Long Island NY's STAND STILL have released a new single titled "Steps Ascending" which you can check out HERE. Stand Still photo by: Steve Levy. 

The band spent much of 2023 "in the studio perfecting new material" with "Steps Ascending" being our first peek at what they put together. No word yet on when a new full release will be out  with their label DAZE but for now this is what singer Gerry Windus had to say about the new songs' lyrics.

“These lyrics are inspired by Catholic guilt and the anxiety that can arise from questions left unanswered. Growing up in a religious household often leads to feeling as if everything is supposed to hold a deeper meaning. This track attempts to describe those feelings in the catchiest way possible.” 

Stand Still formed in 2020 and released their "A Practice In Patience" EP the following year. The band followed it up with their second EP, "In A Moment’s Notice" in 2022. You can check out an interview In Effect did with the band back in 2021 by clicking HERE. Stand Still is Gerry Windus (vocals), Steve Hallam (guitar), Bryan Natole (guitar), Mat Rienecker (bass) and Andre Valerio (drums).

Make sure to check out some newly minted releases starting off with NY's EXAMINE who have their 8 song "Declaration Of War" release available now for streaming and download. This is the follow up to their "Blessed" album which dropped in July of 2021. Leeway diehards should enjoy these new tunes. Click HERE to check out the new one from Examine. 

Next we have ALL DUE RESPECT who have their "DEMO 2" out now via streaming/download with FROM WITHIN RECORDS putting out a limited cassette version due out in late March. This 2 song/4 minute release features members of Restraining Order and is the follow up to their June 2021 demo. Click HERE for the cassette pre-order info.

STREET POWER out of Boston have signed on with TRIPLE B RECORDS and have a new 2 song promo out now which is the lead up to an LP due out later this year. Click HERE to check it out.

Last but not least make sure to check out CHECKMATE from Zutphen in The Netherlands. Their 6 song "Opposition" release is their first new release in almost 14 years with the band's history dating back to the early 00's. Click HERE to check Checkmate's latest.

NEW JAMS OUT NOW! 

SHARP TONGUES  “SHADOWS”

(LP DUE OUT MAY/JUNE ON NEW AGE RECORDS) 

LIFE’S QUESTION  “WHEN I MEET GOD”

(S/T EP OUT 4/19 ON FLATSPOT RECORDS) 

TAKE OFFENSE  “GREETINGS FROM BELOW”

(“T.O. TALITY” OUT 5/10 ON MNRK HEAVY) 

AWOL  “TEAR ‘EM TO BITS”

(LP OUT 4/26 ON FLATSPOT RECORDS) 

LOCKED DOWN  “CHANGED UP”

(STAND ALONE SINGLE VIA UPSTATE RECORDS) 

REVILER  “CALLOUSED TO DEVESTATION”

(LP OUT 2024 ON UPSTATE RECORDS) 

ROTTING MONARCHS  “MISERABLE FAILURE”

(STAND ALONE SINGLE FROM THESE YORK, UK PUNKS) 

NEW JAMS OUT NOW! 

PLANET ON A CHAIN  “COCALERO”

(“CULTURE OF DEATH” LP OUT 4/5/24 ON REVELATION)

HEAVYHEX  “YOU CAN’T STAY HERE”

(NEW LP OUT SPRING 2024 ON BRIDGE 9 RECORDS) 

BIG DEAL  “THANK YOU”

(“BEYOND REPAIR” LP OUT 2/23/24 ON HEROES & MARTYRS)

SIMULAKRA  “HEATHEN’S PRAYER”

(“REINCARNATION” EP OUT 3/15/24 ON DAZE)

SCARBORO  “NEW NORMAL”

(STAND ALONE SINGLE)

BITE THE HAND  “DAY OF PAIN”

(“BRUTAL BY DESIGN” EP OUT 3/8/24 ON BIG BITE RECORDS)

DOMAIN  “CORRODE”

(“LIFE’S COLD GRASP” LP OUT 3/8/24 ON DAZE)

SWEAT  “GIVE ME ACTION”

(“LOVE CHILD” LP OUT 3/15/24 ON VITRIOL RECORDS)

POISONED SEEDS  “BLAME THE WITCH”

(s/t LP OUT 3/1/24 ON WAR RECORDS)

WORST DOUBT  “IMMORTAL PAIN”

(s/t EP OUT 3/1/24 ON DAZE) 

SPACED  “RAT RACE”

(“THIS IS ALL WE EVER GET” OUT 3/22/24 ON REVELATION)

COMEBACK KID  “DISRUPTION”

(“TROUBLE” EP OUT 3/15/24 ON SHARP TONE RECORDS)

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM:

PLANET ON A CHAIN, HEAVYHEX, COMEBACK KID

QUICK HITS: 

Buffalo NY's SPACED have dropped a new single (and video) for the track "Landslide" while also announcing they have an upcoming 8 song release titled "This Is All We Ever Get" due out on March 22nd with REVELATION RECORDS. Spaced will head out on a North American tour starting February 11th supporting Militarie Gun, alongside Spiritual Cramp and Pool Kids with a UK headlining run in March also on tap. For this new release Spaced worked with Jay Zubricky (Mindforce, Terror) at GCR Audio in Buffalo, NY. Spaced knocked out recording "This Is All We Ever Get" over a few days in May 2023 and sent the album off for mastering with Will Killingsworth (Orchid) at Dead Air Studios. 12" vinyl, cassettes and other brand new Spaced merch are available for pre-order through Revelation Records. The band also had this to say about their new album...

"We’ve always had the intention of approaching hardcore with a traditional base—taking our influence from bands like The Rival Mob, Suicidal Tendencies, Gorilla Biscuits, and so many others—but adding textures and sounds that you might hear from bands like Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, The Cure, Swans, etc. This release is our most confident work yet, and we feel stronger in what we’re doing with every facet of the band. We want the riffs and vocals to hit and impact anyone who listens—whether you’re discussing the record or a live setting—while adding reverb, flange, and delay in sections to fulfill the ‘Spaced’ sound. We’re continually shaping what that means for us, and look forward to keep developing our sound in the hardcore space.” 

London's THE CHISEL are gearing up for the release of their new 16 song LP titled "What A F*cking Nightmare" due out on February 9th through PURE NOISE RECORDS. Ahead of the new album The Chisel have released a total of 4 teaser singles with 3 of them having accompanying music videos. The latest track to debut is "Bloodsucker" which can be viewed HERE. Previously released songs/videos off of the new album include "F*** 'Em" and "Cry Your Eyes Out" with "Those Days" also having a presence on You Tube which you can check out early. The band played NYC on January 26th with a trip to Baltimore's "Disturbin The Peace" shows scheduled for the same weekend with the majority of February and early March booked tight with shows across the UK and Europe. For more info on The Chisel make sure to check out our August 2023 interview with lead singer Cal Graham. Pre-orders for "What A F*cking Nightmare" can be found at Pure Noise Records.

Back on January 11th IGNITE released a new song (and video) for "Done Digging The Grave" which features Andrew Neufeld from Comeback Kid. Check out the video HERE. Next up for Ignite is a 5 date Australian tour starting February 21st followed by solo dates in New Zealand and Indonesia (February 27th & March 1st). A 17 date UK/EU tour follows that run and starts in Essen, Germany on March 14th. Click HERE to stay locked in on Ignite happenings.

Make sure to check out UMG (Un Mal Golpe), a new hardcore band out of Puerto Rico who recently released their first studio track titled "Las Redes Te Enredan". To date UMG have been together for 3 years and their plan is to release another 3 songs in the near future with their first live shows planned for the first half of 2024. Click HERE for links to their lone track and more.

Manchester UK's BRUISE CONTROL have hit us with a new song titled "No More". Bruise Control's debut album "Useless For Something" was released last April on TNS RECORDS. For now this is just a stand-alone single with their next album scheduled for late 2024. 

After previously releasing 2 EP's South Florida's DOMAIN are getting ready to release their debut full length ("Life's Cold Grasp") this spring with DAZE. To give us a little tease as to what lies ahead the band dropped a new single titled "Spores Of Industry" which features Tyler Mullen from Scarab on guest vocals. Click HERE to check it out and stay dialed in to DAZE to get updates on a release date.

Washington DC’s SUPREME COMMANDER are back after a four year hiatus. The band just played their first show of the year supporting Walk the Plank’s record release show in DC. This show also marked the debut of the band’s new drummer Sean Saley (ex. Pentagram, The Skull, Teamster.) It’s been a busy start to the year for the band, with lots more to come. They just recorded a track for an upcoming covers compilation and are demoing new songs in preparation for a new EP release this year. Catch Supreme Commander in Baltimore on 2/18 with Boston legends COA, along with Boston’s Street Power and brand new DCHC band Backlash. You can travel down memory lane with Supreme Commander by checking out our June 2014 interview with their guitarist Dan Cohen by clicking HERE. 

NEW JAMS OUT NOW! 

BAYWAY  “STRETCHIN’ THA TRUTH”

("WORLD OF BAYWAY II" OUT 10/27/23 ON DAZE & RTF)

SHARP TONGUES  “INTO THE NIGHT”

(POWERFUL STAND ALONE SINGLE OUT OF SWEDEN!)

LAST GASP  “SEIZURE THE DAY” 

("WHO WANTS TO DIE TONIGHT" LP OUT 10/31/23

ON WAR RECORDS)

PAINT IT BLACK “DOMINION”  

("FAMINE" LP OUT 11/3/23  ON REVELATION RECORDS)

CALLING HOURS  “CURTAIN CALL” 

("SAY LESS" LP OUT 11/10/23 ON REVELATION RECORDS)

DEFRAUDED  “THE CHOICE” 

(FLORIDA PUNK ROCK. 5 SONG DEMO COMING SOON!)

   <<<<< RETRO IN EFFECT ART BY MARK CATALINA

Make sure to check out the new single from OPPRESSOR from Bacolod City in the Philippines. The new single that they released in late August is titled "Passion Is The Reason" and will be on their upcoming album due out in January. Oppressor first came to our attention when they played with NY's Roll Call while they toured Southeast Asia this past February. Oppressor have been together since the early 2000's with their last release coming in 2015. The band has been on a hiatus since their guitarist passed away and are now set to relaunch starting with the recently released single. Click HERE to check it out.

SCOWL have teamed up with "synthwave trio" Nuovo Testamento for a remix of "Pyschic Dance Routine"; the title track to Scowl's latest EP that came out this past April on Flatspot.

On collaborating with Nuovo Testamento, Scowl's Kat Moss states:

“Working with Nuevo Testamento on remixing "Psychic Dance Routine" started out as a dreamlike possibility for us! We are huge fans of 80’s influenced dance music and NT is the top of our list of artists crushing the style. We are ecstatic that NT agreed to work with us and that they are equally as excited. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the track reimagined and hopefully dance along.”

Nuovo Testamento adds on approaching the remix:

“Some of us have deep roots in hardcore so we were excited for the chance to play with "Psychic Dance Routine" and make it disco. We wanted to honor the song's standout riff and Kat's unique presence while making it a full-throttle club track, which was a lot of fun. We're fans of Scowl and are thrilled to share this, we had a blast working with them.”

Click HERE to listen to the Nuevo Testamento remix of "Pyschic Dance Routine".

NY's FIRE IS MURDER have a new 2 song single out now featuring the tracks "Intro/Act Of Unrest" and the title track "Victory Of The Saints". This is Fire Is Murder's second release of 2023 with a 5 song self-titled EP having already been released this past February. You can catch Fire Is Murder in NY this upcoming weekend with shows at Pier 62 Skatepark in Manhattan on Saturday 9/16 and on Sunday 9/17 at St. Vitus in Brooklyn. Click HERE to check out the latest Fire Is Murder music. 

In our last update we told you about the new BROKEN VOW album due out on September 29th titled "Anthropocene" and their single for the track "1.5". The band has now released a second single for this new album in a track titled "Reversal" which can be heard HERE with pre-orders (CD's & 12" vinyl) for "Anthropocene" available through Triple B Records.

Long Island NY's THE ICE COLD KILLERS have a new stand-alone single out for the track "Damage Control". Click HERE for various streaming options.

New York's END OF HOPE have a new live EP titled "Alive IV" due out on September 15th. The single "Nobody Cares About Your Band" from the new EP can be heard by clicking HERE. End Of Hope are comprised of members from several well-known New York City acts including Kraut, Netherlands, Clothesline, and Eternal Black. “Alive IV” was recorded live at Strange Brew in Norwich, CT on March 25th. The show was captured on audio by Andy Stackpole who has done live sound for everyone from the Bad Brains to Snoop Dogg & Whiz Khalifa with Tony Reed of Mos Generator doing the mixing and mastering of the recordings. The 7 song release can also be pre-ordered digitally at the link above. 

QUICK HITS: 

New England-based band BROKEN VOW will be releasing their debut 9 song full length titled "Anthropocene" on September 29th through TRIPLE B RECORDS. A few weeks back the band released a new single titled "1.5" which is centered around the album’s environmental and socially charged themes.

Diving into the lyrics on “1.5,” vocalist Tommy Harte states:

"Every year we lose 1.5% of wild nature to development, extinction, and general human intervention. This song is about the objective truth that humanity is squandering the privilege of the earth. This is not our dominion, and if we wish to survive we must exist in harmony with the earth and cease to view it as a foe to conquer.”

On "Anthropocene", everything the band does is bigger, heavier, and more determined. To achieve the fuller sound, the band worked with Chaz at The Spot in New Haven, CT for recording and mixing, and it was mastered by Will Killingsworth (Orchid) at Dead Air Studios in Amherst, MA. Capturing the wild energy of their live show, the nine songs on the record are built around metallic riffs and an explosive vocal delivery. Taking influence from bands like Strife, xRepentancex, and Hopesfall, they’ve created an array of absolutely crushing moments met with melodic solace. Lyrically, the album is meant to be inspiring and a testament to the bands Broken Vow grew up on.

UNTERWELT BOOKS will be releasing "A Roadies Tale" by GORILLA BISCUITS frontman Anthony "Civ" Civorelli. This 164 page book covers Civ's trek across the USA back in 1987 as a roadie for Youth Of Today on their "Break Down The Walls" tour. The book (which is due out in September) is full of pictures, flyers and much more, along with Civ’s unique storytelling and memories based on a diary he kept during the tour. Civ will be making an in store appearance at Generation Records on September 10th. The 3pm appearance will include book signings and a Q/A session. This is an RSVP event. Click HERE for more details. Generation Records is located at: 210 Thompson Street in NYC. Click HERE to pre-order the book through Unterwelt.

Sticking with the YOUTH OF TODAY/YOUTH CREW theme RAY CAPPO (a.k.a. Raghunath Das); frontman of Youth Of Today will be releasing a book titled "From Punk To Monk, A Memoir" due out on April 9th of next year. The 368 page book comes with the following description...

"Ray Cappo was a hardcore punk musician and pioneer of the straight edge movement living on the Lower East Side of New York City in the 80s, where his band Youth Of Today guided thousands of fans toward clean living. Despite this success, Ray struggled with one burning question: How do we find lasting happiness in a temporary world? This question, along with his father’s untimely death, led him to abruptly quit the band and buy a one-way ticket to India in search of peace, love, and the answers to life’s great mysteries. Living among monks in the sacred city of Vrindavan, Ray embraced the rich, spiritual culture he discovered there. Radically transformed, he returned to the US, where he founded the band Shelter, devoted to spreading a message of hope. Told with warmth, candor, and humor, this heartfelt memoir chronicles Ray’s journey from punk to monk and beyond".

Published by Mandala Publishing and distributed through Simon & Schuster, this book can be pre-ordered through Amazon, Barnes And Noble and numerous other outlets where books are sold.

CLASSICS VS CLASSICS VOL 5 is a new digital comp out now produced by Long Island's Jast Collum for 756 Productions. This comp that features 20 total songs is unique in that the 10 bands that are featured do 1 classic cover song "within their genre" and then 1 classic song "outside of their genre". Bands featured on this new comp are: THE MONKEYCHUNKS,  HEATSEEKER, HOSTILE INTENT, KULT LEADER, DEATHCYCLE, FENCEWALKER, JERRY EX, STAR HARBOR, THE GIVEUPS and T.O.Y.S.  An eclectic mix ensues with bands ranging from Sepultura, The Beatles, Sheer Terror, The Cure, Youth Of Today, Fleetwood Mac, The Bee Gees and many more. Click HERE for a variety of streaming/download options.

NY's SHUTDOWN continue to release singles to their upcoming 5 song "Still... Against All Odds" EP which will be officially released in whole on September 8th digitally with vinyl versions to follow on EQUAL VISION RECORDS. The band initially tried to re-release their "Against All Odds" album for its 25th anniversary but were blocked by Concord who acquired the old Victory Records catalog in 2019. "We Won't  Forget" (featuring Sick Of It All's Craig Setari) and "United" are the 2 latest tracks released which were re-recorded with producer Jerry Farley. In other Shutdown news the band will be playing with Gorilla Biscuits in Mexico City on October 7th. Click HERE to check out the latest tracks from Shutdown.

NEANDERTHAL SOCIETY and ONE SCENE RECORDS have teamed up to re-release "In Denial Of Our Impermanence" by Bay Area legends SECOND COMING. Released originally in 1999 on Breakout Records this album has been widely unavailable and out of print for the better part of two decades. Recently remastered by Brad Boatright (Audiosiege) and featuring reimagined artwork from Second Coming frontman - Joey Vela, this album is now available for the first time ever on limited colored vinyl, CD Digipack and cassette tape.

"Having originally formed in 1991 from the ashes of early Gilman street staples - Rabid Lassie and Breakaway, the band would help to light and carry the torch during the dark ages of Bay Area Hardcore, ultimately laying the groundwork and foundation for future generations throughout the 1990’s and beyond… Second Coming have long since been considered Bay Area Hardcore pioneers and influencers, having inspired countless other bands that followed them."

Check out "In Denial Of Our Impermanence" on Bandcamp or Spotify with pre-orders for vinyl, CD and cassettes available through NEANDERTHAL SOCIETY or ONE SCENE RECORDS.

Make sure to head on over to the freshly minted WINDOWS DOWN Bandcamp page which is "dedicated to posting rare and hard to find demos/records/live sets from every era of Long Island Hardcore". To date there are 5 releases to check out including the "2003 Demo" by THE REFORMATION, HEADS VS BREAKERS Live At CBGB's (2004), "Demo 2006" by AGENT, "Philthy Demo" (2007) by BASTARD CUT, and "Demo 2003" by CELEBRITY MURDERS. The members in some of the bands listed were at points also involved in bands like Milhouse, Indecision, Kill Your Idols, Silent Majority, Iron Chic and many more. Windows Down is the work of photographer Matt Viel who also has a new issue of his photo zine featuring 36 pages of his current work. Issue #2 is shown to the left. 

Click HERE to find out how to grab a copy.

Click HERE for the Windows Down Bandcamp. 

Norwegian punk rockers FREEDUMB are gearing up to release their 6th album "The Wasted Years" this November, and they're giving fans a taste of what's to come with their latest single, "Guilt Trip." The bands history dates back to 2003 and the songs on their new album date back to some 2011 recordings that initially ended up getting shelved. "The Wasted Years" will contain 9 songs with 5 sung in English and 4 in Norwegian. Click HERE to check out "Guilt Trip".

DOG EAT DOG will be releasing a new full length album titled "Free Radicals" on October 20th via METALVILLE RECORDS. The new album will contain 14 songs and "combine a variety of contemporary styles without denying their roots. The album surprises with a variety of tones, moods, dynamics, and tempos, accompanied by their never-fading energy and positive attitude." You can listen to the singles "Never Give In" and "Lit Up" by clicking HERE. The band has also announced a European tour with KINGS NEVER DIE and GROOVE STREET that kicks off October 27th in Copenhagen and runs through November 19th in Koln, Germany. 

VALUES HERE are a new band led by Barcelona-based vocalist Chui and legendary guitarist John Porcelly (Youth Of Today, Shelter, Judge). Earlier this month the band shared the first single from their upcoming album in "Will Be Tomorrow" which came with an accompanying music video. Now comes the second single and video for the track “Do You Know Why?" Both singles appear on "Take Your Time, I’ll Be Waiting", the bands 13 song debut album which is set for release on September 22nd on END HITS RECORDS. 

On writing “Do You Know Why?” Chui states:

"I've been playing in punk and hardcore bands since I was 15, and I tried everything to be successful with it. I worked my ass off but it just didn’t get anywhere. In the end I felt so exhausted that I thought about giving up, I kept singing different styles of music but didn't play in a band for a few years and I really missed that a lot, I love singing and dancing to pop music too, but it wasn't the same. In that moment when i wasn't looking for nothing this opportunity for Values Here came up. It was like a gift from the universe. This made me realize that sometimes we want to force things to happen, to control everything in our lives but life doesn’t always work that way. Like the lyrics say, ‘Destiny has its own rules,’ and ‘Flow and you'll find."

Values Here has been a long time in the making, with Chui and Porcell first meeting years ago at a Shelter show in Chui’s hometown of Barcelona, Spain. A somewhat-joking conversation of the two forming a band ensued and Chui continued to follow-up with Porcell on social media until one day during the pandemic, he decided to send her some unused demos and she came back the next day with “Will Be Tomorrow,” complete with several vocal tracks and harmonies. From there the pair spent a year writing songs and narrowed it down to what would eventually become the thirteen tracks on "Take Your Time, I’ll Be Waiting".

The album itself is optimistic and hopeful, keeping forth a positive mental attitude mindset. With production by Tom Soares (Judge, Shelter) and mastering by Dave Kutch (Billie Eilish, The Weeknd), the band, rounded out by by bassist Tim Brooks (Bold) and drummer Vinny Panza, were able to create a dynamic sound with songs that would fit on the radio as much as they would connect with jumping around in a mosh pit. There are tracks with straight up classic New York Hardcore influence like the aptly titled “Bring Me The PMA” and ones that venture into pop rock territory such as “We Get Stronger.” 

Click HERE to check out the new music video for "Do You Know Why?".

Pre-orders for the new Values Here album can be found HERE.

Vermont's THE PATH have been releasing new tracks off of their upcoming 12 song full length titled "Prison Planet" leading up to it's official August 1st release date on STATE OF MIND RECORDINGS. You can preview 5 of the new tracks (with over 10 minutes of music) by clicking HERE. In addition to the cassette version (which will be released by California's NO TIME RECORDS) there will be 12" cog shaped and circular vinyl released by State Of Mind.

Recording for "Prison Planet" was done with Will Hirst of Restraining Order at Gate 4 Studios in West Springfield, MA in April of 2022. "Prison Planet" is The Path's second full length album following "Chaotic Good" which was released in August of 2019. A split cassette release with Controlled Substance was released this past February. With the new album being a concept album the band had this to add;

“Prison Planet” is a story about the future, a future where humans have expanded throughout the galaxy, constructing cities across the stars while the Earth continues to deteriorate. On Earth, we have discovered innovative methods to endure. The deserts have flourished, engulfing the once-lush forests. The majority of the population resides in work camps, equipped with various levels of defensive capabilities, where they labor under supposedly “safe” conditions, mining for the collective effort. How do we measure success? How do we reconcile our actions with the outcomes we have achieved? Will we ever reach a consensus on our aspirations? While we cannot provide solutions to all the world’s problems, we can offer you a story featuring Spiderbears". 

MAGNITUDE PHOTO BY: KAYLA GUILLIAMS

BERTHOLD CITY have shared a new track titled "Until I Fade Away" which is off their upcoming "A Moment In Time" release which consists of 3 new songs, both off their previously released (and out of print) 7"s, 2 covers (Circle Jerks & Insted) and a previously released compilation track. Look for "A Moment In Time" on WAR RECORDS on August 25th with pre-orders available HERE. The three new tracks ("Until I Fade Away", "BC Stomp" and "The Line Divides" are all from the same sessions as their debut LP that was released last year.

"With A Moment in Time, Berthold City once again proves themselves as one of the most formidable forces in the Los Angeles hardcore scene. This record showcases the band's growth as well as their unrelenting passion for hardcore music. With aggressive riffs, thunderous drums, and thought-provoking lyrics, Berthold City unleashes a sonic assault that demands attention". 

HOLD MY OWN. PHOTO BY: HEATHER VAUGHT

QUICK HITS: 

Long Island, NY’s PAIN OF TRUTH will be releasing their debut 11 song full-length titled “Not Through Blood” on September 8th through DAZE. “Actin’ Up” is the first single off the new album and can be heard HERE. This first single features guest vocals from Steve Buhl from death metal band 200 Stab Wounds who is just one of 13 guest vocalists on the new album that also includes Freddy Cricien of Madball, Scott Vogel of Terror, Justice Tripp of Trapped Under Ice, Vinnie Caruana of The Movielife, Jay Peta of Mindforce, and Brendan Garrone of Incendiary. “Not Through Blood” was recorded and mixed by Andy Nelson at Bricktop Studio in Chicago, IL and mastered by Bill Henderson at Azimuth Recordings. It is available for vinyl pre-order now through DAZE. Pain Of Truth are currently on tour in Europe with No Pressure, Sunami, Restraining Order and C4 through July 9th where things wrap up at Belgium’s Ieper Fest. Pain Of Truth will be in Los Angeles the weekend of July 29th/30th for Sound & Fury as well as Philadelphia on August 6th where they will appear at the This Is Hardcore Fest. 

RESTRAINING ORDER 2023: PHOTO BY: DARREN NANOS

RESTRAINING ORDER have a new single out for the song "Misled" which will be on their upcoming 12 song album titled "Locked In Time" due out on July 21st through Triple B Records. The new track comes with an accompanying music video which can be seen HERE. Speaking on "Misled", vocalist Patrick Cozens states:

“I don’t have all the answers to why and how I act the way I do. It’s unexplainable. Many sleepless nights have been spent with nothing but curiosity for an answer. It’s something we all do and it’s alright. You never stop learning about yourself. Every day we find out something new but at the same time can’t figure out why old habits continue.”

The writing and recording process for "Locked In Time" was expansive, beginning in fall 2019 and completed in late 2022 with drummer Will Hirst at the helm of recording and production. It allowed the band to focus on the nuances and build upon a diverse sonic palette. At the surface, "Locked In Time" is very much a hardcore record, but it also dabbles with garage, psychedelia and other classic rock influences. Melody and hooks lay alongside the speed and chaos. Ambitious song structures are highlighted by seamless transitions. It’s a record meant just as much to connect with as it is for dancing in the pit, which makes sense for a band on tour nearly nonstop.

Restraining Order are currently in Europe through July 8th alongside No Pressure, Sunami, Pain Of Truth and C4 which includes a number of festival appearances. After a short break Restraining Order will play The Rumble in Chicago (July 21st) and Sound and Fury in Los Angeles (July 29th weekend) and then meet up for an August run with Mindforce, Simulakra, and Scarab. The fall already has a Brooklyn, NY show with Gorilla Biscuits on September 9th, The Fest in Florida October 27th-29th), and Flyover Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma (November 17th-19th) on the docket with more to be announced.

“Locked In Time” is available for pre-order now through Triple B Records. 

CA' FURY have released a new song titled "Vie" which is written and dedicated to their late friend Riley Gale from Power Trip. All proceeds from the release will go to the Dallas Hope Charities in his name. We recently asked Fury's guitarist Madison for an update on the band... 

“I would say this song ("Vie") shouldn’t be seen as the direction the band is heading as it's just a one off. That being said we do have a lot of different material written and are in the process of narrowing down the exact direction of our 3rd LP. Everyone is extremely busy with their own lives and outlets however we are currently on a brief UK/Spain tour right now with our brothers in Narrow Head and will be playing Sound And Fury this year (Los Angeles, weekend of July 28/29th) as well with some weekends booked to finish out the year. No hard timeline but there will be a 3rd LP as well as a reissue of some older material”.

“Vie” will also be available as a flexi-7” limited to 500 copies through Triple B Records. They are available for pre-order HERE and expect to ship in late July/early August. 

CLICK HERE TO STREAM "VIE" BY FURY

NY's SHUTDOWN are back from a recent 10 date tour of Europe with One King Down  and No Turning Back. The band recently announced that they will have 2 releases coming out on Equal Vision Records. The first is called "Still... Against All Odds" which features 5 songs re-recorded (4 from the original "Against All Odds" album (1998) and one from their "Turning The Tide" CD (1995). The re-recorded material was brought about after the band attempted to re-issue "Against All Odds" for its 25th Anniversary but were blocked by Concord who acquired the old Victory Records catalog back in 2019. Just over a week ago "Decide" was released as a single for the re-recording with the remaining material set to be released first digitally this summer which will be then followed up with a limited run of limited edition vinyl. Click HERE to stream “Decide”. Following the reissue will be a new EP titled "By Your Side" which will have 6 brand new songs. Look for singles off of "By Your Side" to drop this fall with an estimated January/February 2024 release date for the full EP. Shutdown will be in Bogota Colombia this December as part of the 100% Bogota Hardcore Festival as well as a 1 off show in Puerto Rico in February. 

Early 1990's New York Hardcore/Death Metal pioneers CONFUSION have a discography titled "Storm The Walls: 1990-1994" out now on CD and all digital platforms via DAZE, with the vinyl version coming later this summer via NYC's own Generation Records. You can check out "Storm The Walls" digitally through Bandcamp and Spotify. Vinyl pressing information is as follows - 300 on black vinyl, 100 on half black/half white vinyl (Generation Records exclusive), 100 on white with black and gray splatter (Daze Records exclusive). Click HERE to order through DAZE or HERE to pre-order the Generation Records vinyl. 

UP IN THE LOCKER ROOM is a new podcast inspired by Crucial Chaos/ WFMU/Riptide Radio where bands come in and do a live set and get interviewed in host Darren Nanos’ mic'd up room in Long Island City, Queens. Recent guests include Junta, Wreckage, Firewalker, Wall Breaker, No Knock, and Roll Call. Click HERE for a bunch of ways to tune in to this new show that got started in March of 2022. 

New Jersey’s LESSER MINDS have a new 2 song promo out now featuring the tracks "Saved" and "The Trojan". Both tracks will soon be available on cassette through Ohio's Blind Rage Records. Click HERE to check out the new Lesser Minds.

CT’s ZIONS BLOOD recently released a cover of Leeway’s “Who’s To Blame” with all proceeds going towards the Go Fund Me page for Leeway frontman Eddie Sutton who has been going through a grueling bout with cancer. Zions Blood released their debut EP back in February, click HERE to give it a listen. 

QUICK HITS: 

DEAD HEAT have dropped the first single off of their upcoming 5 song EP titled “Endless Torment” which is due out on July 28th through TRIPLE B RECORDS. Click HERE to listen to the title track and HERE for pre-orders.

California’s FREEWILL will be releasing a split 7” with SPARK OF LIFE on NEW AGE RECORDS (release date TBD). Freewill who originally got their start back in 1987 have already released their tracks with a video for “The Weight” and a stream of “As We Sleep”. Freewill has an interesting story as told by their press info sent to us recently…

“Freewill is a southern California melodic punk band formed in 1987 when some friends came together to blend their love of DC hardcore (Dag Nasty/Embrace) and West Coast punk (7 Seconds/Descendents). The band's first show was opening for Agnostic Front and the Offspring in 1988. Around this time, the band was approached by Wishingwell Records and they started recording for their debut album. The record was engineered and produced by Bill Krodel (Dag Nasty, Inside Out, Chain of Strength). Soon after, Wishingwell Records dissolved without warning or much explanation and the record was never released. Shortly after that, the members were all involved in different music projects and going their own directions.

Fast forward to 2015, that record, titled “Sun Return”, was released on New Age Records 28 years after it was recorded. The original members reunited for a benefit show for their friend Jon Bunch (Sense Field) who had tragically passed. This reunion sparked a fire to write new music and they started playing shows again (w/ Dag Nasty, Samiam, Texas Is The Reason). The output of those writing sessions was a brand new album, “All This Time”, which was recorded by producer/engineer Paul Miner and released on Unity Worldwide Records in 2021. Since then the band has been playing shows and working on new material, teaming up with Paul Miner again for their two new songs on their forthcoming split with Spark Of Life, “The Weight” and “As We Sleep.”  Pre-order info can be found HERE. 

POWER OF FEAR

Over the past few weeks Pittsburgh’s POWER OF FEAR have released a few new singles ahead of their 9 song debut album titled “A Breed Apart” which is due out on June 30th through DAZE. The tracks “Eye To Eye”, “Tears Of Shame” and “Walk The Walk” can be heard HERE with pre-orders for their CD available HERE. 

Check out a new teaser video clip for the upcoming CONCRETE TIES EP titled “Unrecognizable” which is a split release between PATIENT ZERO RECORDS (12’ vinyl) and UPSTATE RECORDS (CD).  

"Concrete Ties blends fast-paced drumming with a guitar-centric thrash metal/beatdown vibe. Born out of Western Massachusetts this four piece brings together members from New York City, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. On vocals Leyla Eileen's fierce screams will inspire rage in all who dare to step foot on the floor. Old school trash metal riffs mixed with chunky palm mutes are sure to please any metal or hardcore fan. Features members of Full Blown Chaos, Blood Has Been Shed, and Fear Your Life. Vinyl is limited to 200 copies. Vinyl is pressed on Eco Mix, colors will vary." 

Click HERE for pre-orders through Patient Zero Records.

QUICK HITS:

London’s THE CHISEL are back with a new single and video for the track “Cry Your Eyes Out”. The band recently signed to Pure Noise Records who recently re-issued their debut album “Retaliation”. Recorded by John Atkinson and produced by Jonah Falco (Chubby & The Gang, High Vis, Fucked Up) the new single is a high energy blend of Oi! hooks and hardcore stomp that's sure to please fans of all things loud and catchy.

"The Chisel's sound is rooted in aggressive punk, but it's their ability to pack a melodic punch has allowed them to stand out from the pack. Vocalist Callum Graham discussed the new track, saying:
"'Cry Your Eyes Out' was written collectively in our old practice room and it was the first song we wrote after “Retaliation” had been released. Musically we wanted to try and build on the more expansive moments of “Retaliation”. The verses are driven by a simple old-school rock'n'roll style riff which then gives way to dual leads and multi-layered guitars in the chorus, creating a thick melodic sound. Some references we threw around at the time of writing were The Replacements, Ramones and Leatherface. Lyrically, it’s about treating the person you love with respect and never taking them for granted because it can all fall like a pack of cards at any moment.”

The band will also be taking their live show on the road this spring, performing with The Chats in the UK, Agnostic Front and GBH in the U.S. and several festival appearances in the summer. The UK portion kicked off in Manchester on May 19th and runs through the 27th before things switch to the U.S. on May 29th where they will make 2 appearances at Las Vegas’ Punk Rock Bowling. Their Southwest U.S. run continues through June 8th in Austin, TX with future dates spanning all the way into October. Stay locked in HERE for further details including info on their upcoming album which should be out later this year. 

“SPEED- S.E. ASIA HARDCORE” is a new 19 minute documentary centered around Australia’s Speed and their recent March tour of Southeast Asia that saw them play four intense shows with absolute raucous crowds. The band kicked the tour off with Whispers in Thailand, before getting a quick lesson on the history of hardcore in Singapore. Band members and brothers Jem and Aaron connect with their roots in Malaysia, and the tour concludes with a chaotic carpark show in Indonesia. Despite the language barriers and cultural differences, hardcore in the region is truly alive and spin-kicking and Speed showcase the connectivity of the scene on a worldwide scale.

The documentary was produced by Darryl Carulli at 510Haven, and directed by Carulli and Speed, you can watch it HERE now. Speed will keep the momentum going as they are joined by Scowl and Sunami for an Australian tour in late May culminating at Back On The Map Festival. They’ll then head to Europe for the first time for headline shows, with Zulu on select dates, and a performance at Outbreak Festival alongside Denzel Curry, Trapped Under Ice, and more. Speed will wrap things up as they head to the United States for the third time for performances at Sound and Fury in Los Angeles and This Is Hardcore in Philadelphia. As usual, stay locked in HERE for all things Speed. 

Long Island’s KOYO have a new video/single for the song “You’re On The List (Minus One)” off of their upcoming “Would You Miss It” LP which is due out on September 29th on Pure Noise Records. Pre-orders for this 11 song LP/CD (and tons of new merch) can be found HERE. Koyo are currently on a 15 date U.S. tour alongside No Pressure, Illusion and Fleshwater. On June 22nd Koyo kicks off a 13 date UK/EU tour in Glasgow (again with Fleshwater) that runs through July 8th where things wrap up at the 2000 Trees Fest in Cheltenham, UK. 

Lynwood, CA’s MORE TO PRIDE and WAR RECORDS are teaming up to release the band’s new 2 song s/t EP on a very limited edition lathe cut 7”. This is More To Pride’s first new recording since their “This Is Life” release which came out in 2005. The new 7” was limited to just 50 copies so if you missed out make sure to check out the new songs digitally by clicking HERE. 

WAR RECORDS will also be releasing the new “Years Of Lead” album from Milwaukee’s WORLD I HATE due out on June 2nd. Initially formed at the end of 2018, World I Hate released their debut EP “Collapse” in 2020 and played their first show in 2021. The band performs a brand of hyper-competent, no frills hardcore that combines the best parts of the genre’s last 25 or so years into a potent and hard-hitting formula that’s nearly impossible to dislike. Two of the 11 new tracks (“Ghandi Trap” and “Safer In Jail”) are available to stream now by clicking HERE with 12” vinyl (and merch) pre-orders available HERE. 

Belgium’s CHAIN REACTION have released a new stand-alone single titled “Graceless” which was originally recorded for a compilation that never materialized. Their “Figurehead” EP from 2020 really caught our attention when it came out and led to an In Effect interview with their singer Bjorn and drummer Murph. Chain Reaction are currently writing for their next release which should start tracking in the fall and contain at least 6 brand new tracks. 

After numerous digital only releases that date back to the spring of 2018 NY’s CRAZY EDDIE are set to make their debut on vinyl when they release the 5 song “Eddie Puts Out A 7 Inch” on Rockin’ Rex Records. A limited run of 400 copies will be pressed on white vinyl with a release date still TBA in the coming weeks. Crazy Eddie’s next gig is on June 10th at The Meadows in Brooklyn, NY. The show will be headlined by Fahrenheit 451 with Enziguri and Overstand opening for guitarist Lenny Bednarz’ (F451/Crazy Eddie guitarist) 50th Birthday Bash. In the meantime you can check out “Eddie Ruins Fun”, Crazy Eddie’s last release by clicking HERE. 

CALLING HOURS who got their start in the summer of 2022 feature Popeye Vogelsang from Farside on vocals as well as Tom McGrath, Garrett Rothman, Jim Bedorf and Tony Bavaria all from the band Don’t Sleep. The band recently announced that they will be releasing their debut 7 song LP titled “Say Less” later this year on REVELATION RECORDS. The track “Curtain Call” can be sampled via a short promo-video that was recently put out by Rev. Click HERE to check it out. 

TOMAR CONTROL from Peru (who we recently found on the “Stronger Together, Women Of The Pit” compilation) have a new single out for the track “Secta” which will be on their upcoming EP titled “Incendiaria” due out on June 16th. Click HERE to listen to “Secta”. 

ANKLEBITER (who dub themselves as “Northeast Straight Edge”) have a new video/single out for the song “Pearl” which is off of their upcoming “To Live And Withstand” EP. The 7 song 7” is available for pre-order through Sunday Drive Records and is due out on May 27th. You can also check out their previous release which was their “Demo 2022” that came out last June by clicking HERE. 

NY’s THE CAR BOMB PARADE are currently promoting a “direct to vinyl live session” offer where you can choose one of their songs to be performed live and then pressed on to your own personal lathe cut 7”. The band has a list of their songs you can choose from (including 3 unreleased ones from a future release) and you can request a personal message to be delivered before they perform the song you select. Leesta Vall Sound Recordings in Brooklyn will host the band on June 3rd for this session. Click HERE to find out more. 

Released just a few days ago and coming to us all the way from Singapore is the debut 2 song demo from  MYSTIQUE who are heavily influenced by NYHC bands such as Cro-Mags, Dmize, The Icemen, and Dynamo.

"Mystique delivers an intense and authentic hardcore experience with the tracks "Masquerade" and "Face Your Fate”. Mystique showcases their passion, energy, and commitment to keeping the spirit of Lion City Hardcore alive".

Click HERE to check them out. 

BIG DEAL: PHOTO BY: KINKADE RUPERT

CRIME PAYS DEBUT NEW SINGLE "SLAVE" 

Long Island NY’s Crime Pays have released a new single titled “Slave” which is the first single from their upcoming sophomore EP “Lawless” which will be released this June. The band plans on releasing another single in May and have July 30th locked in for a hometown show with Become One and others.

Long Island, NY’s Crime Pays incorporates elements of punk hardcore, groove metal and hip-hop with a strong message against the globalist agenda. Displaying their talents from a street lifestyle kin to highly influential bands like Madball, Biohazard and Cold As Life. Fronted by the seminal 90’s LIHC vocalist Mike Rubino of Tension*, Crime Pays carries the torch of a pillar built on DIY, real recognize real and fuck you attitudes. While the world was coming to a state of lockdowns in March of 2020 the band decided to release their debut EP “Corruption At It’s Finest” that very week. A record that laid the groundwork of an exploration into the topics of the underworld, addiction, secret societies, elite agendas, suicide, mind control and other elements society likes to turn its eyes from. 2023 will see the band double down on these ideas when “Lawless” is released in June.  Click HERE to check out “Slave” on Spotify.