ALBUM  REVIEW: The Barbarians of California – And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth


The sound of what was once considered West Coast Hard Core is changing.  The Barbarians of California‘s new album And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth (oneRPM) carries more of a metallic stomp aligned with modern Hardcore. Right from the first song you can hear the band’s more experimental edge. Once into the meat of the album, they bridge hardcore with a Nu-Metal sound, which is not unlike what System of a Down does. They attack with a more spastic jerk. It’s hard not to appreciate the sense of adventure that runs through these songs. The new generation of nu-metal kids who attend festivals like Sick New World will dig it. Hardcore purists might have some questions. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Missing Link – Watch Me Bleed


Sometimes the day presents challenges to us all and we just need to swing haymakers in a pit. For days worse than that, there’s Missing Link. One of the most “unga bunga” ignorant Hardcore bands I’ve ever seen play (American Hardcore Festival 2023). Getting the chance to review their full-length debut, Watch Me Bleed (Triple B Records), is an absolute privilege. Eleven tracks (twelve if you count the hidden track) of unadulterated violence and aggression are going to stampede into your ears and not apologize for the disturbance.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Rile – Pessimist


 

Hailing from Salt Lake City and formed by Cult Leader bassist Sam Richards, Rile are a band with fine credentials who have recently landed on the Church Road Records roster and have created a solid debut for the UK label, which unashamedly takes inspiration from Converge, Trap Them and the like. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Chamber – A Love To Kill For


 

Since their debut album in 2019, Chamber have made a formidable name for themselves on the hardcore scene and live circuit, featuring all the stand-out features any band wants to showcase to become one of the upcoming bands of the genre. “No-one needs us to be the pretty band.” states guitarist, Gabe Manuel, talking about the influences for the latest release. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Lionheart – Welcome To The West Coast III


 

LHHC, baby. 

 

Singer Rob Watson is one of the most adept frontmen in hardcore when it comes to being able to both hype up a crowd and tell grim, streetwise lyrical tales over bouncy grooves. Nothing has changed with their latest release, Welcome To The West Coast III (Arising Empire). While the series of ‘Welcome…’ releases started with an EP, it is now halfway to keeping pace with Lil Wayne‘s Tha Carter albums. “Welcome” implies an introduction, but ironically the band no longer need one. Think of the title as more akin to an ongoing episodic documentary at this point. 

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EP REVIEW: Heriot – Profound Morality


With very little in the way of recorded music released prior to this release but notably a swathe of well received and high profile support slots including recently with Rolo Tomassi; UK metallic hardcore outfit Heriot have forged a scintillating reputation in a short space of time. Now with the eagerly anticipated debut EP Profound Morality (Church Road Records), the band are showing that they are truly living up to expectation by delivering a short but sharp release which reveals surprising depth.  

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EXCLUSIVE STREAM: Dead Man’s Chest – “Dear God”


London’s metallic Hardcore band Dead Man’s Chest has been growing in stature in their scene with high-profile Cro-Mags, Sick of It All, Madball, Integrity. Now the time comes for new music and Ghost Cult is bringing it to you! ‘Dear God’ is a brutal 1-2 smash to the head! Dear God will be released on 7″ vinyl (Gold, Half Gold/Half Black, and Classic Black) on February 28th. Pre-orders will be available through Upstate Records online webstore at the link below. Check it out now! Continue reading