FACE OF CHANGE : 1989-2002
31 song CD on Varsity - € / $ 8
Discography of one of Japan’s premier old school bands, who have been around from the end of the 1980s on, and broke up in 2002. This CD, released by three South American labels, features songs recorded in 1990, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and gives a nice overview of the recorded work of Face Of Change.
FACE THE FACT
4 song 7" on Nuclear Age / Where It Lies - € / $ 3
Split-release of two new Italian labels, Where It Lies being run by the singer of Strength Approach. Face The Fact from Rome play heavy Cro-Mag influenced hardcore on their debut-7".
FACTS – SWORDS
9 song 7” on Rising Riot / Good Boys - € 3,50
This 7" documents two young bands from Germany. Both, TheFacts and TheSwords sold their sanity for the essence of chaoscore. TheFacts are running a desperate, distressed path through the abyss of subsistence. If you need comparisons, take Some Girls, and Panic. The drugfree and vegan moshmonster, formaly known as TheSwords are out to take a stand against the prevailing stupidity in todays hc-scene. Vegan-SXE gets a new shape, forget the blackened metalmosh-kids without any background. HC needs content, so here are TheSwords.
FAIRFIGHT : The Neverending Road
7 song 7" on Commitment - € / $ 3
Fairfight is a positive sXe-hardcore band from Utrecht, the fourth city of the Netherlands. Energetic and melodic youth crew hardcore in the style of H-Street, GuidingLine, Atari and Spirit 84, coupled with positive lyrics that make sense.
FAIRFIGHT
7 song 7” on Commitment - € / $ 3
Second 7” of one of Holland’s leading Straight Edge bands, Fairfight from Utrecht. Again recorded at the Bunt Studios by Menno Bakker, Fairfight brings you 6 songs of melodic, powerful and fast youthcrew hardcore. The new songs are a clear progression from the first 7”, both musically and lyrically, and will have you singing along and jumping around in no time !
FAIR FUCK
8 song 7” on Kick n’ Punch - € 3
Debut-7” of Fair Fuck from Norway on a new Danish label: Fair fuck plays fast hardcore musically inspired by early 80s band like Minor Threat, Faith and Black Flag - a style that seems to be very popular in Scandinavia at the moment. The somewhat nihilistic lyrics fit in right with the music-style.
FASTBREAK: Don’t Stop Trying
6 song 7” on Third Party - € 3,50
Second pressing (with different artwork) of this 1996 7” of Conneticut’s sXe pride Fastbreak. Good positive old school hardcore.
FEUD : Battling Bastards Of Freedom
16 song CD on Take 4 - € / $ 7
The farewell CD of Feud, one of South-East Asia’s premier sXe bands. The band started out in a youthcrew style, but started playing faster through the years, and on this CD they sound more like a fastcore/thrash band. The CD, which is the result of the cooperation of a bunch of international hardcore labels (like Take 4, 625 Thrashcore, Where’s Your Anger, Hell On Earth and Biosleve), ands contains 18 songs of fast and energetic political sXe hardcore.
FIFTY ON RED
6 song 7” on Dead And Gone - € / $ 3
A new straight edge band from Nottingham, UK (where do all those UK sXe bands suddenly come from, there are so many that I lost count), of course on Dead And Gone Records, who play pissed off youthcrew. Fast and aggressive, with lyrics that reflect frustration with all those who are not true to their ideals, this record is the perfect soundtrack for an angry mood. “Only here for the social scene, you’re dragging us down – I won’t forfet the third X, I don’t want you around”.
FIGHT FOR CHANGE : More Than Drug Free
6 song 7" on Commitment - € / $ 3
The debut-7" of one of the upcoming bands from the hyperactive Portugese sXe scene. Besides other Portugese bands like New Winds, Time X and Pointing Finger, Fight For Change is in the frontlines of the European sXe scene. Musically, Fight For Change is mainly influenced by European bands like Mainstrike, Eyeball and Reaching Forwards, which means they play fast and energetic hardcore. From the lyrics it's clear Fight For Change is a sXe band, and like most other Portugese sXe bands, they are not afraid to couple a drug free life style with a strong political (anti-capitalist) stance. As straight edge = politics !
FIGHT FOR CHANGE : Join The Fight
7 song 7” on Commitment - € / $ 3
Fight For Change’s third 7” - their second on Commitment - takes a very big step forward from their previous releases. The music is still firmly rooted in the old school of the late 1980s and the late 1990s, but the production is much more powerful than on their earlier recordings. Seven songs of youthcrew hardcore with all the ingredients that you need: singalongs, breakdowns, fast parts and lyrics that deal both with the edge and with other important issues in this world: animal rights (the record is a benefit for the ALF), the weapon industry and even the dance scene. All lyrics come with explanations, while the booklet also contains information about the campaign for animal rights.
FINAL EXIT : Too Late For Apalogies
8 song 7” on Third Party - € 3,50
One of the best Swedish sXe-bands have released their farewell record on the USA label Third Party. Very good lyrics, that talk about sXe- and political subjects. Musically (and also the voice) Final Exit reminds me of early Nations On Fire, which means it is very fast and agressive.
FINAL PRAYER: Berlin
3 song 7” on Demons Run Amok - € 4
The wait is over! Three years after their last album Berlin's very own Final Prayer return with three recently recorded songs. The new release, entitled “Berlin”, contains two new songs of their brand of energetic hardcore which have a more catchy and slightly melodic feel to them. The third song is a cover of Ideal's Neue Deutsche Welle anthem “Berlin”, featuring guest vocals by Nico Wfahm and Bernd Kurtzke of the famous Beatsteaks, done in a way only Final Prayer could have done it. Inspired by life in Berlin – a city that has inspired all form of political opposition ranging from the early workers movement to anti-fascist resistance to the student uprisings in the 1970s and todays attempts to reclaim the city from becoming another boring, fully commercialized hipster town- the record tells stories of resistance and struggle past and present.
FIRE STILL BURNS
3 song CD on Cycle - € / $ 3
The Fire Still Burns is a new band (and should not be mixed up with the band Flame Still Burns from Slovakia), but features members that have already been around for some time and have played or are still playing in bands such as Lifetime, Ensign, Vision, The Scarlet Letter, Strength 691 and Galaxy Down. If you mix all these bands, you get some idea of how The Fire Still Burns sounds – melodic, in the way (later) Dag Nasty, Verbal Assault and Lifetime did it at the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s. This is the European release of their demo (but it is an official CD, not a CD-R) on a new label from Barcelona.
FLAME STILL BURNS – JEDNOTA
6 song split-7” on My Sleeping Cat - € / $ 3
Two bands from Slovakia team up on this record that seems to be released by 10 labels/distros from 3 different countries… both bands have dual male-female vocals. Flame Still Burns takes the traditional hardcore sound of the 80s, mix it up with screaming vocals and political lyrics in English and deliver four fast and furious songs. Jednota plays more midtempo hardcore, which automatically leads to longer and less songs (2) with also political lyrics in their own Slovak language. Both bands have a raw sound, that adds to the energy.
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
10 song compilation 7" on Commitment - € / $ 3
After being for eight years on the business, Commitment Records releases it's 25th release,
and that is reason enough to make this release something special. This compilation contains
ten mostly unreleased songs of Commitment bands past and present; featured are Cross Me,
GuidingLine, Fairfight, X-Men, Vitamin X, North, Kids Like Us, One X More, Reaching Forward
and Product X and, as you probably already expected: it's ten times of positive straight
edge hardcore. The compilation comes with a 20-page booklet with the story behind all the
records that have been put out on Commitment so far, and a lot of photos. The front cover drawing is
again done by Michiel Uppercut. This compilation is also a benefit for Adele 'I Stand Alone'
Collins.
F.P.O.: 2003-2007 Recordings
41 song CD on El Paso - € 8
This CD compiles most of the stuff the Macedonian straight edge/thrashcore band F.P.O. has recorded in the years 2003 to 2007: the tracks of the split CD with Wasserdicht, the split 7”’s with Secret 7, My Revenge and I Object and a bunch of compilations. The CD also contains an unreleased song and a live show, recorded in August 2006 (this is the 41st track). A cool compilation of a very cool band!
F.P.O.: You Don’t Know What A Human Is
12 song CD on Hard Kora - € 5
Recorded during the same session as the ‘Straight To The Point’ 7” on Commitment, F.P.O. give us 12 songs of punky and energetic straight edge hardcore. Another proof that the band decided to split when they reached their top. Highly recommended.
F.P.O.: Straight To The Point
6 song 7” on Commitment - € 3,50
It’s sad, but true. This 7” is the farewell record of these Macedonian straight edge pioneers. And in a way, this 7” also makes the circle round, as on the 7” F.P.O. return to the sound of their early days. The six songs are fast bursts of hardcore punk, with a touch of youthcrew and an emphasis on the punk part. Singer Vasko sings in a raw voice, with gives the songs even more a punk feel. The music was recorded live and that really suits a band that made a name mainly because the many high energy shows they did over the years. The philosophy of F.P.O. did not change through the years: still straight edge, still political, still truly D.I.Y. and this shows in the lyrics, that are sung in their native language, but came (of course) with translations.
FROM THE SAND TO THE SEA
15 song CD-compilation on Buxxxa - € / $ 7
This compilation documents the hardcore scene of Santos, Brazil Three bands are featured on this compilation. 100 Ilusoes play old school orientated hardcore with melodic/emo parts and lyrics in Portugese. Face Forward is a sXe band and play fast youthcrew hardcore with lyrics in English. Last band is Larusso, that also play old school hardcore, but with screaming vocals and somewhat more ‘modern’ 90s influences. All in all a nice look into the Santos hardcore scene.
FUCK ON THE BEACH – RELATIONSHIT
15 song CD on MCR - € 5
Fuck On The Beach play grind/thrashcore, Japanese style, as that is where they are from. Relationshit! from Indonesia play the same style!
FUERZA DE LUCHA: ...Intenta Comprender
6 song CD on Invisible - € 3
Spanish hardcore band, with fast and energetic rhythms with social lyrics and social lyrics. From 2002.
FUERZA DE VOLUNTAD : Hardcore No Es Violencia
20 song CD on Opcion Real / Brutal - € / $ 8
This CD contains the first album of this Chilean straight edge band (known from the More Than The X On Our Hands compilation), a live set from 1999 (recorded at their show with Better Than A Thousand) and their 1998 demo. Fast, early 80s inspired hardcore with political and sXe-orientated lyrics in Spanish of the godfathers of the Chilean positive sXe scene. And as an extra: a very cool video clip of the song Amistad!
FUERZA DE VOLUNTAD : En Vivo, Lima Peru 2005
26 song CD on Tomorrow - € 6
In 2005, Fuerza de Voluntad (number 1 old school sXe band from Chile) played a great show in Peru, Lima, and this CD documents this show. It starts with the theme of Rambo II, and then bursts into more than 50 minutes of old school glory. All the Fuerza de Voluntad hits are there (like ‘Hardcore No Es Violencia’ and ‘Amistad’), plus covers of Ten Yard Fight, Youth Of Today, Minor Threat and Los Prisioneros.
FUMBLES IN LIFE : The Gift Of Forever
8 song CD on Youth Crew - $ / € 6
Fumbles In Life is a new Italian youthXcrew sXe band, from the Milan area, that features some former members of Half My Time - it’s fast, energetic, with good lyrics, that reflect on life with a positive state of mind. Contains a cover of ‘Positive Outlook’ by Youth Of Today, a band that they are clearly influenced by.
FUMBLES IN LIFE: Everyday You Can Improve
6 song CD on Youth Crew - € 6
Fumbles In Life is one of the most active bands in the Italian positive hardcore / straight edge scene, being around from early 2002 on. This new MCD brings again six songs of 7 Seconds/Ignite inspired melodic hardcore with positive and social conscious lyrics!
GET LOST: Unity Is Fucking Dead
8 song CD on High Hopes / Eternalis / Kawaii / Positively Negative – € 6
8 songs in only 12 minutes, so you know what to expect from this straight edge band from Paris. Fast old school hardcore, with some small New York hardcore influences, but without taking the speed away from the songs. Lyrics deal with hypocrisy within the hardcore scene, the war on terrorism, straight edge and the meat industry. Good stuff!
GET LOST: The End
8 song 7” on High Hopes / Build Me A Bomb - € 3,50
Second release of Get Lost, straight hardcore from Paris, France and the first release on the new French label Build Me A Bomb. As far as I am concerned, this EP is big step forward from their debut CDEP - 8 songs of raging powerful and energetic youthcrew hardcore with very good lyrics, a combination of straight edge ethics and politics. One of the best Europeans straight edge releases from 2009!
GO! : What We Built Together
9song 7” on Refuse / Stress To Death / Go! - € 3,50
GO! is a positive New York Hardcore band that originally existed from 1989 to 1991. Among bands like Life’s Bloodn, Born Against and Citizens Arrest, they were an integral part of DIY side of NYHC scene in those days. They were known because of their fast, short and positive HC songs with lyrics focused on personal/political issues, caring about social and environmental awareness, confronting racism, sexism, homophobia, violence at shows in their lyrics and supportive to all-ages shows, equality for women, equal rights and respect for gay and lesbian people, essentially having respect for other people in general. In 2006, Go! Reformed and released the "Reactive" 7", taking their values and sounds from the past to present. "What we build together" 7" is their new release contains 9 songs (including two new versions of their old song "You'll say you'll", this time in German and Hebrew versions).
GOLDEN X
5 song 7” on Positive & Focused - € 3,50
Golden X is a straight edge hardcore project from Austria. 3 straight edge kids who’ve been involved in hardcore for many years and played in quite a few bands. The band plays traditional youthcrew hardcore with lyrics that deal with straight edge and living a positive lifestyle. Only 280 pressed, so the record will be sold out soon.
GOOD FELLAZ: Demos 2007
10 song 7” on Anti Todo - € 3,50
This 7” compiles the first two demos from this hardcore band from the Canary Islands in Spain – mostly known as a favourite touristic spot for many Western European tourists. Good Fellaz play fast and raw hardcore, early 80s style with some late 80s and early 90s influences.
GOUT
12 song Cd on Noise 'R' Us - € 4
CD of Kilkenny and Ireland's heaviest Funk Metal band. From 1997.
GUIDINGLINE: Showdown EP
6 song 7" on Commitment - € / $ 3
Rotterdam's Guiding Line were one of the first bands that brought the old school sXe back to Holland - and here they are with their debut-7". 6 songs of pure old school power: strong and aggressive vocals backed up by tight playing and a massive production. You won't find it better than this. Ask Frank Sinatra and Jackie Chan ! The artwork will suprise you.
GUIDINGLINE : The Boyscout Revival
6 song 7" on Third Party - € / $ 3,50
Two-and-half years after recording, the record finally is out - the second 7" of GuidingLine, that was delayed for a long time, due to Third Party Records being out of business for some time. But the label is back again, so also the people who were not able to pick up a copy of the very limited (200) release-party edition can listen to this "new" GuidingLine 7" - it's in the same style as the Commitment 7", with the only difference that the voice is somewhat more melodic, and the lyrics are a little bit more moderate. The song 'White Lotus' is a must for every hardliner: "Don't connect yourself with straight-edge, you give it a bad name. If you're looking for a title, fascist suits you better".
THE GUILT SHOW: Those Who Do Wrong Deserve To Be Blamed
4 song 7” on Defiant Hearts - € 3,50
Fast and angry modern-sounding old school hardcore from Bologna and Lignano, Italy. Members have previously played in bands like The Secret, Summer League, Ivory Cage and Not One Word. Comparable to Unbroken mixed with early American Nightmare! The lyrics deal with personal and more social and political issues.White vinyl.
HALF MY TIME : No More Lies
4 song 7" on Youth Crew - € 3
First release on a new old school sXe-label from Italy. Half My Time are from Milan and play well produced fast and sometimes melodic old school sXe hardcore. I had never heard of this band before, but I think they are one of the best of the Italian old school bands. With some band members that have been around in the Italian sXe-scene for a long time.
HALF THE BATTLE: What We Have
14 song CD on Take Four / Major Malfunction - € 6
Half The battle is from The Phillipines and play pure youthcrew hardcore, sounding like a mixture between early Fastbreak and In My Eyes! One of the best hardcore records to ever come out of The Philippines!
HALF THE BATTLE – PLAY – FEUD
23 song CD on Take Four / Delusion Of Terror - € 7
This 3-way split CD gathers three of the best hardcore bands from the Philippines from the moment. All three bands play hardcore in the traditional style. Dual vocalled Half The Battle mix some modern hardcore influences (American Nightmare) into their hardcore. Play play (sic!) fast and furious hardcore with breakdowns and singalongs (youthcrew-ish, I would say) and straight edge veterans Feud, back together after a (fortunately very) short break, give us eight songs of hardcore power – more hardcore and less thrashy than most of their stuff of the last few years – their best work until now, and the winner of the CD.
HANDFUL OF DUST - SONG OF KERMAN
4 song split-7" on Moo Cow - € / $ 3,50
I'm always wondering where Moo Cow finds these kinds of bands - most of their bands I never heard of. Handful Of Dust and Song Of Kerman were also new to me. Handful Of Dust from New Jersey can be described as screaming emo new school mayhem with space sounds (they have a member that plays keyboards).. Song Of Kerman from Florida have a more standard hardcore sound, also with emo influences, but more Quickstand-style. Their last songs is a poem, accompanied by feedback and piano. I bet nobody dares to give this record a try.
HAYWIRE: Private Hell
12 song CD on We Bite - € 5
From Flex Discography. Ex-Half Off people continuing with a similar sound. Fast angry hardcore with NYHC/mosh influences; actually this is pretty powerful, but the weak, muddy production just kills this record. From 1990.
HEAD TRAUMA : Two Faced E.P.
6 song 7” on Give Praise - € 3
Head Trauma from Long Island, New York deliver simple and rythmetic laid out fast hardcore. It goes into fast paced two step parts, and then blasts right back into simple fastcore.
THE HEADLINES: Wake Up (Added August 2011)
7" EP on Goodwill - € 4
The label writes: The Headlines are an amazing PunK Rock band from Sweden. They are not afraid to use female vocals, sax or harmonica, but they still keep their songs catchy as hell. This is the PunK Rock at it's finest! Think The Clash at it's best and Rancid at it's very, very best. An absolutely amazing band. 400 copies on WHITE vinyl!!!
HEARTFELT : Take It Or Leave It
14 song CD on Shield - € 7
Heartfelt are from Tilburg, The Netherlands, and this is their third record, and the second on Shield Records. Heartfelt have a modern hardcore sound, comparable to the Nerve Agents or Kid Dynamite, and mix punkrock and hardcore to a sound of their own. Add to this strong aggressive vocals (that somehow remind of Thumbs Down) and the usual good Patrick Delabie production. Lyrics deal with growing up, the consequences of alcohol abuse, homelessness, war, consumerism and more subjects that indicates a band that knows what is going on in this world.
HEARTWORK
4 song 7” on Dewa / Cadmium Sick - € 3
Split release by AGE's Dewa Records and Boston-based Cadmium Sick Records. The debut EP by Niigata’s HEARTWORK, a record that turned many heads among North American punks. Quick, driving blasts of purist hardcore punk that recall classical US (Negative Approach, Minor Threat), Japanese (Lip Cream, Systematic Death) and even some early UK bands. The pace is set by a consistent galloping beat, fortified by prominent bass, accompanied by shouted vocals and all driven along by a non-stop buzzsaw guitar that occasionally leaps into tasteful leads but never loses the essential momentum.
HELLO BASTARDS
9 song 7” on Never Healed - € 3,50
Hello Bastards is a very political straight edge band based in London, although most of the members come from all over the world. The record looks like a crust record (black and white, soldiers on the front and back cover) and that is also were the band gets part of its inspiration. Hello Bastards play dual male-female vocal hardcore with both crust and 80s hardcore influences, and put forward a heavy political message – songs titles like “Economic Oppression”, “Peace, Justice, Freedom” and “The Sweatshop System” should say enough. But the band is also very clear about the fact they are a straight edge band, and define straight edge as something positive and life-affirming, instead of a fashion statement and conservative attitudes. A band that deserves support, not only because of the message, but also because of the good music!
HENCEFORT : An Ambush Among Friends
4 song 7” on Positive And Focused
Hencefort from Amsterdam play modern sounding hardcore, that mixes old and new school style elements. They have been compared to bands like Bane and As Friends Rust, other bands who took old school hardcore to new levels. Four tracks of powerful hardcore with aggressive vocals and recorded at Bunt Studios, so a good sounding record is guaranteed. Comes on red vinyl.
HERMANOS DE LA MENTE FURIOSA
17 song CD on Deifer and Xennon - € 3
Compilation CD from 1997 with Brigada Flores Magón (Chile), Disturbio Menor (Chile), Enfermos Terminales (Chile), El Cuervo (Argentina) and BBS Paranoicos (Chile).
HEROS & ZEROS
8 song 7” on Mad Butcher - € / $ 3,50
The debut-7” of Amsterdam redskins (haha, just joking) Heros & Zeros - an oi band that features some familiar faces - like the singer of Vitamin X and the former singer and drummer of Soberesponse. The musicstyle of Heros & Zeros is totally different from aforementioned bands - Heros & Zeros play midtempo and uptempo oi, and include a trumpet to make it even more interesting- like also one of their favourite bands, Blaggers, did. The lyrics, of which one is in Serbian, are political and I especially dig the lyrics of ‘We Don’t Like You’…
HIGH OCTANE PUNK ROCK
15 song compilation CD on Cannonball - € 4
A compilation with 6 Greek punk and hardcore bands, including Twinkle, No Balance, Fresh Fish Campaign, Tracy Lordz, Point Zero and Figurefour.
HIGH TREASON
6 song 7” on Shield - € 3
High Treason is a new band from The Netherlands, with some familiar faces – former Fairfight and Killtraitors singer Steven and former Fairfight bassplayer Pieter team up with three other guys who have been playing around already for some time in several bands like Still No and Of No Avail. The band plays old school hardcore that contains influences from punkrock to modern hardcore.
HIT ME BACK: Life
20 song CD on Refuse / 625 / Punx Before Profits - € / $ 6
First full length of HIT ME BACK from Los Angeles. Hit Me Back rips with their fast hardcore, mixing influences from the early 80's hardcore/punk, late 80's hardcore/thrash like Heresy, youth crew/old school hardcore influences as well as the sounds of bands from recent years like Life's Halt, No Justice or No Reply. More anthemic and melodic than their previous 7" releases, but still with fast and thrash hardcore parts. Their lyrics are covering personal and social issues, not forgetting about some humor and the passions of the band members – skateboarding and record collecting. This CD version contains eight bonus songs. Seven of them are taken from "Only Magic School Bus Goes Back In Time" 7"ep (including Heresy cover) and one is never released before.
HIT THE LINE HARD
7 song compilation-7" on Commitment - € / $ 3
This compilation features 4 USA old school sXe/postive HxC bands, two from Georgia (One Way and No Comply) and two from North Carolina (Reinforce and Until Today). All bands play fast old school hardcore. Reinforce put some rap and dub into their skate song, No Comply has a heavy 7 seconds influence, Until Today have a very cool metal break in one of their songs and One Way play pure youth crew hardcore. The record also contains some wise words of Theodore Roosevelt.
HOLD TRUE : Nothing Can Destroy Me, Nothing Can Stop Me !
6 song MCD on Die Hard - € / $ 6
Second release of this Hungarian sXe band. Their first release caused a lot of controversy, because of one song taking a critical stance towards homosexuality. Fortunately, times have changed and Hold X True have made it clear that they no long stand behind the lyrics of this song. This CD contains six songs of very fast but at the same time melodic youthXcrew hardcore. Lyrics deal with subjects like staying true to yourself, being stabbed in the back, learning and people fucking up their lives by addiction.
HOLD TRUE – Crossroads
8 song CD on Oath - € / $ 5
New record of Hungary’s premier straight edge band Hold True. Eight songs of powerful and well produced straight edge hardcore. Hold True still sports a modern youthcrew sound and do it well. Lyrics deal with violence and message board gossip in the scene, negativity and depression, friendship and the situation in Palestina/Israel among others. Hold True prove it’s one of the best European sXe bands at the moment for sure.
HOLDING ON : Just Another Day
15 song CD on Havoc - € / $ 9
First full length of Holding On, the Minneapolis old school band. Fast and angry hardcore.
HOLDING ON - THE REAL ENEMY : Twin Cities Hardcore
7 song split-7” on Havoc / One Percent - € / $ 3,50
Two rather new USA old school bands - Holding On play typical youth crew with positive lyrics; The Real Enemy have a bit more rawer sound and their lyrics deal with sXe and politics. A good introduction to two cool new bands.
HOLDING ON: Just Another Day
15 song CD on Havoc / THD / One Percent - € 10
This is Holding On's second full length. Fifteen more songs of pissed off in-your-face old school hardcore. Nothing "youth crew" about these guys. More of thrashy feel here ala Life's Halt / No Reply / What Happens Next. Catchy but not poppy, just furious and FAST.
HOMEWRECKER: Portrait Of Nothing
9 song 7” on Defiant Heart - € 4
The label says: “HOMEWRECKER (us) are new band from Ohio. After self-releasing a CD EP in 2008 they now show up with damn pissed high speed trashcore. Adding some heavy breakdowns and hard-hitting mid-tempo parts they will make you wrecking your home while listening to this blast of a record! If you like CEREMONY or (early) R.A.M.B.O. you are not allowed to miss this!” White vinyl.
HOODS UP : Arms Still Open
11 song CD on Refuse - € 6
CD version of the 7” on Commitment on Refuse Records from Poland. Contains as a bonus a cover of Hands Tied and the 2006 demo. 11 songs of hardhitting pounding youthcrew straight edge of one of the most hardworking and sympathic bands around!
I SHOT CYRUS : Complete Discography 1997-2001
21 song CD on Refuse - € 10
I Shot Cyrus is a Brazilian political sXe band from Sao Paolo, Brazil. This CD contains all their outings in the first five years of their existence, that have been released on various compilations and split-releases. The bands contains members of bands like Inspire, Point Of No Return, Infect and Ratos De Pora, so that should already say enough about the quality of this band. Fast and furious hardcore, with both youthcrew and early 80s elements. One of the best South-American bands ever, as far as I am concerned. Highly recommended. BACK IN!
ICEPICK : Goldrush
7 song CD on Not Just Words - € / $ 6
Friesland brings us Icepick, a band that already has built a good live reputation and that is now also captured on CD. The Cro-Mags influence is very clear, and they pay tribute to their heros very well. The lyrics deal mostly with relations between people in a reflective way and raise some interesting points. Another winner for Not Just Words!
IDENTITY: Rise To Power
4 song 7” on In Our Hands - € 4
Idenity from Poland features some familiar faces, like members of bands like The Age (aka Second Age), X’s Always Win and Last Item. The band plays hardcore in the style of bands like Dead Stool Pigeon, strong, powerful and well-produced, with the feet firmly in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but still reflexing the spirit of the 21st century. Thoughtful lyrics and cool packaging make up for a strong release!
IN ARM’S REACH
6 song 7” on Anger Management - € / $ 3
Another American Nightmare inspired band from Europe – In Arm’s Reach make the kind of fast-paced screamy-vocalled hardcore that was made so popular by the band that is now called Give Up The Ghost. Lyrics that reflect a negative view on life and artwork done by Mike Bukowski make the picture complete.
IN DEFENSE
Self-released CD - € 3
This CD compiles all the early recordings of this classic MN hardcore band: demos, split 7” with Birds Of A Feather and some live stuff.
IN THE CLEAR : Leave This City In Flames
9 song CD on Dead & Gone / Zandor - € / $ 9
Both the title of this album and the name of the first label seem to be symbolic for the fact that In The Clear is not longer among us - their drummer had to go back to the USA, and that meant the end of the band. That this is a big loss to the worldwide sXe scene is more than proven by the CD, their farewell gift to all of us. Those who already know ITC from the previous releases or have seen them live know what to expect: hardhitting youthXcrew hardcore with heavy mosh breaks. And that is what you get: add a very powerfull and strong production and good songwriting and you end up with a very good album, on which ITC sometimes reminds me of Reaching Forward. The album makes ITC the best UK sXe band ever… and the layout is really original and beautifully done…
INERT
6 song 7” on Old Pride - € 4
Inert came together to play a mosh-inducing style of hardcore. This EP has six songs and features guest vocals from Nick Jett of Piece By Piece and Terror.
INNER REASON: Something To Prove
9 song CD on Youth Crew - € 6
Inner Reason is a straight edge band from Vicenza, Italy, listing Wide Awake, Youth Of Today, Unit Pride, Unity and No For An Answer as their influences, so I don’t think I need to say more about the sound of the songs on this, their debut. Inner Reason has some familiar faces, like former members of The Miracle and Vitamin X, and play pure youthcrew hardcore.
INSTILLED: Unfinished Business
7 song 7” on State Of Mind - € 4
Instilled are a ferocious and jarring punk rock/hc outfit from the deep south. "Unfinished Busisness" will renew your faith in anger, and remind you exactly how to stay pissed at the world. 7 Songs recorded by Dean at ATOMIC (NY). As seen on tour with Love Is Red, A Perfect Murder, Kids Like Us and will be seen touring regularly. For fans of : The Suicide File, Cro Mags, and No Warning
INTRUDER
9 song 7” on Defiant Hearts - € / $ 3
Nine songs of modern sounding old school hardcore (yeah, I know this sounds like a contradiction, but the music is rooted in the late 80s, but the delivery is very much 21st century, so I think the description fits the music) from Germany. Aggressive vocals shouting mostly personal, sometimes poetic, sometimes angry lyrics over fast-pasted hardcore. Nicely done, handprinted artwork. A good debut of both band and label.
I.O.U.: A Cause For Anxiety
6 song 7” on True North - € 3
Ripping pissed off hardcore from Norway. Fast, catchy melodic and angry.
IT'S NOW: Resister Y Exister (Added September 2011)
7 song EP on Commitment – € 4
It's Now is a straight edge hardcore band from Monterrey, Mexico. Already around since 2004, this 7” is their first international release, making them the second Latin American band on Commitment. It's Now is inspired both by political Spanish language bands like Los Crudos and by the late 1980s west coast straight edge sound (Insted, Chain Of Strength). On this 7”, that is more like a mini-album with 16 minutes of music, It’s Now rage through 7 songs of varied, aggressive and political hardcore. Comes on three different colours of vinyl: black, blue and white.
IVY LEAGUE (Added September 2011)
4 song 7” on Life To Live - € 4,50
After settling into their sound, Ivy League proudly brings to you their self-titled debut 7? on Life to Live records. This record brings forward emotion and passion, and it (hopefully) has something everyone can relate to. With influences spanning from early Drive-Thru bands, to fast aggressive hardcore, this “Ivy League” is intense with emotion, both lyrically and musically.
JANUARY STAR: Pneumatic
4 song 7" on School Bust - € / $ 3
Soft and emotional pop from Germany.
JOIN KAO #7 : € / $ 1
The fanzine that put the Danish hardcore-scene back on the map. The European HeartattaCk. #7 features The Rat Hole Sheikhs, Don't Belong Records, The Flying Luttenbachers and a Smorgasbord/Skarnspage tour diary. All issues have tons of reviews.
JUGGLING JUGULARS: Skeletons In The Closet
5 song 7" on Halla / Grey Days - € / $ 3
80-style hardcore from Finland - fast, with some melodic and rockish parts, very good produced: hardcore as I like it best.
JUST SAY YO! #4 - € 2,50
Fourth issue of the cool French fanzine. This issue features interviews with On, Bridge And Tunnel, The Movielife, The Saddest Landscape, Austin Lucas, Bökanövsky and Hate5Six, plus reviews, columns and more.
JUST WENT BLACK : Balancing Reasons In An Unbalanced World
4 song 7” on Assault
Passionate rocking and melodic Hardcore from Hamburg, Germany. Just Went Black's sound is build on an often fast and straight forward, yet always highly melodic old school hardcore groundwork, blending in with some rather classic punk rock and some mosh parts. All this is thrown together in short and explosive but still complex songs. Despite the melodic guitars, the fierce and aggressive vocals do justice to the dark and emotional lyrics, fueled by the tragedy and misery of human life.
KASSANDRA
4 song CD-R on Old Skool Kids - € / $ 3
This CD-R is the Russian edition of this 4 song record of Kassandra from Germany - Kassandra plays metallic emocore, which both aggressive parts and quiet parts. The voice sounds a bit like the guy of Die Kreuzen on their first record (does anybody remember this band, by the way ?). Lyrics are about animal liberation, life in a society based on money and (anti) organized religion. Comes in a very DIY packaging.
KEEP IT REAL #10 - € 3 (Added August 2011)
The 10th issue of Greece’s premier hardcore zine, this time featuring interviews with Fucked Up, Bitter End, Glasses, Dwid of Integrity, Lemuria, AC 4, Antimob, Throats, A Endstand/Manifesto Jukebox photo report, review, columns, etcetera.
KIDS LIKE US: Truth Alone Triumphs
6 song 7" on Commitment - € / $ 3
The first band from outside of Holland/Belgium to release a 7" on Commitment - Kids Like Us hail from Stavanger, on the Norwegian coast and are more melodic than the other Commitment-bands. Old-Dagnasty-style. The lyrics come with long explanations, which is proof that this band has some more things to share with the world than loud music. No standard artwork on the sleeve either.
KITO / KONSTRUKT : Portrait
10 song 7" on Hammerwerk - € / $ 2,50
Split between English emo-band and crustband from Austria.
KULTA DIMENTIA : Ausser Funktion
7 song double-7" on Sacro Egoismo - € / $ 4,50
When a record of a band is released by 3 labels at a time, it must be something really special. Well, it is. This Austrian band plays varied hardcore with real interesting German lyrics.
LAST BREATH DENIED : Defeatism
4 song CD on Pure & Simple - € / $ 4,50
Last Breath Denied, who hail from the western part of The Netherlands, are more metal than metalcore – on their website they mention bands like Pantera, AC/DC and Dream Threatre, so you know where they are coming from. Still, on the pictures on the website they look more like hardcore kids than metal kids (but, well, the time that metal kids wore leather jackets, long hair and Slayer-patches lies long behind us). Thriving and mostly slow and powerful metalcore/metal.
LAST CHANCE : The Last Chance
4 song 7” on Dead And Gone - € / $ 3
The first vinyl release on Dead And Gone Records is the last record of The Last Chance. Unfortunately, the UK’s premier sXe band decided to quit: this record is their testament. And they go out with a bang. Thriving youthcrew hardcore that definitely is no cliche stuff. Powerful and energetic with lyrics that reflect the pain of losing… recommended!
LAST CHANCE
4 song 7” on Anger Management - € 3
The Last Chance features former In The Clear-singer and Dead And Gone label owner Ian on vocals, and plays melodic and angry straight edge hardcore. This is the 7” version of their debut CDEP, and the first release on Anger Management Records from Belgium. From 2003.
LAST MILE: Heavyweights
4 song 7” on Demons Run Amok - € 4
The label says: 4 new songs from this Danish killer outfit.Making a name for themselves with their debut CD “Last Mile” and playing constantly since that releasedate Last Mile hits you with their next 7”. Think of Terror meets No Warning meets American Nightmare!
LET’S GROW: Disease Of Modern Times
13 song CD on Refuse - € 7
Let’s Grow from Belgrade, Serbia, present, after two 7”’s, their first full length. 13 songs (and 1 bonus song at the end of the CD) of fast high-energy hardcore, taking the best elements of fast US 80’s hardcore with classic European hardcore. Intelligent lyrics (of which some come with explanations) about depression, the way humanity threats the earth, death, musical progression and honesty. Comes with a rather thick booklet with nice artwork.
LIBERTY STANDS STILL: Another Wasted Year
5 song 7” on United Blood - € 4
Modern sounding hardcore from Berlin, Germany, on this new German label, ran by the guys of the cool Ravens Request zine. Liberty Stands Still is clearly inspired by bands like American Nightmare and Shark Attack, both musically, lyrically and artwork – it’s all rather dark, but very well executed!
LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT – SATURA LANX : Come To Accept
5 song 7” on Brown - € 3
This 7” features two up and coming hardcore bands from Finland. Satura Lanx covers quite a few bases, from the energetically paced chord progressions of traditional hardcore given a dissonant face lift, to post-hardcore accoutrements that blend both subtle melody and a chunkier metallic undercurrent. On the flip side you have Lighthouse Project banging through their modern hardcore sound drawing influences from bands like Modern Life is War, Unbroken, American Nightmare and more.
LIONS DEN
10 song CD on Ugly And Proud - € 7
Lions Den is a new straight edge band from Sweden with former members of Outlast, Another Reason, Go For Broke and Dead Repise. Lions Den has a modern hardcore sound, in the vein of bands like Guns Up and No Warning.
LIPKICK: Attack Of The Appron Dress Zombies
6 song 7” on Kink - € 3,50
This is the 1st 7" from Germanys next thrasher grrrls of LIPKICK after their demo tape debut in 2006. Fans of hasty and early US-inspired hardcore bands, especially with a female vocalist like I Object or The Tangled Lines, will probably like this.
LIVE BY THE FIST: No End In Sight
10 song CD on Caustic - € 8
Live By The First is a straight edge band from Santos, Brazil, who play heavy moshy modern hardcore.
LIVE FOR TODAY: Taking It Back
7 song CD on Our Pride - € 7
Antelope Valley's Live For Today come together to re-introduce old school hardcore to a metalcore driven scene. So if you like songs about friendship, faith, sobriety, and believing in yourself then pick up your copy today! For fans of Gorilla Biscuits and Side By Side. A.V. posicore in full effect.
LOSER LIFE: Burning Fields
2 song 7” on Thrashbastard - € 3,50
Hailing from Bakersfield, the armpit of California, Loser Life releases a new 7” that hones their Articles of Faith/Leatherface brand of melodic and aggressive hardcore. Fuelled by all the anger and frustration that comes with growing up in a hostile and ignorant hicktown, Loser Life conveys a certain sense of urgency that many of their fellow Chicago style hardcore worshippers lack.
LOSING STREAK: Cracked
7 song 7” on Not Just Words - € 4
Losing x Streak released their demo on Thrown Back demotapes and already played a shitload of shows with overwhelming response, especially in their own area. As a result, Losing x Streak is mentioned as one of the leading bands in a long row of a great new breed of Belgian hardcorebands. Musicwise, think pissed off and aggressive, young, fast, Shark Attack, Outbreak and straight edge.
LOST BOYS: Work. Life. Regret
3 song 7” on Thrashbastard - € 4
The label says: Catchy, mid-tempo hardcore/punk inspired by bands like ANGRY SAMOANS, CIRCLE JERKS or BLACK FLAG among others. It’s LOST BOYS’ 6th release, after a demo (on tape and later on vinyl), the first EP, the Split EP’s with STRONG AS TEN and SUNPOWER and the Split-LP with THE IRRADIATES. This new 4-Song-7“ (including a M.I.A. cover) brings you raging hardcore/punk heavily influenced by the 80’USHC with a bit of Boston and lots of California in the mix. It’s furious, melodic and aggressive, the guitar (garage-ish) sound give an extra abrassive touch together with the raspy vocals. The Cover-Artwork is done by Andrei Bouzikov.
LUMBERGH: 7 Songs For 7 Inches
7 song 7” on Chuck Up - € 3
Albany hardcore from 2002.
LUMBERGH – THE PLAGUE
9 song split 7” on Bonus Choke - € 3
Both bands are from Albany, NY, and play trashy hardcore. From 2002.
MAINTAIN: Searching For Balance
4 song 7” on Words Of War - € 4
Maintain is a product of the strong friendship of founding members Chris and Sean who started writing songs together in the summer of 2005. Coming out of the thriving Boston/Merrimack Valley Hardcore scenes of Massachusetts, Maintain put out a demo that implores them to take a step back, examine their experiences in growing up, and the values that define their character. On their debut 7", Maintain looks to do just that in a world driven and bled by competition and greed. They aim for this record to serve as a call to action in constructing their future in a more just, sustainable and free society, while musically and lyrically calling on the influence of bands such as Outspoken, Trial, Strife, and Inside Out.
MAIS TRETA – TRISTE FIM DE ROSILENE - OFENSA
32 song 3-way split CD on Estopim - € 7
Three fast hardcore bands from Brazil. Ofensa features members of Jäzzüs and Chuck Norris and play very fast hardcore with harsh vocals. Mais Treta plays the same style but the absolute winner is Triste Fim de Rosilene (a beautiful poetic name), with the dual male-female vocals and their superfast (straight edge) hardcore sound. From 2004.
MAXIMAAL ONTHAAL
25 song CD compilation on Royal Blood - € 5
This CD compilation was released on the occasion of the wedding of the Dutch crown prince and his Argentinian girlfriend, who happened to be the daugther of a former minister of the Argentinian junta of the 1970s/80s. The line-up of the Dutch contains a wide variety of Dutch punk and hardcore-bands (from youthcrew to crust, from punkrock to thrash, from riot grrrl to screamo), bands that have been around for a long time, and new bands that just have arrived on the scene. Almost all tracks have been specially written for this copmpilation and are recorded at the Bunt studios, so you don’t have to worry about the sound quality. Some names: Seein Red, Vitamin X, Mihoen!, Reaching Forward, Brezhnev, MilkMan, S.A.F., Spirit 84, Betercore, Human Alert, The Shining, Uit De Sloot, Shikari, PCP, Makiladoras, Anti-Soma and many more. The CD comes with a 40-page booklet with all lyrics and some background information about the monarchy in Holland and what happened in Argentina in the 1970s/80s.
MAZE
14 song CD on Youth Crew – € 7
The labels says: One of the most powerful italian HC bands is back after 12 years with 14 crushing, harsh and impressive tracks played with an incredible passion! "Youth Crew" Records is proud to present them! This is the true made in Italy HC, the one everyone from all over the world envied in the 80s!!!
MCRACKINS: I'll Stick To Beer
3 song 7" on No Frills - € 3
The McRackins (Canadian poppunk band) most popular 7-inch, includes the Russian Radio hit (no joke) Puppy Mill. A 7-inch about staying away from the porcelain god.
MILES TO GO – WHEN SEASONS CHANGE
6 song split 7” on Break Out / Heaven To Hell - € 4
Two old school straight edge hardcore bands team up on this split 7”. Miles To Go sound more youthcrew than on their demo. A intro and two strong songs. When Seasons Change follow up their Commitment debut with two new songs and one re-recorded song of the 7”. Comes in cool artwork and on coloured vinyl. Recommended!
MINUS APES
6 song 7” on Thrashbastard / Inge's Revenge - € 4
The label says: Awesome new band from the outskirts of Berlin that seem to be around 19 years old on average. Their tracks usually clock in at about a minute or so, and in there franticness, they manage to drive home more sentiment than most bands can do with a box set. Sure it’s negative (lyrically) and angst ridden to the core, but hey, the world does suck a bit after all. While most kids are oblivious to this fact because they’re playing Rock Band or partaking in other meaningless endeavors, these Minus Apes are pounding in the nail of truth with a voice that only pissed-off kids can muster up. I’ll be damned if MINUS APES don’t remind me of STIFF LITTLE FINGERS, ANGRY SAMOANS, T.S.O.L. and ADOLESCENTS. This is a band for people that don’t like people. And all the others…
MINUTE MANIFESTO – SHANK: Parasite
14 song split-7” on Enslaved - € 3
Two powerviolence bands, both from the UK. Minute Manifesto is from Southampton and delivers well produced political ultra fast powerviolence in the style of Charles Bronson. Shank features members of Ebola and couples fast grindy powerviolence with political lyrics. Comes with a statement of intent of Enslaved Records.
MIRACLE : True Spirit EP
6 song 7" on Commitment - € / $ 3
The Miracle is a new old school hardcore band from the Milan area, Italy. Althought the band only started in the beginning of 2004, the members have been active in other bands (like Shotgun Formation, Fumbles In Life, Frontline and No More Fear) for many years. The Miracle sport a heavy old school sound, but keep it fast and energetic (think: Headfirst on their debut-7?). In their lyrics The Miracle address scene related, personal and political topics. The record is a benefit for Amnesty International.
MIRACLE : True Spirit
7 song CD on No Mercy - € 6
CD-version of the Commitment debut-7” of The Miracle. Contains as a extra a multi media bonustrack.
THE MIRACLE : Not Just Words
9 song CD on Still Life - € 8
After releasing their debut-7” on Commitment, The Miracle present nine new songs on their first full length album on Italian label Still Life Records. In comparison to the 7”, the sound of The Miracle has matured, and has also become more melodic, without losing the power the songs of the 7”. Bands that come to mind are Bane, Verse and Comeback Kid. Comes in beautiful artwork!
MIRACLE MILE : The Future History
5 song 7” on Sell Our Souls - € / $ 3
Farewell 7” of the USA band The Miracle Mile. Aggressive fast stop-and-go hardcore with rough vocals and lyrics with an original take on the hardcore scene and being in a hardcore band. Comes on transperant vinyl.
MORE THAN EVER – TURN AWAY
5 song 7” on Lucifer’s Legion - € 3,50
More Than Ever from the southof Germany making themself a name in the scene through playing energetic live shows and their great debut full-length. More Than Ever deliver 2 songs of pure emotion. From anger and desperation to hope and love and all the way back. With it's top notch production, great songwriting and guitarmelodies this modern new-school sound will hit everybody who’s into Shai Hulud or old Poison The Well. Turn Away from the south, as well delivers 2 intense and catchy hardcore tracks combined with amazing punk-rock tunes. Be prepared for a storm of melodic guitar parts, fast and catchy hardcore that brings fun and passion back into our beloved scene. Above that, the cover-artwork done by Mike Bukowski looks great, too.
MORE THAN THE X ON OUR HANDS
41 song double tape on Refuse – € / $ 5
Cassette repress of the compilation released originally as a 7” box set on Commitment Records from Holland Great document of international sXe scene with 41 bands from 41 countries: ACCION POSITIVA (mexico), THE ANSWER IS STILL NO (yugoslavia), BLIND TO SEE (indonesia), BURDEN (canada), B'67 (russia), CIRCLE AGAIN (north ireland), CLEAN (croatia), CON VISION (columbia), CROSSINGPOINT (south africa), D.S.M. (new zeland), EVIDENCIA (costarica), FAST YOUTH (denmark), FEUD (philippines), FUERZA DE VOLUNTAD (chile), FUERZA X (guatemala), THE GEEKS (south korea), GOOD CLEAN FUN (usa), H-STREET (austria), INSPIRE (brazil), IN THE CLEAR (uk), MATCHPOINT (switzerland), NEGATIVE IMPACT (israel), NEW BREED (slovenia), NEW WINDS (portugal), ONEXMORE (belgium), OUT OF STEP (australia), PURPURA (urugway), RED KEDGE (singapore), RESOURCES (hungary), SECOND AGE (poland), SELF DEFENSE (malaysia), SLOWDOWN (spain), STRENGTH APPROACH (italia), STRIKEPOINT (norway), TILL I DIE (japan), TURNOVER (germany), TRUNCHBULL (sweden), UNDERFIRE (czech), UNEVEN (france), VIEJA ESCUELA (argentina), VITAMIN X (holland). Contains a 60 pages booklet with articles on straight edge, how it started in the early 80’s, lyrics of the bands and lots of pictures...
MORTE ASCETA
8 song CD on Vietnamita - € 3
Morte Asceta, from Curitiba Brazil, plays manic thrashcore with over the top vocals and political lyrics in Portugese. From 2002.
MY LUCK : Endurance
4 song 7” on Not Just Words - € / $ 3
This 7” will accompany the first European tour of this Houston/Cleveland hardcore band that has put some 7”’s on Youngblood Records. Modern sounding hardcore (think Give Up The Ghost a.o.) with mostly personal lyrics.