Descriptions for 6/24/17

TARANTULA - 7"
Infectious punk tunes to get everyone moving composed by the freaks from CULO. This band has been slaying at their gigs and winning everyone over with their hooks and amazing song writing. Six tracks total produced by GEZA X. (Lenga Armada Records #6)

PERVERTED CEREMONY - Demo 1 cassette tape
Perverted Ceremony harnessed the ritualistic vitriol of influences such as Beherit, Archgoat, and Demoncy to spawn a six-song self released demo tape during the first half of 2012. NWN! now proudly presents the very same "Demo 1" as a pro tape with appropriately updated artwork and layout. (Nuclear War Now Records #320 CS)

REMA REMA - Entry/Exit LP
"Entry" is the final track from the late 1979 recordings at Pathway Studios that produced the 4AD 12" "Wheel In The Roses" the following year. At 6 minutes' duration too long to sit aside the studio side of that release, the track has been transferred from the original master tapes, cleaned up modestly and is accompanied here with an instrumental version. Tightly-wound, with the typical Rema-Rema elements of Moe Tucker-style pounding (cymbal-free) drums, relentless basslines and Marco Pirroni's feedback-laden guitar, this song probably hinted more at Rema-Rema's future path, with its intricate dual vocals, delicate synth motif and a hitherto-muted melodic potential. Paid for by Charisma Records, they deemed the lyrics "blasphemous" and promptly sold the recording back to the band. Original UK post-punk, members went onto the ANTS, MASS, WOLFGANG PRESS and RENEGADE SOUNDWAVE. 12" vinyl with lyric/photo insert. (Inflammable Material Records #21)

REMA REMA - What You Could Not Visualise (Renegade Soundmachine Mixes) LP
Limited 500-only 12" that sees Gary Asquith of REMA-REMA and RENEGADE SOUNDWAVE team up with Takatsuna Makai to give a contemporary and self-pollinating urban sheen to Rema-Rema's eponymous post punk classic from 1980's "Wheel In The Roses". Maintaining the essence and integrity of the original track, this dynamic, brutalist electronic take morphs the unashamed feedback of MARCO PIRRONI and the synth white noise backdrop with relentless floor-crunching motorik energy. Reinvent your future and corrupt your past. 12" Vinyl with Lyric/photo insert. (Inflammable Material/Le Coq Musique #6)

PANDEMIX - Scale Models Of Atrocities LP (with CD included)
After their great demo was given a flexi release by Boss Tuneage, Pandemix now deliver a ten track album, on the same label. The reason punk had such an affect on me as I was growing up was because, despite what adults would insist, the bands didn't all sound the same; they shared an intensity and an attitude but they made their own noise. So, I get really excited when a band comes along with what feels like a fresh approach; Pandemix are one of those bands. Of course, the influence of what has gone before is there, but they have managed to create their own sound, and to give you some idea of what that sound is like, imagine if the Subhumans had been listening to USHC before recording their first two albums, they may have sounded something like this; driving, intense, political and totally captivating, there isn't a duff song here. The CD version (which you get with the vinyl version) has an extra two songs which will appear on a forthcoming 7". Pandemix are your new favourite band, trust me. (Boss Tuneage Records #112)

NEEDLES//PINS - Goodnight, Tomorrow LP
Vancouver power-trash trio Needles//Pins began in 2009 as an excuse for three friends to hang out. Two LPs and a handful of 7 inch singles later, the band has come a long way but are still, at its core, a few friends having fun. 2017 sees the band set to release its third LP Good Night, Tomorrow. The record is a progression both musically and lyrically from their older material while still maintaining the hook-centric philosophy of their previous releases. The band has become legendary in Vancouver for wild shows and gruff but catchy punk rock melodies. It draws from classic punk roots like the wiry pop of The Buzzcocks and the gravely anthems of Stiff Little Fingers, but has a unique West Coast approach that would align itself with the catchiest of the Lookout! or Dirtnap Records catalog. Though none of the band's songs overstay their welcome, you'll find yourself humming one of their hooks days after seeing them play or hearing the record. Recorded with Jesse Gander (Japandroids, White Lung) in Vancouver at Rain City Recorders, the record shows an organic growth from the power pop of their previous two albums. Guitarist and singer Adam Solomonian's voice is gruffer from playing hundreds of shows, and you can see a richer appreciation of the group's influences such as Jawbreaker and the Replacements at play in the song writing. Tony Dubroy's solid bass lines and Macey Budgell's heavy drumming combine to form a powerful rhythm section that perfectly complement Solomonian's simplistic-but-pointed guitar playing. (Dirt Cult Records #104)

PSUDOKU - Deep Space Psudokument LP
Deep Space Psudokument is a code name of the third album interplanetary project PSUDOKU. The development of futuristic 70's progressive grind continues, and this time surf rock, doom and electronic classical is incorporated. This is progressive grind that has time travelled backwards an entire year from the future. (Behind The Mountain Records #14)

AGATHOCLES/KURWS - split 5"
Five-inch split single by Belgian grind-core veterans and punk "big-band" from Poland. Lo-Fi sound meets the sound which is even more Lo-Fi, blast beats vs syncopation on the floor tom, saxophones and clarinets vs growl, rough guitar vs acid sound of the synthesizer. Due to the unusual vinyl format both bands try to keep it brief. While Kurws play one piece a little bit more than two minutes long, Agathocles fits four short ones. Both sides of the release are dedicated to the problems of Intellectual Property, freedom of access goods and freedom itself. The single is packed in a simple cover and a fold-out booklet with collages in color and an extensive quotation by Erich Fromm. (Behind the Mountain Records #3)

MASSGRAVE/SUFFERING MIND - split 9" with DVD
9" split teaming up Canada's MASSGRAVE with Poland's SUFFERING MIND. Also includes a DVD with both band's sets from a show they played together in Poland as a bonus. If you crave a slew of awesome lo-fi crusty grindcore that packs a punch and still sounds really heavy look no further. (Behind The Mountain Records #2)

Descriptions for 6/17/17

COME TO GRIEF - The Worst Of Times LP/CD
COME TO GRIEF represents the epitome of sludge in all it's subterranean splendor. Hand-of-doom sculpted filth that oozes with terminal disgust of life- depression and madness being the only companions delivering you to the Master. The line-up is Terry Savastano (GRIEF, DISRUPT) - guitar and backing vocals, Chuck Conlon (GRIEF) - drums, Justin Christian (MORGION) - bass, and Jonathan Hebert- vocals and guitar. Recorded and mixed in late 2016 by Glenn Smith at AMPS VS OHMS in Cambridge, MA. Mastered at NEW ALLIANCE EAST by Nick Zampiello. (Fuck Yoga Records #55/57 CD)

DEPRESSOR - s/t LP
Industrialized crust/deathrock extending upon the bleak, dystopian visions of early GODFLESH and PITCH SHIFTER. During its highest achievements, Depressor repurpose Sabbath scrap into moments of meaning for those staring further down an arc of decline that their descendant riff patterns prophesied rather than perceived. Adept, effective and simplistic motifs are both well considered and carefully placed to give each note a weight of significance that paints a flurry of images which are given definition by nuanced industrial outlines. The rhythms operate in two essential modes: a flurry of electronic inheritance that strides closes next to dance music and the painful pulsing of automated impoverishment. Naturally, the former are used to drive the chase down the fracturing highways and crumbling infrastructure left in malign neglect while the latter pulses with the maddening violence of mechanical motion as it echoes across a sprawl of slowly crumbling skyscrapers. The human voice, worn from chord roughing debris, recalls Justin Broderick as readily as it reminds of UK crusters Doom to give indignant sermons that are annotated with misanthropic anguish. The album was recorded back in 1995, remastered in 2017 at ENORMOUS DOOR. (Fuck Yoga Records #58)

FLOWERS OF EVIL - City of Fear LP (UPC 0734463100228)
July 14th street date. For a 'side project', FLOWERS OF EVIL outpaces and out snots like the best of them. What started as more of less a 'studio project' with Brandon Welchez from CROCODILES and David McDaniel from YOUNG BOYS, has turned into a band that has delivered not one but two solid hardcore punk albums in the last two years. CITY OF FEAR is their 2nd album and showcases a band that's very comfortable with their punk roots and can deliver some classic sounding snotty hardcore jams. Reminiscent of early Career Suicide, "City of Fear" blends the high velocity in-your-face sound of first era hardcore like the Germs with a good dose of melody to keep things catchy and infectious. This band now just needs to tour... Includes download code. (Deranged Records #303)

VOIGHT KAMPFF - The Din Of Dying Youth LP (UPC 0734463100211)
July 14th street date. Coming off the heels off a mounting barrage of thick post-punk releases in previous years, Voight-Kampff pushes out another assault of aggressive and atmospheric post-punk with their new LP "The Din of Dying Youth". Immediately dropping into the fray like a paratrooper on the first track, the album's rhythmic chiming and bolting drums push their way through the melodic chorus-drenched guitar like a jackhammer pushing through a stream of water, cooling it down from overheating, in a sky-scraping industrial park factory where no sunlight reaches. The vocals reach over the tracks like the foreman of the factory speaking through the PA system to his human-replaced assembly line machines while simultaneously gripping the self-destruct button to detonate the entire site. Through the screeches and tears, faint optimistic veils drift in and out, spiraling around the tracks like a miasma. Clocking in at just over 20 minutes, "The Din of Dying Youth" delivers a solid line without fluff or filling, striking both sides of the alternative melancholy buzz, from Creation Records to the steel grinding steel noise of Touch & Go. As the tracks go on feel the momentum as you're shot and traveling miles per minute through overhead cable lines from the muddy waters of the Mississippi River into the cold Northeastern waters of the Quabbin Reservoir. A perfect blend of sonic sounds and industrial era programming, resulting in nothing less than dark-wave purity. A referral for steady listeners of Joy Division, Merchandise, and Iceage. (Deranged Records #304)

HURULA - Vapen Till Dom Hopplosa LP (UPC 0734463100242)
July 14th street date. Four years after the end of his punk band MASSHYSTERI, ROBERT HURULA returned with a solo project under the name HURULA. His first album, "Vi Ar Manniskorna Som Vara Foraldrar Varnade Oss For," picked up where Masshysteri left off blending elements of early Scandinavian punk a la Ebba Gron and post-punk with some obvious 'pop' undertones. The album achieved wide acclaim and made numerous Best Of year list in 2014. On this 2nd album, Robert returns with more of the same infectious formula anyone familiar with his musical output over the last 10 years will immediately recognize. The production is bigger but the songs are just as catchy as before. (Deranged Records #306)

PMS 84 - 2nd 7"
The second PMS 84 7" EP is basically sold out now. It took us months to get 20 copies, and once these copies are gone we won't be able to get more. Songs included are "Sacrifice," ,"The End," "Brave New World," and "Guillotine." The second proper vinyl release from this Portland-based hardcore punk band featuring 4 brand new tracks! On this new EP, PMS 84 has gone through a lineup change with Jesse (formerly of Koward) taking over vocal duties. The difference in the vocals makes the band come across more tough and less snotty, but they still stay true to their brand of bouncy, bass-up-front, UK82-style punk that you'd come to expect after hearing their first 7". (Nightmareman Records #1)

BROKEN CROSS/VEGAS - split 7"
Swedish one-man band BROKEN CROSS and the elusive VEGAS deliver sonically layered metallic punk for this caustic split. Well-known and cherished within the realm of the notorious Holy Terror cult, both bands have walked similar paths for years and have now decided to team up. Features one new BROKEN CROSS song and two new VEGAS songs. Artwork by Dwid Hellion (INTEGRITY, HOLY TERROR RECORDS, VERMAPYRE). (Apocalyptic Visions Records #6)

CLOUD RAT/DISROTTED - split LP
In what is likely to be this year's heaviest split release, the midwest alliance of Michigan grind trio Cloud Rat and Chicago droning death/doom metal trio Disrotted finds solid footing in the subterranean, all-surrounding pressure of crushing, sludgy doom. Though Disrotted's explosive - I've been known to refer to their music as "explosion metal" - split closer "Dissipate" more closely resembles their signature band of Corrupted-inspired, hyper-minimalist low-frequency worship, Cloud Rat's lengthy opening statement "Holding the Picture" shows a new face to this already multi-faceted band. "Playing the long-game," Cloud Rat makes the jump and matches Disrotted's sub-funereal pace for a blackened eighteen-minute dirge. Pressing: 600 copies with full color TRIPLE gatefold covers, download card. (Halo of Flies Records #100)

MORBID OPERA - Collection LP
Finally, after years of work, the Morbid Opera discography LP!! Painstakingly compiled by Jeff Hodapp (ex-Roach Motel & spouse of Morbid Opera vocalist) and Vinyl Rites, here is all the vital recordings of this underrated and under the radar band. From punk to bizarre psychedelic, pre-grunge freakouts, the band always did whatever the fuck they wanted. 500 copies on heavyweight vinyl, thick covers, large color booklet with unseen photos, fliers, interviews, liner notes, lyrics, and more!! (Vinyl Rites Records #42)

VAGRA - 8 Track Demonstration 2016 LP
One sided 12" of their demo on vinyl. New EP on Brain Solvent Propaganda soon. Screen printed covers. 200 copies. Raging raw political hardcore punk. (Vinyl Rites/Bloody Master Records #1)

ALLERGY - Smog LP
Young freakishly good noise punk. Chaos UK/Confuse are obvious influences, no silly bullshit or fake broken English here, just a brutal punk attack with a thick layer of noise! 300 copies, screen printed covers. (Vinyl Rites/Bloody Master Records #2)

SUBVERSIVE RITE - The Demos LP
Raging NY punk heavily influenced by the early 80s UK scene ala Sacrilege demos, Varukers, & Potential Threat. Members of some other fuckin bands. ready just in time for their West Coast tour with Unarm (Japan). (Vinyl Rites/Bloody Master Records #3)

ASHBRINGER - Yugen LPx2
When Ashbringer's "Yugen" came out, Jon Rosenthal over at Invisible Oranges categorized it as atmospheric black metal but said he liked it, in part, because it's an "emo record at heart." Even though he cited it as a positive, those could just as easily be fighting words. If I hadn't heard the album before I read that, I might have kept right on going. But it's actually fair, and it's not a bad thing, either. Ashbringer's first full-length, "Vacant," was done by Nick Stanger alone, and it's a solid atmospheric black metal album. With "Yugen," Stanger has expanded the project to a full five piece (with the occasional guest), and with it, the project's sound has expanded and changed. The music is now bigger, heart-on-its-sleeve, bombastic black metal. The vocals are well within the fuzzy boundaries of black metal shrieks, but they also teeter just on the edge of breaking, not unlike...well, emo vocals. But it works, and I don't think you have to be in any way a fan of emo to enjoy this. I'm, at best, a 0.5% emo fan, because I did really like Thursday's "War All the Time" back in the early aughts. (Vendetta Records #135)

TONGUE - s/t LP
A new Black Metal quartet from Bielefeld / Germany. Imagine a blend of second wave Scandinavian BM as well as modern influences from the Cascadian Black Metal. Killer! (Vendetta Records #136)

DIRT DEVIL - s/t LP
Based out of Northampton, MA, four-piece Dirt Devil craft a distinctly dreamy blend of grunge and shoegaze. Formed in 2015, Dirt Devil is a rock band from Western Massachusetts. Dirt Devil draws on a range of musical influences from dream pop to hard rock. The group often incorporates visual elements into live performances and music videos using costumes and sets. (Redscroll Records #18)

D.C. DISORDER - Naive To A World 7"
D.C. Disorder is a brand new band comprised of Youngblood alumni and members of current hardcore bands that you undoubtedly know. However, we will let the music speak for itself. Fresh, urgent and bursting with an incredible kinetic energy, "Naive To A World" is another great addition to the Youngblood catalog. 7" includes digital download. (Youngblood Records #46)

(restock) BROKEN CROSS - Through Light to Night LP
"Through Light to Night" is the first full-length album from Swedish one-man Broken Cross. As with previous Broken Cross releases, this album blends the genres of punk and metal in a raw and uncompromising way, without losing melody or catchiness. There is also an added layer of noise and samples, pushing the music into the realms of pure insanity. The lyrics are even darker and gloomier than before. All copies include a 12-page booklet. Artwork by Dwid Hellion. (Apocalyptic Visions #4)

(restock) BROKEN CROSS - Secret Destruction 7"
Second 7" from Swedish one-man band Broken Cross. Four brand new songs of raw metallic punk madness. For fans of G.I.S.M., Zouo, Holy Terror etc. Artwork by Dwid Hellion. (Apocalyptic Visions Records #2)

Descriptions for 6/10/17

EXOTICA - Musique Exotique #02 LP
Sometimes the stones that remain unturned are the ones that are the least assuming. There is a kind of humour to the idea that music which sounds like rocks being thrown around in an oil drum being next to the name EXOTICA, but what else can we say for the gesture of learning how to turn real noise into real music? It's exotic, it's outside the expectation of what things are supposed to do. Getting to bark out your problems could soon be not much more than the memory of a luxury, so swim in it. This music sounds live, like EXOTICA could have trickled off of the back half of an abandoned CÓLERA riff on a lost practice tape, or if your favourite ARROGANTA AGITATORER ep dub melted in the sun on the roof of your apartment and fused with whoever was practicing piano on the floor underneath you. Gone are the attempts to reclaim the clean lines and false distress of industry for domesticity. Here is a tiny pair of legs walking through a disgusting dirty world, gathering dust. The sun may set, but the moon also rises. "Music Exotique Volume Two" comes housed in a heavyweight sleeve designed by bass player Santiago Melchiorre and vocalist Lauren Gerig, recorded by the band themselves, and was skilfully mastered by Will Killingsworth at Dead Air Studios on a cold evening. (La Vida Es Un Mus #141)

NEKRA - 2017 Demo cassette tape
Riffs as wide as the Old Kent Rd., delivered on top of an icy, blasted Rickenbacker 4003 churning out enough electricity to power most of Bermondsey, big drum rhythms falling on and off the rails of the Southeastern Service at rush hour, and the pure velocity of anger blistering overtop like wind coming across Hilly Fields to tear the roofs off of South London. This music is not in the ether, this is not a notion, or a suggestion, this is live and direct and unrelenting. NEKRA sounds confrontational, like a fight we don't know we've started yet, and like it does not give a shit about us or care that we feel as though deep down we're all just nice people. Somewhere between the weight of LIFE'S BLOOD and a solid continuation from the moves of punchy hardcore punk of recent years. Moshy, loud, aggressive, uncaring, vicious, London. Artwork by Suzi Kemp, Recorded, mixed, and mastered by the most bang for your Canuck, J. Falco. (La Vida Es Un Mus #147 TP)

HASSLE BASTARDS - s/t 7" (one sided)
Happy 50th Birthday Sik-O-War. Kings of UK Thrash Hassle Bastards were basically Chumbawamba in wind up mode and they sent this four track demo to Ben Sik-O-War from Raising Hell fanzine as he loved thrash. There was only ever one copy made. It's under two minutes on a one sided 7" of short, sharp and raging early 80's thrash that harks back to the glory days of early 80's European hardcore. Do you remember the thrash band The Ex and Chumbawamba did together called Antidote. They released one demo One Does Not Sell The Earth Upon Which The People Walk and one 7" Destroy Fascism! - well this is like that but harder, faster and funnier. (La Vida Es Un Mus/Demo Tapes #9)

UDUSIC - Ugly 7"
Udusic's second EP offering is titled UGLY, and as advertised, delivers an earful of gunk-and-grime-caked hardcore firmly planted in the tradition of Die Kreuzen, Mecht Mensch, No Thanks, and even some Greg Ginn styled guitar pyrotechnics. Sounding more blown out and unhinged than previous recordings, this is definitely the best and ugliest Udusic offering to date. (Painkiller Records #67)

AGGRESSION PACT - Instant Execution 7"
Aggression Pact deliver their first recording as a full band and bring another tight wound EP of tuneful USHC in the mold of classic bands like N.O.T.A. and C.I.A. This time around they bring a fuller sound, with a twin guitar attack, and a more cohesive song writing approach, all held together by the inimitable glue of Mark Shubert's patented Jerry A meets Mark Sheehan growl. ABSOLUTELY THE MAIN EVENT. (Painkiller Records #69)

FUCK ON THE BEACH - Today Is The Start LP
Originally released in 2016 as CD only only by Killed By Fast Records. Tokyo's power violence fast hardcore trio return with 16 new powerful tracks including a cover by Swankys "Open The Window To Pleasure". Fuck on the Beach encases all that is powerviolence (or "thrashcore") on this release, fast and heavy on all fronts, from the short bursts of energy that make up all of the tracks. This is true punk to the bone represented by three Japanese dudes who understand what it takes to embody the spirit. (RSR Records #170)

ATTACK OF THE MAD AXEMAN - Kings of the Animal Grind LP
Brand new LP of those hyperfast coast grind punishing blastbeats, hard hitting guitars, exploding bass and bone rattling vocals. For grindcore fans who are into old school grindcore as Repulsion. "Animal Grind" is the present and the future! (RSR Records #179)

CRYPTIC VOID - Into the Desert Temple LP
Awesome fresh grind/death metal band from Houston, Texas, which formed in 2014 with members/ex-members from other Houston bands like Mindboil, Insect Warfare, P.L.F., Turbokrieg, Peasant, Niburu and War Master. This is their debut full length released by RSR. The music speaks for itself, with tasty riffs that contain a nice blend of death metal and full throttle blasting, like a barrage from a Katyusha Rocket Launcher. Fast, destructive, brief, yet devastating. Wasteland come - Wasteland goes...this is GULFCOAST GRINDCORE! For fans of Napalm Death and Repulsion. (RSR Records #169)

NEON HEARTS - Popular Music LP
The Neon Hearts were formed in the spring of 1977 by saxophonist Steve Heart who had left Suburban Studs. Other members soon joined: Paul Raven (bass), Keith Allen (drums), Martin Ratcliffe (guitar) and Tone Dial (vocals). The band were highly committed and rehearsed for 3 hours nightly. They soon had plenty of songs and entered Ginger Studios to record the best of them. The result was the now legendary double A-side 'Regulations' and 'Venus Eccentric', released in December 1977 on their own Neon Hearts label. The band established their own punk venue at the Lord Raglan in Wolverhampton and gigged furiously nationwide, building a substantial following and reaching the attention of many labels. Despite various options, Neon Hearts made the wrong decision and signed to Satril. Immediately things started to go wrong as the label tried to manipulate the band by rewriting their lyrics, allowing them no say in the production of the records and releasing singles without their consent. Satril released two singles 'Answers' and 'Popular Music'. Line-up changes followed and by the time the album (also titled 'Popular Music') was released in April 1979, the band, dispirited, had already split. There was a brief reformation before Tony joined Fashion, Paul Raven joined Killing Joke and later Prong and Steve formed 21c (21st Century). This album closely repros the artwork of the original, but with the addition of a 12" card insert with sleeve notes from Steve Harrington, is packaged in a heavy duty cover and is on red vinyl and limited to just 500 copies. (Overground Records #154)

VICTIM - The Teen Age 7"
Formed in Belfast in mid-1977, Victim soon became familiar faces on the fast-emerging Belfast punk scene. In July 1979 Victim were offered a modest record deal by TJM Records and decided to depart to England, settling in Manchester. Victim then released their second single 'Why Are Fire Engines Red' on TJM. It received numerous good reviews and plenty of radio support from John Peel. In November 1979 Victim supported The Damned (a package that also included The Misfits for a while) on an extensive UK tour. A friendship was born and Rat Scabies produced the bands third single 'The Teen Age' released on Illuminated Records in 1980. A new drummer of Irish descent was recruited - Mike Joyce - who would later receive worldwide fame as drummer for The Smiths. More gigs and a tour with Rudi followed, but in 1983 Mike Joyce left to join The Smiths, He was replaced by Kev Williams, drummer with Mick Hucknall's Frantic Elevators. The band recorded several more tracks with the new line-up, which also included keyboard player Toni Isaac, but after a couple more years together they decided to call it a day. This repress closely reproduces the original but includes the omitted photo on the rear of the cover and corrects the typos on the original artwork. (Overground Records #155)

THE CRAVATS - Blurred Bigband 7"
What on Earth is going on? No new material for decades and suddenly a second single from those sax-riddling dadarians, The Cravats pops up in the year of our lard, 2016? The first, March's critically acclaimed limited edition seven inch, Jingo Bells / Batterhouse, on Overground Records certainly did the business. It sold out, got a healthy heap of radio play from the likes of Marc Riley, Gideon Coe and Henry Rollins amongst others, it pleased the faithful and corralled a whole new crowd of the curious to the Cravats congregation. Penny Rimbaud's tour guide portrayal in the Jingo Bells vid did the viewing figures no harm on YouTube and as a calling card it did what it was supposed to do . . . announce to the world that The Cravats were back. So here we have the second single. Another two blisteringly twisted tracks of oddness from the Hieronymus Boschs of beat. Presenting Blurred and Bigband. Blurred is a pop song. Okay, it's demented and somewhat demonic but it's the band's skewiffed, fuzzy felt face view of the bowel of confusion we inhabit. What do we do? Go over there? Come back again? Sit quietly waiting or wail uncontrollably? Everything is unintelligible and indistinct so squint. And why is it a pop song? Because it has 'Whoos' at the end of the chorus and the Beatles had 'whoos'. Bigband is a pop song. Yes, it's teetering on the brink of cacophony, but it never quite falls off. We're all just drummers banging away in the background of someone else's bigband. We may wear the same shiny suit as the singer but we're scenery. We keep the pace. We're essential. A rimshot then a roll but always back to marking time. Step out of line and we're gone. Good and gone. And why is it a pop song? Because it ends with a gong the size of a bungalow. The Cravats are: The Shend - Vocals, Svor Naan - Saxophone, Joe 91 - Bass, Rampton Garstang - Drums, Viscount Biscuits - Guitar. (Overground Records #153)

SKEMATA - A Bright Shining Hell LP
Raleigh, North Carolina's Skemäta are back with their second 12", A Bright Shining Hell. While you can still expect the same furious, explosive d-beat hardcore you found on their debut, this time around they've dispensed with a lot of the fiddly bits and delivered something a bit more direct and concise, much as Sorry State favorites Sickoids honed and streamlined their sound when they moved from their first LP to their second 12". It's not so much that the music is any less complex, but the intricate riffs and rhythms are packed into a smaller space, delivered with a dizzying degree of speed, precision, and power. The result is a pressure cooker of a record that takes the apocalyptic fury of a band like Framtid and fuses it with the catchy songwriting of Totalitär. In a world of flash-in-the-pan d-beat bands that rip off a couple of Cimex riffs and then vanish into the ether, Skemäta stands alone as one of the most distinctive, original, and memorable bands in the genre. Full-color jacket with a cover illustration by Raf the Might. (Sorry State Records #84)

EXCESSIVE CRUELTY - s/t LP
Excessive Cruelty is a new band featuring key players from the Bay Area's Strung Up, who were simultaneously one of the best-regarded and most underrated bands of the explosion of early 80s-style US hardcore in the early 2000s. If you're smart enough to be familiar with Strung Up's catalog (and if you're not... do your homework!), you'll be pleased to know that the blisteringly fast rhythms, complex riffing, gruff vocals and literate, socially aware lyrics are still very much present in Excessive Cruelty's sound. You can also hear a touch of thrash and crossover influence here-which makes sense given that guitarist Dan Randall spent many of the intervening years since Strung Up disbanded playing in Ghoul-but like Dealing with It-era DRI or American Paranoia-era Attitude Adjustment, this is hardcore with metallic elements and not the other way around. Any way you slice it, though, this 12" delivers 6 blistering dispatches of pure rage and energy. (Sorry State Records #86)

NATURAL CAUSES - s/t LP
The second big slab from North Carolina's Natural Causes. While their first record on the Snot Releases label was a rough around the edges affair with raw production and a clear fascination with the jittery, pop-inflected synth-punk of bands like Ausmuteants or Lost Sounds, this second self-titled effort finds the band "maturing" in all the right ways. , whether you're talking about the brooding, Fall-esque "Average Cost of Living," the up-tempo garage punk of "Gun," or the big, careening melodies of "New Hues." The production here is also much clearer and more powerful than before, revealing far more depth to the band's sound than what you could hear on the earlier 12". We tend to love bands that fall in the cracks between subgenres here at Sorry State, and the way Natural Causes combine the atmospheric arrangements and angular riffing of post-punk with the energy of garage-punk, all the while sprinkling the whole thing liberally with big pop melodies, makes them a perfect fit for the label. Recommended if you like your punk loud and aggressive, but still forward-thinking and adventurous. This LP comes with a beautifully-designed jacket featuring a 2-color print on raw chipboard. (Sorry State Records #85)

JOINT D‚ - Intelligence LP
A highly significant leaked dossier of ripping hardcore, 'Intelligence' is dripping with arch rage and lateral hatred. This unrelenting dispatch from camp ‚ sees their quick fire bile launcher trained expertly on insidious fascisms old and new, looking both inwards to their home state of North Carolina and outwards to the murderous effects of American foreign policy, facing down this complex cluster fuck without flinching, reduction or cliché, instead deploying all the class, riffs and wordplay you've come expect from these quarters. Fusing the wild-ass pace Japanese hardcore mania with riffs recalling Poison Idea at their moist concentrated dose, Intelligence is both a sonic ultimatum and a helpful compass. Mandatory listening for both those who are just waking up to the nightmare, and those, like Joint D‚, who've had eyes on their drones in the sky for quite some time. (Sorry State Records #70)

GAY KISS - Rounded Down 7"
Brand new 4 song 7" from this Arizona powerhouse. Every time I listen to Gay Kiss my mind is boggled that a band can sound so uniformly heavy and aggressive, yet simultaneously so original. While their previous LP on Sorry State, Preservation Measures, was a real achievement, these four new songs take things even further into the depths, fusing hardcore, riff-driven noise rock, and a hint of industrial music into one of the most distinctive and gripping sounds out there. While their intricate songwriting can take a handful of listens to decode, once your ear is acclimated you quickly realize that each one contains enough memorable parts to sustain an entire record by your typical hardcore band. However, Gay Kiss won't just hand it to you, they'll make you work for it, pushing yourself as a listener in the same way they've continued to press forward relentlessly as a band. If you like the heavy, intense, and forward-thinking hardcore of bands like Bad Breeding, the Lowest Form, or Nasa Space Universe you'll want to check this EP immediately, then acquaint yourself with Gay Kiss's equally impressive back catalog. (Sorry State Records #88)

MPG/HOY PINOY - split 7"
Do these names look familiar?! Two Southern California Fastcore/PV bands from 2005/2006 come together after over a decade of destroying shows and making music to finally collaborate on this insane split! MPG from Pomona are fresh off split 7"s with Agathocles (2015) & Savage (2016), they come in rowdy as ever blasting out five fast songs with a heavy dose of brutality. They get the energy level up (as usual) from the get-go using a sample from classic skate video "Fulfill The Dream". You'll jam along their entire side as they mix thrashcore, grind, and even some d-beat on their songs. They even pay tribute to their "brothers" on the opposite side of the record on the song "Squad". Noise between tracks by Dustin J. (Actuary/To The Point) helps the MPG side to resemble the classic sound of some great 90's PowerViolence records. HOY PINOY from Duarte finally make their long awaited and overdue vinyl debut!! Past releases include split tapes with S.A.F.G. & Fieldtrip! They come in fast on this split playing six songs in less than five minutes in their patented 626 Flipcore style. They make music that sounds like Spazz repeatedly torturing a Jollibee mascot... and I mean that in the best way possible! You can listen as they pay homage to the local bands from 05/06 in their song "True Till Deaf". Castro brothers (Jon & Matt) would later form and continue to play in Cave State & HARM among many many other bands in the active SoCal scene. Talented artist Andrew Champagne put in work on both covers drawing a sweet anime girl on the HOY PINOY side and an insanely detailed psychedelic cover for the MPG side totalling over 80 hours of hand drawn work. Dont miss this crucial split 7" release (on black, blue, white, & yellow gold vinyl) commemorating these bands friendship and the love they have for this music they all grew up playing. Additional center label artwork by Al Dubs & covers printed by Markley @ Econopress. Limited to 550 copies total. (BeatTheMeat Records #19)

HEINOUS - Gore From The Gutter 7"
Debut EP from goregrinding punx. Originally released as a demo cassette but sold so well we decided to release a 7" version with updated art. 7 tracks of raw and intense grind influenced by Warsore, Excruciating Terror, Bile, and Dead Infection. (Make 'Em Sweat Records #9)

LANGUID - Resist Mental Slaughter LP
Just saw them for the first time live at Manic Relapse and they totally stole the show! 10/10 band. 12 tracks of tried and true traditional d-beat hardcore with a slight metallic undertone form Edmonton, Canada. Quality recording that keeps it raw but still lets the riffs shine. In the vein of Swedens Dischange " Seeing Feeling Bleeding LP". Do you like Discharge? Self released by the band and distributed through Make Em Sweat. Released 500 on black. (Make 'Em Sweat Records #8)

BONEHUNTER - Sexual Panic Human Machine LP (gatefold)
Comes in a gatefold cover with a large 18"x24" 2-sided poster! BONEHUNTER's highly anticipated second album, "Sexual Panic Human Machine." In 2015, this Finnish power-trio unleashed the surprise hit of the summer in their debut album, Evil Triumphs Again. Word of mouth spread like wildfire about the record's simple-yet-supremely-evil pleasures, and BONEHUNTER soon became one of the most talked-about performances at HELLS HEADBANGERS' Hells Headbash 2. The album was both a sincere homage to earliest/best Bathory and an extension of it, as if the very soul of a young Quorthon had been reborn in these far-north miscreants. Even today, Evil Triumphs Again is held in high regard by many the world over, but the best is yet to come in Sexual Panic Human Machine. Right from the start, even with the album title itself, Sexual Panic Human Machine is a different BONEHUNTER and one not merely replicating past glories. For one, the trio abandon the "tribute" aspect of the debut and drive deeper into what made that ancient metalpunk sound work: hooks, heaviness, and hellish drive. For another, the cauldron-born evil of that debut gives way to a more earthly, seedier-side-of-the-tracks evil where no lust nor perversion is turned away. From there, BONEHUNTER dive headfirst and headlong into a raucous yet well-oiled attack that, more often than not, lands well within the bounds of shredding speed metal: the chrome chassis gleams, but the engine pumps pure, black dsigust. Leaner and most definitely meaner, this Sexual Panic Human Machine nevertheless never loses sight of that devilish FUN which made Evil Triumphs Again such a modern classic. Stocked with brand-new arsenal, awaken the machine with BONEHUNTER! (Hells Headbangers Records #196)

DEATHHAMMER - Phantom Knights LP
HELLS HEADBANGERS is proud to present DEATHHAMMER's classic debut album, Phantom Knights, on vinyl LP format for the first time ever. Originally released in 2010, Phantom Knights was the highly anticipated first full-length strike from a duo of young Norwegians barely out of high school. DEATHHAMMER had established that anticipation with a clutch of demos that proved that the ancient magick of blackthrash was far from dead; with Phantom Knights, however, they resuscitated it completely! Like some strange, seamlessly authentic time-warp from the days when Sodom and especially Destruction were releasing their respective, undeniably classic debut EPs, the onward thrust-and-crush of Phantom Knights is all hysteric, high-speed energy: utterly bewitching, absolutely addicting, and impossible to deny. One of the hottest underground metal bands currently going, hear the beginnings of the DEATHHAMMER legend here! (Hells Headbangers Records #228)

INVOCATION SPELLS - The Flame Of Hate LP/CD
All copies pressed on red vinyl with heavy black splatter and come with a large 18" x 24" poster. Hot on the hellish heels of "Descendent the Black Throne "- released internationally last year by HELLS HEADBANGERS to critical acclaim - comes INVOCATION SPELLS' highly anticipated third album, "The Flame of Hate." Ever aptly titled, "The Flame of Hate" bursts into being immediately, igniting a sulfurous conflagration from the first few notes. Indeed, this is very much the INVOCATION SPELLS the metal underground has quickly come to worship: harsh, hammering blackthrash imbued with that ancient filth 'n' fury that can only come from South America, and specifically the duo's cult homeland of Chile. But as the album evolves, often at a breakneck pace, it becomes poignantly apparent that INVOCATION SPELLS have advanced as songwriters. And just like its predecessor, the recording across The Flame of Hate locates that elusive middle-ground between fuck-off raw and clear/cutting, with each incensed-yet-impassioned note ringing out through the humid haze before mangling the mind with quintessentially Chilean diabolism. At eight compact songs, The Flame of Hate wastes no time and demands repeat ignition, each glowing/glowering ember lighting the way to absolute possession. The Flame of Hate burns to the touch, and INVOCATION SPELLS dare you to take this torch! (Hells Headbangers Records #200)

SKELETHAL - Of The Depths... LP/CD
Hailing from the now-fertile French death metal scene, SKELETHAL comprise two diehard death metal addicts, Gui Haunting and Jon Whiplash, who decided in early 2012 to form a band mainly influenced by the genre's classics: Entombed, Carnage, Morbid Angel, Pestilence, Autopsy, and Death among others. With that foundation firmly in place, SKELETHAL unleashed the Morbid Ovation demo in 2012 and then two critically acclaimed EPs in 2014, Deathmanicvs Revelation and Interstellar Knowledge of the Purple Entity, which were later compiled onto CD in 2015 as Morbid Revelations. The duo's aim is plainly stated - absolute DEATH WORSHIP - and once again, they will wield the Metal of Death like a scythe, an axe, and blunt hammer simultaneously, all in obeisance to occult forces beyond the mien of man. Being diehard death metal addicts themselves, HELLS HEADBANGERS couldn't be more pleased to have SKELETHAL among its roster, and are anxiously anticipating unleashing the band's rumbling, roiling tank-tread of a sound. (Hells Headbangers Records #207)

MENTORS/NEKRODRUNKZ - split 7"
HELLS HEADBANGERS is proud to present a special split 7" between the legendary MENTORS and their heirs apparent NEKRO DRUNKZ. One of the sickest 'n' sleaziest splits HELLS HEADBANGERS has ever released, this 7" features two songs from each band exclusive to vinyl, all of which are guaranteed to shock and disgust. As cult icons of the '80s PMRC censorship scare, MENTORS need no introduction: for nearly 20 years, these hooded miscreants created some of the most deliberately offensive metal/punk ever committed to tape, until the untimely death of vocalist/drummer El Duce in 1997. Although they'd later re-form in the 2000s, the two MENTORS tracks here - "Kings of Sleaze" and "Midnite Mistress" - respectively hail from 1994's Houses of the Horny demo and the 1991 LP To The Max; this is the first time either have been committed to vinyl. On the B-side are the self-proclaimed "Tyrants of Toilet Music," NEKRO DRUNKZ. As one could surmise by their two contributions here - "Crotch Crustaceans" and "Heavy Metal Mustache Ride" - the duo of NEKRO DRUNKZ are unapologetic juvenilia but run through shit-thick grindcore/rock. Having covered MENTORS' "Sandwich of Love" both live and on record, they're a perfect counterpart and finish off this split in fine, filthy fashion. (Hells Headbangers Records Picture Discs #84)

SATANIC WARMASTER/ARCHGOAT - split CDx2
HELLS HEADBANGERS is proud to present a special split album between two of Finnish black metal's longest-running and most potent cults, Lux Satanae (Thirteen Hymns of Finnish Devil Worship). Indeed encompassing 13 hymns, Lux Satanae brings together SATANIC WARMASTER and ARCHGOAT for the first time ever, with both bands offering exclusive material here, with old classics by both revisited and re-recorded with their respective current lineups. With both bands coming off career high-points - Fimbulwinter and The Apocalyptic Triumphator, respectively - SATANIC WARMASTER and ARCHGOAT here prove why they're not only among the most celebrated bands in Finnish black metal, but international black metal in general. On Lux Satanae, SATANIC WARMASTER recast their past in the cleaner, more concertedly epic path laid out by Fimbulwinter, while ARCHGOAT reignite the same ghastly power they trademarked in the early '90s. No mosh, no core, no lies: Lux Satanae (Thirteen Hymns of Finnish Devil Worship) does exactly what it says on the tin! (Hells Headbangers Mini LP Records #37)

HORRIFIC (ACID WITCH) - Your Worst Nightmare CD
OUT NOW ON HELLS HEADBANGERS! Comes in a 6-panel fold-out digipak CD with reworked layout by Slasher Dave. Hells Headbangers is proud to finally re-issue Horrific's 2009 debut and only full length album Your Worst Nightmare. A bizarro mix of 80's heavy metal, thrash, punk, and death metal. Slasher Dave (Acid Witch) and Billy Nocera (Razorback Records/Surgikill) created a horror metal album like no other! Songs influenced by horror movies, Eerie Publications comics, and books like Nightmare USA. Featuring artwork from Jeff Zornow and Adam Geyer. (Hells Headbangers Records #205 CD)

NASHGUL - Carcava CD
NASHGUL from Spain return after 7 long years with the second full length! 14 songs, 31 crushing minutes of no-rest-total-blast old school grindcore with additional guest vocals from Ryo Yamada (GUEVNNA, ex-COFFINS). Artwork by the band's very own Luis Sendón (BRUTAL TRUTH, MACABRE, LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER). This is a must have for fans of REPULSION, NASUM, TERRORIZER, INSECT WARFARE, MACHETAZO, LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER. (Self Made God Records #167)

PRAY U PREY - Figure The 8 CD
First full length of this Cheltenham, England based band made out of scene veterans known from PROPHECY OF DOOM, ALEHAMMER, SUICIDE WATCH. The 11-song release brings forth brutal concoction of pulverising and punishing death metal, grindcore and crustpunk. As a bonus CD also includes five remixed songs taken from "Black Light Of Time" demo EP released by the band themselves. For fans of early NAPALM DEATH, CELTIC FROST, SLAYER... Pray U Prey are fellow Englishman who, with Figure The 8, have delivered a bruising ode to early 90's death- grind that's barbarically effective in its simplicity. (Self Made God Records #172)

DEIVOS - Endemic Divine CD
Two years after releasing "Theodicy" Poland's DEIVOS return with their 5th full album. "Endemic Divine" brings forth 8 songs of heavy, brutal and technical death metal influenced by MORBID ANGEL, SUFFOCATION, CRYPTOPSY. This is going to be a very busy year for technical death metal with a variety of releases from a variety of labels and Endemic Divine is not one you are going to want to slip by. For fans of Morbid Angel, Spawn of Possession and Murder Made God. There is a fine line between brutality and technicality and Deivos do a fantastic job of balancing both elements. Crank this up to eleven and bring on the hair whips. Endemic Divine is a winner for sure. - Teet Of The Divine (Self Made God Records #174)

HAEMOPHAGUS - Stream Of Shadows CD
Third full album of HAEMOPHAGUS from Palermo, Sicily, Italy! It contains 14 songs of horror obsessed death metal/grindcore influenced by early CARCASS, GENERAL SURGERY, REPULSION, AUTOPSY, TERRORIZER. "Stream of Shadows" was recorded, engineered and mixed in Palermo by the long time friend Silvio "Spadino" Punzo at Tone Deaf Studios. Mastered by Dan Randall at Mammoth Sound Mastering (IMPALED, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, IRON REAGAN, GHOUL). Artwork by Luis Sendón (NASHGUL, BRUTAL TRUTH, MACABRE, LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER). The band's line-up consists of past and current members of such bands as ASSUMPTION, GRAVESITE, MORBO, UNDEAD CREEP, REPULSIONE. (Self Made God Records #160)

CRUZ - Culto Abismal CD
Debut full length. Tumefying and bludgeoning old school death metal/crust punk from Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. CRUZ's music is a sonic horde from hell than can not be repelled. WOLFPACK, WOLFBRIGADE, BOLT THROWER, GRAVE, DISCHARGE, and ENTOMBED bottlenecked into an explosive detonation of rage and filth, built with the sole purpose to reap endless havoc upon human ears and flesh. Behold the legions of hell! Recorded and mixed by Javi Félez (GRAVEYARD) at Moontower Studios. Mastered by Brad Boatright at AudioSiege (NAILS, WEEKEND NACHOS, WAKE, MAGRUDERGRIND). Artwork by César Valladares (ASPHYX, KRISIUN, ANATOMIA, GRAVEYARD, NOMINON, ABYSSUS). Named one of the TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2016 according to CVLT NATION. (Self Made God Records #162)

PSUDOKU - Planetarisk Sudoku CD
The second deep space transmission from the crazed mind behind PARLAMENTARISK SODOMI and BRUTAL BLUES. Pushing deeper into prog and kraut rock territory this is grindcore taking cues from NAKED CITY, MAGMA and KING CRIMSON. Four long tracks of space grind with guest appearances by Anders Hana (vocals), Inge Breistein (saxophone) and Wei Li (vocals). It was recorded next year in a parallel universe where grind didn't develop from hardcore punk and thrash metal but from 70's prog from the future. A must have for fans of THE MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, KING CRIMSON, NAKED CITY, NAPALM DEATH, MR. BUNGLE, ANTIGAMA. (Self Made God Records #181)

PSUDOKU - Deep Space Psudokument CD
"Deep Space Psudokument" is a code name of the third album interplanetary project PSUDOKU. The development of futuristic 70's progressive grind continues, and this time surf rock, doom and electronic classical is incorporated. This is progressive grind that has time travelled backwards an entire year from the future. A must have for fans of THE MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, KING CRIMSON, NAKED CITY, NAPALM DEATH, MR. BUNGLE, ANTIGAMA. (Self Made God Records #182)

(repressed) PORTAL - Swarth LPx2 (gatefold)
Comes with a 16-page LP size booklet in a Gatefold cover. The approach to Portal's style of death metal has always tread the fine line between sheer madness and the intricately artful. Cinematic in scope, like a death metal interpretation of The Cabinet Of Dr. Cagliari or the death metal soundtrack to an ancient silent arthouse flick gone terribly awry, Portal have pretty much transcended the interpretation of what death metal should portray, and simply inverted and twisted it to no end. Even moreso on "Swarth". Almost serving as the missing link between Portal's previous abominations (namely "Seepia" and "Outre"), "Swarth" continues to bring the band's aesthetic to new disturbing levels of unease. Musically, "Swarth" is very labyrinth-like, very claustrophobic and suffocating where twisted counterpoint and scathing dissonance merge with earth scraping atmosphere to unveil the inevitable rising chaos. (Hell's Headbangers Records #138)

(repressed) PORTAL - Seepia LP (gatefold)
A vision of utter horror, 'Seepia' is perhaps one of the most unique and intimidating albums ever conceived. Depraved, artsy and morally-impaired, through a twisted mindfuck of oppressive histrionics and the class of classic avant-garde cinema, Portal portrays theatrical musical dementia through a death metal lens. (Hells Headbangers Records #137)

(restock) RIXE - Bapteme Du Feu 7"
French Oi! poster boys Rixe return with EP number three. Again it's a four tracker and there is no let up in the quality. It's full of snarl, bite and anthems. Tenter Le Diable starts the onslaught with some immense tom tom work before heading into another classic Rixe Oi! pounder. Paris-Est begins with a military beat before the guttural vocals and crunching guitars come in and smash you over the head. Every part of this two minutes and 53 seconds song is precise and perfect pop. Condamne is a straight down the line Oi! smash full of hate and bile and that Rixe wall of sound we know and love already. Last cut Hécatombe is a total head nodder that has bounce and a chorus to either die for or sing-a-long to Three EPs in and Rixe continue to take Oi! to new heights. As it is a tradition on the Rixe 7" trilogy Bapteme Du Feu 7" comes housed in a reverse board sleeve with collaborative artwork between Nick Rat and Maxime Smadja. Comes with lyric insert and download code. (La Vida Es Un Mus #136)

(restock) WHITE WASH - s/t 7"
Debut vinyl release from Winnipeg's WHITE WASH and KILL SOMEONE YOU HATE RECORDS, their follow up to a long gone demo cassette released by the now defunct HOME INVASION RECORDS. WHITE WASH feature members of UNDER PRESSURE and BORN BAD. They tear through four songs in a little under six and a half minutes, the end result is a smoldering mess of discordant, blown out, noise damaged punk music that straddles the line between early TAR BABIES or Conquest For Death-era NECROS. One time pressing of 300 copies on Black Vinyl with Gatefold Jacket. (Kill Someone You Hate Records #1)

Descriptions for 6/3/17

GHOUL - Wall of Death 7"
Originally released as part of the Decibel Magazine "Flexi series" this track now sees it's own release on 7" format. B side with "Human til Deth" from "The Humans" soundtrack. (Tank Crimes Records #103)

NECROT - Blood Offerings LP/CD
Debut full length from Oakland's old school death dealers, Necrot. Eight tracks for fans of Autopsy and Bolt Thrower. LP packaged in gatefold jacket with midnight black foil stamping. Digital download card included. Former members of Acephalix, Vastum, Saviours, Watch Them Die, Caffa, and Atrament. (Tank Crimes Records #104)

PERVERTED CEREMONY - Sabbat of Behezael LP
Perverted Ceremony returns with its uniquely abominable variety of black metal, hereby presenting its debut full-length album, "Sabbat of Behezaël." Although the band lists such revered acts as Demoncy, Mystifier, Blasphemy, Profanatica, Archgoat, Barathrum and Beherit, as their primary influences, their sound tends to gravitate somewhat more towards the latter two, who represent the Finnish tradition of bestial black metal. That said, Perverted Ceremony's style is not easily compartmentalized according to their influences. On the contrary, with their distinctive approach to songwriting, production, and atmosphere, they have achieved a ritualistic blend of black metal that is unique unto itself. (Nuclear War Now Records #344)

SCARECROW - Deo Optimo Maximo LP
With this release of "Deo Optimo Maximo," Nuclear War Now! once again breathes new life into a cult relic from the trove of ancient Eastern European Black Metal in the form of a collection that includes Scarecrow's 1989 demo of the same title in its entirety, as well as three instrumental rehearsal tracks that were recorded for the second demo in 1990. These recordings provide further evidence that the most provocative styles are often those that are created in and become emblematic of a unique geographical and period-specific context. Limited edition of 250 copies with black vinyl LP, jacket, insert, patch and sticker. (Nuclear War Now Records #351)

STARGAZER - A Merging To The Boundless: Void Of Voyce LP
Two years after the initial release of "A Merging...," the band once again has conspired with Nuclear War Now! to re-present this masterpiece, albeit this time in instrumental form, fully stripped of vocals. This version, entitled "A Merging to the Boundless: Void of Voyce," is anything but a novelty release that is unique only as a superficial variation of the original. On the contrary, this version is akin to a living organism that molts its exoskeleton as a necessary stage in the process of assuming its more mature form. Stefan Thanneur (Chaos Echoes) was commissioned to create a new layout based on his unique aesthetic vision, featuring a silkscreen printed illustration on the outer plastic sleeve that merges perfectly with the A-side center label design when the LP is enclosed within. (Nuclear War Now Records #350)

MAXIMUM ROCK'N'ROLL #410 (July 2017)
The July issue of Maximum Rocknroll, #410 has arrived! We hang out with Mexican punk rockers RIÑA, all the way from Iceland we have hardcore punks DAU_YFLIN talking art and politics, we speak with Berlin supergroup LIFE FUCKER, interview with the creator of EXOTIC, a documentary covering sex work in Guam, speak to HIRO THE AGGRESSION from the legendary DISCLOSE, garage punkers REPTILIANS FROM ANDROMEDA tell us about the scene in Istanbul, in fair Verona we meet LOS FASTIDIOS, XYLITOL are tearing things up in Olympia, and no wave femme-punk heroines Y PANTS are still at it in New York, IN FLUX mix power violence and d-beat in Portland, and MYDOLLS play feminist punk in Houston. All this plus photo spreads from Waynze World III in Kansas City and Olympia's Book Your Own Fest, as well as an interview with collective members of from Chicago's queercore Fed Up Fest. And that's not all- we've also got the biggest record, zine, and film review section in punk. What are you waiting for? (Maximum Rock'n'Roll #409)

BURNOUT - s/t 7"
BURNOUT is a powerviolence power duo hailing from Phoenix Arizona. Memorable, angry, pissed. Truely a DIY effort, the album was written, recorded, and artwork was created by ex-Gay Kiss and ex-Get Destroyed members Jirix-Mie. Essential listening. (To Live A Lie Records #129)

MAGNUM FORCE - Discography LP
Most of you know of Magnum Force from their brief contribution to the three way split with ACxDC and Sex Prisoner. Some of you may be lucky and have the Self Loathing 7". What not many people realized is that over the band's tenure they produced 39 tracks that take up almost 45 minutes of time. This discography LP was masterfully mastered by Jay from Gay Kiss/Get Destroyed/Burnout and compiles the band's two demos, the Skull tape, Self Loathing 7", Hood Crimes lathe, and a gaggle of unreleased songs. Phoenix was lucky to have such an amazing grindviolence band and this is the perfect collection to remember them by. This is unstoppable. (To Live A Lie Records #131)

SIEVEHEAD - Worthless Soul LP
Some bands start off important, others work it at and become important. Sievehead are one of those bands and they represent all that is good with DIY Punk in the UK in 2017. Born, raised and blossomed in the Lughole, in Sheffield, Sievehead have become a band of greatness. Second album Worthless Soul is an album full of shimmering guitars, the bleakness of 80's Sheffield and passionate vocals that ooze defiance. It has energy, heart and that special something you can't put your finger on. It sits next to the classic early 80's era Gun Club, Arch Criminals (a lost Post punk band that had a 12" on Conflict's Fight Back label) and Husker Du. But still it has DIY Punk running through every vein. Worthless Soul is ready to destroy and conquer everything and everyone in it's path. The LP comes with a heavyweight reverse board sleeve with a printed innersleeve with artwork and photography from bassist Joe Singleton. A download code is included. (Static Shock Records #51)

SARCASM - Malarial Bog 7"
Sarcasm from London release their debut EP on Static Shock after a great 5 Track demo ('Total Institution' on Far so Far) in 2016. Sarcasm deal in angular post punk led by skeletal guitars and a locked in rhythm section. The vocals are nonchalant and sound like someone totally bored of life and everything that surrounds it. It just adds to the bleak and broody vibes that are sprinkled on each of the four tracks. The sound sits somewhere between a more sparse Crisis, The Fall - in the glory years on Step Forward Records and Hygiene. This is the sound of the past, the sound of now and the sound of dissatisfaction. (Static Shock Records #47)

NECROT - Blood Offerings cassette tape
Cassette version of the punishing debut album on CD/LP through Tankcrimes. Necrot play ruthless and punishing old school death metal and feature current and former members of Acephalix, Vastum, Saviours, Watch Them Die, Caffa, and Atrament. Necrot have devastatingly brought together Slayer, Bolt Thrower, Master, Grave, Autopsy, and Sacrilege to create their own wretched vision of total aural warfare. Comes with massive 7 panel j-card. (Sentient Ruin Records #40 TP)

SHOW OF BEDLAM - Transfiguration LP/cassette tape
Second full length by this Canadian avant-garde doom metal band which has been hailed by CVLT Nation, Invisible Oranges and Noisey as one of the greatest doom albums of the year. Some people will say this record has brought back the "HydraHead sound" - indeed SOB have bridged, modern discordant doom with 90's noise rock and goth, and with 00s post-metal to bring together something majestic and crushing like none other. For fans of Today Is The Day, Zeni Geva, Anatomy of Habit, Indian, Lord Mantis, Swans, Bodychoke, Diamanda Galas, Made Out of Babies, Battle of Mice, and mid-career Neurosis. (Sentient Ruin Records #32)

MIND MOLD - s/t cassette tape
Debut mini album by this Canadian avant-garde blackened doom band with members of WAKE. Mind Mold play discordant an atmospheric doom metal with marked black metal influences, and have been described in reviews like Gorguts or Deathspell Omega playing slowed down black-doom. For fans of Blut Aus Nord, early Isis, Red Harvest, Godflesh, Neurosis, Ulcerate, Deathspell Omega. (Sentient Ruin Records #38 TP)

ABKEHR - In Asche cassette tape
Praised by the likes of Terrorizer, CVLT Nation, and Invisible Oranges - we present you the debut mini album by this german black metal duo who have set out to bring real depressive black metal back on the map and and to its most harrowing conclusion. Abkehr play long, dismal, and tormented songs influenced by Craft, Juadas Iscariot, MGLA, Burzum, and Leviathan, with a keen eye also evoking the aesthetics of the most uncompromising atmospheric black metal bands like Ash Borer, Weakling and Darkspace. Cassettes come with an outer cardstock sleeve. (Sentient Ruin Records #41 TP)

SYMBOL SIX - Side Four LP
World Famous KROQ's Rodney on the Rock spun their Posh Boy release when they were just 15 years old and in those early formidable years shared the stage with everyone from Social Distortion and Bad Religion to Guns N' Roses. Today, these 4 bandmates and long time friends release their 4th full length LP on intoxicating transparent orange vinyl. Eric, Tony, Phil and Evan's unbreakable alliance and dedication to creating exceptional, hard hitting Rock N' Roll with melodic riffs and catchy hooks produced a progressive batch of hits. Symbol Six will take you to a Rock N' Roll sermon on "Olympus" and deep into the watery underworld of "Atlantis Rising". Don't get left behind in the institutionalized, padded walls of "St. Hope Street", but have a party with the SuperCharged, SuperBad, Super 70's sound of "Superfine". Symbol Six whips their blend of influences from bands such as MC5, Alice Cooper and Sex Pistols and morphs it into an exciting, audio adventure guaranteed to keep you guessing at every turn. (Jailhouse Records #444)

EXHUMED - Slaughtercult LPx2 (gatefold) (colored vinyl)
Comes in a gatefold cover with lyrics and a 12x24" folded insert with liner notes from Matt Harvey and an enormous photo collage from the Slaughtecult era! All copies pressed on orange splatter vinyl with a bonus rehearsal LP in the shape of a saw blade! First time on regular vinyl (previously only available as subpar picture disc)! Exhumed deliver blazing, blood-soaked brutality forged in fire and formed in flame. Slaughtercult inflicts a bludgeoning battery of flesh-shredding, casket-crushing metal mania!! (Hells Headbangers Records #148)

NY IN 64 - The Gentle Indifference Of The Night LP
The Gentle Indifference of the Night is the 2nd album from New Jersey's NY IN 64. The follow-up to 2015's self-titled debut documents the band pushing their sonic template to new heights, realizing an even more refined and uniquely inspired style of instrumental hardcore aggression. The hooks are bigger, the musicianship has broken through the ceiling, the dynamics are deeper and far more textured. With six new songs captured on translucent blue vinyl, The Gentle Indifference of the Night is a triumph of an album that truly sounds like no other. (Magic Bullet Records #198)

NUNSLAUGHTER - The Devil's Congeries - Volume 2 LPx2/CDx2
Once again, HELLS HEADBANGERS opens the vaults and collects a whopping ten NUNSLAUGHTER 7" EPs to answer the black prayers of the band's rabid, diehard fanbase! Entitled The Devil's Congeries Vol. 2, this 2-LP set is the first of many exhaustive collections that will compile every single short-length NUNSLAUGHTER vinyl release - a band whose discography is bested number-wise only by Japan's Sabbat and Belgium's Agathocles. NUNSLAUGHTER's best work is considered by many to be their 7" EPs, and The Devil's Congeries Vol. 2 displays the band's trademark Devil Metal in all its diabolical 'n' dirty glory, collecting EPs and splits from the late '90s and early 2000s - four 7"s alongside the band's half of splits with Grand Belial's Key, Derketa, Cianide, Dr. Shrinker, Nocturnal, and Centinex - and capped off by the super-rare Tasting the Blood of Your Savior 7". As a bonus, the CD version features the long out of print live releases of Hell on Holland and Hell on Austria, where NUNSLAUGHTER get truly raw 'n' rowdy. Topped off by an elaborate booklet archiving each EP's cover artwork and pressing information The Devil's Congeries Vol. 2 is mandatory metal worship! (Hells Headbangers #191)

NUNSLAUGHTER/SLOTH - split 7" picture disc
HELLS HEADBANGERS is proud to reissue, on exclusive 7" picture disc, the 2007 split 7" between NUNSLAUGHTER and the American SLOTH. Released on a long-gone label, this split paired NUNSLAUGHTER with one of their oddest split-record partners. NUNSLAUGHTER, as expected, offer up two quick 'n' burly mini-anthems featuring their most beloved lineup of Don of the Dead, Reaper, and the late, great Jim Sadist (RIP). For their part, SLOTH offer up three tracks of bewildering punk/noise experimentalism, making this split even more collectible for NUNSLAUGHTER completists. Get this one once again before it's gone forever! (Hells Headbangers Records Picture Discs #33)

CEMETERY URN - s/t CD
CEMETERY URN are a study in staunch self-reliance. Their first two albums were released on Gillon's own label, Cemetery Recordings, and the band self-booked two highly successful tours across the United States: the Blood of the Damned U.S. Tour in June 2008, which encompassed 17 shows alongside Angelcorpse and Gospel of the Horns, and the Western U.S. Torment Tour in October 2010, where they headlined 10 shows through Texas, California, Oregon, and Washington State. Now, armed with the support of HELLS HEADBANGERS, CEMETERY URN are prepared to unleash their most decisive and devastating attack yet in Cemetery Urn. A ten-track nuclear warhead, CEMETERY URN's third album takes the unremitting savagery of their first two full-lengths to its furthest extreme yet, exhibiting both power and poise in the middle of an incendiary maelstrom, and further solidifying the band's reputation for upholding Australia's rich tradition of extreme metal barbarity. (Hells Headbangers Records #181 CD)

PANDEMIX - Scale Models Of Atrocities CD
After their great demo was given a flexi release by Boss Tuneage, Pandemix now deliver a ten track album, on the same label. The reason punk had such an affect on me as I was growing up was because, despite what adults would insist, the bands didn't all sound the same; they shared an intensity and an attitude but they made their own noise. So, I get really excited when a band comes along with what feels like a fresh approach; Pandemix are one of those bands. Of course, the influence of what has gone before is there, but they have managed to create their own sound, and to give you some idea of what that sound is like, imagine if the Subhumans had been listening to USHC before recording their first two albums, they may have sounded something like this; driving, intense, political and totally captivating, there isn't a duff song here. The CD version has an extra two songs which will appear on a forthcoming 7". Pandemix are your new favourite band, trust me. (Boss Tuneage Records #112)

AMPS FOR CHRIST & WITCHES OF MALIBU - LP (with CD)
Henry Barnes' long running noise outfit Amps for Christ teams up with Skott Rusch's Witches of Malibu for challenging noise that stays true to the pairs' Industrial / Powerviolence origins. Barnes was a pioneer of the 90's Powerviolence movement in California inside of Man Is the Bastard. While Rusch was a member of the 80's Industrial outfit Hunting Lodge who were recently revisited by Dais Records. Frequently sharing bills in their native California, the pairing is a natural fit. In Barnes own words, "It sounds fully pummeling at the same time as sensitive and imploding with a musical edge". LA Weekly has described Witches of Malibu as "a sound that is at points startling, frightening, eldritch and raw. Bleak beats give way to yawning maws of utter despair; the spaces between the tracks become rapidly shrinking islands of sanity in the sonic chaos that surrounds them. " Amps for Christ has been recording for over 20 years with previous efforts being released by Kill Rock Stars. Originally released as a cassette in 2015, this new LP set includes a CD which features a never before released bonus track. (Kitty Play Records #26)

BASTARD NOISE & ANTENNACLE COLLABORATIVE - 7"
Newly remastered and repackaged 7" in memoriam of Antennacle member Rick Gribenas. Gribenas an artist whose gallery work often involved machines of his own creation teams up with Creation is Crucifixion's Nathan Martin and noise legend Eric Wood of Man Is the Bastard / Bastard Noise. New linear notes from the surviving band members are included and reflect on their time with Rick who was also a collaborator of Joe Lalley of Fugazi. Sounds pulled from the air via antennae arrays built by the band members are manipulated to form dense experimental compositions. A seeming blend of Wood's previous projects along with the mystery of shortwave radio numbers stations such as the Conet Project. (Kitty Play Records #9)

WITCHES OF MALIBU - Part Smash cassette tape
Master of the type of unease and suspense that brings horror fans into movie seats. Skott Rusch was a member of the pioneering 80's industrialists Screw Machine and Hunting Lodge which recently received some long overdue attention from Dais Records. While Rusch has never recorded in Malibu for the project, he admitted to LA Weekly that the name is meant as a nod to Neil Young and Slayer. A fan favorite among noise elitists, original releases were limited to extremely limited quantities. It was not until a collaboration with Bastard Noise and releases through Kitty Play that Rusch's material began to reach larger audiences. Rusch admits he began the project from an insular bubble of not having listened to much contemporary noise or industrial music, however, a reunion of his band Hunting Lodge led to hearing Wolf Eyes for the first time. A unique player and composer, Witches of Malibu are an easy standout amongst the LA noise crowd. (Kitty Play Records #48 TP)

HIVE OF WIRES - s/t cassette tape
Free form improvisational noise from Ryan Unks, guitarist of Creation is Crucifixion heard here on electronic chaos and jazz leaning drummer Stephen Roach. While drummers like Lightning Bolt's Brian Chippendale prefer smashing you over the head, Roach masterfully rolls you through a choreographed fight against the drum kit. Unks' electronics creep, hiss and scream across the landscape of a post apocalyptical free jazz improv drum beat. Equal influences from noise, metal, jazz and thick groove are present in this trance inducing war dance. Unks' array of diverse sound makes the project sound far more dense then your typical two piece jam. (Kitty Play Records #31 TP)

Descriptions for 5/27/17

KONTATTO - Fino Alla Fine LP
Third full length and final chapter of their trilogy started with Disllusione, followed by Mai Come Voi and ending with this new masterpiece of old school Italian hardcore punk (think of Wretched and Eu's Arse above any other) mixed with Scandi style d-beat (Anti Cimex, Wolfpack and Shitlickers) with a lot of UK82 echoes (G.B.H, Broken Bones, English Dogs and Varukers). Mario's typical pissed off vocals are now pushed over the top. Same for the guitar worships and the pummeling rhythm section. A little bit of metal here and there but don't call them metal punk!!! This is what Wretched would have sounded if they've ever played a Death Side cover performed by Anti Cimex. Definitely their best stuff up to date. 11 songs of pure Italian anger towards the usual common enemies. Artwork by Stiv Of War. (Agipunk Records #98)

ACEPHALIX - Deathless Master LP
San Francisco's Acephalix began as a hybrid of crust punk and death metal. Given that a couple of their earliest releases came out on Prank, it's natural a little punk would shine through the murk. Through a pair of tapes released in 2010 and 2011, and packaged together as Interminable Night out on vinyl on Agipunk, the death-metal influence became more prevalent. D-beats were still a component of the band's machinery, but the riffing began to resemble Grave and other stalwarts of 1990s Swedish death metal. On Deathless Master, the crust presence has all but departed, and Acephalix are now committed to death metal. Riffs are still of the Swedish persuasion, but Acephalix also work in grooves that they can call their own. This album was released on Southern lord on CD format only in 2012. 500 made. (Agipunk Records #97)

HOLY MONEY - The Language Machine LP
Holy Money's The Language Machine is a sonically and conceptually heavy monolith that defies the "sludge" and "stoner" monikers lazily attached to most slow, metallic bands. Realistically, Holy Money play death metal, but with rhythmic and hypnotic songwriting that borders on psychedelia instead of violence, gore, or aggression. To be sure, this album is brutal - but more like a J.G. Ballard novel than a Bolt Thrower record. Six tracks contemplating human consciousness and communication over 46 minutes. Strongly recommended for enthusiasts of Corrupted, Bastard Noise, and DMT. Limited to 500 copies, including download code. (Anthems of The Undesirable Records #13)

MERE PHANTOMS - Famine For A Slow Death LP
Seven tracks of grinding metallic punk analyzing want, desperation, and blight in the face of hoarded and exploited abundance. "Music for the pillars and workers of the gears." Mere Phantoms play hardcore with politically and socially conscious lyrics, and on "Famine For a Slow Death" are conceptually in line with the best elements of 90's hardcore, but through a sonic filter more akin to Orchid, Catharsis, or Thou. Featuring electronics by Nyodene D. Single sided LP with a zine (printed on recycled paper) featuring essays and lyrics, and a silk-screened B-side. Hand-assembled DJ-styled sleeves featuring original art by Dylan Garrett Smith. Limited to 305 copies. (Anthems of The Undesirable Records #7)

MOUTHEATER - Passing Key LP
The sophomore full length from one of Virginia's best-kept secrets. Moutheater went into the studio in Spring 2013 to record an album that would detail the darkest period of singer/guitarist Andrew Aircraft's life. A year later, they had channeled their energy and vitriol into eleven of the best songs they've ever written - and engineering a record that took obvious inspiration from "Siamese Dream," "Rated R," and "In Utero." Obvious elements of 90's grunge and noise-rock, but mixed with the experimentation and plodding weight of bands like Swans or Godflesh. Passing Key" is truly Moutheater at their best on every level - and not to be missed. Kozmic Noise Rock Flower Sludge. Limited to 300 copies, all on pink or purple vinyl. (Anthems of The Undesirable Records #6)

GODSTOPPER/TENDRIL - split 7"
One previously unreleased song from Toronto's Godstopper, and two new tracks from Norfolk's Tendril - Two excellent bands with different takes on noise-rock. Godstopper have begun to make a name for themselves with their disjointed and unique brand of noise-rock, bringing to mind acts like Harvey Milk, Today Is the Day, and Khanate. Tendril take a more abstract approach with their contributions, not dissimilar to the Dazzling Killmen, Glazed Baby, or Walls. Limited to 328 copies, with hand-made, hand-painted, and hand-stamped covers featuring original art by Sam Vanagas. (Anthems of The Undesirable Records #3)

ARMOURED ANGEL - Wings Of Death LP
All copies pressed on red vinyl with silkscreened band photo on the b-side. As longtime fans of the band, HELLS HEADBANGERS is proud to present a special vinyl pressing of ARMOURED ANGEL's Wings of Death demo. Formed in 1982 and disbanding in 2001, ARMOURED ANGEL were Australia's very first extreme metal band - and for many years, one of its only ones. Originally released in 1989 on cassette tape and then a vinyl edition that's long out of print, Wings of Death was the band's second demo and first to truly nail the signature ARMOURED ANGEL sound: patient, pulsing, and largely mid-tempo death metal rife with nuance and molten power to spare. Although still early days at this point, contemporaries could be likened to Bolt Thrower, Asphyx, and Gorefest, but there's always been a certain clarity of expression to ARMOURED ANGEL that favorably compares to later Amebix; here on Wings of Death especially, their classic death metal uptempos bear a proud 'n' poignant pulse, symptomatic of strong songwriting even at this early stage in the band's storied history. And although they would only release one album - and quite belatedly, at that - it was always the short-length format where ARMOURED ANGEL excelled most. The four-song Wings of Death stands as a testament to this fact, and more so the endearing legacy of one of heavy metal's true cult favorites. Just like HELLS HEADBANGERS' earlier edition of Communion, this pressing is a one-sided 12" with a photo silkscreened on Side B. (Hells Headbangers Mini LP Records #44)

CEMETERY URN - s/t LP
CEMETERY URN are a study in staunch self-reliance. Their first two albums were released on Gillon's own label, Cemetery Recordings, and the band self-booked two highly successful tours across the United States: the Blood of the Damned U.S. Tour in June 2008, which encompassed 17 shows alongside Angelcorpse and Gospel of the Horns, and the Western U.S. Torment Tour in October 2010, where they headlined 10 shows through Texas, California, Oregon, and Washington State. Now, armed with the support of HELLS HEADBANGERS, CEMETERY URN are prepared to unleash their most decisive and devastating attack yet in Cemetery Urn. A ten-track nuclear warhead, CEMETERY URN's third album takes the unremitting savagery of their first two full-lengths to its furthest extreme yet, exhibiting both power and poise in the middle of an incendiary maelstrom, and further solidifying the band's reputation for upholding Australia's rich tradition of extreme metal barbarity. (Hells Headbangers Records #181)

SATANIC WARMASTER/ARCHGOAT - split LP
HELLS HEADBANGERS is proud to present a special split album between two of Finnish black metal's longest-running and most potent cults, Lux Satanae (Thirteen Hymns of Finnish Devil Worship). Indeed encompassing 13 hymns, Lux Satanae brings together SATANIC WARMASTER and ARCHGOAT for the first time ever, with both bands offering exclusive material here, with old classics by both revisited and re-recorded with their respective current lineups. With both bands coming off career high-points - Fimbulwinter and The Apocalyptic Triumphator, respectively - SATANIC WARMASTER and ARCHGOAT here prove why they're not only among the most celebrated bands in Finnish black metal, but international black metal in general. On Lux Satanae, SATANIC WARMASTER recast their past in the cleaner, more concertedly epic path laid out by Fimbulwinter, while ARCHGOAT reignite the same ghastly power they trademarked in the early '90s. No mosh, no core, no lies: Lux Satanae (Thirteen Hymns of Finnish Devil Worship) does exactly what it says on the tin! (Hells Headbangers Mini LP Records #37)

(repressed) PORTAL - Outre LP
"Outre" sees Portal take their adhering style of surreal demented bizarre death metal (although Portal really transcend such a term these days, especially in this day in age where most bands that pass as "death metal" present a feeble display, far from what true horrifying death metal should encompass) and take it to a much more disturbing paradigm, than was found on the band's monumental "Seepia" observation. Overall, such an album as "Outre" will only alienate Portal even more from the so-called death metal scene of today. Were most musicians like to play it safe and typical in such a genre, where things become easy to comprehend, Portal merely transcend all boundaries and go much beyond into a realm where no other band in the genre dare step foot in (on a musical and lyrical sense). (Hells Headbangers Records #80)

Descriptions for 5/20/17

FRIED EGG - Back And Forth 7"
FRIED EGG are back with a new EP for Beach Impediment Records following their debut 7" on Negative Jazz and a self-released flexi. For the uninitiated, FRIED EGG have been one of Central Virginia's most exciting and original hardcore punk acts to watch over the past couple of years. Their style has a very contemporary feel, yet manages to stand out based on consistently inventive songwriting that is matched with the finesse and power that belongs in the hardcore punk genre. "BACK AND FORTH" boasts four new cuts (tracked live including vocals for anyone keeping score) that truly stand out from the pack. From the precise and original guitar lines to the absolute wrecking crew of a rhythm section, FRIED EGG have produced an EP that commands your attention - a stark, original effort that obliterates any generic, poorly recorded garbage in its way. Need we say more? Each copy comes housed in a glue pocket sleeve adorned with artwork by Nathan Ward. (Beach Impediment Records #26)

LONG KNIFE - Sewers Of Babylon 7"
Following a couple years of relative dormancy after a series of tours in support of a well received full length that spanned various continents, PDX punk heroes LONG KNIFE return with five tracks of sonic venom in the form of the "SEWERS OF BABYLON" EP. The recipe remains the same, the delivery just as biting, and the addition of Keith Testerman on drums (WARCRY, LEBENDEN TOTEN, HELLSHOCK, etc) adds even more to the already savage total package. Portland's 21st century Kings of Punk are still alive and well. Each record comes in a glue pocket sleeve with full color cover art by Dennis Dread. (Beach Impediment Records #27)

HEXIS - Tando Ashanti LP
180 gram vinyl with tip on gatefold covers with spot gloss, printed inner sleeve, 12 page booklet, and download card. Think of the most oppressive, putrid, and harrowing music you know. Now multiply the numerical representation of that oppressive and harrowing putridity by a thousand million. Your numerical representation is dwarfed by that of Hexis. In their world, Wormed sound like the Beach Boys, Ahab sound like wimpy clown fish, and Annal Nathrakh sound like a Tony Bennett tribute act. Eradicating this hyperbolic opening in favor of a more measured and rational approach, The Dane's in Hexis play a blackened-hardcore that writhes and squirms with a depth of sound that consumes all; there is no room for subtle dynamics here. Tando Ashanti is their second full-length, following on from 2014's similarly dense and unforgiving Abalam. (Halo of Flies Records #101)

ARCHIVIST - Contruct LPx2
180 gram vinyl with gatefold covers, 12" x 12" insert, and download card. Clocking in at a formidable sixty-eight minutes in length, Construct is the second album from Austrian/English/German collective Archivist, consisting of ten intricately composed tracks of audacious, atmosphere-drenched Post-Black/Post-Metal/Post-Rock proggery designed to infiltrate and stimulate both the body and the mind." no clean singing. (Halo of Flies Records #102)

WARFUCK - Hype Comes and Goes 7" flexi
WARFUCK bring back the old school power violence style to grindcore as well as having a musical style that mixes both the modern and old school elements of this genre together. WARFUCK is a power duo grindcore band based in Lyon - France. (Bones Brigade Records #80)

CHIENS - Discocrappy CD
Chiens hails from France and creates maniacal grindcore / Powerviolence mayhem that's too good for words. Complete Discography with rapid-fire speeds, blazing riffs, spazzed-out drum work, guttural howls and shrieks and so much more to keep anyone's attention perked up. This band's recorded output is utter chaos that's undeniably brutal. Snag everything below and dig. 56 tracks total including: - Self-titled LP 12'' - Vultures are our Future 10'' - Split 7'' with THE AFTERNOON GENTLEMEN -Split 7'' with LYCANTHROPHY - Split 5'' with ACxDC - Unreleased tracks - Spazzin' the oldies (tribute to Spazz compilation) - First raw demo - Live at délémont @ Grinding delemont 2013. (Bones Brigade Records #76)

MALICE AT THE PALACE/JESUS PIECE - split 7" (colored vinyl)
Jesus Piece and Malice At The Palace are teaming up with Bridge Nine to release a new split EP. Jesus Piece kicks the split off with two brutally heavy and discordant, metallic hardcore anthems. Malice At The Palace, fresh off an LP released by Six Feet Under, is back with two new songs continuing to perfect the '90s hardcore sound they're known for. 7" includes digital download. (Bridge Nine Records #245)

Descriptions for 5/13/17

LIFE'S BLOOD - Hardcore A.D. 1988 LP/CD/tape cassette
LIFE'S BLOOD were a legendary short lived band from New York City. Formed in 1987, LIFE'S BLOOD Played 20 shows and recorded 2 radio shows, a demo at Don Fury and one 7" called "Defiance" that was released on Combined Effort Records, and they also appeared on the seminal "NEW BREED" tape comp in 1988. In these short 14 months as a band they left an indelible mark on the history of hardcore punk, as their sharp, earnest, and challenging lyrics backed with remarkably sturdy, dissonant and distorted hardcore songs emerged at a time where the focus of underground hardcore had been blurred by commercialism, crossover and violence. "HARDCORE A.D. 1988" collects 27 songs from their "Defiance" 7", demo tape, compilation tracks, their post humous split 7" with STICKS AND STONES, WFMU and WNYU recordings and live tracks with new liner notes from guittarist Adam Nathanson, extensive band notes compiled by bassist Neil Burke with extensive photos and flyers. Mastered at George Horn mastering, with packaging designed by Jack Barfield at Neolithic Print Cartel. The LP comes in a Stoughton tip on gatefold with a 11x22" insert and download card. The CD version comes with a 16 page booklet. This is the first time LIFE's BLOOD's material has been officially available in almost two decades. After LIFE'S BLOOD dissolved guitarist Adam Nathanson formed BORN AGAINST, bassist Neil Burke was in the initial line up of BORN AGAINST as well as MENACE DEMENT, SINKING BODY and MEN'S RECOVERY PROJECT, drummer Jon Kricksciun and final LIFE'S BLOOD singer Sean Murphy played in COLLAPSE, and original vocalist Jason O'Toole recently sang for MY RIFLE. CD not exportable to Japan. (Prank Records #150)

THE NURSE - Discography 1983 to 1984 LP
Back in 1983 Tokyo's NURSE released what probably is the first Japanese all female hardcore record on the cult label Incest Records (INC-002). A red 7" Flexi which showed 4 innocent looking girls on the cover but displayed an unheard amount of ferocious hard hitting hardcore punk on the 8 songs Flexi produced by Baki of EXECUTE/ GASTUNK. The Following year the almighty ADK Records added them to their roaster releasing a 5 track EP (ADK-13E ) produced by label owner Tam of TYPHUS/ STALIN fame. The speed went down a notch but the rawness and aggression was still there. Sadly that record marked the end of NURSE's recording career. Had they released an LP they'll be heralded as highly as COMES which usually is the first band that comes to mind to most people when thinking of female fronted Japanese bands. After years of their recordings been deleted on vinyl, both singles becoming absolute staples on any Japanese punk want list and the band's underground following growing, La Vida Es Un Mus decided to repress both 7"s on a heavy weight LP to make sure a new generation discover the excellence of one of the all time great under rated bands. (La Vida Es Un Mus #111)

ULTRA - Mistica Moderna 7"
Ultra are a raging anarchist Barcelona band made up of half Absurdo and half Anarquia Vertical members. Their second EP is a 7 tracker full of short, intense and pissed off fireballs. It's chaotic but well played and recorded and hints at the Golden age of European hardcore mixed with Heresy and Crucifix. Mística Moderna comes housed in a 300 gsm pocket sleeve with 2 inserts and download code. (La Vida Es Un Mus #143)

NO FAITH - Force Subservience LP with download code
Members of DISCORDANCE AXIS, DEMON BROTHER and VACCINE combine forces on 'Forced Subservience', a constant hammering heart of power violence bursting from inside a wall of harsh power electronics. An unstoppable mix of fury, vitriol, sound and scum for the modern era of world failure. This LP, their second, primarily serves to expose the corruption of war and the abuses of authority society has come to accept as commonplace. Its a sad state of affairs today. The alarms are sounding... Recorded, mixed and mastered by Will Killingsworth. (Iron Lung Records #94) DAUDYFLIN - Ofbeldi LP with download code
Absolutely furious Icelandic hardcore punk. And for you non-natives the title Ofbeldi translates to Violence which is a very appropriate description of the sounds you'll find here. Twisting dagger fuzz guitar, murder-chorused bass, brass knuckle beats and vocals that melt a body down like an acid bath. A real mean ear fucker. Touring the US in July 2017 so watch out for that!! (Iron Lung Records #96)

ELDER - Reflections of a Floating World LPx2/CD/tape cassette
Band members and friends Nick DiSalvo, Jack Donovan and Matt Couto already dismissed any last remains of stoner metal stereotypes on "Lore" (2015). Their current album, which was written following the long and acclaimed Lore tour in moments of intense creativity, is a journey into prog rock and psychedelic worlds. Six monumental songs, huge in sound, each of them their own cosmic expedition. What begins as driving mid-tempo rock filled with heavy guitar riffs repeatedly erupts into melodic tangents and clever variations. The high demands that DiSalvo places on his own songwriting seem to become more unfettered from minute to minute - as does the pleasure of listening to him. Guest musicians Michael Samos and Mike Risberg have added additional guitars, pedal steel and keyboards to the trio, making Elder's sound more voluminous than ever, and the influences found here range from 70s prog dinosaurs such as Yes, King Crimson or Pink Floyd to their kindred spirits in the European psychedelic and space rock scenes. And it is of course a cliché, but Elder bring their own organism to life from all these influences. Elder will tour Europe in July and August 2017, followed by a USA tour in the fall. (Armageddon Shop #10)

SALIGIA - The New Innocence 10"
Germany's Saligia features folks that have been pioneering the emoviolence sound from the beginning. Members of Republic of Dreams, Lentic Waters, Resurrectionists, Apoplexy Twist Orchestra, and many others bring you a new dose of swirling intense emo-violent chaos with powerful screamed vocals, meaningful and important lyrics, and enough Chaos is Me era Orchid influence to please us punks that want our emo foul and furious and intent on smashing all oppression. Fight back. (IFB Records #16)

NERVE GRIND - Years Of Shit 7"
This Los Angeles outfit knows that if you have the word grind in your band name, you've got to bring it. Not only do NERVE GRIND do just that, they are completely unapologetic about it. From the second the needle drops on their new 7" YEARS OF SHIT, things get straight to the point of the matter. A raging symphony of blast beats and visceral dual vocal attack, accompanied by a barrage of mosh pit inducing riffing that will more than satisfy any and all grind fiends out there. And, is a perfect blueprint for those new to the genre. With a production that is both crystal clear sonically, and captures the raw energy that makes NERVE GRIND a force to be reckoned with in today's scene, YEARS OF SHIT is a must have for any fan of true grindcore. (Agromosh Records #44)

KALEIDOSCOPE - Volume 3 LP
Kaleidoscope are a rare group, having continually evolved and expanded in form since their inception. Volume 3 marks the first Kaleidoscope release of 2017, a masterfully crafted follow-up to several cassette releases on their own D4MT Labs imprint and a 7" EP on Katorga Works. Since then, the three members of Kaleidoscope have taken up residency in a shared Brooklyn apartment and basement studio. In doing so, their collective spirit of creativity and resourcefulness has risen to an all-time high. The six tracks on Volume 3 serve as a testament to the group's unique and unwavering commitment to an original sound - one that is undoubtedly crafted with a well-refined taste for international punk and hardcore, but also embraces experimentation. Engineered entirely in the group's home studio and layered with original samples, overdubs, and guest instrumentation from an ensemble of friends. The end result is simple - a highly impressive production that commands repeat listening. (Feel It Records #11)

STIMULANT - s/t LP
The debut release from Brooklyn's newest grinding offensive from former members of Water Torture. A blistering onslaught of chemically induced paranoia and the resentment of a deranged mind trapped in the complex web of this corroding modern reality. When Water Torture abruptly and unceremoniously called an end to the band in 2015, members locked themselves away and set to work reconstructing this abomination, an accelerated beast that delves even deeper into the mania of their previous work of noise and emotional instability. (Nerve Altar Records #30)

DYSRHYTHMIA - Test of Submission LP
Sixth full length album from prominent long running instrumental prog wizards. Already going on a decade-plus career, Dysrhythmia were one of the first prominent bands to bring awareness to the instrumental progressive metal movement in America, setting new standards and helping to create a new movement within extreme metal all on their own. In more recent years, members have gained world wide recognition for their memberships in bands such as Gorgets, Krallice, Sabbath Assembly, Withered, Behold The Arctopus as well as bassist Colin Marston's renowned studio production skills in the metal scene. (Nerve Altar Records #5)

XXX - LPx2 compilation (Scene Support version with EDGE: PERSPECTIVES ON DRUG FREE CULTURE DVD)
The Scene Support version comes with spine wrap, insert and a bonus copy of the Edge: Perspectives on Drug Free Culture. For better or worse, some ideas are poisonous. Featuring: Monster X, Portraits of Past, Policy of 3, Groundwork, Pogrom, Threadbare, Shatter The Myth, Endeavor, None Left Standing, Trees Without Leaves, Prozac Memory, Via, Well Away, and Frail. The XXX compilation comes with a 24 page booklet, a full sized poster, and stickers. (Ebullition #24)

SAWPIT - 7" (Scene Support version)
Scene Support version has new limited cover. Limited to 30 copies. Sawpit was a melodic '90s hardcore band out of Japan. (Ebullition #35.5)

ORCHID - Dance Tonight!! 10" (Scene Support Version)
This special Scene Support version comes with a random bonus Ebullition LP compilation (either the Illiterate, Amnesia, or HeartattaCk compilation). Ten blasts of chaotic fury and emotive noise on a cute little 10". The Orchid sound is even more aggressive than on their 12", and anyone that enjoyed any of their previous releases will be floored by these songs. Tuneful, vicious, throbbing, and chaotic hardcore played with finesse, heartfelt energy, and a wee bit of arty pretense. On yellow and black 50/50 colored vinyl. (Ebullition #46)

BLASTING CONCEPT - Sloth Rocket LP (Scene Support 2016 version)
Influenced by Blast, SST, RKL, and Annihilation Time, Blasting Concept expertly melds '70s rock with early '80s SoCal hardcore. Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Ventura have a long history of this sort of ear damage... there is a reason that these cities produced RKL, Annihilation Time, Rat Pack, and Blasting Concept. The only odd thing is that Blasting Concept is releasing an LP on Ebullition Records, which doesn't normally release such rock influenced records, however, Jeff Capra, one of Blasting Concept's two guitarists, was also in Manumission which Ebullition released over 20 years ago. Jeff has actually been in a million hardcore bands over the last 25 years... Like It Or Not, Manumission, Holier Than Thou?, Become, Broken Needle, Embassy, Ochre, Surprise Vacation, and probably a few others as well. When guitarist Calvin (formerly of Bone Explosion) started Blasting Concept back in 2009 he was heavily influenced by Blast, but over the years the band has become more and more influenced by '70s rock while still retaining those original Blast influences. Blasting Concept has previously released an LP and a 7" on It's Alive, which are both sold out at this point. Blasting Concept is also featured in the June issue of Thrasher skate magazine! (Ebullition Records #61.5)

SPITBOY - Rasana 7" (Scene Support 2016 version)
While renovating Ebullition last year we found several hundred Spitboy 7" vinyl that we didn't know we had. These are part of the original pressing from the mid 1990s. We had to make new covers for them, but the vinyl itself is 20 years old! Spitboy was an amazing band from the San Francisco, CA area that consisted of four women. They played powerful political hardcore that was of course influenced by the fact that they were all women living in a male dominated world. "Rasana" was the first release featuring Dominique on bass. There are three tracks on this 7". Scene Support version comes with limited cover. (Ebullition Records #22)

JOHN HENRY WEST - Door Bolted Shut LP with CD (Scene Support 2016 version)
Scene Support version is hand numbered and includes a silk screened plastic dust sleeve, and a Scene Support spine wrap. In the works for what seems like an eternity, Ebullition finally brings the John Henry West discography into existence. John Henry West played 50 shows between the fall of 1992 and the late summer of 1993. Side A of the LP features the 4 tracks from their 7" on Gravity Records, and side B features their songs from the "3/12/93" compilation and "A History of Compassion and Justice?" compilation LP, as well as 2 previously unreleased songs. The bonus CD features the original 6 song demo, their final live show at the Gilman (7 tracks), and a live set that they played on WUSB Radio in July of 1993 (9 tracks). The LP comes with a CD sized booklet with lyrics and photos. John Henry West were members of other great bands such as Fuel, Navio Forge, Bread & Circuits, Sawhorse, Torches To Rome, Sixteen Bullets, End of The Line, and plenty more! (Ebullition Records #60)

(restock) ORCHID - Totality LP
The complete 1998 - 2002 singles collection finally available on LP! Twentyfour songs remastered from the original recordings, including the self-titled 7", five split releases, three compilation tracks and one unreleased song. Vinyl includes a 20 page, full color, 7" x 7" booklet, and download code. (Clean Plate Records #38)

(repress) ORCHID - Gatefold LP (red vinyl pressing)
The final recordings of Orchid. These nineteen tracks are probably the best songs that Orchid ever recorded. Their sound has been honed and defined, and the recording perfectly captures Orchid's diverse combination of arty sensibilities, heartfelt emotive song writing, Mohinder-esque drumming, frantic precision, controlled mayhem, and chaotic adrenaline. An excellent record that even surpasses their previous releases. Definitely Orchid's opus. The LP comes packaged in a gatefold sleeve. The various Orchid members have gone on to form Bucket Full of Teeth, the Wolves, Ampere, and the Panthers. (Ebullition #51)

BLASTING CONCEPT - Sloth Rocket LP
Influenced by Blast, SST, RKL, and Annihilation Time, Blasting Concept expertly melds '70s rock with early '80s SoCal hardcore. Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Ventura have a long history of this sort of ear damage... there is a reason that these cities produced RKL, Annihilation Time, Rat Pack, and Blasting Concept. The only odd thing is that Blasting Concept is releasing an LP on Ebullition Records, which doesn't normally release such rock influenced records, however, Jeff Capra, one of Blasting Concept's two guitarists, was also in Manumission which Ebullition released over 20 years ago. Jeff has actually been in a million hardcore bands over the last 25 years... Like It Or Not, Manumission, Holier Than Thou?, Become, Broken Needle, Embassy, Ochre, Surprise Vacation, and probably a few others as well. When guitarist Calvin (formerly of Bone Explosion) started Blasting Concept back in 2009 he was heavily influenced by Blast, but over the years the band has become more and more influenced by '70s rock while still retaining those original Blast influences. Blasting Concept has previously released an LP and a 7" on It's Alive, which are both sold out at this point. Blasting Concept is also featured in the June issue of Thrasher skate magazine! (Ebullition Records #61.5)

(discounted price) ECONOCHRIST - discography CDx2
Ebullition has decided to lower the price of this amazing discography CD in an attempt to get some more of these out into the world before the CD format disappears forever. A classic. And a great deal for a double CD that includes every single Econochrist song that was ever released! This double CD discography features forty-one Econochrist songs. It includes the Ruination LP, the Trained To Serve LP, the Skewed 7", the Another Victim 7", the It Runs Deep 7", as well as the songs from the Give Me Back comp LP, the Very Small World comp LPx2, the What Are You Pointing At? comp 10", and the songs from the split 7" that Econochrist did with The Detonators. (Ebullition Records #37 CD)

ORCHID - Dance Tonight!! 10" (black/yellow 50/50 vinyl)
Repressed! Ten blasts of chaotic fury and emotive noise on a cute little 10". The Orchid sound is even more aggressive than on their 12", and anyone that enjoyed any of their previous releases will be floored by these songs. Tuneful, vicious, throbbing, and chaotic hardcore played with finesse, heartfelt energy, and a wee bit of arty pretense. Repress of the Chaos is Me LP in the works as well. We went all out this time with each record being 50% black and 50% yellow (they were supposed to be 50/50 black/yellow, but the pressing plant did it wrong). (Ebullition #46)

JOHN HENRY WEST - Door Bolted Shut LP (comes with bonus CD)
Comes with a special spine wrap. In the works for what seems like an eternity, Ebullition finally brings the John Henry West discography into existence. John Henry West played 50 shows between the fall of 1992 and the late summer of 1993. Side A of the LP features the 4 tracks from their 7" on Gravity Records, and side B features their songs from the "3/12/93" compilation and "A History of Compassion and Justice?" compilation LP, as well as 2 previously unreleased songs. The bonus CD features the original 6 song demo, their final live show at the Gilman (7 tracks), and a live set that they played on WUSB Radio in July of 1993 (9 tracks). The LP comes with a CD sized booklet with lyrics and photos. John Henry West members also played in Fuel, Navio Forge, Bread & Circuits, Sawhorse, Torches To Rome, Sixteen Bullets, End of The Line, Please Inform The Captain This Is a Hijack, and plenty more! (Ebullition Records #60)