AVHATH - Hymns (2016)

Friends of this site, Avhath, are back with a 4-song offering. The band is a 5 piece hardcore/metal unit from Jakarta, Indonesia who have been around since 2012. This newest release is very interesting and almost feels like it has a split personality. The first two songs, Blood Moon Rising & The Putrefied, are both super catchy and super angry at the same time, a perfect combination for crust punk. These two songs remind me a lot of the Florida band Centuries, and also of newer band Geist from the UK. Then the 3rd song comes and you have a 6 minute haunting instrumental that you will be unable to skip due to it's trance-like effect, which is a perfect lead-in to the final track, The Solipsist. This finale manages to add to the inability to classify this release into a specific genre, because there are times during this song that I think I'm listening to a more pissed of Deafheaven, which is something we should all want to listen to. Overall this is a fantastic release. It starts of as abrasive D-Beat Hardcore and eases you into a beautiful, yet scary atmospheric ending. Pretty impressive. 

(Band Submission)

Avhath on Bandcamp

Avhath on Facebook

Purchase

Listen Here

PLAGUE DOGS - II (2016)

 

GENRE: Metallic Crust Punk, D-Beat

FFO: Motorhead, Black Breath, Kill Cheerleader

I came across this new release by Philadelphia's Plague Dogs today and thought you guys would dig it. I've never heard of this band, it looks like they've been around since 2011 and their only other realease is from 2012. From the looks of things, they've been dormant for a good amount of time, teasing a song last August, and then all of the sudden releasing this a few days ago. Either way, this is damn good stuff. Fast paced, super metallic, but super crusty at the same time. Reminds me a lot of the old school Swedish D-Beat bands like Disfear. So, if you like that stuff, or any of the bands I mentioned above, check this out.

Plague Dogs on Bandcamp

Plague Dogs on Facebook

Listen Here

Surprise Package

                                                                   Surprise Package

SURPRISE PACKAGE

SURPRISE PACKAGE

The World That Summer/Apostles Of Eris-Split LP (2016)

Country: Canada/USA
Genre: Post Hardcore, Hardcore, Punk, Screamo, Noise Rock
Label: Zegema Beach
Tracks: 7
Length: 25.0'

Here's a killer split LP that I was requested to review that I absolutely had to post after hearing.  This split LP features material from Hamilton, Ontario's The World That summer and Nashville, TN's Apostles Of Eris.  The World That Summer is a fivepiece band from Hamilton, Ontario who formed in 2015, from the looks of things.  The World That Summer play a tense, powerful, and at times, atmospheric style of post hardcore, hardcore, punk, and screamo.  TWTS's sound is hard to categorize, but I pick up hints of Level Plane records era screamo bands such as Malady, Gospel, Fire Team Charlie, and Bravo Fucking Bravo.  On their side of the split, The World That Summer offer up three tracks of well-executed post hardcore, hardcore, punk, and screamo.  The next four songs come courtesy of Apostles of Eris.  Apostles Of Eris is a Nashville, TN based band who formed in 2013.  Apostles Of Eris play a chaotic and volatile style of music that incorporates elements of post hardcore, hardcore, punk, and noise rock within their sound.  Since forming in 2013, Apostles Of Eris have released a seven song LP titled The Practice Of Learning From Practice in December of 2013, a three song EP titled Kallisti in October of 2014, and a track on the Songs For The Dead Vol. II compilation in December of 2014.  On their side of the split, Apostles Of Eris offer up four tracks of dark, chaotic, and volatile sounding post hardcore, hardcore, punk, screamo, and noise rock.  Overall, this is a killer split LP and both bands offer up top notch material for this release.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy! This killer split was released via Zegema Beach records on March 16th, 2016.

(Label Submission)

The World That Summer on Bandcamp
Apostles Of Eris on Bandcamp
Zegema Beach Records on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here

Wren-Host EP (2016)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Sludge, Noise Rock, Post Metal
Label: Holy Roar
Tracks: 4
Length: 28.5'

Wren is a four piece band from London, UK who formed in late 2013, from the looks of things.  Wren play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of sludge, noise rock, and post metal within their sound.  Musically, Wren can be said to be influenced by bands such as Old Man Gloom, Jesus Lizard, Neurosis, and Eyehategod.  Since forming in 2013, Wren have released a self-titled four song EP in February of 2014 and a seven song LP titled Irk in March of 2015.  Host is the band's latest four song EP, which is slated for release via Holy Roar records on April 29th, 2016.  On Host, Wren offer up four tracks of dense, raw, and dirty as fuck sounding sludge, noise rock, and post metal.  Overall, Host is an amazing EP and Wren is an absolute must listen for fans of Pigs, T-Tops, Bardus, and Nightslug.  Seriously, this has got to be one of the best EPs I've heard all week.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Wren on Bandcamp
Wren on Facebook
Purchase
Listen Here (Streaming Only)

Wren-Irk LP (2015) 
Wren-S/T EP (2014) 

Bloody Gears-Shallow Remains LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, Post Punk
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 7
Length: 24.0'

Bloody Gears was a three piece band from Boston, MA who existed from 2009-2013.  Bloody Gears played a driving, tense, and frenetic style of music that incorporated elements of punk and post punk within their sound.  Musically, Bloody Gears gave nods to bands such as Wipers, Husker Du, Moving Targets, and Articles of Faith, as far as musical influences are concerned.  Since forming in 2009, Bloody Gears have released a four song 7" titled End Of The Line in May of 2010, a four song 7" titled Frozen Rain in March of 2010, a full-length LP titled Landscapes Of Disease in April of 2012.  Shallow Remains is Bloody Gears' last full-length, which was between 2012-2015.  On Shallow Remains, Bloody Gears offer up seven tracks of dark, tense, and frenetic sounding punk and post punk.  Overall, Shallow Remains makes for a killer listen and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  Shallow Remains was released digitally via Bandcamp on March 23rd, 2016.

Bloody Gears on Bandcamp
Listen Here

(U.S.) Pity Sex-White Hot Moon LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Emo, Indie Rock, Alt. Rock, Shoegaze
Label: Run For Cover
Tracks: 12
Length: 39.0'

Pity Sex is a four piece band from Ann Arbor, Michigan who formed in early 2012.  Pity Sex play a somewhat dark, somber, and fuzzed out style of music that incorporates elements of emo, indie rock, alt. rock, and shoegaze within their sound.  Musically, Pity Sex can be said to be influenced by bands such as Codeine, Yo La Tango, Sonic Youth, and Swirlies.  Since their inception in 2012, Pity Sex have released a six song 12" titled Dark in March of 2012, a full-length LP titled Feast Of Love in June of 2013, and a split 7" with Adventures in October of 2014.  White Hot Moon is Pity Sex's latest full-length LP, which was released via Run For Cover records on April 29th, 2016.  On White Hot Moon, Pity Sex offer up twelve tracks of somber, somewhat dark, and melodic sounding emo, indie rock, alt. rock, and shoegaze.  Overall, White Hot Moon makes for a killer listen and is an absolute must listen for fans of modern shoegaze, emo, and indie rock.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Pity Sex on Bandcamp
Pity Sex on Facebook
Run For Cover Records on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here

Yotsuya Kaidan-Tired Of Tomorrow's You 7" (2016)

Country: Ukraine
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Screamo
Label: Zegema Beach, Samegrey, Dingleberry, Rubaiya, Life Is A Funny Thing, Upwind Productions, Unlock Yourself, TRVS, Winter Sea Records
Tracks: 4
Length: 10.0'

Yotsuya Kaidan is a three piece band from Odessa, Ukraine who formed in 2014.  Yotsuya Kaidan play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, and screamo within their sound.  Musically, Yotsuya Kaidan can be said to be influenced by bands such as Funeral Diner, Saetia, You And I, In First Person, Storm The Bastille, and other like-minded bands.  Tired OF Tomorrow's You is the band's debut four song 7", which was released via  Zegema Beach, Samegrey, Dingleberry, Rubaiya, Life Is A Funny Thing, Upwind Productions, Unlock Yourself, TRVS, and Winter Sea Records on April 10th, 2016.  On Tired Of Tomorrow's You, Yotsuya Kaidan offer up four tracks of tense and chaotic sounding hardcore, punk, screamo that's an absolute must listen for fans of early to mid 2000's style screamo.  Overall, Tired Of Tomorrow's You is a killer EP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Label Submission)

Yotsuya Kaidan on Bandcamp
Yotsuya Kaidan on Facebook
Zegema Beach Records on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here

Hive Mind-S/T 7" (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Grindcore, Emoviolence
Label: Zegema Beach
Tracks: 5
Length: 5.0'

Hive Mind is a four piece band from Bloomington, Indiana who formed in late 2015, from the looks of things.  Hive Mind play a chaotic, volatile, scathing and completely unhinged style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, grindcore, and emoviolence within their sound.  Musically, Hive Mind can be loosely compared to bands such as Ginding Halt, Resurrectionists, Phoenix Bodies, Republic Of Dreams, and Orchid.  This is the band's debut EP, which was released on February 4th, 2016.  On their self-titled debut, Hive Mind offer up five tracks of completely unhinged hardcore, punk, grindcore, and emoviolence.  Overall, this is a killer EP and should not be missed.  Look for copies to be released via Zegema Beach records soon.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Label Submission)

Hive Mind on Bandcamp
Hive Mind on Facebook
Zegema Beach Records on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here 

(CA) Solids-Else 12" (2016)

Country: Canada
Genre: Punk, Grunge, Indie Rock
Label: Topshelf/Dine Alone/Fat Possum Records
Tracks: 4
Length: 19.0'

Solids is a four piece band from Montreal, Canada who formed in 2009.  Solids play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of punk, grunge, garage rock, and indie rock within their sound.  Musically, Solids can be loosely compared to bands such as Cloud Nothings, California X, Big Eyes, and Dogs On Acid.  Since forming in 2009, Solids have released a five song EP titled Generic Dogs in June of 2010, a two song 7" titled Fog Friends/B;own Out in October of 2011, a split 7" with Animal Faces in March of 2013, and a full-length LP titled Blame Confusion in February of 2014.  Else is the band's latest four song EP, which was released via Topshelf, Dine Alone, and Fat Possum records on April 15th, 2016.  On Else, Solids offer up Solids offer up four tracks of  killer punk, grunge, and indie rock.  Overall, Else makes for an amazing listen.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Solids on Bandcamp
Solids on Facebook
Purchase
Listen Here 

Ancst-Moloch LP (2016)

Country: Germany
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Black Metal, Crust
Label: Halo Of Flies/Vendetta Records
Tracks:10
Length: 38.0'

Ancst is a four piece band from Berlin, Germany who formed in 2011.  Ancst play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, black metal, and crust within their sound.  Musically, Ancst can be loosely compared to bands such as Svffr, Throwers, Direwolves, Seizures, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2011, Ancst have released a three song demo in August of 2012, a two song cassette titled the Humane Condition in April of 2013, appeared on the Miss The Stars compilation in June of 2013, a two song cdr titled Lamenting A Dying World in August of 2013, a split LP with Hiveburner in August of 2013, a split with Smutecni Slavnost in January of 2014, a split with D/AA/D in May of 2014, a four song EP titled Taima in September of 2014, a compilation of out of print early material titled In Turmoil in August of 2014, a split with AST in March of 2015, a two song EP titled Dark Space Clutter in October of 2015, and appeared on the Into The Vortex compilation in March of 2016.  Moloch is the band's latest full-length LP, which released via Halo Of Flies and Vendetta records on April 15th, 2016.  On Moloch, Ancst offer up ten tracks of vicious and brutal as fuck sounding blackened and crust tinged modern hardcore.  Overall, Moloch is an incredible album and should should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  Seriously, I can't get enough of this album.  Enjoy!

Ancst on Bandcamp
Ancst on Facebook
Halo Of Flies on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here (Streaming Only)

Wode-S/T LP (2016)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Black Metal, Punk, Crust, Doom
Label: Broken Limbs, Sell Your Soul, COF Records
Tracks: 6
Length: 47.0'

Wode is a four piece band from Manchester, UK who formed in 2011, from the looks of things.  Wode play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of black metal, blackened punk, crust, and doom within their sound.  Musically, Wode can be loosely compared to bands such as Hexis, Atrament, Ad Nauseum, and Coffinworm.  Since their formation in 2011, Wode have released a four song demo in December of 2011.  This is the band's debut full-length LP, which was released via Broken Limbs Recordings, Sell Your Soul, and COF records on April 6th, 2016.  On their self-titled debut, Wode offer up six tracks of apocalyptic black metal, blackened punk, crust, and doom.  Overall, this is an amazing LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Wode on Bandcamp
Wode on Facebook
Broken Limbs Recordings on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here

Grand Terminal-Trompe​-​L'oeil LP (2016)

Country: France
Genre: Punk, Emo
Label: Upwind Productions
Tracks: 9
Length: 26.0'

Grand Terminal is a four piece band from Bourg-en-Bresse, France who formed in 2011.  Grand Terminal play a driving, melodic, and catchy as hell style of emotive punk.  Musically, Grand Terminal can be loosely compared to bands such as Small Brown Bike, Hot Water Music, Sport, Baton Rogue, and other like-minded bands.  Since their inception in 2011, Grand Terminal have released a seven song demo in November of 2012.  Trompe​-​L'oeil is the band's debut nine song LP, which was released via Upwind Productions on April 19th, 2016.  On Trompe​-​L'oeil, Grand Terminal offer up nine tracks of killer emotive punk music that's an absolute must listen for fans of Sport, Small Bike, and other like-minded bands.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Label Submission)

Grand Terminal on Bandcamp
Grand Terminal on Facebook
Purchase
Listen Here 

The Gentle Harm Of Tradition: Coma Regalia/Youth Novel-Split 7" (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Screamo
Label: Zegema Beach/Middle-Man/Too Far Gone/Dingleberry Records
Tracks: 4
Length: 10.0'

Here's a killer split that I was requested to review and absolutely had to share after hearing. Coma Regalia is a five piece band from Indiana who formed in 2010.  Coma Regalia play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, and screamo within their sound.  Musically, Coma Regalia can be loosely compared to bands such as The Saddest Landscape, Capacities, Beau Navire, and Todos Caeran.  Since their inception in 2010, Coma Regalia have released a prolific amount of material which includes a split 7" with Quantis released in 2010, a split 7" with The Catlin Elm released in 2012, a split cassette with Marital Roles released in 2012, a split 7" with Capacities released in 2012, a split 7" with Laeirs released in 2012, a split 7" with Vowel released in 2012, a three-way split LP with Locktender, Wounded Knee, and Oaken released in 2012, a ten song full-length LP titled En Sperata released in 2012, a split 7" with Book Of Caverns released in 2013, a split 5" with Fox Moulder released in 2014, a split 7" with We Had A Deal released in 2014, a split 10" with Marcy, Mothlight, and Fleshborn released in 2014, a split 8" with Eros+Massacre in 2015, a split flexi with Kaoru Nagisa released in July of 2015, and a double 7" titled Ours Is The Cause Most Noble in August of 2015. The Gentle Harm Of Tradition is the band's latest split 7" with Youth Novel.  On their side of the split, Coma Regalia offer up two tracks of intense and chaotic hardcore, punk, and screamo.  The next two songs come courtesy of Youth Novel.  Youth Novel is an Ann Arbor, Michigan based band who formed in the winter of 2013, from the looks of things.  Youth Novel play a killer style of screamo and emotive hardcore.  Since forming in 2013, Youth Novel have released three digital singles, a four song EP titled Turned Around Abruptly Beside A Mirror And Jumped At My Own Reflection in May of 2014, and a cover of At The Drive-In's Napoleon Solo in April of 2015.  On their side of the split, Youth Novel offer up two tracks of screamo and emotive hardcore that's an absolute must listen for fans of Comadre, Saetia, and other like-minded bands.  Overall, The Gentle Harm Of Tradition is a killer split and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  The Gentle Harm Of Tradition was released via Zegema Beach, Middle-Man, Too Far Gone, and Dingleberry records on April 7th, 2016.  Look for physical copies to drop in early May.

(Label Submission)

Coma Regalia on Facebook
Youth Novel on Bandcamp
Zegema Beach Records on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here 

Pyramido-Vatten LP (2016)

Country: Sweden
Genre: Post Metal, Doom, Sludge 
Label: Halo Of Flies/Farewell Records
Tracks: 5
Length: 37.0'

Pyramido is a five piece band from Malmö, Sweden who formed in 2009.  Pyramido play a heavy, dark, and ominous sounding style of music that incorporates elements of post metal, doom, and sludge within their sound.  Musically, Pyramido can be said to be influenced by bands such as Eyehategod, Buzzoven, Neurosis, Amen Ra, Fall Of Efafra, and Lightbearer.  Since their inception in 2009, Pyramido have released a five song LP titled Sand in April of 2009, a split with Suma in June of 2010, a split with Gun Mob in June of 2010, a six song LP titled Sand in April of 2011, a split EP with Usurpress in March of 2012, a split with Union Of Sleep on the Hell Comes Home Box Set in June of 2012, a split LP with Amarok in September of 2012, and a six song LP titled Saga in November of 2013.  Vatten is the band's latest full-length LP, which is slated to be released via Halo Of Flies and Farewell records on May 1st, 2016.  On Vatten, Pyramido offer up five tracks of oppressive, bleak, ominous, and heavy as fuck sounding post metal, doom, and sludge.  Overall, Vatten makes for a killer listen and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Pyramido on Bandcamp
Pyramido on Facebook
Halo Of Flies on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here (Streaming Only) 

Sleep Weather-Lake Joy Cassette (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Hardcore, Post Rock, Punk, Emo, Indie Rock, Shoegaze
Label: Lost State Rercords
Tracks: 9
Length: 32.0'

Sleep Weather is a four piece band from Atlanta, Georgia who formed in March of 2014.  Sleep Weather play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of post hardcore, post rock, punk, emo, and indie rock within their sound.  Musically, Sleep Weather can be loosely compared to bands such as Small Brown Bike, Algernon Cadwallader, Sioux Falls, Old Gray, and Native.  Since their inception in 2014, Sleep Weather have released a four song EP titled Two Wheels Spinning in March of 2014.  Lake Joy is the band's debut full-length LP, which was released on cassette via Lost State Records on April 5th, 2016.  On Lake Joy, Sleep Weather offer up nine tracks of melodic, dreamy, and atmospheric post hardcore, post rock, punk, emo, indie rock, and shoegaze.  Overall, Lake Joy makes for a really compelling and engaging listen.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Sleep Weather on Bandcamp
Sleep Weather on Facebook
Purchase
Listen Here

Morrow-Covenant Of Teeth LP (2016)

Country: International
Genre: Neocrust
Label: Halo Of Flies/Alerta Antifascist/Chaos Rurale
Tracks: 4
Length: 39.0'

Morrow is an international music collective featuring members of Carnist, Archivist, Anopheli, Wildspeaker, Monachu, The Nepalese Temple Ball, Knifedoutofexistence, and Masakari.  Morrow play an intense style of music that can best be described as being a mixture of emotive crust, neocrust, and possibly dark folk music accentuated by cellos.  This is the band's debut full-length LP, which was released via Halo Of Flies, Alerta Antifascista, and Chaos Rurale records on April 11th, 2016.  Covenant Of Teeth features four tracks of dark, somber, powerful, and bleak sounding neocrust with flourishes of cello, which adds a hauntingly atmospheric vibe to the band's sound and style.  Overall, Covenant Of Teeth makes for an amazing listen.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Morrow on Bandcamp
Halo Of Flies on Bandcamp
Purchase Here Soon
Listen Here

VVLV/Void Forger-split 7" (2016)

Country: Romania/Bucharest
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Crust, Death Metal, Sludge
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 2
Length: 12.0'

Damn.  This request came as a pleasant surprise over the weekend.  This split 7" features music from Romania's VVLV and Bucharest's Void Forger.  VVLV is a band from Timisoara/Cluj, Romania who formed in 2016, from the looks of things.  VVLV play a killer stylr of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, sludge, and crust within their sound.  On their side of the split, VVLV offer up on track of dirty, sludgy, and raw as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, crust and sludge.  The second song on the split comes courtesy of Void Forger.  Void Forger is a three piece band from Bucharest who formed in the spring of 2012.  Void Forger play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of sludge, crust, and death metal within their sound.  Since forming in 2012, Void Forger have released a three song demo titled Ruined in April of 2012 and have contributed a song to Toxic Breed's Funhouse Casa De Diversion covers compilation in June of 2014.  On their side of the split, Void Forger offer up one track of dark and heavy sounding sludge, crust, and death metal.  Overall, this is a killer split and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

VVLV on Bandcamp
VVLV on Facebook
Void Forger on Bandcamp
Void Forger on Facebook
Listen Here 

Gloom Sleeper-A Void LP (2016)

Country: Germany
Genre: Post Punk, Dark Wave, Death Rock
Label: Contrazst! Records
Tracks: 10
Length: 36.0'

Gloom Sleeper is a four piece band from Bielefeld, Germany who formed in the summer of 2014.  Gloom Sleeper play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of post punk, dark wave, and death rock within their sound.  Musically, Gloom Sleeper can be said to be influenced by bands such as The Wipers, Estranged, Terrible Feelings, and Echo & The Bunnymen.  Since their formation in 2014, Gloom Sleeper have released a self-titled five song demo in September of 2014.  A Void is Gloom Sleeper's debut full-length LP, which was realeased via Contrazst! records on April 17th, 2016.  On A Void, Gloom Sleeper offer up ten tracks of killer post punk, dark wave, and death rock.  Overall, A Void is a killer LP that should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Gloom Sleeper on Bandcamp
Gloom Sleeper on Facebook
Contrazst! Records on Bandcamp
Purhase 
Listen Here 

Surprise Package

Surprise Package

Surprise Package

                                                                   Surprise Package

Hazel's Wart-Does A Secret Speak? LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Shoegaze, Indie Rock, Grunge
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 11
Length: 26.0'

Hazel's Wart is a band from San Francisco, CA who formed in the spring of 2010.  Hazel's Wart play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of shoegaze, indie rock, and grunge within their sound.  Since their formation in 2010, Hazel's Wart have released a three song demo in June of 2010, a full-length LP titled Together We Didn't in March of 2011, and a seven song LP titled Regretful Dependencies in January of 2013.  Does A Secret Speak? is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released on April 20th, 2016.  On Does A Secret Speak?, Hazel's Wart offer up eleven tracks of killer shoegaze, indie rock, and grunge that's an absolute must listen for fans of Alter, Broken Water, and other like-minded bands.  Overall, Does A Secret Speak is a killer LP.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Hazel's Wart on Bandcamp
Hazel's Wart on Facebook
Listen Here

Absolute Power-S/T LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Youth Attack
Tracks: 16 (2)
Length: 14.0'

On their highly-anticipated debut ABSOLUTE POWER drops the hammer with 16 songs of unbridled East Coast U.S. Hardcore. In a tornado of anthemic riffs and tempo changes they set the stage for an all-out tear down of authority led by vocalist Chris O'Coin's insane performance. Through themes of security, violence, and voyeurism the band strips away the bullshit to reveal a hideous raw sound that burns with aggression. Recorded by Ian Jacyszyn in NYC and mixed and mastered by Will Killingsworth at Dead Air with artwork by renown illustrator and ex-CHARLES BRONSON guitarist, Mike Sutfin. This is music from time-tested YA alumni (featuring members from FAILURES, SUBURBANITE & AEROSOLS) that delivers beyond all conceivable standards. ABSOLUTE POWER stands ready to rule. (Press Note)

*Damn, this album totally rips.  Absolute Power had me with their who's who pedigree.  On their debut LP, Absolute Power offer up sixteen tracks of scathing, raw, and dirty sounding hardcore. The album was released via Youth Attack records on April 18th, 2016.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Youth Attack on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here 

The Repos-Poser 12" (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Youth Attack
Tracks: 16
Length: 12.0'

With a legacy spanning 14 years, THE REPOS reign as living legends at the forefront of contemporary Hardcore. Their first two albums are undisputed sought-after classics. Following years of incredible tape and EP releases, they finally usher forth their most accomplished work yet: Poser. Sounding more unhinged than ever, guitarist Joe Phillips shines while cult frontman Aaron Aspinwall delivers his best and most visual lyrics to date. Poser has an unrelenting ferocity that paints a gritty vision of life on the outskirts that few dare tread. THE REPOS are the embodiment of all that YOUTH ATTACK represents: outstanding, pure, uncompromising Hardcore. (Press Note)

*Holy fuck.  Poser is a vicious, caustic, and completely unhinged album.  Do the math, 16 songs in 12 minutes.  Seriously, Poser makes for a raw, filthy, and blistering listen.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  Poser was released via Youth Attack records on April 18th, 2016.

Youth Attack Records on Bandcamp
The Repos on Facebook
Purchase
Listen Here 

Kalpa-DIssociation LP (2016)

Country: Greece
Genre: Post Hardcore, Post Metal, Sludge
Label: World's Appreciated Kitsch Records & Booking
Tracks: 5
Length: 23.0'

Kalpa is a five piece band from Athens, Greece for formed in 2013.  Kalpa play a heavy and brutal as fuck style of music that incorporates elements of post hardcore, post metal, and sludge within their sound.  Musically, Kalpa can be said to be influenced by bands such as Envy, Titan, Burnt By The Sun, Heiress, and other like-minded bands.  Since their inception in 2013, Kalpa have released a seven song LP titled Sequences in January of 2015.  Dissociation is the band's latest five song LP, which was released via World's Appreciated Kitsch Records & Booking on April 11th, 2016.  On Dissociation, Kalpa offer up five tracks of aggressive, heavy, and brutal as fuck sounding post hardcore, post metal, and sludge.  Overall, Dissociation is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Kalpa on Bandcamp
Kalpa on Facebook
Listen Here 

(U.S.) La Dispute-Tiny Dots LP (RSD 2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Indie Rock, Post Rock
Label: Better Living/BMG
Tracks: 12
Length: 43.0'

Here's another cool 2016 record store release from La Dispute.  This LP features audio from La Dispute's Tiny Dots DVD and also includes 6 selections from the Tiny Dots original score plus 6 songs recorded live when they played at All Saints Church in the UK back in 2014! I've always been mesmerized by this band's sound, style, and vibe.  Tiny Dots is definitely a must for people looking to round out their La Dispute collection.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

La Dispute on Bandcamp
La Dispute on Facebook
Purchase (Sold Out) 
Listen Here 

Woven In-New City No Money Cassette (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Punk, Garage Rock
Label: Dead Tank Records
Tracks: 16.0'

Woven In is a two piece band from Philadelphia, PA who formed in 2013.  Woven In play a dark/lo-fi style of post punk punctuated by a breezy surf-rock guitar style vibe.  New City, No Money is the band's debut six song cassette, which was released via Dead Tank records on February 14th, 2016. On New City, No Money, Woven In offer up six songs of dark, somber, and introspective sounding lo-fi post rock.  Overall, New City, No Money is a killer EP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Woven In on Bandcamp
Woven In on Facebook
Dead Tank Records on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here

Cloud Rat/Drugs Of Faith-Split 7" (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Grindcore, Powerviolence
Label: Selfmade God Records
Tracks: 5
Length: 9.0'

Here's a killer split 7" featuring new material from Michigan's Cloud Rat and North Virginia's Drugs Of Faith.  Cloud Rat are a four piece band from Mount Pleasant, Michigan who formed in December of 2009.  I've been a huge fan of Cloud Rat since hearing their self-titled LP back in 2010.  Cloud Rat has continued to grow and expand upon their sound, creating a truly unique take on modern hardcore, punk, and grindcore.  Since their inception in 2009, Cloud Rat have released an eleven track self-titled LP on IFB records in 2010, a split cassette with Xtra Vomit in 2010, a split 7" with Autarkeia in 2011, a 3-way split LP with Oily Menace and Wolbachia in 2011, a thirteen track LP titled Moksha on Halo Of Flies, IFB, React With Protest, 7 Degrees, and React With Protest in January of 2013, a split LP with Republic Of Dreams in 2012, s song for the Monomaniac Volume One 7" compilation in 2012, a song for the No Compromise (Earth First) compilation in 2013, a split 7" with Orgullo Primitivo in 2014, and a 17 track LP titled Qliphoth in 2015.  On their side of the split Cloud Rat offer up three tracks of scathing and brutal as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, grindcore, and powerviolence.  Drugs Of Faith are a three piece band from Northern Virginia who formed in September of 2002.  Drugs Of Faith play a filthy, chaotic, and brutal as fuck sounding style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, and grindcore within their sound.  Since forming in 2002, Drugs Of Faith have appeared on This Comp. Kills Fascists in 2010, released a 14 track LP titled Corroded in February of 2011, a four song 12" titled Architectural Failures in November of 2013, and a full-length LP titled Fathers Of Our Flesh in October of 2014.  On their side of the split, Drugs Of Faith offer up two tracks of brutal and caustic sounding hardcore, punk, and grindcore.  Overall, this is a killer split and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Cloud Rat on Bandcamp
Drugs Of Faith on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here 

Oxeneer-Worn Out Cassette (2016)

Country: Canada
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Sludge, Noise Rock
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 7
Length: 19.0'

Holy shit.  This is so good.  Oxeneer is a three piece band from Calgary, Alberta, Canada who formed in mid to late 2014, from the looks of things.  Oxeneer play a dirty and raw style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, sludge, and noise rock within their sound.  Musically, Oxeneer cite Breather Resist, Anodyne, Knut, Great Falls, Keelhaul, Anion, and El Cerdo as influences, which definitely shows up in the band's sound and style.  Since their formation in 2014, Oxeneer have released a self-titled two song demo in December of 2014.  Worn Out is the band's debut seven song LP, which was released on cassette on April 6th, 2016.  On Worn Out, Oxeneer offer up seven tracks of killer hardcore, punk, sludge, and noise rock.  Overall, Worn Out is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Seriously, I can't get enough of this.  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Oxeneer on Bandcamp
Oxeneer on Facebook
Purchase via Bandcamp
Listen Here

(U.S.) Culture Abuse-Peach LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, Post Punk, Grunge
Label: 6131 Records
Tracks: 10
Length: 30.0'

Culture Abuse is a five piece band from San Francisco and Santa Rosa, Ca who formed in 2013.  Culture Abuse features members of All Teeth and Dead To Me.  Culture Abuse play a killer style of  music that incorporates elements of punk, post punk, and grunge.  Musically, Culture Abuse can be loosely compared to bands such as Nervous, newer Ceremony, Iceage, Single Mothers and other like-minded bands.  Since their formation in 2013, Culture Abuse have released a six song 12" titled The Day Dreams Of Nothing in September of 2013 and a two song 7" titled Spray Paint The Dog in February of 2015.  Peach is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released via 6131 records on April 6th, 2016.  On Peach, Culture Abuse offer up ten tracks of catchy, grunge tinged punk, post punk, and grunge.  Overall, Peach is a killer LP and is an absolute must listen for fans of punk, post punk, and grunge.  Enjoy!

Culture Abuse on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here 

(U.S.) Hollow Leg-Crown LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Doom, Sludge, Post Metal, Stoner Metal
Label: Argonauta Records
Tracks: 7
Length: 44.0'

Hollow Leg is a four piece band from Deland and Jacksonville, FL who formed in 2008.  Hollow Leg play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, doom, sludge, and post metal within their sound.  Musically, Hollow Leg can be said to be influenced by bands such as Eyehategod, Threadbare, Buzzoven, Neurosis, Bloodlet, Deadguy, and other like-minded bands.  Since their inception in 2008, Hollow Leg have released a ten song LP titled Instinct in November of 2010, an eight song LP titled Abysmal in July of 2013, and a single titled God-Eater in March of 2014.  Crown is the band's latest seven song LP, which was released via Argonauta records on March 4th, 2016.  On Crown, Hollow Leg offer up seven tracks dirty and heavy as fuck sounding doom, sludge, and post metal.  Overall, Crown is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Hollow Leg on Bandcamp
Hollow Leg on Facebook
Purchase
Listen Here

(U.S.) Integrity-Humanity Is The Devil LP (RSD 2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Organized Crime 
Tracks: 8
Length: 30.0'

 Apocalyptic metalcore. The follow up to 1995's "Systems Overload." Cover art by the legendary Pushead. Fully endorsed by Charlie Manson and the Holy Terror Church Of Final Judgement. (Press Note)
 
Organized Crime records released a 20th anniversary addition of this album with limited edition color vinyl and really top notch packaging.  I'm not really the collector type except for when it comes to Integrity or Converge.  Most readers of the blog are familiar with Integrity, so I'll spare you the band description and discography spiel I usually include in my reviews.  These tunes still sound amazing after 20 years.  Enjoy!

Integrity on Facebook (Fan Page)
Purchase
Listen Here

CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

LOCATION: BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

FFO: NOISY PUNK

got a submission for this a few days ago. really good shit. best way I can think of to describe it is like a heavier, not boring version of fugazi (sorry but they are) with bryan funck from thou on vocals. could probably throw out gay kiss(great band) as a comparison as well. also has a weird melodic vibe to it that seems to only enhance the noisier sections. make sense? no? yeah I didn't think so either.

bandcamp 

Surprise Package

                                                                   Surprise Package

Surprise Package

                                                                   Surprise Package

ETHICIST

LOCATION: CINCINNATI, OHIO
FFO: DEAFHEAVEN, UHH...OTHER BANDS LIKE DEAFHEAVEN?

another one that's been in rotation quite a bit. definitely falls more into the melodic blackgaze end of the black metal spectrum with slight screamo influence as well. I use deafheaven as a comparison, which is accurate, but also ironic in that I like these guys but I don't really care for deafheaven. go figure.

bandcamp

ASHENCULT

LOCATION: PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

FFO: SATAN

so Ive still been binging on black metal the last month or so and this album is in constant rotation. with out a doubt one of the all around best black metal albums ive ever heard. if ihad one complaint about these guys it would be that they put out far too little material. just this album and a split and they appeared on a couple comps as well. not positive but I think they've called it quits. shame really. I need more of these guys. get on this shit. satan commands it.

bandcamp

LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR

LOCATION: DETROIT, MICHIGAN

FFO: WAR METAL, GREEK MYTHOLOGY

ive wanted to get this up for a while now but due the fact that I work for a ridiculously mismanaged shithole run by communist fucktards I just haven't had the time. so anyway, this is one of my all time favorite bands. its pure over the top cheese metal. in the best way imaginable. combines 2 of my favorite things. greek mythology and heavy fucking metal. this should've been the soundtrack for the god of war series. it matches in both content and brutality. at times even the vocalist, steve Rathbone, sounds a little like kratos. if I had to compare them to anyone it would be a dirtier version of high on fire. they've been quiet for a few years now so I'm not sure whats going on with them now. I do know that bassist nate olp is in kvlthammer and demiricous (they will show up here eventually). both kind of blackened thrash bands and both worth your time. everything is here except their "godslayer" ep, which can be found here in digital format. now lets kill these motherfuckers...

cannibal massacre ep

carnage

evil power

eyehategod tribute
demo
the ultimate destroyer
war metal battle master

war metal battle master video

also for anyone interested check out house of Atreus on dark descent records. kind of picked up where lair of the minotaur left off. really good shit

Happy Record Store Day!

                                          V/A: Doused In Blood, Soaked In Bleach LP (2016)
                                          V/A: Whatever Nevermind LP (2015)
                                          V/A: In Utero, In Tribute LP (2014)

Carson Wells-Tread A Northern Path LP (2015)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Post Hardcore, Punk, Emo, Noise Rock
Label: Black Lake Records
Tracks: 10
Length: 41.0'

Carson Wells is a three piece band from Aberdeen, UK who formed in 2010.  Carson Wells play a noisy, tense, angular, and jagged style of music that incorporates elements of post hardcore, punk, emo, and noise rock within their sound.  Musically, Carson Wells can be loosely compared to bands such as Sleepytime Trio, 400 Years, early Engine Down, and early 2000's Ebullition Records style bands.  Since their inception in 2010, Carson Wells have released a four song self-titled EP in May of 2010, a nine song LP titled Wonderkid in September of 2012, and a split 7" with Human Hands in March of 2014.  Tread A Northern Path is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released via Black Lake records on March 31st, 2015.  On Tread A Northern Path, Carson Wells offer up ten tracks of angular, discordant, noisy, and tense sounding post hardcore, punk, emo, and noise rock.  Overall, Tread A Northern Path is a killer LP and should not missed.  Seriously, I wish more bands played this throwback style of emotive post hardcore, punk, and noise rock.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Carson Wells on Bandcamp
Carson Wells on Facebook
Black Lake Records on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here

(U.S.) Teen Suicide-It's The Big Joyous Celebration, Let's Stir The Honeypot 2X LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, Emo, Indie Rock, Lo-Fi
Label: Run For Cover Records
Tracks: 26
Length: 68.0'

Teen Suicide is a four piece band from Maryland who formed in 2011.  Teen Suicide play a noisy, lo-fi style of music that incorporates elements of punk, emo, indie rock, and garage rock within their sound.  Since their inception in 2011, Teen Suicide have released a fourteen track LP titled Bad Vibes Forever in July of 2011, a seven song EP titled DC Snuff Film in February of 2012, a three song EP titled Goblin Problems in June of 2012, an eight song EP titled Waste Yrself in June of 2012, a ten song LP titled I Will Be My Own Hell Because There Is A Devil Inside My Body in September of 2012, a four song EP titled Hymns in November of  2012, a 25 song LP titled Rarities, Unreleased Stuff, And Cool Things in February of 2013, and a remastered version of  DC Snuff Film/Waste Yrslf EPs in September of 2015.  It's The Big Joyous Celebration, Let's Stir The Honeypot is the band's latest double LP, which was released via Run For Cover records on April 1st, 2016.  On It's The Big Joyous Celebration, Let's Stir The Honeypot, Teen Suicide offed up 26 tracks of killer lo-fi punk, emo, and indie rock.  Overall, It's The Big Joyous Celebration, Let's Stir The Honeypot is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Teen Suicide on Bandcamp
Teen Suicide on Facebook
Run For Cover Records on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here 
Teen Suicide-DC Snuff Film/Waste YRSLF LP (2015) 

Small Hours Society-Hunting Season LP (2016)

Country: Greece
Genre: Shoegaze, Post Punk, Alt. Rock, Noise Pop
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 10
Length: 42.0'

Wow.  This band came as a pleasant surprise.  I absolutely had to review this album as soon I gave it a listen today.  Small Hours Society is a four piece band from Serres, Greece who formed in 2006, from the looks of things.  Small Hours Society play a dark and tense style of music that incorporates elements of shoegaze, post punk, alt. rock, and noise pop within their sound.  Musically, Small Hours Society cite Wipers, 16 Horsepower, Black Heart Procession, Imaad Wasif, Nick Cave, Refused, Neurosis, Tindersticks, Sonic Youth, Shipping News, Lisabo, and 2 Way Infinite Sequences as influences, which definitely shows up in the band's sound and style.  Since their inception in 2006, Small Hours Society have released a nine song LP titled Rest Your Wings/The Skies Await in January of 2006.  Hunting Season is the band's latest ten song LP, which was released on March 3rd, 2016.  Hunting Season features ten tracks of dark, haunting, and difficult to pigeonhole music that runs the gamut from shoegaze, post punk, alternative, rock, to noise pop and back.  Overall, Hunting Season makes for a brooding, dark, and tense listen.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Small Hours Society on Bandcamp
Small Hours Society on Facebook
Listen Here

Bonehouse-Tomorrow's Worn Out Blues LP (2015)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Punk, Emo, Indie Rock
Label: Wolf Town DIY/Boslevan/Black Lake/Make That A Take/ Steady Anchor/Tief in Marcellos Schuld/ Pint Sized Records
Tracks: 8
Length: 34.0'

Bonehouse is a four piece band from Dundee, Scotland who formed in late 2012, from the looks of things.  Bonehouse play a tense and somewhat melodic style of music that incorporates elements of punk, emo, and indie rock within their sound.  Musically, Bonehouse can be loosely compared to bands such as Suis La Lune, Sport, Small Brown Bike, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2012, Bonehouse have released a four way split LP with Polina, Kaddish, and Todos Caeran in January 2013 and an eight song LP titled the Long Summer in July of 2013.  Tomorrow's Worn Out Blues is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released via Wolf Town DIY, Boslevan, Black Lake, Make That A Take Records, Steady Anchor, Tief in Marcellos Schuld, and Pint Sized Records on February 7th of 2015.  On Tomorrow's Worn Out Blues, Bonehouse offer up eight tracks of really well played punk, emo, and indie rock.  Overall, Tomorrow's Worn Out Blues is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Bonehouse on Bandcamp
Bonehouse on Facebook
Black Lake Records on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here 

Big Machine-S/T 7" (2015)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Crust, Noise Rock
Label: Black Lake/ Zegema Beach Records
Tracks: 7
Length: 10.0'

Big Machine is a two piece band from Manchester, UK who formed in late 2013, from the looks of things.  Big Machines features former members of UK hardcore/crust powerhouse Hammers.  Big Machine play a dark, metallic, and crust tinged style of modern hardcore with a killer noise rock vibe.  Musically, Big Machine can be said to be influenced by bands such as Cursed, Deadguy, Breather Resist and other like-minded bands.  I was a huge fan of Hammers, so I was really interested in hearing what Big Machine would sound like. Members of Big Machine build on the foundation they established with Hammers and add some really interesting experimental twists to their current project's sound and style.  This is the band's debut seven song 7", which was released via Black Lake records on April 9th, 2015.  On their latest 7", Big Machine offer up seven tracks of killer noise damaged, crust tinged, modern hardcore.  Overall, this is an amazing 7" and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Big Machine on Bandcamp
Big Machine on Facebook
Black Lake Records on Bandcamp
Purchase
Listen Here