Reagan Youth Guitarist Paul Bakija Has Died


Reagan Youth Co-Founder and Guitarist Paul Bakija, a.k.a. “Paul Cripple” has died after a long battle with cancer.  He died early last week according to posts on social media from the band accounts. Formed at Forrest Hills High School in the footsteps of former attendees Ramones, along with singer Dave Rubinstein (a.k.a. Dave Insurgent), Reagan Youth would be one of the foundational blocks of early New York Hardcore. Their classic 1984 album Youth Anthems for the New Order (R Radical Records) is a NYHC genre classic. They lasted for ten years, and attempted to reunite several times over the years with a few releases, and notably played gigs in 2006. Read the bands’ statement below. RIP Paul. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: CNTS – Thoughts and Prayers


CNTS is a classy band. You already know that before you’ve heard a note of the music. So for the uninitiated (this being the band’s second album, following their self-titled 2019 debut) what are you going to expect of Thoughts & Prayers (Ipecac Recordings)?Continue reading


EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: Locked In A Vacancy Shares Their New Single – “…of Church And State”


New York City’s Metal royalty Locked in a Vacancy have teamed up with Ghost Cult to share their new single, their second from their upcoming EP …Before The Dawn.  “…of Church And State” is an absolute crusher; complex, heady, and brutal. Formed in 1997, the band has held their own supporting headliners such as Hatebreed, Biohazard, Candiria, Cryptopsy, Dying Fetus, The Haunted, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Zao, and many others. Owing to the roots across New York Hardcore, Metalcore, and even some progressive metal, the track will peel your cap back. …The Before the Dawn EP drops on December 1st, but stream “…of Church And State” today before it streams on all DSPs tomorrow, November 3rd. 

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Locked In A Vacancy Shares a New Single – “The Burden of Being”


 

Veteran New York Hardcore/Metalcore band Locked In a Vacancy has shared a new single – “The Burden of Being!” The track is streaming on all DSPs. The band has had a few periods of hiatus over the years since its formation in the mid-1990s, but has been active for sporadic shows and new music since 2018. The band has promised in a post to their socials, there is more new music on the way. In the meantime, enjoy this new track!

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ALBUM REVIEW: Freya – Fight As One


 

When legendary New York Hardcore band Earth Crisis temporarily went their separate ways in 2001 Freya was born, formed by three members of EC, bassist Ian Edwards, guitarist Eric Edwards and vocalist Karl Buechner. Named of course after the Norse goddess, Freya picked right up where Earth Crisis left off and have released a plethora of music over the last two decades, blending their Hardcore roots with a good dollop of Thrash Metal, while often using mythology as a basis for their lyrical content. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Ringworm – Seeing Through Fire


 

 

Alongside Integrity, Ringworm are one of Cleveland, Ohio’s premiere Hardcore outfits. Formed in 1989 the band’s original run lasted until 1994 and yielded the classic The Promise debut album. Since their 1999 reunion, the band have been prolific with Seeing Through Fire being their ninth release and first since 2019’s Death Becomes My Voice

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CONCERT REVIEW: Biohazard – Indecision – King Nine Live at Irving Plaza


Irving Plaza in New York City was the home for what I called the “New Yorkers only night” of the sold-out reunion shows of Hardcore Punk and Heavy Metal Crossover legends, Biohazard. This night kicked off with Long Island’s own King Nine, who were new to my ears. Known for their abrasive, heavy sound, took to the stage with ferocity, that set a ferocious tone for the evening. They proved captivating with their blend of abrasive vocals and abrasive riffs, reminding the crowd why they have earned their spot on the stage tonight.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Incendiary – Change The Way You Think About Pain


 

When looking up the meaning of the word incendiary you are met with the following definition ‘tending to excite or inflame’. This feels appropriate for a Metallic Hardcore band of the same name who have been tearing it up since 2007. 

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EP REVIEW: Scowl – Psychic Dance Routine


 

Negative Approach meets The Breeders” is the description offered by the members of Scowl of this their latest release the Psychic Dance Routine EP (Flatspot Records) – if that’s not a tagline that grabs your attention outright I don’t know what is and what help there is out there for you! Said EP is the follow-up to the 2021 How Flowers Grow debut full-length.

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ALBUM REVIEW: The Callous Daoboys – Celebrity Therapist 


 

Celebrity Therapist (MNRK Heavy / Modern Static Records) is the brand new LP from the six-piece Atlanta noise merchants, who announced themselves to the world with their debut EP My Dixie Wrecked in 2017 and have since continued to consistently put out new music including the Animal Tetris EP and their acclaimed 2019 LP Die On Mars which was also re-released as an instrumental version. Continue reading