Frustration release new video

If you’ve read this blog before you are probably aware of my love for Dying Breed by Frustration, an album that I consider to be the best release of 2012. Thankfully the love still remains and the band released a video for Last Will And Testament.

The video is a standard collection of pretty cool mosh footage taken from various shows over the past year. The track is awesome and if you don’t feel the need to mosh and/or headbang to it then take a good hard look at yourself.

There is also a lot of strong merch on display throughout which I can get behind. 

Frustration recently put Dying Breed up on their bandcamp for a ludicrously cheap price, it’s something like 80p and if you don’t pick it up you’re missing out.

Listen to this record and support hard working bands.

Happy Valentines Day

So February the 14th rolls around once more. Happy Valentines day to some, commiseration on being single to others. Take your pick as to which you choose from those.

Now that’s the topical bit of this post out of the way it’s time to get down to the fact that there is some great music knocking about at the moment and I am going to try to enlighten you in case you’ve missed any of it.

First of all Nottingham hardcore band Bleak Reality have released an E.p – ‘Burden Of Shame.’ It’s five tracks of wonderfully angry mosh ready hardcore songs, all perfect for kicking your mates to should that sort of cathartic activity take your fancy. Whatever you want to do as you listen to this, make sure you don’t sleep on it as every track is a banger. Recommended highly. Pick it up here on the Anger Battery bandcamp.

Secondly, Frustration, my band of 2012 have put their brilliant L.P ‘Dying Breed’ on bandcamp for what is basically 40p. This L.P still fills me with the same vitriolic righteousness as it did when I heard it last summer. You can read my review of it ON THIS LINK if you want to know what I thought about it then. If you are struggling for Valentines Day cheer, go and pick this record up, treat yourself, I can guarantee you will not regret it for a second. If you don’t believe me, check out one of the songs from the record and let that convince you:

And finally, if you’ve let this go over your head then you really have been sleeping recently. Atonement Records have set the ball rolling on mosh metal for 2013 with the release of the xRepentancex tape. Vegan straight edge metal played for you to mosh to. Put it on and kick the shit out of everyone in the vicinity. Atonement have released this and there is more to come from the label, check out the other releases that are planned on their site HERE or start following them on twitter HERE – that’s @atonement666 if you can’t figure out a hyperlink.

GO AND LISTEN TO ALL OF THESE THINGS, IT WILL IMPROVE YOUR DAY.

Live Review: Bang Bros @ Le Pub, Newport

Due to lack of available funds (the bane of my existence) I was unable to attend the show in Newport on Friday night. However, I knew that a certain Michael ‘Purgatory’ Darke would be in attendance. After exchanging thoughts of the show via text I asked him if he would be willing to write a review to guest feature on my blog. I’m pretty stoked as this is the first bit of writing on here not done by me. If you like knowledgeable and passionate views on hardcore, this review will be right up your street. Check it.

“Bang Bros, Nibiru, No Reality & Bleak Reality Le Pub, August 24^th

Josh didn’t suggest the idea of me doing a review of this show until I was already there and it was underway so apologies if I miss any pertinent details but essentially, this was a fun show. 

Bleak Reality. I like this band, really think there is promise here. It is easy enough to pass them off for wanting to sound like Trapped Under Ice, but I don’t think that is the case. Entrenched golden age NYHC style and swagger (the truly difficult element of that sound to capture) in the song writing and plenty weighty enough even with just 1 guitar. Just hardcore, and what else do you really want? The show wasn’t the liveliest and I think the lads suffered a little for it, but I’m excited to see these again soon in a room more up for it and familiar with the demo. One of the bands to watch in the UK right now.

No Reality. Second Reality of the night, and on a different tip all together if not a different planet. It’s hard to remember what No Reality sounded like back when but they are much better now and arguably the prototype for the genesis of #drugsbands in UK hardcore. 

The song writing reminds me of Nachtmystium in the most bizarre of ways, the almost random moves between black metal riffing, more straight forward metalcore/holy terror style parts and plenty of very traditional sounding British Heavy Metal riffs to make a band that really sounds like few others.

In truth, I was outside for the first half of their set wheeling & dealing on a merch purchase, and at the back of the room for the second half so I couldn’t see if kids were going off but the band sounded good, so much better than last time they played Le Pub, and a good showcase for their new record. What I could see of the band they looked confident on stage and like they were enjoying themselves which is rare for them, but they may have finally become the band they promised to be.

Their new record, while not really the subject of review here, is a great little LP and I’d have happily released it if the band weren’t a bunch of degenerate fiends ranking high on the disorganised scale although knowing them, they’d likely just wear that as a badge of honour.

Nibiru. I don’t think I really have the background to review this band. No clue as to who they really sound like or who the influences are. For the most part the current trend in hardcore of jocking Grunge just leaves me cold but I really enjoyed their set right up until the Nirvana cover at the end.

Sidenote: When their singer announced they were going to do a cover I shuddered knowing in my heart it wasn’t going to be anything that would set me off, and when my worst fears were quickly realised so I escaped to discuss hating Nirvana with the solemn few that remain. Won’t let that unduly taint my view of the band though.

Like I said, I don’t have the genre background to say who they sound like, initially I thought they were a quirky version of Frustration, with whom they share members, but that isn’t really a fair comparison and somewhat wide of the mark. They don’t really sound like anyone and they do it well. Strong sung vocals, interesting songs, if grungey hardcore is your thing I’m willing to wager these will be one of the best and even if you aren’t (like me) you should give them a go live or on record as you may be surprised (again, like me).

Bang Bros: With a sound fluctuating somewhere between the React and Lockin Out touchstones, they bring jams that make for a good time provide you are in the mood. I wasn’t really by this point but there was still more movement for them than anyone else.

I don’t really have a lot to say here. I find this style of hardcore really hit or miss for me and with no rhyme nor reason to what I enjoy and it just wasn’t clicking for me tonight, although I feel I was in the minority.

Liked that one of the dudes was wearing a Subhumans tee. A mini-Carry On medley was cool too, if not completely ropey. On another night I’d have likely moshed.

 Summary:

 4 interesting, credible and diverse British Isles Hardcore bands. Good vibe at the show and everyone in good spirits and as a social event I’d score it high despite the rain (although the bands should probably be grateful, if this had been on a pleasant summers eve then numbers inside would have been sorely lacking).

Nibiru really ought to be band of the night, but there is a place in my heart for Bleak Reality plus the best I’ve likely ever seen No Reality too.

Not a bad way to spend any given Friday! Props to all involved. 

So my first guest blogger, as always, feel free to leave comments. And also, check out the bands involved last night:

Bleak Reality: http://bleakreality.bandcamp.com/

No Reality: http://noreality.bandcamp.com/

Nibiru: http://planetnibiru.bandcamp.com/

Bang Bros: http://bangbros.bandcamp.com/

2012 so far. What I’ve been listening to.

So July is upon us, over halfway through the breakneck year that is 2012.

In terms of music, and especially hardcore, 2012 has been awesome for me so far. So many good bands have come onto my radar and there have been so many moments where I have listened to a track/ep/lp which has made me sit up and really get excited about music.

I am going to take a few minutes to give something back with this post. I was considering doing a mixtape to share with you all, dear readers, but this seemed like too much effort, so instead I am going to choose a selection of my favourite bits of music that has come out this year, and if I feel inspired enough I’ll write something about them.

The absolute standout record of 2012 this year for me was Frustration with Dying Breed (you can read my full review of it here.) From the very first listen I gave this album I completely got it. The raw, tribal feel of the rhythm section mixed with the Crowbar-esque guitar work mixed with some of the rawest vocals of the year all combine to make a tour de force of a record. Featuring a tonne of cool guest vocals, Dying Breed really puts its hand up for an album of the year spot. Released on Purgatory Records I highly recommend listening to it, I’ve embedded tracks off their bandcamp, Peace And Safety… features guest vocals from Ajay of BWP fame, bang your heads.

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Next up is another band smashing it on Purgatory at the moment. If you’ve had half an eye on the scene over the past few years these Manchester bruisers will need little introduction. Broken Teeth dropped their new E.P Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked (read my review here) a few months back and have taken 2012 by the scruff of the neck since then and smashed it around a bit. Adding more of a metallic hardcore feel to previous E.P The Seeker, these guys are really showing why the Manchester scene is blowing up. Backing up the E.P with outstanding support slots for bands such as Bitter End and Backtrack, Teeth are really showing why they are a force to be reckoned with. Again, released on Purgatory, pick up a copy of this, you wont be let down. Check out the title track off the E.P here

Broken Teeth – Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked

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Another Manchester band who are blowing minds at the moment are Survival. I was lucky enough to catch Survival play at TDON7 which they announced was their second show, and even then they shone with potential. Having been on bills all over the place these lads have shown that along with Teeth, Manchester really is bringing it hard at the moment. Recently playing with Bitter End at the Star And Garter in Manchester the guys tore the roof off the place inciting one of the most intense moshes I’ve seen in a long time. They have their Demo E.P up for free download on the bandcamp which you should get on, and they have a new track up on their Facebookpage which kills it.

Survival smashing Outbreak Fest

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A band who I don’t think get enough recognition for what they are doing at the moment is The River Card who hail from my home for the last three years, Stoke-On-Trent. The River Card have shared stages with some of the biggest names in hardcore, if you want a list check their Last.Fm out!

They recently released their new record Momentum which I must say took me by surprise with how good it is. Unlike a lot of records nowadays this is a strong listen from start to finish. Massive respect to frontman Chris Smith for his lyrics on the song Cliques which deals directly with all of the bullshit floating around in the scene regarding hype bands and whats ‘cool’ – keep it real and listen to who and what you like. If you have any spare pennies you should definitely pick up this record and some merch, help the guys out as they’re friends of mine and deserve it so much.

You can listen to the entire record on their bandcamp, just a heads up, Pitfalls is one of the best songs you will hear this year.

Smitho showing some rage.

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Within the last week I got my hands on the Twitching Tongues record and instantly regretted not going to see them with Frustration and Broken Teeth (hindsight is a wonderful thing.)

This record combines heavy, groove heavy riffs with clean(ish) vocals which definitely surprised me upon first listen. Its a really easy album to get hooked on so I recommend getting a copy as soon as you can and giving it a listen, it may take one or two plays to get into, but once you do, it is completely worth it.

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In other listening, the new Pariso album will smash your skull in should you give it a chance, check out a review I wrote for DeadPress. The whole album is a total crush fest and if you’re a fan of their previous material, you will love this.

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I recently stumbled upon a band called Anguish who have a really cool Black Sabbath meets hardcore vibe, check them out if you like riffs. Coincidently if you don’t like riffs, you’re probably on the wrong blog as it is.

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And last but not least! Check out Fausto from Cheltenham, a D.I.Y project I noticed the other day. For a demo recorded in a kitchen I dig this really hard.

LISTEN HERE

I can’t post without mentioning the labels that are helping the scene be as strong as it is. Give your support to labels such as Purgatory, Holy Roar, Tangled Talk, Carry The Weight and Moshtasche Records as well as many more. Buy some merch, pick up some records and support your scene.

L.P Review: Frustration – Dying Breed

Its been a while coming but the new Frustration record is finally out on Purgatory Records.

Dying Breed is the new L.P from Dublin Hardcore group Frustration and it will definitely open a lot of ears and eyes to this band and in turn give a lot of attention to the Dublin scene.

From the off Dying Breed marks its territory as a record of unrelenting hardness. Opening song Heart Of Darkness features a didgeridoo and tribal drums that build the intensity up right from the off. The guitars grind out a riff designed to set pits off left right and centre and the tribal drums bring it all back down until second song Last Will And Testament comes crashing into your ears.

Frustration describe themselves on their Facebook as a ‘heavy hardcore’ band and this description is absolutely spot on. The heaviness on the album is coupled with changes in pace which vary from a fast thrash feel to a slow sludgey pace that really adds to the impact of the music. Some of the heaviest slowest parts of this record make you think a lot of bands like Crowbar when they break things down.

One of the standout songs on the record comes halfway through with Sixth Circle. guaranteed to make it into Songs Of The Year lists. Sixth Circle is one of the quicker paced songs on Dying Breed and it also packs one of the hardest moshes of the year as well. The last 45 seconds of this track were written purely for people to lose their minds to in the pit. Sections of the record like this will appeal massively to fans of Bitter End and Backtrack.

As I have already said, what is so good about this record is the variation that Frustration put into the music. While a lot of bands will plod along at the same pace for an entire record, which ultimately causes you to lose interest as each song merges into the next, the changes in pace and sound keeps Dying Breed completely enthralling for the whole listen. The melodic guitar outro to Brother Against Brother contrasts brilliantly to the slow, doomy aggression of Mountains Between Us that comes before. Frustration have made an intelligent decision to mix it up like this as it pays off massively.

Dying Breed comes to a wonderful climax on the final track Peace And Safety Of A New Dark Age, the absolute standout moment on the album. Weighing in at 7 minutes 22 seconds every second is made to count to the absolute maximum. For a song that could fit two or three into the same amount of time it is once again the brilliant musicianship that keeps it fresh throughout the duration. Featuring a guest vocal from Ajay of Brutality Will Prevail who blasts out his lines of  “I’m breaking these chains, that pull me. All I want to see, is clear skies above me” like a man actually held down by chains. The one final mosh part at the end goes as hard as the rest of the record. “Fuck your goodbyes, set yourself apart from the lies” Ajay hollers over a slow drum and bass beat. There aren’t many closing tracks as good as Peace And Safety… and it just makes sure that the outstanding quality of Dying Breed is maintained until the very last moment.

I can’t speak highly enough of this record, already one of the albums for me and I’m sure that many other people will share that opinion. Get onto Purgatory Records (www.purgatoryrecords.bigcartel.com) and pick up a copy of the album. I guarantee you will not be in any way disappointed.

Purgatory Records On Top

If you don’t know of Purgatory Records by now then quite frankly you haven’t been paying any attention to the current UKHC scene. Hailing from South Wales and boasting bands such as Brutality Will Prevail, By My Hands, Broken Teeth, Frustration and More Than Life to name a few, Purgatory have been leading the game for a while now.

Yesterday the most recent crop of Purgatory releases dropped on the website – (www.purgatoryrecords.bigcartel.com) – they were the new Broken Teeth and Frustration E.Ps. Frustration have been holding the Dublin Hardcore Scene down for a while now and this new release is a massive step up in song writing and the track they’ve released so far is a 7 minute epic featuring guest vocals from Ajay of BWP.

The other track that dropped is the new song by Manchester Hardcore stalwarts, Broken Teeth. As usual they have put out a song that takes a 90s hardcore vibe and updates it to bring a modern mosh. If the rest of the E.P goes as hard as this it will be one to match The Seeker.

When I get my hands on these releases I will be getting reviews of both up on here so keep your eyes peeled.