Boston's Defeater have delivered all kinds of Hardcore Punk goodness
over the years. Over the Summer, they released their third full-length album
"Letters Home" via Bridge Nine Records. It's available for
streaming in it's entirety through the band's official Bandcamp!
The band just dropped their first music video in support of this album. In particular, it's for the opening track "Bastards". It's been a few months since I've listened to the album, but this song just hit me like it was the first listen again. Proof that there's power in the music. And the video itself does a competent job of supporting the music. Check it out.
"The Animated Tales of Gwar"... Yes, it's a real thing that just premiered on Funny or Die. The famed blood spraying metal band is now changing cartoons to gwartoons with the help of animators Myke Chillian and Tommy Meehan. Weird Al Yankovic even makes a cameo!
If this sounds like a good time to you, be sure to watch the first ever gwartoon down below! And stay tuned for more where that came from.
I'm glad to introduce you to one of the most unique and interesting hardcore punk acts you'll ever come across. Seditius is an eternally touring band coming out of the north of Italy with a strong DIY ethic, capable of putting together hardcore punk elements with rock n roll, blues and a jazzy attitude... They put in pretty much everything they want to, defining themselves as “blues inspired violent hardcore rock with heart and soul”.
With a barely countable amount of shows around Europe on their backs (you can check the full list on their Facebook page), they're still hungry and ready for more. And if you want to give 'em a deeper listen, you'll be glad to hear that ALL of their releases are available for a free download on their Bandcamp! Go grab all of them and discover this sick band. Enjoy!
Another week. Another batch of three releases for you to blast! Also be sure to check the new music from Vildhjarta, Warbringer, Skeletonwitch, Sepultura, Russian Circles, Kataklysm, Sirens & Sailors, and DETHKLOK!
Protest the Hero’s extremely highly anticipated 4th studio album “Volition” has finally been released! This is damn near certain to be among the best albums of 2013. Not to mention the extreme success of the crowd funding campaign behind it. Get with it or get lost.
After much hype and promotion, Toxic Holocaust's "Chemistry of Consciousness" has finally hit store shelves. Prepare your earholes for the thrash headed their way after you click play. This is quality through in through. Released through Relapse Records. Stream the full album below!
It's official. ERRA has returned! Their new album "Augment" was released today via Tragic Hero Records and it's absolute madness. If you're looking for some well-conceived, forward thinking modern metalcore, look no further. This band is the cream of the crop. Grab the album and much more right here!
Well... here's one I didn't see coming. The Death Metal legends in Exhumed will be teaming up with the quickly upcoming crossover project Iron Reagan (Municipal Waste, ex-Darkest Hour) for a split release. It will be launched as a 12" through Tankcrimes on January 7th, 2014. Seems appropriate as the bands will also be touring together very soon.
Here's the damage...
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01 – Iron Reagan – “Life Beater”
02 – Iron Reagan – “Gave Up On Giving A Fuck”
03 – Iron Reagan – “Mini Lights”
04 – Iron Reagan – “Holy Water Makes Me Wet”
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While you're waiting for the madness to come, listen to recent tracks from both bands down below \m/
Heavy metal owes much to the 1980's hardcore scene, both in musical style and live performance. Bands such as Minor threat and Dead Kennedys were a huge influence on the developing thrash metal scene. Thanks to the influence of hardcore punk shows, many fans in the heavy metal community started moshing at metal concerts, changing the live experience forever. So it's only natural for us on the site to recognize one of the most unique hardcore punk bands of that era in this weeks throwback segment: Bad Brains.
Forming in Washington D.C. in the late 70's, Bad Brains concocted an interesting style of punk music that would go on to influence countless bands in the next couple of decades. They're often referred to as one of the pioneers of hardcore, which is a valid statement, but they adopted so many varying influences that it's almost impossible to classify them as anything other than BAD ASS. The varying influences were demonstrated on their self-titled debut in 1982. Not only was "Bad Brains" very hardcore in sound, but it was easily the fastest hardcore release up to that point. Another thing that made it stand out from the rest of the scene were the guitar solos. Yes, punk bands have soloed before, but not with the same level of skill and technicality as demonstrated on the album's first track, "Sailin' On" (Listen below).
Probably one of the coolest aspects of this band comes from the fact that the members are true followers of the Rastafarian movement. Needless to say, because of this there is a strong reggae influence in the sound. Their first release demonstrated this largely in individual tracks such as "Leaving Babylon" and "I Luv I Jah", but by the time the album "I Against I" was released, the reggae was fully integrated into their sound. Many alternative bands of 1990's have used these Bad Brains albums as a template for their own fusions of rock and reggae (whether they succeeded or not is clearly subjective). H.R. has some of the most unique vocals I've ever heard. It's difficult to describe his style so just check out the tracks below, and form your own opinion.
On a final note, next time one of your stoner friends is in your car, and asks you to play Sublime, just play Bad Brains instead.
This band is a trip into insanity of sorts. Coming out of Brooklyn, Psychic Limb provide an amalgamation of old school Hardcore and Punk with some Grindcore elements to boot. It comes out being heavy and chaotic. Truly some mosh worthy material.
They recently dropped a new album "Jamaica" which acts as a catalyst for the description of above. This is a quick, ripper of a record. In fact, staying true to their grindy side, the longest song is one minute and three seconds while the shortest is a mere thirty three seconds. All of the above are fast, furious, and relentless.
What's more? Psychic Limb are giving you a trip to "Jamaica" for the price of your choosing! Head over to their official Bandcamp and take advantage of this offer while you still can.
On September 4th, the leading news source for Southern California's entertainment, The L.A. Times, embraced the Los Angeles music experimentalists in LetLive as a more than viable band of musicians who are set to take the punk scene in a new direction of "ferocious imagination." The Pop & Hiss section of The Music Blog hailed LetLive as their nominee for the act "who will lead the charge for sonically ambitious punk rock." Strong words for a impressive set of guys who are indeed making a positive mark on the music community with their unique sound and aggressive on-stage performances.
Every generation seems to have a band or scene that best exemplifies the youth's culture, attitude, and overall interpretation of the world. For Generation X, that band is Suicidal Tendencies. In 1983, Suicidal Tendencies made a name for themselves with the release of their self-titled debut. From the very first song on the album you could tell that this was a band with a message, and that message being "we're the youth; we're lost, misunderstood, and pissed off". Vocalist Mike Muir (Cyco Miko) more or less vents throughout this album, ranting about everything from his disgust towards politicians to being misunderstood by parents and other authority figures. In many songs this is done with either a sense of humor or hysteria, as if he is summarizing the various feelings associated with being of misled youth.
Although, it isn't just lyrical content that makes Suicidal Tendencies stand out from the herd. Muir was also backed up by a talented group of musicians that were able to craft a unique sound. The debut was largely a hardcore punk album, but unlike most hardcore bands of the era these guys demonstrated more than just "functional" musicianship. The guitar work tended to stand out the most with many of the riffs bearing resemblance to early surf rock. The musicianship only improved with future releases such as "Join the Army" (1987), "How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today" (1988), and of course, "Lights...Camera...Revolution!" (1990). These albums showed the band adopting more thrash metal influences and they remain classic records for the crossover thrash movement. And speaking personally, "Lights...Camera...Revolution!" is one of the few albums that receives a perfect 10/10 in my book.
Roughly 30 years after the inception of the band, Mike Muir remains the only original member. Yet, he has recruited extremely talented musicians and, as many of you already know, they released the album "13" earlier this year. This well executed effort just goes to show that there is still a future for the legendary band and that there may be more Suicidal Tendencies down the road in which we can look forward to.
Boston's Defeater have delivered all kinds of Hardcore Punk goodness over the years. They just released their third full-length album "Letters Home" this Tuesday via Bridge Nine Records. It's available for streaming in it's entirety through the band's official Bandcamp and down below! If you enjoy what you hear, be sure to support the music! Great stuff.
Honestly, how often do you see women in Grindcore? Words cannot express how awesome and relentess Mel Mongeon of Fuck The Facts is. She brings serious energy and ferocity both in the studio and on the stage. So damn metal \m/
This band has been cranking out insane, experimental grindy goodness since the 90's. Most recently they came out with a new EP titled “Amer”. The band’s eclectic mix of grind/punk/metal is pretty vicious. They pummel and groove, tearing your hearing apparatus in two (in a good way).
Experience the madness below and pick up the music at their Official Store or on Bandcamp!
Another Tuesday, another batch of releases in the music world.
A Pale Horse Named Death release their second album, titled “Lay My Soul To Waste.” The sludgy, grungey metal project of two former Type O Negative drummers is beginning to make some waves in the metal community with the two songs they’ve released so far, "The Needle in You" and "Shallow Grave”. “Lay My Soul To Waste” is available via Steamhammer/SPV. Pick it up if you’re interested in what you hear below, this should be a good album.
Metalcore / post-hardcore band Death of an Era release their EP “The Great Commonwealth". The band, a 5 piece group from Columbus, is looking to escape “a wasteland of the same tired breakdowns and unoriginal riffing” with this release. I’m not sure if they’ve accomplished their goal but the EP is worth a listen if you are a fan of post-hardcore or metalcore. Check out their single "Shapeshifter" below.
Upcoming band “NK” or North Korea, featuring members of “Envy on the Coast” and “The Dillinger Escape Plan” are releasing their debut record “Nothing to be Gained Here” today. The music is anything but typical, featuring the rhythmic drumming of “Dillinger Escape Plan” drummer Billy Rymer (Two releases in two weeks. Not bad Billy. Not bad). “NK” is an odd band, kinda punkish. I dunno. Check it out if you wanna keep up with Rymer and his musical activity. Stream their new record here.
It looks like metalcore band Atreyu is gearing up for a one song comeback sometime soonish. The band has vowed to avoid the “major label BS” songwriting of some of their previous work and write a more punk rock based, scream laden, shredtastic one off song.
This is good news for people like me who always enjoyed the band’s earlier metalcore releases. When I was younger I respected this band a lot more but now that I’ve expanded my tastes and gotten into a lot more sophisticated and heavier I still find that I can appreciate the band’s work. Albums “Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses,” “The Curse” and “A Death-Grip on Yesterday” have some pretty solid tunes. Harsh vocalist Alex Varkatzas’ unique screaming style provides a lot of the allure for me along with the also unique songwriting style Atreyu possesses.
There’s no previews or snippets of music yet, this is only “thinking out loud” according to the band but it’s still exciting to hear that a band who moved towards mainstream rock and then broke up in 2011 is looking to make a comeback focused on sounding like their old material. You can find the announcements on the Atreyu facebook page, linked down below. Also, if by some miracle you haven’t heard any of Atreyu’s old material played somewhere, here are a few of my personal favorite songs. If you like Atreyu, get excited, we might get another track soon.
Decided to take a detour this Thursday with a band that is funny and controversial alike. GWAR are well known for their thrashy, punk infused sound and comedic, blood soaked approach. Posing as horror / sci-fi creatures from another plaent intent on conquering humanity, they pulverize eardrums with rolling heaviness and raunchy lyrics to sing along with.
These guys could easily fall under the category of shock rock with their outlandish themes and legendary, gorylive performances. Actually it's largely thanks to the live shows that GWAR are where they are now. Including everything from geysers of fake blood to fire dancing rituals and beyond, they provide some good fun. No matter what day you catch them on, it's quite the spectacle
GWAR have been going strong ever since 1984. They've officially released a total of twelve studio albums over the years and don't seem to be intent on slowing their roll anytime soon. More power to them!And more blood soaked shows to go!
Speak of the devil, you can go ahead and get a glimpse of a GWAR show down below along with two music videos. Great stuff \m/
American Standards and Your Young will be joining forces on a Hardcore Punk rampage of the southern United States up through Colorado and Nevada. These two Arizona bands bring serious energy through their music and seeing them raise hell together should be a treat. Check out the dates on the flyer below and enjoy some music from both bands.
DIRECTIONS TO ENTER
Go to this Facebook post: HERE
1. Like The Circle Pit on Facebook
2. Like American Standards on Facebook 3. Share the contest photo from our Facebook page and tag both The Circle Pit and American Standards in your post
BONUS 1. Like this photo for a second vote 2. Comment on this photo for a third vote
1st place American Standards "Still Life" album, custom AmStan guitar pick and one t-shirt, stickers, a pin, vinyl patch
2nd place Hope For The Hopeless compilation CD featuring 14 artists, stickers, and a pin 3rd Place An American Standards beer koozie!
CONTEST WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW AT 6PM!
Big shout out to Brandon Kellum, vocalist of American Standards for his support. Really cool guy. Not to be confused with the toilets, American Standards provides some great punk infused hardcore with a chaotic edge and they're looking to open an international storm of mosh pits! This Phoenix, Arizona based band recently dropped a new EP "Still Life" on the awesome We Are Triumphant Records and you can download it for free! Grab it on their Bandcamp (Get on that before the label re-releases it!). Even more recently, American Standards was signed to Victory Records and have a new full-length record coming next year! Keep your eyes and ears open for that one. International tours will be happening with American Standards and rumor has it they put on an awesome live show. In the mean time, be sure to check out the music videos below!
I don't think I'll ever forget seeing Gallows at Warped Tour a few years back. Thallbaker and I had heard about the band's crazy live show but seeing it was a much different experience. We entered the crowd and noticed there was a huge pit at the center of it. And in the middle of that huge pit was Frank Carter yelling out his vocals and moshing along as the surrounding rabid fans pushed, pulled, and yelled at his microphone. He stayed in the pit for the entire set, throwing down to his band still on the stage and demanding circle pits to surround his live fury.
Unfortunately, Frank has since left the band due to creative differences. Fortunately they found a great replacement in Wade MacNeil. This is essentially a Hardcore Punk band with some serious underground, raw tendencies. Hailing from Britain, they've risen to travel around the world, starting mosh pits everywhere they go. The band recently dropped their first record with Wade, the self-titled "Gallows". It's safe to say the band hasn't lost any of it's spark as they continue their hardcore punk domination. Listen to the tracks below and keep an eye out for what comes next from Gallows!
Boston's Defeater have delivered all kinds of Hardcore Punk goodness
over the years. Over the Summer, they released their third full-length album
"Letters Home" via Bridge Nine Records. It's available for
streaming in it's entirety through the band's official Bandcamp!
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