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.

Hailing from Fullerton, California, The Adolescents exploded onto the Southern California hardcore punk scene in 1979. Alongside contemporaries like Agent Orange and Social Distortion, they became a cornerstone of the Orange County punk rock sound. Bassist Steve Soto remained the band`s only constant member from their inception until his death in 2018, a testament to his unwavering commitment. Singer Tony Reflex, present on all but one album, was another crucial anchor.

The 1980s were a whirlwind of lineup changes, breakups, and reunions, largely revolving around drummer Casey Royer and the Agnew brothers (Rikk, Frank, and Alfie) on guitar. This tumultuous period yielded three albums: Adolescents (1981), Brats in Battalions (1987), and Balboa FunZone* (1988, without Reflex), before their April 1989 demise.

While members pursued other projects, a reunion of core members in 2001 ignited a remarkable resurgence. OC Confidential (2005) marked their triumphant return, with Soto and Reflex as the creative heart, writing and leading the band through five more studio albums: The Fastest Kid Alive (2011), Presumed Insolent (2013), La Vendetta… (2014), Manifest Density (2016), and Cropduster (2018).

Sotos passing on June 27, 2018, at the age of 54, left Reflex as the sole original member. However, the band persevered, welcoming Brad Logan as Sotos replacement and releasing their tenth album, Russian Spider Dump, in October 2020, continuing their legacy as a powerful force in punk rock history.

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.

Bad Religion, formed in Los Angeles in 1980, are legendary figures in punk rock. Their insightful lyrics tackle religion, politics, society, media, and science with sharp wit and intellectual depth. Musically, they`re renowned for their melodic sensibility and intricate three-part harmonies – a unique sound in the genre.

While the lineup has seen changes over the years, Greg Graffin has remained the constant frontman. Founding members Jay Bentley and Brett Gurewitz have also been pivotal throughout their history, with guitarist Brian Baker joining the ranks in 1994. Mike Dimkich (guitar) and Jamie Miller (drums) solidified the current lineup in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

Their prolific output includes seventeen studio albums, plus numerous live albums, compilations, EPs, and DVDs. Having sold over five million albums worldwide, theyre undeniably one of punk rocks best-selling acts.

Their early releases on Gurewitzs Epitaph Records cultivated a massive underground following and critical acclaim. The bands 1993 signing to Atlantic Records marked a transition to mainstream success, playing a key role in the 90s punk rock revival. Bad Religion essentially set the template for a generation of California punk bands, influencing acts like Green Day, The Offspring, NOFX, and Rancid. Their impact extends beyond their contemporaries; they`re cited as a major influence on pop punk, skate punk, post-hardcore, screamo, and emo scenes throughout the 90s and 2000s.

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.

Converge, the Salem, Massachusetts-born metalcore titans, exploded onto the scene in 1990, forged from the creative fire of vocalist Jacob Bannon and guitarist/producer Kurt Ballou. Their early lineup solidified in 1991 with the addition of bassist Jeff Feinberg and drummer Damon Bellorado. While the band's early work laid the groundwork, it was their landmark 2001 album, Jane Doe, that cemented their legacy. The recording of Jane Doe marked a turning point, ushering in a new era with the departure of guitarist Aaron Dalbec and the arrival of bassist Nate Newton and drummer Ben Koller – a lineup that remains intact to this day.

This incredibly influential quartet, pioneers of both metalcore and its mathcore subgenre, unleashed a ferociously aggressive and relentlessly innovative sound, blending hardcore punk's raw energy with the heaviness of metal. Their impact is undeniable: Jane Doe earned accolades as the best album of 2001 (Terrorizer), the best of the decade (Sputnikmusic), and eventually landed at #61 on Rolling Stone's list of the greatest metal albums of all time.

Following the success of Jane Doe, Converge transitioned from Equal Vision Records to the larger Epitaph Records, resulting in increasingly elaborate and expensive productions. Special releases often found a home with Deathwish Inc., Bannon's own label established in 1999. The band’s prolific output continues with their ninth studio album, The Dusk in Us (2017), and their first full-length collaboration, Bloodmoon: I (2021), with Chelsea Wolfe. AllMusic aptly describes them as "one of the most original and innovative bands to emerge from the punk underground," a testament to their enduring influence and groundbreaking sound. The individual members have also actively contributed to various side projects, including Supermachiner (Bannon), Old Man Gloom (Newton), and Mutoid Man (Koller), further showcasing their diverse musical talents and commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

The Descendents, a seminal force in American punk rock, emerged from Manhattan Beach, California in 1977. Initially a power pop/surf punk trio featuring Frank Navetta (guitar), Tony Lombardo (bass), and Bill Stevenson (drums), the band underwent a crucial transformation in 1979. The addition of Stevenson`s school friend, Milo Aukerman, on vocals propelled them into the melodic hardcore punk scene exploding in Los Angeles. This shift solidified their place as major players in the burgeoning hardcore movement.

Their prolific career boasts eight studio albums, three live albums, three compilations, and four EPs. Since 1986, the classic lineup has settled on Aukerman, Stevenson, Stephen Egerton (guitar), and Karl Alvarez (bass).

Early Years (1977-1984): From "The Itch" to Hardcore

The Descendents story began even earlier, in 1977, with Frank Navetta and David Nolte initially collaborating on acoustic guitars under the name "The Itch." Navetta later coined the name "Descendents," but the early lineup proved unstable. Noltes departure to join his brothers` band, The Last, left the project temporarily stalled.

In late 1978, Navetta and Stevenson revived the Descendents, with Nolte briefly returning, this time on bass and sharing vocal duties with Navetta. However, The Lasts growing activity led to Noltes second departure in Spring 1979. Tony Lombardo filled the bass slot, completing the trio that recorded their debut single at Media Art studios, self-releasing it on Orca Records, a label named after Stevenson`s fishing boat. This marked a pivotal step on their journey to hardcore punk dominance.

Gatecreeper: A Phoenix, Arizona Death Metal Juggernaut

Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Gatecreeper has quickly cemented its place as a force to be reckoned with in the death metal scene. Their career trajectory is a testament to relentless energy and undeniable talent.

The band's journey began in 2014 with a self-titled four-song EP, a brutal introduction to their signature sound. They followed up with a series of impactful splits, collaborating with Take Over and Destroy (2015), Homewrecker, Outer Heaven, and Scorched (2016), and Young and in the Way (2016). These releases showcased their growing intensity and garnered them a dedicated following.

2016 marked a pivotal moment: the release of their debut full-length album, Sonoran Depravation, via the legendary Relapse Records. This album solidified their position, establishing Gatecreeper as a major player.

The band continued to build momentum, culminating in the release of Deserted in October 2019, another Relapse Records triumph. The album earned critical acclaim, notably a spot on Loudwire's "50 Best Metal Albums of 2019" list. Further demonstrating their creative output, Gatecreeper dropped the An Unexpected Reality EP in January 2021, which garnered a #14 ranking on Revolver Magazine's "25 Best Albums of 2021."

Gatecreeper's rise is a compelling story of raw talent, consistent output, and a dedicated fanbase. From their early EP to their critically acclaimed albums, they've consistently delivered crushing death metal, establishing themselves as a band to watch—and to fear.

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.

The Germs, a seminal Los Angeles punk band, exploded onto the scene in 1976, leaving an indelible mark on the genre before disbanding in 1980. Their classic lineup – Darby Crash (vocals), Pat Smear (guitar), Lorna Doom (bass), and Don Bolles (drums) – forged a raw, fiercely energetic sound, culminating in their only studio album, 1979s *GI*, produced by Joan Jett. Captured in Penelope Spheeris influential documentary The Decline of Western Civilization, the Germs embodied the chaotic energy of the LA punk scene. Tragically, the bands history was cut short by Crashs suicide.

Despite their brevity, their influence on subsequent rock acts remains undeniable. Smears later success with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters further cemented the Germs legacy. A 2005 biopic, What We Do Is Secret, starring Shane West as Crash, sparked a remarkable reunion. West, alongside the original Smear, Doom, and Bolles, toured extensively, including appearances at the 2006 and 2008 Warped Tours, demonstrating the enduring power of the Germs` music and the impact of their explosive, albeit short-lived, career.

The band`s formation itself is the stuff of punk legend. Crash (Jan Paul Beahm) and Smear (Georg Ruthenberg), expelled from University High for alleged "mind control" antics, initially christened their band the far more verbose "Sophistifuck and the Revlon Spam Queens." Budgetary constraints – specifically, the cost of printing T-shirts – quickly led to a much-needed name change to the iconic and appropriately concise "The Germs."