Despite its late arrival to the hardcore party in the 1980s, New York City has managed (for better or worse) to have the most lasting impact on the history of hardcore music. While kids the world over enjoy the latest craze of bands employing the influence of Madball, Dmize, Crown of Thornz, and others in today's modern hardcore scene, there are many bands whose influence and albums shouldn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. This is New York hardcore sucka!
Antidote- "Thou Shalt Not Kill"(1983)
Antidote's "Thou Shalt Not Kill," released in 1983, is the only testament to Antidote (NY)'s power and fury. The buzzing guitar tone and powerful riffs of songs like "Real Deal" and "Something Must Be Done" make this record a true classic and certainly worthy of acclaim. I first acquainted myself with Antidote after their influence on Belgian hardcore band Dead Stop was documented in an interview. Dead Stop was at the time growing in popularity in the European hardcore scene in 2005 and when they name dropped these New York legends I knew I had to check them out.
The Abused- "Loud and Clear" (1983)
Combining the abrasiveness of Sheer Terror with the tonality and heaviness of Boston hardcore., The Abused created something unique to say the least with "Loud and Clear." Before the East Coast filled up with suburban kids in Champion sweatshirts playing youth crew anthems, The Abused's "Drug Free Youth" was New York's first and most powerful straight edge anthem that would profoundly influence later bands such as Judge and Integrity. If one aspect stands out most on this E.P., it's the subtle lead guitar that carries the powerful guitar tone so well one each track, particularly "War Games," one of the best hardcore songs ever written by a New York band that foreshadowed the influence of heavy metal on hardcore. Pick this one up kids, it's worth it.
- Joe