Hardcore Punk

Acid Bath: A Sludge Metal Monolith

Acid Bath, hailing from the bayou-soaked swamps of Houma, Louisiana, were a force of nature in the sludge metal scene. They dominated the underground from 1991 to 1997, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Their sound, a potent concoction of doom metal, hardcore punk, death metal, gothic rock, blues, and Southern rock influences, was unlike anything heard before. Acid Bath didn't just blend these elements, they wove them into a tapestry of sonic brutality and eerie beauty.

A Bayou Brew of Musical Mayhem:

The band's roots run deep in the Louisiana music scene. They formed from the ashes of two local bands – Dark Karnival and Golgotha. Their lineup, ever-evolving, included key players like Audie Pitre (bass), Sammy Duet (vocals), Dax Riggs (vocals), Mike Sanchez (guitar), Jimmy Kyle (drums), Jerry "Boon" Businelli (guitar), and Tommy Viator (drums/keyboards). The core of Acid Bath emerged as a fusion of these talented individuals, each contributing to the band's singular sound.

From Swampy Demo to Tragic Farewell:

Their debut demo, "Hymns of the Needle Freak," recorded in 1993 with producer Keith Falgout, became a cult classic. It showcased the band's signature sound, earning them a loyal fanbase and solidifying their position as pioneers of the sludge metal movement. Acid Bath's influence resonated far beyond their hometown, captivating a global audience.

Tragically, the band's journey was cut short in 1997 when bassist Audie Pitre was killed in a car accident. This devastating loss led to Acid Bath's disbandment.

Reunion: A Glimmer in the Swamp:

In October 2024, news broke that Acid Bath would reunite. This announcement sent shockwaves through the metal community, reigniting excitement for the return of a legendary band.

Acid Bath's legacy is one of raw power, haunting melodies, and a dark Southern Gothic sensibility. Their music is a sonic exploration of the human psyche, a reflection of the harsh realities and beauty found in the bayous of their home state. The band's return promises a return to the sludge metal throne, reintroducing their potent brew of musical mayhem to a new generation of fans.

AFI: A Journey Through Genres, From Hardcore to Gothic Rock

AFI (an acronym for A Fire Inside), hailing from Ukiah, California, emerged onto the music scene in 1991. Since 1998, the band's core has remained a constant, featuring Davey Havok (vocals), Adam Carson (drums, backing vocals), Hunter Burgan (bass, backing vocals, keyboards), and Jade Puget (guitar, backing vocals, keyboards). Havok and Carson, the original members, have steered the band's evolution through diverse sonic territories.

Starting their journey in the raw energy of hardcore punk, AFI embraced the darkness of horror punk. They ventured further, exploring the complexities of post-hardcore and emo, eventually establishing themselves as a force within alternative rock and gothic rock.

Over their illustrious career, AFI has cultivated a discography that includes eleven studio albums, ten EPs, a live album, and a DVD. Their breakthrough came with their fifth album, The Art of Drowning, released in 2000. This album, while reaching a respectable position at number 174 on the Billboard 200, set the stage for their mainstream success.

Their sixth album, Sing the Sorrow (2003), catapulted them to new heights, peaking at number five on the Billboard 200 and holding a remarkable chart presence for 51 weeks. This album was fueled by popular singles like "Girl's Not Grey" and "Silver and Cold," both reaching number seven on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart in 2003. "The Leaving Song Pt. II" also saw success as a single, reaching number 16 on the chart.

Sing the Sorrow achieved Platinum certification from the RIAA in 2006 and remains their best-selling album, exceeding 1.26 million copies sold as of September 2009.

AFI, a band that constantly pushes musical boundaries, has cemented their legacy through their relentless pursuit of artistic expression and enduring connection with fans across multiple generations.

Better Lovers: A Supergroup Forged in the Fires of Metalcore Drama

Better Lovers, a new hardcore punk band hailing from Buffalo, NY, burst onto the scene in 2023, carrying a hefty dose of metalcore history in their wake. This isn't just any band; they're a bona fide supergroup, comprised of members from two of the most influential and respected acts in the scene: Every Time I Die and The Dillinger Escape Plan.

The core of the band comes from the turbulent breakup of Every Time I Die. Guitarist Jordan Buckley, bassist Stephen Micciche, and drummer Clayton "Goose" Holyoak were key players in the band's 24-year run. After a highly publicized internal conflict that saw the band's original vocalist, Keith Buckley (Jordan's brother), alleging mistreatment and ultimately being sidelined, the remaining members decided to call it quits.

However, the musical chemistry between these three was too potent to ignore. They continued to jam together, eventually recruiting Greg Puciato (formerly of The Dillinger Escape Plan) on vocals and Will Putney (currently with Fit For An Autopsy) on guitar. This unexpected union resulted in Better Lovers, a band that's as much about the dramatic backstory as it is the raw, uncompromising sound.

The band signed with SharpTone Records and quickly unleashed their debut EP, "God Made Me An Animal" in 2023. The EP showcased a ferocious blend of hardcore punk aggression and metalcore's signature heaviness, leaving no doubt that Better Lovers are here to make a statement.

Their story is one of both personal struggles and the enduring power of music. From the ashes of conflict, a new entity has emerged, ready to take on the scene with a mix of raw talent and a history that's sure to fuel the fire of their future.

Gel: A Hardcore Punk Force From New Jersey

Gel, hailing from the hardcore heartland of New Jersey, are a band that's been shaking up the scene with their ferocious blend of traditional punk and brutal energy. Born in 2018 as a side project of the powerviolence outfit Sick Shit, Gel's members already had a reputation for sonic intensity.

Their sound is rooted in the raw power of Sick Shit, but they inject a distinct hardcore punk flavor, drawing inspiration from the legends of the genre. The band's impressive output includes a full-length album, two EPs, a demo, and a split mini-album, showcasing their prolific creativity. Their music is raw, fast, and relentless, a sonic assault that leaves you breathless and wanting more.

From Sick Shit to Gel: A Change in Direction

Gel's story begins with Sick Shit, a powerviolence band founded by guitarist Bobko and drummer Zach Miller. Sami Kaiser soon joined the ranks, solidifying their lineup. When Sick Shit's bassist departed, Anthony Webster stepped in, eventually transitioning to guitar. It was this lineup that birthed Gel, a space to explore a more traditional hardcore punk sound.

A Legacy of Releases:

Gel's rise to prominence was marked by a steady stream of releases. Their self-titled debut EP in 2019 introduced the world to their potent sound, followed by the "HC For The Freaks" tape later that year. 2021 saw the release of their second EP, "Violent Closure," solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.

Critical Acclaim and Impact:

Gel's impact on the hardcore scene is undeniable. Huw Baines, writing for NME, declared them a significant force in shaping the sound of hardcore in 2023. Their raw energy and unique blend of influences have inspired a new generation of hardcore punks, solidifying their place in the underground.

Gel is more than just another hardcore band. They are a vital force, pushing the boundaries of the genre and redefining the sound of punk rock. Their music is a call to action, a sonic rebellion against the norm, and a testament to the enduring power of hardcore punk.

GWAR (stylized as GWAR) is a Richmond, Virginia-bred heavy metal band forged in 1984. Known for its ever-evolving roster of musicians, artists, and filmmakers—collectively known as Slave Pit Inc.—the band has continued to create and perform even after the 2014 death of frontman Dave Brockie, with none of its original members remaining.

Their signature grotesque costumes are integral to GWAR's elaborate science fiction mythology. Band members portray barbaric warriors—a mix of medieval Nordic, mythological, biblical, and interplanetary figures—a narrative driving their albums, live shows, and media presence. Their over-the-top violent, sexual, and scatological humor, often laced with sharp social and political satire, has garnered both praise and controversy. Infamous for their live shows, which feature graphic violence and drench the audience in copious amounts of fake blood, urine, and semen, GWAR is often categorized as "shock rock."

Since their inception, GWAR has unleashed 15 studio albums, two live albums, numerous singles, and other recordings, selling over 820,000 records in the US alone. The controversies surrounding their concerts fueled a brief period of mainstream notoriety in the early 1990s, earning them MTV airplay and in-character appearances on daytime talk shows, where they satirized censorship and media violence. While their mainstream popularity waned by the late 1990s, GWAR maintains a fiercely dedicated cult following.

Their extensive videography includes live recordings and feature films, most notably 1992's Phallus in Wonderland, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Long Form Music Video. Beyond music, the GWAR brand has expanded into books, comic books, board games, beer, whiskey, barbecue sauce, CBD products, e-liquids, collectible toys, and even sex toys—a testament to their enduring, if unconventional, influence.

Straight out of San Francisco, CA. Hardcore thrash band Hemorage are here to share their art and make a chaotic peaceful environment creating a one of a kind experience. Formed by vocalist and guitarists Jon Orc and Bona Pak, Hemorage is rounded out by Ron Roussell on drums. Citing influences from Metal, Rap to Hardcore Punk, the band’s style is fiercely original laced with heavy breakdowns intertwined with fast-thrashing, hardcore punk riffs. The band has already seen praise from ESP guitars, Gary Holt(Exodus), and Brian Poshen, and have toured around the country independently with their DIY mobile stage and self-made merchandise. Hemorage carries a strong message of resilience, but it’s also about having fun.

High Vis: A Blast of Working-Class Punk Rock

High Vis, a London-based rock band formed in 2016, is a potent mix of hardcore punk, post-punk, indie rock, and a dash of baggy influence. This four-piece, born out of the UK's vibrant hardcore scene, has already built a reputation for their high-energy live shows and distinct sonic identity.

From Hardcore Roots to High-Vis Rebellion

Vocalist Graham Sayle, hailing from New Brighton, Merseyside, found his musical footing in London's hardcore punk scene. He cut his teeth in bands like Dirty Money and Tremors, alongside fellow musicians Rob Moss and Edward "Ski" Harper. After Tremors disbanded in 2012, Harper started experimenting with post-punk sounds, eventually laying the foundation for High Vis.

The band's name, a playful take on high-visibility clothing, speaks volumes about their working-class origins and the alienation that comes with it. As Sayle explained in an interview with NME, "It's the unifying clothing item of the working class. It also completely alienates you; nobody wants to see you or speak to you unless they want something."

A String of Releases and a Pandemic-Stalled Momentum

High Vis hit the ground running with their debut EPs, I and II, released in early 2017. They followed up with a third EP, III, later that year. Their full-length debut album, No Sense No Feeling, dropped in December 2019, just before the world was plunged into COVID-19 lockdowns. The pandemic, unfortunately, hampered their momentum, forcing them to put touring on hold. This period also marked the departure of guitarist Romain Bruneau, who returned to Paris, leading to the recruitment of Martin MacNamara.

A Band with a Future

Despite the pandemic's impact, High Vis continues to build their fanbase, known for their captivating live shows and raw, uncompromising music. Their unique blend of genres and working-class grit sets them apart, making them a force to be reckoned with in the UK rock scene. With their sights set on the future, High Vis is ready to make a statement in the world of punk rock.

Ho99o9: A Punk-Rap Duo That's All About Horror

Ho99o9 (pronounced "Horror") is more than just a punk-rap duo, they're a sonic explosion of aggression and energy. Formed in 2012 in Newark, New Jersey by theOGM and Yeti Bones, the band quickly gained a reputation for their raw, chaotic live performances.

Their sound is a heady blend of hardcore punk, hip-hop, and industrial noise, fueled by a deep-rooted love of horror movies and gritty urban realism. It's no surprise that they were named one of Rolling Stone's "10 New Artists You Need to Know" in 2014 and The Guardian's "New Band of the Week."

They've taken their intense live shows to festivals like Afropunk, SXSW, and Primavera Sound, leaving audiences breathless and wanting more. Ho99o9 has also released several EPs and two full-length albums: "United States of Horror" (2017) and "SKIN" (2022), both of which are accompanied by visually striking, grindhouse-inspired music videos.

A Tale of Two Cities and Two Influences

TheOGM (born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and raised in Linden) and Eaddy (from Newark) both came from the same performing arts collective, NJstreetKLAN (also known as JerseyKLAN). Their musical roots are deeply intertwined with their urban upbringing. They were drawn to the raw power of hip-hop and gangsta rap in their youth, citing DMX and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony as influences.

However, their musical journey took them further into the underground punk scene of Brooklyn, where they were exposed to bands like Japanther, Cerebral Ballzy, and The Death Set. The influence of electronic artists like Ninjasonik, Theophilus London, and the A.L.I.E.N. art shows further shaped their sound.

The band's sound is a perfect storm of these diverse influences, combined with their love of horror films and the aesthetic of director Rob Zombie, a former frontman of White Zombie.

Critics Acclaim the Horror

Critics have recognized the cinematic quality of Ho99o9's music, citing their punk and hip-hop roots as key inspirations. They've drawn comparisons to bands like Death Grips, Black Flag, Big Black, and Bad Brains, all of whom are known for their raw energy and uncompromising sound.

Ho99o9 is more than just a band, they're an experience. Their music is a visceral punch in the gut, a sonic testament to the power of raw energy and unflinching honesty. They're the embodiment of the chaotic beauty of their urban upbringing, infused with the dark humor and grit of their horror influences.

Refused: The Swedish Hardcore Pioneers

Refused, hailing from Umeå, Sweden, emerged in the early 90s as a powerhouse of hardcore punk. Formed in 1991, the band's lineup solidified with vocalist Dennis Lyxzén, guitarist Kristofer Steen, drummer David Sandström, and bassist Magnus Flagge. Guitarist Jon Brännström joined the ranks in 1994, remaining through several reunions until his departure in late 2014.

Refused's music was fueled by a distinct non-conformist spirit and a politically charged, far-left ideology. They were also, for a time, associated with the straight edge subculture. Their debut album, This Just Might Be… the Truth (1994), established their sonic identity, followed by Songs to Fan the Flames of Discontent (1996) and a string of EPs.

Their 1998 masterpiece, The Shape of Punk to Come, pushed boundaries with its unique blend of hardcore punk, jazz, and electronic elements. However, despite its revolutionary sound, the album initially received a lukewarm reception, commercially and critically. Sadly, this led to the band's disbandment during their subsequent tour.

Despite their limited success at the time, Refused's influence on rock music has reverberated across decades. Their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to their beliefs left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring generations of musicians to come.

Scowl: A Hardcore Punk Force From Santa Cruz

Scowl is a hardcore punk band hailing from Santa Cruz, California. Fronted by the powerhouse vocalist Kat Moss, they've been shaking up the scene with their intense energy and raw sound.

From the Basement to the Big Stage

The band's journey began in 2019 with their self-titled EP, showcasing their signature blend of aggression and melodic hooks. They followed up with the "Reality After Reality" EP that same year, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with.

Scowl's debut full-length album, "How Flowers Grow," dropped in 2021 through Flatspot Records, showcasing their musical growth and expanding their sonic palette. They kept the momentum going in 2023 with their third EP, "Psychic Dance Routine," further pushing boundaries and demonstrating their relentless creative drive.

Conquering the World, One Stage at a Time

Scowl's live performances are known for their explosive energy and infectious passion. They've shared the stage with legendary punk icons like Circle Jerks and Negative Approach, alongside modern heavyweights like System Of A Down, Korn, Turnstile, Deftones, and Limp Bizkit. Their relentless touring has taken them across the US and internationally, including a tour of Australia in May and June of 2023. They even graced the stage at the renowned Coachella festival in 2023, cementing their status as a rising star in the hardcore scene.

"We are focused heavily on touring as much as possible! We are trying to hit all the places in the US that we haven’t played yet as well as across the pond!", declared Kat Moss in a 2022 interview with hardcore magazine "In Effect," showcasing the band's dedication to connecting with their fans on a global scale.

The Powerhouse Lineup

Scowl's success is fueled by the talent of its members:

• Kat Moss: The powerful voice that drives Scowl's sound.
• Malachi Greene: A guitar wizard, crafting riffs that are both heavy and melodic.
• Mikey Bifolco: Adding another layer of sonic depth to Scowl's music.
• Bailey Lupo: Laying down the foundation with their energetic bass lines.
• Cole Gilbert: Providing the relentless, driving force behind Scowl's sound.

A Discography of Power

Scowl's musical journey can be traced through their releases:

• Albums: "How Flowers Grow"
• EPs: "Scowl," "Reality After Reality," "Psychic Dance Routine"

A Visual Feast

Their commitment to their artistry extends to their music videos, with "Petty Selfish Cretin" (released in 2019) showcasing their raw energy and unique aesthetic.

Scowl is more than a band; they're a movement. With their explosive music, captivating stage presence, and unwavering dedication, Scowl is poised to continue their ascent in the hardcore scene, leaving an unforgettable mark on the world.