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.

HUSH HUSH, a high-octane post-hardcore quartet hailing from Buffalo, NY, ignites stages with their infectious blend of catchy guitar riffs and powerful basslines. Formed in 2022, their unique sound seamlessly fuses the intensity of post-hardcore with the melodic appeal of pop-punk, drawing inspiration from acts like Pierce the Veil and Senses Fail. Prepare for an unforgettable experience: HUSH HUSH`s energetic performances are guaranteed to get you moving and singing along.

Hailing from Long Island, New York, Incendiary are a hardcore punk force to be reckoned with. Their explosive career ignited in 2008 with the Amongst The Filth 7-inch EP. They quickly followed up with their debut full-length, Crusade, in 2009 via Eternal Hope Records. Subsequent releases cemented their status: Cost of Living (2013) and Thousand Mile Stare (2017), both on Closed Casket Activities, showcased their increasingly ferocious sound.

Beyond their studio work, Incendiary's impact extended to the world of professional wrestling. In 2017, they collaborated with CFO$ to create the theme song for NXT wrestler Aleister Black, even performing it live at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III alongside Code Orange members.

While not a constantly touring band, Incendiary have made significant festival appearances, including a killer set at France's Hellfest 2022 alongside heavyweights like Metallica, Bring Me The Horizon, and Mercyful Fate. Their impressive live history also includes opening for Backtrack at a final Amityville show at the Revolution Bar & Music Hall. Incendiary's legacy is built on a potent blend of studio prowess and electrifying live performances.

Left to Suffer: A Deathcore Force from Atlanta

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Left to Suffer burst onto the deathcore scene in 2019. The band's current lineup is a powerhouse: vocalist Taylor Barber, bassist Christian Nowatzki, guitarists Peter Higgs and Jacob Gordon, and drummer Alex Vavra.

Their journey began with the release of their debut album, A Year of Suffering, in 2020, immediately establishing them as a force to be reckoned with. This was preceded by the single "Burden," featuring then-Lorna Shore vocalist CJ McCeery, a collaboration that generated significant buzz. The band's early success wasn't without its challenges; in early 2021, drummer Levi Dunn amicably departed to pursue a career as a tattoo artist. Alex Vavra quickly stepped in, seamlessly integrating into the band's ferocious sound.

Following A Year of Suffering, Left to Suffer unleashed their second full-length album, Feral, in 2023, solidifying their position within the deathcore genre. They continued their prolific output with their third studio album, Leap of Death, in 2024, showcasing their relentless evolution and undeniable talent. Left to Suffer's impact on the deathcore landscape is undeniable, and their future looks incredibly bright.

Hailing from Los Angeles, Militarie Gun exploded onto the scene in 2020, a project born from the pandemic-induced pause of frontman Ian Shelton's other band, Regional Justice Center. Shelton's initial solo effort, the My Life Is Over EP, dropped in September 2020, laying the groundwork for what would become a fully-fledged band. He quickly assembled a powerful lineup: Nick Cogan and William Acuña on guitar, Max Epstein on bass, and Vince Nguyen on drums.

The band swiftly followed with a flurry of releases. June 2021 saw the arrival of All Roads Lead to the Gun, followed by its sequel, All Roads Lead to the Gun II, in September of the same year. A deluxe edition combining both EPs solidified their growing momentum in 2022. Building anticipation for their debut LP, Militarie Gun unleashed the single "Do It Faster" in 2023, complete with a striking music video.

Finally, on June 23rd, 2023, Militarie Gun unleashed their highly anticipated debut full-length album, Life Under the Gun, via Loma Vista Recordings, marking a significant milestone in their already impressive and prolific career. Their blend of raw energy and tightly-crafted songwriting has cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with in the current rock landscape.

Municipal Waste: Richmond's Crossover Thrash Titans

Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Municipal Waste exploded onto the scene in 2000, igniting a firestorm of crossover thrash fury. Since their inaugural gig at a New Year's Eve keg party (a fittingly chaotic start!), the band has carved a legendary path. Their sound, a potent blend of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, Corrosion of Conformity (Animosity era), Nuclear Assault, and Attitude Adjustment, has cemented their place as crossover thrash royalty.

Over their career, Municipal Waste have unleashed seven studio albums, three EPs, and four splits, consistently delivering high-octane energy and infectious riffs. While the lineup has seen some changes, vocalist Tony Foresta and rhythm guitarist Ryan Waste remain the steadfast core, providing unwavering consistency to the band's chaotic brilliance. Currently, they're joined by bassist Philip "Land Phil" Hall, drummer Dave Witte, and lead guitarist Nick "Nikropolis" Poulos, forming a formidable unit. Their early years included extensive touring throughout the US and Mexico, and the release of multiple split albums (notably a 7" with Bad Acid Trip and a 12" with Crucial Unit), as well as contributions to various compilations, solidifying their presence in the underground. Municipal Waste aren't just a band; they're a testament to the enduring power of crossover thrash.

Hailing from Oxnard, California, Nails are a hardcore punk force of nature. Formed in 2009 by vocalist Todd Jones (ex-Terror guitarist), bassist John Gianelli, and drummer Taylor Young (formerly of Disgrace), the band unleashed their brutal sound on the world with the Obscene Humanity EP. This was swiftly followed by the devastating full-lengths Unsilent Death (2010), Abandon All Life (2013), and the critically acclaimed You Will Never Be One of Us (2016). Adding to their discography, they also released a split EP with Full of Hell, and most recently, Every Bridge Burning in 2024.

Nails' savage intensity and relentless energy have earned them widespread notoriety and critical acclaim within the hardcore scene. Their career, however, took an unexpected turn in 2016. Following the release of You Will Never Be One of Us, the band abruptly cancelled a European tour, with promoters citing an indefinite hiatus and the cessation of live performances and recording. While promoters claimed a hiatus, Todd Jones later refuted this, stating that the band had never officially gone on hiatus. The band's eventual return and release of Every Bridge Burning has solidified their status as a major player in the hardcore punk landscape.

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.