HAPPY NEW YEAR

Just want to wish anyone reading this a happy new year. Thanks to those who sent stuff for review, much appreciated. Hope those who read this blog enjoy it. Lots more to come in 2009.

All the best for 2009.

Mel
XXX

PEREGRINE - THE AGRARIAN CURSE CD

PEREGRINE - THE AGRARIAN CURSE CD

PEREGRINE is what's described as an anarcho-primitivist band - which is a critque of civilisation and it's failure to provide a true existence for those living on this planet. They promote an alternative to the typical work, watch tv, die existence that infests most of society as we know it. Lyrics and short essays are provided to help you think for something other than the mundane life that you may already live. With that, they deliver their songs with passion, with thunderous metal riffage that incorporates crust, hardcore and an unrelenting burst of energy. Fast beats give way to more restful and melodic moments - but are soon shattered and brought back to the ungliness of what prevails. It's all done well and they are definitely worthy of your attention.

www.myspace.com/pergrinemetal

GERIATRIC UNIT - DISTANCE AND DAMAGE CD

GERIATRIC UNIT - DISTANCE AND DAMAGE CD

The follow up to last years 'Life Half Over', their third release and second one with Bosstuneage. Easily their best so far and these 12 tracks prove it and showing that even the old boys get better with age. Totally fast, un adultered and uncompromising hardcore, that is straight to the point with no apologies given. Just think of the best bands you can think of in hardcore; NEGATIVE APPROACH, POISON IDEA, NECROS etc and you'll get the idea. I love the vocals, in that they are just an adrenalin rush of pent up fury, thundering guitar riffage, bass licks and drumming all which are top notch. The recording/production on this is fantastic as you can hear everything clearly and that is crucial in this day and age, plus having a good sound only adds to this already explosive force. The lyrics complement the music, in your face, angry and definitely no let up. It's old, it's fast and it's definitely loud. Absolutely fantastic, if you aren't slightly interested in getting this - then fuck off to the old people's home.

WWW.BOSSTUNEAGE.COM

AVSKUM - UPPROR UNDERIFRAN CD

AVSKUM - UPPROR UNDERIFRAN CD (PRANK 097)

Absolutely brilliant new CD (also available on LP) from this long standing Swedish band. 16 songs of pure adrenalin bursting forth, that captures them at their very best and easily one of the best releases in this genre. A fantastic mixture of DISCHARGE, MOTORHEAD and any good classic Swedish band you could think of. While harsh and heavy, each song evokes the listener to stay tuned and that's where you get reeled in and you are not going to get away so easy. With songs like these who would want to. Plenty of great riffage and thumping beats, exploding vocals and everything you would hope for in a great CD. The artwork/layout captures the mood. Although most of the lyrics are in Swedish, there is a strong anti cop, anti capatalist vibe going down. You know you need it.

PRANK, PO BOX 410892, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94141-0892, USA.
WWW.PRANKRECORDS.COM

CHRIST ON PARADE

CHRIST ON PARADE - LOUD AND LIVE - KFJC PIT 08/15/07 CD (PRANK 098)

Some live records are not worth the time, but thankfully this isn't the case for this live release of CHRIST ON PARADE. Soundwise, it's absolutely fantastic, everything is crisp and clear - but still punk as fuck and definitely a hell of a lot better sounding than most studio releases. As the title states, it was recorded on 08/15/07, after getting back together and the re-release of their old studio material (also available on PRANK RECORDS). CHRIST ON PARADE, were part of the sound track of my youth, that helped shaped my outlook on life - while giving me some incredible hardcore punk at the same time to keep me sane and vent my frustrations to. I bought their records back in the day as they came out, I still have them and I still continue to listen to them. The quality of the songs is top notch and their anger is still there. The lyrics of the songs are included, which are as relevant (if not more so) today as they were in the 80's. The hatred of corrupt government, which is still as bad today - only the names and faces have changed. All my faves are here, which include "Chaos Breeder", "Drop-out", "Teach Your Children Well", "Joshua Brown" and many more. Their songs are memorable, individual and CHRIST ON PARADE still remain one of the best bands I have ever being introduced to. If you already like them and are weary of live releases, fear not - you will love this. If you've not heard them, then rectify that and check them out. It's also available on LP too.

PRANK RECORDS, PO BOX 410892, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94141-0892, USA.

WWW.PRANKRECORDS.COM

I'M BACK

OK, I'VE BEEN A LITTLE QUIET OF LATE. SO HAVING WASHED OUT THE SUMMER HOLIDAY COBWEBS I'M READY TO ROCK'N'ROLL AGAIN. LET THE ONSLAUGHT COMMENCE.

COMMITMENT RECORDS

KILLING THE DREAM - FRACTURE CD

KILLING THE DREAM - FRACTURE CD

I didn't really know what to expect from this at all, but was super in love with it after spending a whole week listening to it. Each time I would listen to this Californian band, I would find more interesting parts to their already excellent songs. Songs that have a melodic beauty to them, but whip up a dose of controlled anger and fury that explode into harsh and heavy parts so fluid that make it all the more amazing. Totally amazing band. Now, like the CD below, the cover was in the bag that I lost, but luckily I had the CD at home. But having listened to it so much I know the lyrics came from someone like a manic depressive, insomniac out of their comfort zone. Don't be a fool like me, make sure you get it.

WWW.DEATHWISH.COM

END OF ALL CD

END OF ALL - THE ART OF DECADENCE CD

I got this the other day and have listened to it loads of times, now what happens today - I left a bag of stuff behind me on the bus and the cover for this was in it. Luckily the actual CD was in my CD player. Anyway, END OF ALL are from Sweden and encompass all that is great about that country as far as releasing good music is concerned. There is a soothing, yet sombre melodic intro that is soon shattered to pieces with some great harsh death metal/crustcore. Great build ups, tempo changes, tight music and insane vocals. Just think of TRAGEDY, SKITSYSTEM, WOLFBRIGADE, DISFEAR. Top quality stuff. Cool artwork, half the songs are in Swedish and those that are in English don't have much hope for humanity. Make sure you check it out, I'm going to have to buy it in order to get the cover again - but worth it.

WWW.CAHRECORDS.COM

make sure you check out the web page for an amazing distro and great downloads section, which enables the bands to actually get paid.

HDQ - SOULFINDER CD

HDQ - SOULFINDER CD (BTRCRS011)

This is actually the only HDQ LP that I don't have, how/why I never bought it when it came out remains a mystery to me. So with that, this was an eye opening trip for me. As through out their existence, they've continued to progress and add another twist to their already varied sound. They definitely matured and slowed down, adding at times, a bit more rock to the proceedings. Side by side is their all out, up beat catchy melodic hardcore and soothing acoustic meanderings. At times it feels like a completely different band, well Golly and Dickie being the stalwarts from the 'You Suck' days. Along with this is the rejected mix of the 'Sinking', with original drummer Lainey in the hot seat, it's actually faster than the final release and some of the songs sound quite different. It's amazing how songs can change slightly if recorded at different periods and in different studios. Also included is their second Peel session and a live song "In My Thoughts" (which they never got to record in the studio). The booklet is full of more photos etc and it's an excellent companion to the recently released 'Sinking' CD.
www.bosstuneage.com

HDQ - SINKING CD

HDQ - SINKING CD (BTRCRS008)
Ah! I've waited for this to be re-issued for years. I initially bought this when it first came out and has been one of my faves since. It amazes me how much HDQ progressed and changed during their existence, from a standard Brit punk band to one that soared and wrote some of my favourite songs ever. They took a melodic Dagnasty vibe and injected their own personalities into it and improved on this. Fanstics melodies, awesome vocals and heart moving personal lyrics. I have to say that "Within These Four Walls" is outstanding, especially when you hear the older version on here from the 'Life Is ...' cassette - just so much better. Golly's vocals totally made that song. Along with the 'Sinking' LP is their first Peel Session and the 'Life Is' cassette (which was released by BBP. I have everything by HDQ, up to and including the 'Sinking' LP. Luckily I aslo got to see them when they played in Belfast in January 1989, what a show that was. This package includes loads of photos, gig flyers, lyrics, discography info and an intro written by their bass player Rob Bewick. If you are going to buy anthing this year - make sure it's this as HDQ continue to move me.
www.bosstuneage.com/

MAN THE CONVEYORS - CHEERS CD

MAN THE CONVEYORS - CHEERS! CD (VEX004)
Tortured dual male/female vocals, from this CT band, taking off where they left off on the LP. The songs on this are due to appear on two 7"s, but were not ready for their tour - hence this CD. They've since got Matt on guitar and have certainly got harder and faster. 8 songs of blistering crustcore/d-beat mayhem, that are top notch in their execution and recording quality. All played at an adrenalin drenched fastish pace, with plenty of slow harrowing heavy breakdowns which soon pick up the gaunlet and kick into gear again. The dual vocals suit the mood and have a real early ENT vibe, coupled with a STATE OF FEAR, WARTORN, classic Swedish sound and a pissed off fury that throws caution to the wind and gives us some truely impressive songs that are easily part of the forefront of amazing bands existing today. Topics such as abortion, immigration, mental illness, poseur punks (who aren't worth the patches on their clothes) and many more suffer the onslaught that is MAN THE CONVEYORS, ripping them apart in a poetic and passionate venom spat fury that cries of injustice. Suitably angry artwork accompanies their words, driving their message home even further. Released my their guitarist Matt and you really need to get this as I've been listening to it constantly.
VEX PO BOX 1271 NEW HAVEN, CT.06505-1271, USA.
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/VEXRECORDS

INHUMAN - LAST RITES CD

INHUMAN - LAST RITES CD

With a slew of releases under their belts, it was no surprise to find this a quality release. The fact that they've been going since 1995, experience shows and I've found their latest CD to be quite a mature CD. With that, I certainly don't mean boring. Certainly not, no, more of a confidence to showcase a variety of styles and the ability to execute these songs to the highest calibre. Listening to the opening track 'Last Rites' you would easily be tricked into thinking that this is a CD full of open E chords and harsh metal core. But by the time the last chord of 'The Lost' fades out, you'll have been on a roller coaster of sounds, words and emotionds. There are plenty of up beat catchy punk anthems, alongside straight up hardcore tunes and in between and round about doses of melodic hardcore tunes, boasting timeless riffage and a guitarist who knows his way around a fretboard. Michale Scondotto vocals jump easily into the different ranges to fit each songs, going from screams of pain to poetic soothing singing and gnarly spitting punk. Good lyrics too, which are a range of emotions and views on how their lives are. So if you like EARTH CRISIS, DAGNASTY, FEAR, BAD RELIGION, AGNOSTIC FRONT, SICK OF IT ALL etc, then you are in for one hell of a party.

WWW.ISCREAMRECORDS.COM

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/INHUMAN

WWW.INHUMANLEGION.COM

THE MINGERS etc LIVE

THE MINGERS

LOS MENDOZAS

LURGAN'S VERY OWN JOHN TRAVOLTA

ONLY FUMES AND CORPSES

all pictures by Mel

This was one fun gig, 100 DRUNKEN NIGHTS opened with their Clash/Rancid inspired ska punk, getting tighter all the time. From darkest Galway was ONLY FUMES AND CORPSES, one of the hardest working bands on this Island. Mixture of melodic and harsh hardcore. Great CD out at the moment. LOS MENDOZAS, all the way from Mexico via the bypass in Bristol, when they did actually play it was fast crazy hardcore. But they were more interested in having a good time with members of the audience and giving us a good time and involving everyone. Ah, THE MINGERS, who it seems will break up soon. At least they got to play over here. Great fastish melodic punky hardcore. They were great, I think they had a good time playing live too. What was it, FULK CHELSEA (you had to be there to know what I'm on about). Colm livened things up as per usual, you can see Lurgan's very own up there in the pics. As Cormac was carried through the crowd, the gig came to an end. I sold a couple of records and went home happy.
Thanks to everyone who played.

PULLING TEETH - MARTYR IMMORTAL CD

PULLING TEETH - MARTYR IMMORTAL CD
Wow, this is one sick CD and I mean that in a good way. Most of the songs are total ragers, blasting forth from start to finish. Mental riffage at breakneck speed and insane vocals. They have a real adrenalin kick behind them. Coupled with this are some more slower, intense and melodic ranges - but still heavy at the same time. Mixing good metallic fury, with the best of hardcore. Taking the heavyness of Integrity, Tragedy and mixing Poison Idea and lots more essential ingredients and coming out with a crucial sound. The lyrics are fucking amazing, such a hatred towards some aspects of humanity. In particular our greed and wastefulness. I whole heartily agree with what they are saying. I can only imagine that they would shred live and put on an amazing live show. You know you really need this.

WWW.DEATHWISHINC.COM

WWW.PULLINGTEETHMD.COM

THE MURDER DISCO X - DISCOGRAPHY CD

MURDER DISCO X - COMPLETE DISCOGRAPHY 1997-2004 (EXIST103)
Phew! Where on earth do I start with this crucial comp? 36 songs, from their releases: SUPERCRUST 7", FEEDING OF THE 500 7", Split LP with JILTED, 1998 Demo and Comp releases MORE WORLD - LESS BANK, WELCOME TO HELL, MISSING IN ACTION, MAXIMUM SUBJECTIVITY and some unreleased tracks, along with covers of DISCHARGE, VARUKERS, SOCIETY DOG, VERBAL ABUSE and VOID. Now, despite all those tracks from different releases, numerous line-ups, the wonderful thing about MURDER DISCO X is that all the songs here sound consistent, pent up fury and anger from start to finish. Great recording quality from start to finish, which is a big plus to my ears. Exciting fast and furious 80's styled hardcore, with great d-beat sensibilities and rip roaring songs. No cannon fodder here, all highly charged incendiary, adrenalin pumping core to the max. Memorable songs that make me wanting to play it again, again and again. All the lyrics are printed in their full glory and boy Ralf is an angry man, he's got a lot of interesting things to say, doesn't hold back and I agree with his ideals. Various pics and the M.D.X. story (so far) are included. A great CD that will appeal to the hardcore purists and cruties and anyone else with good sense and taste.
PROFANE EXISTENCE RECORDS, PO BOX 18051, MN55418, USA.
WWW.RISEOFCRUST.COM
WWW.MURDERDISCO.DE

PROFANE EXISTENCE VR SERIES

LOVELY TO LOOK AT, DELIGHTFUL TO HOLD AND EVEN BETTER WHEN PLAYED. Are you interested it? Check PROFANE EXISTENCE and sign up.

www.profaneexistence.com

SIGNAL LOST - PROSTHETIC SCREAMS CD

SIGNAL LOST - PROSTHETIC SCREAMS CD (PRANK086)

Wow, just incredible, easily one of the best releases from 2007. Great guitar driven punk, with an emphasis on tunes that are uplifting, catchy and at the same time full of depth with a mood enhancer through out. Some great surf licks, ballsy mini solos, and just darn brilliant songs. Just straight punk, no fillers and all frills. Just think of THE WIPERS, AGENT ORANGE, melodic anarcho punk. Just think of when you want fantastic punk songs that will stay with you for a long time, well then think of SIGNAL LOST. Ashley's voice has the tones of an angel, but with an angry attitude and a lust for the dark side of life. Just beautiful and punky in an AVENGERS way. "La Beaute Est Dans La Rue" is one of the best songs I've heard, it's been stuck in my head since I first heard it. This band works so well together, each of them contributing to one hell of a release. Dark lyrics, darker meanings and stunning music - definitely throwing a curved ball at you with it's beauty and strength. The artwork reflects the lyrics perfectly. You really do need this in your collection.

PRANK, PO BOX 410892, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94141-0892, USA.

WWW.PRANKRECORDS.COM

LIFE LONG TRAGEDY - RUNAWAYS CD

LIFE LONG TRAGEDY - RUNAWAYS CD

Although I did not know what to expect, I certainly did not expect this. This is the equilavent of your life's emotions compressed into 12 songs. The highs and lows are captured here in the form of LIFE LONG TRAGEDY's enchanting new CD called 'Runaways'. It's full to the brim with hook filled abrasive, yet sad melodies that capture the mood - whatever the feeling. Songs that have a lot of effort put into them with fantastic guitar work, it's a combination of riffs so soft - coupled with harsher undertones. The dual guitar attack feed of eachother and seriously impress the hell out of me. Runaways is one of those releases, that with the more you play it, the more you uncover things you did not notice in the previous listen. So it's exciting and thrilling, which makes me want to play it again and again - I know I'll be playing it for years to come. Harsh sung vocals, creeping into the songs - only add a more humane feeling and compel the listener to sing along and rock out at the same time. Angst ridden lyrics of a sensitive, yet assertive front man. It took a year to complete this and it has paid off. I can see this being the sound track for many a soul during the course of this year.

WWW.DEATHWISHINC.COM

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/LIFELONGTRAGEDY

IRON LUNG - SEXLESS//NO SEX CD

IRON LUNG – SEXLESS//NO SEX CD (PRANK 092)
The second full length from this duo and they continue with their insane wall of noise that is dubbed power-violence. For just two people, they sure know how to conjure up an incredible sound. Saying that, it is power-violence by numbers – slow heavy breakdowns that change gear in a split second and you are shaken awake by the ferocious breakneck speed and mental chord changes. It’s done really well and the fact that the sound quality is second to none definitely helps lift them above the norm in this genre. They definitely take notes from the masters, INFEST, DROP DEAD and CROSSED OUT continuing where they left off. Following the lyrics, I get the impression that they either work in a hospital or an old peoples home, or read a lot of William Burroughs along with watching b-movies? Strapped to machines and the prolonging of death is the order of the day. Extra points for having Nick Blinko artwork on the front and the text of the booklet are dissimilar to Nick’s own pen work. Need your noise fix? IRON LUNG will deliver the goods.
PRANK RECORDS, PO BOX 410892, SF, CA 94141-0892, USA.
WWW.PRANKRECORDS.COM

BORN/DEAD - THE FINAL COLLAPSE CD

BORN/DEAD – THE FINAL COLLAPSE CD (PRANK RECORDS 093)
Having already bought the vinyl version of this on their tour, I knew already what a corker it is and due to steady rotation since then one that I firmly love and will continue to play for years to come. If you don’t already have it or missed them on their tour – 3 months covering most of Europe then I suggest you not sleep on it. Already going for a number of years, with a good backlog of essential releases already under their belt, with ‘The Final Collapse’ they continue with another cracking full length and evidence that they are still burning with anger, pain and frustration. Creating an engaging mood with their medium paced anarcho punk, that thunders into fast raging parts, dipping into moody breaks with Wyatt’s sombre bass strokes. Will and Wyatt, sharing the vocals, shout and spit their fury at what is happening to the world and society around us. You can’t help but agree, unless you have no blood in your body. The songs are intense, interesting and challenging. Coupled with their heartfelt lyrics is art, not merely as nice decoration, but hammering their point home. The CD has excellent packaging too, having the same artwork to that of the booklet of the LP and doing it every bit of justice and retaining the same beauty. If that isn’t enough, they cover ‘Sirens’ by CRESS and it’s one of the best covers I’ve heard done, just jaw dropping. Finishing off with ‘Assault’ from their split 7” with ‘PELIGRO SOCIAL’ and if the lyrics of it don’t move you, you must be made of stone. A hard working band, who have my highest respect and a CD every punker should own.
PRANK RECORDS, PO BOX 410892, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94141-0892, USA.
http://www.prankrecords.com/
http://www.prankrecords.blogspot.com/
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BORNDEADPUNX

UNSEEN FORCE - IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH

UNSEEN FORCE – IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH CD (VCR011/GRAVE020)
Unseen Force was a band from Richmond, VA, that existed for about two years from about 1985 to 1987. During that brief period, the managed to release ‘In Search Of The Truth’ LP and play a lot of live shows. It’s great to see this re-issue of the LP, from the vaults of US hardcore past, I always remembered it being such a storming LP. Remember being the operative word, as I lent the LP to someone in the 80’s and never got it back. So I’m pretty glad of this reissue. All the songs are pile-driving, incendiary fast hardcore punk. Crucially they had a great drummer whose blasts are the back bone of these songs, coupled with infectious riffage and venom spat lyrics. They hammer on like there’s no tomorrow, if you were a punk in the early to mid 80’s there wasn’t any and this shows through their lyrics of pain, hurt, fury and hope. They sure were a tight unit, with great songs and this is quite evident in the live set that is included with this re-issue. The live recordings, equal the studio stuff and I can only imagine them being awesome live, looking at the flyers included in this package they sure played with a lot of great bands of the time – themselves being great too. If that isn’t enough for us, also included is the 2000 MANIACS demo from 1984, the band some members of UNSEEN FORCE were in previously. You can see where the songs came from, although similar, they are faster and shorter – the great thing is they haven’t dated a bit and will pump you up with an adrenalin surge of hardcore that will fuel your thirst until your next hardcore fix. You can see a lot of effort went into this package, with the flyers, photos etc and kick ass music. You’d be a fool not to check out UNSEEN FORCE, especially if you have a love for old bands like POISON IDEA, FINAL CONFLICT, CHRIST ON PARADE and current bands such as BORN/DEAD.
GRAVE MISTAKE RECORDS, PO BOX 12482 RICHMOND, VA 23241, USA.
http://www.gravemistakerecords.com/
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/VCRECS

HAPPY NEW YEAR

LOTS OF NEW POSTS UP SOON.