HAND “YOU, THE WORLD AND THE BAD NEWS” EP (RELEASED AUGUST, 2026)
Hand come to us from the COUNTRY of Georgia, not to be confused with the Southeastern US state that has brought us cool things like Foundation, The B-52’s, Method Of Doubt, and 2 and 2 hanging sliders from Mark Wohlers. For those also seeking a geography lesson within their hardcore music reviews we will tell you that Georgia is located just East of the Black Sea with Turkey and Armenia to its South and Russia to the North. Although considered to be located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe this is not a common tour stop for US bands when they do these weeks long summer tours of the EU and to be honest Hand is the first hardcore band I have ever encountered that comes from this country.
Spotify has me marked in some kinda way where they know the guy from In Effect Hardcore is always seeking new releases and the seemingly random discovery of “You, The World And The Bad News” actually came to me while flying somewhere over the Midwest in early August. Track one titled “True Colors” was that first exposure and I am sure some of you have had a similar experience where you stop what you are doing to either look at your cars display or your phones screen to say to yourself, “woah, who the fuck are these guys?” This track hit me like a brick to the face while reminding me of “Big Kiss Goodnight” era TUI with a deep groove, choppy drums and vocals that fit the style just right. “Keep Your Grip” is track two on the new EP and comes flying out of the gate with a much faster tempo before dropping in a crushing mosh just before the minute mark and as you may have guessed speeds back up again before more tempo changes pop up creating a really refreshing vibe by not sticking to the expected hardcore playbook. As this EP rolls along tracks like “State Property” showcase how Hand can be rough rugged and raw while also producing enough groove and mosh to make this a true “listen from start to finish” type of release. The production here is big and bass heavy and is exactly what these songs need. A noticeable trait throughout this 6 song/15 minute release is how the band does like to drop out an instrument mid-song while then building the tempo back up creating some hard-hitting moments. “Cutting Ties” drops the guitar for just a few seconds around the 1:13 mark while the bass takes the spotlight for a few seconds while “Face The Pain” does the opposite with the bass dropping out in a few spots before things make that eventual build back up. For anyone who has listened to hardcore music for any amount of time this is not some groundbreaking type of thing Hand is doing but it has to be noted that they are quite proficient at putting together songs that are not cookie cutter type hardcore and it is appreciated from this music lovers standpoint. “Move” closes out this EP with another mid-paced groove type of track and I think that is where Hand are most comfortable from a song writing standpoint. Although the faster tempo in the opening moments of “Keep Your Grip” made the hair on the back of my neck stand up this band seems more in their lane creating this type of hardcore. If you are a fan of bands like Terror, Vile Mind, Backtrack and Merauder, then Tbilisi, Georgia’s Hand are probably right up your alley. This band appears to be pretty new with IG posts that only go back to October of 2025 yet this is their second release of 2026 with an EP titled “Five Songs About Pleasure And Pain” having dropped in January. Add on to that the fact that in August they were playing shows in China and have an upcoming Southeast Asian run set up for late October. Pull out a map and you will see these are no small potatoes runs with the distance between Hand and Hong Kong being over 4000 miles. Hand, we salute your dedication to the core and hope to be hearing more about you in the near future… An absolute must listen 2026 release and its title once again is “You, The World And The Bad News”… Click HERE for various streaming outlets where you can check it out.
-CW
TRASHxSTRIKE “CORE VALUES” EP (Released August, 2026)
TrashxStrike are a straight edge hardcore band from South Philadelphia. Formed in 2025, the band name came about as a result of the Philadelphia sanitation strike that took place on July 1, 2025. Not only did the band create a unique name, but Joe, the band’s guitarist, has taken the DIY approach with the band’s first record, doing the vinyl press himself and acting as their own record label. Their efforts pay off big with their debut, “Core Values”. The EP dishes out seven tracks of rampaging energy guaranteed to impress even the toughest critics When the opening track “The Truth Is Not Out There” kicks things off, it is reminiscent of lighting a powder keg, stepping back and waiting for it to go off. And go off it does. The band decimates its listeners with songs about political issues, government corruption and inequality, from a straight edge point of view.
What you have here are four guys who love and believe in the music they play and it shows throughout this first record. Jake’s gritty, explosive vocals are the gas pedal that drives the album. “Outrage/Waste Of Life” is just one of many tracks which demonstrate his imposing and forceful vocal style, making the listener feel the rage pouring out of him. Joe’s guitar playing expresses a sense of urgency throughout the songs; lashing out with vigorous and compelling riffs to drive his point home. “Core Values” and “Mama, I’ll Never Leave You” highlight the dynamic guitar work generated in these two songs, but also is heard throughout the EP. Completing the total package is the rhythm section of Steve’s spirited bass playing, most notably on “The X” and “Defense Forces” and Tom’s rapid fire drumming. “Past Tense” and “The Truth Is Not Out There” exhibits his fast and furious playing style. I could not complete this review without mentioning the highlight song, “The X”. This should be the new anthem for the straight edge crowd, who stay true to the lifestyle. It’s a great representative of what this band is all about. Available to stream on Spotify, Apple and Bandcamp. Contact the band for vinyl options.
-Dave Cafferty
STATE POWER “HYPERSTITION” (Parasocial Records, Released August, 2026)
State Power fighting out of Utrecht, NL deliver their debut full length after two very well received EP’s, festival appearances and now continuing their rise with two excellently produced music videos that caught my attention while they were rolling out singles for “Hyperstition” in late June. Before you go any further check out the videos for “Schizoscene” and “The Sin Of Empathy” to see how they roped me in with essentially two high energy live setting videos done with a twist. Both of these videos made me want to hear more of what State Power could do and when they hit us off with the whole enchilada on August 28th I couldn’t help but think this is a band that is about to break out of their local bubble and make waves in the heavy music scene well beyond what they are currently used to.
State Power’s thrash infused style of hardcore walks a fine line between both genres while making me think of bands like Iron Reagan, Drain and Comeback Kid while their personal hairstyles deliver two mullets, a Metallica era Jason Newsted, and a Dave Grohl. (Their bassist apparently is still in search of his rock ‘n roll hair identity and we will be keeping an eye out for any future developments in this regard). Obviously the two songs that they made music videos for absolutely rip with “Schizoscene” dropping an absolute earworm of a chorus while “The Sin Of Empathy” builds up for almost half a minute before the highly addictive bounce of this track sends you into a head nodding trance. The keepers do not end there though as “Brain Bug” starts with a great 20 second build before that State Power formula kicks in while the first 30 seconds of “Spoils Of Empire” gallops along and eventually leads into more of that fast groove that they are so damn good at. The chorus on this one is another earworm that is hard to shake once you get infected. Track 7 titled “Gnaw” has more of a metallic bite than the rest of the album and eventually leads to a hazy type of guitar feel before Rosa Jonker from metallic hardcore band Curselifter (also out of Utrecht, NL) drops some evil ass guest vocals to keep us on our feet. “Parasitized” hits later in the festivities at track 9 of 10 with more thrashy riffs, a killer hook and a very Biohazardy breakdown just short of the 60 second mark. With their debut full-length State Power almost make it look easy with a sound and style that is easily absorbed and hard to forget with multiple examples lying within choruses strewed throughout this 10 song/24 minute effort. The musicianship as well as the well-suited production effort do not go unnoticed here as it is clear that a lot of behind the scenes work went into making this come off as good as it did. Click HERE for multiple ways to stream “Hyperstition” or HERE to cop vinyl or CD copies through the band’s own DIY label called Parasocial Records.
-CW
STRUT s/t (From Within Records, Released September, 2026)
If you are looking for your new underground hardcore band to get behind look no further than Strut. This 5 piece from the Orange County area is tearing shit up, playing festival shows with bands like the Cro Mags, Bleeding Through, and Strife just to name a few, and putting out 7 song banger albums like their new self-titled record (actually a cassette) on From Within Records from Florida. Strut brings it with no frills hardcore that strips down the music to the studs and delivers hyperactive blasts of pulse pounding mayhem layered with pretty amazing lyrics. Strut is not just trying to break the sound barrier by only playing faster than kids running out of school on the last day before summer vacation, they also throw in sick breakdowns and unique song structures.
The lyrics really stand out to me on this record. First off, they are for the most part intelligible (which is no easy task in this genre). Secondly, whoever is writing the words is really talented. There are plenty of gems on here but my personal favorite is “the temperature’s rising so get used to the fire”. Mostly the lyrics are centered around giving a big middle finger to wanna be scenesters and fair weather friends. The lyrics are straight forward with just enough artistry to make the message stand out. Musically, the song dynamics keep you on your toes and remind me of a mix between D.C.’s Battery and Orange County’s Insted. The abrupt tempo changes combined with the well-placed gang vocals and sick breakdowns (yes I said that twice to hammer home the point) make for a great band that is bound to be a household name in this renaissance of hardcore that has been building for the last 5 or 6 years. There are a ton of young amazing hardcore bands that are doing really amazing shit but Strut may be at the top of the class. Go check em out! Click HERE to stream this on Bandcamp or HERE to grab a cassette copy.
-Bob Moss
TERMINAL CRUSH FANZINE ISSUE #2 (Released Summer, 2026)
In today’s episode of “The Internet Ain’t As Bad As We Make It Out To Be” we have the latest issue of Terminal Crush Fanzine out of Hong Kong connecting with me in New York which is over 8000 miles away. Being a mark for most things zine related I started following their IG page recently and not too long after that they had a post pimping their new issue which had Method Of Doubt on the cover which pretty much closed the deal as I am a huge fan of this highly underrated band from various states in the Southeast US.
I dropped my $7.60 USD and waited patiently by my mailbox for a little over a week until it showed up. Still a little miffed at how I spent less than 8 bucks for a zine that came all the way from Asia but I’ll take it. That first impression of opening the envelope and skimming through the first couple of pages gave “good read awaits” vibes. 32 pages, crystal clear photos, nice sized print…. After reading the intro I went right for that Method Of Doubt interview and felt like Simon from TC Zine “gets” this band much like I do. Great questions that stretch across 6 total pages which I appreciated. Extra credit given here as well because the topic of Method Of Doubt dropping off what was supposed to be their final show came up. MOD are a great band and their lead singer Liam Quinn gives really good interviews, as is the case here. A band that I had never heard of before in Destiny was my next stop. They formed in 2019 in Singapore and play a melodic style of hardcore. Reading about their touring as far away as Sweden and the UK as well as their country’s mandatory national service for 18-20 year olds was interesting content. Feels Like Heaven were next for me, a band from Sweden… like Destiny their piece was 4 pages long and somehow managed to get 7 total photos in while still presenting them in a thorough way. Belgium is also represented with Feverchild… an emo/post-hardcore band and again the questions were on point.
The fact that I discovered 3 new names/bands/music was worth the $7.60 I dropped as I looked up each of one of their catalogs. Other non-interview pieces I checked out here included the Black Flag show review from May 25th in Hong Kong. Titled “An Evening With Greg Ginn”, editor Simon at one point asks “How many Black Flag covers does a man really need?” “In Praise Of Swiz” and a “Creator Spotlight” with Dance Ov Death’s Rachel Rann who does Spine Chillz Zine create content outside of the usual band interview realm and made for a good change of pace. I never read a zine in page order and this one was no different as I saved the “Record Write Ups” for last and was maybe a bit surprised to see so many releases that I knew and had covered myself. Overall, I was really impressed with this “random find”, how quickly it showed up and its overall excellent quality. In most cases DIY zines like Terminal Crush are only around 10 bucks including shipping. The feeling of getting one in the mail, opening it and consuming someone else’s thoughts/likes/hard work is something I recommend if it’s something you have never done. Click HERE for more info…
-CW
FURY, FORCED ORDER, SOUL SEARCH, ILLUSION, BLOOD AND TEARS, EVERYBODY TAKES ONE
@MILKY’S, LOS ANGELES, CA AUGUST 13, 2026
Having had a planned trip to Los Angeles the week of the Sound And Fury Festival(opens in new tab) provided a unique opportunity as this was this lifelong New Yorkers first ever West Coast hardcore show and with LA having such a strong current day scene I was absolutely amped about attending this S&F pre-show at a place called Milky’s that has a train yard situated right behind it. Milky’s has a clean yet no thrills concrete floor warehouse setting with an outdoor side yard that was filled with merch options from every band as well as some punk dude making tacos. This show sold out pretty quickly despite being up against another S&F pre-show with Quicksand, Bane and Soul Blind playing just 7 miles away at a spot called The Bellwether.
First up was EVERYBODY TAKES ONE from Minneapolis who put out a nice EP on Rebirth Records late in 2025 called “We’ve Got What It Takes”(opens in new tab). Although this show started about 30 minutes past its posted start time it seemed as if the venue was close to capacity for the first band which was a noticeable difference from most shows back home. Their lead singer in his Twins hat gave shout outs to former Twins greats Kirby Pucket as well as Joe Mauer and went on to say how much playing this show meant to him and his band as being from the Midwest they looked up to a lot of East Coast and West Coast bands. With their members wearing Warzone, Youth Of Today and Bold shirts it isn’t much of a stretch to say you could hear those bands styles infused into the ETO DNA. The crowd gave Everybody Takes One a warm welcome as well with people going off from the first song at 730pm till their last at 750pm.
Some local flavor was served up next in the form of BLOOD AND TEARS (opens in new tab)who went on close to 8pm. I was not too familiar with them but they came out swinging with a blazing fast opener that led into a big ‘ol mosh part that set shit off in the crowd… and then I start counting the singers in the band… At first I was like… cool, they got two singers and they work it well but then I noticed they had a third dude on vocals! Having two guitarists as well makes Blood And Tears one of the only 7 piece hardcore bands that I can think of. They only played for about 15 minutes and watching the mosh clinic being put on by the crowd was almost as fun as watching Blood And Tears’ set. They also get extra credit for doing a cover of Breakdown’s “Blacklisted”… One of their singers turned out to be Danny, the bassist for Fury… who is the brother of Alex… drummer of Fury…. who are both brothers of Nick, singer of Forced Order who also played this show! Fun, family vibes at the hardcore show here folks…
Up next were ILLUSION from points East who at one point shared members with the highly underrated and MISSED Ekulu who have not been heard from in ages. Bring back Ekulu already! Illusion who went on around 830pm are not too shabby themselves with their singer coming out and simply stating… “Yo, yo, yo, this band is called Illusion…” which led into this huge moshy intro which just lit the crowd on fire again… Illusion utilizes a lot of groove and big chugs, some guitar leads and then into thrashier parts that make me think “Best Wishes” era Cro-Mags but everyone has their own ear for things so go check them out on your own if you are not too familiar. They got a new single out called “Strangers When We Meet” which you can check out HERE(opens in new tab). “I.O.T ” off of their 2018 demo was a standout moment with one of Blood And Tears’ singers coming out to sing the chorus.
SOUL SEARCH(opens in new tab) went on around 915pm and continued the trend of crushing opening intros. Their mix of heavy, deep grooved hardcore and almost hip-hop like beats shined in this live setting as I had always been sort of impartial to their recorded efforts but they won me over on this night with a massive set and seemed to be the band people were most here to see as things got a bit rugged during their 25 or so minute set. They did an abbreviated cover of Poison Idea’s “Just To Get Away” and we also got to witness some guy do a death-defying type dive off a speaker that had to be about 10 feet off the floor. Good times.
FORCED ORDER (opens in new tab)were up next. A total random run-in with someone in this band on a train in Brooklyn years ago was my only previous non-record encounter with these West Coast vets and I am glad that I can say that I now have seen them all together, on stage in a sick live setting as well. Forced Order’s history dates back to a demo in 2014, with some prominent releases on respected labels like Triple B and Revelation along the way. After some time away they dropped the “Undying Spirit” EP back in May and this show served as its record release show. The slightly thinned out crowd continued the mosh assault and along the way we got to hear a solid cover of Uniform Choice’s “Use Your Head” with the crowd still dialed in.
Despite being 5 bands in there was still one band left in FURY(opens in new tab) who I REALLY wanted to see and almost NEEDED to see after just missing them at their Long Island stop of the Life And Death Tour with Terror back in 2016 due to getting out of work late. I did grab a CD copy of their “Paramount”(opens in new tab) album from them that night and have always held that album in high regards. “Paramount” celebrates its 10th year in existence in 2026 and you could feel a little anticipation in the air before Fury started their set as their singer Jeremy started sending out acknowledgements to close friends, people who could not be in attendance and other bands about this milestone in a humble and grounded type of way. The moment he was done talking though and the opening parts of “Danse” came through the speakers the crowd erupted one more time and it was obvious from that first song that Jeremy was going to have a hard time holding on to the microphone as the stage was engulfed by people singing along and stage-diving. Catch a video of that opening track by clicking HERE(opens in new tab). Fury was top-notch, this show was epic and LAHC showed me that even though we are separated by 2400 plus miles we got a whole lot in common with each other. At this show I met photographer Dan Rawe(opens in new tab) finally in person, someone who has contributed photos to In Effect for a very long time including all the photos used in this review. I also met a new name/face in Matt from Diazable Music Reviews(opens in new tab) who was just milling around the stage looking for a good spot to shoot one of the bands. Over the course of the past week I have watched dozens of his clips from the S&F pre-shows to the sets from the festival itself. As a teenager finding out about hardcore music I absolutely loved how the culture that existed encouraged just walking up to someone with a band shirt that you recognized and essentially saying “we are in the same tribe”. Although in 2026 things are a bit different that same foundational piece of the past still exists as the lyrics to Rotting Out’s “Roots And Will” about Warzone legend Raybeez ran through my head more than a few times on this night and on my trip… “You made us feel like we were from New York City… LA kids screaming like you’re still here with us… Decades apart and your words still ring… From the Lower East Side to the LA streets…”
-CW
FAR TOO LATE “DEMO ‘26” (Released June, 2026)
The youth are alive and well my friends. Far Too Late is a band made up of teenagers reppin’ that New England hardcore out of Attleboro, Mass. They play roots style hardcore on the harder side. Similar to No Tolerance and The Rival Mob. I love the intro with the band name gang vocal shout right out of the gate.
This demo rips with the bass tone setting the vibe for the band. The vocals are angry and well delivered. The lyrics touch on some big topics IE: “Bash A Fash”. I would have never thought it was a young person behind both. The recording is solid and I look forward to hearing how they level up on the next release. These kids also play in Step First (another new band) and I was told their live show is awesome with Far Too Late’s singer moving over to guitar for Step First just a few minutes later while the other members went off for each others’ sets which is reason enough for me to support them… but I really dig this demo and it is in my 2026 rotation. If you are into bands like The Difference, Collin Of Arabia or About Face, Far Too Late has something for you. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to check it out.
-Andy Diehard
OUT OF LINE “REC CENTER” (Find A Way Records, Released May, 2026)
Being a newer band and waiting 2 years to put out another release could be a risky move with so much that can happen in that time. But that’s just what California’s Out Of Line has done and the gamble has paid off. Following up their 2023 demo “Head Kick”, members Nathan Habberfield; vocals, Hayden Bishop; bass, Jerry Snow; guitar, Tyler Brown; guitar and Jaren Sanchez; drums have recently released the 15 minute “Rec Center” through Find a Way Records out of Morro Bay, California. And for those wondering, they picked up right where they left off with a sound that ranges from heavy to melodic but never loses that in your face hardcore style. As with many bands, Out Of Line formed after many years of friendship, playing in different bands together and their love of the local Bakersfield and Tehachapi scenes. I was impressed to learn that all the members shared in the writing of this release and knowing this helped me to appreciate that the lyrics were written from everyone’s perspective. “Rec Center” is made up of 7 tracks dealing with the rigors of work and life, which is apparent with titles such as “True Hardship”, “No Pity”, “Boot Check” and “Eulogy”. Overall, I really dig “Rec Center” and the title track is my favorite. I recommend reading the lyrics while listening… I feel it gives a better understanding into what fuels the band. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or HERE(opens in new tab) to grab a vinyl copy from Find A Way Records(opens in new tab).
-Chris Beman
RESURRECTION “UNFORTUNATE WORLD” (Indecision Records, Released May, 2026)
This demo does not waste any time getting right into it. Just ten seconds in and you are getting a ripping lead and then some of the current best hardcore vocals blast your ears. The recording sounds big and mean. “Unfortunate World” is 4 songs in 11 minutes. Its heavy roots hardcore with tinges of metal sprinkled in. Reminds me a lot of Integrity and early 100 Demons. The guitar sequels and flourishes are all well placed and Resurrection have some great mosh parts. “Day After Day” is my favorite track. It has a progressive mosh that changes up the tempo and then ends with a face melting lead. Kenny from Major Pain fronts this band, so you know the vocals are gonna be gnarly. There were limited copies of this release on cassette that may still be available and word out there is Indecision Records may be putting it out in some kind of physical format as well so stay tuned. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream and for more info on the cassette.
-Andy Diehard
SEE NO EVIL “UNLEVELED” (Released July, 2026)
See No Evil is a four piece hardcore band out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, home of great hardcore bands such as Die Kreuzen and World I Hate (who happen to appear on track three). “Unleveled” consists of four wild, gritty and heavy songs, which follows up their 2025 release “Damnatio Memoriae” EP. Listening to this a few times before starting my review, I couldn’t help but notice that the first two songs “Seeing Only Evil” and “Fool’s Spring”, sounded alike and gave off a strong similarity to something you would hear off of Hatebreed’s “Satisfaction Is the Death of Desire”, most notably in the vocals. Even though both songs are played with fierce intensity and the high-speed drum playing really stands out, it’s hard to get past the fact that this sounds remarkably like early Hatebreed. The band’s sheer aggression is displayed on the track “It’s Your Hate That Keeps Me Warm”, delivering a raw, gritty energy that fires you up and makes you want to find a stage to dive off of. “A Fear That Doesn’t Age” closes out this EP and once again, the first thirty seconds comes off sounding more like a Hatebreed style song, before veering off into a hard and sludgy metal direction. My biggest complaint with this EP is the boomy bass heard throughout the record, similar to a subwoofer found in the trunk of a car. It’s unnecessary and takes away from the overall sound of the music. If you are a fan of early Hatebreed, you will enjoy this EP. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or download.
-Dave Cafferty
OUTSIDER MAGAZINE’S “CRISIS 26 IN 26” @RUSHING DUCK BREWERY, CHESTER, NY AUGUST 1, 2026
ALL PHOTOS BY: FACE PHOTO
Last July 19th I traveled up to this same location in Orange County NY to check out the “Quarter Century Crisis” that Outsider Magazine(opens in new tab) had put on and here I am again… essentially a year later on the same grounds to check out “Crisis 26” which featured 10 bands with a wide range of sounds all falling under the hardcore punk umbrella. Rushing Duck Brewery(opens in new tab) is the venue and they got a chill/relaxed vibe going on with their outdoor covered stage (which Point Blank jokingly noted is probably not OSHA safe at last year’s show), picnic tables with umbrellas to get out of the sun as well as a big indoor bar with a shit ton of beer and drink options including Outsider Beer. How many zines out there can say they have their own beer? Outsider books the majority of their monthly DIY shows at the Orange County Vets Center in nearby New Windsor and this show was a fundraiser for the OCVC with the entire door (and more) going to “the cause”… Skin City Tattoo(opens in new tab) was on hand with proceeds going to the previously mentioned cause. More proliferate information includes the fact that there were vendors and tables set up by the majority of the bands performing as well as some bomb azz Thai food from Nee Nee’s Kitchen(opens in new tab) who look to be solely located at Rushing Duck events.
Musically this show was barrel of monkeys fun with sets that seemed to hover mostly in the 25-30 minute range. GOOD TEAL(opens in new tab) came in from New Jersey and were a stand-out. Their guitarist Curtis sets up with a keyboard in front of him which he put to use for their tranquil, yet still hard track “Bittersweet”… New Haven CT’s SGT SCAG(opens in new tab) brought the horns with a fun ska/punk set with their lead singer inviting New Haven vs Everybody pizza bravado…. GENERAL GRIEVANCE(opens in new tab) did a cover of Screeching Weasels “7-11” as a sort of retort to In Effect’s show review from last year’s show that may have mentioned they have no songs about 7-11’s… THE AGONIZERS(opens in new tab) dropped a really fun cover of Face To Face’s “Disconnected”, A BREED APART(opens in new tab) started their set with “It’s Clobberin’ Time” as a tribute to Sick Of It All’s Lou Koller, HALF DIZZY’s(opens in new tab) bassist Aaron (who also doubled as THE SNORTS(opens in new tab) guitarist/frontman) literally played in every corner of this venue with a wireless setup that saw him at one point sitting on a couch with other bands while still playing. My first time seeing THIEV(opens in new tab) and hearing their melodic style in person… THUMBS UP…. Still can’t figure out how TROUBLE BOUND (opens in new tab)is not headlining Madison Square Garden yet… have seen them at least half a dozen times and they continue to be one of the best live 3-piece punk bands going… and let’s not forget RBNX(opens in new tab)… fresh off a 10 day visit to the UK (and Poughkeepsie the previous night) closing this show out practically in the dark as our long summer days slowly shrink away with the calendar turning over to August…
During the show a farm tractor could be seen moving about on the adjacent property while artist Okano Masato(opens in new tab) emptied cans of teal colored paint onto a makeshift canvas that consisted of a flipped over picnic table and some curtains. Throughout the day DJ Kazooie Louie(opens in new tab) completely kept us on our toes with a wide range of pop to punk while junior punx walked around with their parents as most of the tables were equipped with the show flyer in a black and white version along with packs of crayons… Outsider’s “Crisis 26” had all the earmarks of what we consider a festival these days minus the word “fest” in the name. Every band that performed was approachable and members of every band were there to watch other bands when their turn came. The bands/music seemed to be the priority for the majority in attendance but all the “extras” made this day the special day that it was. Outsider’s next show is Friday August 14th at the Orange County Vets Center with On The Loose, Guess Again, Deadline, and The Sqauanches… support DIY music everyone! -CW
CHEMICAL X “IS THIS TOMORROW?” (Creep Records, Released June, 2026)
These days a lot of young people are holed up in their digital silos living vicariously through social media. This existence, characterized mainly by a lack of actual social interaction makes it ripe for a new influx of hardcore bands. Why, you may ask? Because when a kid who grows up transfixed by screens ends up losing his/her mind when they see a band playing actual instruments to a crowd that is circle pitting and slam dancing. The visceral experience of a hardcore show cannot be replicated by anything someone can see on their laptop or Ipad. Don’t believe me? Go to a show and see some of these new bands that are coming up. They are loading into vans and driving three hours (sometimes by their parents) to play small basement shows. Still don’t believe me? Last month I went to a Pennywise/H2O/Circle Jerks/DFL show and at least a quarter of the crowd was not even born in this century. In fact the son of one of our friends who was also there asked his mom after the show, “why were there so many old people there tonight?”.
Chemical-X can be a band for the next generation of these hardcore and punk fans as well as the older, sometimes jaded stalwart fans of the genre with their up-tempo, aggressive sound accompanied by lyrics that are super relatable to anyone, not just young people. This is a band that young and old can get behind. They are touring around the country and putting hard-hitting hardcore back on the map. The members are young enough and hungry enough that (fingers crossed) they can keep this thing going for a while.
Their new album is put out by old mainstay Creep Records and was recorded by owner and long-time producer Arik Victor. It is called “Is This Tomorrow?”. It is a treasure trove of straight up fast songs along with mid-tempo sing along tracks. Stand out songs are the title track “Is This Tomorrow?”, “Don’t Worry About It”, and “Ugly On The Inside”. Everything on this record is catchy as fuck and you will be disappointed if you don’t at least give it a try. The production is expertly done and the songs are everything you want from a hardcore band that is staying true to the roots of hardcore while not failing to put their own spin on it.
Chemical-X has a very collaborative writing process with a focus on being the best they can be. They are hardworking guys who rely on their favorite bands for motivation and inspiration but want to blaze their own path in hardcore. The band was started by Jaden and Scott Mangino but soon added vocalist Adam Avila and bassist J.C. Baltodano. These guys are from New Jersey but are not content just playing their local bar or VFW Hall. They have already toured extensively since their inception in 2021 and have big plans for the next year and beyond. Check ‘em out this summer on their month-long U.S. tour. Do yourself and check ‘em out and bring your dancing shoes, and if you’re in your 40’s or 50’s go into the back of your closet and dust off those old Doc Martens. Enjoy! Click HERE(opens in new tab) for more info.
-Bob Moss
RISK IT! “MERCY FOR NONE” (WAR Records, Released July, 2026)
Direct from Dresden, the capital city of Saxony comes Risk It! For those who don’t know, which is 90% of you, Dresden is in the Eastern heart of Mother Germany and it is not known as a hotbed of hardcore punk activity. Since 2009 Risk It! has been doing their best to change all that, and they have. I’m an old hardcore nerd, so when I hear DC, I think of Minor Threat. When I hear Tokyo, I think of Gauze. Gothenburg, Anti-Cimex, Birmingham, GBH, Boston, SSD, etc, etc. When I hear Dresden, Risk It! is where my brain now goes. I define places by bands….and soccer clubs. Risk It! has been honing their skills with solid release after solid release since its inception. This band puts in the work and busts their asses the DIY way, spreading its hardcore message and refining their sound along the way and making a name for themselves playing live. Their latest labor of love, “Mercy For None” brings us a fat and juicy ten new tracks on Andrew Kline’s, (Strife, Berthold City…see my review on the latter) War Records out of the city of Angels. It took a few years to come together because of pandemics and life, but it is finally here. The LP is produced by Rene Natzel (True Blue… word!) and one of my favorite hardcore dudes, Nick Jett of Terror. I ain’t seen Nick in a minute but have fond memories of when I was part of Malfunction and would be more in an orbit to run into him. SPOILER ALERT!! They did a top-level job here, as per usual. So, let’s rock the fuck out. I’m gonna give this thing a few more spins and speak on a few highlights for me. On to the tunes…
There are ten songs on this release, well an intro and nine songs. Ten tracks I suppose is best. Here are a few of my favorites. Right off the bat I love the ominous, if not theatrical intro called “7:02”. It is different and I really dig the way it ushers in the first song “Shock/Denial” running 2:28. This is a song that showcases the many faces of Risk It! and sets up the rest of the album nicely. It starts off a galloping hardcore tune. Then the boys slow it down and get into that hardcore groove culminating in a massive divebomb (my fav) and some gang vocals before it winds up. The production is great and the way the bass is layered in gives it a thick sound that is very textured. Yeah…good shit. The next one on my list still has me dancing… in fact just thinking about it to write this and I sent my laptop flying. That son is “Bottom Line” at a beefy 2:53. It’s a beefy tune. It jumps right in and starts barreling along, reminding me a bit of Sub Zero from NY. Great guitar work on display here again with the very textured mix. Then at 1:09 there is an abrupt direction change, and then the buildup of all build ups. Kids will be in the pit shitting their pants in anticipation of the payoff… and then comes the payoff. People shall lose their minds, as long as they are not a bunch of shoegazing wallflowers. Just when you think it’s done, there is a cool outro that adds yet another cool layer. So, you are online at Walmart and some Karen behind you won’t shut the fuck up… about anything. The old lady in front of you is pulling out her checkbook to pay for a box of saltines, and some tool just stepped right in front of you and put his shit down on the belt. You flip both birds right up in Karen’s face. You headbutt the tool’s nose to the back of his head. You kiss granny on the cheek and drop a ten on the belt to pay for the crackers as you bolt out to your car. You throw it in gear and pop in “Exit Strategy” clocking in at 2:14. This is your driving tune. I think we can all relate to this one. This one culminates in a mellow breakdown that to me sounds like a cross between the Cro-Mags and 80’s metal. Another awesome tune. That’s my current top three, but as usual it changes. I’ll give an honorable mention to the final cut “D.C.T.F.”, (double crossing two face). It is a bit different but ends the record hard. I think there is a nod to Rest In Pieces in there to boot.
There you have it puzzlewits. Risk It!, our brethren from Dresden. “Mercy For None” is a sick release. There are no shitty songs on here. I guess the guys had a long time to compile this record and it shows. It’s well thought out. The record flows amazingly well and before you know it, you are hitting repeat. Everyone does their part extremely well. There are some nice guest vocals here and there. I’ll let you do the discovering on that bit. Risk It! love them some NYHC and who doesn’t. You can hear it on many of their tunes, but they definitely got their own thing going on here. This ain’t no posi-core, it’s reality. So go and buy you some, you apple polishers, mosh your faces off, and… it’s nap time… GET THE FUCK OFF MY LAWN! Click HERE(opens in new tab) for more info on how to stream or grab a copy from WAR Records.
-Core Junkie
TO THE WIRE “STAND FOR SOMETHING” (Choke Records, Released June, 2026)
Over the last six months, I am hearing some great hardcore bands coming from the label Choke Records out of Germany and this one is no exception. To The Wire hail from Ruhrpott, Germany and are creating a stir in the German hardcore scene with their high energy live shows. “Stand For Something” is the band’s newest record, having released the full-length album “Willpower” in 2024 and a self-titled Demo in 2022. Right off the bat, you have to appreciate the clean and polished sound production on this record, which show-cases the solid musicianship of the band. The guitar work is crisp and smooth and played with speed and intensity. Tracks such as “Empowerment” and “Velocity Of Fear” demonstrate the strong, charging guitar playing that fuels the songs. The bass and drumming is tight and aggressive, complementing the band’s overall hard-edged sound. The opening track, “Out Of Touch” and “Law Of Attraction” (track 5) are just two songs that display the rhythm sections sheer power and strength. What pulls it all together is the impressive song writing. “(Wanna) Have Faith” is an example of well-written and relatable lyrics, dealing with the youth of today being disconnected from human interaction because of social media. The lyrics “The constant flood of media distractions, is weakening our ability to form genuine human connections” speaks volumes about losing touch with society. “Every Day” is another example of formidable lyrics. The opening verse, “Count your blessings, Enjoy every moment, In the end nothing remains” are powerful, eye-opening lyrics. The vocals complete the total package and lead the charge on this remarkable record. The music has a late 90’s to early 2000’s hardcore vibe, along the lines of Champion and Have Heart, but sounds fresh and new. To The Wire deliver eleven songs of straight up, moving hardcore, packed with high energy and will satisfy any connoisseur of the hardcore persuasion. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or download or HERE(opens in new tab) for various vinyl variants (and other merch) from Choke Records.
-Dave Cafferty
TIME x HEIST “THE MEASURE OF MY DEVOTION” (Indecision Records, Released May, 2026)
Denver, Colarado’s Time X Heist follow up last year’s “The Unforgiving Minute” EP with their new album “The Measure Of My Devotion” and it sees the band’s spirited Youth Crew style explode all through the albums 12 tracks. From start to finish this is a riotous celebration of all that Time X Heist stands for. As soon as the bouncing rhythms come into the fore (and they do instantly), this album brilliantly grabs hold of you and doesn’t let up until it ends.
The fact that Time X Heist perfectly captures that Youth Crew spirit is one thing and one thing that they do undeniably well, but the fact that they put their own twist on it elevates their music tenfold. Their vivacity is best exemplified on the instrumental track “El Cyclone” which sees Time X Heist guitarist’s Rodrigo and Robert letting rip in the most elevated way. The fact that the track is not your typical hardcore fare but undeniably works shows the nature of this release, and while not as explicit as this instrumental track, there are forward thinking flourishes littered all through this album giving this such a fresh feel in a genre that can sometimes get stagnant.
Just like their first two releases with “The Odds Against Tomorrow” and “Every Passing Moment”, this album captures the band’s energetic nature perfectly but this time around, Time X Heist are definitely pushing their music to higher plateaus and with this, their message gets elevated too. “The Measure Of My Devotion” is the sound of Time X Heist growing as a band whilst firmly solidifying their roots. It’s going to be riveting seeing where the band go after this. With Time X Heist growing in both their song writing and reach (with recent touring taking them back to Europe for a third time) it shows Time X Heist’s commitment to growing and getting better at every step. Click HERE (opens in new tab)to stream or download and HERE(opens in new tab) to grab it on vinyl or CD from Indecision Records.
-Gavin Brown
MUSCLE “ARREST GOD” (Vicious Circle Records, Released 2025)
If you’ve read my reviews or know me then you know I fucking LOVE Baltimore. You will also know that I insist there is something in the water there. Maybe it’s the dirty harbor, hun, but Baltimore has over the years routinely produced incredible hardcore punk (and other) bands. You hear the term NYHC and you think of a sound, DCHC and you think of a sound, Baltimore hardcore and doing my best LA Knight I say….. NAH NAH! Baltimore has always had the most diverse scene as far as sound and aesthetics go. You can’t pigeonhole Baltimore. I may have just coined a phrase due 100% to my laziness in typing that out.
Muscle is another one of those bands just out there doing their own thing, their own way. Much like Baltimore, Muscle is impossible to pigeonhole. I hear No Wave thrown around and TBH, I am old and have no fucking idea what that even means. This is punk rock. This is not safe cookie cutter shit. This is not a snotty, winey punk guy with a jet. This is not kids in matching sneakers and jackets timing their jumps shit. This is not shirtless ape growling some shit about being tougher than you shit. This is the real shit. Muscle is simply, Madison on vocals, Quentin on bass, and Adam on drums. Yes, that’s it. No guitar and trust me you won’t miss it. “Arrest God” is 11 songs in 22 minutes. On to the tunes…
As per usual, I’ll list a few of the earworms that have my attention at the moment and with this LP that is constantly changing. First up is Muscle at their rockin best with “Logistics” running 1:37. This one has the right amount of fuzz and Quentin channeling Jerry Only on that bass riff. Guitar??? We don’t need no stinking guitar. “Carpenter” running 1:44 starts off like you just ran face first into a hornets nest, Then Madison takes control, and the thing about Madison is that they’re voice is at times an instrument, at times a tool, and at times a vicious weapon. All of this comes together on top of an underlying driving hardcore tune. I really enjoy the final song on the LP which is also the epic running 2:29. It’s “Fake Sick” and it’s a fucked up banger, Madison will scare you. I’ll throw one more on my worm list and that’s “Push Push” with a time of 2:07. I’m not quite sure how that sound comes from the bass but this is Muscle at their most approachable, the most user friendly version of the band. I could go track by track because I do dig all of them, like “Three Pigs” and “SNL” were late swaps on my list.
There it is. Baltimore has done it again. Muscle will kick your ass with this LP. Muscle is a power trio. You won’t believe the sounds they make taking that into account. Ask them about their influences and you’ll likely get a bunch of vague wandering verbiage. None of that matters once you see them. I’ve seen them live numerous times and they are great, and yes, Madison does scare me a bit, ok, maybe more than a bit, but they command that mic and that stage and more often than not they perform from right in the crowd. Muscle were genuinely out there doing it for the love of it when my main man and frequent show cohort, Dave Brown, of Vicious Circle Records, took notice and contacted the band. The rest is, as they say, history. Oh, and speaking of seeing them live, Vicious Circle also just released a nice companion piece, a live cassette entitled “Romantic Living” recorded live in Baltimore on 1-17-2025 at my favorite, the Ottobar. I am feeling nice tonight, must be the weed, so, to you my little angels I bid you farewell, with peace and love…….GET THE FUCK OFF MY LAWN! Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or download or HERE(opens in new tab) to grab some vinyl from Vicious Circle Records.
-Core Junkie
MADBALL “NOT YOUR KINGDOM” (Nuclear Blast Records, Release Date Jul 24, 2026)
For most reading this there is no need to introduce Madball. If you are part of the hardcore scene or listen to hardcore music, you know they have been around since the late 80’s, have never put out a bad record and are considered NYHC royalty. But if you are from the younger generation and are just discovering hardcore music, this review will not only educate you on one of the best hardcore bands to ever exist, but it will have you rushing out to purchase their back catalog and catching them live when they come through your city. Madball arrived on the hardcore scene back in 1988 and initially was made up of members from Agnostic Front and fronted by Roger Miret’s half-brother, 12 year old Freddy Cricien. Like so many other long-lasting bands, Madball have gone through a number of line-up changes, with Freddie being the only original member now, but the music has never suffered for it. If anything, the band’s sound has only gathered strength and tightened with the current lineup. Although some may still consider guitarist Mike Gurnari and drummer Mike Justian the newer guys in Madball it has to be pointed out that Gurnari has been with Madball 7 years now and Justian a total of 15 so it should be time to take away that new guys tag. Paul Delaney from Kill Your Idols and Black Anvil who has been in the Madball rotation for a while now plays bass on this album and has been given “official guy” status and will be with the band now moving forward.
“Not Your Kingdom is the band’s tenth full length album delivering fourteen tracks of old school and new school Madball. From the second you drop the needle down onto the vinyl (or you push play on your CD player) and the opening two tracks “Tethered” and “Flammable” blast out of your speakers, you are taken back to the days of “Set It Off” and “Demonstrating My Style”. They are two fast and fierce songs that set the tone and clearly shows this band is not slowing down at all. Notably, Freddy’s vocals have never sounded better. The fire and passion he sings with on songs like “Family First” and “Stab Wounds”, along with the two previously mentioned songs show there is no quit in this man. Mike Gurnari, who became long standing member Brian “Mitts” Daniels replacement, has settled in nicely on guitar, breathing new blood into the band’s existing sound. He plays with a speed and enthusiasm that keeps the music exciting and moving forward. “Chase A Dream”, “Don’t MisStep” and “Family First” display the guitarist’s passion for generating durable riffs that add muscle to the overall sound of this record. Paul Delaney on bass inserts himself accurately into his role, locking in tightly with Justian’s drumming providing that hard edge deep sound Hoya Roc was known for with his time in the band. “Rebel Kids” and “What Say You” are just two tracks that demonstrate his complementing thunderous bass playing. What is most noticeable when listening to the record is Mike Justian’s remarkable, powerhouse drumming. His breakneck ferocious pounding of the skins is heard in every song and is a driving force behind this album. “Not Your Kingdom” is Madball at the top of their game. 38 years later, Madball are still delivering superior and relevant hardcore music with depth and sincerity and will remain at the forefront of the hardcore scene until the band decides to pack it in. Check back in with Madball on Friday July 24th to listen to “Not Your Kingdom” in its entirety but for now you can watch the music videos for brand new tracks “Rebel Kids”(opens in new tab) and “Tethered”(opens in new tab) by clicking on the blue hyperlinks.
-Dave Cafferty
“A GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE” COMPILATION (Memory Loss Records, Released June, 2026)
“A Good Problem To Have” is the second drop from newly formed Memory Loss Records(opens in new tab) out of Westchester County, NY. Available online for streaming and also on cassette this one comes to us featuring 14 bands and clocks in at 33 minutes in run time. At the time of its release about half of the 14 songs had not been released and credit has to be given for Memory Loss’ ability to curate a wide range of heavier, up and coming hardcore bands from the NY area. Things start off with HumanTrainWreck and the track “Trespass”. An absolute belt to ass track that features members of Everybody Gets Hurt and vocalist Mike McAuley who was one half of the Memory Loss Records team along with his wife Becky. Mike unexpectedly passed away about a month before this compilation was released and serves as his farewell to the scene as his other band Mickeys Crew closes this comp out with a never before released track in “Sever”. Sandwiched in between HumanTrainWreck and Mickeys Crew are a healthy mix of younger bands, older bands, newer bands with older members and more. Tracks that have stood out and have been played on repeat in recent days include Ill Wind and their track “Can’t Get It Right”, God’s Favorite with “Humiliation Ritual”, the now disbanded Grave Heist with “Stronghold” and Brass Knuckle Brigade with “To Be Blood”. If the vocals on the Brass Knuckle Brigade track sound familiar that is indeed Martin Gonzalez from the bruising Billy Club Sandwich on vox alongside his BCS bandmate Gary Muttley on guitar. The huge chorus on “To Be Blood” of “You don’t have to be blood to be family… You don’t have to be down to be family…” are some of the biggest “hit home” moments on this comp for me.
This roll-call gets a tad more diverse as we keep it moving with Shatterhand and Pressed Luck providing some rising star qualities while straddling that fine line between what is metal and hardcore. Gassed and Unfortuneteller fill the roles of unhinged/noisier core, Omnism get at us with their crossover track “Abandon All Hope”, and Crooks Die Slow from the Bronx deliver the unapologetic beatdown track “Gunnin’ For You”. 3 piece outfit Deadline drop an ’88 NYHC style track called “Choked”… And lest we forget this comps “outcast” in Trouble Bound from the Hudson Valley… the lone straight up punk band deliver the title track to their new album in “Step To The Line” showing that you can’t bury these guys deep in the hole.
With their debut compilation Memory Loss celebrates everything “Bronx and above” with a bevy of bands from the Boogie Down all the way up to Fishkill. Some you may have heard of… some maybe you didn’t know until now… and that is the beauty of a good compilation. The title of this comp comes from having the “problem” of having two shows to try to attend in a single day and the use of the Bronx River Parkway signage as the Memory Loss official logo is clever as this particular road physically connects the majority of the 14 bands that make up this compilation. RIP to our friend Mike and kudos to all mentioned and involved including Joe Kusack from Amplitude Studio (who is also Brass Knuckle Brigade’s drummer). Click HERE(opens in new tab) for more info on how to stream this release or to grab a cassette copy from Memory Loss.
-CW
NEW FOUND HOPE “SUMMER 2026” COMPILATION (New Found Hope Records, Released June, 2026)
The summer of 2026 sees the return of Queens, NY DIY label New Found Hope… run by one Greg Dimech who grew up less than a block away from me. Starting in the late 90’s NFH released various CD and cassette compilations made up mostly of rising NYHC bands that included names like No Redeeming Social Value, Irate, Coldfront, Awkward Thought, 4 In Tha Chamber and numerous others that were grinding but may not have gotten a ton of exposure. The label also released full length CD’s by Born, Southpaw and Fit Of Anger with Discogs listing the Fit Of Anger CD in 2000 as their last release before this reincarnation.
“Summer 2026 Compilation” was released on cassette and can be heard online via Spotify and has some interesting artwork that you can see better if you actually buy a hard copy. Compilations in the realm of hardcore/punk still seem to be more of a thing of the past but hopefully this release and other recently released ones from fellow NY labels like Memory Loss Records and Knifetwister will revive this artform cause they are often free or cheap and unless a comp totally sucks you should walk away with a couple of new bands to do a deeper dive on.
“Summer 2026” holds 13 songs and runs a little over 35 minutes and is an eclectic ride of mostly newer (but already released elsewhere) tracks from US based bands with Russia’s Confront Stage being the lone international act dropping a 3 minute instrumental in “The Rise From A Fall”. NYC’s Vipers In The Grass deliver some crossover action with “They Speak In Two”, while California’s Hand Pay give us a solid punker in “Invisible Threat”. For me, just learning about the three bands that I had never heard before makes this entire comp all worth it but there are still 10 other bands with Born, We All Die, Dead Blow Hammer, Silence Equals Death, Brick Shot, Human Issue, Xtinguish The Code, Robots And Monsters, A Breed Apart and Point Blank NYHC rounding out the lineup that ranges in styles from straight forward punk to beatdown with the bulk lying somewhere in between. While it often seems that many fans of hardcore are lazy when it comes to exploring new styles or bands there are still pockets of freaks like myself that get off by finding bands we never heard of before and this New Found Hope compilation serves a purpose for those who may think in a similar way. Stream this on Spotify by clicking HERE(opens in new tab) or send a DM to the New Found Hope(opens in new tab) IG to grab a cassette copy which are 10 bucks including shipping within the USA with international shipping available as well.
-CW
“NOT IN OUR CITY 2” COMPILATION (Knifetwister Records, Released April, 2026)
In December of 2025 we found out about Knifetwister Records(opens in new tab) out of Westchester, NY via their CD only compilation titled “Not In Our City” which featured 21 bands with all proceeds from sales going to Bowery Mission in NYC who help the homeless. It didn’t take long for the Knifetwister Crew to strike again as this CD was released back in April with a total of 22 bands on this go around. Much like the first “Not In Our City” CD there is a noble cause here with the proceeds from this release slated to go to “Make The Road New York”(opens in new tab) which is an organization “working to build the power of immigrant and working-class communities to achieve dignity and justice.”
This release has an international flavor to it with the 22 bands representing 8 countries and 4 continents including South Korea, the UK, Poland, Norway, Chile, Indonesia, and South Africa, with the bulk (15 total) coming from the USA. Stylistically this comp is full on punk rock with very little in the way of crunch or heavier style hardcore and sometimes that just feels right. There are songs on here that I flat out didn’t like, some that were pretty good and ones that just were instant ear catchers including New York’s Incendiary Device with “If The Time Is Right”, Saints Of Lorain from Cleveland with “Drunk and Dangerous”, South Korea’s 18 Fevers and “Let Me Live”, Indonesia’s My Like Sunday with “Punk Love Story” (check the video HERE(opens in new tab)) and South Africa’s Half Price with “Still Playin’ Punk”. Not being a ska fan at all I am pretty shocked to say that a ska/punk band from Norway called Skanimals own my favorite track here with “Gods On My Shoulders” with its infectious up-tempo beat. As stated in previous reviews of compilations I love finding new bands to discover, new music styles and ideas and “Not In Our City 2; A Punk Compilation To Benefit Immigrant Rights” does just that. Out of the 22 bands represented here I knew of just one before hitting the play button and now I have a bunch of new names to go down a rabbit hole with. This release is currently only available by purchasing the CD from Knifetwister but many of these bands have their tracks posted to their own Spotify pages. Click HERE (opens in new tab)for more info on Knifetwister and what they do.
-CW
BAD WORLD “MAKER OF RULES” (Convulse Records, Released June, 2026)
I’ve been lucky enough to play a few shows with Bad World so I already knew they ripped. Their older material is rad but these new songs are a level up. I get a lot more Biohazard influence on this latest one titled “Maker Of Rules” while still keeping that Bay Area sound. The track “Last Of Me” has a guest spot by Ben from No Warning which is rad and adds to an already hard track. The Only Living Witness cover of “Nineveh” was a bold move. That track originally came out in ’93 on OLW’s “Prone Mortal Form” album and that is just such a hard band to cover but Bad World pulled it off. The recording is top notch. Everything is crisp and big. Everyone in the band is a player and it shows as they go from riffs to shredding to mosh seamlessly. I dig the vocals… as they match the on-stage swag. I’m not sure how known Bad World are outside of Cali but people gonna find out soon. This EP came out on Convulse Records, another label putting out high quality bands and product. If you are into Terror, Backtrack or Cold World then Bad World is for you. Highly recommend checking them out if they play near your town and grabbing some vinyl if you collect… Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or HERE(opens in new tab) to visit Convulse for more info.
-Andy Diehard
REBELMATIC “STING THE DEVIL” (Creep Records, Released June, 2026)
I’m happy to report that Rebelmatic – “Sting the Devil” is the exact album we need right now. We’re especially lucky to have another full length so soon after “Black Hole Eats the Tornado” dropped only 14 months ago in April 2025. These ten new songs following last year’s 11 tracks are the perfect addition to their deep catalog and I can’t wait to hear them infused into upcoming live sets. As usual, Rebelmatic has managed to concoct something fresh and original while always sounding like themselves through their blend of consistency and innovation.
From readapted prior material to the first few singles to the gems debuting on the LP, all ten songs meld into a cohesive whole. Track 3, “Alive on Arrival”, was the first to drop as a single in March, followed by “Burn the Boats” in April and most recently my favorite “Not Today”. “Everything’s a Mess”, while aptly titled for the present moment, appeared in an earlier incarnation in 2016. Similarly, a shorter version of “Auction Block” precedes the longer one here, and “Don’t Shoot” was first released in 2020. Rebelmatic has a history of bringing songs back at the right time via updated recordings, and that extends to the themes and convictions woven throughout this record in the songs both old and new. It’s a guide to how to exist in the present moment: how to thrive in a hostile environment where “the American dream was never for you?” Their advice: enjoy the time you have right now, protect yourself as a form of resistance, and search for the answers you already know.
I love this entire record but am particularly enamored with the unimpeachable stretch of songs through 6-7-8 or really the whole second half. Every element of “Not Today” adds up to an instant classic and an ideal 6 spot song: the hand claps, the drum solo rushing toward the chorus, the Warzone-y breakdown and how the song opens up from there. “Boundaries” aka song 8 is my fucking jam and sounds a little like Maximum Penalty, a Rebelmatic comparison I’ve never made prior to this album but now can hear a little on the whoas in “Pick it up and Go” as well. “Boundaries” is followed by the augmented version of “Auction Block”, both simultaneously experimental and solemn as it honors the human and family costs of murdered Black civil rights leaders. We wrap things up with “Don’t Shoot”, a flawless and powerful closer.
On a personal note, I’m thankful I got to share some of my favorite tracks with my husband before he passed away unexpectedly just before its release, so I’m glad he knew just how good this record was going to be. I think we already lived like it was “heaven right now” and would encourage you all to do the same. Seek and share your own favorites with loved ones via Spotify(opens in new tab) or on all streaming platforms. Compact disc and vinyl copies are available through Creep Records(opens in new tab).
-Becky McAuley
QUICK TO JUDGE “PRODUCT OF OUR ENVIRONMENT” (Triple B Records, Released May, 2026)
Out of Boston, MA where legendary hardcore bands such as Blood For Blood, Gang Green and Slapshot put hardcore music on the map, comes Quick To Judge with “Product Of Our Environment”. With proficient members from the scene, the band dishes out seven songs of short, catchy and energetic songs which are fun, frantic and moshable. Opening up with the instrumental track “Intro”, the band quickly demonstrates solid musicianship, firing up the listener for what is to come. What leads the charge on this record are the superb old school vocals by frontman Lee. You can feel Lee’s impact begin on the second track, “The Message”. The surging drum roll, followed by the guitar riff ignites his rage and this carries through for the record’s entirety. “Never Enough”, “In My Eyes” and “ROTD Remix” highlight Lee’s vigorous vocal style and enthusiasm. The band provides the feverish backdrop for him to let loose, delivering clear-cut riffs, with a heavy bass sound and raw drumming. Triple B Records delivers another quality sounding record that captures the band’s power and ferocity, right down to the great album cover. By the end of “Product Of Our Enviornment”, you almost feel cheated because after just one listen, it leaves you wanting more. Quick To Judge is the new blood making their presence known in the Boston hardcore scene and are worth getting excited about. Be sure to also check out their first release in “Demo 2025”(opens in new tab). Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream their latest or HERE(opens in new tab) to order a 7” vinyl copy from Triple B Records.
-Dave Cafferty
AGAINST THE WORLD “DEMO 26” (Edgewood Records, Released May, 2026)
Been doing this hardcore website thing for a while now and there are very few things that hit harder for me than finding a new, fresh out of the box band that absolutely kill it on their first go around. Formed just last August, ATW are a 5 piece unit out of Richmond, VA with ties to other up and comers like Lose Sight, Dimension Six, Reaction Time and Animal Instinct. “Get Ahead” is the opening track and the one that randomly popped up on my drive home a couple of days ago causing me to do further investigating upon reaching In Effect HQ. Charged, fast, raspy vocals and a sick breakdown with a touch of groove on the opener sold me as this is a track I have now played about 20 times in the last week. Not surprisingly the rest of this 7 minute demo delivers more of the same with “My Commitment” also dropping a big mosh smack dab in the middle before a Gravediggaz sample of “Nowhere To Run, Nowhere To Hide” acts as a little interlude before track 3; “Don’t Come Back” hits while serving as the lone fully mid-paced groove cut. Closer, “Unmatched” is the runner up for standout track on this short offering showcasing more fast, energized hardcore with an emphasis on the mosh. I like how this one just sort of stomps on out with the last minute or so providing a killer fade out with limited vocals. ATW are by no means reinventing the traditional hardcore sound but without doubt have that “it” factor when it comes to energy and keeping the listener wanting more… and like Mike Muir once said… I want more. Think of some of the late 80’s gritty style hardcore bands you liked in their infancy stages but with more of a modern feel and that’s what to expect out of this solid debut. Edgewood Records return with their first release since Naysayer’s “Rage Dreams” EP in April of 2025 and will be putting this out on cassette in the coming weeks. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream this on the Edgewood Records Bandcamp page.
-CW
HUMAN ISSUE “IN FLESH” (Smart Punk Records, Released June, 2026)
The So-Cal music collective known as Human Issue have a new 8 song banger called “In Flesh” out now on Smart Punk Records. This sextet have a lot of surprises on their latest. The first two songs… “In Flesh”(opens in new tab) and “The World Is Your Oyster”(opens in new tab) start out with slamming hardcore only to totally change gears with a thick sounding pop punk tune on their 3rd song called “Vice”(opens in new tab). Not only is the band tight with mass rad change ups during the songs, but the two lead singers add the icing on the cake. Human Issue can genre hop effortlessly between hardcore, pop punk, and post hardcore. Other highlights for me include the post hardcore-esque ” Waking” and the ripping fast hardcore thrasher “Medicate”. And just to change things up, they have a solo piano vocal song with a lilting female singer to end the album on an artsy delicate note. Finding all this new music led me down the path of checking out some of their live shows on You Tube and I have to say that Human Issue puts on a highly energetic show that looks like lots of fun. Human Issue have a lot going on in 2026… besides this new release the month of May saw them do extensive touring on the West Coast with Leftover Crack. Late June sees them in Philly, Boston, New Jersey and Camp Punksylvania in Gilbert PA (June 21st). September brings another East Coast run supporting Bouncing Souls, Suicide Machines and Strike Anywhere. Check them out live in the coming months but also don’t forget to check out “In Flesh” which can be streamed HERE(opens in new tab). 12” vinyl copies are also available through Smart Punk Records(opens in new tab).
-Tenacious B
SUICIDE EYES “THE LOVE IS GONE” (Rebirth Records, Released April, 2026)
So many things are not what they seem to be and this can end up being a bad thing. Whether you are buying something, trying a new food, relationships or listening to a new band. Even if the thing boasts to be “proven” or “no bullshit” I still tend to be a bit leery since I’ve been burned a few times. So when I was checking out Philly’s Suicide Eyes’ bio (not to be confused with the Italian metal band) and they state they are “straight-up Philly hardcore… no qualifiers, no bullshit”. I was intrigued but cautious. Not knowing the band, after hearing the first few chords of track one, all apprehension was thrown out the window! Band members… Ben Stuckey; vocals, Bayan; guitar, Cam; guitar, Dekker; bass and RJ; skins recently released the band’s first LP: “The Love Is Gone” on Rebirth Records, which is a follow up to last year’s demo. Both hit hard, but there is something special about “The Love Is Gone”. I feel musically it shows a tighter knit sound which matured from their first release, all the while still capturing their aggressive, hardcore style. It’s worth noting that it takes many bands years to sharpen and advance their sound but Suicide Eyes have done just that in a very short amount of time while keeping their integrity.
“The Love Is Gone” consists of 10 tracks and a playtime of under 20 minutes, with literally all 10 songs hitting home. Taking their love and inspiration from bands like Boston’s American Nightmare and Philly’s Horror Show, along with elements coming out of the late 90’s and into the early 2000’s, Suicide Eyes have crafted a very impressive album with an in your face sound and well thought out lyrical content. As previously mentioned, I’ve been burned a few times and this was mostly due to some bad relationships. So, to hear a hardcore album fully addressing topics about heartbreak and other effects of bad relationships, is not only refreshing and relatable to many but also takes a big risk in a genre that historically has been more about unity and toughness. And I’m sure recording this LP was a therapeutic way for the band to get through these trials. After listening to “The Love Is Gone” my first thought was here is another DIY band that is making a difference and being another good example of why hardcore music and the scene continues to be a lifestyle for so many of us and will never die. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream this release or HERE(opens in new tab) to pre-order the 12” vinyl through Rebirth Records.
-Chris Beman
SHARP TONGUES “DEAD WEIGHT” (New Age Records, Released April, 2026)
I made my way over to the mainland to gather some supplies only to find the head honcho over at IE Central Command had left the latest release from New Age Records for yours truly to review… and some jerky. First, I wondered what year it was, then I lamented at how old I am and ate some of the jerky, then I saw it was the latest from Gothenburg’s own melodic hardcore champions, Sharp Tongues. This reignited my youthful flame… that still burns… cut/paste your own cliche here. This is their follow up EP on New Age to their criminally overlooked debut LP, “No Rescue”. Gothenburg has been a bastion for great music of all types. Some of my favorites hail from this city and it’s definitely a bucket list visit. Sharp Tongues is on that list so I hope this new one lives up to the hype in my head and does not suffer the dreaded “sophomore slump”. Now ladies and germs, on to the music.
“Dead Weight” contains six new tracks in a bit over ten minutes. The first song is “Static” coming in at a brisk 1:17. It starts off crunchy and we get gang vocals from the giddy up. It remains crunchy but changes direction a lot for a minute and change. A solid and interesting kick off track. The second track is “Blinding Lights”, running 2:03. I won’t lie that part of me wished they were doing a Weeknd cover, but no, they are not. However, it’s good they didn’t because I really dig the tune. It begins normal enough, but at precisely the :44 second mark, Sharp Tongues flex their melodic prowess and turn this song into an excellent rocker. This is my choice cut on the EP. I dig the echo on the vox… reminded me of early Agnostic Front. The thing I like about Sharp Tongues is that even on the shorter songs, the music usually goes in a direction I’m not expecting which keeps it fresh. This is evident on the third song “Ghost On A Wire” clocking in at 1:43. I can envision a little dancing on this one. The title cut is up next and injects some of that emotional influence into the mix. This one runs 1:50. It starts out all loosey goosey then gets laser focused and takes off. I love the playing on this one. Song number 5 is the short but sweet “No Control”. I’d say this is the driving song of the EP, but it would have to be a short trip. “The Storm” is the final cut of the EP, and again, no, not a Judge cover, although the way it starts… for a second, I was like… but no. It runs 2:04 and it is Sharp Tongues at their best. The music, the vocals, firing on all cylinders showcasing ST’s evolving and growing sound. This one is right up there with my choice cut.
There it is folks. No sophomore slump. Sharp Tongues are staying true to their roots while expanding their sound and flexing their experience. The band is tight. The vocals are on point. The production is great for the genre with some nice flair but not too much knob twisting. It sounds pretty raw as it should. It is the perfect length to keep you interested and even wanting a little more, which is a good thing. If you like melodic hardcore then look no further than these Swedish blokes. Go ahead and grab you some Gothenburg goodness in the form of the “Dead Weight” EP. Speaking of dead weight you pustules… get the fuck off my lawn. Click HERE(opens in new tab) for multiple ways to stream or HERE(opens in new tab) to get more info on grabbing a 12” vinyl copy from New Age Records.
-Core Junkie
FORSAKEN PROFITS “ROAD RASH” (Released May, 2026)
Forsaken Profits out of Atlanta are a metal/punk crossover band that seems to run on adrenaline, tasty shredding guitar, and fire. With vocals that cut like a serrated knife that puts the icing on a thrash cake of skumfuckery this band brings it in a big way. They began in 2012 and have put out at least 8 releases since their inception. They started out running DIY shows out of their house and are now releasing very well produced, technical, and catchy skate thrash punk.
Their new record “Road Rash” shows that over a decade of putting in work can produce music that checks all the boxes. Their song writing ranges from that straight crossover sound to more conventional punk anthems. Standout tracks are “Krookslide” that introduce some ahhhs on the chorus that give the track some depth but start with an almost AFI sounding guitar intro layered over drums and bass. Also notable on here is “Decayed” which is spearheaded by the great lead vocals and more backgrounds to add some flavor. Finally, the song “Knives” may be the best one on the record because it really melds the six string shredding aspect of Forsaken Profits’ sound with their proclivity for sing-along choruses. You can imagine the crowd, fist pumping in the air, screaming along with the lyrics “It’s on me, It’s on you”. Honorable mention definitely goes to “Avalanche” where singer, Tyler Capehart, shows a little more range in his vocals. It adds more diversity to the overall sound of the record that can get a little repetitive at times. If you are a fan of adrenaline-filled tracks that will have you lighting random shit on fire then Forsaken Profits is for you. Check ‘em out next time they come through your town. Click HERE(opens in new tab) for more info…
-Bob Moss
TROUBLE BOUND “STEP TO THE LINE” (Mild Chaos Records, Released May, 2026)
Everything old is new again at some point I suppose. Trouble Bound is a band that encompasses that old saying pretty well. I enjoyed most of the songs on this release because I think hearing them takes the listener back to when the punk scene was loud, vibrant, and almost ubiquitous in the overall music scene of the end of the last century. The band is influenced by Social Distortion and Rancid and to a lesser degree The Misfits and 7 Seconds. And those influences come shining through.
The songs are, for the most part, very catchy. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the members of this band have been playing music for a long time and have learned how to put songs together really well. They just seem to use the spare parts from other bands. (Author’s note: at this point in the process of writing I Googled them and found that they have been a band for over 25 years and have gone on multiple hiatuses during that time but have just started putting out music consistently again in the last couple years).
I think the band would agree that their influences come through most evidently on songs like “Callous And Cold”, “Set The Record Straight”, and “Disbelief”. Fans of Social Distortion would probably vibe with these songs pretty well. There is some guitar work, especially when it comes to the leads, that is reminiscent of early Rancid on songs like “The Only Way I Know”. They stick to what they know, which is quite a bit, to ensure that they’re songs will go over well with the generation of punkers that came up in the mid to late 90’s.
The production on this record is amazing and the band members’ performances on these tracks are really, really good. (There’s a lesson for ya, practice your songs a lot before going in to record! Saves a lot of time and your recording will be that much the better for it.) I think Trouble Bound probably kills it when they go out and play these songs live. I am sure that they win over every crowd they play in front of because you can tell they are super tight. The transitions between parts are not simple and they pull them off flawlessly.
Their choruses are all super catchy. And you can definitely sing along after hearing them once. They keep them short and simple which is really the key to writing good, bar band punk rock. They also have some really cool ear candy parts in their songs like the bridge in “Paranoia”, and the bridge/outro in “Cup Full of Cyanide” is really fucking rad, and the opening riff in “Disbelief” does not disappoint. All in all, this is a solid release from a group of punk veterans whom I would really love to see live. I would just like to hear them take some more chances with their songs. Stream this release on the usual streaming services including Bandcamp(opens in new tab) or head on over to Mild Chaos Records(opens in new tab) to pre-order 12” vinyl or CD versions that are scheduled to be shipping in July.
-Bob Moss
INTRUSIVE “DIE ON THAT HILL” (Static Era Records, Released May, 2026)
From the state of Connecticut comes Intrusive, a five piece, young and upcoming metallic hardcore band, with their EP titled “Die On That Hill”, out now on Static Era Records. The opening track “Intro” gives the impression that this is going to be a hard and tough sounding record. When “Breaking The Glass” follows up that opener your suspicions are confirmed. This album delivers everything you’d expect in a hardcore record. The guitar work on this record is striking; distributing sharp, spiteful riffs from the two guitarists throughout all the tracks. This can be heard especially in songs like the opening “Intro” and the title track, “Die On That Hill”. The vocals are genuine and unyielding; delivering a full range of negative emotions and vocal ranges, which give the songs that tough heaviness and hardness we come to expect from our hardcore music. The tracks “Breaking The Glass” and “Waste” exemplify the singer’s extraordinary vocals. The rhythm section adds the finishing touch to this compelling record. You can feel the bass player’s thundering sound in songs like “Bled Dry”, “Waste” and “Intro”. The frantic, hard-hitting drumming on this fuses perfectly with the rest of the bands output. He plays passionately, aggressively and with fierce determination, similar to the way Nick Jett of Terror and Matt Byrne of Hatebreed attack the skins. The production has a gritty sound that makes this record work. Hopefully we will hear more from Intrusive. Click HERE(opens in new tab) for multiple ways to stream this release or HERE(opens in new tab) to grab a CD version from Static Era.
-Dave Cafferty
BLACK ‘N BLUE BOWL 2026 DAY 2. TERROR, PAIN OF TRUTH, END IT, CRUEL HAND, START TODAY, NEGATIVE FORCE, FROTHING MAD @BROOKLYN MONARCH MAY 23, 2026. ALL PHOTOS BY: DANIELLE DOMBROWSKI
As close to a perfect hardcore show as you are going to get with a mix of bands that ranged from new, to on the rise, to hardcore royalty. Set times were appropriate; meaning we got just enough from each band and with around 85-90% capacity filled at the Brooklyn Monarch there was still enough room to breathe if you are into that sort of thing. Frothing Mad(opens in new tab) from NY hit the opening band jackpot once again as they played this same stage opening for Straight Ahead and Gorilla Biscuits just a few weeks earlier. Just like that last show they impressed here with a short 15 minute set that included a cover of Warzone’s “Crazy But Not Insane” this time around. Definitely a band to look out for as they get ready to start working on the follow up to their demo that came out last September.
Negative Force(opens in new tab) out of NJ were next and played about 6 or 7 songs in just under 20 minutes. I am fully in on the 10 song self-titled album they dropped this past February but seeing them live just added another dimension as everything just popped in the live setting and in hardcore music that is a best case scenario. The early arriving crowd did their part as well with Negative Force knocking it out of the park and undoubtedly picking up some new fans on this day.
The new school roll call continued with Start Today(opens in new tab) from Los Angeles who have an average age of 18 years old. Four of the seven bands on this bill are currently on a tour that started on April 22nd in Denver and Start Today are one of those bands. Back in March they put out a 9 song/10 minute record called “Nothing To You” on Rebirth Records. They came out with an intro that bled into the track “Stuck In The Past”(opens in new tab) and they went at it hard for the next 20 or so minutes. Just a lot of energy here from start to finish. Their singer mentioned that he took off the last two months of high school to do this tour which is sick. Check out the interview we did with Start Today just a few weeks ago by clicking HERE(opens in new tab). After watching the first three bands it just felt like we were watching tomorrow’s bigger bands coming into their own right in front of our eyes.
L-R FROTHING MAD x2, NEGATIVE FORCE x2, START TODAY @THE BROOKLYN MONARCH, MAY 23, 2026 
Cruel Hand(opens in new tab) (pictured left) from Maine were up next. It’s been a few years since they dropped new music and that changed back in April when they delivered the back to their roots “Promo 2026”(opens in new tab). A small sample size with just a little over 2 minutes of new music but OG fans of this band will be impressed. Cruel Hand went on just before 630pm and did one of those new ones in “Too Hard To Heal” along with known favs like “Without A Pulse”, “Under The Ice”, “Lock And Key” and “Prying Eyes”. Chris Link on vocals (who also plays bass in Terror) rocked an old-school Jerky Boys t-shirt and thanked the shitty weather for keeping everyone inside during their set. He would also mention that their drummer recently found out he had a heart issue so one of their guitar players was filling in on drums. I got to be honest and say that I was thinking that Cruel Hand was sounding really tight before the health issue was even addressed so shout out to guitar players who can also rock the drums. Despite his doctor advising him not to play Cruel Hand’s drummer still made the trip with the band causing Chris to say “How hardcore is that?” Respect to the boys from Portland and a get well soon wish to their drummer.
End It(opens in new tab) went on just around 710pm playing the title track to their latest album “Wrong Side Of Heaven” which is an absolute ass beater on an intro with some sick dance parts. The crowd and dance floor had fully filled in at this point creating that big show vibe as people just went ape shit for the next 30 minutes. End It filled up their set with a mix of new and old with tracks like “21” off of 2022’s “Unpleasant Living”, “Cloutbusting” off of the new one, “Lifer” and “One Way Track” from back in 2020 and some other killers like “B.C.H.C.”. Frontman Akil Godsey speaks his mind between songs and can go from cracking a joke one second to “fuck the system” vibes the next while continuing to prove that he is one of the most interesting and entertaining frontmen in the current day hardcore scene. End It’s set ended with Akil doing a solo acapella version of “Big Shot” while someone right behind me yelled out “FUCK BILLY JOEL”.
END IT @THE BROOKLYN MONARCH. MAY 23, 2026. PHOTO BY: DANIELLE DOMBROWSKI
This was a home coming for Pain Of Truth(opens in new tab) who along with Start Today, End It and Terror are on this impressive 36 date coast to coast tour that runs through June 6th ending at the Festival Au Lac in Quebec. The Long Island 5 piece went on just before 8pm and you could feel the anticipation building as they tuned their equipment right before they started playing. The amount of Pain Of Truth shirts worn by people in the crowd was really noticeable as well and when Pain Of Truth started playing it was an absolute jail break. “You And Me”, “Shattered Past”, and “Actin’ Up” were just a few of the titles I caught as well as a new one titled “This Hatred”. Frontman Mike Smith shouted out his parents who were both on stage during their set while also going on to tell us that right before this tour started they recorded a new album that should be out this summer. Pain Of Truth are flat out poised for that next level as they sounded absolutely massive, tight, and fierce all in one. This band can go on and play for another 20 plus years and be widely successful but one thing that I can guarantee you is that they will never forget May 23rd, 2026 as this was the type of set that anyone who has ever played in a hardcore band dreams of.
PAIN OF TRUTH @THE BROOKLYN MONARCH. MAY 23, 2026. PHOTO BY: DANIELLE DOMBROWSKI
Terror(opens in new tab), a band that means so much to so many within the world of hardcore were the last band of the night. Their tenth studio album dropped less than 30 days prior to this set yet the whole crowd seems to already know all the new lyrics. An almost immediate call for more stagedives went out by frontman Scott Vogel and an all-out stage dive clinic ensued. While watching this absolute juggernaut of a hardcore band play I kept thinking how the fuck do they keep up this intensity night after night while being three weeks deep into a seven week tour? The dedication to their live show is obviously there as I can’t point to too many other bands (if any) that sound as tight as this band sounded on this night. Guest vocalists included Dan from King Nine, Mike from Pain Of Truth, Brody King from God’s Hate and literally anyone else who knew the lyrics to any song. “Spit My Rage”, “One With The Underdogs”, “Hard Lessons”… all were part of this night’s set list. Fittingly Terror’s signature track “Keepers Of The Faith” wound down an amazing day/night of hardcore at a venue that is listed as holding a capacity of 1500 people. I personally am in my 40th year of attending hardcore shows and this overall show from start to finish is one that will be remembered as an all-time personal favorite. The previous night on this same stage saw Vision Of Disorder, Madball, Killing Time, Slap Shot and four openers make their mark before BNB ran it back on Saturday with another stacked bill which is no easy task. Besides every band that played, credit is due to all the behind the scenes people who made this year’s BNB Bowl one that will be talked about for a very long time.
TERROR @ THE BROOKLYN MONARCH. MAY 23, 2026. PHOTO BY: DANIELLE DOMBROWSKI
“TEAR IT DOWN: HOW CROSSOVER BRIDGED METAL AND HARDCORE PUNK”
(Alexandros Anesiadis, Earth Island Books, Released March, 2026)
An absolute beast of a book here at over 600 pages and 220,000 total words, “Tear It Down, How Crossover Bridged Metal And Punk” continues the strong underground lineage that the UK’s Earth Island Books has created over the years. Alex Anesiadis attacks the crossover topic in a DIY zine type of way with 180 interviews with bands that date back to the 1980’s to post-2000 and current day ones as well. A key takeaway here is the fact that Alex is an obvious music fanatic and that translates into a serious deep dive into the topic of “when hardcore punk collides with metal” as it did in a big way in the 1980’s. NYHC fans will probably recognize and appreciate old-school bands like The Mob, Antidote, Agnostic Front, Crumbsuckers, Killing Time, Leeway, The Icemen, Ludichrist and NYC Mayhem being included but things fan out way beyond the 80’s/90’s NYC hardcore realm as they also bring in other players like Power Trip, Combust, and Aggros (who feature Parris Mayhew who also wrote the forward to this book). Further appeal comes from the fact that they get into what seems like every nook and cranny on the topic with bands like Lethal Aggression, Darkside NYC, Cryptic Slaughter, Hogan’s Heroes, Beyond Possession, Excel and Nuclear Assault also coming into the fold. East Coast, West Coast, UK, Europe, South America, Asia, The Moon and beyond… if they have/had crossover bands within their borders there is a good chance they are mentioned in this book. Record labels, fanzine creators and artists are also brought into the seemingly non-stop coverage. Covering bands with names such as Electro Hippies, The Legion Of Parasites, Metal Duck, Pre Metal Syndrome, Death In Your Yard and Whoppers Taste Good is further proof of how in-depth Alex gets. The last line of the synopsis on the back cover here says; “Tear It Down” stands as the most extensive document ever produced on the crossover phenomenon”. With this book seemingly weighing more than an actual brick it will be hard for anyone to debate this statement. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to get more info and grab a copy directly through Earth Island Books. Copies can also be obtained through most major book selling websites/stores.
-CW
7 SECONDS, CAPITAL, RULE THEM ALL, RUNNIN’ HOT @AMH, AMITYVILLE NY MAY 10, 2026
ALL LIVE PHOTOS BY: MATT VIEL
A Sunday night, Mother’s Day punk special here that saw a mix of old and new share a stage on Long Island with newer bands that released their first music within the last year (Runnin’ Hot) and one who got started in 1980 (7 Seconds). And no… that 1980 part is NOT a typo. An appearance by the semi-viral/odd Long Island “Twisty Hands” or “Twirling Guy” started even before openers Runnin’ Hot took the stage and were continuous throughout most of the night. This was my first in person encounter and I was underwhelmed as a 60 something year old man in a navy blue bodysuit continuously did this dance where he puts his hands behind his head and does this twirl thing. He was invited to come up on stage during the Rule Them All(opens in new tab) set but he respectfully declined. RTA are always a fun watch live and tonight was no different while mixing in a Dag Nasty cover along the way. They have a new 2 song single out now which apparently is a precursor to an upcoming album. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to check it out. Capital(opens in new tab) were the third local LI band of the night and are a “glue band” that tie LIHC’s past to the present having released music from 2007-2011. Still being plugged into their local scene helps create special nights like this where they just exploded out of the gate and went bat shit crazy for about a half hour. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to catch a snippet of this set with opening track “Disclaimer”. Capital delivered the second Dag Nasty cover of the night as well as the first Kill Your Idols cover (“Falling”) and what’s better than a cover than a cover that includes the guy who wrote the damn song as KYI’s Gary Bennett came up on stage for the two cover songs. 7 Seconds(opens in new tab) capped off their fourth East Coast show in four nights with previous stops in Garwood, NJ, Baltimore and Philly during this short run. 20 plus songs came our way in about an hour’s time, frontman Kevin Seconds performing his ass off at 65 years young and with his voice shot from the previous three nights… Just ultimate respect for what the entire band put out there on this night with themselves and the audience seeming to gel more and more as their set progressed with “Young Till I Die”, “Walk Together, Rock Together” and “99 Red Balloons” closing things out. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to get a peek at some of their set with opening track “New Wind”.
7 SECONDS. GARWOOD, NEW JERSEY. MAY 7, 2026. PHOTO BY: JC PHOTO MEDIA
DEAD BLOW HAMMER “RESURFACE” (Catarina Records, Released April, 2026)
Formerly known as Against The Grain and formed in the 1990’s by Cause For Alarm/Agnostic Front bassist Rob Kabula… DBH returns with six original tracks and a cover of “The Eliminator” by Agnostic Front on their latest titled “Resurface” out now on Catarina Records. DBH have multiple EP releases dating back to at least 2015 with their track record being one that always saw them expanding on their NYHC roots and creating their own lane where you couldn’t point to any particular band and say “they sound like this one or that one” and this trait always made them a unique listen.
With the recent release of “Resurface” DBH takes their biggest jump stylistically as a band starting off with the mostly instrumental title-track that immediately had me looking up to see if I had mistakenly hit play for the wrong band. The fact that the opener has limited lyrics masks the more hard rock/power metal style that awaits on the rest of this 7 song/18 minute release. Track 2 titled “Blood For The Ocean Depths” adds more power metal ingredients to the pot including some solid ass drumming backed by AG’s clean vocal style that shows his range as well as maturity as a frontman. As the rest of this EP moved along I was thinking that the needle would flip back more towards the hardcore side at some point but those instances were minimal with standout track “Failnology” looking to be that track but an opportunity for a big breakdown mid-song saw the ship steered towards double bass drumming and some slick guitar work which I have to admit is done very well. Down the line here at track 6 is “So Sick” which turned out to be my favorite track on this EP with its long choppy intro and punk feel and catchy chorus. The song breaks around the 1:45 mark with the drums, then guitars coming back into the fold with the lyrics of “I’m sick… so sick” repeated before the track comes fully back in a few moments later. I caught DBH perform this song during their April 24th show in Queens and the band did a really good job of bringing the crowd into the mix by asking everyone to clap along with the drum beat. “The Eliminator” closes things out and as some already know was originally released on Agnostic Front’s “Cause For Alarm” album that came out in 1986. DBH bassist Rob Kabula helped co-write that song with Vinnie Stigma and 40 years later it’s given some new shine. I really like AG’s clean vocal style on this one as it gives the song a new and fresh vibe. Some of the slick guitar work on the original version is in line with what DBH showed us on the first 15 minutes of this release as well. “Resurface” has a feel of coming home to discover that all the furniture has been rearranged by your significant other. It’s still the same furniture but sometimes takes a little getting used to. The production as well as the execution of these tracks is on point and that is no surpise as DBH have always been a band with high quality standards. You can stream “Resurface” by clicking HERE(opens in new tab) where you can also order this on “blue shark” or black 12″ vinyl.
-CW
EYES OF SALT “COLLAPSE OF THE INFINITE” (WAR Records, Released April, 2026)
Coming from the Mile High city of Denver, Eyes Of Salt drop “Collapse Of The Infinite”. This record is a throwback to a lot of stuff from the early 2000’s with a modern recording. It’s got melodic parts that flow into metallic riffs and then they bring the mosh. The recording is big and crisp. Eyes Of Salt show their influences with their guest vox spots bringing in vocalists from Sinking Ships, Ruiner, Dead Hearts and The Warriors. Almost every song has a sing along part with huge gang vocals which I love. My favorite track has to be “Terms & Conditions” with Tehachapi, CA’s finest, Marshal Lichtenwaldt of The Warriors spitting some lines. Instead of trying to explain their sound I’ll just say if you are a fan of Comeback Kid, Bane, Killing The Dream or Modern Life Is War this record is 100% for you. I don’t think many bands are currently taking on this style of hardcore but Eyes Of Salt are and are doing it at a very high level. While the music is awesome on this record, the lyrical content is just as awesome, speaking out against political and social injustices. War Records put out “Collapse Of The Infinite” so pick one up, spin the record, read the lyrics and stage dive on your bed. Click HERE(opens in new tab) for more info.
-Andy Diehard
SUBVERSIVE INTENT s/t (Rebirth Records, Released May, 2026)
San Diego California’s Subversive Intent just put out a solid release with their debut self-titled LP. This band (who formed just last year) is a good representation of the current day hardcore genre dropping 10 songs in just over 12 minutes. The minimalist album cover is a preview of where S.I. is at. Social, political, and environmental lyrics. Tight, short songs. Ripping guitars, drums, and a pissed off singer. Taking their cue from bands like Battalion Of Saints, Poison Idea, and Final Conflict; Subversive Intent continue in that vein. I hear some Wattie from The Exploited in the vocals. This band is like comfort food. When you want all of the essentials… and not watered down and up in your face… Subversive Intent is what you’ll get. Click HERE(opens in new tab) for streaming or HERE(opens in new tab) to pre-order the 12” vinyl from Rebirth Records.
-Tenacious B
ALIVE INSIDE “THE ONLY WAY OUT” (Released March, 2026)
Youth Crew hardcore out of Vienna. This 7” is a joint release through like 6 record labels so I am sure it’s available throughout Europe and you obviously can stream it on most platforms as well. This is in the stylings of the second wave of Youth Crew like In My Eyes, The First Step and Go it Alone. Songs are loaded with sing along parts mixed in with some two step riffs. The lyrics are about making positive lifestyle choices and rising to the occasion. The vocalist reminds me a bit of Atari or early Fastbreak which is a highlight. This is a solid youth crew record coming in at 5 songs in 9 minutes. The recording and vibe of Alive Inside would have had them fit in well on the Growing Stronger comp 7” Teamwork Records put out in the 90’s. If you’ve been a fan of Crucial Response Records or like what Rebirth Records is doing right now you should check Alive Inside out. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to give it a listen. -Andy Diehard
NEW YORK HARDCORE WEEKENDER APRIL 24TH, 25TH, 26TH, 2026
PHOTOS BY: STEVEN J MESSINA, DANIELLE DOMBROWSKI, RAY MOCK, JC PHOTO MEDIA, BRIAN HULL
April, 2026… NYC. 18 bands in 3 days with the Bridge and Tunnel Brewery(opens in new tab) in Queens hosting a Friday night show with Dead Blow Hammer, Robots And Monsters, The Ice Cold Killers, A Breed Apart and Trouble Bound while The Brooklyn Monarch which is a little over 2 miles away hosted a NYHC high school reunion of sorts over the course of the following two nights.
There is something to be said about getting out of work on a Friday night and headed out to any event… particularly a hardcore show. Friday after work till whenever sleep happens is my favorite time of the week and I don’t think many out there are gonna argue with me over this time slots greatness. Stop one on this weekender was the Bridge And Tunnel Brewery in Ridgewood. A small spot that has been around for over 10 years now and is owned and operated by Dead Blow Hammer guitarist Rich Castagna. You get a real old-NYC feel from this unique space where the bands play in front of a chain link fence with all the brewing equipment on the other side of it. Parking in the area is atrocious and while walking to the brewery I noticed other “scenes” going on with a line of people with yoga mats waiting to go into a mostly unmarked warehouse that had a security guard at the side door while another space had people dressed more for a night out at the club.
APRIL 24, 2026. BRIDGE AND TUNNEL BREWERY, QUEENS NY
Outside of the Bridge And Tunnel was a ton of seating… like ON the sidewalk. A big bench, old school desks… and I mean literally from a school, random chairs out and about. Some dude had a mobile BBQ spot posted up just outside as well. Inside Bridge And Tunnel there was a night full of punk and hardcore with Trouble Bound(opens in new tab) coming down from upstate NY, A Breed Apart(opens in new tab) repping Brooklyn, The Ice Cold Killers(opens in new tab) from Long Island, Robots and Monsters(opens in new tab) from NJ and Dead Blow Hammer(opens in new tab) from various spots in the NY/NJ area. The show space is small and if you get 100 people you got yourself a pretty packed show and this show had approximately 75 attendees. For those looking to book shows here hit them up with a text at (347) 392-8593 as they are actively booking shows. Dead Blow Hammer have a new record out now in “Resurface” on Catarina Records. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to check it out.
Saturday’s weather in NYC was trash compared to Friday night as a steady rain built during the leadup to one of the most anticipated NYHC shows ever as Straight Ahead were playing their first shows since 1988. Much like in Ridgewood the night before parking is hard to come by in this industrial area scattered with graffiti’d box trucks and garbage lined sidewalks. Although I lucked into an empty spot almost immediately others weren’t so fortunate with one friend saying they parked at a broken fire hydrant while Killing Time’s Anthony Communale posted that he gave up after 90 minutes of searching. The next night Civ even brought this up on stage saying that Anthony was supposed to do guest vocals during their Saturday night set.
Frothing Mad (opens in new tab)were up first. Usually, the leadoff spot at any show garners a sparsely populated crowd but people showed up early and went hard for this newer NYC band that I tell everyone play “Breakdown style” hardcore. The singer is from London, has a full-on British accent but I never picked up on it while listening to their demo which I found about 8 months back.
Burning Lord(opens in new tab) from Massachusetts were next and were straight up hard… definitely into their new split with Collateral but seeing them live was a way better listen… as it should be. Shout out to Keith Freeman filling in on bass. What New England band is the Restraining Order bassist NOT in?
Token Entry and Breakdown(opens in new tab) would follow. Two of my all-time favs and both did not disappoint. Take aways from the TE set was when singer Tim Chunks showed some humility by saying he was so nervous before the show that he was throwing up backstage and before they played “Birthday” he said “this is a cover by Kid Dynamite” which 100% threw me for a loop before finding out it was either sarcasm or a joke. Token Entry plays sporadically at best but retain the “From Beneath The Streets/Jaybird” core lineup of Tim on vox, Johnny on bass, Token Ernie on drums with Jason Lehroff from Warzone and Grey Area holding it down on guitar. TE were tight and brought their A game with Chunks being spotted on the dance floor getting mobbed for the microphone.
APRIL 25, 2026. THE BROOKLYN MONARCH. PHOTOS BY: CAREY, DOMBROWSKI, HULL AND MOCK
The owners of the “greatest NYHC demo ever” in Breakdown went on next. Breakdown ruled, still rules and always will rule. Singer Jeff Perlin still has his between song banter game on lock with his quick wit and sarcasm. On this day he made mention of the beautiful looking people in the crowd and how modeling agencies have sent out scouts to seek some of us out. Jeff would go on to call the Straight Ahead reunion “momentous” and that it had been 325 years since their last show… Larry from Sub-Zero handled bass duties on this day which included some “non-87 demo” songs like “All I Ask”… Rest in Peace as always to OG Breakdown bassist Rich McLoughlin who will always be missed.
STRAIGHT AHEAD @THE BROOKLYN MONARCH APRIL 25, 2026. PHOTO BY: DANIELLE DOMBROWSKI 
The reason the majority of the crowd was here on this day though was for the return of Straight Ahead(opens in new tab), a short lived NYHC band who made a lasting mark. A huge chunk of the people in attendance here were not even born when this band played their last show. Feeling old there hardcore kid? As Straight Ahead was about to go on Minor Threat’s “Salad Days” played over the PA and just before Ian’s vocals came in there was a record scratch sound followed by Straight Ahead frontman Tommy Carroll menacingly screaming “EVERYONE EVERYWHERE TEAR THIS FUCKING PLACE DOWN” which was followed by the opening notes of “Not Afraid”. Straight Ahead were really fucking good (as was the crowd) which was not a surpise. Craig Setari on bass, Arman Majidi on drums and Rob Echeverria on guitar for those keeping score at home. The band did not have a ton of recorded material during their initial run and they filled up their close to 40 minute set with covers by Minor Threat, Sick Of It All, NYC Mayhem (pre-Straight Ahead) and a never before recorded/performed live Straight Ahead song called “New Beginning”.
GORILLA BISCUITS CROWD @ THE BROOKLYN MONARCH. APRIL 25, 2026. PHOTO BY: DANIELLE DOMBROWSKI
The Brooklyn Monarch is listed as holding 1500 people and this show was an absolute sardine fest. There is an outdoor smoking area out back that can alleviate some of that capacity pressure especially in between bands but the constant downpour of rain kept most inside so it was not entirely a surpise when a small portion of the crowd exited before Gorilla Biscuits took the stage. Those horns leading into “New Direction” have been a staple in their set for a while now and whether the horn players nail it or not the crowd is often already stage diving before the first chords come through the speakers and that was the case here. A pretty much “expected” set out of GB ensued on this night where they churned out the hits for about 40 minutes with tracks like “Big Mouth”, “High Hopes”, “No Reason Why” and “Hold Your Ground” hitting mid-set with covers of Warzone and Minor Threat popping up as well with “Start Today” finished things out.
OUTBURST @ THE BROOKLYN MONARCH, APRIL 26, 2026. PHOTO BY: RAY MOCK
Night three of this weekender saw my streak of seeing every band end as a tardy arrival saw me walking in just after Outburst(opens in new tab) took the stage. Apologies to openers Stigmatism(opens in new tab) from NYC/Montreal and Identity Shock out of Atlanta. The Outburst boys from Astoria Park South sounded great playing for about 30 minutes. Not much between song chatter, just classic after classic with a Power Trip cover of “Executioners Tax” thrown in along the way. Outburst are one of the old-school NYHC bands that have sort of been adopted by the younger hardcore crowd helping keep their sets great to watch with a mix of young and old going off.
My appreciation for the band known as Underdog(opens in new tab) continues to grow close to 40 years after discovering them. They were always one of the best live bands to come out of the NYHC scene and I feel that is in large part due to them having such diversity in their songs like “A Lot To Learn”, “Mass Movement” and “The Vanishing Point”. Pair those tunes with more traditional style hardcore jams like “Not Like You”, “Say It To My Face”, “Back To Back” and then toss in Richie’s powerful but smooth vocal style and you have the blueprint for an all-time great hardcore punk band. Amazing set. Not surprised one bit. My review for the next band in Youth Of Today(opens in new tab) will be brief and will reference the amazing photo below. The excitement, the energy… THIS is what hardcore is and is all about. Ray, Porcell, Walter and Sammy just get better with age and they sound like an absolute machine these days. Long live YOT!
YOUTH OF TODAY @ THE BROOKLYN MONARCH, APRIL 26, 2026. PHOTO BY: JC PHOTO MEDIA
Straight Ahead and Gorilla Biscuits were the only two bands who played the previous day and it wasn’t surprising to see them mirror most of their previous day’s sets. Back in our January interview with bassist Craig Setari he mentioned things like having a lot of rehearsals leading up to these shows and everything needing to be “second nature” in regards to frontman Tommy Carroll having not performed in many years. In the weeks leading up to these shows Straight Ahead must have practiced till they were numb as they were exceptionally solid on both days. Many of those shorter “jerky” Straight Ahead songs with the tempo changes and blast beats could have presented pitfalls had the work not been put in but by all accounts Straight Ahead knocked it out of the park. The previous night saw Tommy show some humility as he (like Token Entry’s Tim Chunks also did) admitted having nerves and vomiting before the band took the stage.
APRIL 26, 2026. THE BROOKLYN MONARCH. PHOTOS BY: DOMBROWSKI, MOCK & MESSINA
Gorilla Biscuits went hard again playing a slightly longer set than the previous night. Some things that were different than the previous night were when it appeared that bassist Arthur Smilios nudged his bandmates into doing a cover of The Clash’s “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” while late in the set someone yelled out “play Competition” which the band was happy to oblige. A bigger surprise was having Mike Judge come out to sing the Judge classic “New York Crew” which not surprisingly went over really well. Civ and crew seemed more loose on this night with more lighthearted between song banter sending the still packed room home on a high note as this weekend wrapped up. -CW
GORILLA BISCUITS @ THE BROOKLYN MONARCH. APRIL 26, 2026. PHOTO BY: DANIELLE DOMBROWSKI
TERROR “STILL SUFFER” (Flatspot Records, Released April, 2026)
There are only three certainties in life. Yes, I said three; death, taxes and Terror consistently releasing top-shelf hardcore records. “Still Suffer” is the band’s ninth studio album and is out now on Flatspot Records and once again, this one does not disappoint. Formed back in early 2002, Scott and company have never slowed down over the years; releasing album after album of indisputable and relevant hardcore music and continue to tour non-stop to get their message to their ever-growing fan base worldwide. Without naming names, some bands that have stood the test of time have resorted to releasing that same sounding, familiar record, over and over again. No disrespect to these bands. They have found a formula that works and more power to them. This is not the case with “Still Suffer”. Terror resume with the usual speed, intensity and energy you have come to expect from each new album. Lyrically, this record could stand on its own. Scott has poured his soul into these songs and it shows. The opening track “Erase You From My World”, opens with the verse, “You’ve poisoned these streets, just to watch us drown in sin, I’ve fucked this up so many times, it won’t happen again.” He is referring to drug addiction and the countless lives it’s ruined. These are some powerful lyrics and they only get better as the songs progress. Jump to “Beauty In The Losses” and you get another dose of significant song writing in the last verse that says, “Everyone gets cut, hold your head up straight, there’s beauty in those loses, you’ve escaped” which tells you to look for the positive in any bad situation and no matter what life throws at you, stay strong and keep moving forward. The songs on this record primarily center around regrets and bad choices, but the message is clear; it is never too late to change. The guitar duo of Jordan and Martin provide an abundance of riffs with breakneck velocity, showing they haven’t slowed down and that they are only getting started. The Terror breakdowns are abundant on “Still Suffer”. Tracks like “Destruction Of My Soul”(opens in new tab), “Promised Only Lies” and “To Hurt The Most” provide the fuel to attack your next mosh pit with fury. Chris and Nick are responsible for the thunderous rhythm section of the Terror machine, binding the band’s sound into one of the hardest and tightest hardcore bands to ever do it. There are plenty of great drummers in hardcore, but Nick Jett’s drumming puts him in a small class of legendary hardcore drummers. I could sit and listen to his drumming for days. Flatspot Records never disappoints, delivering another superior slice of hardcore music. The production and sound match the band’s output and force, giving the listener an exceptionally recorded album to wear out on their turntables and CD players. If you are a Terror fan, you will love and appreciate “Still Suffer”. If you are new to the band, I suggest you clear your schedule and start discovering one of the true great bands the hardcore scene has to offer. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream “Still Suffer” and HERE(opens in new tab) for physical copies and merch which includes 12” vinyl, CD’s, cassettes and much more. And when you are done with all that you can also check out a 20 minute mini-documentary on Terror called “A Deeper Struggle”(opens in new tab) directed by Derrick Rathbun.
-Dave Cafferty
STRAIGHT AHEAD s/t (Revelation Records, Released April, 2026)
We here at In Effect Hardcore usually don’t fuque with reviewing re-releases as they are often more packaging driven with remastered versions of songs already available online but we feel we have to make an exception here for this certified NYHC relic that has been tucked away from mass public consumption for far too long. Straight Ahead formed in ’85 or ’86 (depending on who you ask) and spawned out of another short lived band in NYC Mayhem who consisted of Tommy Carroll on vox, Craig Setari on bass, Rob Echeverria on guitar and Armand Majidi on drums. If those names sound familiar they should be as that core would go on to play in many of your favorite hardcore bands for decades. Straight Ahead only lasted for about two years with two official releases with a 12″ EP titled “Breakaway” on I Risk Records out of NYC and an appearance on the “End The Warzone” compilation put out by California’s One Step Ahead Records. What makes this new Revelation release so relevant though is the fact that BOTH of the original releases were not mass produced and neither release was officially available online which led some to scour the internet in search of elusive MP3’s of these tracks.
With Setari and Majidi consistently touring the world with Sick Of It All the legend of Straight Ahead grew and grew, especially as the years passed and people saw that all of their members were still connected to the scene. Sasquatch, Chupacabra and Straight Ahead are three names out there that people have been desperately searching for and in 2026 we finally found one of them! Back in 2023 In Effect did an interview with Craig “Ahead” Setari where he put the chances of a Straight Ahead reunion at 5% but did leave the door open more for this re-release. For anyone who attended the two Straight Ahead reunion shows at the Brooklyn Monarch on April 25th and 26th you know that that 5% estimate shot way up to 100% with the band delivering this entire release along with a slew of covers to fill up their approximate 40 minute set. Up next for the band is an appearance at the Tied Down Fest in Detroit on May 31st alongside Negative Approach.
Revelation Records released these songs for streaming outlets on April 17th and on May 1st will release vinyl and cassette versions with the first and second pressings coming in at 3000 copies with colorways that include opaque red, green and yellow along side translucent orange as well as blue variants. A slew of related merch including shirts, buttons, stickers and even a recently produced Straight Ahead tribute fanzine are also available. Side A of this release is primarily the “End The Warzone” compilation with side B being the more polished “Breakaway” EP. There are 20 tracks in all with 5 previously unreleased studio and live tracks including two songs from their November 23, 1986 set at CBGB’s.
For those who have never checked out Straight Ahead, their music was comprised of super intense bursts of speed with some of their best tracks slowing down midway for some absolutely crushing dance parts. The majority of this release contains songs that are under a minute in length and prove that it doesn’t take a long song to leave a lasting impression. Songs like “Not Afraid”, “Spirit Of Youth”, and “Straight Ahead” which many would probably consider their best tracks all bang hard while coming in at under a minute with “Breakaway” coming in at a tick under 2 minutes while not losing any of the tornado like mayhem this band produced. There were not many bands like Straight Ahead during their initial run and even today, 40 years later, there are not many who can play and produce the same sonic output. It also can’t be forgotten that the Straight Ahead reunion shows (and maybe even this reissue) probably wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the unfortunate health situation that Sick Of It All’s frontman Lou Koller is currently going through and we wish him a speedy and full recovery and a return to the stage much sooner than later. You can check out this complete Straight Ahead release online by clicking HERE(opens in new tab) or head on over to Revelation Records(opens in new tab) to check out the various physical copies and merch they currently have available.
-CW
VILE MIND “DOOMED FUTURE” (First Round Knockout Records, Released April, 2026)
It has been almost a year since Huntington, West Virginia’s Vile Mind detonated onto the hardcore scene with the release of their first EP entitled “Endless Suffering”. This time out, the band picks up where they left off, with “Doomed Future” which at the time of this posting… is less than two weeks old. If what you crave is legitimate, unbreakable and straight from the heart hardcore music, then “Doomed Future” will satisfy your craving. This music speaks to you while delivering a powerful message and set to hostile and fervent music. The band does not dance around the topic of drug addiction. Instead, they grab it by the balls, squeeze them as tight as they can and don’t let go until their message is conveyed. The songs revolve around drug addiction, breaking free from its clutches and getting your life back on track. “D.O.A. (Disease of Addiction)” begins the assault by delving into drug addiction, its consuming effects and the determination to gain back control. “Incensed” continues the drug addiction theme, only this time the band wages war on the pharmaceutical industry, who pump society full of addictive prescription opiates to line their pockets with profits at the expense of human beings. This is a dark and hard-hitting wake-up call that makes you think when you listen to the lyrics. The guitar work of Ryan and Trent deliver slashing and commanding riffs that bring serious attention to the message being delivered. When Nate shouts out “We don’t want their money, we want their blood!” near the end of the song, you feel a surge of adrenalin that will have you jumping up with your fist in the air. “Head Of The Snake” exhibits the band’s commitment to writing and playing music that matters. The guitarists combine old and new hardcore riffs and douse them with breakdowns throughout the song. Mike’s battering bass sound and Chad’s percussion perfection add the backbone to this durable song and all the other songs on the EP. “Piece By Piece” is the aftermath of addiction and focuses on rebuilding one’s life. Nate’s vocals pull you into the story, making the experience as if it were your own. It’s dark, murky and everything you would imagine after going through withdrawal. “My Own Two Feet” finishes the record with a straight ahead, hard as nails, moshable war cry on dealing with sobriety and staying strong. The recording, mixing and mastering done by Jeremy Dingery exemplifies and conveys the band’s mission on this record. These are songs you will remember and play for years to come. Vile Mind is a serious contender in the hardcore ring. They play with conviction and heart which you hear in every song. There is no fluff or filler on this album. “Doomed Future” is a brutal reality check we all need. Click HERE(opens in new tab) for all things Vile Mind.
-Dave Cafferty
CARNIVORE A.D. “TRANSMUTATION” (Apostasy Records, Released March 2026)
I start this review knowing I have sort of a historical responsibility to paint a decent picture of who Carnivore A.D. is and how they got to this… their debut release which contains 5 songs and 17 minutes of original music. We flash back to the early 80’s for the start here with Pete Steele and the 3 piece hardcore/thrash hybrid that was known as Carnivore. ’85 saw their debut album blast on to the heavy music scene in NY and ’87 saw the follow up “Retaliation” reel in punks, metalheads, skinheads and all sorts of freaks in between rally behind a truly unique band with an almost post-apocalyptic vibe. I saw Carnivore play in the NYC area multiple times in the 1980’s and their live show was dark and intense. Some might say it looked like something out of the Mad Max series with the 6 foot 8 Steele at the healm handling bass and vocal duties. Steele would go on to form the more successful Type O Negative in ’89 and passed away in 2010 at the age of 48. Fast forward to 2017 for what became the start of what we now see before us today with original Carnivore drummer Louie Beato bringing together musicians including Baron Misuraca to form Carnivore A.D. as a tribute to what Steele and Carnivore had built. Since that 2017 start Carnivore A.D. has played consistently, has had numerous lineup changes (including the departure of Beato) and has now settled in with a lineup of Baron Misuraca on bass/vocals, Chuck Lenihan on guitar and Joe Cangelosi on drums. The resume here goes hard with Misuraca cutting his teeth with the earliest versions of NYHC greats Sheer Terror, Lenihan for his work with both Crumbsucker albums and Cangelosi being attached to names like Kreator and Whiplash.
This EP opens with “…Prologue” a short and eerie vibed wall of sound that sets an ominous tone right off the bat. First impressions here are “this feels like Carnivore”. “Transmutation” follows at a whopping 5:45. Thrashy at times… doomy at others with double bass drums and fucking war sirens blaring throughout. This one also screams Carnivore with Misuraca doing more than a solid job of mirroring Steele’s guttural vocal style which can be heard throughout this recording. At almost 6 minutes in length I found all the tempo changes to be a bit much but there are definitely times here where I am 100% feeling the fast thrash vibes being laid down. Track 3 is “I Stand Alone” at 3:59. Brooding, slow… this one has a metal/doom ballad type vibe and vocals going on. As an old-school hardcore snob type I am gonna skip over this one 9 times out of 10 but I respect the creativity as it’s easy for me to vision this track as something the original Carnivore could have done down the line had they not broken up after only two albums. Some absolutely sick shredding by Lenihan around the 3 minute mark on this one has to be noted just for the public record. Track 4 is “Social Decomposition” which to me, is the standout track by a mile. The fuzzy bass leads off here before the band jumps full on into an all-out thrash attack that would have slid in nicely with Carnivore’s “Retaliation” album. A music video(opens in new tab) shot at an eerie abandoned warehouse paints the perfect visual with Chuck dropping some more sick guitar shreds in along the way. “Mine Is The Hand” closes out “Transmutation” with a hard, mid-paced doomy track that transitions late with a chaotic and thrashy ending in the last minute.
With the introduction of original music “Transmutation” creates a new layer to Carnivore A.D. that many didn’t see coming as the last 9 years saw this band appear on numerous show flyers and accompanying tours with a large portion of that being in Europe. To assume they would have stayed on that path of tribute band is logical although 17 minutes of new and original music played with an apparent respect for its founders is a good problem to have for your average Joe looking for their heavy music fix. In the band bio it states that Carnivore A.D. is not here to replace the original legacy but to continue its spirit through their own lens. Judging by this well produced debut they have cleared that first hurdle. Stream this on Bandcamp(opens in new tab) as well as many of the usual streaming outlets. 12″ vinyl versions are available through Germany’s Apostasy Records (opens in new tab)via Bandcamp.
-CW
BIRDLEGS “VISIONS BEYOND THE APE CAVE” (Revelation Records, Released April ,2026)
It has been a long time since I have heard a band and felt like I had jumped in a time machine and gone back to being 16 and being so blown away by something that was fresh and addictive to my ears. Birdlegs does that for me. It is fast-paced and hectic, hardcore traditional yet eclectic, Birdlegs is everything that you have been missing in new music for the past 20-30 years. By now you may have heard of this side band made up of members of AFI, Redemption ‘87, Nerve Agents and other less prominent groups. Originally hailing from the Bay Area and other parts of Northern California the members bring that East Bay hardore sound to Birdlegs and then drive the limits of that sound until the wheels come off.
I could go through each song but there is just too much to catalog. These songs are well crafted but never stray too far from what people love about fast music. There are rad bass lines reminiscent of guys like Matt Freeman. There are a couple of breakdowns that harken back to old AFI. There are plenty of gang vocals throughout that are well placed and give that punch that they are meant to. Ripping guitar riffs that never disappoint? It’s got that too. Abrupt endings to songs that make you think the producer turned off the board mid-song? It’s in there.
But then there are parts that you just don’t see coming. The one that most surprised me were these background vocals that sound like they could come from a B-52’s record or from an ad jingle written by Jello Biafra or a TSOL song from 1983. Some of this shit is just hard to pin down and that is why this record really grabs me. Along the same lines of “what the fuck?”, there’s a bass line in the song “Devil’s Own Grip” that screams 80’s new wave. And it fits perfectly. “The Unraveling” is a rager with this guitar line that just fucking rips which is then complemented by an anthemic interlude right before getting right back to it. And don’t sleep on the riffs in “Apricity” that would be right at home on “Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables”. Finally, the lead vocals are great and cement the identity of this record. The frontman of Nerve Agents and Redemption ‘87 plays off the unique parts found in these songs really well and attacks those fast hardcore parts like it is meant to be. And the dude has range to boot.
This record could be summed up with the term “song dynamics”. Every song on this 15 minute slab of awesome takes you on a trip of highs and lows even though only one song is over two minutes. This record really showcases what great songwriters can do. I did some research and it sounds like Jade Puget from AFI wrote the record but I am sure the rest of the band had to have input (side note: it sounds nothing like AFI if you were wondering). There is so much going on here. It is hard to imagine one person writing all of the parts that make up this release but I could be wrong.
Either way it doesn’t matter. This record will reignite something in you that you may not realize had slipped into a coma decades ago. I have listened to this at least 50 times since it was sent to me two weeks ago. Shit, I am listening to it right now. It is that good. Do yourself a favor and don’t sleep on this one. Click HERE(opens in new tab) for mucho pertinent info.
-Robert Moss
ILL WIND “NEW YORK HATE” (Day Zero Collective, Released February, 2026)
Finding the right words to describe how this year has started off, I find is difficult. But finding the perfect soundtrack to this insanity luckily was not so hard as it came to me via email, which contained a link to check out a band I had never heard of. The band is Ill Wind, and they released their demo back in February, perfectly titled “New York Hate”, since it is “dedicated to no one. Thanks to no one. Hardcore is over. Fuck you.” Following a long linage of classic bands out of Long Island NY, two things are immediately evident when listening to Ill Wind; they are very much about hate, and this demo is amazing. Band members: Riley Hogan: vocals, Ryan Hurley: guitars/backing vocals, Nico Thertus: bass/backing vocals and Owen Thomas: drums have put out a true hardcore, pull no punches EP that captures the rawness and energy that attracted me to this type of music when I was much younger. “New York Hate” is 5 tracks, with a play time of about 12 minutes containing well-executed combinations of adrenaline-fueled fast riffs, slow breakdowns, harmonics, accompanied by pissed off lyrics. Riley’s vocals are clear and not hidden behind a death metal meets hardcore vocal mix that a lot of bands have used, allowing the message in each song to be heard. All of these elements create a release that can best be described as a well needed splash of gasoline to keep the proverbial hardcore fire burning. Track titles are: “Excommunicated”, “Sellout”, “Behind White Walls”, “Can’t Get It Right”, and “Commitment”. Once I completely finished listening to all these tracks multiple times I found myself thinking of so many great legends of the genre such as Bulldoze; Slapshot and Neglect that Ill Wind’s style reminded me of. And understand, this is being said out of respect and not to insinuate that they have copied any certain band(s) sound. If I had to sum up this debut release in one sentence, it would be this: “New York Hate” should make the legends smile; the newer bands take notice and those wanting to start a band, a great example. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to check this out on Bandcamp where you can also cop a compact disc version as well.
-Chris Beman
“GOODNIGHT NOBODY” BY SEAN GABLER (21 PK, Released February, 2026)
While elements of “Goodnight Moon” are woven throughout “Goodnight Nobody”, this original novel from Seán Gabler, it’s a far darker story with the opposite vibe. Protagonist Hamish Crook is grappling with the death of his estranged mother and the breakup of his marriage, all while a comet hurtles towards Earth. He’s supported by a loyal group of childhood friends, including Pierce, a former member of the hardcore band Challenger, whose musical output was once largely ignored but recently rediscovered. There’s also a pattern of characters with H names: Hamish, his mom Hazel, his aunt Hester, even hamster Houdini. I was sufficiently invested in the characters so that every time something seemingly positive happened I was conversely filled with dread, knowing that it was probably not going to turn out well for anyone involved. (On that note, some of the most memorable and vivid descriptions occurred during the goriest events!)
For a sad and heavy book it’s also very funny, with lines like “Pierce never stole a thing in his life except maybe a riff”, or “inside knowledge like 25 ta Life”. It’s replete with relevant, relatable rants and astute observations, like how hardcore often prefers your past band over a new project and how people can do many things in their lifetime but only one is remembered. This is true for both Hamish’s friend Pierce’s musical projects and for Margaret Wise Brown, the author of “Goodnight Moon”. What work do people gravitate to and remember, and how do those decisions affect the lives of the creators? These questions are entwined throughout the book, along with time being finite and what makes something coveted or scarce, sometimes in contrast to lack of interest at the time of release. Alongside the hardcore-related themes and plot points, Gabler weaves a web of universal musical references, from “Seasons In The Abyss” to the eminently meowable “Criminology” to even the Stegosaurs song I remember from childhood. (Is this generational or does this track continue to resonate with dinosaur freaks of all eras?) I also loved the Mets player names subterfuge and random facts strewn throughout, like birthplaces of saints and what years historical events took place, reminding me of another not-so-straight-edge narrator in Rachel Kushner’s “Creation Lake”.
The minimalist packaging is dressed in all black, Big L style, with its dark cover already defiled by my grubby grip although word now comes out that the repress (due out in the coming months) will feature the artwork you see at the start of this review. I was unsure if this was intentionally part of the recurring theme that nothing will remain in gem mint condition, or just keeping things simple. I spotted a few typos and spacing issues, though this will be less distracting unless you’ve looked for them in your own book, and it’s similar to the editing in Anthony Pappalardo’s “Heaven Or Las Vegas”. Much like the fleeting existence of hardcore bands such as Challenger, the first printing is limited to 150 copies. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to find out more.
-Becky McAuley
SCARBORO “HATE SEASON” (Sell The Heart Records, WTF Records, Released April, 2026)
There is no putting this baby in a corner, this pigeon will not be in a hole! From New York City… Scarboro keeps you guessing with their sophomore debut called “Hate Season”. I don’t normally like to do a song by song breakdown, but this band is diverse! The album starts with “A Horny Intro”… a melodic chill vibe with horns that transitions into the rad slam-dancing number called “Midnight Special”. Track number 3 sounds like a Scarboro version of the Puerto Rican band PUYA, with complimenting Spanish vocals and congas. Super distorted bass guitar begins the crusty “Benzos And Coke”. “Save Yourself” is a frenzied punker that delves into the melodic realm. Song 6, “Kill Your Ego, Not Yourself” (hmmm interesting.. the last two song titles..) is a master class in hardcore… oh, with a little bit of trumpet mixed in at the end. The title track, “Hate Season” sounds like the band enlisted John Lydon on speed. Speaking of speed… the song “Chaser” fucking rips, then goes into a bratty chorus then back into the shredding. Song number 9 “Anhedonia” is a mid-tempo punker with deep lyrical meaning and angsty screaming, with the chorus: “There’s nothing left for me to say”! DUDE.. the song “Kintsugi”… really? The band goes from big pop punk to almost a K-Pop punk chorus and then back… what? The last 5 songs, with the exception of “Got Soul” sound very influenced by the “Turnstile” style of “hardcore”. “Got Soul” is almost a distorted dancy song that makes you move. It’s so refreshing when a band doesn’t do the same “HARDCORE” chunk chunk chunk. Scarboro has a lot of twists and turns for the better. I think this band can hang with the hardest of hardcore, then stun with more commercial tunes that could rival all the biggest bands! Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or download on Bandcamp. CD and vinyl versions are available but availability seems limited after the April 17th release date where things seemed to move off the shelves rather quickly.
– Tenacious B
HOLD MY OWN “PAY NO MIND” (DAZE, Released April, 2026)
Back in July of 2024, I reviewed Hold My Own’s EP “Da Trifecta” and became an instant fan of their music. I ended off the review hoping they would do an entire album next time out and low and behold, my wish came true. “Pay No Mind” is the band’s first full-length record, out now on Daze. Formed in 2021, Hold My Own have released four EP’s and a split record and built a loyal following along the way with their brand of hard-hitting, uncompromising hardcore music. The members are split between Chicago and New Jersey, creating a unique hardness you can hear in their songs. Made up of members from bands such as Shattered Realm, Bulldoze, World Demise and Mongoloids, to name a few, they are a force to be reckoned with. After one listen, you know without a doubt, this band has distinct old-school hardness to them. You hear it and feel it as soon as the opener, “Da Intro” kicks things off and only gets harder as the record progresses. Gregory’s vocals are dangerous and dominating; spitting out lyrics bursting with malevolent ferocity that could incite pandemonium at any show. This can be heard in tracks like “Our Kind…”, “Deceit 2” and the standout song “Negative Shit”(opens in new tab). The vocals are the equivalent of being beaten with a sledgehammer. Guitarists Anchit and Mike’s playing are a blend of riff heavy chaos and street toughness, giving the band its aggressive edginess. “March To Your Death” and “The Onslaught” are two examples of their handywork, while dispensing a steady dose of breakdowns to quench your thirst. Sergio’s powerhouse drumming style, along with his speed and ferocity can be heard in “Pay No Mind”, “N.R.D.” and “Da Intro”. The relentless, pounding bass riffs of Anchit’s brother Kashish, particularly on songs like “OM” and “Destiny” solidifies the band’s overall sound. The band carves out compelling lyrics and sets them to aggressively charged music that appeals to the hard and heavy crowd. The production and sound on this record is first-rate; bringing the band’s sound to life and capturing the essential energy “Pay No Mind” brings to the table. If you call yourself hardcore, then you need to get your hands on this record. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or download the new Hold My Own or HERE(opens in new tab) to grab an LP or CD copy from the folks over at Daze.
-Dave Cafferty
SILENCE EQUALS DEATH “FROM THE ASHES” (Upstate Records, Creep Records, Released April, 2026)
Hard hitters Silence Equals Death out of New Jersey hit us with their new EP “From The Ashes” out now on Upstate Records(opens in new tab) (vinyl and CD) as well as Creep Records(opens in new tab) (vinyl only). Having reviewed the band’s last record, “I’ll See You On The Other Side” and loving it, I was curious to see if Silence Equals Death’s sound had changed, seeing the band has a completely new line-up, except for founding member and lead vocalist Scott on this EP… or if their sound remained the same. There are remarkable upgrades since their last full-length album. The first noticeable difference on this record is Scott’s vocals. This time around they are harder sounding and bursting with malevolence. You hear this immediately on the opening track “At Peace”(opens in new tab) and throughout the entire record. The years between the previous release and this one has Scott writing stronger, more personable lyrics and getting them across with a sheer fierceness heard throughout “From The Ashes”. “Linchpin” and “Shadows” are two just two examples of Scott’s strength and viciousness pouring out through the songs. The second noticeable difference are the new players in the band; who generate a faster, harder and heavier driving force than the previous record. Dave and Jeff’s guitar work are full of sharp, metallic riffs that are relentless and crushing and enhance the song’s emotional power on the record. This is evident in tracks like “With An S” and “Blinded”. The rhythm section of Carlo and Frankie combine precision with aggression, providing a relentless pit-fueled energy to the band’s overall sound. Make sure to check out the music video for “Tortured Souls”(opens in new tab) as well.
If six new songs are not enough to get your fix, the band has included 8 bonus tracks on the CD/vinyl versions of this EP. Contained in the extra tracks are some cover songs by the Cro-Mags, Hatebreed and yes, even a Slayer ending. If you haven’t heard Silence Equals Death’s take on their cover of the Cro-Mags “Hard Times”, you are in for a treat. SED’s version is solid and I know the Cro-Mags would be proud. Hatebreed’s “I Will Be Heard” is covered in a rehearsal, delivering a raunchy and fun version of a classic. The one that really surprised me was SED’s track “Killing Floor” (from their previous release) ending with Slayer’s “Reign In Blood” recorded during a band rehearsal. It’s rough, hard and a pleasant addition to the record. The remaining bonus tracks consist of demos from the new EP in raw form. Buy the record, go see them live and support this band because this is genuine hardcore at its best. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to find multiple ways to stream “From The Ashes”. For physical copies that include the bonus tracks head on over to Upstate Records(opens in new tab) or Creep Records(opens in new tab).
-Dave Cafferty
CRUEL HAND “PROMO 2026” (Released April 2026)
Cruel Hand “Promo 2026″… Portland Maine band formed in 2006 who have been mostly “off-radar” in more recent years with “Dark Side Of The Cage” being their last official release coming out in January of ’21. Fast forward to April 8th, 2026 for this new release… just days before Cruel Hand was set to perform at RVA’s United Blood Fest alongside 30 plus hardcore bands that range in legacy as all-timers to up and comers with many in between. The need to show “proof of life” as a band spurred this new promo which features 2 new jams in “Too Hard To Heal” and “Cold Stones” while older tracks from 2007’s “Without A Pulse” (“Trust Me” and “Under The Ice”) have fresh makeovers. We will stick to talking about the two new ones here as Cruel Hand are a band who have bounced around stylistically and OG fans of one of Maine’s premier hardcore acts are probably eager to hear what they have been cooking up since that last release which leaned a little too clean and polished at times with tracks like “Get Off The Cross” and “Weeds”.
“Too Hard To Heal” is the first of the two new ones striking quick, hard and with authority coming in at a lean 1:10 in length. Impressive. Fans of early Cruel Hand will salivate at the band leaning towards their fast playing roots based off this short sample. “Cold Stones” isn’t much longer at 1:30 in run time and gives another hard charge out of the gate start before things slow up around the :30 second mark to reveal a more choppy and angst filled second half that hits hard. Both songs are probably what most Cruel Hand fans would like to see out of a new Cruel Hand album… which apparently is in the works with word coming out of their camp that they have been sitting on an album’s worth of new material that has slowly been coming together over the last couple of years. Will be fun to see what their next move is based off these new tracks. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to find this on Bandcamp.
-CW
ENGINE “DEMO” (Rebirth Records, Released April, 2026)
This is a rad demo from a new band that hasn’t even played their first show yet although the members have known each other and have been in bands together for the better part of the last 10 years. The obvious comparison here is Supertouch with the band name and the style. I hear a little bit of Beyond in there too. Regardless, this is a high-quality demo. A great take on a style not being done that often with the band members telling us that this style of hardcore may not be super popular right now but they did it as a love letter to what sounds brought them together. With members of Wise, Enkased and other So-Cal bands Engine knows their way around a studio. The recording sounds like it could be a long lost Revelation Records release in the best ways. The bass tone and playing is one of my favorite parts. The vocals are sang… talked and screamed at times all flowing nicely with the music. 5 songs coming in at 8 minutes makes for an easy listen and intro to the style for those unfamiliar. If you are a Supertouch fan you should really check in on this and I think Method Of Doubt is a good comparison as far as current bands go but to be blunt it’s a rad demo and if you dig hardcore you should check it out. Rebirth Records has a pre-order up for cassettes and you can also stream this on Spotify, Apple Music and You Tube. Click HERE(opens in new tab) for all that info.
HEAD CHECK “DEMO 2026” (Released April, 2026)
(opens in new tab)Straight up real deal hardcore out of New Jersey here from the freshly minted Head Check who played their first show at a Mexican restaurant in New Brunswick on March 15th and then proceeded to drop this; their debut anything just 12 days later. We praised their singer Rupa Zimkus back in 2023 for the short lived Without Peace band who put out a solid EP on WAR Records that same year. Joining him now in Head Check are: Joey: guitar, Jon: guitar, Jack: bass and Adam on drums. Adjacent bands that these guys are also in at the moment are: Defy You, Buffout, Paralysis, Heavy Hand and Rose Blood.
Now that the introductions have been made let’s take a look at “Demo 2026” which is a shorty with 4 songs in 6 minutes that is sort of “on brand” with current day hardcore demo releases length wise. “No Respect”, “The Cycle”, “How To Be” and “Head Check” (not a Crown Of Thornz cover) are your song titles and when “No Respect” kicks off you can immediately imagine this song being performed in a small room on a Thursday night with like 30-50 people going ape shit. Fast, with a big ‘ol breakdown around the middle… definitely some Outburst vibes with their sound on first listen. The band has “straight edge” in their profile listings but overall Head Check leans way more towards more traditional NYHC and NJHC rather than a Youth Crew style with hard but still yet clean vocals. Track 2; “The Cycle” is the one outlier here with a bit of a blast beat start and then settles in again with a nice breakdown while “How To Be” and “Head Check” follow the lead of the opening track with modern sounding fast-core slowing down midway for some big breakdowns. Head Check are by no means reinventing what hardcore is but in cases like these it’s the raw and unapologetic style that wins us over and that’s what we got going on here. Check this out HERE(opens in new tab) or possibly grab a cassette copy from the band in person if there are any left.
-CW
YOUTH CREW 2026 COMPILATION (Positive And Focused Records, Released April 2026)
Really cool ongoing compilation series from Positive And Focused Records (NL) that got started in 2008 and is up to its 10th installment. From the title you may surmise that this has something to do with youthful hardcore bands who may or not be wearing Champion hoodies and may possibly draw big X’s on their hands before heading out to the local hardcore show. All kidding aside, this 2026 edition features Youth Crew bands; Absolute Truth (USA), Disputa (Argentina), TimeXHeist (USA), Remain (Germany), What It Meant (USA), Modern Guilt (Sweden), Inclusion (Belgium) and the UK’s Rebel as well as some cool Gorilla Biscuits inspired artwork courtesy of a dude who goes by the name Jimmy Bananas. This comp is available for online streaming (free), download (8 Euros) as well as on 7″ that is pressed on your choice of clear or red vinyl. Musically this is 14 minutes of super charged (mostly) fast hardcore that would put a smile on the faces of Ray, Porcell and many other of the pioneers of this style of hardcore that has been around since the 1980’s. There are absolutely no clunkers here with a well thought out lineup and just a good mix of sounds that stays fresh from start to finish. You can look at this compilation as the equivalent of the local ice cream shops’ little plastic sample spoon where you can try out some “Ambition” by Buenos Aires’ Disputa or Gothenburg, Sweden’s Modern Guilt and “Comfort” or something else and then take home more of what is to your liking… Positive And Focused has to get a pat on the back here for their consistency with putting these comps out every two years. They have now featured a total of 83 bands in this series since its inception in ’08. Putting out any hardcore record has its challenges but to do this while working with multiple bands in different countries while staying true to the original blueprint and on a biennial schedule is something you don’t see often in this genre of music. A working agreement with 4 other labels in the US, Sweden, Belgium and the UK also makes this more affordable shipping wise so be about it if the Youth Crew style is in your wheelhouse. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or HERE(opens in new tab) to go to Positive And Focused Records.
-CW
DROP OFF POINT “REAL RESPECTS REAL” (Released March, 2026)
What do you know about the hardcore music scene in New Zealand? If you are like me your answer is probably “not a whole lot” but we come to you today with the hope of putting you on to a band from Hamilton called Drop Off Point who just put out a new EP called “Real Respects Real”. This is not our first run in with Drop Off Point as we interviewed them a few years back and have covered their self-titled EP in 2022 and the “Bridge City Crew” release just a year later. The new release falls in line with past releases length wise coming at us with 5 songs in just about 13 minutes in run time.
To get you started Drop Off Point fall into the rough and rugged style of hardcore. If you are a fan of bands like Madball, Wisdom In Chains, Terror and other big boy shit then get ready to click those blue hyperlinks at the end of this review cause this is not some token good review just to highlight a band that is literally on the other side of the planet.
When the first few seconds of opening track “Unity” hit you can’t help but notice how massive both the bass and drums sound as they essentially attack you from the jump. If you have a halfway decent bass speaker hooked up your walls are going to shake when you play this EP. Mixed and mastered by Jayway from NJ’s Bayway, he also pops up with a guest vocal spot on this opening track. Mid-paced… big choppy beats… hard as nails in the vocal department. Drop Off Point make a statement of arrival with this opener. “R.E.A.L.” picks up the pace on track two while introducing more of a Wisdom In Chains type vibe versus the opener. Drop Off Point know how to throw a good hook in when needed and this track shines with the addition of some big backup vocals as well.
“Fuck this world… I play for keeps, it’s a dog eat dog world, I got bigger fucking teeth” is the meat and potatoes of the chorus on “F.T.W.” which really shows off some nice guitar work from their guitarist Bones Carter as well as a tight as fuck choppy drum beat from drummer James Samson on this mid-paced earworm of a track. Placed smack dab in the middle of this release, probably for a reason… this one has Madball vibes along the lines of “Doc Martin Stomp” from a few years back.
Track 4 is “Foundation” and this is THE track where Drop Off Point either totally wins you over or makes you say “fuck these guys”. My money is on winning you over though as this one is just a complete and fucking ferocious hardcore track that is comparable to repeated fists to the face. Cody from PA’s Gloves Off is up first on guest vocals on this one coming in around the :47 second mark before the chorus of: “Foundation… lay it down for the next generation…” hits hard with the gang vocals (as well as the message), while the breakdown goes just as hard. There is then a quick stop in the action as the song stops before a quick bass riff picks things back up followed by some more guest vocals around the 1:53 mark… this time from Moment Of Truth’s Rex Jackson with the track continuing to soldier on while dropping layers of gang vocals and spoken word layered over the insanely catchy beat. Immediate thoughts after fully digesting this track were “damn, a lot of thought went into the writing of this one”.
Drop Off Point get a little experimental with closing track “Souls” enlisting Richie Simpson from City Of Souls and New Way Home on guest vocals. Simpson’s more mainstream metal approach sharply contrasts D.O.P. frontman Mike Walker’s more traditional hardcore style sending this one almost into Life Of Agony territory. What I really liked about “Real Respects Real” is the fact that it has a good flow. Drop Off Point deviates just enough within their songwriting to avoid that “one big song” feel while also creating a very cohesive end result. The fact that they incorporate obvious influences while creating their own lane should be applauded as well. Long time D.O.P. bassist Garreth Steiner plays bass on this release but has since stepped away opening the door for new bassist Thomas Butler Ford (ex Takehold) to step in. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to check this out on Spotify with other streaming opportunities available through Apple Music, Amazon Music and You Tube…
-CW
START TODAY “NOTHING TO YOU” (Rebirth Records, Released March, 2026)
Whattya mean it’s time, time for me to grow up? I don’t want any part… If you are gonna take the name of that song, and use it for your band name; one, we know what you are bringing and, two, you better damn well come correct with it. Start Today hails from Los Angeles and they have taken up the Youth Crew hardcore flag and are running with it. L.A. is fertile ground for quality hardcore music. I am looking at their photo and, not to sound even older than I am, they are kids… and thank Zeus for them. I’ll admit that I am growing a wee bit tired of having to get my Youth Crew fix from dudes pushing 60. I mean, I’ll take it, but I love when actual YOUTH get into it and actually do something about it. Is Start Today going to be that band? We shall find out by the end of this review. Keep in mind I am a guy who grew up in the 80’s, geographically equidistant from CBGB and The Anthrax in Norwalk, CT. I have seen them all, multiple times and I am going in hard on these kids. So what have they brought us?
This is Start Today’s debut full length LP and they bring to us, nine choice hardcore cuts for our approval. In the interest of time I shall share a few of my favorites in no kinda order. My first choice cut is “All Along” running a near perfect 53 seconds. A bass intro a la Anthrax “Got The Time”, leads to a rapid back and forth section, leads into skank city. It’s clean, it’s crisp, it’s to the point, it kicks ass. The second cut of my choosing is the floor punchers delight entitled “Nothing To You” running 56 seconds. It starts off with an ominous tone, then kinda veers in a “Run To The Hills” Maiden moment before kicking into the aforementioned floor punch-a-rific rest of the song. An ode to an asshole, and who doesn’t like a song calling out an asshole? The third cut happens to be the final song on the LP, “Sold Out” clocking in at the heftiest of the three tunes at 1:14. It’s a blast of guitar and the song takes off. This one has a unique structure with time changes that stuck in my head. “You sold out for what?” I have been around a long time and so I know so many sell outs that I’m a sucker for a sell-out song.
I gotta say, I am a fan. A big round of applause to these kids for keeping it real and keeping it going. When I was involved with Malfunction Records we knew about L.A. and we were excited about and subsequently super stoked to work with and put out, the Internal Affairs releases. This kinda gives me that same excitement. Start Today share that special intensity with IA, Terror, etc, that comes with being from the city of Angels. Los Angeles should be proud. I have heard people say Start Today take from all the decades… the OG’s in the 80’s, the rebirth in the 90’s, the reinvention of the 2000’s and beyond, but make no mistake this is the real deal. It’s not old guys going through the motions, it’s the youth screaming for change. The music is tight. At times the guitar reminds me a lot of Up Front with that clean, crisp, crunch. If you like Youth Crew, you’ll like this. I singled out three songs but there are no clunkers on here. This LP is start to finish a dance creating machine. The kids are gonna be winded, and yours truly will be standing in the back holding their coats. The first song, “No Space” is a great introduction song. There is a song about being stuck in the past called, unsurprisingly, “Stuck In The Past”. It’s a banger. There’s a song about now called… “What About Now”. Yes, another banger. There is a song called “Looking Out” that has an early 2000’s vibe and could easily have been called Locking Out, wink wink, nudge nudge. I have heard the rumblings that Start Today aren’t doing anything new and that its all retread. To those folks I say a great, big, go fuck yourselves. This ain’t for you. If you can’t look at a band like this with the same youthful eyes and hear them with the youthful ears you used when you got into hardcore, then you are too fucking old anyway. Stay home and bitch about Turnstile on the internet. So go get this new LP from Start Today and check out the earlier stuff as well. Go In-N-Out… Go Dodgers… Go get the fuck off of my lawn! Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or download this on Bandcamp. The 500 copies of 12” vinyl produced by Rebirth Records(opens in new tab) are attainable but you might have to do some searching around or hope they press more as they currently show sold out through Rebirth…
-Core Junkie
MANIK “TO KILL A DEAD MAN” EP (RTF/Takedown Records, Released February, 2026)
Out of New Jersey comes Manik with their recently released EP “To Kill A Dead Man”. Consisting of members from bands such as The Banner, Midtown, Troublemaker and Suburban Scum, the band serves up a first-class hardcore record with five songs that are sure to put a smile on any serious hardcore music lover’s face. There is no off switch on this demo. It opens fast and ends even faster. Imagine you are sitting in the front seat on one of the most exciting and scariest roller coasters in the world. As you ascend up the first steep incline the demo’s “Intro” plays in your head.
When you reach the top, you hold your breath, grab on tightly to the bar holding you in your seat and hope you survive the ride. This accurately describes the next eleven plus minutes of your life once you hit the play button. Manik put the ‘hard’ in hardcore with this definitive and authentic release, played with unwavering ferocity. After the “Intro” build-up, “Die Laughing (G-Minor)” hits you like a slap to the face, igniting the record with full-on malice. From the enraged vocals to scorching guitar riffs, clobbering bass licks and high velocity drumming; Manik brandish their hardcore sound with surgical precision. If you weren’t angry or pissed off about something before putting this on, “To Kill A Dead Man” will give you a reason to be. This track is a fast and forceful banger and needs to be played loud to appreciate it to its fullest. “Future Shock” continues the momentum with a fully-charged classic vs new school song that will appease both young and old fans alike. “We’ll See” closes the record with the last dose of adrenalin driven fury, coupled with some seriously incensed vocals, making this a fitting end to the album. The band is on point when it comes to playing true to form hardcore music, sparing no one from their vicious aggression. There is an intense energy the music gives off with each song and I can only imagine what it would be like to see this band perform live. Pick this one up on CD or cassette from RTF Records/Takedown Records(opens in new tab) and support these hard hitters. You can also click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or download this off Bandcamp.
-Dave Cafferty
HINDSIGHT “SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE” (Rebirth Records, Released March, 2026)
For me Rebirth Records has become synonymous with Indecision and Youngblood Records. Meaning, anything they put out I am gonna buy and I’m probably gonna love it. This new Hindsight record is a great example. Their demo was my vote for demo of the year in 2024 for the 185 Miles South Podcast but this new record is even better. It’s more pissed, still fast and the song writing is a bit more methodical. Like they purposely wrote each song for maximum crowd interactions with circle pits, stage dives, two step parts and sing a-longs littered throughout this almost 15 minute release. “Some Things Never Change” is clear and crisp without sounding processed or over edited. The vocals are radical. Dude is angry and very straight edge. Songs ranging between one and two minutes which is right up my alley. Track two… “Can’t See The End” is my favorite track. It’s a non-stop mosh song. This record is roots/Youth Crew hardcore done with an angry vibe. There is also a live energy that comes through on the recording that makes me wanna go see them. If you are a fan of Carry On or Striking Distance you’ll dig this, or if Chopping Block or Start Today hit right for you then go check this out. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to check this out on Bandcamp or HERE (opens in new tab)to grab a 12″ vinyl copy from Rebirth Records(opens in new tab).
-Andy Diehard
NO IDOLS s/t 7” EP (Iron lung Records, Released November,2025)
If you have ever read any of my reviews you know I love Baltimore. It’s my third home. NY being my birthplace, DC being my choice and Baltimore being my favorite place for shows. It has such a great scene, everyone is down to earth, and a beer is not something you need to mortgage your house for. No Idols have their roots in Baltimore but I think they have members from other fine cities. Lead singer Paris is definitely a Baltimore guy otherwise I bought a rum and coke off of his doppelganger at the Ottobar upstairs after the Judge show the other night. Paris has himself a new “super-group” so to speak, featuring members of several other bands like Angel Dust, the Invertebrates, and Paris’ own Truth Cult (a band I saw a few times and will miss). So let us take a look at what No Idols are bringing on this EP, shall we? Keep in mind I am an old man and when you take your band name from a song by the Fix (not to be confused with the “Red Skies at Night” Fixx wankers), my expectations are going to be high.
No Idols bring us 5 songs with a running time around 12 minutes or so (too tired to do maths). The final song is 4:44 long so it kinda blows the curve of the short, fast EP. The first song is “The Fall” running 1:08, it is the shortest track. Feedback leads into an intro like collision of all the instruments, followed by a rapid drum roll and this song take off like a bat out of hell down hardcore road. It is the embodiment of short, fast and loud, and a fine choice for a first song and an introduction to the band. The fall, is it you?… is it me?… is it the government?… is it society? Yes. “Into The Spiral” begins before “The Fall” ends. It runs a healthy 2:13. The song kicks off with a drum beat akin to “With Time” by the Godfathers, Agnostic Front. Then the guitar kicks in in a Ceremony “Hysteria” vibe and then it’s all gas, no breaks, No Idols from there. “No exceptions. Blood on your hands!” rings true in this kick ass hardcore song. The third track is “Left Behind” at 1:42. This is another fast-core song which is earmarked by slick guitar work and a quick burst of soloing. If I had one suggestion, I’d add a sweet breakdown there at the end… because the song is furious and it builds with anger, but then we have nowhere to go with it. The fourth number on here is “Violence” running 1:28. I clearly spoke WAY too soon because that breakdown I was looking for shows up here with a vengeance. This one kicks off with a bass riff and becomes the song the kids were waiting for… the one that will give them license to act a fool in the pit. Beware the crowd killers! This one has it all. The final song “Ballad Of A Fool” is the epic cut of the EP clocking in at a chunky 4:44. This one has a bluesy rock intro before going ballistic. The entire band is able to flex a bit on this one showing their prowess. Fuck ICE and everyone associated with it. This is a long song but really does not feel like it. It goes by pretty damn quick. I definitely envision a pile-on while Paris screams “I’ll die on my feet!” before the song goes back to blistering fast, which I am not sure they will pull off with a gang of people on stage.
No Idols have given us a really good EP here. This is that brand of straight up no frills hardcore that we all love. Personally, I get a nice Poison Idea vibe and from me that is some of the highest praise. The release is kinda dirty, as in mixed in the perfect hardcore style. No Idols plays like a singular animal. A living, breathing, hardcore punk, saber-toothed beast. The head of that beast is Paris who delivers the goods with passion and anger while tearing his throat out. The band is tight and skilled. This band is Baltimore whether or not they are all from there, hun. So stop with your puerile whining you lot of puss sacks and grab you some No Idols, rock the fuck out, and as per our usual agreement… GET THE FUCK OFF MY LAWN! Click HERE(opens in new tab) for streaming or HERE(opens in new tab) to grab a 7” copy of red vinyl from Iron Lung Records(opens in new tab).
-Core Junkie
GRAVE HEIST “FATE OF THE WORLD” (Released February 2026)
New York’s Grave Heist is back with their “Fate Of The World” EP: five fresh tracks recorded with the legendary Don Fury plus an old school band hotline clip at the end. Building on past work like “Desperate Times” and recent single “Stronghold”, Grave Heist has once again taken their thrash-inflected hardcore to the next level. After solidifying their lineup in 2024, “FOTW” is their first full release with this group and a culmination of their progression as a band.
While GH was focused on writing and recording, they didn’t play live in the final quarter of 2025, so the only way to hear these songs would have been in the hallway of Media Blitz Music Studios in Thornwood, NY. The riffs so hard that I once moshed down the hall while they were being perfected are finally presented in full form here. These have since been unleashed live, though unfortunately not for long, as their last show is scheduled for April 11th. “FOTW” is both a timeless and timely release in that it simultaneously feels of the moment and that it could have sprung from multiple hardcore eras. Just as Bitter End’s “Climate Of Fear” (another iconic album with the Earth on its cover) encapsulated the global upheaval of the 2000’s, “FOTW” delivers an astute synopsis of the present moment: “justice is hard to find, rise up or fall in line.”
With each release, Grave Heist retains the capacity to surprise and impress, like when I stared open-mouthed at a segment of “Pale Blue Dot” upon first listen. Or if you were hooked when it dropped as the first single, it’s also worth hearing in the broader context of all five songs, where as track three, it’s the apex of the release. After building up to “Pale Blue Dot” with “No Kings” and “Switch”, we head back down the mountain with “Dealer’s Choice” and the title track, which made me think of Leeway – “The Future (Ain’t What It Used To Be)” with both its gradual fade out and social commentary. And then don’t forget to stick around for the hotline skit.
I’ve listened to and thought about this record a lot lately, which I hope is your fate as well. “Fate Of The World” is a worthy addition to the hardcore canon of cycles and worlds, and I’m thankful it exists even if it’s Grave Heist’s last chapter. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream this on Spotify or Apple Music.
-Becky McAuley
POINT BLANK “BACK TO SQUARE ONE” (WTF Records, Released December, 2025)
Since moving from New York to Vermont about 3 years ago I have only met a handful of people who were into hardcore punk. I figured there was a very limited scene here, but thankfully I have met some really cool people to talk with about the past and present scene and especially about bands. During these conversations, especially with people my age, the typical bands I mention are familiar ones such as: Sick Of It All, Cro-Mags, Sheer Terror, Murphy’s Law and Breakdown but the one I bring up that unfortunately isn’t as well known, at least in these parts is Point Blank from New York.
This is a band that I love to brag about ever since first hearing them in 2016. Now 11 years after forming and after several lineup changes with bass and drums, the end of 2025 saw their 4th release titled “Back To Square One” come out with WTF Records out of the Netherlands and I was super excited to hear it. As I had already assumed, this album, (which is the band’s second full length), is an amazing, well-crafted piece of modern hardcore with an old-school style. The lineup on the recording is: Ken “KWE”- vocals, Danny- guitar, Chris- bass and Dom on drums. Since Dom’s departure after this was recorded, Gary Martinez has taken over drumming duties, with the rest of the band intact.
Containing 12 tracks and a run time just short of thirty minutes, “Back To Square One” captures the essence of what attracted so many people from different walks of life to the NYHC scene. The music is melodic but fast paced… raw, yet defined and completing the formula is KWE’s unique vocals, spitting out lyrics about life in such tracks as: “Choices”, “Living In The Past”, “You’re Not So Tough” and “ME”. Point Blank do a great cover of Major Conflict’s “Stand By Your Guns” as well as a redo of their song “Point Blank”, which now is titled “Point Blank X” celebrating the song’s release 10 years ago. All the songs are great in their own right and it’s not only the quality and sound of the music that has made me a fan for so long. They are longtime veterans of the scene, they have consistently put out music on their terms, have silenced many critics who claim “hardcore is dead” and they combine passion and fun into making music not only for fans but for themselves. To quote founding member/guitarist Danny Derella when asked about the band getting through hard times and bouncing back, he states “We used “Back To Square One” as a mantra, but these days it’s “All Gas! No Breaks!” Now my goal in 2026 is to hear these songs live since I’ve never seen Point Blank live and foolishly missed them twice in 2024 in Vermont and in my hometown of Nyack, NY. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or download “Back To Square One” or to grab a CD or 12” vinyl copy from WTF Records.
-Chris Beman
STEP BY STEP “NEW WORLD VIEW” (Indecision Records, Released October, 2025)
The history of hardcore and punk rock is filled with a variety of stories that showcase how someone or a group have overcome the odds to survive and live out their dreams. Today a new story will be told. Our journey begins back in 2014 when two California friends Gregg Fidler and Nick Viterelli took their love of 2000’s hardcore, especially Boston bands… think of Converge, Bane, The Rival Mob as well as bands from the 80’s Youth Crew movement and decided to get some songs put together for a musical project. Unfortunately, due to life’s obstacles and a broken iPhone, the songs were lost and the project seemed dead and buried. But with passion came perseverance and years later Gregg and Nick began the writing process again and after recruiting some other local musicians, the long awaited plan of releasing a demo was completed in 2024 and Step By Step was born. The lineup included Gregg- vocals (Elephant Skin), Nick- drums (Ill Communication, Moldy Roses), Jerry Snow- guitars (Out Of Line, Stridebreaker), Matt Bataglia- guitars (Hell Here, Ill Communication) and Nate Evans- bass (Leechbath, Skullcrack).
It wouldn’t be long before Step By Step recorded a three song promo that same year as a prelude to dropping 2025’s “New World View”, which was released through Indecision Records in October. Keeping to their roots and style of the previous releases, “New World View” is a complete package of non-stop energetic, fast and aggressive tunes, paired with in-your-face vocals that is sure to grab the attention of the band’s influences as well as legends of the genre. With 10 tracks and a play time of just shy of 12 minutes, every member plays an equal part in making each track as important as the last and causing the listener to want to hit the dance floor with a vengeance. It is easy to see why there are so many other bands associated with each person in Step By Step. I do have several tracks that particularly stand out, which are: “New World View”, “Vision Over Visibility”, “Spinning” and “A Fire Inside”. As long as I have been listening to hardcore and doing reviews, I am always impressed to hear of the places these bands come from and how their influences can be from the next town over, across the country or in a different area of the world. It reinforces the feeling of community that we have. So now you know how the story of Tehachapi, California’s Step By Step came to be. But be sure to stay tuned since their story is far from over. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or download “New World View” and HERE(opens in new tab) to grab a CD or vinyl copy from Indecision Records.
-Chris Beman
LEAVE A LIGHT ON “DEMO 2025” (Released December, 2025)
Leave A Light On hail from the Syracuse, NY area and play a fast… (at times bordering on grindcore), style of hardcore. This group of middle-aged hardcore stalwarts have found the time to keep on keeping on. Their name is derived from the old adage about leaving a light on for someone who is late getting home. This is an apt name for a band that welcomed back two old friends who wanted to get back into writing and recording after they needed to take time off for life and all the responsibilities that come with it. And since the majority of people reading this are probably in a band or have been in a band in the past, I am sure it resonates with many of us. This demo is the first release that I could find from these guys. Let’s break it down:
The first of the five songs on this demo (“Leave A Light On”) is what could be called the band’s eponymous anthem. Short on lyrics but heavy on the riffage, this song is the opener on this record and I can totally see it being their set opener. The lyrics “leave a light on” are repeated over your standard hardcore beat which rises in intensity until dropping down into a palm-muted bridge with the same lyrics. It’s kinda reminiscent of AFI’s “Strength Through Wounding” track on “Black Sails…”. In the number two spot comes the song “Intolerant”. This one is sped up to ludicrous speed accompanied by screaming vocals before breaking into a mid-tempo part with screaming vocals. The breakdown hits hard with the dual vocals, one high screaming and the other the more traditional gruff hardcore vocal style. “Battered” is the third song on here and it showcases the vocals. I think the singer sounds best on here and the songwriting is the most interesting to me. I would not recommend it for your kid’s 3rd birthday party but if you want a soundtrack to destroying your ex’s car this would work. “Bruised Ego” is the fourth song and has the best guitar riffs on the record in my humble opinion. The song structure is also very cool. They opt for a mid-tempo vibe with cool breaks and really fit a lot in a minute and 28 seconds. My personal favorite on here is the last song “Word Breaker”. It is almost like throwing the four previous songs in a chatbot and asking it to create the best Leave A Light On song based on them. I like the fast, white knuckling parts going into the more familiar sounding guitar on the chorus. Great juxtaposition of styles. I’m a little sketchy on the bridge where they break the word “word breaker” into three distinct vocal parts but I still dig it. Check ’em out… this is only 8 minutes long. You have 8 minutes to lend these dudes an ear! Check it out by clicking HERE(opens in new tab). Leave A Light On deserves it. Do it!
-Bob Moss
MEGALOMANIACS S/T (Light The Fuse Records, Released January, 2026)
From Arnhem, Netherlands comes Megalomaniacs and their self-titled debut release which contains10 songs in 13 minutes… in my opinion, the perfect length for an EP. Megalomaniacs’ members are Netherlands scene vets from bands such as New Morality, Strike First, Cornered, and Hard Shoulder. Having that type of pedigree the formula has been set. The singer has a brutal voice and the band makes it seem easy, ripping some furious hardcore. Picture the English Dogs on 45 speed with a little Slapshot for good measure. Personal favorites include a blistering 8 second song called “Equality, while “Everything Ends” and “Last Echo” are fast rippers that leave you wanting more. The band describes themselves as “raw unfiltered punk hardcore with no polish and no gimmicks” and that’s just what you’ll get. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to check this out!
-Tenacious B
THE BIG HURT “U.N.I.T.Y.” Demo (Total Supply, Released January, 2026)
Not much for me to go on here as The Big Hurt are sort of a mystery so far with no social media… What we do know is this came out on Total Supply, they are from Philly, and they play pretty decent hardcore music. The opening track, “Philadelphia Zoo” peaks the listener’s interest with the crossover sounding instrumental, building up the energy for what the band has in store. “Welcome Back” is an honest track with a strong Madball influence with a hint of Lou Koller from Sick Of It All, vocally. It’s a song most of us in the scene can relate to. If you are like me, punk and hardcore runs through your veins and defines who you are. Without the music, we would be lost and confused souls, unable to function as productive members of society. The band confronts those who turned their backs on the scene, for one reason or another, only to try to return and be welcomed back with open arms. The song speaks volumes about a true love for not just the music, but how it impacts our lives. “Red October” pays tribute to the band’s favorite Philadelphia sports team in the Phillies and comes across as a moshable band anthem. “U.N.I.T.Y.” is a straightforward, hardcore banger that simply propels you to jump up and move around. Bursting with killer riffs, along with an energetic rhythm section and charged vocals makes this the true standout song on the record. “Extra Innings”, the band’s outro, is another powered instrumental and brings to light this band’s durable playing and hard-edged sound. The production is top notch, giving a rich, clear sound to the record. Not a bad effort from a new band. The “U.N.I.T.Y.” demo leaves the listener satisfied and looking forward to whatever is next… Click HERE(opens in new tab) to check it out.
-Dave Cafferty
GOING OFF “KILL LIST II” (Released October, 2025)
Manchester, UK hardcore mob Going Off are aptly named as their music sounds a lot like a bomb detonating and the image of that explosive fury fits this band perfectly. Going Off’s latest release; “Kill List II” (which follows the original “Kill List” EP from 2023), sees their reign of prolificacy over the past few years continue, and as with the bands’ other material, that prolificacy is accompanied with quality. Coming on like a rawer, Mancunian version of Terror or Merauder, Going Off take no prisoners on “Kill List II” from the very beginning to its explosive conclusion. It is a wild ride along the way with serrated grooves and razor-sharp riffs all along for that ride. The raw vocals of Jake Huxley are a formidable prospect and when they are ushered in with the venomous rhythms that the rest of Going Off provide (Nate Worrall on guitar, Charlie Wyatt on bass and Alex Sladen on drums), then you have a proven recipe for hardcore excellence.
The cast iron bounce of opening track “Change My Life” starts things off on a sheer high and the energy levels don’t back down from then on with tracks like “Brain Melter” and “Mourning”. There is also a bit of an eclectic vibe going on here as well as the grimy off kilter beats (that sound like Manchester grime mob Vitus Syndicate…a possible collaboration perhaps?) that conclude “No One Loves You” prove. This is hardcore through and through though, and tracks like “To Lose A Limb” and “Scum Friend” keep the quality flowing until the furious “Salvation” rounds things off. With a deserved reputation as a killer live band as well, Going Off have a bright future ahead…especially when the music is as strong as it is on “Kill List II”. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to check it out.
-Gavin Brown
STEP 2 THIS “THE FIRST STEP” DEMO (Armageddon Records, Released January, 2026)
Brand new hardcore from Jacksonville, FL… and when I say brand new their first show was on January 9th in their hometown alongside NY’s Combust. This is one of those releases that immediately grabs your attention with a divebomb drop within the first 30 seconds followed by a sick drum roll into some choppy/fast “Don’t Forget The Struggle..” Warzone style hardcore that would be just as welcomed at a Rival Mob reunion show or with a bunch of punk kids hanging at a park bench with a boombox on a Friday night.
“A love letter to hardcore, hip-hop and the shit we love” is the mission statement here with the intro to Gang Starr’s “Hard To Earn” album leading into that opening “S2T” track. Step 2 This shine based off of their sheer energy and authenticity vibes with a DIY feel oozing out of your speakers for the duration of this 8 minute effort. This demo by no means reinvents what hardcore was or is but damn do these four tracks just hit the right way. Tracks like “Not For You” and “Piece Of Mine” are built for live settings showcasing how Step 2 This can deliver simple, fast and catchy hardcore while trading off vocal parts and tossing in some solid ass sing-a-long parts along the way as well. Shout out to the drumming on this demo too!
Closing track “Team Chant” opens with a sample from the 1991 film “New Jack City” with Nino Brown asking “Am I my brother’s keeper…” This track is the most energetic one here as the band members trade off vocal parts including guitarist Alana getting into the vocal mix leading to a chaotic end to this impressive debut demo. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to check this out on Bandcamp, Spotify or Apple with cassette versions also available in the US through Armageddon Records(opens in new tab). Live outside the US and want one of these? Conviction Records(opens in new tab) out of the UK has your back.
-CW
“NOT IN OUR CITY” COMPILATION CD (Knifetwister Records, Released December 2025)
Newly pressed 21 band/song CD compilation (no streaming) from newly formed Knifetwister Records(opens in new tab) out of Westchester County, NY. Good cause here folks with all proceeds going to the Bowery Mission in NYC who help the homeless. The bands on this compilation that I was already aware of all provided a previously released track which is fine as my 13 year old car still has a CD player in it and who doesn’t like digging through the glove box at a red light looking through your CD collection? Hey… there is my Awkward Thought CD that I thought I lost! Having a small envelope show up at my door a few weeks back with a CD and sticker in it got me all teary eyed and nostalgic as well.
Bands that are on this comp that I already knew and liked include: Rebelmatic, God’s Favorite, The Car Bomb Parade, RBNX, Trouble Bound and General Grievance. Other bands or songs of note include: Giftshop with “Astoria”, a catchy pop-punky track celebrating one of NYC’s best neighborhoods, metal band Chaka who feature ex-Terminal Confusion bassist Mark Sokol on vocals/bass, The Lousekateers with “No Friends”; another pop-punk leaning catchy track and Butterbrain who deliver “Hold Tight”, a rock driven punker with dual male/female vocals that really play well off of each other. No Call No Show out of Brooklyn deliver a straight up solid ass track in “Computer Hands” too. There is way more “punk” here versus straight up hardcore but the cover art does indeed say “A Punk Compilation To Benefit NYC’s Homeless” so don’t be surprised if this isn’t Madballish enough for some of you as you were warned right on the damn cover! This runs approximately 45 mins or so and can be obtained by clicking HERE(opens in new tab). Like most compilations you are gonna love some of it, be impartial to some of it but hopefully you walk away with a new song or band or two that you will add to your musical vocabulary for future reference. Would be cool to see this all in one streaming location as well.
-CW
CHOPPING BLOCK “NOWHERE TO RUN” (Indecision Records, Released January 10, 2026)
At like only 6 seconds into opening track “Big Man” Chopping Block’s sonic intensity is straight up unleashed as this 17 minute hardcore assault commences. This Seattle four piece played their first show back in January of 2020 but it’s been the work that has been put in within the last 12-18 months that has really gotten them more attention outside of their Pacific Northwest stomping grounds. Their “Seattle’s Hardcore” EP from September of 2024 was a solid release that re-energized the Chopping Block name but at only 7 minutes in run time it probably left many listeners wanting a bit more in the way of substance. With “Nowhere To Run” dropping another 17 minutes of prime Chopping Block material into the pot it just seems like this band is poised to really kick down some doors in 2026 and beyond.
Their style stretches across multiple time periods with a bio sheet that reads that the band “draws influences from the entire history of hardcore”… a bold statement that I won’t put an argument up against. My take with “Nowhere To Run” is it’s almost like “angry youth crew” with hints of Youth Of Today speed bursts meeting Poison Idea or Negative Approach grit while still sounding modern and not just a regurgitation of their influences. 5 of the 14 songs come in at under a minute, another 7 come in at around 90 seconds while “Monsters” and closer “Regime Change” push the 2 and 3 minute limits. Although we usually don’t deep dive into analytics within these reviews too much I feel this “short song”, “shorter song” approach keeps things fresh while Antonio Vargas’ screamo style vocals add personality to a genre that can be challenging to stand out in. In many cases within hardcore music it’s that inner fire or drive that a band possesses (or doesn’t possess) that tips the scales towards a keeper hardcore album versus one that is good but doesn’t make the listener keep going back to it time and time again.
Songs like “Push You Away”, “Eyes Fall” and “Phony” are just the types of hardcore songs that make me come back though… “Push You Away” with a classic slow build before the speed kicks in around the 30 second mark, “Eyes Fall” and its ripping fast start before a massive breakdown and “Phony” which takes similar elements while adding a touch of melody. These songs sound great recorded but will shine best in live settings… Songs like “Same Old Shit” with the simplest of lyrics of “Every fucking day it’s the same old shit” is akin to Sick Of It All’s “My Life” and will provide opportunities to pass off the microphone while “…Look Within” just has that mojo/magic that you know will hit live. Imagining a small, packed out VFW, dive bar or basement with people going ape shit over these songs is pretty easy to do for me after absorbing “Nowhere To Run” for a few weeks now. The key is getting Chopping Block out on the road to support this album. It’s only the middle of January but it seems like we have already been graced with an album that should make many of those year end lists in December. “Nowhere To Run” is out now on Indecision Records. Click HERE(opens in new tab) for multiple ways to stream or buy physical copies on CD or vinyl.
-CW
METHOD OF DOUBT “TOTAL SOUL IGNITION” (Scheme Hardcore, Released November, 2025)
We all (hopefully) have a friend (or two) that tips us off to new bands, new music… “Yo, have you heard this band….” type of deal. In late 2021 I was blessed with Method Of Doubt’s “Staring At Patterns” album from a friend within the hardcore scene that lives almost 3000 miles from me. In early 2022 I would interview Method Of Doubt’s singer Liam Quinn and found out about the crazy logistics this band had with members (at the time) living in Atlanta, GA, Jacksonville, FL and Broward County FL. Shortly after that interview Method Of Doubt broke up (and then would drop off their “final show”) so it seemed like I lost this really cool thing that I had just found… like forever.
Fast forward to May of last year and Method Of Doubt were not only back but had a show booked at a VFW near my home which I attended. At that show I went up to their singer Liam and he told me not only were they “really back” but they were also heading into the studio to record for a new EP. With the band not having any active social media pages this really took me back to a time where word of mouth, flyers, printed zines and phone calls to “hardcore kids” in my own area and other states were the main methods of “finding out about shit”. Even this record’s release came as a surpise to me as I was scrolling through Spotify one day and saw this records cover and was thinking “this can’t be out already… could it?”
“Total Soul Ignition” picks up where “Staring At Patterns” left off. It’s much shorter with four songs in about 8 minutes time versus their previous effort which ran 21 minutes but it’s still that same old friend that you remember well and who hasn’t changed a bit. “The Setup” leads things off and as stated in the lyrics “This is a song for anyone who has said: there’s got to be a better way…” Riddled with a mid-paced groove and clean vocals before that bass drop at the 1:10 mark, MOD are hard as fuck without playing necessarily aggressive style hardcore. There is a smoothness to their songwriting and style and it is in full display on this opener.
“Aggregator” follows with some “make ya think” lyrics set to another groove oriented track. The 1:12 mark here being that special moment where the song just stops with then just the guitar, then drums building things back up to the lyric of “I will not assist with your spiritual suicide… I will not assist with your genocide…” The last 45 or so seconds of this song has sort of a hazy, slow fade out with some choppy drum work that just hits the right way.
“In Unison” is track 3 and again hits in the lyric department while also delivering yet another mid-paced banger. Lines from this song like “I know our youth is leaving but I still feel the same”… “Did we do all we set out to…” and “5 hearts beat in unison…” is obviously written about themselves in a humbling type of way and also makes me feel that with a few different twists or turns this bands history could have had us looking at Method Of Doubt in a much different light.
“Insufficient” closes things out as the shortest as well as fastest paced track here clocking in at only 1:21. The faster pace blends well with the other three tracks keeping a cohesiveness within the 8 minutes we are delivered. Whenever I listen to any Method Of Doubt I think of a modernized version of Supertouch with a touch of Quicksand thrown in to boot with an Eddie Leeway (RIP) type of coolness to the total package.
If you read this far it obvious that I am really into the latest from Method Of Doubt but if I have to say something less than glowing about “Total Soul Ignition” it would be that the recording is not as “big” or “full” as their “Staring At Patterns” album from ’21. If this had the same recording as their previous effort I would be even more into this but it is what it is. Regardless, this EP contains another 4 solid to great songs to drop on the already decently sized Method Of Doubt back catalog. With large, inconsistent gaps within this band’s history we can only hope that this is a rebirth of something sustainable for the foreseeable future in the Method Of Doubt universe. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream this on Bandcamp. 7”s were available through Scheme(opens in new tab) but it is not at all surprising that they have since sold out.
-CW
FADING SIGNAL “ONLY AN ECHO” (Indecision Records, Released October, 2025)
With a number of well received releases over the past few years, Raleigh, North Carolina’s Fading Signal have brought out their debut full length “Only An Echo” and it takes the sound and vision of their past material, and amplifies it tenfold. This is the sound of Fading Signal having honed their music and turning it into a collection of supremely well-executed songs.
Punchy hardcore anthems with a passionate sense of melody are the order of the day here and it sounds both triumphant and powerful, as if this is what Fading Signal have been building up to, and it delivers in spades, with the results being an electrifying collision of hardcore sounds, as the band tear though the albums ten tracks with an energy that is never anything less than explosive.
From the moment the title track “Only An Echo” opens the album off you know straight away that you are in for a vivid ride and Fading Signal do not disappoint at any point here. The tracks are undeniably heavy throughout and the air of melody that goes alongside only amps this up… the bands passionate war cries only adding to the powerful vibe, such as when the bands vocalist Jordan Holland bellows “I put my fist through the rear view mirror” on the track “Misery Lane” or “Seasons change but nothing else” on “Seasons As They Change”… you can feel the caustic tension being expelled and it sounds fantastic and cathartic in equal measure.
The powerful nature of the music of Fading Signal also moves itself into less straight up hardcore vibes, with the stirring acoustic led intro to “Bleed For This” being a perfect example, and when it leads into the heavier territory as the track continues, it makes it even more of a powerful statement, and this is something that Fading Signal do so well. There is a massive bass sound on this album too, courtesy of bassist Kohai especially on the track “Have No Heroes” and with some killer hardcore riffage all over this record from David Lavey and drummer Jonathan Owens being a beast on the kit from start to finish, you have a brilliant collection of everything that makes hardcore so great. All the members play their hearts out.
“Only An Echo” is an album that comes across as a serious statement of intent from Fading Signal, showing the band living up to their potential, that fans of bands such as Trash Talk, Raw Brigade, Spy and No Idols will absolutely love, and with this album under their belts, the sky is the limit to where Fading Signal go next. Click HERE(opens in new tab) to stream or download or HERE(opens in new tab) to grab a CD or vinyl copy through Indecision Records.
-Gavin Brown