Vinny Stigma is a living legend in NYHC, and Hardcore in general. he is directly responsible for one of the biggest and most influential punk bands of all time, AGNOSTIC FRONT, and one of NYHC’s strongest titans, MADBALL. Vinny shouldnt feel like he has anything. he could very easily just lay back and coast out the rest of his life smiling and playing the occasional show with AF. but 2009’s “New York Blood” is proof that the pissed New Yorker isnt ready to coast any time soon.

the 12 track album contains two covers, both originally by Forced Reality. but the originals on the album are perfect little hardcore street punk gems. each one an anthemic declaration of remembrance of a time long past. each song tells of bar fights, endless tours, broken bottles, cracked teeth, and bleeding hardcore. Vinny’s voice lends a whole lot of credence to the songs. his three packs a day cabbie voice is just example A that the stories are true. example B is the ballsy rolling street punk that stands under the vocals. songs like ‘Misery to Milestone’, and ‘My Reflection’ (Which is mislabeled on one site as ‘Mr. Reflection’) are all all about the struggles and the strife. they are all about the ‘Hard Livin’ (another song on the album) of being in a hardcore band. this is a way of living, this is a religion to the men who bleed for it on stage every night. and Vinny doesnt want anyone to forget the struggles that NYHC has had to endure. from the Nazi movement stealing the skinhead imagery to Roger Miret breaking his back in the pit, all the way to being ignored by the money making side of the music industry, hardcore has scars, and here on ‘New York Blood’ Stigma wears them like tattoos of pride.

the song that steals the crown though would have to be ‘Hole in My Heart’. the song’s drunken swagger is reminiscent of ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by the king himself a Mr. Elvis, or ‘Suicide Hotel’ by Hardcore NY Street Punk brothers Spoiler NYC. the Social Distortion swing to the guitars lends a comfortable bed to the love lost lyrics and the spit lipped vocals. little hints of acoustic guitar strumming lend some sincerity to an otherwise fun rocker. the song is careful to never get to serious for its own good though. part of the song even has a slight ‘When the Angels Sing’ by Social D feel to it. the line ‘I hope someone tortures you like you tortured me’ lets the listener know that Vinny may have feelings, and he may sing about them, but this isnt group therapy. this is still grimy gutter punk from the city that gave us Hell’s Kitchen.

another standout is the updated version/ ’second part’ of the classic Iron Cross song, ‘Crucified’. the original song could have a whole book or two written about it and it’s importance. but the song became a staple of the Agnostic Front live set, and has become a song close to the hearts of skinheads (real ones, not the nazi punks who abuse the history) and Hardcore kids everywhere. this song, ‘Still Crucified’ has a thrashy street punk feel that rests perfectly next to the original chunk of hardcore history.

the album is produced by Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta, and mixed by Hatebreed/Icepick/Kingdom of Sorrow/Agnostic Front mixer/producer Zeuss. as a result the album has the huge sound of the aforementioned bands, but still retains some of the sloppy filth of Stigma’s street punk roots. in fact the sound of the album is such that Stigma would be the perfect co-headlining band for a Roger Miret and the Disasters/Spoiler NYC tour. now that is a tour i would pay through the nose for.

buy a copy now. you couldnt be unhappy with it.

Today I was following a concert blog from here and found out that the mighty Agnostic Front is coming back for more here in Lima Peru. But this time Roger Miret won’t come alone, he will come with his half-brother’s band Madball, the 2 biggest bands in Hardcore Punk/Oi! I remember the first time I saw them live, it was an enormous mosh pit that threatened to destroy the disco where the concert was taking place. So for this special moment, in the Inf. category I give you my 2 favorite songs from Agnostic Front: Gotta Go & For My Family

Because of this lack of updates some of these are pretty old, still these are some records that I’ve really enjoyed in the last months…

BIRDS OF A FEATHER – THE PAST THE PRESENT [Refuse Records]
myspace.com/xbirdsofafeatherx | refuserecords.prv.pl

I feel stupid reviewing this record almost one year after JP gave it to me last summer at Fluff Fest, no doubt procrastination is a big problem for me… anyway, at least I’m reviewing this while pre-orders are being taken for the vinyl version of the record, which is also featuring a 12″-sized book entitled “The Past The Present 1982-2007: A History of 25 Years of European Straight Edge” written by Marc and JP, documenting the history of the European straight edge scene through bands going from Lärm to Eye of Judgement as well as Mainstrike and whatever else can come to your mind! Musically expect the good old youth crew sound always backed by Bigma’s socially conscious and positive minded lyrics. Get your hands on the LP + book, definately a European hardcore must-have!

CRUEL HAND – PRYING EYES [Bridge 9 Records]
myspace.com/cruelhand | bridge9.com

Started as a side-project featuring members of Outbreak, this band got many people siked since their first 7″ came out in late 2006. Anyway, since then this band managed to put out an amazing LP, tour both the US and Erope and finally sign a deal with Bridge 9. In fact here they are releasing their B9 debut, “Prying Eyes”. Believe me if I say this is going to be one of the heaviest records released this year, and the 12 songs featured on this LP, a perfect mix of hardcore, metal and crossover influences, can only confirm what I’m saying. Aggressive and brutal are the best words to describe the sound of this band, bringing faster parts with some pretty heavy breakdowns, sure to be the soundtrack of some heavy moshing during their live shows. These dudes are constantly touring, so be sure you don’t miss the chance to have some fun on the dancefloor!

DANNY DIABLO – HARDCORE 4 THE COLD HEARTED [Countdown Records]
myspace.com/lordezec | countdownrecords.com

When you hear the name Danny Diablo you pretty much know what to expect, and this release once again confirms that the DD / Countdown Records combo is nothing but a winning team! After more than ten years of activity it’s time for this NYHC icon to have a collection release… and here it is! On these two CD’s you can find more than 50 songs that include Crown of Thornz, Skarhead and Icepick material as well as Lord Ezec’s solo projects featuring guest appearances of OG dudes such as John “Bloodclot” Joseph, Freddy Madball, Lou of Subzero, Craig Ahead, Roger AF, Danny Boy and Everlast of House of Pain, Skinhead Rob, Necro and many others… grab this shit and go TCOB!

H2O – NOTHING TO PROVE [Bridge 9 Records]
myspace.com/h2ofamily | bridge9.com

Finally, after a 7 years long wait, New York’s hardcore legends are back with a brand new record – and let me assure you it was worth waiting this long! After being around for more than 13 years, they couldn’t pick a better title for this record, as they really have nothing to prove at the point they’re at right now. The formula remains the same: hardcore in its purest form with a lot of melody and catchiness, great lyrics and an energy equal to no one around these days. If you were among those who were let down by their last effort “Go!”, as some people said when it came out, this record is definately going to bring you back on a heavy H2O trip. I really don’t know how they managed to do this, but there is no single song on this record that won’t stick in your mind and that you won’t find yourself humming while driving or walking in the street. Just like everything they released in the past, this is going to be a true classic!

IRON AGE – THE SLEEPING EYE [Cyclopean Records]
myspace.com/ironagetexas | cyclopeanrecords.com

Long-anticipated by last year’s “The Way Is Narrow” 7″, the new Iron Age record is something I was really looking forward to… unfortunately, not having too much time because of work and touring kept me out of date on this and I didn’t even know it was out, and when I did, it was already sold out (in a day?! amazing!)… curiosity pushed me to download it as soon as I heard t he news, so here I am listening to one amazing metal record, yeah, that’s what it is, it ain’t cheap metal played by a hardcore band, this is good metal played by an amazing hardcore band! Crossover influences of bands such as Crumbsuckers and Corrosion of Conformity perfectly melts with heavy metal and doom atmospheres. Tee Pee Records is re-releasing this in August to the masses, must grab this masterpiece!

OLDE YORK – EMPIRE STATE [Countdown Records]
myspace.com/oldeyork | countdownrecords.com

Two good friends involved in this release, my brother Luca of Countdown Records and my good NYC friend Blake Farber – the first one’s putting out this record while the second one’s playing guitar on it! Was really looking forward to hear this record and believe me, as soon as you put this into your CD player you’ll be brought back in time to CBGB’s matinees. While a lot of band nowadays are trying to get back to the NYHC thing, this is some real NYHC here, influenced by the likes of Warzone, Sick of It All and Breakdown, their fast and furious style is bound to turn heads. One old New York glory brought back on here too, Eddie Sutton of Leeway, featured on the song Talkin’ Smack. Plenty of good and danceable tunes here, so just make sure to grab this if you want some real New York hardcore!

RANCID – LET THE DOMINOES FALL [Epitaph]
myspace.com/rancid | epitaph.com

Six years passed since their last studio album and I’m pretty sure everyody into these legends of punk rock couldn’t wait anymore to listen to the new record! To be honest I was really excited when I heard the single “Last One To  Die”, it featured every single element that made Rancid what they are now, the catchiness and the intensity that only a classic band like them can keep through the years. Listening to the whole record you can hear how they got back to their earlier sound, the dope bass lines, the rocksteady influences, Lars and Tim unique vocals… it’s all there! Some say it’s already a classic, can’t say that as pretty much their whole discography is, but undoubtely an amazing new chapter in their career!

REMAIN – OUT OF ANGER [Not Just Words Records]
myspace.com/remain | njwrecords.com

Featuring ex-members of The Dead Scenestars and Spirit 84, this band already got me pretty siked with the first 7″ that came out a couple of years ago, and I must admit I really couldn’t wait to get this LP to see what was up with these guys right now. All I can say is that my expectations were fully satisfied – nothing has changed about them, they’re still all about straight to your face hardcore. The 14 songs featured on “Out of Anger” are strongly influenced by bands such as Judge, Floorpunch, Right Brigade and No Warning, with some amazing mosh parts here and there, a strong NYHC vibe, all topped by an energy equal to few. Within way too many hypes and meaningless poses, Remain’s taking back some real deal with no frills!

RUINER – I HEARD THESE DUDES ARE ASSHOLES [Bridge 9 Records]
myspace.com/ruiner | bridge9.com

Baltimore’s Ruiner are the perfect example of how a good DIY mentality and hard work can get you good results. These dudes started out by releasing everything by themselves and are now a world touring band releasing records on one of the biggest hardcore labels around right now. After 4 years as a band here they are with their 2nd release on Bridge 9 Records, which is  a collection featuring their “What Could Possibly Go Right” EP, their split with Portugal’s Day of The Dead as well as their first demo ever. Here’s a record to be considered a proof of dedication and loyalty to being a hardcore band.

THE RIVAL MOB – RAW LIFE [Lockin Out Records]
myspace.com/therivalmob | lockinout.com

I had never heard of this band until the first show of our US tour in March when we played The Democracy Center in Cambridge, MA and one of the band on the bill was in fact The Rival Mob. I must admit that even though I was as stoned as an orangutan I really enjoyed their show, these dudes decided to bring back some really old and unusual shit, influnced by bands such as Abused and Warzone what they do is straight up hardcore, some sweet mosh parts here and there, everything played fast and with no frills, shit is real! After the show their singer was cool enough to hook me up with this LP that I spin from time to time to enjoy some good ‘core!

TRAP THEM – SEIZURES IN BARREN PRAISE [Deathwish Inc.]
myspace.com/trapthem | deathwishinc.com

Allright, this is one of the hardest, heavier and most intense record that came out in 2008, get a fucking clue. People talked about this band called Trap Them and their descriptions didn’t really fit my taste so that I never really got to listen to them until we had the chance to play a show with them on their European tour last year with Grief… I stood open mouth from the first to the last song and ran to their merch table to grab an LP right after the show was over, couldn’t sleep on a band like them! It is pretty hard to define what these guys sound like, all I can say is that their heavy and abrasive sound is something unique and intense, backed by some truly awesome lyrics. The story of a ghost town called “Barren Praise” that will without any doubt make you think about your own life, at least that’s what it did with me…

Now playing:

• Cormega – The Realness
• Diplo DJ set yesterday night was the shit!
• Black Friday ‘29 – The Pursuit of Happiness

The Beatles

Para muitos, o termo Classic Rock não se refere a um estilo, e sim a uma época que compreendeu a segunda parte da década de sessenta, e os anos setenta e oitenta. Tempos em que bandas como Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, Journey, The Who, Van Halen, Kiss, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Scorpions, entre outros, dominavam as rádios e paradas de sucesso.

Escolha aleatoriamente duas das bandas supracitadas e você imediatamente chegará ao óbvio: as diferenças entre elas são significativas. No entanto, a maioria destes e de vários conjuntos que poderíamos mencionar conseguiu reunir fãs de gostos similares, identificação que se justifica pela programação das rádios à época, com comercialização e público para estes grupos, enquanto ainda se buscava uma saída para a difusão adequada do Punk Rock. Não à-toa, é justamente do Punk Rock ao Grunge que brotam as principais discussões em relação ao que seria Classic Rock.

Ramones

Há quem diga que Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash e Nirvana - novamente citando somente os medalhões – são Classic Rock. Por outro lado, a identificação entre os fãs de bandas tão diferentes quanto às que nos referimos no segundo parágrafo leva inúmeros críticos e fãs a afirmarem que Classic Rock é um estilo, um movimento, e não unicamente a referência a uma época.

O surgimento desta terminologia está inquestionavelmente ligado à grade das AMs e FMs dentre – mais ou menos – 1965 e 1990. Se nos fixarmos nesta idéia, certamente incluiremos os ícones do Punk, uma vez que eles também viveram seus auges nesse período. Contudo, uma definição da palavra estilo pode ser a chave para o melhor entendimento desta discutível construção histórica. 

Entre as várias acepções de estilo, uma, valiosa, destaca-se no Dicionário Houaiss da Língua Portuguesa:  “conjunto de traços que identificam determinada manifestação cultural“.

Journey

Seria possível, por exemplo, colocarmos Journey e Ramones -  o primeiro representante do AOR (Adult Oriented Rock, Album Oriented Rock) ou do Arena Rock e o segundo do Punk Rock – como membros de mesma manifestação cultural apenas por terem o Rock na descrição da música que fazem?

Fiz essa pergunta a mim mesmo, e respondi não! De toda forma, achei interessante consultar músicos que participaram da história destes movimentos e encontrei um primeiro auxílio em Roger Miret, vocalista do Agnostic Front – um dos maiores ícones oitentistas do Hardcore/Punk.

Roger Miret (Agnostic Front)

“Quando penso em Classic Rock, penso em Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Chicago. Acho que nunca fizemos [Hardcore e Punk] parte disso“, afirmou ele, assim que o contatei. Curioso quanto à concepção de Miret, questionei-o se, para ele, nem The Clash, Sex Pistols e Ramones poderiam se enquadrar nesta categoria, e o porquê disso. Sua resposta foi categórica: “Definitivamente não! Eu e todas estas bandas que você citou sempre questionamos a autoridade e nos rebelemos contra os grandes dinossauros do Rock que são chamados de Classic Rock. The Clash, Ramones e Sex Pistols se tornaram muito populares, a ponto de serem até considerados como Classic Rock, mas seus corações sempre pertenceram ao Punk”.

Para Roger, assim como para mim, falamos de diferentes movimentos culturais. Porém, como veremos nas próximas publicações e participações de músicos, muitos são os que, com embasamento, discordam de nós, e pensam esta eterna dicussão de outra forma.

Por Thiago Sarkis

Am vergangenen Samstag war es nun endlich soweit. Das Summer Madness im Düsseldorfer Zakk stand auf dem Programm. Spielen sollten : Special Guest, Dean Dirg, White Flag, Adolescents und Agnostic Front. Im Vorfeld hatte ich mir so meine Gedanken gemacht, wie das wohl werden wird und mich gefreut die Adolescents, die ja noch nie in Deutschland auf Tour waren ( habe mit dem Durchde mal ADZ in Wermelskirchen gesehen, was ja fast das selbe war. Dort wurde auch gefilmt, Ob es davon im Netz Aufnahmen gibt ?… ) zu sehen, und, endlich nach so vielen Jahren der Verbundenheit zum Hardcore die Urgesteine selbigens, Agnostic Front, live zu sehen. Ich glaube, ich habe so ziemlich jede Hardcore Band gesehen, die Mitte der 90er präsent waren ( daran ist der gute Durchde auch nicht ganz unschuldig, der mich teilweise auf 3 Konzerte die Woche schleppte. Das waren noch Zeiten ).

Geplant war ein gemütliches fertig machen und entspanntes Aufbrechen zum Zakk, schließlich war es ja ein Heimspiel. 19:30h sollte es losgehen. Da sollte es ausreichend sein um 20:00h loszugehen, bei der Anzahl der Bands. Kurz noch einen Blick ins Netz riskiert – meine Kinnlade schlug auf dem Tisch auf. Das Konzert sollte bereits um 23:00h zu Ende sein, da dann einen Reggae Party in der Halle stattfinden sollte. Was für eine Organisation. Also schnell mit dem Taxi zum Zakk. Dort angekommen schlug uns schon der fette Sound um die Ohren. Die Halle war nicht besonders gut gefüllt, aber es war ja noch früh. Die erste Band hatten wir aber bereits verpasst. Auch hatte das Line Up sich geändert ( irgendwie haben wir das immer ): White Flag spielten nicht. Stattdessen waren nun Funeral March und No Turning Back dazugekommen. Warum müssen Hardcore Bands immer so bescheuerte, Phrasen dreschende Namen haben ?

Okay, kommen wir zum Konzert. Wie gesagt, Funeral March hatten wir bereits verpasst. Beim betreten der Halle spielten No Turning Back. Was soll ich sagen. Lauter, aggressiver, prolliger Hardcore der alten
Schule, bei dem sich das Basketballtrikot des Sängers hervorragend mit dem Sound ergänzte. Ich würd mal sagen in bester Madball Manier, s. Video. Also für mich nichts dolles. So nutzten wir die Zeit um ein wenig herumzuschlendern, und uns umzusehen ( Wer das Zakk kennt, weiß, daß man dafür nicht lange braucht ). In der Halle gab es einen großen Bereich mit Merch der jeweiligen Bands und zwei kleine Plattenstände. Das erinnerte mich ein wenig an die guten Zeiten mit Hardcore Konzerten im z.B. Köln-Ehrenfelder Bürgerzentrum. Beim rumschlendern viel auch auf, daß der Biergarten ganz gut besucht war, und die Band nicht wirklich viele Leute interessierte.

Als nächste spielten Dean Dirg, die rasanten Punkrock ablieferten, bei dem kaum ein Lied länger als zwei Minuten dauerte. Es wurde nichts neues geboten, aber erfrischend war das halbstündige Konzert ohne jegliche Ansagen allemal. Allein der Sänger war rein optisch sein Geld wert. Wer absichtlich so “scheiße” ( das ist im positive Sinne zu verstehen ) aussieht, und dies im “normalen” Leben auch tut ( zumindest hatte ich nicht das Gefühl als würde er schauspielern ) – Respekt. Rein optisch würde er auch zu Deichkind passen.

Nach ein längeren Pause standen dann die Adolescents auf der Bühne. Ich glaube 3 aus der Originalbesetzung ( Tony + Gitarre + Bass ), und, wenn mich nicht alles täuscht, der Sohn von Tony an der 2. Gitarre ( zumindest passte der Altersunterschied und die Ähnlichkeit ). Für ihr Alter gaben die Herren richtig Gas und boten feinsten California Punkrock der alten Schule. Als dann “Amoeba” erklang war ich schon sehr zufrieden. Allerdings hat man diese Musik schon tausendmal gehört und es wird nach ner Weile etwas eintönig. Da die Herren von Adolescents aber zu den Pionieren dieser Musikrichtung gehören, kann man da aber auch mal ein Ohr zudrücken.

Dann endlich standen Agnostic Front auf der Bühne. Mittlerweile war es bereits 23:00h. Ich war mal gespannt, wie das mit den Reggae Freunden werden würde. Die Band wirkte sehr entspannt. Aber ich glaube das ist normal, wenn man so lange im Geschäft ist. Mike, der Bassist, hat sich vorher auch mit an die Theke gestellt, ordentlich getankt und sich Adolescent Gig reingezogen. Schön, daß die Herren ob ihres Status in der Szene keinerlei Starallüren an den Tag legten. Und dann ging es los. Der Sound war leider der schlechteste des Abends, zumindest bei Gesang und Gitarre, aber das interessierte die Herren um Roger Miret nicht die Bohne. Sie gaben richtig Gas. Ein Hit folgte auf den nächsten. Bei Crucified würde die Bühne zum Diven geentert, nicht in Massen, aber immerhin. Punkt Zwölf wurde dann Gotta Go angestimmt. Mitten im Lied war dann der Strom auf der Bühne weg. Vermutlich war es dem Veranstalter schon zu spät. Da das Publikum ( irgendwas zwischen 300 – 500 Leuten ) aber nicht aufhörte den Refrain zu gröhlen, war kurze Zeit später wieder Strom auf der Bühne, und das Lied wurde von neuem angestimmt. Das war schon eine ziemlich coole Atmosphäre. Mit Sicherheit nicht mit einem CBGBs Konzert zu vergleichen, aber Clubatmosphäre war trotzdem da. Nach ca. 80 min. war dann aber endgültig Schluß, obwohl das Publikum nach mehr verlangte.
Eigentlich sollte Tony Adolescent anschließend in der Kneipe auflegen, mußte aber nach dem Gig direkt weiter nach England. Seinen Part übernahm dann Mike von Agnostic Front. Wir verließen an dieser Stelle die Örtlichkeit, da nicht nur Mike gut getankt hatte.

Mein Fazit: Es war ein nettes Event, und ähnliche dürfen von mir aus gerne im Zakk folgen, aber bitte ohne Druck wegen anschließenden Partys.

Da meine Kamera nicht unbedingt zur Konzertfotografie taugt, gibt es hier ein paar Bilder und unten dafür drei Videos.

Ray.

[ Click on record covers to buy! ]

ANGER – DESTINATED [Sliptrick Records]
www.myspace.com/anger
www.sliptrickrecords.com

The first time I heard of Anger was last year when their drummer Senna filled in on drums for some shows with The Difference. He was playing in this melodic hardcore band from Vicenza and they had just started recording their new record, which had to be released on San Francisco, CA’s Sliptrick Records. Last time I met Senna he was kind enough to give me a copy of “Destinated”, their brand new record. I already knew he was an amazing drummer and a nerd about high quality music, but I honestly didn’t expect this record to be so well played and produced. Why? Cause the band has been able to release such a great product by recording it all by themselves at the Anger Room, their own rehearsal place, mixing it later on at Hate Studios. Well, what you get on “Destinated” are 12 songs of pure melodic hardcore the way bands used to do in Cali back in the 90’s. If you’re into bands such as Satanic Surfers, Lagwagon et similia, you’ll love Anger!

COLOSS – SONGS OF HATE AND EMOTION [MVHC/Hellnation]
www.myspace.com/colosshc
www.hellnation.it

After being on hiatus for a couple of years, Rome’s Coloss are back with a brand new record, proudly self-produced by the band and distributed by the almighty Hellnation Recordstore. This new effort pretty much picks up where the band left when they stopped in late 2005. Well, “Songs of Hate And Emotion” is an explosive work featuring 14 songs in less than 13 minutes of fast and powerful, thrashy and ironic punk hardcore reminiscent of Born Against and 80’s hardcore in general. I must admit that although I’ve never been a huge fan of this kind of fast hardcore, Coloss is one of those bands that I make an exception for, and the more rockish influences on this new record make it even better! Stop sitting around at home and get this right now!

CURTAIN – ALBATROSS: DEMO MMVIII
www.myspace.com/curtainhardcore

It’s been ages since there’s been a good hardcore band coming out from Rome, so I can’t explain how excited I am about these guys. I still hate myself for missing their first show! Featuring past and current members of To Kill, The Difference, Final Words and Drawing A Life, these guys bring a breath of fresh air in a stagnant and boring hardcore scene which is the one we have in Rome right now. When I heard that these guys were doing a band I just couldn’t wait to hear some material recorded, for I knew exactly what to expect, and I obviously I wasn’t let down when this Demo was made available. The four songs featured on “Albatross” show strong influences by bands such as Verse, American Nightmare, Unbroken and Go It Alone, but the guys still manage to add their own original touch, like they did with all their previous bands, managing to make it sound both hard and melodic, backed by some really good lyrics. The demo is available for download on their MySpace, so check it out and always keep an eye on them!

IRON AGE – THE WAY IS NARROW [Dead & Gone Records]
www.myspace.com/ironagetexas
www.deadandgonerecords.com

Iron Age. Where can I start with this band? Well, there’s no doubt that if they formed in NY in the mid 80’s these guys would have been on the Profile Records roster side by side with bands such as Leeway and the Cro-Mags, probably touring with Corrosion of Conformity or Obituary… things went differently, these guys formed in Texas and are undoubtly one of the heaviest bands around right now. Their first Demo displayed their potential, their “Constant Struggle” LP confirmed with. Now, after the “Burden of Empire” 7″, the texan riff-machine is back with another 7″ while they’re working on their 2nd LP, “The Way Is Narrow”. Two songs on this piece of wax: on the A Side we can find the new song which gives the title to this record, a mastodontic 5 minutes song of pure heaviness and metallic influences; B Side features the cover song “Satori Pt.1″, originally by Japan’s Flower Travellin’ Band, a must hear. Can’t wait for the new LP…

NO TURNING BACK – STRONGER [Reflections Records]
www.myspace.com/noturningbackhardcore
www.reflectionsrecords.com

I think we all agree on the fact that, when it comes down to hardcore, if you combine passion, dedication and a lot of hard work, in the end you always get good results. Well, No Turning Back is the living proof for this statement. Going strong for the last 10 or more years, the kings of Brabant are back with a brand new full-length after two years spent around the globe to promote their “Holding On” record. Their new record “Stronger” is just another proof that these guys are here to stay, always going stronger and unwilling to give up. As strange as this may sound, with the 14 songs that make this record, also featuring guest vocals by Down To Nothing, Cold World and Enemy Ground, they managed to raise the level of brutality in their music making “Stronger” one of the hardest record released in Europe in a good time. The formula is still the same, harsh NYHC-influenced hardcore that won’t make you stand still in a pit. Watch me rise as you fall!

PAYBACK – BRING IT BACK [Countdown Records]
www.myspace.com/paybackhc
www.countdownrecords.com

The kings of Roman hardcore are back! After releasing their third record “Kings of Nothing” last year, the guys got in touch with Countdown Records to release this new effort “Bring It Back”. Well, this actually isn’t a new record, as it only features 4 new songs, but along with these 4 tunes you’ll get the re-mastered version of their two previous records, “Keep Your Friends Close” and “Don’t Break The Bloodpact”, which have been out of print for the last two years or more. Since day one, these guys have dedicated their heart and soul to bringing back old school hardcore in Rome the way bands like Warzone, Cro-Mags and early Agnostic Front did in New York back in the days. The whole thing is backed by a strong street-core attitude, which makes them really interesting, plus once you these guys rocking a stage believe me you’ll be impressed! One of the new songs also features Mr. Roger Miret on vocals, so you know what to expect…

TRAPPED UNDER ICE – STAY COLD [Reaper Records]
www.myspace.com/underdaice
www.reaperhardcore.com

Nowadays it doesn’t take too much for a band to be described as “hard”: just throw a mosh part here and there, go to the gym, listen to Alpha Omega 24/7, wear an OG Cro-Mags shirt on stage and create your hype. Anyway, there’s a huge difference between this and being really hard. Well, not a lot of bands around these days deserve this description, but Trapped Under Ice are undoubtly one of them! I must admit it did take me some time to get into this band, but once you realize what this band is all about you’ll just love them. This Baltimore band gained a lot of popularity during the last months, and that’s what they deserve, for the amazing blend of NYHC that falls somewhere between Breakdown and Crown of Thornz is just brutality at its best. The 6 songs featured on “Stay Cold”, topped with one of the best artwork seen to date, will be the soundtrack to some pretty bad violnece at their live shows. Once again Kitzel’s Reaper Records comes out with an amazing release!

VARIOUS ARTISTS – A CLAUDIO [Claudio Con Noi Records]
www.hellnation.it

All cops are bastards, no doubts about this… well, in this case we can shout it loud and clear! In November 2007, an SS Lazio supporter was shot dead by a cop on the highway while he was travelling to a football match: in this occasion there was no division between AS Roma and SS Lazio supporters, both ran into the streets fighting against police oppression and injustices. During the riots, Claudio was arrested and is now awaiting trial. To support Claudio through these hard times, four bands from Rome joined forces and released a benefit 7″ with one song for each band. On Side A, Pinta Facile stands out for the Oi! side of this record while Payback keeps the standards high for roman hardcore; on Side B we find Grand Theft Age’s harsh streetpunk and The Fourth Sin’s abrasive and violent thrashing hardcore, something between the Cro-Mags and Slayer. Buy this release if you want to help out a guy just like you and me, who still believes that A.C.A.B. is an important statement!

Now playing:

• Think I Care – World Asylum
• Integrity – Humanity Is The Devil
• Editors – An End Has A Start

After working for and seeing legendary bay area thrashers Death Angel yesterday night in town, and while waiting to know what the sad political future of Italy will be, here we have some news from Payback! Rome’s pride have uploaded one new song on their MySpace profile (www.myspace.com/paybackhc) which is the title track of their new album, which will be out really soon on Countdown Records, “Bring It Back” featuring Mr. Roger Miret as guest vocals! “Bring It Back”, which is the result of a collaboration between Countdown Records, KB Records, 4Subculture and Hardcore 4 Life, will feature Payback’s first two records (which are completely out of print and unavailable) plus 4 more songs. The whole stuff is packed with a dope artwork by Joe Simko (Murphy’s Law, Gwar). This new song is gonna bust some heads for sure, so don’t sleep on that and check it out right now!

As already stated on this blog, the band will leave for a European tour from the 9th to the 17th of May. They’re still missing two shows, so get in touch with them if you can help them out. If they play a place near you, don’t miss them for no reason!

Now playing:

• Johnny Cash – American II: Unchained (www.myspace.com/johnnycash)
• Payback – Bring It Back (www.myspace.com/paybackhc)

Agnostic Front

• From:United States
• Founded:1982
• Style:
  Rock Hardcore Punk
• Official Website: http://www.agnosticfront.com/

Members

• Roger Miret (vocalist)
• Vinny Stigma (guitarist)
• Jimmy Collette (drummer, percussionist)
• Mike Gallo (bassist)

Former Members

• Rob Kibula (bassist)
• Adam Moochie (bassist)
• Ray Beez (drummer, percussionist)
• Louie Beatto (drummer, percussionist)
• Alex Kinon (guitarist)
• Steve Martin (guitarist)
• Alan Peters (bassist)
• Will Shepler (drummer, percussionist)
• Craig Setari (bassist)
• Alan Peters (bassist)

Discography

Albums

• United Blood (1983)
• Victim in Pain (1984)
• Cause For Alarm (1986)
• Liberty And Justice For… (1987)
• One Voice (1992)
• Last Warning (1993 )
• More Raw Unleashed (1995)
• Something’s Gotta Give (1998)
• Riot! Riot! Upstart (1999)
• Dead Yuppies (2001)
• More Working Class Heroes (2002)
• Another Voice (2004)
• Live at CBGB’s (2006)
• Warriors (2007)

Booking

• http://www.mad-tourbooking.de/ (europe)
• http://www.devildollsbooking.com/ (america)