NADA QUE HACER: Bunker De Ideas
15 song CD on Invisible - € 5
Spanish edition of the third album of Nada Que Hacer from Montevideo, Uruguay, who play Bad Religion styled melodic hardcore/punkrock. From 2001.
NADA QUEDA – IT'S NOW: Split (Added September 2011)
10 song split CD on True Spirit - € 7
This is a split between Nada Queda from Argentina and It's Now from Mexico, on Brazilian label True Spirit Records. Both bands are political and vegan straight edge. The three songs of Nada Queda have more of a screamo-metal style, while It's Now mix classic Latinamerican hardcore and youthcrew hardcore. The It's Now songs have also been released on 7” on Commitment Records.
NAMES FOR GRAVES : Version 2.1
5 song 7” on Refuse - € / $ 3
Cleveland Straight Edge! Arosen from the ashes of Commited, In The Red and The Final Plan. Keeping the spirit of fast positive straight edge-hardcore alive. Names For Graves deliver heartfelt and passionate old school hardcore with enough hooks, melodies and dance parts. Their 7” contains 5 songs, mastered by Issa of Good Clean Fun in The Black House Studio, Washington DC. Red vinyl.
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE: Nur Flops
13 song 7” on Carpoulet a.o. - € 3,50
German band Napoleon Dynamite play a mixture of thrash, 80s hardcore and German funpunk, and do it well. Thirteen songs full of fun and energy. Lyrics in German, and some of the titles should say enough: “Koks, Kaviar Und Kot”, “Trash Heil!” and “Emos Sind Doch Ganz Cool”. Coloured vinyl.
NEVER FACE DEFEAT: Convicted
Picture disc 7” and CD - € 5
The label says: Never Face Defeat from the suburbs of Koblenz comes along with their new output called “Convicted”! Three years on from their previous effort “Changing Times”, Demons Run Amok will release this as a limited Picture 7” Disc with bonus CD for free!!! The layout is absolutely awesome and the 7” is limited to 300 pieces. Never Face Defeat is raging influences from bands like Kickback, Merauder or Agents Of Man! Powerful and passionate NY styled Hardcore.
NEW MORALITY: Trapped
6 song MCD on Light The Fuse - € 6
New Morality are from The Netherlands and mention Breakdown, Outburst and old Madball as their influences. That’s also how they sound: as the most aggressive side of New York City moshcore.
NEW WINDS : A Spirit Filled Revolution
14 song CD + 168 page book on Refuse - € / $ 11
What can I say about this milestone in the history of straight edge hardcore? New Winds is the longest lasting straight edge band from Portugal, and give straight edge a political and spiritual twist in both their lyrics and the writings in the book that accompanies the CD (or should I say that the CD accompanies the book). The book (and I mean really a book, with 168(!) pages) contains eight chapters: introduction; lyrics; meaning of the lyrics; support political prisoners (with an overview of a large number of political prisoners); texts; contributions (by different people); interviews; links and recommended reading. The book alone is already well worth the price: it is clear that not only in the writings, but also in the layout a lot of work has been put. As for the CD ? it contains 14 songs of rockish melodic straight edge hardcore ? in a way comparable to the second Uniform Choice record. All in all, higly recommendable.
NK6: Yellow Beauty
6 song 7” on Thrashbastard / Yellow Dog - € 3,50
Great new tour 7" from one of Japans finest - NK 6. This 7" has 6 songs of manic japanese hardcore-trash. They’re mix their classic japanese style with some of melody and a totally crazed approach. Think of bands like GAUZE, DON DON, BLAZE, and GOGOOL PLEX.
NO BALANCE : Between Us
2 song 7' on Cannonball 666 - € / $ 3
No Balance is the first Greek HxC/punk band in my distro list, put out by a new label that was set up to support the Greek DIY punk/hardcore scene. No Balance plays melodic emopop, with sung vocals. Lyrics are also quite emo. One of the members is called Vangelis, but I don't think he was in Aphrodites Child and writes movie soundtracks...
NO MORE FEAR : One Thing We’ll Share
4 song 7” on Goodwill - € / $ 3
Straight edge hardcore from Milan, Italy. After a MCD, No More Fear release their first vinyl record on Goodwill, Circle Pit and Lucifer’s Legion Records. Four songs of youthcrew hardcore – their lyrics deal with vegetarism (and how compassion is a more important reason for them than health issues) and take a critical viewpoint at the scene. In the last song No More Fear proves that the New Order classic ‘Blue Murder’ (re-titled ‘How Does It Feel’ here) was in fact a Chain Of Strength-song!
NO MORE FEAR : A Matter Of Choice
12 song CD on Handprint / Goodwill - € / $ 7
After a MCD and a 7”, the first full length of this Italian sXe band, that shares some members with The Miracle. The music on the CD is in the same line as the music on the previous two records: modern sounding youthcrew hardcore, that has its roots in the late 1980s and the 1990s, but gives it a clear 21st century hardcore touch. The lyrics deal with drugs, animal rights/vegetarism and staying true to your ideals. Recommended.
NO SECOND CHANCE – CAZA DE BRUJAS
11 song CD on Cycle - € 7
No Second Chance is a sideproject of some member of Cinder. Melodic hardcore that can be compared to Lifetime or Saves The Day. Caza De Brujas are from Tarragona (not far from Barcelona) and plays emotional and powerful hardcore with influenes from Strife and Bane and lyrics in Spanish, that deal with personal and societal subjects.
NO TIME TO LOSE : Free-Edge Hardcore
11 song CD on Lean On Me! - € / $ 7
Debut-CD of No Time To Lose from France, not to be mixed up with the band with the same name from Italy - although the styles of both bands are very comparable: fast old school/youthcrew. The lyrics of this No Time To Lose are political, personal and scene related.
NO TIME LEFT : Zero Effort Solution
7 song 7" on Third Party - € / $ 3,50
Third Party is back again, which is not only shown by the release of the 2nd GuidingLine 7", but also by this 7" by No Time Left, which features Third Party label boss and former Halfmast singer Nick Baran on vocals. Described as 'Motorhead, if they would have been a sXe-hardcore band', this bands combines youthXcrew, thrash with some Motorhead influences, leading to a powerful and energetic sound. Lyrics deal with scene issues, positivity and politics and address some issues that are not common for sXe-bands. I really like this record !
NO TURNING BACK - THE DEAL
4 song split 7” on Not Just Words - € / $ 4
This fifth release on Not Just Words Records is a license of the CD that came out on Reflections. Both bands deliver two songs of aggressive hardcore. No Turning Back from Holland play a very moshy style of old school hardcore, The Deal from Belgium go more for the modern old school style made famous by bands like Shark Attack and American Nightmare. The lyrics of both bands reflect a negative view on the world, and deal with broken friendships and frustration.
NO VIOLENCE : Invencivel
17 song MCD on Refuse - € / $ 5
Fast political straight edge hardcore from Sao Paolo, Brazil. No Violence started in 1989 and they're still kicking ass. Strong, fast thrashy hardcore with old school hc elements. You can easily put them to the same league with others Brazilian fast hardcore bands like Discarga or I Shot Cyrus. If you can imagine Heresy and Lärm crossed with South American fast hardcore tradition, and longtime commitment of the band, that's No Violence. 17 songs including a cover of the late 80's UK band Intense Degree. In a good tradition of Brazilian HC - No Violence mixs music and politics, and the lyrics (in Portugese) focus on such issues like indigenous resistance, US imperial wars, social injustice and worker's rights or slavery to corporate capitalism.
NOT ASTRAY
8 song 7” on Open Letter / Break Out - € 3,50
Not Astray are from Germany and their debut 7" delivers 8 peerless tracks of fast to slow, violent and explosive hardcore with pissed vocals. If your into the new line of german bands, like A.Y.S., NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, ITALIAN STALLION etc. you should check this well done piece of vinyl. Lyrics deal with hardcore, sXe being a personal choice and not a fashion statement, rock star attitudes in hardcore and being yourself.
NOT SORRY: Moving On
6 song 7” on Salad Days Records - € 4
This is the European version of the debut-7” of MA sXe band Not Sorry, released in the USA on Lifeline Records. Six songs of powerful youthcrew hardcore that made me want to singalong and jumparound. One of the best hardcore EP's of 2010 so far!
NORTH : Perfect Body Perfect Soul
6 song 7” on Commitment - € / $ 3
The debut-7” of North from Rotterdam, The Netherlands. North, in which we recognize some former members of GuidingLine, X-Men and Crivits, labels itself as ‘positive old school’ and that is exactly what this band is about. Musically, North also mixes some rock-influences into their music, and there are a lot of guitar melodies to be found in their songs. The lyrics not only reflect the positive outlook on life of the band, but also the interest the band members take in eastern philosophy.
OFENSA – MAIS TRETA – TRISTE FIM DE ROSILENE
30 song split-CD on Estopism / Alea - € / $ 7
This CD featuring three bands from Brazil hit me as a sledgehammer. The CD starts with 10 songs of Mais Treta: fast to superfast totally metalfree hardcore, free of any grind or powerviolence influences, which is absolutely a plus in my book. Next is Triste Fim De Rosilene, that play the same style of music and remind me a lot, because of the female vocals, of Infect – and they are as good! Last is Ofensa, who also play fast hardcore, but not as fast as the previous three bands. It’s more in a traditional early 80s hardcore style. Lyrics to all three bands are in Portugese, and they seem mainly to deal with political and social issues. The songs of Mais Treta have the longest titles I’ve ever seen on a hardcore record! This record is absolutely a winner!
OHUZARU : Thrash Is Business 5”
4 song 5”(!) on Sly Actions - € / $ 3,50
This 5” EP contains the last recordings of Ohuzaru, a thrashcore band from Italy. The EP contains 3 songs and a S.O.D./Anthrax cover, all in the typical mid-80s inspired thrashstyle, with highpitch vocals. Members have this band are now playing in L'Amico Di Martucci.
OIL
6 song 7” on Commitment - € 4
The first 7” of 'Bollenstreek hardcore', from 1998, long sold out, but I have a few copies available again. A maximum of 1 copy per person. Be quick, because they will be gone soon!
ON A SOLID ROCK : Where Kids Don’t Play
6 song 7” on Commitment - € / $ 3
The debut-7” of On A Solid Rock from Finland. This band, that features former members of bands like Defend and Rebound, started out at the end of 2001and by the time this record was released - at the end of 2002 - they had already built a large following in their native country. Musically, it is difficult to compare On A Solid Rock with any other band - some late 80s, early 90s bands like Outspoken and Absolution come to mind, also their fellow-countrymen Endstand, but first and foremost, On A Solid Rock is just On A Solid Rock. Thriving, emotional hardcore, sometimes midtempo, sometimes fast, with enough singalongs and catchy hooks to have the kids dancing and singing along at the same time. In the lyrics, On A Solid Rock focus on personal development, fueled by a drugfree lifestyle and the teachings of both acient and modern philosophies. A record that will grow on you with evertime you play it.
ON DISPLAY #3 - € / $ 1,50
Third issue of this Danish fanzine, that can be seen as the follow up to the Join Kao fanzine of several years ago. Interviews with Active Minds, Snapcase, Cornucopia, Sir Charles Bascomb, punk rock stripper Jane Graham, plus many interesting columns and a lot of record and zine reviews.
ON MY SIDE: Redefinition
4 song 7” on Words Of War - € 4
On My Side is a young Houston hardcore band that's intention is to bring fast, straightedge hardcore reminiscent of bands like Youth of Today, Desperate Measures, Beyond, and Warzone. Starting in early 2006 they had intentions of playing hardcore the way they felt Texas needed: fast, fun, and straightedge. OMS started to play shows around Texas and gain fans in the process. This, their debut record, was recorded with Craig Douglas (Will To Live, Cast In Grey).
ON MY SIDE: Redefinition
7 song MCD on Words Of War - € 6
This is the CD-version of the 7”, with three extra songs.
ON THIN ICE : All Hope Abandon
5 song 7” on Dead And Gone - € / $ 3
On Thin Ice are from the South of England and play a mixture between NYC Hardcore and Clevecore – it’s no coincidence that the artwork is done by Dwid of Integrity, as (old) Integrity comes to mind listening to this record. The lyrics are in line with the music: apocalyptical and rather negative.
ONE KIND WORD
5-song compilation 7” on Cycle - € 3
This record come with the first issue of the now-sold out One Kind Word fanzine from Barcelona. The compilation contains one song each of Damage Control (Norway), The Defense (Barcelona), Force Of Change (Germany), The Legacy (UK) and The Change (Sweden) and gives a good overview of some of the best European old school hardcore bands around at the moment. All songs on the 7” rule!
ONE STEP FORWARD : Positive Thinking EP
4 song 7” on Our Pride - € 4
This is old-school hardcore done the way it should be! One Step Forward is from Lancaster, California and play classic 88 youthcrew – think Unit Pride, Up Front. For fans of: Betrayed, Over My Dead Body, Sinking Ships, & The First Step.
ONE X MORE
6 song 7" on Commitment - € / $ 3
The debut-7" from a very powerful and fast sXe hardcore band from Belgium. One More sets themselves apart of most of the other youth crew bands by their aggressive vocals and their insightful lyrics - it's clear One More is a band that looks beyond the sXe-scene. One of the best bands of the 1998 generation
ONE X MORE : They Say That You Sold Out
6 song 7" on Commitment - € / $ 3
Second 7' by these XWortelX youthcrew-stars: on this 7" they still have the aggression and speed of the first 7", but mix it with Atari-style melodic guitar parts and very strong youthcrew backups. The best 7" of 1999 so far ?
ONE VOICE COMPILATION
18 song compilation CD on One Voice – € 3
A nice overview of the Singaporean scene anno late 1990s, this compilation includes 5ocial Integration, Download, Over3dge, Obscure, Dignity, Wrath, Insult By Action, Pyro and Sang Friod. The sound from the bands varies from old school hardcore, New York hardcore and metalcore.
OPCION REAL #6 - € / $ 1,50
Sixth issue of this Chilean, sXe and old school orientated fanzine. Interviews with Dead Kennedys, Agnostic Front, Los Miserables, Entrefuego, scene reports, column and reviews. In Spanish.
OPEN CLOSE MY EYES: War For A Word
5 song 7” on Matchpiont - € 3
Switzerland’s best old school band is back with a new 7” - the sound is a bit more raw than their former 7” on Prawda Records, but that doesn’t take away fromt the energy of the record. Still highpitched vocals and lyrics that stress the importance of positivy.
OPPOSITE FORCE : Against My Desire
4 song 7" on Cane - € / $ 3
First vinyl release on Cane Records (after the Fratellanza demo) and at the same time last release of Opposite Force, who are already for years part of the Rome sXe Legion. Self-described as metal meet rock 'n' roll and I guess that's a good description - it has a lot of metal influences, but despite that, it's still hardcore and the metal parts sound more like the traditional 80s metal than black or death metal, which is a pro, as far as I am concerned.
OPUS DEAD : Perros De Presa
11 song CD on Opus Dead - € /$ 7
Crossover hardcore from Madrid, Spain - more metal than most nowadays mid-80s inspired hardcore bands, Crossover couples fast hardcore with political lyrics in Spain.
OPUS DEAD – TEAR ME DOWN
6 song 7” on Lokos a.o. - € / $ 3
Opus Dead are a hardcore band from Madrid, Spain, who sound like a cross between mid-80s hardcore and crustpunk. Lyrics are in Spanish, but come with English translations, and deal with playing thrash, the link between terrorism and religion and repressing sexual feelings. Tear Me Down is from Italy, and play fast hardcore. Italian lyrics (more Italian bands should do so!) about fighting the state, being stabbed in the back and how important punk is for them.
OPUS DEAD - TROPIEZO : Chicas De Hoy - Cuerdas Nuevas Para Vieja Marionetas
6 song 7” on Opus Dead - € / $ 3
Madrid’s crossover kings share this split-7” with Tropiezo from Puerto Rico. Tropiezo is the more hardcore of the two - fast old school hardcore with lyrics in Spanish. Opus Dead also sing in their native language, and both bands have a clearly political agenda.
OUR ROOTS OUR PRIDE
32 song compilation CD on Still Life / Youth Crew - € 9
This compilation documents the start of the Italian positive and straight edge hardcore scene, 1989-1995. It contains the debut 7”’s of Growing Concern, Think Twice, Open Season, Maze, Creepshow and Reality.
OUT ON A LIMB
4 song 7” on Thrashbastard / Destination Unknown - € 4
The label says: First 7” of this Chemnitz based new band out of the ashes of VIDEO VIOLENCE. Four songs of raw, wavy punk with a little melancholy desperate prevailing mood. Without any question there is some Wipers-influence. Cover-Artwork by Alex Cuervo from HEX DISPENSERS.
OUT TO SEA: The Soul Of Mankind
6 song 7” on Just Another Day - €4
Hailing from Outside of Dallas, this Texas hardcore Outfit delivers six tracks of premium melodic hardcore with a slightly metallic edge. Musically their sound reminds one of Shai Hulud, but a little bit more melodic, perhaps Kid Dynamite-esque at points. They've got it all, good sing-along parts, some fast-paced two-stepping parts, and of course good breakdowns. For a demo recording Out To Sea is well on their way.
OUTPATIENTS – RAISE THE WHITE FLAG
10 song split-7” on Demo-Lition Vinyl Remains - € 4
Raise The White Flag's last demo coupled with new Outpatients recording, 10 songs in all of furious fast core from the United Kingdom.
OVER THE LINE: The Demo
5 song 7” on Crucial Response - € 3
Most people will probably know Over The Line from the ‘For Sake Of Dedication’ compilation, that came out on Crucial Response at the end of 1997 or from their almost legendary demo. This 7” contains the 5 songs of that demo, remixed at the Bunt Studios in Holland. Good old school sXe from the USA circa 1997.
OVERFLOW : The Worm
4 song 7" on Goodwill - € / $ 3
Melodic hardcore from Croatia, in the style of bands like Cringer, Screaching Weasal and SNFU.
OVERLOAD: We Life Here And Now
6 song 7” on Just Another Day - €4
The labels says: Overload is a straight edge band coming from Cleveland after a well received demo, here is their debut EP containing 4 brand new songs and 2 rerecorded ones. Overload has a more melodic approach to youth crew, less simplified and a little more in depth. On colored vinyl.
OVERLOOKED: Nothing Is Sacred (Added September 2011)
4 song 7” on Life To Live - € 4,50
The debut 7? from North Carolina’s own Overlooked, “Nothing is Sacred” is 4 songs of unforgiving hardcore. With lyrics ranging from personal conflict to pure hatred, you can always feel the anger that this band embodies in their short and to the point songs. Musically reminiscent of early 2000's hardcore, “Nothing is Sacred” is fast, heavy, and everything in between and all in under seven minutes.
PATH OF DESTRUCTION : 1:00 A.M.
5 song 7” on Havoc - € / $ 3,50
Five songs of crusty hardcore from Minneapolis, USA with lyrics about life on the road and the “joys” of drinking.
PAURA: Reflect Of Difference
9 song CD on Conspiracy Chain - € 3
Brazilian hardcore band from the late 1990s, mix of old and new school hardcore. 6 studio songs and 6 live songs.
PEACE OF MIND - UPSET
5 song split-7" on World Upside Down - € / $ 3
Two German bands team up on this 7". Peace Of Mind mix melodic female and male vocals over punky and rocking emocore, while their lyrics take a crititcal look at the way in which we treat eachother in our society, from a personal viewpoint. Upset play the typical German screamo, in a driven and atmospheric way. The 7" comes with a booklet with personal thoughts of the various band members and with a inlay with the lyrics translated in French, German, Spanish and Polish.
PEGGIO PUNX: Discography
76 song double-CD on S.O.A. Records - € 9
Classic 1980’s Italian Hardcore at one of the very best form; if CCM were the Italian Germs, Peggio Punx could be defined as the answer to Dead Kennedy’s. From the early demo days and rehearsals, passing thru’ the cult ep’s, and the two 12”. Almost 3 hours of KBD hardcore with big booklet.
PHP : Incompletodisordine
5 song 7" on Goodwill - € / $ 3
PHP (stands for Psychoholiday Project) come from Milan, Italy and play typical 90s hardcore (a mizture of fast old school and moshy new school) with Italian lyrics (something more Italian bands should do), that deal mostly with personal and scene-related topics.
PLEASE DIE!: On This Cross
6 song 7” on Salad Days Records - € 4
Debut EP featuring 5 songs of passionate and powerful modern sounding hardcore from Lisbon, Portugal, released on new label Salad Days Records, run by David of Pointing Finger, Broken Distance and Pressure-fame. Featuring members of Devil In Me, What Went Wrong and Ghostdown.
POINTING FINGER: Reasons Not Rules
6 song 7” on Still Holding On – € 3
This (long sold out) 7" features 6 songs combining the best singalongs & old fashioned vibes with conscious lyrics dealing with social problems. This is rad positive youth crew style hardcore wich will make dance & mosh all those who dig In My Eyes, Better Than A Thousand, Gorilla Biscuits... from 2002
POINTING FINGER : Best Bruises Collection
22 song CD on Still Holding On / Goodwill - € / $ 7
This CD contains all 7”’s and compilation tracks that Pointing Finger, one of the leading European sXe bands in the early 21st century, has released up to 2004 – for all those who don’t have the original 7”’s and for all those who are too lazy to put up 7”’s and rather listen to CD’s…
POISON PLANET: Boycott Everything (Added August 2011)
5 song 7" EP on Refuse – € 4
The label writes: Poison Planet is a political vegan straight edge hardcore punk from Chicago, USA. The band gathers members among others from Halfmast, No Time Left, Boiling Over, Raw Nerve and Cold Shoulder. Poison Planet play fast and pissed off 80's hardcore punk in the vein of Negative Approach, Violent Minds or 86 Mentality. The message coming from Poison Planet's music is a straight and fearless reaction to the political and social vision of today's world, which still needs to be challenged and questioned. As the members admit themselves, the works of Howard Zinn or Naomi Klein have a big influence on the band's approach to the world. According to Poison Planet, veganism, straight edge or social activism are ways of remaining aware of and critical towards the political and cultural mechanisms surrounding us. "Boycott Everything" is the brane new release by the Chicago-based band including five tracks of fast and aggressive hardcore.
POSITIVE NOISE: No Hardcore EP
6 song 7” on Punks Before Profits - € 4
Featuring Ryan of I Object and Punks Before Profits Records fame on vocals, Michigan's Positive Noise play fast, thrashy hardcore punk, in the vein of Larm and Vitamin X to this debut 7" that comes with hand-silk screened and spraypainted covers.
POSITIVE STATE - THE TWENTY TWO'S
4 song split-7" on Submit - € / $ 3,50
Last recordings of both bands. Positive State sound the same as on the split with Majority Rule, mixing noisecore and punk - one fast song and one slower song on this 7". The Twenty Two's were a big suprise for me: they mix old school hardcore with bongo's. Very original and not only that, it also sounds very good !
PRODUCT X: Hometeam EP
6 song 7” on Commitment - € 4
The first 7” of the Product X from Tilburg, The Netherlands, from 1998, long sold out, but I have a few copies available again. A maximum of 1 copy per person. Be quick, because they will be gone soon!
PRODUCT X : Who Makes The Heroes ...
5 song 7" on Commitment - € / $ 3
Product X has developed a real sound of their own, in the last year, and this 7" documents this sound. Still (sometimes very) fast and aggressive, but with a lot of melodic and even some accoustic guitar parts. Both musically and lyrically, Product X took a big step forward. The vocal style is brutal and emotional at the same time, while the songs are really worked out and the production is superb. What more does one want ?
PROVOCAZIONE : Culminando No Vácuo Das Impossibilidades
6 song 7” on Absurd - € / $ 3,50
From Brazil, with only drums, vocals and bass, but it doesn’t sound like No Means No at all… more as a very dark new school band, that forgot to record the guitar. Lyrics in Portugese, and although I can’t understand them, I don’t think they will be very positive, judging from the style of music and the layout of this record.
RAINBOW REVENGE - MACGYVER
13 song 7” on iXodes - € / $ 3
Rainbow Revenge are from Germany and play fast thrash-influenced hardcore. They proudly claim on the label of the 7” that the songs were recorded for only 60 dollars, but despite that, it sounds powerful and strong. Lyrics deal with the military, skinheads, vegetarism and skating. MacGyver, who also hail from Germany, mix some grind elements in their thrash attack In their lyrics (both in English and in German) they address school, nazi’s and hypocrism in the scene.
RATS : We Are The Rats
7 song 7” on Thrashbastard - € 3
Rough and thrashy in-your-face hc/punk from Umea, Sweden. The Rats (ex-Rabid Grannies) have already been compared to Negative Approach, early Black Flag and Tear It Up. The angry lyrics both deal with personal and political subjects. Cool front cover!
RDD : A Reason To Live
5 song 7" on Where It Lies - € / $ 3
Second 7" on Where It Lies Records - this time well-produced 'Dag Nasty meets Black Flag'-inspired melodic HxC from Rome.
REACCION PROPIA : Inercia Somatica
10 song CD on Decision Personal - € 5
Modern hardcore from Bogota, Colombia – a well-produced pounding mixture of old school, metal and screamo, with lyrics in Spanish. The CD comes with two booklets, one titled ‘Inercia’, the other ‘Somatica’, with the lyrics, explanations and artwork.
REACT : Walk Away
15 song CD-R on Destroyed Umbrella - € / $ 5
React is a young hardcore band from Elmhurst, Illinois, USA, who clearly get their inspiration from early 80s UK bands like Crass, Conflict and Discharge (who they also cover). The CD comes in a truly DIY package (all manual work), and of course, the lyrics are very political - to top it of, React can also considered to be a sXe band.
READY TO FIGHT
8 song 7” on Cadmium Sick - € / $ 3,50
If a band calls itself after a Negative Approach song, it is not difficult to guess what this band will sound like. And in the case of Ready To Fight, this guess is very close to the truth - fast, pissed-off, early 80s inspired hardcore (with a small hint of youthcrew) and a singer that sometimes sounds like the singer of Plagued With Rage. Unfortunately, the 7” comes without lyrics, but well, the titles give a clear indication what the band sings about: ‘Circle Mosh Or Die’, ‘Work Sucks’, ‘Tv Rules’ and the oddly titled ‘Move To Switzerland’. Now, that is a song that I would like to know the lyrics of…
REBUILD: Alone We Live, Alone We Die
6 song CD on Rebuild - € 4
This is the debut record of the now defunct Colorado hardcore band Rebuild. The band plays old school hardcore with some modern influences, along the lines of Most Precious Blood, Shutdown and Buried Alive. Political lyrics.
RECONCILE : July 20th
10 song CD on Varsity - € 7
Second release of Reconcile from Buenos Aires. Argentina’s primair old school straight edge band present 10 songs of melodic youthcrew hardcore, with reflective lyrics, that cover both personal and scene-related topics.
REDSHIFT : Shadowless Citizen
16 song CD on Soulforce - € / $ 5
Spanish hardcore, a mixture between old school, new school, emo and screamo. This is an enhanced CD, and it contains a CD-rom track with live footage, photos, special internet features, a catalogue and more.
REFLECTIONS #13 - € / $ 3
The new issue of Reflections, with a full colour, interviews with Trial, What Happens Next?, Catharsis, Stretch Arm Strong, Bloodpact, Cable Car Theory, Nate Wilson, Dillinger Escape Plan, a Mainstrike U.S. Tourreport, loads of good columns and reviews - as always, top quality. 92 pages.
REFLECTIONS #14 - € / $ 3
The leading Ditch HxC fanzine that grows better with every new issue. Except with the usual stuff (lots of reviews, column) interviews wrh Ruination, Mike Thorn of MRR, Evan Jacobs, Vique Martin of Revelation Records, Lifes Halt, Paul of Seein Red, Mike Mowery of Phyte Records, Tim Shaw of Ensign, Vic Dicara of 108 and tour reports of Stretch Armstrong and The Oath. 96 pages.
REINFORCE : One Life Thug Free!
7 song 7" on Underestimated
The 2nd 7” - described as dynamic hardcore, with tons of melody, catchy hooks, and ample sing-a-long opportunities. It’s still youth crew old school, but with a lot of original musical and lyrical ideas put in - far from standard. An interesting and good record.
REMAIN : As Sharp As Knives
7 song 7” on Not Just Words - € / $ 3
From the ashes of the last incarnation of Spirit 84 and DSS rises this phoenix with the name Remain. The sound of Remain is in a way a mixture of the more melodic old school sound of the first band and the more raw fast early 80s hardcore sound of the second band – the best of both world I would say. The lyrics reflect positivity - vegetarism, believing in yourself, breaking away from society’s pressures and friendship are some of the important raised. All in all, another proof that the hardcore scene in Friesland is alive and kicking!
REMAINS TO BE SEEN: Defined Identity
7 song 7” on Amendment - € 4,50
The label says: Phil and Daniel played in this band before starting Remission. Straight Edge hardcore a la Insted, No For An Answer and Hard Stance.
Robert recommends: From 2007, but it sounds as if it was recorded in 1988. Classic straight edge youthcrew hardcore from South America, certainly one of the best youth crew records I’ve heard coming from South America. The last few copies of this record! Comes with download code.
THE RENEGADES OF PUNK
9 song 7” on Thrashbastard - € 4
The label says: "This Brazilian band plays a very familiar style of fast punk that borders on hardcore. The distortion on the guitar is light and the riffs are often tinged with a more basic garage-y flare that works well here and lands this band somewhere near REGULATIONS or something like that with angry female vocals. This is a really great demo." (MRR)
RES GASTAE
12 song CD-R on El Paso - € / $ 4
Res Gastae from Bogoto is probably Colombia’s number 1 straight edge band at the moment. The band, who has some former Exigencia-members involved, plays fast and furious hardcore, with both thrash and some metal influences and screaming vocals. The lyrics (that are in Spanish, but come with an English translation) show clearly that Res Gastae is a political band, not a strange thing for a band from a country like Colombia. The record is beautifully packed. A powerful first release on this new New Zealand label!
RESOLVE
7 song 7” on Commitment - € 3,50
Resolve is a five-piece straight edge band from the St. Louis, MO-area, that plays pure late 1980s youthcrew hardcore, in the classic style that bands like Youth Of Today and Turning Point made big. So the perfect soundtrack to singalong, fingerpoint and jump around to! The songs are fast, energetic full of catchy singalongs and deal with life from a positive perspective. With lyrics about the meat industry, the power of oil corporations in the USA, intelligent design, but also about being different and making a positive change, Resolve makes clear that the have some importants thoughts to share.
RESPITE : ... Thoughts
4 song 7" on Havin' A Spazz - € / $ 3
SxE emo-core from Italy with a Krishna-influence and some spiritual and political lyrics. There is a booklet included with explanations of all four songs - in Italian, unfortunately for me.
REVIVAL #2.5 - € / $ 1,50
'In between'-issue of this Dutch fanzine, featuring interviews with Homerun, Victims Of Society, Settle The Score, Blue Water Boy and Flat Earth Society and reviews. The issue was put out on the occasion of the first Revival festival.
REVIVE : What Is Your Answer ?
6 song CD on Still Believe - € / $ 5
Hardhitting, melodic and sometimes NYHC influenced (but fortunately not too much) old school hardcore from this band from Coubron, France. In their lyrics they raise somet interesting issues, which show they not only take a critical look at our current society, but also at those people that are criticizing it all the time, but at the same time are profitting from it.
RICHARD COLLIER: For The Love Of Death…
19 song CD on Take 4 - € 8
Richard Collier is not a singer/songwriter from the States, but a hardcore punk band from The Philippines, playing melodic punkrock. This album contains 11 new songs and 8 bonus tracks: 3 from a 2006 demo and 5 from a 2004 demo.
RIGHT IDEA
5 song 7” on Refuse - € 4
Available for the first time on vinyl is the demo from Cleveland, OH's Right Idea, which before was only available on cassette. The songs are fast and positive, with a No For An Answer or Straight Ahead vibe.
RIGHT IDEA: Right way
8 song 7” on Refuse - € 4
The label writes: 7" contains 8 brand new songs of the Cleveland band. Expect a high-energy straight edge hardcore in the vein of Straight Ahead, No For An Answer, DYS or Youth Of Today. The positive energy, intensity and sing-a-long parts are all there, with the message of enthusiasm, hope and optimism.
RIISTETYT : Tervetuloa Kuolema
7 song 7” on Havoc - € / $ 3,50
Finnish hardcore veterans Riistetyt, that started out as a typical Finnish hardcore act in the 1980s, evolved into a glamrock band under a different name in the 1990s, and returned to their hardcore roots in 21st century. On this record on the US label Havoc they present us with seven songs of driving midtempo to fast 80s influenced hardcore with political lyrics in Finnish (with one exception - one song is in English).
RITUAL: Wolves
8 song CD on Still Life – € 8
Ritual’s sound can be described as a mixture of modern hardcore and some rock elements. Reviews often compared the band to late Unbroken, The Hope Conspiracy, The Suicide File or some modern hardcore bands. But more important than this, Ritual place emphasis on the ethics in hardcore and do not keep quiet about the fact that all members strongly encourage a vegan/vegetarian and drugfree life. This CD contains the ‘Wolves’ 7” and the ‘One Foot In The Grave’ 7”, and one new unreleased track: a cover of Chokehold’s ‘Anchor’.
ROOM 13: User/Abuser
7 song 7” on Crucial Attack - € 3,50
Obnoxious, offensive, in your face, but this time having the last laugh, Room 13 will crack your head with their debut EP User / Abuser. With a smooth live reputation of getting pissed at each other during shows and getting banned from pubs, this young, nihilistic hardcore-punks are here to spill their guts. Room 13 recorded 7 songs at Studio 195.
RUIDO
9 song 7" on Six Weeks - € / $ 3,50
Fast crusty HxC from the USA with lyrics in Spanish - the lyrics will probably be political, but as their is no lyrics sheet with the lyircs, I have to guess.
RUSH’N ATTACK
4 song 7” on Crucial Attack - € 3,50
This Dutch band is bringing you 4 punk tunes rocking to the max. Inspiration is drawn from bands like Black Flag, Cut The Shit, Annihilation Time and New Bomb Turks, but Rush N Attack threw these influences into a blender, shaked it and put in their own flavour, to give you this special taste.
SADIS #2: € / $ 1,5
Second issue of this fanzine from Malaysia. Features interviews with Ravage (Malaysian grindcore), Second Combat (old school from Malaysia) and Chris from BCT Records; an article about Inflict (old school from Malaysia); letters about hardcore/sXe and the (muslim) religion; columns; several opinions about rape (that's the theme of this issue), scene reports from The Philippines, Poland and Rome and reviews.
SANGRE JOVEN : Demo 2003
10 song CD - € / $ 3,50
Although the band calls this a demo, it could easily go as an ‘official’ release – not only does the CD come with a professionally printed booklet, also the production is more than good enough for an official release (even more so if you know this straight edge band is from Guatalama, where it’s more difficult to find good studios than in Western Europe or the USA). Sangre Joven play late 1990s inspired youthcrew hardcore, with all the usual fast parts, breakdowns, mosh parts and of course singalong choruses. Lyrics are in Spanish, and seem to deal with both sXe related issues and social issues. The best thing I heard coming out of Central America so far.
SAIRAAT MIELET : Controversial History 1988-1992
song CD on Six Weeks - € 8
Despised crossover hardline SXE HC/thrash from Finland 88-92 packaged in a full color digi-pak with liner notes, lyrics, new pics. Contains the world famous “Tippa Tappa” and “Punk On Paskaa”EP’s.
SECOND AGE : The Tides Have Turned
12 song CD on Refuse - € / $ 7
Poland’s premier positive sXe outfit team up with Eastern European premier sXe label Refuse Records for 12 songs of youthXcrew fury. Energetic, powerful, yet also melodic, with vocals that sometimes remind me of Ray when he still was called Of Today, and sometimes of Michiel of ManLiftingBanner: what more do you want ? Lyrics that have some meaning to them, you say ? Well, Second Age also serve you there - no cliché stuff, but well thought, yet clear lyrics. This CD is absolutely recommended !
SECOND COMBAT : What Has Inspired Us?
6 song 7” on Commitment - € / $ 3
Malaysian straight edge veterans Second Combat debut on vinyl with a six song 7” on Commitment Records. Second Combat is already around for over 10 years, and that shows in the songs on this EP. Although the basis is old school hardcore, Second Combat takes the style to a new level, with songs that burst of different ideas: melodic singing, over the top screaming, youth crew singalongs, superfast drum parts, melodic guitar work, it’s all present on this 7”. The lyrics show that Second Combat not only takes pride in being straight edge, but also address some important issues as sexism, racism and wage slavery.
SECOND COMBAT – MOTIVATION
11 song split CD on Major Malfunction a.o. - € 5
This split CD was made on the occasion of the South East Asian tour of the Hungarian straight edge band Motivation. It contains five new songs of Malaysian number 1 straight edge band Second Combat and six prevously released Motivation songs. Second Combat still plays high energy melodic youthcrew hardcore and become better with every new release! Motivation plays fast to sometimes superfast youthcrew hardcore, and present three songs of their ‘Life Of My Life’ EP amd the ‘Won’t Take Part’ album. A very good split that comes in very cool artwork!
SELFISH : Cause Pain
6 song CD on Combat Rock Industry - € / $ 5
Selfish, who are from the city of Punkaharju (this is no joke!) are the veterans of the Finnish hardcore scene, having been around for 15 years now. The well-produced and powerful six songs on this CD EP mix the traditional scandinavian Discharge-influenced hardcore with Japcore and early 1980s USA hardcore. Lyrics reflect on the life they are living and the people they are confronted with inside and outside this scene.
SENTENCE : Perfection Through Disfunction
2 song 7" on Tomcat - € / $ 3
Slow and angry vegan sXe metal from Italy with apocalyptical lyrics and a religious overtone.
THE SETUP : Nine Kinds Of Pain
4 song 7” on Anger Management - € / $ 3
A sort of all-star band, featuring members and former members of Circle, Thumbs Down, Think Unbroken, The Suicide File and Harvest – described as ‘heavy bone crushing’ hardcore and I guess that is a good description. A mixture of modern AN-inspired bands and the heavier incarnations of the late 1980s / early 1990s old school bands. Personal, angry and negative lyrics, and red vinyl.
THE SETUP: Crawl And Reign
7” on Demons Run Amok - € 4
The label says: Desperate times call for desperate measures. Fueled by the current violent state of the world and personal struggles, The Setup have embarked on a mission to create the perfect soundtrack for all hostility to come. Indifferent towards trends and scene antics, pissed off with the fear propaganda and disgusted by ignorance, The Setup are not afraid to take their stance, using intense musical and lyrical messages. Over the years The Setup have been earning street credentials with their breakthrough record “The Pretense Of Normality” and the steady touring that followed.
Faced with the ordeals inherent to underground music and constant touring, members were bound to come and go, leaving the band behind with a line-up that’s the most efficient and confident to date. Two years after their last album, and determined to continually progress while sticking to their trademark heavy-hitting and technically skilled sound , The Setup have returned to the studio with a take-no-prisoners approach.
SEXY SUPER PORNO - DUDMAN
10 song split-7” on S.O.A. - € / $ 3
Sexy Super Porno from Rome are a feministic all-grrrl hardcore band (probably not what you would have guessed for a band with a name like that - and also not when you listen to the band, as the voice does not sound like a grrrrls-voice at all) and play fast and furious grindcore with lyrics dealing with machos, feminism, prostitution and prolife vs prochoice. Dudman from Japan play fast and furious hardcore with some grind/powerviolence parts with lyrics that make no sense (at least, not to me, but well, I am not Japanese)…
THE SHINING – DESTRUCTIVE: The Amsterdam Connection
16 song CD on Madskull - € 4
Debut of Amsterdam hardcore band The Shining, from 2001. This is a split with fellow Amsterdam hardcore band Destructive.
THE SHINING
5 song 7” on UPS / Pick Up - € 3
Debut vinyl release of this Amsterdam hardcore band, that has previously released one split CD, brings five songs of early to mid-1980s inspired hardcore.
THE SHINING : The Word Is Fiction
8 song 7” on UPS / Pick Up and others - € 3
The second off-the-rails ripper for The Shining. This disc is packaged in an elaborate gatefold sleeve and the music is just as striking. Fast, ferocious hardcore punk (inspired by bands like BGK and The Accused), a whiff of crossover and hitting all the right buttons.
SHORT FUSE
18 song CD on Assault / Underestimated - € 6
Short Fuse charge at you with 18 tracks of pissed-off old school hardcore in just under 20 minutes. These guys have been active in the scene for years (I recognize former Highscore singer Seb) and their love for early hardcore from the 80's is more than evident. Stripped down and raging hardcore that serves as an outlet to vent frustrations, a way to deal with the pressures of the daily grind. Disillusioned and angry, abrasive and in your face, Short Fuse nevertheless manages to sneak in some melodies and sweet chorus parts every once in a while. For people into Circle Jerks, Discharge and Fucked Up.
SHORT FUSE : Fruitless Efforts
4 song 7” on Assault - € 3
Hot on the heels of their debut LP comes the new SHORT FUSE EP. Four new tracks of hardcore punk that showcases the bands progression. A little less trash, a little more melody, midtempo and anger to spare. For those of you who can't do without some comparisons, imagine early Fucked Up mixed with Discharge and Poison Idea.
SHORT FUSE: Blight
6 song 7” on Assault - € 3,50
Second 7” and third record of Germany’s Short Fuse with Seb of Highscore fame on vocals. Assault records writes: "Blight" has six new songs of hardcore punk for the working class. No gimmicks, no crews, no bullshit. Disillusioned, angry and pissed. Short Fuse are unafraid to voice their disappointment with their lives, their jobs and YOU. Not looking for approval, this is honest punk rock the way it was meant to be played, raw, abrasive and in your face.
SHUT THE FUCK UP – RATS
8 song split-7” on Thrashbastard - € 3
Second release of Umea’s The Rats in a short time: 3 tunes of early 1980s inspired aggressive hardcore. Shut The Fuck Up have 5 songs on the other side of this 7”, and play the same style of early 1980s influenced hardcore, maybe only a little bit faster in speed than The Rats. Both bands share angry and aggressive lyrics, directed against the rich, hypocrites, people with self-pity, people who don’t care and not being able to skate where you want to.
SICK KICKS FOR SHOCK ROCKERS
6 song compilation 7” on Violent Reaction - $ / € 3,50
Six bands from Long Beach, California can be found on this EP. The Liberats play fast, somewhat youth crew sounding hardcore. 40 Oz Rescue is crusty hardcore. The Assailants play fast early 80s hardcore (think early- Dischord sound). Deterrence have a 84 hardcore sound, their song could be a song off the legendary P.E.A.C.E.-compilation. Psychotic Reaction sing about zombies that skateboard, and also have a 83 hardcore sound (has the time stood still in Long Beach since 20 years one begins to wonder…). Clit 45 wear spikes and mohawks, and have a 82 UK sound - including a football chorus shooting ‘Fight Back!’. The sleeve gets the price for the most ugly sleeve ever. Really horrible. But the music is cool, and that’s what counts.
SICK TERROR – MIGRA VIOLENTA
9 song 7” on UPS and many others - € 3
Sick Terror from Brazil play fastcore in the vein of Drop Dead with a nod towards Infest and Monster X. Really stunning heavy bass licks, tommy gun drumming, fret burning riffage and totally spazzed/tortured vocals. Miga Violenta power through their 5 songs, from the opening rif to the dumbstruck sound as the last song finished. Super fast blastbeat drumming, ala Heresy and mouth melting bass licks akin to SIEGE and again RIPCORD. All the songs are played in the same roller coaster speed at these bands, with loads of essential breakdowns, tempo changes and the odd stop go, stop go fury to give you air to breathe.
SIGHT FOR SORE EYES
10 song CD on Good Intentions/Liberation - € 5
Sight For Sore Eyes are from Brazil and play well-produced melodic old school, in the style of Fastbreak, Reach The Sky and Kids Like Us.
SIGNAL 3: Convergence Zone
16 song CD on Miscreant - € 4
This band is from California, but the special thing is that all members are immigrants from The Philippines. Signal 3 mixes streetpunk and oi. Some songs are in English, others in their native language. A powerful record. From 1998.
SIGNS OF HOPE: First And Foremost
9 song 7” on Goodwill - € 4
Signs Of Hope is a hard working Connecticut based oldschool HC band, that has released their 7"EP on Italian label Goodwill Records. 9 songs of urgent oldschool hardcore that draws its influences from bands like Chain Of Strength, In My Eyes and Ten Yard Fight. Good stuff!
SILENTE – BRUTUS : Não Caia De Amores Pelo Poder
9 song 7” on Riding Ancient Waves / Alea - $ / € 3,50
Two bands from Brazil. Silente does not really do justice to their name: they play fast hardcore with screaming and angry vocals. Brutus does it’s name more justice: brutal hardcore with some black metal and grind influences and dual vocals. Both bands sing in Portugese.
SILVER SHINE
6 song 7” on Commitment - € / $ 3
The debut release of the first psychobilly/punkabilly straight edge band ever – The Silver Shine from Hungary. Featuring current and past members of straight edge hardcore bands like Hold True and Stay Clean, this three-piece (guitar/vocals, upright bass and drums) mixes psychobilly, country, punk and hardcore. The lyrics deal with the usual psychobilly subjects (zombies, vampires and other classic horror movie themes), but also an anti-drugs song is included. The record is a benefit for a local organisation that helps people fight their addiction.
THE SILVER SHINE: Nightmare
14 song CD on Crazy Love - € 8
After their debut-7” on Commitment, this is the first full length record of the Hungarian psychobilly straight edge band The Silver Shine. With the songs going more in a rockabilly/psychobilly direction than the punkabilly sound of the 7”, this record is clearly a step forward from the 7”. 14 songs of energetic music, some cool instrumentals and a live reprise of the song ‘Other World’ from the 7”. Another proof that straight edge does not have to limit itself to hardcore.
THE SILVER SHINE: Don’t Trust The Girl With The Chainsaw
15 songs CD on Crazy Love - € 8
The second full length of The Silver Shine from Budapest, Hungary, is only released one year after their first full length, that also came out on German pyschobilly label Crazy Love Records. Unfortunately, due to getting a new bass player, the band does not have a full sXe line-up anymore, but that doesn’t prevent them for cranking out another 15 strong psychobilly songs. The band is getting more and more a name in the psychobilly community, and this record shows why. And the song ‘Murder In The Liquor Store’ shows they did not totally forgot how they started out.
SINCERITY: Kids Of 2k1
5 song 7’ on Platinum - € 3
Debut-7” of this new German old school band - Sincerity play the classic youth crew style: fast, with moshy breakdowns, lots of backups and with a lot of energy. The songs are recorded at the Bunt Studios, so the sound is superb. The lyrics set this band apart from many other youth ceew bands: they take a clear stance against homophobia and machoism in the scene (the anti-machoist song is sung by one of the two female members of this band). A very good debut 7” ! I’ve got some copies on coloured vinyl, with the limited edition Side By Side ripoff cover.
SINK OR SWIM – IN ONE PIECE
4 song split 7” on Start A Fire / Epidemic - € 3,50
Sink Or Swim is a political vegan straight edge band from Germany. Hardcore in the 90's style mixed with more furious sounds, typical of these years! Direct lyrics loaded with messages, a 360° political approach to vegan straight edge! Then their Finnish split-mates: In One Piece. A straight edge skate hardcore band, even in this case with 90's sounds but with a good thrash influence! Clear lyrics, personal and meaningful for a band with something to say!
SIRENS : Calling
6 song MCD on Let It Burn / PxF - € / $ 8
Sirens are from Wanne-Eickel, Germany and this is their debut release. It contains six songs of melodic and powerful hardcore with mostly personal lyrics. The CD is beautifully packed and comes with a booklet.
SLAIN - STATE OF FILTH
14 song 7" on Enslaved - € / $ 3
Two fast and aggressive hardcore bands from the UK: Slain features members of Ebola and a female vocalist (but if I didn't knew that, I wouldn't have guessed) and play a mixture between gind and powerviolence; State Of Filth play crust/grind, like a mix between Doom and Infest.
THE SMASHROOMS: The Wind Of Tomorrow
4 song 7” on Epidemic Records - € 3,50
The Smashrooms come from Brescia, Italy, and consists of 3 guys that play passionate and intense political charged hardcore, mixing old school hardcore with a modern approach.
The lyrics that definitely prove that The Smashrooms are not in it just for the music. As they state in the cover inlay 'We think that hardcore needs to bring outspoken politics back as a primary value'. Their lyrics deal with issues like society and animal rights.
THE SMASHROOMS: Questions
4 song 7” on Epidemic - € 4
The label says: From Brescia, Italy, The Smashrooms put out a new piece of vinyl about one year after “The Wind Of Tomorrow”. A mix between anthemic old school and 90s style hardcore. Lyrics with a message but expressed from a personal point of view. White vinyl.
SOBERESPONSE: A Different Path
6 song 7” on Commitment - € 4
The first 7” of the Amsterdam straight edge communists Soberesponse, from 1998, long sold out, but I have a few copies available again. A maximum of 1 copy per person. Be quick, because they will be gone soon!
SOLSTICIO – LARUSSO
12 song split CD on Caustic - € 5
Two Brazilian hardcore bands on this second release on Caustic Records from 2004. Both bands play aggressive old school hardcore with some NYC hardcore influences. Political lyrics in Portugese.
SPES EREPTA: Minutová Terapie
10 song CD on Refuse - € 7
Spes Erepta is a vegan straight edge band from the Czech Republic. This CD compiles everything they have recorded so far: their 7” from 2005 and some compilation tracks from 2006 and 2007. Spes Erepta plays crusty hardcore, a quite unusual sound for a straight edge band, and couple it with political lyrics in the Czech language. The last ‘song’ is a 30 minute spoken word by Michal Kolesár, unfortunately it is in Czech, so only people who speak that language can understand what he is talking about. Good to see a straight edge band with a more original sound and a worthwhile message to share!
SPITFIRE DOWN: All I Ever Loved
9 song CD on Dead And Gone - € 5
Debut of this Newcastle, UK straightedge hardcore band. Nine tracks of old school hardcore with melodic vocals and bitter lyrics – the demo and four new songs. For fans of Carry On, Horror Show, American Nightmare and Creep Division. From 2003.
SPITTING TEETH : Don’t Believe The Hype
8 song 7” on Havoc - € / $ 3,50
Fast thrash attack from the USA, 8 songs of not exactly overproduced fast early to mid 80s hardcore with pissed-off lyrics about the scene and the world of today.
STAID
7 song tape on Whatever It Takes - € 3
This tape on Second Combat’s bass player Arwith’s label compiles the first two demos of the Philipinian straight edge band Staid (featuring members and former members of Feud, Choke Cocoi, Half The Battle and The Weapon). 7 songs of aggressive youthcrew hardcore with political lyrics of a band that has become one of the premier straight edge bands in South East Asia, despire their short existence.
STANDARD ISSUE : Incite
8 song 7" on Third Party - € / $ 3,50
Second, and last, 7" of Standard Issue from the state of Kentucky. As the first 7", pure youth crew sXe HxC, with lyrics that go a little bit deeper than those of most of the USA youth crew bands.
STATEMENT - DIM MAK
3 song split 7" on Surrounded - € / $ 3
Statement is from the UK, and in fact is a one-man project, that has been around from the 1980s on, and debuted on Hardline Records with a 7". Their two songs on this split are pure metal, with militant animal liberation lyrics - the (female voice) spoken word part in the first song works out cool. Dim-Mak, the band on the B-side, are from the USA and play also metallic hardcore, with some emo-ish breakdown. Their song is about abortion, and they have written a large well-thoughtout piece in the booklet to explain why they are against abortion.
STEADFAST : Homeiswheretheheartdies
3 song 7" on Threesome - € / $ 3
Not to be confused with the Great Britain Steadfast or the Australian Steadfast, this German band brings you very powerful new school sXe-hardcore. It's their farewell-7", as they are now called June's Tragic Drive.
STILL NO : Attempt To Make Sense
11 song CD-R on R-Records - € / $ 5
After a demo, this is the first full length release of Still No - still very DIY, so on a CD-R, but with very professionally looking artwork. Still No mix melodic oldschool, punkrock and youthcrew to a sound of their own, with high-pitch vocals that sometimes remind me of Ignite, sometimes of Vitamin X and sometimes of Absconded. The lyrics deal with political and personal issues and are well-thought out.
STOP TALKING!
5 song MCD on Crossfire – € 4
Debut MCD of this young Italian band. Five songs of well produced fast old school hardcore on the Japanese Crossfire label. Lyrics deal with child mistreatment, animal testing and personal issues. Good debut by this vegetarian and drugfree band.
STRAIGHT OPPOSITION : Step By Step
10 song CD on Indelirium - € 6
Straight Opposition is an Italian hardcore band that mixes old school with NYC hardcore and some new school influences, with gruff vocals. Lyrics are quite political and deal with revolting against the mainstream society, USA war politics and living with positive and passion. A hardhitting record.
STRENGTH APPROACH: Piece By Piece
6 song 7” on Defiant Hearts - € 3,50
Of course, Strength Approach does not need an introduction. Already around from 1996 on, this Roma band released many quality old school records over the years. This 7” on the German Defiant Hearts records features a mixture of new songs, songs taken from ‘Keep The Standards High’, the long sold out 7” on Siton Records, and covers (by The Animals and The Misfits). Full colour artwork done by Mike Bukowski! White vinyl.
STRENGTH APPROACH: Stand Your Ground
7” on Demons Run Amok - € 4
The label says: After more than two years spent on the road supporting their last full-length, relentlessly shreddingstages throughout Europe, USA and Australia, as well as a few line-up changes, the hardcore powerhouse from Roma, Italy known as STRENGTH APPROACH is about to come back with some heat for your eardrums. This record is the proof the band has crushed all odds faced during their almost 15-years existence, are here to stay and have settled themselves as a true legend of Italian hardcore. Serving as a preview of their full length "WITH OR WITHOUT YOU", these new songs show the harder side of the band, a much more mature songwriting and the band's will to step up their sound to a new level. The new record has artwork by Dave Quiggle (Sick of It All, New Found Glory, Sworn Enemy)
STRIKE FIRST: The Human Devil
7” on Light The Fuse - € 3,50
Strike First are from Arnhem, The Netherlands, and this 7” is the follow up to their full length “Requiem For The Aftermath”. “The Human Devil" picks up where "Requiem For The Aftermath", released on Germany's Crucial Response Records, stopped. The obvious Cro-Mags vibe in these four songs (recorded by Michiel Toenink) remains, but the band added some more groove, heaviness and breakdowns wich definitely created more of a sound of their own. From 2006.
SUBTONIX : Too Cool For School
2 song 7” on Vida Loca - € / $ 3
First release on a new Italian label, that focuses on feminist and queer bands - Subtonix is a grrrlband from California that plays late 70s style punk/wave, including keyboard and sax among the instruments. If a have to make a comparison, Slits would probably come close - but I also hear some almost Crammps-like stuff in the two songs. Comes on red vinyl.
SUDARSHANA : Reviviendo La Emoción
11 song CD on Seven Eight Life - € / $ 8
Spanish-language vegan straight edge pop from Buenos Aires, Argentina, by a band that is already around for some time. Sudarshana developed from a melodic hardcore band into a poppy rockband (some will maybe call it emo, but in my ears, its just popmusic). It is nice to see a band that has changed its musical style, but kept true to its original ideals.
SUDARSHANA : La Rebelión Del Corazón
14 song CD on In Fire - € 6
Fourteen new songs from this Argentinian vegan straight edge poppers. Finally a CD by a sXe band, that you can also play to your friends that think punk and hardcore are way too loud for them. The songs are poppy and melodic, and sometimes even some synthesizers are added. Sudarshana is maybe not a hardcore band anymore, but they are certaintly good at what they do. Includes a cover of ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ of The Cure – in Spanish!
SUFFER - URKO
7 song split 7" on Enslaved - € / $ 3
The 4 last songs by Suffer from the UK, recorded in 1996 - fast and crusty hardcore; Urko play a mix between early Boston and Japanse hardcore - it's fast and aggressive: they even cover a YOT-song, retitled 'I Have (No) Faith'.
SUMMER LEAGUE : Supposed To Trail
8 song CD on Equality - € / $ 6
The new CD EP from this straight edge band from Bologna, Italy carries on where their previous musical outing left them: old school hardcore, but with quite some melodic influences, and also some more new school and emo influences – on the insert you can see the sleeves of records by Four Walls Falling, 411 and Verbal Assault: that sums up perfectly their musical direction. Their lyrics are still their strongest point: personal and critically towards the (straight edge) scene and the world in general, which is also underlined by song titles like ‘God Save Us From America’ and ‘Downfall Of The Empire’. A band who proves that straight edge still is a political choice.
SUNBURNCOLD : My Heart Will Go On
4 song 7" - € / $ 3
German new school from the Bremen-area. Good, with nice artwork.
SUPERSLEUTH: The Hate Divides
4 song 7” on Underestimated - € 3,50
Melodic, fast-tempoed hardcore out of Naperville, IL (USA). Supersleuth fuses ‘80’s hardcore with straight ahead punk into a tight, fast mix. Comparable to NFAA, Avail and Mouthpiece, but not exactly like any of them.
SUPPORT : Can’t Leave It Behind
9 song 7” on Breakthrough - € 3
Support is a project band made up out of people from different bands from Friesland (a province in the north of the Netherlands) and Breakthrough is a new label from the same area. This 7” is a winner: fast old school hardcore, in the style of the Boston/DC-bands from the early 80s. 9 songs, and all fast !
SURVIVORS – A NEW ENEMY
5 song split 7” on Warmachine - € 3,50
Two sets of old school hardcore with a punk touch from New Jersey, A New Enemy feature members of Let It Burn & Tear It Up! From 2003.
SUSPECT - SUGAR TUSH
3 song split 7" on Freak Out - € / $ 3
Suspect play new school, more in the American than in the Belgian style. I also hear some Snapcase-influences, in the way they use their guitars. Sugar Tush, also from Antwerp mix up hiphop, metal and hardcore with a good result.