BBC journalist John Peel compiled different live sessions in his radio program, known as Peel Sessions, with early grindcore outfits like Heresy, Extreme Noise Terror, Carcass and Napalm Death. We've already posted these sessions, as well as compilations featuring these collaborations with these and other UK hardcore punk acts. You can refresh your memory here, however, the entry is in spanish. Even though grindcore had its "fifteen minutes of fame and glory" in both public radio and TV broadcasts (remember Extreme Noise Terror's infamous appearance with The KLF at the 1992 Brit Awards), it has luckily remained underground.

Now, John Zorn's first, and probably his most well-known, hardcore-inspired sideproject is Naked City. It was active between 1988 and 1993 and featured other outstanding New York City-based avant-garde and experimental musicians such as Bill Frisell, Fred Frith, Wayne Horvitz, Joey Baron, Yamatsuka Eye and even Mike Patton, vocalist of Faith No More, contributed to this project. While most of their material was released through non-hardcore punk related record labels, Earache Records (influential british grindcore and death metal record label) did release some of them, though. 

At first, Naked City was meant to test improvisation limits in a traditional rock band line-up. Thus, they mixed different musical genres such as hardcore punk, notably grindcore and sludge, progressive rock, noise, surf, jazz, heavy metal, country, drone and other avant-garde elements, for creating an unique and complex musical style with an unorthodox and improvised structure featuring screamed vocals (in some tracks because it was instrumental most of the time), fast tempos and abstract ambient.

Along with this bold and innovative musical approach, Naked City's albums featured suicide, torture, BDSM and surrealistic artworks, which was controversial for mainstream rock standards of their time. During their short yet productive lifetime, they released 5 full-length albums self-titled, 1990; Grand Guignol and Heretic (Jeux Des Dames Cruelles film soundtrack), 1992; Radio and Absinthe, 1993; singles like Leng T'che (Japan-only release, 1992) and different collections containing all of their complete works.

Finally, Naked City disbanded after the release of their last full-length album because Zorn considered that it was time to move on and explore other musical ideas and contexts. There was a brief reunion in 2003 where the band participated to different european jazz festivals. For this entry, I'll feature you Torture Garden (Shimmy Disc, 1990), which is a compilation of "hardcore miniatures" featuring nine tracks taken from self-titled and thirty-three tracks that would later reappear on Grand Guignol, as well as Leng T'Che single, which has more grindcore, drone and sludge influences. Due to the controversy behind the marvelous BDSM original artwork, Torture Garden was re-released along with Leng T'Che single as Black Box (Tzadil Records, 1996), featuring a black front cover with yellow letters. Both records are also included in Naked City's discography named The Complete Studio Recordings (Tzadik Records, 2005). Click on each record image for downloading them with their respective original artworks, layouts and inserts.

Last but not least, we've got John Zorn's second and last experimental hardcore punk sideproject named Painkiller. It was formed in 1991 and disbanded four years later. There were also some brief and occasional reunions in 1997, 2003 (for celebrating Zorn's 50th birthday), 2004, 2005 and 2008. If you already noticed, Painkiller was born two years later than Naked City but lasted two more years. Cool, huh? The band members were: John Zorn (saxophone), Bill Laswell (bass) and Mick Harris of Napalm Death (drums). There were also some collaborations with Naked City's vocalists Yamatsuka Eye and Mike Patton, Justin Broadrick and G.C. Green of Godflesh, among other musicians.

During their short yet prolific lifetime, Painkiller released Guts Of Virgin EP (Earache Records, 1991), Buried Secrets EP (Earache Records, 1992), Rituals: Live In Japan EP (Toy's Factory, 1993), Execution Ground (Subharmonic, 1994), Talisman: Live In Nagoya EP (Tzadik Records, 2002), 50th Birthday Celebration Volume 12 EP (Tzadik Records, 2005), The Prophecy: Live In Europe EP (Tzadik Records, 2013). After the release of Execution Ground, Harris left the band for creating his own computer music sideprojects. Many people thought that Harris' departure would make disband the musical group. Nonetheless, both Zorn and Laswell decided to continue without him and recruited Yoshida Tatsuya of Ruins, a japanese progressive rock band. They only played a few shows and finally disbanded next year. Following Painkiller's disolution, the band briefly reunited for playing a few shows with different line-up. Even the posthumous live EPs don't include Harris and were recorded without him (except the first two). And, finally, the band's last performance ever was in 2008 in France with the original line-up (Zorn, Laswell and Harris) and Fred Firth and Mike Patton of Naked City as special guests.  

Regarding the sound, Painkiller followed Naked City's frantic and eclectic musical path. Therefore, they had hardcore punk, notably grindcore and some sludge, jazz, ambient, dub, and progressive rock influences, among others. I dare to say that in some moments Painkiller's sound is really close to Naked City's. Also, both bands shared the same dark and brutal iconographic touch, featuring a morbid and gory aesthetic, however, Painkiller didn't receive any complaint about it. 

Lastly, I'll feature you Completed Works (Tzadik Records, 1997) containing everything that Painkiller's original line-up recorded (except Rituals: Live In Japan and Talisman: Live In Nagoya EPs). There are 4 CDs (named zero, one, two, three): the first one contains the first two EP (with Justin Broadrick and G.C. Green of Godflesh as special guests on Buried Secrets and The Toll tracks); the second one contains Execution Ground and the third one contains the same record's ambient version; and, finally, the fourth one contains a live performance in Osaka, Japan with Yamatsuka Eye of Naked City as vocalist on Bodkyithangga, Black Bile, Yellow Bile, Blue Bile, Crimson Bile, and Ivory Bile tracks. Click on the record image for downloading it with its respective original artwork, layouts and inserts. A friend of mine, who took them from his own physical copies, passed me the image files. So, you'll notice some of the band members' signatures in some of them. Consider it a really special edition haha. I hope you really enjoyed these superb experimental hardcore punk bands. Will we ever see another reunion show or even much better, other bands following this trend? We certainly hope so. In the near future we'll feature more experimental hardcore and grindcore bands like these ones. Highly recommended. Stay tuned for tomorrow because we'll start with the first part of our special post of this month. Kisses and hugs!