Straight Edge: A clear headed hardcore punk history by Tony Rettmann

Bazillion Points
2017

Straight edge is almost old as punk rock itself dating back to the early 80's when Minor Threat sang about being clean and sober. Over the years it became more a movement then merely a lyrical theme with bands in scenes from DC to California to Boston and of course New York taking up the call and spread the message. This book documents goes through the origins and how it grew over time. There are first hand accounts from members of Minor Threat, SS Decontrol, Youth of Today, DYS, Slapshot, Uniform Choice, 7 Seconds, Chain of Strength, No for an Answer, Insted, Gorilla Biscuits, and many more. In addition to the stories there are plenty of live photos and fliers to accompany them. Whether you grew up following the scene, got into later or where too young to have been around for the early years but want to know more, no matter the case this is a great presentation of a very strong and important part of the hardcore scene. I listened to and still listen to a number of these bands, but for me the best part of this book was  reading what it meant to the band members that were part of it. A very cool presentation and maybe not too late to still pick one up as a Christmas present for someone you know.

Deep Fryer-Rockin' Right Hard

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Deep Fryer is a hardcore/punk band from Fredericton, New Brunswick. The group is made up of Mike Erb (vox), JE Sheehy (guitars, vox), Jake Spencer (bass), and Kyle Clark (drums). In November of 2016 the the band put out it's self-titled debut. This EP comes almost one year after the release of "Deep Fryer". Along with the equally satisfying "Deep Fryer", "Rockin' Right Hard" is available as a name-your-own-price digital download. It features four songs and is a tremendous call-back to the (chilled) hardcore scene of the nineties. And just like the good old days, Deep Fryer writes about it's own hometown and the things that are most important to the members. The lyrics cover things like hockey and local landmarks. In a time when everyone is just so freaking serious, Deep Fryer take a laid back approach to everything. If you ask me, we sure as hell could use more bands like that now.

Free Metal Monday: Godam-Fear Is Weapon-Demo

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Godam is a (crust-ridden) power violence band from Indonesia. This five track demo looks as if it is the group's debut and it includes a cover of Mayhem's "Pure Fucking Armageddon". There are occasional moments when "Fear Is Weapon" borders on hardcore metal, but overall this free demo is ugly and extreme. Naturally those qualities make it all the more essential! 

Free Metal Monday: Baribal-Demo

Independent/Self-Release
2017

Baribal is a German hardcore band that knows a thing or two about (true) heavy metal. This (name your price) demo is old school as fuck and has some cool gang vocals going on. Available for downloading by heading here, "Demo" features studio material and live music.  

Postal-2017 Demo

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Postal is a (hardcore-leaning) crossover band from Columbus, Ohio that is currently comprised of  Jimmy (lead vox), Joe (guitar/vocals), Matt (bass/vocals), and KB (drums). This three track demo serves as the group's latest release. It might not look all that impressive given it's cover art, but in reality this a prime example of (street-legit) pissed-of/brute force metallic hardcore. It merely serves as an appetizer for the group's next release (which will either an EP or LP) and it demands that you play it LOUD and PROUD! Geared towards both the punks and the headbangers, Postal's sound is a reflection of the anger, frustration, and ugliness that lays waiting inside many of us. It's about time that someone gave us a new voice to help with such an inner struggle...

Free Metal Monday: Truthdealer-Dousing The Fire

Self-Release/Independent
2015


Falling somewhere between punk rock and metal & hardcore and hard rock, Milwaukee, Wisconsin's Truthdealer put out a couple of weird releases before they folded. This album was their last one and (genre-wise and theme-wise) it is all over the place! It's a name-your-price-download with a couple of  good songs sprinkled throughout.

Sinatras-Six-Sexy-Songs

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Everyone say hello to the Sinatras. We've got F.L.A. Sinatra on lead vox, Lele &; Minkio Sinatra on guitars,
Lispio Sinatra on bass and Jenny Sinatra on drums. Just like the Ramones before them these five use pseudonyms and the band's self-released EP is pretty self-explanatory. Or at least it is if  you are the type that equates beauty with nuts out brutality! And that's pretty much what we're talking about when it comes this Italian band and "Six-Sexy-Songs". They've self-dubbed their musical style "death'n'roll", but, unlike, say Entombed (just one of the "recommended if you like" bands mentioned along with Pantera, Hatebreed and my personal fave of the bunch, Carcass!) these five bandmates don't necessarily walk the "Left Hand Path".   Nah, these Sinatras roll out the barrels of fun via a hack and slash hodgepodge of death, hardcore, thrash, groove metal and hard rock where the phrase "Kick Out The Jams Motherf**ker!" takes on new meaning!  Custom-built for the rough and tumble crowd, "Six-Sexy-Songs" is a nice "How do you do?" from a band that I hope to hear more from soon!

Free Metal Monday: FEDS-Common Enemy

Self-Release/Independent
2014

"Real. Aggressive. Unsatisfied. Hardcore." 

That right there is the self-description of this Akron, Ohio four-piece and damn if that isn't just about spot on! Those four words go a l-o-n-g  way towards cutting to the heart of this collective and with a 2013 (5-track) demo already under wraps (also available on the group's Bandcamp page) the band FEDS (vocalist Frank McGhee, guitarist Dave Burgess, bassist Mike Farris and drummer Brandon Siegenthaler*) went straight into Engine Room Recordings in Kent, Ohio to lay down this tasty slab of unrelenting, pure and (bloody, brass knuckle-covered fists!) in your face hardcore and man freakin' alive if the end results of this long player don't just speak for themselves! If you're tired of the new face of hardcore (Lord knows I man!) and you find yourself longing for the good old days (eighties all the way!) then "Common Enemy" should make for one easy decision on your part! Released this past November, "Common Enemy" makes this writer's cold and wet (Aurora) Ohio day a little easier to cope with all-around even if moshing indoors is seldom a good idea!

"Common Enemy" can be found right here fiends: http://fedsakron.bandcamp.com/album/common-enemy

Meanwhile you can find FEDS online here: https://www.facebook.com/FEDSAKRON

*Drums on "Common Enemy" are credited to Matt Bremkamp and they were recorded separately over at Unclean Railers Studio in the band's hometown. 

Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico-No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes: An Oral History of the Legendary City Gardens

DiWulf Publishing
2014

Authored by Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico, "No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes: An Oral History of the Legendary City Gardens" is a (recently-released) book covering the history of New Jersey's unheralded music venue, City Gardens. As someone though who has amassed quite the collection of post-punk and alternative rock encyclopedias, history books, reference sources and even pocket companions, and (incidental) someone who actually lived through the time period this covers (eighties to nineties), I will say that whether or not you were at all familiar with the (should have been legendary!) City Gardens is of little to no concern when it comes to this exhaustive novel. For "No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes" makes you see City Gardens as if it could have been any club in any city. Or rather your favorite club in your local town! And even if it wasn't your club, authors Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico make you feel as if you are right there, right in the heart of the action as they have crafted a work of art in regards to an era that many of us will always hold firm to and consider to be the defining moment in the history of punk, hardcore and heavy metal! Working your way through the pages of this book you find yourself transported back to a time when music was exploding and the scene, both national and local, held endless possibilities and there was always some new sound to discover! As far as actual coverage of this well-loved and highly-respected club is concerned the book is broken down into different time periods even if the sentiment is all the same! Through interviews with a who's who of the alternative rock, punk rock and hardcore scene (as well as club workers and club goers!) we're given insight into a live venue which hosted some absolutely amazing talent during it's run! And yes it wasn't just about post-punk rockers and slam-dancing hardcore kids as this was a club which never discriminated (music-wise). Whether it was the punk and hardcore scene, heavy metal or hip-hop, pop-rock or reggae it was all fair game and treated equally! And in the confines of this book it's all entertainment as you read about a club which would go on to become the life-blood of New Jersey. No spoilers of course, as this one should be read in the comfort of one's own home (suggestively-speaking) with a glass of wine for maximum enjoyment, but the huge array of interviews (from the Butthole Surfers to Black Flag) and personal memories from shows (everyone from the Lords Of The New Church to the Circle Jerks played there and man alive, what I wouldn't have given to have seen both!) is just crazy making "No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes: An Oral History of the Legendary City Gardens" another book that I will be adding to my personal collection  as soon as humanly possibly! This is one book which deserves special mention and should hold a special spot in any self-respecting collection of music-related material. With that I say kudos to Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico for what amounts to a well-researched and highly-informative book and one which I have no reservations whatsoever about recommending!

The Mongoloids/Broken Teeth Split

6131 Records
2014

The Mongoloids are a straight edge band from New Jersey while Manchester, UK-based Broken Teeth are (As far as I know) just Broken Teeth. Still, they share one glorious thing in common. They both play smash-mouth hardcore and they both do it damn well! On this Split (100 Black, 300 Seafoam Green
and 600 Grey Marble-see link below) they each get two stabs at it with the Jersey lads up first and the UK bunch following their lead. Oh, and each set features new songs! And did I mention that it's also a digital release? No? Well, it is and man alive but do these tracks ever rage! The Mongoloids have the better overall sound (In my most humble opinion of course!) while Broken Teeth hands down wins the prize for most brutal delivery (Especially when it comes to "Path of Conviction"! Wowzers!). Not that you can go wrong either way as this is top of the line hardcore from two remarkable bands!
 
Buy it here in vinyl form:
https://store.nosleeprecords.com/product/6948/split-7-quot



Buy it here in digital form:
http://music.6131records.com/album/split-4

Six Reasons To Kill-We Are Ghosts

Massacre Records
2013


This one's a few months old now, but seeing as it's still (roughly) within it's "best if used by" date I figured I'd tackle this, the fifth full-length album, and see what all the fuss is about when it comes to Six Reasons To Kill. Interesting band name aside, this German metalcore group was formed in 1999 making them, more or less, veteran's of said genre. Well, either that or their still around and kicking which is a lot more then I can say for a lot of metalcore groups that have come and gone since the formation of this act. Having been hit with the usual line-up changes (For example it looks as if Lars Tekolf is the third lead vocalist they have had since forming back in the late 90s) Six Reasons To Kill has stumbled along the way, but it certainly looks as if this band has finally found a steady set of legs to stand on. With five full-length albums to their name now, along with several splits, a demo and a single, this is a band that either needs to put up or shut up. Thankfully it's much more of the former then the latter as this metalcore quintet throws all their cards down on the table for "We Are Ghosts". Having played with a real list of who's who (To name just a few we've got bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Testament, Parkway Drive, Unearth, Pro-Pain, The Black Dahlia Murder, Shadows Fall, Bleeding Through, Napalm Death and Heaven Shall Burn!) the band is said to be lethal both onstage and off (studio-wise). While I can't speak for their lives shows I can affirm that an album like this should help out greatly when we're talking about having the need to stand out among the crowded metalcore scene. Many metalcore groups fall into into the trap of being far too predictable. Breakdowns, clean/harsh vocals, down-tuned guitars, songs about strength and power (which really does nothing but betray the hardcore roots of the movement when it was done with much more conviction and sincerity), etc, etc, etc. It's almost like "OK, we get it already! You like Killswitch Engage and the like, but does there really need to be thousand different versions of Adam Dutkiewicz's band?". I'm thinking the world is probably just fine with one Killswitch Engage so I'm thankful these guys don't ride that love train all the way off the tracks! Knowing that much is true about these guys I'm left pondering just how exactly to describe the rest of their sound?. In fact, on this 10-track album, it's not strictly metalcore which is a really good thing. The album, which was produced at Kohlekeller Studio by Kristian ‘Kohle’ Bonifer (Powerwolf, Crematory, The Burning, Benighted), doesn't get too fancy, but it does just enough to keep things from going all the way south. It's nothing new mind you, but since the group does thrash about in some old-school hardcore riffs it keeps things from being too stale.On an album like this that little bit of extra "bite" helps. When it comes right down to the music on "We Are Ghosts", and whether or not it's worth tracking down a copy, it's a matter of preference. If you still like/love metalcore then hey, this one should appease you. If you're bored of the genre already then chances are even the added hardcore pieces won't be enough to get you excited. I find I'm falling more towards the latter on this one although in honesty there were moments when I remember how fresh and cutting edge metalcore used to be. That was along time ago though so even if Six Reasons To Kill do have a cool name (yeah!) and have been around since the near beginning of the movement it's hard for me to get too excited about an album like this.

Counterpoints-The Difference Between Hell and Home

Victory Records
2013

This is the 3rd overall release for Canada's Counterpoints since forming in 2007. The five piece act has always championed honest to goodness hardcore, but with a splash of pop-punk in their sound, and a approach that out of the blue becomes fixated on the melodic side of things 9not that it happens much here as this album is remarkably HEAVY!), they ofter up an interesting take on the genre with "The Difference Between Hell and Home". Two albums into their time with Victory Records (who are well-stocked with hardcore acts on their roster) and these guys look and sound as if they are primed to shake up what is now a largely overflowing mountain of hardcore acts. Be sure to keep an ear out for them, as well as an eye out for these heavy hitters, as it sounds as if they spent plenty of time hitting the stages in their home country and here in the States!

Honduran-Street Eagles

Eolian Empire
2013

Every now and then some new band comes along that makes you want to reevaluate your position that x, y or z band are the heaviest and most brutal band on the planet. Such is the case with this Portland, Oregon 3-piece. No, we're not talking about some extreme, full-speed ahead, it's all death metal and nothing else act here. These 3 musicians, who first set down on the stage in early 2009, don't need to travel into that territory in order to compete in the world's most extreme band contest. Besides, that horse (extreme death metal) has been beat to death ad nauseum.  Instead we find guitarist/vocalist Jason Dinges, bassist/vocalist Corey Dieckman and drummer Kevin Spafford feeling quite comfortable raging out to their own beat thank you very much! On this 11-song, 21-minute album we get some Napalm Death/Terrorizer-like grind, old-school thrash metal (mostly Bay Are or bust) and old-school hardcore (Cro-Mags, Sick Of It All, Gorilla Biscuits, Burn, Leeway, Agnostic Front, Inside Out, etc-you get the point) mixing it up in some back alley-winner take all. With some early Prong showing up to add to the carnage it ends up as a street fight to the death! It's a rather bloody and violent conflict with countless bodies left in it's wake. It's also a rather bloody fun listen as these Oregon bashers and thrashers sure know how to show listeners a good time! This ones not for the weak-willed or those who like their extreme music to comes packaged in a little neat box. Nope. This one is raw and ugly with kicked in teeth and broken limbs. It's street-cred is written in blood and it never let's up into it smashes everything into nothingness. Yes, it is that heavy and brutal and yes, I am reevaluating my belief that I've already heard the most wonderfully extreme and violent music out there. This 11-track release proves that's there is always something new waiting just around the corner to beat-down your senses. That's something to be thankful for.

Haust-No

Fysisk Format
2013


Haust hails from the hills of Notodden, Norway where, in 2001, they became "infected by the mix of white trash and black metal" in their surroundings. That infection would lead to a 2002 demo called "Blackmetal Suicide" and, after releasing another demo in 2003 called "Rejected", would eventually result in the 2005 full-length release, "Ride the Relapse". Now, as we fast forward all these years later, Haust issue their 4th full-length release and their first new material in 3 years. Their complete back-catalog also includes numerous EPs and Splits but, to these ears, "No" is my first experience. So how was my first time? Well, the band, who are part of what is called the "Black Hole Crew" (alongside other bands like Okkultokrati, Dark Times and Blackest Woods) weirdly enough do come off as a cross between white trash punk and black metal. It's not quite black n' roll though as there's some proto-metal going on here and, what I'd describe as, trash metal. Certainly not for everyone, but in a way this one is almost punker than punk. It sounds like it was recorded in a garage studio and, when you hear the whole shebang was recorded in a mere 2 weeks time (with actually recording time taking a mere hour!), you should know what your getting into.The promo sheds some further light on "No" as it was 2 weeks "full of arguing, distrust and rehearsal". You can hear the raw negativity that runs through these 8 tracks which reminds me (vibe-wise) of C.O.C.'s "Animosity". Raw and evil, twisted and hateful, this LP is what I'd imagine you'd get out of a black metal band setting themselves on fire while they blast through "interpretations" of tracks by the likes of S.N.F.U., Crass, The Dayglo Abortions and The Germs!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Haust/109919372546
http://www.fysiskformat.no
http://www.facebook.com/fysiskformat

French Metal Friday: As They Burn-Will, Love, Life

Victory Records
2013

I can already hear the purists out there saying "How can you use a metalcore/deathcore band for a "Metal" feature?". Truth is they'd be technically right. This isn't metal in the strictest sense of the word, but this Paris 5-piece burn things down in a way that a lot of today's modern bands just can't seem to manage. These days even hardcore itself gets a bad rap. It's not like it used to be when bands like Cro-Mags, Agnostic Front, Black Flag and C.O.C. ruled the playground making the scene kids get all crazy and violent. Even As We Burn doesn't come across like those great bands of old truthfully. Nope. They are more metalcore or deathcore then straight-up hardcore. Don't be sad though as there's good news to be found. For one thing they manage to avoid any of the pop-punk nonsense that has watered down far too many potentially good hardcore bands. No, this album showcases a hardcore band that discovered the joys of crunchy street metal and imposing death metal. The band's own take on hardcore is heavy and heartless. This is furious and extremely aggressive hardcore meant for stomping on bones and crushing skulls. Formed in 2007 by Kévin (vocals), Fabio and Hoby (guitars), Ronald (bass) and Milton (drums) the band were soon playing to packed crowds on the local hardcore circuit. In 2010 Belgian label Ultimhate Records caught wind of the fire they were starting and issued the group's first EP entitled "A New Area for Our Plagues". This EP ended up on the French music charts and lead to the band signing with Siege of Amida Records in time for their 2011 full-length debut release, "Aeon’s Wart". As they have moved up the hardcore ladder they have played with Despised Icon, Whitechapel and Impeding Doom. While the band still faces an uphill battle (as even the hardcore scene is overly crowed these days with a thousand wannabes for every dozen or so good bands) records like this will come a long way towards getting the band more recognition. If you've never heard of As They Burn before this album is a good place to start as these 5 guys have managed to put all of their skill into this passionate release.

Dollar Box Discoveries

One of my favorite pastimes is digging through the dollar bins at record stores. There's one in particular that's about 20 minutes away from me that I usually hit about every two weeks or so. Most of the time my kids are with me. My latest outing took place during "guy's day", when it was just my son and I, and proved to be a jackpot in regards to hidden gems, potential review material and even some newer albums. I hope to make this a semi-regular feature where I'll present some "goodies" I found and, hopefully just maybe, persuade others to not be so quick to pass over discount bins. So, here is what I found while out and yes, they were all $1.00 a piece.

1)The Godz-Mongolians: Ohio's own! This 1987 album is a reissue on FNA Records (2012) and actually has "promo" written on the disc!

2)Dead and Buried-Bear Witness: Hardcore that is as influenced by the Cro-Mags as Slayer!

3)Five Foot Thick-Blood Puddle: Nu Metal w/ some heavy metal adding in. Feature's single "Ducked Out" with guest Myles Kennedy.

4)Ignorance Never Settles-Cycles Of Consumption: Hardcore metal act from Canada. This was their only full-length.

5)Republica-Repulica: Female-fronted alternative rock.

6)Plan of Attack-The Working Dead: Chicago Hardcore.

7)Birdbrain-Bliss: Grunge/Post-Grunge

8)Pump Up The Volume Soundtrack: Now, don't be a hater! This has Concrete Blonde, The Pixies, Bad Brains (with Henry Rollins), Soundgarden and Sonic Youth! Not that bad all around.

9)Breaking Point-Coming Of Age: The first album by this alternative rock band. Mostly got it because it features the single "One Of A Kind" which I've always secretly liked.

10)Sons Of Elvis-Glodean: Ohio's own Sons Of Elvis! Sort of post-grunge/alt. rock.

11)Brute Forcz-Out For Blood: Bought this one just for the album art and cheesy band photo inside! I plan to review this one as it's not that old (released I believe in Oct. of 2012) so I won't spoil things now!

So, there you have it. For less then $15 I got 11 albums that run the gamut from alternative rock to slayer-infused hardcore! In this day and age where everyone and their grandmother seems to have cell phones with Internet access there is no reason why you can't dig through a box and just search up bands you've never heard of. I have gotten more great albums (incl. rare & OOP) from dollar bins then I can count. My greatest find was an album that goes for up to $80 or more on Ebay that was opened, but otherwise MINT! So, take the time and search for yourself. For a dollar or two you just might find some real treasures!

Continents-Idle Hands

Victory Records
2013

Last year (December 23rd!) I reviewed Fall City Fall who are another band signed to Victory Records. That young band impressed me and found the perfect home with Victory Records for their debut-release. The same can be said for the UK's Continents. This particular young band was formed in 2010 by five friends from South Wales (vocalist Phil Cross, guitarists Darryl Sweet and Tom Weaver, drummer Duncan “Ken” Hamill and bassist Dom Turner) who were all hardcore kids at heart. The band's love of blue collar hardcore proved to be an instant hit. Thanks in part to hard-hitting live shows, and "Trials" (the band's 2011 single), these five mates turned Continents into a real beast. With a sizable (and loyal) following in place the band was on their way. Continents went on to win the 2011 November favorite YouTube UK Metal Act which would open more doors for these hardcore thrashers. With their appearance at the June 2012 Ghostfest festival. (Europe’s biggest indoor metal and hardcore festival) Continents cemented their place in the world of hardcore (or at least over in Europe where they have easily become known as one of the best up and coming hardcore bands). Soon enough Victory Records came calling which brings us to the album "Idle Hands". Now, even if the name is unfamiliar to those of us living here in the States (as I had no idea who they were before hitting play either) I have a sneaking suspicion it won't be that way for very much longer once this album makes its presence known.  Of course when your signed to a label that features a roster of similar-minded hardcore acts you need to do something to stand out right?. When they played in a live setting these guys managed to unleash such a high level of intensity and consistency that their dedication to the craft was never called into question. How do I know? I  checked in with some friends from overseas and they confirmed that Continents offer up a ground-shaking assault of primitive (and yet technical in places) hardcore. With that serving as a way of confirmation it's safe to say then that they manged to get that same level of live intensity in the studio. After the short intro track, "224", there is this pause before Continents truly kicks things into gear. The title track follows and despite the album's title these five guys have been anything but idle! "Idle Hands" is raw and real. It features just enough "technical" playing to keep the party flowing, but it's that raw and real flavor that really makes this one a winner. Continents plays with a real sense of urgency and, as this heavy as hell hardcore album unfolds, the passion spills out like an open wound. Metal loving fans might not find enough leads to satisfy, but this one is nonetheless a smashing assault that is custom built for the pit. The band also serves up enough of an attitude with it's real and in-your-face music that anyone that defines their tastes with such words as "loud", "heavy", "brutal" and "menacing" should be able to find a foothold. "Idle Hands" is the sound of five kids from South Wales who are just trying to make some sense out of the ugly world they see. Let's all hope that even if they do find what they are looking for (which seems highly unlikely) that it doesn't stop them for playing more soul-searching and skull-crushing hardcore.

Fall City Fall-Victus

Victory Records
2013


What are the odds that I'd randomly pick a promo and it turns out to be another Canadian band? This is quite weird as it seems like every other band I've covered recently has been from up north. Fall City Fall
hail from Calgary, but the sound they pump out is more inner city anywhere U.S.A then could be reasonably expected. While the promo calls this five-piece a metalcore act it's thankfully not so predictable as I'll discuss in a few short seconds.  The band began life back in 2008 with their first EP, "1692", being released two years later. Another EP appeared along the way ("Dead Saints EP") with "Victus" being the band's debut full length album. If you are wondering if these five lads (duel-vocalists-Nathan Zorn and Keenan Pylychaty, guitarist Jordon Storey, drummer Nathan Pope and bassist Andre Urquidi) have found the perfect home with Victory Records the answer is yes. Fall City Fall are perfect for Victory Records and vice versa. If you are not familiar with Victory Records then all me to explain their mindset. The bulk of their artists are hardcore + "something" (metal, thrash, etc.) with a few exceptions (Sister Sin, Ill Niño) just to keep things interesting for the label. Fall City Fall are the perfect addition then as their craft is earnest hardcore, but with a lot of complimenting genres tacked on to spice things up! Technically there is some metalcore, but there is also progressive hardcore, mathcore, alternative metal and even some deathcore to be found. Having these two talented vocalists who do nothing but sing is nothing if not unique. Usually you have one lead singer who handles clean vocals and then another musician (bassist or guitarist usually) adds tacked on harsh vocals. Here you have two lead singers who have worked to fine tune their craft and that is appealing. Musically as well there is talent to be found within Fall City Fall. The band is seemingly more then willing to pull in these different aspects as long as the bottom line is loud and heavy, hard-hitting hardcore. Not only is the music no-nonsense, but so are the lyrics which are full of the type of pent up rage and frustration seen by those on the bottom looking up. I'll give that to Fall City Fall. These guys mean business and have a take no prisoners approach to their music. That's as appealing as it is unnerving.

Relentless-Demo 2013

Self-Release/Independent
2012

Despite the title of this 3-track ("Demo 2013") it does seem if it just came out this month. Beyond that I've got nothing to go on with this band. How so? Well, it showed up in my inbox from a friend/fellow tape trader and other then the line "I think you'll like these guys Andy" there was nothing else. I don't know if he expected me to be able to dig up more on Relentless (As there is a band from Minnesota with the same name, but whether they are this Relentless or another is anybody's guess) or if he was just bored and came across this demo? Since I'm not going to turn down random and strange requests (What fun would life be if I did?) I'll just throw this one out as is. Relentless offers 3 tracks of hardcore metal/thrash. Really it's more hardcore then anything (A more primitive Hatebreed meets Biohazard?) and, other then a slightly fuzzy mix, it's not half bad. There's even a tip of the hat towards Slayer on "Marked for Death" to keep things (somewhat) interesting. Since I have enough to go through as is promo-wise I just don't have the time to investigate. Therefore, if anyone knows more about this particular Relentless (Are they the same straight-edge Relentless that has several other releases under their belt?) and would like to share then feel free to post it! In the meantime see the link below.





http://relentlessminneapolis.bandcamp.com/album/demo-2013

The Resistance-Rise From Treason

Armoury Records
2013

When you've got a band that includes vocalist Marco Aro (ex-The Haunted, Facedown), two musicians with ties to In Flames (In Flames' founder Jesper Strömblad and ex-In Flames member Glenn Ljungström both play guitar for this new band) and drummer Chris Barkensjö (ex-Kaamos, ex-Repugnant) it would be almost impossible to walk away with a bad project. Up front the only problem that "Rise From Treason" has is it's short length. This EP just does not offer the listener enough crushing metal to completely satisfy the cravings it leaves you with. This fierce new band combines a heavy dose of street-level, in-your-face hardcore with old school Swedish death metal. With the slight addition of traditional heavy metal riffs, and even some blood-soaked death n' roll, you'll quickly find that you hunger for more. It's just not enough! Especially when everything just clicks for this Swedish monster of a band. From the opening of this EP there's so much intensity that it can't help but grab your attention and shake it violently around. Vocalist Marco Aro leads things in an effortless manor. With a death/thrash-type delivery that, while raw on occasion, is loud and commanding the group's name comes off as quite fitting. Not to be outdone by Aro the band offers up some sick, slash-happy leads and pummeling percussion.  With one foot firmly planted in Swedish death metal and the other one dug deep into metal-tinged hardcore there is this overall feeling of real down and dirty music. From "My Fire" to "Slugger" this is a fist-fighting metal release that points toward a future of powerful releases from these talented musicians. Again, the only downside is this EP's short length. Thankfully
a full-length album is set for release later in 2013. If this next year flies by as quickly as 2012 did then, Lord willing and the dead don't rise, it won't be long before The Resistance will have more to their name then just this four-track digital download/limited edition 7″ vinyl. While we wait for it this will have to make due. Still, it's a fair enough warning I offer for those looking to indulge in this bad mother of an EP. It will leave you wanting more so be aware of what is to come. This one is brutal, smash and bash metal so be prepared to hit the replay button a ton of times like I have on this Tuesday morning!




 

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