Half Me is not exactly a new band. The five guys from Hamburg started in 2018, but it took a while until the band from Germany's north could complete their studio debut. A few days ago, however, the time had come, and escorted by a release show at Hamburg's cult club Logo, Half Me released... Continue Reading →
SCHIZOPHRENIA covered Slayer’s ‘Necrophiliac’
Belgium thrash metal force Schizophrenia announced an EP with cover versions for February 10th, 2023. After having unveiled ‘Maze of Torment’ from Morbid Angel the band launched with Slayer’s ‘Necrophiliac’ a next single. Vocalist and bassist Ricky Mandozzi comments: "Slayer has always been one of our main influences so it was an easy choice to... Continue Reading →
Review RISE ABOVE ‘Times of Clarity’
Norway is not only known for its black metal scene. Also hardcore punk is located in the north of Europe and has with Rise Above a young and wild representative. Rise Above, not to be mixed up with Rise Against, started in 2016 when the five guys released a first EP called 'Sound of Liberation'.... Continue Reading →
LIFE OF AGONY and PRONG – two icon bands on tour in 2023
After a few years Life Of Agony will return to Gruenspan, Hamburg for a show. The New York metal icons will be on the road with Prong. These two veteran bands will be supported by Tarah Who?, who will act as the opener that night. Tickets are available HERE. 30 years after having launched the... Continue Reading →
Review L.S. DUNES ‘Past Lives’
It could be that the band name L.S. Dunes is not familiar to everyone, since the 'Past Lives' record is the band's debut album. Therefore first, who is this new outfit about? L.S. Dunes, these are greats from post-punk and hardcore. Guitarist Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance), guitarist Travis Stever (Coheed and Cambria), singer Anthony... Continue Reading →
Review LIONHEART ‘Welcome to the Westcoast III’
Lionheart is not an unusual band name and exists more than once. Therefore, right here; this is about the American hardcore heroes from Oakland and nothing else. With 'Welcome to the Westcoast III' the band has a new album in the pipeline and what comes out of the speakers is worth talking about. The Westcoast... Continue Reading →
Review SPIRITWORLD ‘Deathwestern’
Spiritworld is the brainchild of Stu Folsom. The singer and multi-instrumentalist first appeared in 2017 with a demo before the 7" called 'Viper Blood' was released. At that time the sound was still very country influenced while rock and punk elements positively impacted the sound. However, Folsom changed the musical direction and used a heavier... Continue Reading →
Review CLUTCH ‘Sunrise on Slaughter Beach’
Rock heavyweights Clutch have with 'Sunrise at Slaughter Beach ' a new album in the starting blocks. One thing right away; with 33 minutes playing time, the new record is not overly long as far as playing time is concerned. With pleasure a 10th song could have found a place on the setlist, but well.... Continue Reading →
Review WAR RIPPER ‘Strength in Numbers’ – EP
War Ripper may not be known to everyone. Nevertheless, behind this band name stands a very well-known head. Joel Grind has with War Ripper another project at the start and this EP should be enjoyed with a from start to finish. 'Strength in Numbers' is already the second release from War Ripper after a first... Continue Reading →
Review RYKER’S ‘Ours Was a Noble Cause’
Germany's hardcore institution Ryker's started in 1992 in Kassel, Germany and had eight successful years before the band disbanded in 2000. The start of the second era of the hardcore veterans dates back to 2013 which was further manifested with the 'Hard to the Core' album. Since then the guys are going full throttle again... Continue Reading →
Review DOWNSET ‘Maintain’
It was in the mid-80s when a band called Social Justice started in Los Angeles, California. Social Justice was the predecessor of Downset. The renamed band premiered in 1994 with the ‘downset.’ album and the debut contains with ‘Anger!’ a great crossover hymn that paved the way for the success of the sophomore longplayer ‘Do... Continue Reading →
RYKERS – new album, new song
German hardcore veterans Rykers announce a new album. ‘Ours Was a Noble Cause’ is scheduled for a release on August 5th, 2022 and the album will come via BDHW Records. A first single has been unveiled already. ‘When the Dam has Broken’, that’s the first song taken from the upcoming album and can be enjoyed... Continue Reading →
DOWNSET announce ‘Maintain’
Downset belong to the pioneers of a rap/hardcore blend that gained momentum in the ‘90s. Their first two longplayers are stellar releases with songs like ‘Anger’, being a real hymn, penned by the band. After having signed with Nuclear Blast, Downset announce a new album. ‘Maintain’ is their first album in eight years and ‘The... Continue Reading →
Review BILLYBIO ‘Leaders and Liars’
Billy Graziadei and Biohazard, this combination is very well known. The singer and guitarist is a founding member of the New York hardcore band and a veteran when it comes to US-hardcore. Next to his activities for the main band, Graziadei always found some extra time for interesting projects. He was part of the Roadrunner... Continue Reading →
Review 8 KALACAS ‘Fronteras’
8 Kalacas (spoken: Ocho Kalacas), newcomer of the year? The band from Orange County is at least a candidate for such an award. The seven guys and their music is a very exciting blend, musical caffeine. Imagine if Sepultura would team up with Suicidal Tendencies to start a project with a lot of ska-elements. If... Continue Reading →