Top 5

Top 5 current hardcore punk bands. Saw a thread posted about this recently on a different message board and figured I would make a short post here.

THE FLEX

From the UK, the Flex put out hands down my favorite hardcore punk record so far this year called Wild Stabs in the Dark. Perfect combination of classic 80's Boston hardcore and UK punk. Had a chance to book a Cleveland date for the tour they are on now with Violent Reaction but we couldn't make it work. Hopefully next time.

CRIMINAL INSTINCT

From Atlanta, GA. Hardcore punk the way it should be - fast, pissed, and violent. One of the best sets at this years United Blood Fest, and they've just released their new EP "Fever" on Solid Bond Records. Highly recommended.

STATE EXECUTION

Clevelands own. Ex-members of Masakri, As Good As Dead, Rid the World, etc. The band said it best, spirit of 77, noise of 82. Give them a listen, learn the words, and stomp around Now That's Class when they play Friday, May 30th.

NO TIME

From Pittsburgh, and easily the best band from that area. Traditional Oi/Punk played flawlessly. Ex members of Heartless, and Enabler (I think?) Their demo has been played at least once a day by me for the last couple months. They'll be playing with State Execution on May 30th as well.

WASHINGTON DC

Granted, not a band - but the bands that have been coming out of this area lately have been blowing my mind and making serious waves. Couldn't pick just one. Give, Intent, Red Death, Mob Mentality (RIP), and Zoom are all killing it in my book, and all deserve your attention. Hoping to bring a few (if not all) of these bands out to Cleveland this year. Some of these bands will also be featured on the Triple B comp later this year, America's Hardcore 3 so be on the look out for that too.

Runner up's :

The Marked Men (from Texas)

Creem (from NYC)

Hounds of Hate (from Pennsylvania)

Brain Slug (from NYC)

Altered Boys (from New Jersey)

Heavy Chains (from New Jersey)

-WOODS

Playlist

These are some of the albums and bands I've been jamming lately. 

 

The Black- "The Priest of Satan" (Necropolis Records, 1994)

Some super cult black metal from Sweden, "The Priest of Satan" is the debut album by The Black and features Jon Nodtveidt of Dissection fame on guitar and vocals. If you're a fan of raw and primitive second wave black metal with an atmospheric touch then this release will be a nice addition to your catalog. The Black melds the buzzing guitars of Bathory and Darkthrone with the melody of Emperor's early work to make for some hellishly dark black metal goodness.


Wretched (Italy)- "La Tua Morte Non Aspetta" (Chaos, 1986)

I've recently gotten really into Italian punk and hardcore from the 1980s and am particularly fond of Wretched. Italy had a pretty vibrant scene during the last half of the 80s and bands like Negazione, Impact, and Wretched were at the forefront of it. Imagine a darker take on the style of bands like Discharge and Varukers with a noticeable influence from bands like Samhain and you get the idea of what the Italians were going for. This is rad and makes me even prouder to be Italian. 


Angel Witch- "Angel Witch" (Bronze Records, 1980)

My personal favorite album of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Angel Witch's debut could be released this year and still have the same impact that it did when it initially came out on Bronze in 1980. Every thrash band you like jammed this at one point, so if you don't, consider yourself lame.



Agoraphobic Nosebleed- "Altered States of America" (Relapse, 2003)

100 songs in 21:42, "Altered States of America" is still the craziest, most punishing, and interesting release in the band's lengthy discography. Packed with maniacal vocals, buzz saw guitars, harsh electronic samples, and a drum machine on steroids, this record still pushes the boundaries of insanity. 100 hits of pure acid grind!!!


Ebony Tears- "A Handful of Nothing" (Black Sun Records, 1999)

Although many bands played the "Gothenburg" style of death metal and many American metalcore bands made it fashionable, "A Handful of Nothing" was perhaps one of the last albums of the style released before the sound truly blew up. Still harsh, still fast, still in many ways influenced by death metal, Ebony Tears released a record that proved that viciousness doesn't have to be sacrificed when melody is utilized. Many of my friends growing up in Mayfield Heights jammed melodic death metal regularly and despite it not being my favorite sub genre of metal, this album is one of the few I still adore.


 

- Joe

Cripple Bastards- "Nero in Metastasi" (Relapse, 2014)

The Cripple Bastards just released their eighth album (and first official full length for Relapse) entitled "Nero in Metastasi," which translates officially to "black in metastasis" (the spreading of cancer from organ to another) and loosely to ferocious fucking grindcore that will pummel you into the ground. Despite this being only their eighth full length LP since 1988, the CB crew have made a legendary name for themselves with countless vinyl singles, splits, and compilation appearances making them one of the most celebrated acts in grindcore history. What fans love most and critics tend to appreciate also is the inclusiveness of the band's sound, one that blends the ferocity and heaviness of death metal and grind with the chops and attitude of hardcore punk. Although the hardcore influences are present on this album the grind and metal influences definitely take precedent over all. Tracks like "Promo-Parassita" contain thrash metal riffs played at signature breakneck speed and even a short, albeit blistering solo to boot. Although still chaotic, the band's sound is a bit more polished and tight which makes the dual vocal assault and stop on a dime time changes in music easier to swallow. This album is all about energy and viciousness, plain and simple. "Nero in Metastasi" contains eighteen tracks in forty minutes with the only allowance for a breather coming in the form of "Splendore E Tenebra," a hauntingly slow eerie track that acts as a prelude to the album's gr(i)and finale. Solid drumming, interesting riffs, and dynamic vocals prevent the album from succumbing to monotony and the clearer production allows the unique characteristics of the band's sound to shine through. Hopefully this release on Relapse will expand the band's audience in the United States and allow die hard fans here a chance to see the band once more.

7.5 / 10

- Joe

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Couple updates since I haven't used this in a while. Got back from United Blood a few days ago and it was the wildest weekend with the best group of people. Richmond was amazing, moshing to The Wrong Side, Hatebreed, and Sick of it All was awesome, and leaving relatively unscarred was cool too.

The show for Friday, May 30th is finalized. Thought Crusade (BBB Records), Tolerate (Reaper Records), No Time, Nuclear Age and State Execution at Now That's Class, $7. Come get weird.

Lastly, the new band I'm doing will have some material coming to light sooner than later. Keep an eye out for that. Working on a few more shows this summer through winter that will also be announced at a later time. 

-WOODS