Posted by Morgan Ywain Evans on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 4:40 PM (PST)
“Not caring sucks; I’m here for bands that want to talk about what matters to them, what causes they care about, what they’re listening to, whatever. Everybody’s going through it, let’s go through it together.” – W.
Redbait from Missouri declared their intentions clearly within the first few pummeling moments of “We Refuse” on their recent Red Tape EP. The band are loud, clearly pissed and pack a potent political message in this timeline of complete mass stupidity. We need bands who are actively trying to make the world a better place and spreading awareness more than ever. The punk and metal scenes used to be a place where you could find out about dissent and activism and it was encouraged, believe it or not, for bands to use their podium for something other than selling merch or drinking beer on stage. “Smoke In Your Eyes” is one of the more powerful songs I have heard from any band in the underground in the last few years and I am thrilled this group is jumping into the trenches at full speed.
It was a pleasure to break through the thick fog of gullible fact resistant mental soup we are indoctrinated with on the daily and speak to a band who are decidedly intent on upending the bigotry, greed and sexism of our American disgrace. In short, this band is exactly what myself and likely many others who love punk and metal need right now in order to feel like they aren’t completely losing their minds. Read more HERE.
Posted by Morgan Ywain Evans on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 8:54 AM (PST)
Blues punks The Bobby Lees (Sam Quartin , Kendall Wind , Macky Bowman, Nick Casa) have been tearing it up on stages in Upstate, NY and around the country. While you may recognize Quartin from movie roles like the (forthcoming) Run With The Hunted and Let Me Make You A Martyr , this band is not a novelty project but a full fledged rock n rollercoaster. They totally scorch the stage with a howling sense of purpose and poetic sting, capturing a primal and at times even fun energy on Beauty Pageant . Feral animals and ghosts hiding in the trees agree that this band is the shit. This record and group truly deserve to be heard, so head to their Bandcamp and blast “Deem Em Dead” now. You can say you knew ’em when.
Posted by Morgan Ywain Evans on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 9:20 AM (PST)
NYHC kings Sick Of It All are hands down one of the most inspiring bands of all time. Only a knucklehead could overlook the import of the band’s outlook, lyrics, vibe and commitment when it comes to influence on the underground. They are certainly one of, if not the, top hardcore bands of all time and continue to inspire me to keep trudging through the eroding force of modern society with a smile and a helmet on nearly a daily basis.
“Inner Vision” is the dope ass new SOIA lyric video. Let’s try and crank those views up for the boys! I am catching SOIA meets Ignite vibes on this one a little bit, or is that just my half awake ears? This is the first new song from their forthcoming album, Wake the Sleeping Dragon, which is slated for a November 2 release via Century Media Records. Sounding killer so far! Hmmm, too bad the album didn’t come out in time for season 2 of Iron Fist with that title! SOIA packs the hardest punch anyway.
Posted by Morgan Ywain Evans on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 1:10 PM (PST)
Countrified punker types Red Neckromancer have braved the rotten flesh filled streets to bring us their brain eating and banjo spankin’ new video for “Loaded Gun” today! The song is from their baller new album In The Shadow Of The Mountain.
“The video was filmed and directed by Allyson Ferrara and stars our very own Malachi McElroy,” says band founder Kevin Sharp. “We did most of the filming in and around New Paltz, NY. Snug Harbor was gracious enough to let us film the live scenes there. The basic premise is Mal waking up hungover and going out to look for more booze without realizing that the zombie apocalypse has started.”
Thursday’s news, space jammers. First order of business, a hearty don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out to “EPA Administrator” aka corrupt scum Scott Pruitt. The GOP will forever own the stain of climate denial and corrupt profiteering from endangering humanity recklessly.
Secondly, Therese Okoumou, you are the embodying spirit of a more perfect union, the right to protest injustice and the hope for change to stop the destruction of any semblance of American dignity before we can heal our deep trauma as a nation at ideological war between the forces of Good and the hideous gaslighting White Supremacists who revise history and quake in terror of progressive change. Thank you so much, true American hero. You have more bravery and dignity than the entire GOP and all their supporters in your pinky.
The below image, reshared by Bernice King, is as iconic an American image as I have ever seen in my 40 years.
I couldn’t in good faith just write about (even inspiring or revolutionary) music today without acknowledging the power of this moment. Now, let me direct you to some metal news to stir your spirits.
The new Deafheaven album can be streamed at NPR today! Ordinary Corrupt Human Love is available to curious ears in full RIGHT HERE. I have been crazy busy and so have not heard it yet myself but am gonna put it on in the background as I write this. The intro of “You Without End” that kicks things off has some somber but kind of warm piano and some post-rock vibes before a spoken sample thing and I am digging this mellow expansive beginning so far. It’s nice to be truthful and absorb stuff at your own pace rather than feel like you have to cram an experience in just to get a review shoved out. But anyway, I’m really looking forward to hearing how these guys have evolved as they have grown on me with time. So far I have to say already that this tune is kind of the coolest thing I have heard from them yet and is straddling some more interesting and colorful lines for my tastes.
True punks Cliterati have a new EP called Nuked At Birth you can savor over at Cvlt Nation at present! One of the most uncompromising, fun and important bands in 2018’s underground, Cliterati are miles above most of the pack in terms of importance, relevance and perhaps most importantly…anthemic fucking music!
The latest from the Oregon-grown hardcore punk collective featuring Poison Idea, Voetsek, and Murderess alumni – this EP serves as a precursor to the band’s split with Violation Wound, set for release via Tankcrimes later this month, and includes one original track as well as the band’s scathing renditions of L7’s “Fast & Frightening” and Cro-Mags’ “Hard Times.” Holy tofurkin’ awesome, batgirl!
Comments CLITERATI screamer, Ami Lawless, “We’re stoked on this free EP with the title track also being the name of our upcoming summer tour. We also have a new Nuked At Birth shirt design to complete the trifecta! The other two tracks are covers that we sometimes do live. This EP was all done in one day. We just decided to have a fun recording/mixing/mastering session, no pressure, and give it to the people who’ve been supporting our band since the demo. The lyrics to ‘Nuked At Birth’ are loosely based on the book Geek Love. Go read it!”
Ami, I used to have a copy of Geek Love and regret I never finished reading it. Thanks for reminding me! The first half was pretty good and someone stole it a long ass time ago, hahaha.
Hear Nuked At Birth, courtesy of Cvlt Nation, at THIS LOCATION.
Download the EP for the cool price of FREE at the official CLITERATI Bandcamp page HERE.
Cast The Stone
American death/black metallersCAST THE STONE and David Hall (Uneasy Sleeper, Portal, The Melvins) unleash a video for their cover of Indfestdead’s (Dan Swanö) “Jesusatan”. The track appears on the band’s forthcoming six-track EP“Empyrean Atrophy”, due for release on August 31st via Agonia Records.
This shit fuckin’ rocks and the David Hall (Portal, Melvins) video is really nuts and visually well done but prob needs a genuine serious warning if you are epileptic. Intense!
Only Self was recorded in Chicago at Bricktop Recording Studio with Andy Nelson (Weekend Nachos, Like Rats, Lord Mantis) mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (Integrity, Nails, Full Of Hell), and completed with artwork by Dom Pabon.
Check out the first single off the album “Curse of the Serpent” as well as the tracklist here.
Posted by longhairedpoet on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 2:31 PM (PST)
[photo by Matthew Zagorski]
Georgia hardcore punksDying Whalewill be playing the Birdhaus in Statesboro, GA tonight (01/10) and the Cory’s Grilled Cheese in Charleston, SC tomorrow (01/11).
Dying Whale will be joined by Post Nothing and Crushed!?.
Dying Whale will divulge additional tours for announcement in the coming weeks, alongside details on impending new recordings for 2018.
Dying Whale released their Last Moments Of Misery album through Nefarious Industries in February 2017, coalescing elements of metal, sludge, and hardcore.
Head over to Dying Whale’s Bandcamp to listen to Last Moments of Misery.
DYING WHALE w/ Post Nothing, Crushed!?:
1/09/2018 The Estate – Columbus, GA
1/10/2018 Birdhaus – Statesboro, GA
1/11/2018 Cory’s Grilled Cheese – Charleston, SC
The Surmiser track finds the space grunge band re-interpreting the first song they ever wrote “What End?” into a slightly more driving and post-punk attack that still has a sort of heavy distortion that will please fans of Melvins’ epic cover of The Wiper’s “Youth Of America” while perhaps also appealing to the Publicist UK crowd with droll yet potent vocals.
Walking Bombs jumps genres with practically every song (their last song was an extreme grindcore tune), but this new one is a very psych pop influenced non-metal song called “Queen E”. It barely passes two minutes but has many textures in that time until the ‘peak’ at the ending. This one is more for the kind of grunge fan who also leaned towards The Breeders and Kurt’s Beatles influence rather than the more Nevermind-fitting Surmiser track. Check them out!
Posted by Morgan Ywain Evans on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 8:19 PM (PST)
The Raybeez and Warzone Tribute show at Tompkins Square Park was such a blast, a huge celebration of what makes NYHC and all the good people involved in the scene so great. Not only was it the first time I saw an old fave Shutdown in like 15 years, but of course the amazing array of guest singers who came out to pay tribute to Warzone’s Raybeez and the legacy of New York City’s roughest underground.
I can’t even begin to recap all the amazing highlights as I am just freshly home and this was the New Yorkiest of NYHC shows almost ever, so I am just gonna let it sit and post the photos and some video clips to capture a fraction of the spirit. Was nice running into Dr Know and gettin to chat, seeing my friend Brian Goss play a song, another friend from the band Vajra, see lots of people stoked on the youngest band Regulate and of course witness Fireburn’s kick ass first East Coast Set (they were seriously amazing and surpassed even my high expectations).
Kill Your Idols almost stole the whole show as their set was over the top energy and great messages, while the diverse and awesome crowd participated with serious devotion most of the entire day. The Warzone set with friends of the band filling in on vocals (including members of Madball, Sick Of It All, Killing Time, Stigmata and many many more) was one of the most inspiring and fun things I have seen on a stage in fucking years. It was a true fans friggin’ dream.
Joseph Cuz Cammarata (Black N’ Blue Productions) , Drew Stone (The New York Hardcore Chronicles/Antidote) and everyone involved made so many people feel something really powerful today and major kudos to their efforts.
I am so happy today. PMA, baby. Don’t forget the struggle.
Posted by Morgan Ywain Evans on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 6:20 PM (PST)
Every Time I Die has parted ways with drummer Daniel Davidson. Keith Buckley announced the member change last night in Portland, ME.
Currently the band is playing live with Norma Jean’s terrific Clayton Holyoak, who has commented:
“There have been a few people that have been curious as of what I’ve been up to musically lately. I Was in San Diego writing with some friends less than a week ago when I got a text. I finished the time we had writing and flew to buffalo to learn 17 songs in the 4 days I had before we left for tour. I know there’s no footage of me but I swear I’m that little rocker in the back. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and cheered me a long the way! I really don’t know how I would convince myself this was possible if it wasn’t for you. @lexilazaro @dreudamn @johnaldfinn and my amazing mother that constantly reminds me that I can do anything. It’s been a stressful past 5 days but this shit pays off! Keep following your dreams!”
Posted by Morgan Ywain Evans on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 1:41 PM (PST)
I have been a fan of Josh Scogin’s work since he was in Norma Jean, which feels like a lifetime ago. I am admittedly just getting more into ’68 now because it took me THIS long to chill out a bit about being bummed The Chariot broke up. I interviewed him twice for that project for… I think both times were NEW NOISE, and fell in love with the chaos and unity of their live shows after seeing them a few times.
Anyway, I really dig the new ’68 video for “Eventually We All Win”. I had heard them before now of course, but this song really clicked with me and got me pumped and into the present moment. It captures the same kind of experimentation and relentless energy that has made Scogin’s past projects so special and appreciated and Michael McClellan is no slouch either behind the kit here. This two piece sound like a full post hardcore band most of the time, such is the caliber of their push and pull.
Catch ’68 On Tour Supporting The Bronx
September 22nd – October 19th
Posted by Morgan Ywain Evans on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 5:54 PM (PST)
Pretty blown away by the new Neck Deep In Filth track that crossed my desk today. By crossed my desk I mean I am in bed and just finished Narcos Season 3 (some corrupt ass motherfuckers) and checked my email and was like ,”Hot damn! Check out this scorching bad ass punk track from Nepal.”
The band have a new EP coming out and it features a new song “Praise The Tyrant” that is very timely if you look at the disgusting resurgence of nationalism in the world and situations like Trump where the people who claim minorities are bad really just want autocracy and to be taken care of the most, fearful bigoted shitheads (at least in America). I am super excited to hear the rest of the release now. I love hearing bands with a good message whether Napalm Death or the much missed G.L.O.S.S. or the recent Cliterati record or this band, so I can keep a slim bit of fucking faith in humanity!
The artwork is made by Dib Gurung, known for his work with Chepang, and reflects the strong political views of the bands by showing a member of a minority community surrounded by bullets and the Nepali flag. As vocalist Vishal puts it – “We’re living in a society filled with racists, misogynists, and hate filled ultranationalists. We’re surrounded by scum. Hence, Neck Deep In Filth.”
Anyway, this song is killer. The opening sample ,“flags are bits of colored cloth that governments use first to shrink wrap people’s brains and then as ceremonial shrouds to bury the dead” gave me chills. I don’t know what it is from but hails and cheers to this band for putting such a message so front and center! Very great.
Neck Deep In Filth recently premiered the song and gave an interview on the Nepalese extreme music scene HERE at Unite Asia. They remind me a bit of anarcho stuff like Nausea and early Extreme Noise Terror a bit but there is also a grim and dark powerful modern hardcore element to the end of the song that makes you want to scowl, look at the ground and slow whirl into the pit swinging your arms wide.
Also be SURE to pre-order their full new self-released EP right HERE (out in a few days on Sept. 9th)!
Posted by Morgan Ywain Evans on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 5:21 PM (PST)
For awhile there, The Arkhams were probably the coolest little psychobilly band that could in the NYC area. I was a huge fan and not just cuz I had been friends with some of them a long time. Their albums and songs fuckin’ slay and combined tradition and irreverence with ingenuity and fun. The people in the band I have known are fighters, passionate and great human beings.
It was very sad today to learn of the passing of one of the band’s main members Johnny Beernuts (Johnny Giancone). They haven’t been active in awhile but the memories will remain for anyone who ever witnessed this scorching band of pranksters level a room. I was honored to sing a guest verse on a song “Not For This World” with them once about losing friends too young and sadly now there is another name to add.
Metal Riot sends out biggest condolences to their camp tonight and the band’s friends and fans. This fucking sucks. Hug the ones you love and remind them they are wonderful. Matt, Bobcat, Rose…I love the heck out of y’all. Glasses raised tonight.
I am so sorry to break the news that our beloved Johnny Beernuts has left this world. I though we had more…
Posted by Morgan Ywain Evans on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 1:14 PM (PST)
Freddy Alva/ Photo by Jammi Sloane York
“I believe that the main running thread during graffiti’s infancy in the mid-1960s, and its subsequent expansion during the following decades, was the underlying element of this movement being a youth-driven one.” – Freddy Alva
New York City. New York Hardcore.
Everyone knows that both the place and musical style have had a legendary impact in shaping wider culture and tastes around the globe. New York is forever the hub of America, the place where the Statue of Liberty (our strongest symbol of hope and justice despite what assholes like Trump’s failed Muppet fascist buddy Stephen Miller would have you believe) looks benignly outward welcoming and holding her torch high.
Everyone knows Judge, Sick Of It All, Madball, Burn, Killing Time, Skarhead and countless other influential and aggressive acts who have rallied crowds, raised adrenaline levels and blown minds for years. When it comes to the huge impact of graffiti on the world, the parallels are most often shown between hip hop music and graf artists. Some cool documentaries exist as well. When it comes to the rise of NYHC and the impact and synergy between fans and players with the graffiti world, the story is still more clouded in the wider mass consciousness.
A fantastic new book aims to change that. Urban Styles: Graffiti In New York Hardcore (DiWulf Publishing) is a crucial and comprehensive guide featuring photos, interviews from key players and lots of informative info related in an at times informal but very real and insiders style manner. It is our immense pleasure today to share with our readers an interview with author Freddy Alva, a long time scene member and expert who has shaped this labor of love into a very special moment for fans of New York, the music, street art and the people.
Freddy was very active in the DIY culture of hardcore from the outset; he was a fixture at such venerated venues as CBGB during the heyday of their Sunday matinees. Along with friend and fellow NYHC stalwart Chaka Malik, Freddy covered the music scene through his fanzine New Breed and eventually released a well-known and highly revered compilation cassette that featured some of the most influential bands of the time, The New Breed Comp. A recent documentary sharing the same name has been released to critical acclaim.
Posted by Metal Riot on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 3:48 PM (PST)
Upstate, NY grunge rock outfits Surmiser and Walking Bombs have announced initial details regarding a 2 song split between the groups. Entitled Sexy Beasts, the split will feature a new recording of an older Surmiser song called “What End?”, which vocalist Jay Andersen says is ,“up tempo and has cool pumpy drums in it” and a brand new hard rock/indie punk Walking Bombs tune called “Queen E”.
“Imagine if the Breeders wrote a 2x as heavy but still very catchy song and that is the weird micro genre of my new tune,” says Bombs vocalist Morgan Y. Evans.
Expect the dual band release to see the light of ear before the end of the year online. Release date details to be announced soon.
Blues punks The Bobby Lees (Sam Quartin , Kendall Wind , Macky Bowman, Nick Casa) have been tearing it up on stages in Upstate, NY and around the country. While you may recognize Quartin from movie roles like the (forthcoming) Run With The Hunted and Let Me Make You A Martyr , this band is not a novelty project but a full fledged rock n rollercoaster. They totally scorch the stage with a howling sense of purpose and poetic sting, capturing a primal and at times even fun energy on Beauty Pageant . Feral animals and ghosts hiding in the trees agree that this band is the shit. This record and group truly deserve to be heard, so head to their Bandcamp and blast "Deem Em Dead" now. You can say you knew 'em when.
