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.

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.

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.

Gouge Away: A Florida Hardcore Punk Force

Emerging from Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2012, Gouge Away quickly established themselves as a vital force in the American hardcore punk scene. Their sound, a potent blend of post-hardcore and noise rock, draws heavily from influential acts like Pixies, The Jesus Lizard, Fugazi, Unwound, the Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower, and Nirvana. This eclectic mix fuels their raw energy and distinctive sonic attack.

The band cut their teeth playing shows and releasing two self-released EPs, Still Bored and Focus Your Anger, in 2013, using their platform to support local charities and activist groups. This commitment to social action became a hallmark of their ethos.

Their debut full-length, , Dies, dropped in February 2016 via Eighty-Sixed Records, earning immediate underground acclaim. The album's impact was significant enough to land it at #17 on BrooklynVegan's "The 20 Best Emo/Punk Albums of 2016" and among Noisey's "37 Best Overlooked Albums of 2016." This success led to high-profile touring opportunities, including slots with Touché Amoré, Ceremony, G.L.O.S.S., and Paint It Black—a testament to their growing reputation.

Gouge Away further solidified their position with their 2018 sophomore album, Burnt Sugar, released through Deathwish Inc., cementing their place as a key player in the contemporary hardcore landscape. Their uncompromising sound, combined with their strong social conscience, has earned them a dedicated following and solidified their legacy within the genre.

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.

Chicagos Harms Way emerged from the ashes of the straight-edge punk band Few and the Proud in 2006, initially conceived as a playful side project. Their early sound was a blistering cocktail of short, fast powerviolence, heavily influenced by acts like Crossed Out and Infest. Drummer Chris Mills describes their beginnings: "Super-fast powerviolence songs, with a masked singer belting out silly lyrics about beating up frat boys." This irreverent energy, however, soon gave way to a darker, more serious direction.

Their evolution saw them shed the comedic elements and embrace a heavier, death metal-influenced sound. This progression was documented across several releases through Organized Crime Records and Closed Casket Activities. By 2011, the band had released their second studio album, Isolation, which caught the attention of Converge's Jacob Bannon. This led to a pivotal moment: Harm's Way signing to Deathwish Inc. Their subsequent releases, including Reality Approaches (2009), Rust (2015), and the critically acclaimed Metal Blade Records debut Posthuman (2018), solidified their unique blend of metal, industrial, and hardcore, cementing their place as a significant force in the heavy music scene.

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.