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".
FACING DOWN : Two Sided
3 song 7" on Refill Records - € / $ 3
First record on a new Dutch label, Refill Records. Facing Down, who are from the same area as Reaching Forward, have already made some records and play melodic hardcore/punkrock. A good introduction to one of the best Dutch melodic hardcore/punk bands.
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 !
FAKEFIGHT : Is
3 song 7” on Agitprop! - € / $ 3
A 3-song 7” by this 3 piece band from Pennsylvania, USA. Fakefight plays thriving emotional and melodic hardcore with both male and female vocals. The lyrics are very political and take a clear stance against evils like capitalism and homophobia. Tranperant vinyl.
FALSE IDENTITY #7 - € / $ 3,50
Belgian fanzine with tons of interviews (a.o. Skycamefalling, Free At Last, Skarhead, Trial and Out For Blood), scene reports, reviews.
FAST TIMES : Counting Down
18 song CD on Age Of Venus - € / $ 9
This first full length of the NYC hardcore band Fast Times was originally released on Smorgasboard records, and has been re-released for Europe on Age Of Venus Records from France. 16 songs of fast and punky hardcore with angry pissed-off female vocals by Fast Ali. As a bonus, there are two live songs included recorded at the 1999 European tour in Leipzig.
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.
FIELDS OF FIRE : Live @ KCSB
8 song 7" on Break Even Point - € / $ 3
Fields Of Fie is an upcoming hardcore band from California, that recenly released their first full length. This 7" on the Italian Break Even Point Records features 8 songs that were recorded live at a radio show in 1999. The record has a decent sound quality, and the 8 songs are played in an energetic and aggressive way. Lyrics focus on politics and sXe (although Fields Of Fire is not a sXe-band) and the music can be described as a mixture between youthcrew and traditional HxC. Included are covers by Youth Of Today and SSD. Limited to 520 copies.
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.
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.
FISTICUFFS : Riot Assocation
6 song 7" on Fistfight - € / $ 3
Raw and fast early to mid-80s influenced NYC-HxC from PA, USA, with some end-80s mosh parts and early 90s metal riffs thrown in for good measure.
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.: 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.
F.P.O. – Seein Red : Split
16 songs CD on Refuse - € 10
This records put together two political hardcore bands that have built a name for themselves in the hardcore scene through the years. Seein Red‘s part of the CD includes 15 mostly unreleased songs recorded throughout the years, studio, outtakes and some live tracks, including 3 cover songs by Lärm, Rondos and Carbombs. F.P.O. is a fast straight-edge hc/thrash band from Macedonia and this is their new recording following their latest full length CD "Znam deka ja gubam bitkata" on Refuse and some other labels, and recent 7"s on Third Party and Punx Before Profits. FPO put on the disc just one, but massive anthemic, song. The CD also contains 28 minutes video recordings from both bands and also a 20 page booklet filled with lyrics, pics and also writings/essays from both bands and the label, speaking about their own lives, experiences and perspectives from living in Western and Eastern European countries, politics and hardcore punk. Higly recommended!
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.
FUERZA DE LUCHA
6 song 7” on Sell Our Souls - € / $ 3
Old school hardcore from the Alicante area, Spain. Political lyrics in Spanish. White black-splattered vinyl.
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 : Valor Humano
12 song CD on Opción Real - € / $ 5
Second album of this Chilean straight edge band. Just like their first record, this is fast, energetic melodic old school hardcore/youthXcrew, with strong singing, well produced, with lyrics in Spanish. Although there are no translations with the lyrics, from what I can tell, the lyrics mostly deal with political topics, which is always a good thing in my book.
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 : Communication Wins
9 song CD on Fair - $ / $ 6
One of the longest lasting straight edge bands from Italy, Fumles In Life, still delivers the same goods: fast and melodic old school straight edge hardcore with lyrics that touch both straight edge related and social issues. This is the best stuff they've released so far. This is the South American edition of Fair Records from Peru.
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.
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!
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).
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.
GOOD INTENTIONS: Até O Fim
12 song CD on Seven Eight Life - € 8
Good Intentions is one of the longer lasting straight edge bands from Sao Paulo, Brazil. The band has been around from 1999. Até O Fim (Until The End) is their first full length record: well-produced modern sounding youthcrew in the style of Champion, Over My Dead Body, When Fear And Weapons Meet and The Comeback Kid. Lyrics are in Portugese, with the exception of the last song, straight edge anthem ‘My Truth’.
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.
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.
HARDCORE REALITY - COLOMBIA EN TU CARA
23 song CD on Direccion Positiva - € / $ 10
This compilation gives an overview of the Colombian Hardcore-scene and proves that even in countries that suffer from civil war, political instability and the power of the drugs mafia, it is possible to have a flourishing HxC-scene. Most bands on this compilation play moshcore or new school. Featured are Ataque En Contra, 092-HC, Grito (sXe !), Exigencia, Determinacion, Cinco De Menos, Dar A Cada Uno Lo Que Es Soyo and Carbono.Catorce - each band has 2 or 3 tracks.
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.
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.
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.
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 HOPES : Some Things Last Forever ....
5 song 7" on Platinum - € / $ 3
Poppy melodic sXe hardcore from Kentucky, USA - High Hopes have a style of their own, and are not following any trends: although they are a sXe-band, they don't play youthcrew or metal, but poppy hardcore. Most lyrics are about relations and friendship, so fit the music quite well.
HIGH HOPES - I
4 song split-7" on Broken Bones - € / $ 3
High Hopes from Pikeville, Kentucky, play melodic sXe hardcore - more melodic than most other sXe-bands. The remind me of the first Slap Of Reality 7" (anyone remember them ?); I are from Bavaria, Germany, and play hardcore in the style of Trial. One of their 4 tracks has a guest appearance of a female singer, and is musically inspired by the music of one of the most popular science fiction movies ever.
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.
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 : One Word
6 song CD on Let It Burn - € / $ 6
First release of this new South-German band with a really cool name, that is in fact a continuation of Empire with a new singer. One could say that I is the European Trial, both musically and lyically - although some songs are somewhat more old school than the newer Trial album is. Besides 6 good songs the CD features as a bonus a cool spoken word track. Watch out for more cool releases on Let It Burn Records later on.
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!
IDENTIFY: Demo 2007
6 song demo on Break Out - € 2,50
It seems 2007 is the year in which it seems that in every German city a new straight edge band pops op. Identify is one of those, and if all these new German sXe bands sound like Identify, than this development is nothing but positive. The first demo of this band from Nordrhein-Westfalen contains six songs of well played and energetic youthcrew hardcore, with some slight melodic influences.
IMBALANCE : March Of The Yes Man
4 song 7" on Household Name - € / $ 3
Imbalance from the UK is one of the best newer old school orientated British bands: especially their liveshows seem to be a big happening. Not only good music, but also good lyrics.
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 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…
INDICATION : My Energy Is My Dedication
10 song CD on Age Of Venus - € / $ 9
After their debut-7”, this is Indication’s first full length album. Indication are from Germany, and play old school hardcore in the style of bands like Ensigh, Youth Of Today and (old) Sick Of It All, with enough mosh parts and melodies to keep it interesting.
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.
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 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 #7 - € 2
Seventh issue of probably the best zine from Greece. This issue includes interviews with Said And Done, Endstand, Justice, Good Old Days, Olde York, 925, Internal Affairs, Down & Outs, Gold Kids, Plus Dots, Straight Opposition, Teamkiller and Stand Fast, plus all the usual stuff like colums and reviews.
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.
LACK OF REASON : Defined
5 song MCD on Blue - € / $ 4
Lack Of Reason are from the Lyon area in France, and feature the former singer of the French all-girl sXe band Uneven on vocals and guitar. Lack Of Reason play melodic hardcore/punk with lyrics that are clearly written from a female point of few - about the male and female rolemodels that you see on television, violence against females in relationships, an unanswered love from a girl and loneliness. A nice little record.
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
6 song MCD on Dead And Gone - € / $ 5
The Last Chance features former In The Clear singer Ian, and you could say The Last Chance is a logical continuation of this UK straight edge band - also straight edge, also musically firmly rooted in old school hardcore, but still sounding modern. Just as the last In The Clear record, The Last Chance puts in some melodic and rocking parts, and finish it off with a powerful and energetic performance and lyrics that deal both with political (an anti-war song, clearly inspired by the UK role of the recent war in Iraq) and personal aspects. The Last Chance puts the UK back on the straight edge map.
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!
LEGACY : Dead Weight
6 song CD on Dead And Gone - € / $ 4,50
There seems to be an explosion of new straight edge bands happening in the UK at the moment, and most of these bands find a good home at Dead And Gone Records. The debut CD-EP of The Legacy contains six songs of fast, melodic, well-produced youthcrew hardcore. Lyrics deal with friendship (but not in a cliché way), vegetarism, regret and other more personal subjects. In times, it reminds me of Kids Like Us. A good debut, for sure!
LEGACY : We Gave It Everything
6 song MCD on Dead And Gone - € / $ 5
Second release of The Legacy, one of the leading UK straight edge bands. Six songs of thriving hardcore with melodic guitar playing and reflective personal lyrics.
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.
LIGHT THE FUSE 2006
6 song 7” on Light The Fuse - € 4
This EP was released as part of the 2006 edition of the Light The Fuse festival, that took place in Hengelo, The Netherlands. Features on this 7” are six bands that played the festival: Abusive Action, Birds Of A Feather, Strike First, True Colors, Remain and New Morality. It’s a mixed bag of straight edge youthcrew and hardcore inspired by the sound of New York City. A good way to check out some of the upcoming bands in the Dutch and Belgium scene.
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.
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.
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.
MADBALL : N.Y.H.C.
4 song 7” on Reality - € / $ 4
Four songs of classic New York City hardcore of one of the longest lasting hardcore bands from New York. Streetwise, but still insightful lyrics – with one song in Spanish. Comes on coloured vinyl (green or orange).
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.
MAJORITY RULE - POSITIVE STATE
4 song split-7" on Submit - € / $ 3,50
Positive State changed their sound, compared to their debut-7": it has become less poppy and more punkish and aggressive. Majority Rule play the same style of noisepunk. Very DIY-packaging.
MAKE THE DIFFERENCE: I Still Believe
11 song CD on Our Pride / Foundation / Steadfast Media - € 8
Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Make The Difference are the new kids on the sXe hardcore block. Playing fast paced, melodic, and heart filled hardcore in the vein of Champion, and Set It Straight, with lyrics concerning issues ranging from overcoming addiction and fighting for your beliefs to unity and heartache, Make The Difference is a band with a message and emotion. “I Still Believe” features 11 original tracks of pure hardcore, guaranteed to have kids everywhere singing along and taking notes.
MAN IN THE SHADOW : Pax Americana
4 song 7" on Choose Life - € / $ 3
Screaming emo from Slovenia - lyrics are also in Slovenian, but an English translation is included in the beautiful designed booklet, that, besides the lyrics, also contains some political and personal writings. The lyrics are political lyrics, but written in a personal way.
MASTERPIECE : Cruel Summer
4 song 7” on Words Of War - € 5
Masterpiece started at the end of 2006 in San Diego, California, and this 4 song 7" on Words Of War Records is their debut release. Four songs of midtempo heavy hardcore. With song titles like 'Dust To Dust', 'In The Grave' and 'Decay', I guess you get an idea of what their lyrics are about. The band list Judge, Project X, Shark Attack, Cro-Mags, Floorpunch, No Warning, Outburst and Straight Edge as influences, so I guess that should say enough about their sound. I have only 1 copy available, so be quick!
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!
MINOR THREAT - Screaming At A Wall
15 song CD on Deny Everthing € / $ 8
This CD contains a live show of Minor Threat in 1982. Decent sound quality, and all the classic songs are here: Straight Edge, Filler, 12XU, I Don’t Wanna Hear It, Screaming At A Wall, Guilty Of Being White, etcetera.
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 THE X ON OUR HANDS
41 song 7" box set on Commitment - € / $ 16
This compilation features 41 Straight Edge bands from 41 different countries - all styles of hardcore are featured, from melodic punkrock to new school metal, but the large majority of the bands play traditional old school hardcore (what else would you expect on Commitment ?). Some of the more wellknown bands on this compilation are One X More, Vitamin X, Good Clean Fun, H-Street, In The Clear, Strength Approach, New Winds and Vieja Escuela - also included are sXe bands from countries like Israel, South Africa, Guatamala and Indonesia. A total of six 7" inches and a 52-page booklet in a nice box. Only 1000 will be made, so be fast...
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...
MUTINY
6 song 7” on Not Just Words - € / $ 3
Repress of the 7” that came out at the end of 2000 on an American label, this second release on Not Just Words Records contains 6 songs of fast straight edge hardcore by Mutiny from the USA. It misses the special pirate inspired artwork of the original 7”, but of course, the music is as strong as on the original 7”. This results in one of the best American sXe 7”’s of the last few years, according to my humble opinion.
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.