Rocket Science

Suburbia Suburbia SUBURBIA!

2012-01-25T10:45:00.004-05:00

Suburbia Suburbia SUBURBIA!

I've been hard at work on my other blog Suburbia Suburbia SUBURBIA! the last few days. My partner in crime Chris S. and myself uploaded 6 posts yesterday covering rare and obscure indie, punk and metal releases from the 80's - 90's suburban New York City music scene. Here are some links to what we have been up to.

Bar Sinister - late 80's thrash metal
Sectorian - late 80's death metal

Also in the Metal section of the blog you will find Decomposed - Hostile Rage - Sadistik Ritual - Selective Outrage - Syianic - Riphouse.

Atlas Shrugged - 1990's NYHC

Also in the Hardcore section you will fins At All Cost - Disillusion - Geek Attack (Dan Derella Underdog).

Dough Boys - early 80's punk ... really great.

Also in the Punk Section Proper ID and Borscht.

Aenone/Nyack 90's shoegaze like swervedriver or my bloody valentine
Gibson Girls - stradle the line between indie and punk rock.

Also in the Indie/Emo /Pop section Naked Statue - Drill - Mariner Four - Dahlia Seed - Agony Flower (another band from Danny Dog from Underdog NYHC) .

Please check out the SS blog and help us spread the word about the blog and the bands that we have covered so far. Also, if you have a blog please hit me up to share links. I'd like to add more links to the SSS blog as well as Rocket Science...Dave G.

Glorious Times - A pictorial of The Death Metal Scene (1981-1991)

2012-01-18T22:50:00.006-05:00

Additional details (below) from Blabbermouth.net.

This 160-page book showcases rare (many never-before-seen) pictures from the death metal scene (1984-1991) and instead of narration by an outside author, the stories contained in the book come from the bands and 'zine editors of the period.

Commented the authors: "We refused to conform to the publishers who wanted every bands stories (written in THEIR words) rewritten by a third party. We refused to take out our rare pics and insert promo lineup shots as the publishers wanted. Instead we sought out other photographers from the old days and found even more never before seen pictures. At the same time we also sought out a few more bands to make this version even better. We now have added 11 bands with stories from such legends as Ron Sumers (SLAUGHTER), Scott Peterson (CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER), Eric Meyer and Jim Durkin (DARK ANGEL), Joe Caper (RIGHTEOUS PIGS), Brian Lehfeldt and Shann Mortimer (WEHRMACHT), Ross Dolan (IMMOLATION) and also Rob Urbinati and Scott Watts (SACRIFICE), among others. Included, too, are pictures from the personal collections of Ron Sumbers, Scott Peterson, Brian Lehfeldt, Ross Dolan and a bunch of others.

Purchase

Metal Clogs - Rave On Records compilation 1982

2012-01-13T20:25:00.004-05:00

Metal Clogs

Metal Clogs is a nwobhm compilation,and the first release on the Rave On label who is best known for being the label that brought us the Mercyful Fate Nuns Have No fun 12" .

This compilation present four young metal bands from Holland (3) and Belgium (1) circa 1982, and I have to say that I enjoy every single track on this record with Frankenstein being the most surprising and enjoyable band for me with their blues influenced style of NWOBHM.

All the bands on this compilation bring something a little different to the table, however the compilation has a very cohesive feel to it. Overall, if you are a fan of early Rainbow, Iron Maiden or similiar acts then this record is right up your alley...Dave G.

Overdrive - Swords and Axes - Planet Records 1984

2012-01-11T21:20:00.008-05:00

Swords and Axes

Purchase remastered cd with bonus tracks Here

Another cool traditional metal Lp I picked up at the flea market recently. Some real good guitar work on this one, just listen to the opening riffs in the first song "Dream Away" and the excellent b-side instrumental opener " Swords and Axes" ...really excellent stuff...Dave G.

Millennium - ST LP - Guardian Records 1984

2012-01-10T19:35:00.005-05:00

Millennium St Lp

I picked up this excellent Lp this past weekend knowing absolutely nothing about the band, however I did notice that this record was on the Guardian label who also brought us the might Mythra.

This Lp is total nwobhm goodness, there are actually more than a few moments on this records when Kill 'Em All era Metallica comes to mind. I think this one is pretty obscure and out of print but it definitely deserves to be heard...Dave G.

Ovenmen - Rock Against Racism 7" Oven Hot Records 1981

2012-01-09T10:07:00.005-05:00

Rock Against Racism
Reagan and The Reaganites
Do or Die Situation

Here's another strange bit of kbd new wave obscurity. The only details I could find out about the Ovenmen is from the KBD Records blog. I noticed Peter only gave up 2 of the 3 songs so I figured I would post a copy of my 7" with the full 7" art and all 3 songs...Dave G.

Nemb (Non-Erotic Male Bonding) - Torture b/w The Middle Room - Green Records 1981

2012-01-07T12:22:00.008-05:00

Torture
The Middle Room

Nemb hailed from Baltimore Maryland and released this excellent post punkish 7" back in 1981.

The a-side song "Torture" is a bit of a long meandering track with a good groove and interesting guitar tinkering. The b-side "The Middle Room" is a total killer Gang of Four inspired slab of post punk that should have made these dudes famous with the collectors of obscure old punk and new wave records. Maybe this post will help put these guys on the map...Dave G.

I recommend you listen to "The Middle Room" first.

Interface - Automaton b/w Electronic Dreamland - Bluebeat Records 1981

2012-01-06T21:22:00.003-05:00

Automaton
Electronic Dreamland

I felt like posting something obscure (this 7" seems to be missing from the net) and strange...so I figure Interface fits the bill perfectly.

Interface apparently hailed from Santa Cruz California, though there are 3 addresses on this 7" one in Santa Cruz, another in England and yet another in New York. This 7" is a pretty damn infectious slab of early 80's automaton like electronic craziness which is fine by me...Let me kknow what you think about this one...I dig it...Dave G.

The Boat People - Capitalist b/w John Dillinger (Died For You) Stamp & Go Records 1983

2012-01-04T16:38:00.006-05:00

Capitalist
John Dillinger (Died For You)

Here's an obscure bit of Nebraska punk rock history. This is a nice minimalist KBD punk rock 7" that would fit in nicely on the KBD Records blog...think urinals or Middle Class even...Dave G.

Murder In The Front Row - Bazillion Points Books

2011-12-20T12:11:00.005-05:00

My copy of this book showed up in the mail today. The book has a poster style wrap around dust cover with metallica including Cliff Burton on the cover and Exodus on the flip side.

The book is loaded with 270+ pages of flyers and band photos from the heyday of thrash metal. There are many many old school Metallica photos in this book so if you are a Metallica fan I suggest you order a copy quick...Dave G

Purchase

Trip Machine Laboratories - Nyack NY

2011-12-16T08:57:00.028-05:00

Trip Machine Laboratories is a long running hardcore label from my hometown area of Rockland County NY. The label was founded by an old friend of mine Chris W who played/plays in the NY hardcore band Atlas Shrugged . If memory serves Chris started the label to release the first Atlast Shrugged 7" and then things just took off from there.

Trip Machine Laboratories has released a slew of good records over the years and below I am going to give you a quick breakdown of a few of their most recent releases. So read, listen and support...

Living Hell are one tight motherfing hardcore band whose aural assault brings bands like Converge and Integrity to mind. Overall the music combines tight crisp full speed ahead hardcore with moments of thick/heavy slow to mid tempo passages all the while maintaining an impressive amount of hate and disgust. Living Hell are definitely worth your time if you are a fan of this style of metal tinged hardcore.

Living Hell - Blessed Are The Dead

Living L ase r approaches hardcore music from a bit of a different angle than most bands, but if I had to draw comparisons to any other currently active bands I would say that Living Laser would be right at home touring with bands like the Omegas or Double Negative. The Living Laser's music moves along at a impressively tight quick pace with interesting time changes and solos popping up seemingly out of nowhere. The vocals are delivered in clean manner and help give the music that little something that makes them stand out from the pack...good stuff and highly recommended.

Living Laser - Fact Eraser

Most Precious Blood - 7" of this Brooklyn NY bands 2000 demo tape pressed to vinyl. These guys play straight up pissed off modern hardcore that worms it's way into your brain and awakens your inner demons.

Incendiary / Unre strained splits 7" - Incendiary play modern hardcore with one foot in the 90's hardcore sound. Unrestrained stradle the same line as Incendiary but the music is a bit more metallic sounding to my ear and it possess some nice memorable riffing, dare I say the music is catchy.

Chris tells me he is about to step up the online distro at Trip Machine Laboratories so stop by the label distro and pick up some records...Dave G.

Wasted Time - Demo Tape 2005 - Brain Grenade Records

2011-12-14T22:23:00.007-05:00

Shameless
Wolf In Sheep's Clothing
Can't Go Back
Enemies of Common Sense

Thought I'd post up an excellent modern hardcore demo to break up the metal monotony that has overcome the blog this week.

Richmond VA's Wasted Time have been going at it for over 6 years now. In there time together they've released this demo a couple 7"'s and a full length Lp, most of the discography can be purchased from Vinyl Conflict and Grave Mistake Records, so if you like this demo buy some vinyl.

Wasted time sound like Negative Approach knocked up Poison Idea and gave birth to some sort of mutated SSD hybrid...now I know that sounds like something you want to hear...Dave G.

Decomposed - Demo # 1 1991

2011-12-14T12:55:00.006-05:00

Demo #1 1991

click image to enlarge

I was in the middle of working on this post when low and behold Lockjaw beat me to the punch a few days ago. Anyway, since I have a copy of this actual demo I figured I would up it anyway and include more complete scans of the demo tape cover.

Decomposed actually hailed from Rockland County NY and were friends of friends you could say. I saw Decomposed play a few times back in the day and we hung out together a bit but I was a little older than these guys and a lot less crazy hahaha. Anyway, this demo tape is a killer and I am glad that I can help spread the word about this band.

Vocalist Jeff Riemer (RIP) went on to Morpheus Descends...drummer Tito Puente JR. (yes the son of that Tito Puente) also played in Monoxide and bassist Randell Salmon also played in Mutilation. These 3 bands made up the bulk of the Spring Valley Death Core scene aka S.V.D.C. which was a town in Rockland were most of the band remembers lived in or near...Dave G.

Viking - Do or Die demo tape 1986

2011-12-14T12:16:00.007-05:00

Hellbound
Prelude
Scavenger / Do or Die

Viking

Viking followed this demo up with 2 full length Lp's "Do or Die" 1988 and "Man of Straw" 1989.

This is an excellent thrash metal demo that is a bit more raw and less polished than what you would expect from an 80's California thrash/death metal band, but it is that grit that makes this tape so great...it's unfortunate that the bands Lp's are currently out of print. Hopefully, someone will get around to re-releasing them in the near future..Dave G.

Resless - Restless Metal 7" 1984 Flying Dog Productions

2011-12-13T17:48:00.007-05:00

Don't Understand
The Power

This 7" is much better than the band photos would lead you to believe. The band comes across looking somewhat glam metal in these photos but in reality this is a nice thick rocking slab of catchy metal leaning towards the power metal side of things and reminding me of the 80's metal band Medieval or even Tyrant (CA) with the high pitched screams in the excellent "The Power".

Anyway, Resless hailed from Northern NJ and Lou Ciarlo of Hades played bass on this 7"...give this one a listen..Dave G.

CIA - Search & Seizure demo tape 1989

2011-12-13T15:59:00.005-05:00

Search & Seizure
Know It All
Life After Death
Pan Am Flight 103
Turn To Stone

On this demo tape Glenn Evans (TT Quick / Nuclear Assault) played all instruments and did the vocals as well. Overall this is another tape of excellent Nuclear Assault inspired thrash metal.

Personally, I think I like the "Conspiracy" demo tape just a little bit more than this demo tape, because on Conspiracy Glenn had John Connelly (Nuclear Assault) contribute bass and vocals and I think John's vocals push that demo slightly ahead of Search & Seizure...Dave G.

P.S. The cover of this demo is actually a very bright neon orange color but my scanner will not capture the color correctly for some reason.

Black Task 12" Damnation Records 1985

2011-12-13T12:25:00.007-05:00

Sex And Destruction
Kill Your Enemies
Firestorm
Smash Your Face

I lost a bunch of my old posts on Rocket Science recently when I was attempting to make some changes to the blog design and Black Task was one of those posts. I am going to be adding back some of this older content with new descriptions etc as I can't remember what I wrote about the posts originally.

Anyway, Black Task hailed from the Philly area of PA if my memory is correct and they released this kick ass 12" back in 1985. What you get is excellent dirty low budget sounding thrash/death metal like you can only hear these days if you go back to the 80's.

Black Task followed up this 12" with a full length Lp that I used to own but that record is long gone from my collection at this point. I do not recall the full length Lp being as good as this 12"...Dave G.

Attacker 1983 and 1986 Demo Tapes

2011-12-13T09:43:00.009-05:00

Slayers Blade (1983)
Disciple (1983)

Emanon (1986)
Zero Hour (1986)
Lords of Thunder (1986)

Attacker

I wrote away to Attacker back in 1983 when I was all of 15 years old to get a copy of this demo tape, and after a week or so a Certron Tape showed up in my mailbox in a regular letter envelope. It's crazy but here we are almost 30 years later and I can actually remember pulling the letter out of the mailbox and I know exactly what the envelope looked like, however ask me what I did 2 days ago and I would have to think hard to remember.

Anyway, these tapes hold a special place in my heart as does the first Attacker Lp "Battle At Helms Deep" . It appears the entire Attacker catalog is currently out of print, so if you want to find their records and cd's at this point I guess ebay is the way to go...Dave G.

CIA - Conspiracy Demo Tape 1989

2011-12-12T22:23:00.005-05:00

Conspiracy
Headwalker
Backbreaker

Here's a tape that seems to have been mostly lost to time as I couldn't find much of anything on the net about CIA.

Let me give a little info or at least all that I can remember about CIA. CIA was a side project of Glenn Evans the drummer of Nuclear Assault and prior to that TT Quick. If memory serves Glenn released this demo tape and another that I also have called Search & Seizure while he was playing with nuclear Assault. On this demo tape Glenn even has his buddy John Connelly of Nuclear Assault contribute vocals and bass while Glenn handles the guitar and drum duties.

There is no date on this tape but I think it came out somewhere around 1988 or 1989 as the Search and Seizure demo has a 1989 date on it, and I remember getting these tapes from Glenn not to far apart from each other.

Musically these 3 songs have a definite Nuclear Assault feel to them, especially with John Handling the vocal duties. Cool to hear this tape again after many many years of sitting in a box in my closet, hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed revisiting it...good stuff...Dave G.

New Breed Tape Compilation

2011-12-09T08:52:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that the awesome and legendary New Breed Tape compilation is officially back in print on cd and vinyl and it sounds better than ever.

Please support Wardance Records and order a copy of this one before they are gone. I understand that the silk screen version is already gone and the regular Lp version is selling quick and it's highly possible that this could be a one time pressing so get on it people...Dave G

Re-issue of this legendary NYHC compilation from 1989. The re-mastered LP version features four exclusive bonus tracks plus the original twenty page lyric booklet. There will be an alternate limited edition that will include a silk-screened "Wild Style" LP cover (200 made) available to the first 200 mail orders.

Bands on the compilation: ABSOLUTION, OUTBURST, LIFE'S BLOOD, BREAKDOWN, BEYOND, RAW DEAL plus 15 other rocking NYHC bands from that golden era.

Order from Wardance Records

Judge - Bringin It Down Gold Vinyl Revelation

2011-12-05T12:23:00.006-05:00

I am thinking about trading away my sealed copy of this Lp. Here's a pictures of the actual record. I have a black vinyl 1st pressing so I never opened this gold / orange (depending on who you ask) vinyl copy of the final pressing which is the most limited pressing of only 333 copies.

Revelation notes that this is Gold vinyl Kevin Finn says it's orange. I know this record has some value so it is going to take something special to pry it away from me.

I would consider trading it for some other rare Rev Records that I do not have, color vinyl together comp or original early dischord records like Youth Brigade Possible 7" or Teen Idles - Minor Disturbance 7" , Antidote - thou shalt not kill 7" etc.

If you think you have something I'd want drop me an email. Don't be shy I know I am shooting for the stars with my small want list but my actual want list is much longer.

Dave88@optonline.net

NME - Unholy Death - LSR Records 1985

2011-12-02T14:16:00.007-05:00

Unholy Death

NME - Tacoma Wa. USA

To my ears NME sound like the evil spawn of Venom and Slaughter...the Canadian death thrashers Slaughter, not that terrible 80's / 90's hair metal band.

I was snooping around the net trying to come up with a better description of NME'S music when I came across Oxenkiller's review of this record on Encyclopedia Metallum which I thought hit the nail on the head....so here you go...Dave G.

"A lot of people have compared this to Venom, and certainly those comparisons are valid. Both bands share a similar songwriting style and image. NME weren’t really a speed or thrash band in the sense that, say, Bathory, Slayer and Possessed were. Rather, much like Venom and Hellhammer, they relied on a series of mid-paced, malevolent grinding riffs and allowed the overall heaviness, atmosphere and distortion to carry the sound. However, the guitar sounds on here are far darker and more corrosive and sinister than Venom ever were; its actually somewhat indescribable: eerie and heavy at the same time. The playing is none too complex, but there is more going on than just the simple riffs. The guitar has way more reverb and distortion on it than Venom or Hellhammer, and the guitarist deliberately channels the feedback to accentuate the playing. The overall effect is one of simplicity and power, getting the most power out of each single note, mimimalism at its best. And the production values are none too pretty either but that’s the point, you just don’t want them to be. The raw minimalist production actually suits this music perfectly; everything cranked up to ten. The whole thing is paradoxically beautiful in its very rawness and ugliness".

Deathrash - Faces of Death demo tape 1986

2011-11-30T17:31:00.011-05:00

Lockjaw

Here's some classic old school NJ thrash metal featuring none other than Tony Scaglione (Whiplash and Slayer) drums, John Scherer (Caligula) vocals and Pat Burns (Whiplash) bass.

Deathrash is still active on the NJ metal circuit, and they recently released a cd that compiles this demo, new songs and a live show from 1986 all on one disc for $10.00.

Since I know this tape is currently in print I am only giving up one song for you to sample, so if you like what you hear please Purchase a cd from the band...Dave G.

P.S. If you live in NJ, Sound Exchange in Wayne has the Deathrash cd in stock.

.

Fathead Suburbia - Control The Masses demo 1982 fan club 7"

2011-11-29T17:20:00.006-05:00

The Masses
Police State

Awesome old school NY hardcore punk band whose biggest accomplishment was landing the song "The Masses" on the Big City Ain't Too Pretty Compilation back in 1983.

What you get is fast thrashy hardcore punk music done with a heavy amount of aggression and attitude.

Bad American - 2010 - 7 " ep - Discontent Records

2011-11-25T23:30:00.009-05:00

Doozer
Lurker

Bad Amercan

Bad American deliver one hell of a headache with this 7", and I mean that as a compliment. The bass on this record is simply pummeling and the vocals are pissed beyond pissed. If I had to describe the music I would say it sounds like power violent skate rock. Seriously, this is the kind of record that makes me feel like dishing out some violence, except for the fact that I couldn't fight my way out of a paper bag.

Anyway, give these tracks a listen and hit up the band for a copy before they are gone...I understand that they are down to their final copies and I don't think they plan on repressing this monster of a 7", so act fast if you like what you hear. .

I also understand that Bad American is currently working on a full length Lp that I am sure will be killer, so if you own a label or know someone who does then please drop Bad American an email because I want to hear more from these guys...Dave G.

Burrito Records FeAst 2003

2011-11-23T20:26:00.026-05:00

Today I am going to do something a little different and turn the blog over to my friend Bob Suren. You may know Bob as the owner of the Sound Idea Record Store in Brandon FL (rip) or perhaps through his record label Burrito Records, or maybe still from his many musical ventures which includes Failure Face, The Flaming Midgets, Gross National Product, John Madden And The Electric Condoms and his current band Murder-Suicide Pact. Bob also hosts a weekly internet radio show entitled The Punk Rock Record Party which is a great place to be turned on to all kinds of great underground music. Anyway, at this point let me step aside and let Bob take over...Dave G.

Bob: In 2003 I got the idea to get every band that had ever been on Burrito Records to do a show at my old record store, Sound Idea, in Brandon, FL. I called it the Burrito Records FeAst. A few bands just could not do it or could not be located, but what we got was pretty impressive. Eleven bands played on day one (SAT MARCH 23,2003) and on day two, eight of the same bands played again.

Shane Hinton, a local punker, made audio recordings of every band from the first day. I can't remember if he recorded the second day or not. If he did, I don't have the recordings. Anyhow, I recently ran across these recordings, tucked away on the bottom of my file cabinet. I figure it is better to get them out there than to leave them unheard.
Shane recorded everything with a single mic hung from ceiling in the middle of the room. The sound quality is better than I expected. Not perfect, but listenable. And if you were there, this will remind you how much fun those two days were.

A lot of people were shooting pics, but very few of them ever made it to my hands. Several people were shhoting video over the two days, but I've never seen any of it.

Anyhow, here is who played on day one and what I remember about their sets...Bob Suren.

Flaming Midget: FM was the first band on Burrito Records. I was the bassist. John, the drummer flew in for Texas, but we could not find the guitarist and the singer could not make it. John and I drafted Frank Vagnozzi from Reckless Deerhunters to play guitar and Richard Halsted to sing. We practiced once and did the show. We mess up the first song and then it gets better. I started the set wearing a zarape and a sombereo but had to ditch them after a couple of songs because it was so hot.

Scrotum Grinder: SG was kind of a mess this first day. Most of their set is tuning and jokes. They were a lot better on day two.

Combat Wounde d Veter an: The CWV set was short and frenzied. They got the crowd going pretty good. I think this may have been the last time they ever played.

Runnamucks: The Runnamucks were never on Burrito Records, but the intention was to have them learn a bunch of Hated Youth songs and get Gary Srtickland,the singer of HY to sing with them. But Gary didn't want to do it, so the Runnamucks just played their own stuff. They were always good live and played at Sound Idea many times.

Failure Face: The first Failure Face show in about seven years. We practiced for about 20 minutes at 10:00 AM the morning of the show without our bassist. I didn't know if we could pull it off, but I'm pretty happy with the set. I mess up the last song but other than that, it is fairly tight. This set was included as bonus tracks on the "Complete Failure" CD released by Burrito Records in 2003, now out of print.

Reason Of In sanity: ROI was always a good live band and this set is no exception. Sadly underrated and dearly missed by those who understand good hardcore.

Terrorain: Pat Lawlor, the singer of Terrorain flew into the US the day before the show and stayed up all night practicing with the drummer and guitarist of Reason Of Insanity and Sound Idea employee Sam Watson on bass. They fucking nailed it. Pat says the UK version of Terrorain never sounded this good. I'll have to take his word for it
.
Otophobia: Atlanta's Otophobia absolutely shredded on both days. The drummer from Scrotum Grinder turned to me and said, "These guys are awesome. Keep them!"

Bread And Water: One of the many times Bread And Water played Sound Idea. They were excellent every time. Amy, the singer, really goes nuts. And drummer Chris Bland is one of the nicest guys out there.

Roach Motel: I didn't believe Roach Motel would really play until they actually started playing. They had been debating back in forth by email for months about the logistics of reuniting the band members, who had moved all over the USA, squeezing in some practices and getting them all to the show. Then there were the lengthy and heated emails about what songs to play. I was fowarded copies of all of these emails. Some were very funny,like singer Bob Fetz's joking email that if the band didn't "...open with 'Sorry Ass Sucker,' I will tab George with a pair of scissors." That was the last straw for George Tabb, who decided right then not to do the reunion. They carried on as a four-piece. RM played the day before their Brandon set in their home town of Gainesville -- their first show in 19 years -- and supposedly, it was excellent. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when they finally arrived late on Day One of the FeAst. Roach Motel is an important band to me and probably the most important band in the history of Florida punk. You can hear me gush about them in the beginning of the Murder-Suicide Pact set. Anyhow, seeing them play that night was one of the biggest thrills of my punk rock life.

Murder-Suicide Pact: Roach Motel wanted to play before MSP. I didn't want to do that, but when Roach Motel talks, I listen. So, we closed the show. I do a little spiel in the beginning of this set about what Roach Motel means to me and I actually get a little choked up. I know, I'm a cornball. This was a fairly typical show for us, but with way more crowd participation. The sound quality is the best live recording of us I have heard. I had never listened to this set until about a week ago.

BURRITO FEAST MARCH 2003 #1

Flaming Midget
Scrotum Grinder
Combat Wounded Veteran
Runnamucks
Failure Face

Download #1

BURRITO FEAST MARCH 2003 #2

Reason Of Insanity
Terrorain
Otophobia
Bread And Water
Roach Motel
Murder-Suicide Pact

Download #2

Total Abuse - Prison Sweat - PPM Records 2011

2011-11-23T11:31:00.010-05:00

Rotting Foil
Masked Killer

PPM Records : Purchase

Total Abuse have been dishing out their disturbing brand of hardcore music over the span of 3 excellent full length Lp's , a 7" and a demo tape later released on 7" vinyl.

Their new album "Prison Sweat" begins with a long creepy intro of ringing distorted guitars that will make the hair on your arms stand up. As a matter of fact my wife actually burst into the room while I was playing this record in a panic because the intro was actually scaring her and making her uncomfortable (she actually said it sounded like people were being tortured) , and at that very moment I knew this record was special.

After the intro the band throws itself full throttle into a twisted mess of swirling ringing guitars and demented sounding vocals. At times the band takes a slower approach with equally effective results. Honestly, what Total Abuse does better than most bands is set a mood with their music. It's a disturbing mood that will leave you feeling a little dirty in the end, however...feeling dirty never felt so good...Dave G.

Picture - Heavy Metal Ears - a Backdoor Holland production 1981

2011-11-22T13:00:00.005-05:00

Heavy Metal Ears

I purchased this record based on the album title, but I am keeping it based on the excellent traditional metal / nwobhm style of music that is etched into the records grooves.

Picture who hailed from Holland play an excellent catchy style of metal similiar to early Iron Maiden and Judas Priest to my ear , however I've also seen the Saxon comparison thrown around elsewhere on the web.

If you like old school metal this record comes with my highest recommndation ...for what that's worth...Dave G.

An extensive review of this album can be read here .

X-iles - Dreamin-no / Indecision 1980

2011-11-18T12:43:00.004-05:00

Dreamin-no
Indecision

X-iles features a pre-code of honor memeber Mike Sanchez, but sounds nothing like Code Of Honor. What you get is really good punk/new wave with a singer you will either love or hate, I lean more towards loving him. The recording of this record is a bit odd also, but you'll just have to hear it for yourself....Dave G.

Flex Discography says: "Obscure '77/KBD punk from California. Catchy stuff with good melodies and extremely powerful/noisy guitars. There is a synth, too, but it stays far in the background. Cool".

Bad Omen - Demo Tape.- year unknown

2011-11-17T07:54:00.006-05:00

Remains of A Sinner
Blinded By Hate
Lost At Sea
Dark Horizons
Evil World

I picked this demo tape up in a trade recently knowing absolutely nothing about the band. I have been unable to find any info about Bad Omen on the internet, however I have determined from the phone number in the tape that Bad Omen were most likely from Queens/Long Island NY. I have no idea how old this demo is but I am assuming late 80's early 90's. If anyone has any info about Bad Omen please leave a comment.

Musically, Bad Omen is a very competent thrash metal act. The songs are heavy and fast paced with nice thick heavy riffing and impressive soloing. This demo was a pleasant surprise and comes highly recommended to all of you old school metal heads that may be following the blog...Dave G.

Proper ID - Electric Boy / Sound The Alarm 7" - 1981

2011-11-15T18:18:00.006-05:00

Electric Boy
Sound The Alarm

Proper Id

Here's a record you would expect to find on the KBD Records blog, however this band is so obscure I'm not sure Peter has even heard of them.

Proper ID hail from Rockland County NY, which is about 30 minutes north of NYC and just happens to be were I grew up. Proper ID formed in the early 1980's to the best of my knowledge and performed in and around NYC for 10 years at the least.

On this self released 7" from 1981 you get punky new wave music that has been criminally overlooked and deserves a listen. The A-Side song "Electric Boy" is an excellent guitar driven song that brings Devo to mind at times, where as the B-side is a rather strange and quirky song that is hard to put a finger on but is completely catchy and memorable. Give these guys a listen and spread the word..Dave G.

P.S. Visit my brother blog Suburbia Suburbia Suburbia to read about and listen to other Punk, Metal,Hardcore and Indie bands from Rockand County, NY.

18th Dye - Coffee Cup Revisited 7" + Play w/You 7" 1994 and 1995

2011-11-15T15:49:00.009-05:00

Coffee Cup Revisited (1994)
Dive (1994)
Play W/ You (1995)
Gout SF (1995)
f (1995)

I just realized that I haven't posted much if any 90's indie rock to the blog in a very long time, however, that doesn't mean I don't like me some indie rock every now and then...so I figure now is as good a time as any to correct this problem.

18th Dye formed in Berlin Germany in 1992, and managed to release a handful of singles and a couple of Lp's on Matador records before calling it quits in 1995. The 1995 Album "Tribute To A Bus" was produced by Mr. Steve Albini, as well as three of the songs I am presenting in this post from the Play w/you 7".

Musically 18th Dye were similiar in sound to bands like Pavement, Seam and Helium, but in my opinion 18th Dye went largely unnoticed which is a shame because their records are really quite excellent , and also out of print. As a matter of fact, 18th Dye is only listed in the almuni section of the Matador site and they don't even have a hyperlink to give you any additional information about the band, oh well, hopefully I can help bring some much deserved attention their way with this post...Dave G.

P.S. 18th Dye did reform in 2005, however they called it quits for the final time in 2010. More 18th Dye information can be found on their website...18th Dye.com

Night Fever - New Blood - Tank Crime Records 2009

2011-11-12T20:19:00.006-05:00

New Blood
This Is Copenhagen
Better Off Dead

I have been meaning to write a little something about Night Fever for a few months now but for some reason I just can't seem to put into words how awesome this record is. I guess the best description I can come up with is if you can imagine a totally over the top energic punk hardcore band with a metal screamer on vocals. At first I found the vocal approach slightly off putting, however after a few spins I realized that it's actually the totally over the top vocal approach that makes this band stand out from the pack.

Besides this excellent Lp on Tank Crimes, Night Fever also has an equally excellent 7" available from No Way records so do yourself a favor and get them before they are gone. Also, if Night Fever comes to your town go see them because they absolutely slay live...Dave G.

Purchase New Blood 2009 Lp and cassette
Purchase Transparent ep 2011 7"

The Chords - Now It's Gone / Don't Go Back - 1979 Polydor Records

2011-11-12T10:09:00.006-05:00

Don't Go Back
Now It's Gone

The Chords

This is The Chords first single from 1979. All I can say is if you like MOD bands like The Jam then you will like The Chords. I don't have much more to add in all honesty, I mean this is a catchy MOD pop record, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that...Dave G.

Here's a little history from Wikipedia to save you from having to look it up.

"The Chords are a 1970s British pop music group, commonly associated with the 1970s mod revival, who had several hits in their homeland, before the decline of the trend brought about their break-up. They were one of the more successful groups to emerge during the revival, which was popular in the UK in 1979, thanks in part to The Jam's popularity (and their affection for mod music and style) and the release of The Who's Quadrophenia, a film centred around the mod subculture of the 1960s, and based on their 1973 rock opera. They re-formed with the four original members for a UK tour during 2010".

( Steve Scott) Steel Warriors - On The Road To Hell - 1985

2011-11-11T22:05:00.009-05:00

On The Road To Hell
Metal Storm
Move It All Night

Wow, this is one hell of a record. First you have to soak in the amazing cover art which is worth the price of admission alone. Then you have to actually listen to this mess of a record which is all over the place in all honesty. The A-Side opens with a satanic intro of sorts and goes straight into an okay power metal type song. The B-Side opens with a long fancy guitar solo and is followed by a totally 80's style hair metal song. I think Mr. Scott (who plays all instruments and sings on this record) could have made a better record if he had been a bit more focused. I mean are you a tough metal dude, a guitar hero or a wanna be Brett Michaels? I have no idea...sorry...Dave G.

Dead Kennedys - Kill The Poor / In-Sight - Cherry Red Records 1980

2011-11-10T19:33:00.008-05:00

Kill The Poor
In-Sight

Non Lp B-Side "In-sight" later released on the rarities compilation Lp "Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death". Everyone is probably familiar with the song "Kill The Poor" but if you've never heard the "Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death" Lp then the b-side of this 7 incher "in-sight" is definitely worth a listen... I think it might be better than the more well know A-side...Dave G.

Dead Kennedys
Purchase Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death

Hades - Deliver Us From Evil - 1982 Clown Productions

2011-11-09T14:06:00.009-05:00

Girls Will Be Girls
Social Disease

This is Hades first 7" recording from 1982. The songs on this debut 7" are much more punky hard rock/NWOBHM sounding compared to their later doomy thrash recordings. I haven't really seen a good quality scan (click image to enlarge) of this 7" on the net so hopefully this post will make someone out there happy...Dave G.

UX Vileheads - Hardcore XI - Sorry State Records 2011

2011-11-08T11:14:00.010-05:00

Blind
UX Vileheads

Excellent new Lp from Umea Sweden's UX Vileheads. What you get is fast paced straight up catchy hardcore punk that immediately brings Minor Threat to mind, however there is also an old school Boston/NYHC sound/feel to some of the guitar work. This Lp immediately grabbed my attention the moment the needle hit the vinyl for reasons I can't fully explain. I think it's the excellent clean, yet full production, and the warm bass and drum sound that kicks off the opening track. Anyway, I will include a couple tracks ("Blind" is the Lp opener) as a sample for you to hear and then I suggest you head on over to Sorry State Records to grab yourself a copy of this Lp ASAP...Dave G.

Purchase

Video - Leather Leather Lp - Play Pinball Records 2011

2011-11-08T09:55:00.005-05:00

Leather Leather
The Husband

I just picked up a copy of this Lp and man am I happy that I did. The music is punk yet quirky and interesting in the same way that bands like Wire took basic punk rock of the late 70's early 80's and morphed it into post punk... Leather Leather feels like post punk for the new age...Dave G.

What the label has to say:

Denton TX's VIDEO began intending to sound like a mix between CRIME, CHROME, and CREAM. However, the twelve songs on this debut LP, "LEATHER LEATHER", end up sounding like your record collection melted into one solid album. Ranging from songs that have the primal pounding of FLIPPER, the space jam sessions of HAWKWIND, and the lyrical bent of early ALICE COOPER and STICK MEN WITH RAY GUNS, VIDEO's debut album should shatter all preconceptions of what Denton's punk scene can produce. Featuring members of THE WAX MUSEUMS, BAD SPORTS, WICCANS, SILVER SHAMPOO, and as many other bands that you can name, "LEATHER LEATHER" breaks the mold of the usual poppy, melodic punk and instead forges a new territory somewhere between punk, hard rock, and weirdo psych. To borrow from the venerable BOBBY SOXX, "Fuck powerpop! Fuck new wave! This is punk rock, you're a slave!"

Keeping the spirit of the band's namesake alive, the vinyl edition of this record is 100% ANALOGUE. No computers in any step. Recorded on tape by ORVILLE NEELEY (Bad Sports, OBN III's, etc) in October 2010, a mixing session with DAVID WILLINGHAM at The Echo Lab, and cut direct from tape, PLAY PINBALL! RECORDS is shamelessly proud to unleash this disease known as VIDEO unto the world. Long live the New Faith. Long live VIDEO.

First Press: 500 Copies in DIE-CUT JACKETS with PRINTED INNER SLEEVE. All on BLACK VINYL.

Play Pinball Records
Sorry State Records blog

VOM - Live At Surf City 7" White Noise Records 1978

2011-11-07T09:36:00.007-05:00

I'm In Love With Your Mom
Too Animalistic
God Save The Whales
Punk Mobile
Electrocute Your Cock

Pre-Angry Samoans and you get exactly what you would expect...primitive and simple punk with crude lyrics. A must listen for any Angry Samoans fan...great KBD record...Dave G.

Darxon - Killed In Action - Wishbone Records 1984

2011-11-03T21:16:00.008-04:00

Picked this record up in a used bin recently simply because the album cover was so bad I had to own it.

Germany's Darxon play traditional heavy metal in the vein of Judas Priest and Accept. Overall, certainly nothing ground breaking , but the cover art and funny song titles...for example "Smile of A Tiger" and " Holy Macho" make this record totally worth while to me...Dave G.

Here

New Breed Tape Compilation - Interview w/Freddy Alva

2011-11-01T16:11:00.012-04:00

Interview on United By Rocket Science
Preorder New Breed Tape Compilation LP

My partner in crime over on the United By Rocket Science Blog just upped an interview with Freddy Alva of the legendary NYHC record label "Wardance Records". Freddy just put up the preorder for the New Breed Tape Compilation vinyl reissue. Please read the interview and order a copy of the record from Wardance.

United By Rocket Science is a blog that I do with James from the legendary old school NYHC fanzine "Unite". We try to cover the current local NY/NJ underground music scene as well as old school hardcore/punk etc. We incorporate more record reviews, show reviews and band / label interviews etc than I do here on Rocket Science so check us out when you get a chance.

Also, looking to trade some blog links for the United By Rocket Science blog so if you want to trade links with Rocket Science or United By Rocket Science please add us to your blog links and drop me an email ( dave88@optoniline.net) and I will link you up to us as well...Dave G.

Cold Steel - Perfect Peace cassette 1990

2011-10-29T20:12:00.009-04:00

Cold Steel - Thrash metal from Long Island NY.

I posted Cold Steel's "Dead By Dawn" demo a while back and I think I like the demo a little more than the "Perfect Peace" cassette in all honesty, though "Perfect Peace" has it's moments the music seems a bit more commercial and gimmicky to me in places. I still hear the Anthrax,Testament, Metallica, Flotsam and Jetsam influence at least to my ears, but the Anthrax type choruses are a bit much for me at times...Dave G.

Here

Gray Matter 2x7" Dischord/WGNS 1991

2011-10-29T18:58:00.007-04:00

Bite The Bit
October
Shiver Boy
Slow Grind

I fell in love with the opening song " Bite The Bit" on this double 7" the first time I heard it back in 1991. I'm not sure this 7" still holds up for me beyond the opening track but it's still worth posting. In my opinion Gray Matter's best record is "Take It Back" from 1986, so if you like this 7" I would recommend you give "Take It Back" a listen if you haven't heard it already...Dave G.

Phleg Camp - Bully My Pushy 2x 7" Allied Records 1991

2011-10-29T18:32:00.006-04:00

Cut The Robe Shit
Dig
Switch
Whole G
Rent

Simply awesome Canadian Emo/Hardcore from the early 90's. Total DC Revolution Summer worship going on here and man do I like it. I honestly believe that if this double 7" came out on Dischord in the early 90's instead of on Allied Records (no disrespect intended) that it would be a classic of sorts today. If you are a fan of Fugazi or especially Soulside then this is a must listen...Dave G.

Artificial Peace / Exiled split 7" Fountain of Youth 001 - 1982

2011-10-29T17:04:00.005-04:00

Artificial Peace and Exiled sound very similiar to me on this split 7". Both bands play a mix of mid tempo and fast paced hardcore punk with pretty poor recording quality in all honesty. This 7" definitely has a certain charm, however I think I prefer the Artificial Peace songs on the Flex Your Head compilation and also on the recently released Artificial Peace discography.

I am posting this up as a reminder to everyone to purchase a copy of the official AP discography from Dischord so please go order yourself a copy...Dave G.

Here

Angry Red Planet - Too Much Knowledge Can Be Dangerous - Angry Red Records 1983

2011-10-29T16:02:00.004-04:00

Angry Red Planet "Too Much Knowledge Can Be Dangerous" is one great trashy yet melodic punk hardcore record from Detriot Michigan. Angry Red Planet also released another 7" Gawkers Paradise (Touch & Go, 1985) and an Lp called Little Pigs Little Pigs (Angry Red Records, 1987) , both of which come with my highest recommendation. There is also a second full length Lp from 1989 called Give Em' Enough Dope...Dave G.

Zeros - Wild Weekend / Beat Your Heart Out 1978 Bomp Records

2011-10-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

Wild Weekend
Beat Your Heart Out

Bomp

This is the second Zeros 7" from 1978 and it is a classic slab of KBD punk rock. The a-side is a fast catchy punk rock song and the b-side is a more mid-tempo Ramones style song that will get caught in your head for the rest of the day once you hear it.

Bomp records has a few Zeros Lp's available through their mailorder so please order some records or cd's from Bomp. A good Zeros compilation to start with is "Don't Push Me Around" which collects the Zeros early singles,demos and unreleased songs...Dave G.

Abrasive Wheels - Army Song 7" 1982 - Riot City

2011-10-28T14:24:00.004-04:00

Army Song
Juvenile
So Slow

Abrasive Wheels

This is the third single from Leeds UK's Abrasive Wheels, released in 1982 on Riot City Records. What you get is good solid rough and tumble street punk with plenty of sing-a-long vocals. Probably one of the best singles to come out of the early UK punk scene, so give it a listen if you've somehow never heard this one before.

Abrasive Wheels are actually still actively touring, and have just released a new Lp titled "When The Punks Go Marching In Volume 2"... more details available here ... Dave G.

Patrik Fitzgerald - Safety-Pin Stuck In My Heart - Billy Bragg - Between The Wars

2011-10-27T21:28:00.015-04:00

Patrik Fitzgerald
Billy Bragg

Billy Bragg and Patrik Fitzgerald are both urban folk singers or acoustic punks if you will. I prefer urban folk singers personally. Both Bragg and Fitzpatrick started performing during the late 70's early 80's British punk movement, and both artists wrote acoustic punk/folk songs dealing with working class issues. Anyway, I thought it would be a good idea to post these records up today to show a little different side of the punk rock and roll genre.

Up first is Patrik Fizgerald's first 7" from 1977 "Safety-Pin Stuck In My Heart" , which is probably his most well known song. Fitzgerald went on to release a total of eight 7 inches and 2 Lp's in the punk rock heyday between 1977-1982. If you like what you hear then check out his complete discography Here and start tracking down the rest of his musical catalog.

Patrik Fitzgerald - Banging and shouting
Patrik Fitzgerald - Safety-Pin Stuck In My Heart
Patrik Fitzgerald - Work Rest Play Raggae
Patrik Fitzgerald - Set We Free
Patrik Fitzgerald - Optimism Reject

Up next, I am presenting the "Between The Wars" 7" by Billy Bragg. Bragg is definitely the more well known and accomplished of these two artists, and the 4 songs on this 7" from 1984 are some of his finest works in my opinion...enjoy! ... Dave G.

Billy Bragg - Between The Wars
Billy Bragg - Which Side Are You On
Billy Bragg - World Turned Upside Down
Billy Bragg - It Say's Here (different version)

Medium Medium - Hungry, So Angry b/w Nadsat Dream - Cherry Red 1981

2011-10-27T11:42:00.007-04:00

Hungry, So Angry
Nadsat Dreams

Medium Medium

This is the second 7" by Nottingham Englands Medium Medium who were one of the originators of the post punk/funk sound back in the late 70's early 80's. I believe the A side of this single "hungry,so angry" was the bands biggest hit reaching #48 on the Billboard Disco charts. Anyway, this is real good stuff and a much needed break from all the metal that I have been posting lately...Dave G.

The Nolan Gate - Alchemy 2011

2011-10-24T19:09:00.018-04:00

The Nolan Gate

One of New Jersey's longest running metal monsters has awakened from a 4 year slumber to unleash it's newest album "Alchemy" on the unsuspecting masses.

The Nolan Gate sticks to what they do best on this 7 song album which means you get big angry choruses, heavy rumbling bass, pounding drums and wave after wave of pummeling riffs to keep your head banging.

The Nolan Gate has been pounding it out on the Jersey club scene for 10+ years and they definitely deserve to be heard so please purchase a download of "Alchemy" for a measly $2.00 to show The Nolan Gate some love...Dave G.

Sample songs:

Grinding
Swordsman

Purchase "Alchemy"

Notes:

released 24 October 2011

Recorded at Moonlight Mile Studios in Hoboken, NJ
Engineered and Mixed by Mike Mobius
Mastered by James Plotkin

Mordred - 1986 Demo Tape

2011-10-14T10:23:00.013-04:00

A commenter mentioned Mordred on my previous Mercenary post so I figured I would dig out Mordred's first Demo Tape and throw it up on the blog.

I don't have much to say about Mordred honestly. I remember Mordred moving in a more funk metal direction after the release of this demo tape, however the music on this demo is good straight up Thrash metal...Dave G.

Here

Mercenary - Demo Tape 1986

2011-10-13T12:01:00.014-04:00

Here's a demo tape I mail ordered directly from the band back in 1986 and never received.I remember reading an incredible review of this demo in some fanzine back in 86 so I was literally dying to hear the tape for myself,therefore you can image my incredible disappointment when the tape never arrived and the band ignored my follow up letters asking when they were going to send my tape etc. Keep in mind this was pre-internet and email so I couldn't just type in Mercenary demo tape mediafire and download the music so when the tape never arrived I was literally deprived of their music for many many years to come until I finally bought a copy of the demo off ebay sometime back.

Since over 10 years or so had gone by from the time I ordered the tape and then finally actually heard it the music had less of an impact on me than it would have if I had received the tape back in 86 when I was 19 years old, however the demo is still really good and holds up well today. To my ears I think this demo sounds similar to The Legacy demo tape... who morphed into Testament.

Oh well, I guess this post gave me a chance to vent a little hahaha...I feel better now...Dave G.

Here

Infernal Majesty - None Shall Defy - Roadracer Records 1987

2011-10-12T23:19:00.004-04:00

A straight up Canadian underground thrash metal classic. If these guys had a better name, better album cover and didn't look like complete poseurs then maybe this record would have been huge haha...but hey it's the music that really matters and this record kills from start to finish with technical riffing, ripping solos and time changes galore...this slab of wax contains everything you could possibly want from a thrash record so check it out...Dave G.

Files borrowed from Cosmic Hearse.......Here.

Mercy - S/T album 1984 - Fingerprint Records

2011-10-10T11:56:00.006-04:00

Excellent early 80's metal Lp from Sweden's Mercy. This album features Eddy Markulin on vocals who most of you metal heads know as Messiah Marcolin of Candlemas fame.

The music is really excellent NWOBHM with hints of doom and moments that are reminiscent of Mercyful Fate...without really sounding like MF.

A highly recommended listen...glad I was able find this copy recently hiding out in a local record stores used bins...Dave G.

Here

Jaguar - Axe Crazy / War Machine - Neat Records 1982

2011-09-27T21:26:00.003-04:00

Axe Crazy
War Machine

Since I posted Goldsmith and Soldier up I figured I would dig this classic 7" out of the archives to finish off my little NWOBHM run.

The A side of this record contains a nice uptempo rocker and the b-side steals the show for me with a nice ballad type rocker reminiscent of Iron Maiden's Remember Tomorrow or something along those lines...Dave G.

Goldsmith - Life Is Killing Me / Music Man - Bedlam Records 1982

2011-09-27T21:10:00.006-04:00

Life Is Killing Me
Music Man

Here is another NWOBHM 7" that my metal hating friend gave me last week.

Pretty cool obscure record that's worth sharing and worth a listen if you like this kind of
thing...Dave G.

Soldier - Sheralee / Force - Heavy Metal Records 1982

2011-09-27T20:50:00.004-04:00

Sheralee
Force

I bought some records from a metal hating friend last week and luckily for me this 7" was one of the gems he had no use for.

Soldier deliver sold NWOBHM on this 7" with the up tempo A side Sherilee being the standout track for me with its sold riffing and catchy vocals. The B-side is more mid tempo but still a good solid rocker with some nice guitar soloing running into the fade out. If you are a fan of early 80's NWOBHM then you really can't go wrong with this 7"...Dave G.

Mothman - Axe Hold and 5 Songs of Freedumb Demo Tapes

2011-09-14T22:22:00.010-04:00

The mighty Mothman formed in the nether regions of NJ somewhere around 1993, and used to play a lot of shows locally with a lot of the Emo bands of the mid 90's, though there was absolutely nothing Emo about Mothman.

Mothman actually played more of a dirty Lower East side of NYC style of Metal more similiar to Prong or the Unsane. The music is heavy, dark,angry and hits like a repetitive pounding to your head.

If you like what you hear....I released a Mothman 7" back aound 1995 or so that you can purchase from me right here in the distro section of this blog.

Mothman is actually still active today, however they went through a change in drummers some years back and changed their name to The Nolan Gate. You can download The Nolan Gate elsewhere on this blog or you can buy a copy of their cds from my distro as well or don't buy anything...I really don't care...Dave G.

Demo Tapes

Fresh Meat - The Stunning Self Destruction 2011

2011-09-14T13:44:00.008-04:00

Fresh Meat have a brutal hardcore punk style that is sort of horror inducing. This is a good promising recording for a band that has been together for less than 6 months. The music reminds me of the Misfits meets Ministry or something along those lines. I think the band is onto something here as their music has a fairly original feel to it to my ears. Anyway Give them a listen and keep an eye out for future releases...Dave G.

"Fresh Meat started in May of 2011 and within three weeks started gigging. With influences spanning punk, hardcore, psychobilly and also electronic music we opted to use programmed drums instead of a live drummer. This gives the music a cardiac inducing pounding rhythm which will either make you dance or vomit down your favourite Exploited t-shirt."

Fresh Meat bandcamp
Fresh Meat facebook

Murder In The Front Row - Book - Bazillion Points Publishing

2011-09-13T14:53:00.001-04:00

Purchase

During the early 1980s, when heavy metal was defined by MTV and mile-high hair, San Francisco’s small community of dedicated headbangers scorned image and instead

risked life and limb in search of the ultimate in musical thrills. Locals Exodus and Los Angeles transplants Metallica reigned in small clubs like the Old Waldorf, The Stone, and the infamous East Bay bastion of heaviness, Ruthie’s Inn. Thrash metal upstarts Slayer and Megadeth found a second home in the Bay Area, while a homegrown breed of tempo-crazed teenagers like Legacy, Possessed, Death Angel, Heathen, and Vio-lence brought Bay Area thrash metal to critical mass.

Photographers Harald Oimoen and Brian Lew were dodging bodies from the very start, in front of the stage, backstage, and on the stage itself. They captured the public victories and private parties of a scene where fans and musical idols were equally hellbent on faster, heavier music and endless outrageous fun. Oimoen and Lew fought on the frontline of a war for individuality, snapping frame by frame as thrash metal was born, along with stagediving, crowd-walking, and countless other magical moments filled with key local personalities.

Somewhere along the way, Oimoen and Lew’s friends in Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth became legends. Today, the Big Four thrash metal bands pictured in this book are the reigning elder statesmen of heavy metal. Their fellow ragers in Exodus, D.R.I., Testament, Death Angel, Possessed, and Forbidden remain ambassadors of a Bay Area metal scene that continues to thrive and command fascination around the world.

This stunning volume collects over 400 amazing color and black-and-white photos, plus passionate personal accounts by Bay Area veterans Harald Oimoen, Brian Lew, Ron Quintana of Metal Mania, Gary Holt of Exodus, Alex Skolnick of Testament, and Robb Flynn of Machine Head. From DIY origins to world domination, the Bay Area thrash metal scene screams to life in these fearless pages.

“This will not be a history book, but rather a time machine back to the ‘bonded by blood’ days of the original Bay Area Metal scene. Before they played the Bay Area, Slayer wore makeup onstage—after that first Bay Area show they never wore makeup again. This book will show people why.”—Brian Lew

Johnny Warman - Screaming Jets / American Machines 1981

2011-09-09T16:16:00.003-04:00

Johnny Warman

Cool early 80's bizzaro punk / new wave single with Peter Gabriel on accompanying vocals, chants, screaming and effects. The music has a bit of a Bowie or Gabriel feel to it as well. I felt like posting something a little off the beaten path today...hope you enjoy...Dave G.

Screaming Jets
American Machines

Underdogs - East of Dachau - Riot City 1983

2011-09-08T18:45:00.002-04:00

The Underdogs

The Underdogs from Leeds In Yorkshire England released this excellent slab of Brit street punk in 1983 on Riot City Records. Overall this is excellent rough and tumble Brit punk with good memorable melodies thrown in. From what I can tell this 7" is The Underdogs only solo vinyl release, though they did appear on a few compilations and they also released a few cassette demos as well...Dave G.

East of Dachau
Johnny Go Home
Dead Soldier

Gay Cowboys In Bondage - Owen Marshmallow Strikes Again

2011-09-08T18:35:00.006-04:00

Fort Lauderdale Florida' Gay Cowboy's In Bondage released this filthy little ditty in 1984 on Sublapse records out of Miami Fl. What you get is fairly simple straight up punk/hardcore done with enough snotty humor to make this record an enjoyable listen.

I see that there is a discography out there on Burrito Records so if you like this 7" you should try to track down the discography as well...Dave G.

Here

Negative Degree - 2011 Demo Tape

2011-09-08T10:30:00.002-04:00

Negative Degree - Denver Colorado - contact: handoflaw@gmail.com

Excellent Straight forward angry punk / hardcore with a bit of a Germs feel in the stripped down guitar sound. Also, brings more current bands like the Formaldehyde Junkies to mind.

Honestly, not much more to be said about this demo, it's just a solid all around demo that should definitely lead to a 7" release in the near future.

Looks like distro's are selling out of this tape pretty quickly so I would get one fast if you like what you hear...Dave G.

Here's a couple songs for you to check out.

Service Industry
Punch Out

Purchase demo tape.

Night Birds - The Other Side of Darkness - review - cd and Lp release date 09/13/2011

2011-08-31T14:58:00.011-04:00

Night Birds - Facebook

To my ears the Night Birds have always sounded like a modern day hybrid of Agent Orange and the Adolescents, and on their first full length album "The Other Side of Darkness" they have done nothing to change my opinion. In fact, they have maintained the surf punk twang of Agent Orange and upped the speed, catchiness and snottiness that always brought the Adolescents to mind, however they have modernized everything and thrown in so many hooks that it will make your head spin...in a good way.

I must say that we have another candidate for the top 10 list of 2011 right here, and maybe even the top spot at that. I'm finding that I can't get enough of this record, and that it just keeps getting better and better with every listen...Highly Recommended...Dave G.

Night Birds - The Other Side of Darkness - release date 09/13/2011 on compact disc and vinyl, to be followed by a European Tour September/October 2011. Tour dates can be found HERE.

Night Birds to perform live on the "Crust Never Sleeps" Radio Show September 13, 2011 @10pm. You can tune in to www.newtownradio.com for an online broadcast of the show.

Grave Mistake Records - Purchase cd, vinyl, T-shirts and special preorder packages.

Punk Rock Record Party ( Podcast)

2011-08-31T08:30:00.001-04:00

Bob Suren (founder of Burrito Records ) has decided to start a podcast with his first broadcast going out on September 1st 2011. Bob is a long time record collector with a broad knowledge of all things punk rock, especially those strange and obscure records from the past that many of us have been searching for for years.

Here's the details you will need to tune in to the show:

Download the PUNK ROCK RECORD PARTY podcast #01: It is 60 min (55.04 MB).

Subscribe to weekly episodes.

Download a short promo video or watch it below..

Like the PUNK ROCK RECORD PARTY on FACEBOOK.

Bob can use some NEW releases to play on the show, so send vinyl and CDs to
Bob Suren
PO Box 3204
Brandon, FL 33509-3204

Social Circkle - Expiration Date 7" - Side Two Records 2011 (review)

2011-08-30T17:22:00.001-04:00

Social Circkle Facebook

One of my favorite current punk/hardcore bands returns with what is unfortunately their final recording. What you get is more of what they do best...no frills, uptempo and catchy punk rock.

Anyway, add these 5 songs to your Social Circkle folder on your hard drive or rip them to a cd for the car and enjoy!

Thanks Social Circkle...I will be enjoying your music for years to come!

Side Two Records - Purchase - Act quick as they made 50 red vinyl copies for mailorder only and as of today they still have some available.

What the label says:

"SOCIAL CIRCKLE - Expiration Date 7"
5 tracks of intense early 80's hardcore mixed with late 70's punk from all around the globe. More anger and speed than previous releases, SOCIAL CIRCKLE manages to exit on their most manic note while still maintaining the melody and catchy hooks of their 'Static Eyes' 7". Think ripping hardcore with songs you can actually remember. The follow up to 2009's 'City Shock' LP (No Way Records) this ep is the band's final offering. (Side Two 002)"

Olivelawn - Cat's Meow / Mom's Farm - Nemesis Records 1991

2011-08-25T21:39:00.008-04:00

Olivelawn Facebook

I just realized there is a serious lack of Olivelawn music and information on the web and that is a real shame in my opinion.

Olivelawn burst out of the 90's San Diego Ca punk scene with a dirty grungy MC5 meets Stooges sound that would have been right at home on Sub Pop records back in the early 90's.

Besides the Cat's Meow 7" I have 3 other 7 inchers by Olivelawn and the Sophomore Jinx Lp and I have not heard a song yet that I do not like...check em out...Dave G.

Cat's Meow
Mom's Farm

PS. Members of Olivelawn later went on to play in Fluf, Fu Manchu and Nebula. If you like what you hear then you can purchase the Sap and Sophomore Jinx CD'S here . Also, you can find the bands 7" vinyl on Ebay on a regular basis and at bargain prices.

Major Damage - st 7" 2011 (review)

2011-08-25T15:25:00.007-04:00

No Way Records
Even Worse Records
Way Back When Records

Brand new solo project from Brandon Ferrell of Government Warning, Direct Control, Wasted time, Syndrome, Obsessor and others.

This is one excellent raging hardcore record in the vein of early NYHC bands like the Abused with hints of Boston hardcore thrown in as well. Hell, this record sounds like someone locked the abused, SSD and the Crumbsuckers in a room together and said you can't come out until you record a 7"... Buy It! ... Dave G.

Double Negative - Hardcore Confusion Volume 1 and 2 - Sorry State Records 2011 (review)

2011-08-25T14:50:00.014-04:00

Sorry State Records

Raleigh North Carolina's Double Negative return with 2 brand new scorching 7" records showcasing their complex yet brutal hardcore style.

I am a little at a loss for words when it comes to describing Double Negatives music, and using the the term "Hardcore" really doesn't due the music justice in my opinion because there is so much more going in these songs then just typical straight up hardcore.

Volume 1 opens with "Writhe", a blazing and complex song that ends with a repetitive riff that hits like a fucking hammer to the head. "Cunny hop" closes out Volume 1 at full speed and with maximum aggression.

Volume 2 opens with "Fat City Address" which is a more mid tempo song when compared to the songs on volume 1. "face jam" closes out Volume 2 with lightening riffing, aggressive vocals and dare I say memorable hooks.

Overall, Double Negative is one of the best bands currently tearing it up out there...I highly recommend their entire back catalog as well...check them out...Dave G.

Double Negative Facebook
Purchase Hardcore Confusion Volume 1 and 2

A few new titles added to the Rocket Science distro.

2011-08-08T15:03:00.002-04:00

Distro page

Borscht - Primitive Borscht - Demo Tape 1982

2011-07-22T14:30:00.007-04:00

Borscht - Pearl River, N.Y. (1981 to 1984)

Classic early 80's punk rock...Borscht appeared on Flipside Vinyl compilation #1 and also on Thrasher Magazine’s “Skaterock 2 – Blazing Wheels and Barking Trucks”.

To read all about Borscht and to download the bands demo tape which we are sharing with the bands permission please visit my Suburbia Suburbia SUBURBIA! blog right HERE and while you're there have a look around as there's some good obscure metal, punk and hardcore music up for your listening pleasure...Dave G.

Vectom - Speed Revolution - 1984 Gamma Records

2011-07-22T12:45:00.011-04:00

Vectom

Cool , yet fairly typical German thrash metal record from a lessor known 2nd or even 3rd tier early 80's German thrash band. Really nothing ground breaking going on here, but I do like and appreciate the album for it's obvious sincerity and straight forward thrash metal approach.

Here is a very accurate album review I found online:

"The mid 1980’s spawned a sub scene in thrash metal, namely speed metal. Germany was the main area for the genre which took its cue from Maiden and injected speed (obviously) and powering double bass drums. The scene was very severely limited due to the style the songs all took. However if it wasn’t for this scene I think many of today’s power metal combos wouldn’t exist. Speed Revolution may not be the best album of the genre but it has passion and sincerity which is often lacking in metal today. The album has a top heavy bass production compounded by some decent drum work, especially in the foot department. The guitar work, whilst basic, has a certain degree of melody which the band only spoils by trying too hard in the solos. The vocals are more down tuned than your typical thrash and speed metal as the group have tried to thrust a more demonic vocal style into the songs at times. The album treats us to a nice cheesy track (Loudness and Speed), which to be honest I find very enjoyable. Damned Love is different to the rest as it starts with a labored double bass drum kick and rarely gets into the archetypal speed associated with the genre. Overall the album is worthy of the attention of any speed metal freak and is becoming quite difficult to find, but is definitely worth the effort." ... Infernali

Here

Dark Ages - Can America Survive? Lp 2011 (review)

2011-07-21T12:26:00.012-04:00

Sorry State Records

I have been looking forward to this Lp for quite some time now as I've been a fan of Dark Ages since they dropped their first demo back in 2007, and then followed the demo up with 2 excellent 7"s.

Musically I would compare Dark Ages to current bands like the Omegas and Double Negative in that these bands have a knack for playing music that is all at once hard driving and noisy yet catchy enough to keep you hitting the repeat button...and Dark Ages definitely fit that description.

"Can America Survive?" is definitely an album that will be spinning repeatedly on my turntable, and I also think this Lp will be in personal my top 10 for 2011...Dave G.

Dark Ages - Can America Survive? Lp Purchase Sorry State Records
Dark Ages - Vicious Lie 7" Purchase from Cowabunga Records

Label description and details regarding "Can America Survive? Lp.

"After a couple of great but under the radar 7"s, Kansas City's Dark Ages return with their first full-length and it is a hardcore monster. Eschewing the recent vogue for raw recordings, Dark Ages have nailed a crystal clear, precise sound in which all of the fascinating little nuances hit you with full force. While the pedal is always to the floor, it's the weird little parts--quirky touches that remind one of Die Kreuzen's first LP or Hüsker Dü circa Everything Falls Apart--that really separate this band from the pack. I can think of no other band that captures the angry, alienated, and isolated sound of the midwest better than Dark Ages. Deluxe packaging, including heavyweight, tip-on style sleeves, a 24"x26" poster, and digital download. Mailorder version on red vinyl (ltd. to 150 copies). Sorry State Records"

Six Feet Under - S/T Lp ( Sweden 1983 ) - Universe Productions Records (Holland).

2011-07-19T14:32:00.008-04:00

I found a sealed copy of this obscure metal Lp in a local record store recently, and I consider myself fortunate for finding it.

The music is classic early 80's metal with Keyboards and a musical similarity to the band Rainbow. Apparently the vocalist for Six Feet Under Bjorn Lodin sung for Krokus at one point but never recorded an Lp with them.

Check the link below for a blog with more details about the record and a download link...Dave G.

Swedish Heavy Metal Blog: Here

P.S. My album didn't come with a lyric sheet, and has different labels than the Lp on the Swedish Heavy Metal blog. Just figured I'd mention this since this record is pretty damn obscure to begin with.

Tyrant - Mean Machine - 1984 Gamma Music West Germany

2011-07-19T10:43:00.007-04:00

When you have an album cover as ridiculous as this one you are either going to be pleasantly surprised or thoroughly disappointed...in this case I am happy to report that I am pleasantly surprised.

Overall, I like the hard charging thick riffing on the more uptempo songs like the album opener " Free For All" . If I had to compare Tyrant to anyone I would choose Accept with hints of Iron Maiden here and there. Overall, "Mean Machine" is a fun listen that is most effective when the band is charging full speed ahead...Dave G.

Here

American Dream - s/t Lp - America Records 1984

2011-07-09T17:50:00.010-04:00

American Dream - Allentown, PA

I haven't posted much music to the blog lately, but that's because I was waiting to have something amazing to share and American Dream is the amazing band I have been looking for.

I am confident that this Lp is the best American hardcore punk record that you have most likely never heard. Originally released in 1984 in a very small pressing of only 300 copies , it is this records obscurity and small pressing amount that has stopped it from being a classic but has caused it to be a highly sought after collectible amongst those in the know.

Musically, this is straight up hard charging punk/hardcore, though there is some full on guitar soloing involved which may bother some but doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Files removed as I have learned an official reissue of this Lp is in the works. More details to come in the near future...Dave G.

Grave Mistake Records Bandcamp page

2011-07-08T10:43:00.006-04:00

Great label releasing future punk rock classics. Check out the new bandcamp page for free downloads of almost everything on the label. If you like what you hear please buy something and support this great label.

Link

Obsessor - demo tape 2011

2011-06-27T15:27:00.005-04:00

Tank Crimes records
Obsessor - Purchase 2 song Demo Tape

From Tank Crimes:

"OBSESSOR is a new metal band from Richmond, VA influenced by English Dogs / Venom – dirty and punk. All instruments and vocals done in the studio by my long time close friend Brandon “The Obsessor” Ferrell whos strong pedigree includes Direct Control, Government Warning, Wasted Time, Municipal Waste, No Way Records and Vinyl Conflict Record Store (RVA). We have many more releases planned for Obsessor so get obsessed!"

The above description sums these 2 songs up perfectly in all honesty. All I would add is that while these songs are more metal than Brandon's past output, I think the songs still maintain a punk edge to them.

This is an impressive first release for Obsessor, and I for one am definitely looking forward to Brandon's future output as the Obsessor...Dave G.

Listen to Obsessor HERE

The Nolan Gate - No Pasaran - Cold Fur - Cicada Radio - Live Maxwells, Hoboken NJ 06/24/2011

2011-06-26T12:06:00.003-04:00

I headed out last night to catch two of my favorite local bands The Nolan Gate and No Pasaran at the legendary Maxwell's in Hoboken New Jersey. Also sharing the bill were two more local acts Cicada Radio and Cold Fur.

Up first was Cicada Radio from Jersey City NJ who delivered an excellent set of 90's inspired rock that brought bands like Boilermaker, Small Brown Bike and Knapsack to mind for me, which is a good thing. The crowd was definitely digging these guys, and overall they delivered a very strong set of music. Check out their band camp page (link is below) where you can download their most recent ep .

Up next was Cold Fur who also hail from Jersey City and are comprised of Dave ( drums ) and Ralph ( vocals) from The Rye Coalition and 2 ex members of Jersey City's The Want. You could definitely hear the Rye Coalition influence in the Cold Fur songs, however the songs definitely stood up on their own, and the musicianship was top notch. I would bet Cold Fur is going to be moving up the underground ladder pretty quickly in the coming months so keep your eyes and ears out for them.

The third band on the bill was the mighty Nolan Gate who have been banging it out on the Jersey club scene in one form or another for the past 15 years and to my ears they just keep getting better and better with age. The Gate delivered a pulverizing set of heavy precise and pounding songs including some new songs that they recently recorded for their upcoming as of yet untitled 4th album, and man the new songs are smoking. If you ever get a chance to see The Nolan Gate live I highly suggest you do not pass them up.

Finally, No Pasaran finished off the night, and rightfully so as they were celebrating the release of their brand spanking new 7 " Porter In The Making" on Killing Horse Records. No Pasaran definitely delivered a high energy frantic set of 80's post punk inspired madness. If you like bands like Gang of Four or Wire then you should definitely catch No Pasaran live and grab a copy of their 7", you will not be disappointed.

The Nolan Gate:

Band Camp ... FaceBook

No Pasaran :

FaceBook ... Killing Horse Records

Cold Fur :

FaceBook

Cicada Radio:

FaceBook ... Band Camp

Metalion: The Slayer Mag Diaries (Video Preview)

2011-06-14T10:20:00.002-04:00

Malicious Onslaught - Demo #1 1987

2011-06-10T13:41:00.007-04:00

Got this one directly from the band back in 87. I lived in the same town as these dudes and they were friends with my younger brother at the time. I have searched the net for this demo but I do not even see it listed on their discography.

The music on this tape is a little more thrash metal sounding then the bands later Death metal style recordings on their LP's etc. I have no idea if this tape is rare or whatever, but it's worth hearing and it is part of the under appreciated Rockland County NY metal scene from the late 80 / 90's.

Actually, this is sort of a teaser for a blog that I (along with a few friends) am beginning to work on that is going to strictly document the Rockland County Metal/punk/hardcore scene from the 1980's into the early 90's, and believe it or not I already have over 30 metal and hardcore demos to document. If anyone from the old Rockland scene comes across this post and thinks they have anything to contribute to my new Rockland blog then get in touch...Dave G.

Here

Metalion: The Slayer Mag Diaries (Preorder)

2011-06-09T10:12:00.009-04:00

Metalion: The Slayer Mag Diaries

I cannot wait for this thing to show up in my mailbox...Dave G.

"The greatest heavy metal story ever told—the complete tale of a life lived for metal. Part anthology, part memoir, and years in the making, METALION includes over 600 reproduction pages from every issue of Slayer Mag—Slayer 1 through Slayer XX, plus the precursor Live Wire zine—spanning from the early 1980s through 2010. In addition, author Jon Kristiansen recounts his life’s story, from alienated outsider to central figure in Norwegian black metal to metal party beast to world-weary metal survivor. The book also features over 100 rare photographs, including two color sections and a portrait gallery of photographs taken by Kristiansen himself."

"For twenty-five years, Norway’s Slayer Mag published the gospel of black metal and death metal, combining eye-ripping graphics, brutally honest writing, and relentless offbeat humor. With this anthology/memoir, editor Jon “Metalion” Kristiansen unfolds the extreme highs and lows of a life lived for heavy metal. Founded in 1985 in Sarpsborg, Norway, Slayer Mag quickly rose to prominence by championing countless unsigned death metal pioneers. The pages of Slayer Mag exploded along with the extreme metal underground, and as black metal rose to prominence in Norway in the 1990s, Slayer Mag remained the final word on the moods and motivations of those dark times."

"The astonishing combination of archival material includes scores of key historic interviews with the most revered figures in extreme metal, including Mayhem, Emperor, Slayer, Kreator, Nihilist, Celtic Frost, Bathory, Cathedral, Entombed, Morbid, Napalm Death, Metallica, Opeth, Cradle of Filth, Sadistik Execution, Usurper, Nifelheim, Darkthrone, Sodom, Destruction, Morbid Angel, Deicide, Exodus, Dissection, Candlemass, Carcass, Sepultura, Gorgoroth, Death, Watain, Sadus, Satyricon, Enslaved, Pentagram, Jarboe, Immortal, Possessed, Overkill, Ulver, Dark Angel, and countless others".

“From the start, I made Slayer Mag as honestly and as well as I could,” says Kristiansen. “I never knew any other way. I hope that I have produced something that will stand the test of time.”

Purchase

Unite Fanzine / Webzine

2011-06-01T11:04:00.011-04:00

Unite Webzine
Photogeek Blog
Double Cross Blog interview with James (Unite Fanzine)

My friend James started Unite Fanzine in the late 80's when he was a staple on the NY Hardcore scene. Unite back in the day was a stapled paper fanzine covering all the NY, NJ,CT and international hardcore acts that you would expect to find back in 1988-1989 like Gorilla Biscuits, Insted, No For An Answer and on and on.

After a hiatus of many years, and with the advent of the internet James decided to bring Unite back as a web based zine a few years ago and he has been steadily plugging away doing interviews with some of the old school hardcore people of importance as well as keeping it fresh and new covering many currently relevant artists. If you go back in the interview archive you can even read some of the original interviews done for Unite in the late 80's with Gorilla Biscuits, Breakdown, Underdog, Youth of Today etc.

As far back as I can remember even predating our friendship I knew James as the dude with the camera at shows. James has many photos available for your viewing on Unite and also on his Photogeek blog , where he shows some of his work as he is a working photographer to this day.

Unite fanzine was an important part of the NYHC scene back in the day, and it's cool to see that some of the old interviews and photos are available to be read and viewed today so take a few moments to check it out...Dave G.

Four Fingers - Summer Demo 2011

2011-05-31T12:36:00.004-04:00

Four Fingers - Denville, NJ

Here is a link to the Four Fingers brand new 3 song demo.

Four Fingers is an excellent punk/hardcore band from New Jersey, who's 7" I posted previously. Give this demo a listen and grab their 7" and then follow them on Facebook. I know they are currently putting together a summer tour and may be coming to your town so check them out if they play near you because they are a total ball of uncontrolled energy live...Dave G.

Summer Demo 2011
Sam Loomis 7"
Four Fingers Facebook

At All Cost ( NY ) - live on WNYU radio 10/25/90 and CBGB 10/15/89

2011-05-25T21:21:00.009-04:00

Excellent underrated NYHC band who kicked around the scene from 87/88 - 90/91. I saw At All Cost live many times back in the day playing shows at CBGB, The Anthrax, Sundance and on and on, sharing bills with the likes of Killing Time/Raw Deal, Token Entry, Cro-mags, Destruction, Candlemas and Suicidal Tendencies...just to name a few.

Anyway, while At All Cost were not one of the top NYHC bands back in the day, at least based on popularity, they still had a pretty successful run of it none the less, and did manage to release 2 excellent demo tapes, one in 1988 and one in 1990. Both demo tapes are highly recommended listening and can be found below...Dave G.

WNYU radio 10/25/1990

CBGB 1015/1989

1988 and 1990 Demo Tapes

The Imposters - The First Four Years - cassette - Foreign Fish Records 2011

2011-05-13T14:16:00.008-04:00

The Imposters - The First Four Years cassette

The Imposters from Hermosa Beach California play a throwback style of hardcore/punk that would have been right at home on Poshboy back in the early 80's. There is a definite skate punk feel to the music and an overall loose unhinged feeling that I really enjoy. The band also throws some surf rock into the mix occasionally, but they deliver it in way that sounds raw and dirty , which works perfectly.

As far as recorded material goes I highly recommend that you grab a copy of their cassette only release on Foreign Fish Records titled "The First Four Years", which collects the bands demos, cover songs and early cuts. The cassette is limited to a first pressing of only 50 copies and from what I understand there are less than 5 copies left so act fast if you want one. You can also order copies of the bands two 7" releases and their Lp from their Myspace page...Dave G.

The Imposters - MySpace
Hardcore Punk Reviews / Foreign Fish Records

Night Birds - Fresh Kills Volume 1 cd Grave Mistake Records 2011 + Summer Tour and Upcoming Lp "The Other Side of Darkness"

2011-05-11T15:15:00.012-04:00

Night Birds- Fresh Kills Volume 1 ( purchase here )

The Night Birds are one of the top punk bands tearing it up on the underground scene these days. Sound wise you get a mixture of pop punk, surf and straight up full speed ahead punk rock, think Adolescent / DI/ Agent Orange for influences. The cd I am promoting here is a compilation of the bands recorded material to date, which I will breakdown chronologically.

4 song demo 2009: Self Released
Night Birds S/T 7" Grave Mistake Records / Dirtnap Records ( Available Here )
Killer Waves 7" Art of The Underground Records (Sold out)
Midnight Movies 7" No Way Records (Available Here )

The Night Birds are heading out on a Summer Tour and will be releasing a full length album on Grave Mistake in July of 2011 titled "The Other Side of Darkness" , which I hear is their best recordings to date, at least that is what I have been told by people who have been fortunate enough to hear an advance of the record, which is really saying something based on the greatness of their back catalog as showcased on the compilation cd "The Fresh Kills Volume 1".

Also, I know from first hand experience that the Night Birds are one hell of a great live bands, as I was fortunate enough to have them come through town back in February of this year and completely blow me away with their live set.

Overall, the Night Birds have already amassed an impressive discography in a short period of time, and I for one am looking forward to the release of their new full length album "The Other Side of Darkness" . The buzz for this band is really picking up, so get on board now so you can claim you knew them before they became the next big thing...Dave G.

Night Birds ( FaceBook )

Summer Tour Dates:

Tues. 5/31- Brooklyn, NY @ Europe (98 Meserole Ave) w/ Tragedy, Citizens Arrest, Teargas, Night Birds. Doors @ 8:00pm / $10 / ALL AGES

Thurs. 6/2- Asbury Park, NJ @ the Lanes w/ T.S.O.L., Phibes, Shot Baker. Doors @ 8:00pm / $14

Sat. 6/4- Austin, TX (CHAOS IN TEJAS) @ Beerland (711 Red River) w/ Marked Men, the Shitty Limits, Deskonocidos. Doors @ 3pm / $10 / 21+

Sun. 6/5- Austin, TX (CHAOS IN TEJAS) @ The Mohawk (912 Red River St.) w/ Dillinger Four, Fucked Up, the Slowmotions, Toys That Kill, Night Birds, Tenement. Doors @ 4:15 / $15 / ALL AGES

Mon. 6/6- Binghampton, NY @ Fitzies Pub (Main St.) w/ Night Birds, the Serlingtons

Tue. 6/7- Buffalo, NY @ Funeral Home (366 Ontario St.) w/ Night Birds, Boneblack, Everything Falls Apart, Mayday. Doors @ 6:00pm / $6

Wed. 6/8- Cleveland, OH @ Now That’s Class (11213 Detroit Ave.) w/ Tinsel Teeth, Night Birds, Pleasure Leftists. Doors @ 9:00pm / $5

Thu. 6/9- Dearborn, MI @ Refuge Skate Shop (24334 Michigan Ave.) w/ Night Birds

Fri. 6/10- Chicago, IL @ Lucky Gator Loft (3950 W GRAND) w/ Night Birds, Canadian Rifle, Pukeoid, Culo, The Credentials, Divine Right. Doors @ 8:00pm / $7 / ALL AGES

Sat. 6/11- Minneapolis, MN @ Hill Valley w/ Night Birds. Doors @ 9:00pm

Sun. 6/12- Milwaukee, WI @ Ground Zero (2650 N Richards St.) w/ Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children Macnuggets, Night Birds, Holy Shit, Get Rad, and The Hard Feelings. Doors @ 6pm / $6

Mon. 6/13- St Louis, MO w/ Night Birds

Tue. 6/14 - Carbondale, IL @ The Hanging Garden (405 Cherry Court) w/ Night Birds, Hospital Job (new band w/ members of the Copyrights)

Wed. 6/15 - Indianapolis, IN @ Vibes Music (1051 east 54th St.) w/ Night birds, Picked Clean, Chaotic Neutral. Doors @ 7pm / $6

Thu. 6/16 - Newport, KY @ Southgate House (24 E 3rd st.) w/ Night Birds, the Dopamines, New Creases. Doors @ 5:00pm / 18+

Fri. 6/17 - Columbus, OH @ House w/ Night Birds, the Dopamines, New Creases.

Sat. 6/18 - Bethlehem, PA @ Secret Art Space w/ Night Birds, Bad American, Muscle Revolution, Slums. Zeromentalityfanzine@gmail.com for address and info

Omegas - Blasts of Lunacy - Parts Unknown Records 2011

2011-05-07T08:00:00.007-04:00

The Omega's from Montreal Canada have released one hell of a storming punk rock record with "Blasts of Lunacy" definitely delivering on the promise shown on their previous demo and 7".

In all honesty the Lp title says it all. This Lp is full of raw high energy sonic lunacy with the only current comparison that comes to mind being Raleigh North Carolina's Double Negative which is a good thing, a very good thing in my opinion. I've also read a few other reviews comparing The Omega's sound to old school NYHC which I suppose I can hear in some of the riffing, which does bring a little bit of the Cro-mags to mind at times. I wish I could be more descriptive but with bands like The Omega's sometimes you just have to let the music do the talking. If you would like to read more about the band then please follow some of the links below, and buy this record asap.

No Way Records (purchase limited yellow vinyl)
I Could Die Tomorrow blog ( excellent review and back ground info)
Parts Unknown Records

Small Brown Bike - Fell & Found 2011 No Idea Records.

2011-05-05T14:36:00.015-04:00

It's official, Small Brown Bike are back after a pretty lengthy hiatus which found most of the members of Small Brown Bike releasing one excellent album (Voices) under the name Able Baker Fox back in 2008. Actually, Small Brown Bike reformed a few years back (2009 ?) and have been steadily touring and recording in the period leading up to the release of Fell & Found. In 09 they released a 2 song 7" Composite Volume 1 and followed that up with the Composite Volume 2 7" in 2010.

Anyway, enough back ground let's get to the new Lp "Fell & Found" . Unlike Small Brown Bike's previous albums which I found to be immediately fulfilling, Fell & Found takes a few listens to worm it's way into your brain, but once it's in there it sticks for good. The overall mood of the album is melancholic and emotional without being overly aggressive. I would say this record shows a good amount of maturity and definitely shares more in common with their previous Lp "The River Bed" and the 12" ep "Nail Yourself To The Ground" than it does with their earlier albums like "Dead Reckoning" or "Our Own Wars" . Also, most fortunately, the vocals are still delivered with a little input from pretty much every member of the band which is something I have always enjoyed about small brown bike, as the emotional effect of using multiple vocalist has always been an important aspect of the bands sound in my opinion.

So in closing, Fell & Found was definitely worth the wait, and I'm glad to have these guys back touring, and once again dropping excellent music on the masses.

Links of interest:

Small Brown Bike
No Idea Records
Fell & Found: Purchase Lp or CD, and to also hear sound samples from the Lp.

Shirks - Cry Cry Cry 7" Grave Mistake Records 2011

2011-05-03T09:19:00.006-04:00

Excellent new record from these Washington DC punkers. Go buy one now and get limited red vinyl (100 copies) before they are gone. If you like catchy punk rock with hints of The Saints thrown in for good measure then you need this record...Dave G.

GRAVE045: THE SHIRKS "Cry Cry Cry" 7"

"This is EP number four from one of Washington DC's finest, THE SHIRKS. CRY CRY CRY features three more infectious, guitar driven punk rock 'n roll A-Sides with 70's punk feel - there's a heavy SAINTS / Aussie KBD sound present in these tunes (I definitely hear it...Dave G.) - run through the 90's garage filter while maintaining a raw and primitive vibe. To put things into perspective, Terminal Boredom might have put it best in a review of their last 7" on Windian, referring to the band's style as "East Coast tough-as-shit leather jacket punk bad ass-ness" ... while I'm not 100% sure what that means, I can't really disagree with it either because it sounds kinda perfect. THE SHIRKS have been at it for a few years now, with each release better than then next - if you have yet to check them out, then what better place to start than with this 7"?

Grave Mistake Records

Stripmines - Sympathy Rations 7" - Sorry State Records 2011

2011-05-02T16:03:00.002-04:00

Stripmines - Raleigh NC
Sorry State Records

I bought this 7" without having any idea what the band sounded like and I am certainly not disappointed. Musically this is tough hardcore punk that is as catchy as it is hard with excellent rough vocals which at times brings Richmond Va's Wasted Time to mind.

The Stripmines hail from North Carolina as does the excellent Sorry State record label who released this little gem. If you like what you hear then please head over to Sorry State and grab a 7" and check out their back catalog because they have released many excellent records over the past few years.

Listen: Empty Threat

OUT NOW ON SORRY STATE

Shards: S/T 12"
Stripmines: Sympathy Rations 7"
Manipulation: 2 7"

STILL HOT

Whatever Brains: Rapper's Delight II 7"
The Love Triangle: Splendid Living 7"
Double Negative: Daydreamnation 12"
Libyans: A Common Place 12"

Blessed Offal - 2011 cassette ep

2011-05-02T09:38:00.002-04:00

Blessed Offal

Blessed Offal are a Death/Doom Metal outfit from Boston who have been together since 2005, but have only released a rehearsal tape and this 2011 ep that I am reviewing today.

Musically I'd compare Blessed Offal to Gorguts, Death or old Incantation. This cassette ep is perfectly executed, powerful, cold and just fucking sick in all honesty. If you like any of the bands I mentioned above then get off your ass and get one of these's ep's before it is too late (limited to 100 copies).

I also found this review of the ep on the net which I will present to you to hopefully fill in the blanks left by my lack of knowledge regarding the Death/Doom scene.

"Death/doom/grind ala Repulsion, Autopsy, old Incantation, Disciples Of Mockery, Rottrevore, Funebre, Dead Congregation and Necros Christos. Great production with a thick bass sound and over all cold/empty atmosphere."

Blessed Offal - Bottomless Grave

BLESSED OFFAL SIGNED TO BLACK MASS RECORDS. New CD and LP coming soon !

The Shards - st Lp - Sorry State Records 2011

2011-05-02T08:36:00.003-04:00

The Shards - Raleigh North Carolina
Sorry State Records
Collective Zine review of Lp

I got this Lp a month ago or so, and it has been slowly worming it's way into my brain with each repeated listen. I have a lot of comparisons on the tip of my tongue for this record, but nothing is really jumping immediately to mind. The music itself is very thick and dark yet catchy as all hell.

Here is what the label has to say about the record.

"Raleigh, North Carolina's Shards return to Sorry State for their debut LP. The style is still dark, catchy punk in the tradition of bands like TSOL, 45 Grave and early Christian Death, but this time around the production is much more layered and ambitious, driving these great songs into your brain with maximum impact. This one has great packaging, too, including a gatefold jacket, obi strip, and free mp3 download. The first 100 orders also come with a 1.5" Shards button."

Here is one song for you to give a listen to, if you like what you hear then please visit Sorry State and grab yourself an Lp.

Breeder Scum

Wide Awake - 1st 7" CT Hardcore - Schism Records

2011-04-16T20:21:00.005-04:00

What the hell can I say about these CT straightedge kids. Let's see, I read on another blog that Wide Awake released the only record on Schism that did not include Porcell in the band. Um, I wonder if these straightedge kids realize what they missed out on, I mean booze and girls are pretty cool in my opinion. And finally, the music is really good...Dave G.

White Cross - Fascist 7" 1982 Zero Degree Records

2011-04-15T11:32:00.006-04:00

Fast and raw hardcore punk 7" ep that goes by in the blink of an eye. Yeah, that just about says it all...Dave G.

Here is a review of the 7" from Chris on the KFTH website.
"Hardcore - raw as hell and really fast. Wild, off-kilter thrash but still catchy... and it will hit you like a ton of bricks! On this EP, White Cross are at their peak both in terms of songwriting and energy. There's no fucking relenting from when you drop the needle on Side 1 til the end of "Having Fun." And the breakdown in "Jump Up" fucking rules. Great lyrics too. I guess the only downside is that it's over too quickly."

Here

Bad Influence - Wars No Fun - demo 1983

2011-04-13T21:07:00.014-04:00

Bad Influence - San Francisco Ca.

Demo tape originally released in 1983 and recently rereleased as a 7" by Who Cares Records in a limited edition of 300. The 7" is already out of print, however Kangaroo Records may still have a few copies left, that's where I got my copy so hit them up if you want one. Also Cowabunga Records has copies as well.

My friend Zach over at Hardcore Punk Reviews beat me to posting this one so click HERE to listen to the demo on Zach's blog , and then visit Cowabunga or Kangaroo records to buy a 7" before they are gone..Dave G.

Review: "A totally hot, well-produced tape from this previously unknown bunch of kids from SF's suburbs. It features very tight stop-and-go thrash, sort of like early Circle Jerks."
-Tim Yohannon, from MRR #5, 1983

Syianic - The Cross Has Fallen ! demo tape 1987

2011-04-11T17:27:00.022-04:00

Here's a demo tape from my youth that was actually made by some friends of mine and my brothers back in the day. Syianic hailed from Rockland County NY and they released this demo in 1987 and a second demo in 1988 that consisted of only 1 song, but what a killer song it is, more on that later. Anyway, the band feature Glenn (guitars), Rodney( drums) and Damon (bass and vocals) who later went on to play with Non-Fiction with Dan Lorenzo of Hades.

Well, that's enough background let's get to the music. The first 1987 demo is complex underground Death/Thrash metal with tons of good riffs, pounding drums and walking bass lines. In 1988 the band went back into the studio looking to improve on the sound quality of the 87 demo and also to take the music to an even more complex place, and what they ended up with is an epic VoiVoid meets Slayer "Hell Awaits" era sounding masterpiece of a song. Honestly, I am actually a little excited about getting Syianics music out to the masses after all these years so if you like underground metal please give these demos a listen because I think you are in for a treat.

I also need to thank Glenn for hooking me up with these demos again after 20 plus years. I actually wanted to post the demos a while back but I discovered that my original cassette had fallen victim to time and Glenn was kind enough to send me the songs recently so I could complete this post. Also Glenn sent me a copy of his most recent cd from his band "At War With Self" so give them a listen as well (Glenn incorporated a few old Syianic riffs into a couple of the songs). At War With Self have a more progressive sound to their music and Glenn is one hell of a good guitarist...really top notch musicianship on this cd, very impressive indeed...Dave G.

Click HERE to download the 1987 " The Cross Has Fallen" demo, the 1988 demo and a song from the At War With Self - A Familiar Path cd.

Links:

At War With Self - A Familiar Path
At War With Self - Purchase compact disc