Punk Rock

In the summer of 2017, amidst the unassuming confines of a spare bedroom transformed into a creative haven, Articles emerged. Birthed from the mind of Richie Schnellbacher, the band has since ascended to the pinnacle of political post-fictional hardcore, proudly displaying their musical lineage, deeply influenced by the legendary "No Idea" records.

A Wilhelm Scream: A Melodic Hardcore Force from New Bedford

A Wilhelm Scream (AWS) is a melodic hardcore band from New Bedford, Massachusetts, known for their energetic, infectious, and often chaotic sound. Their music blends the intensity of hardcore with catchy melodies, drawing comparisons to bands like Strung Out, Hot Water Music, Propagandhi, and Strike Anywhere.

The band's name is a nod to the iconic "Wilhelm scream," a famous stock sound effect widely used in movies. This playful reference reflects the band's own unique brand of energetic and memorable music.

A Storied History:

AWS's journey began long before their current moniker. They emerged from the ashes of several earlier bands, including Adam's Crack, Koen, and Smackin' Isaiah. These early bands honed their musical chops, experimenting with styles like Nirvana-inspired grunge and skate punk/ska before settling on their signature melodic hardcore sound.

From Early Days to A Wilhelm Scream:

In 1993, the core of A Wilhelm Scream formed as Adam's Crack, releasing a demo cassette. Over the following years, members from several bands joined forces, forming Koen and eventually, Smackin' Isaiah, who released their first major recordings.

The transition to A Wilhelm Scream was a natural progression, marking a new chapter for the band as they solidified their sound and identity. The name change also reflected their commitment to crafting their own distinctive musical voice.

Stay Tuned for More:

A Wilhelm Scream's story is one of passion, perseverance, and evolution. They continue to captivate audiences with their high-energy live shows and compelling music, solidifying their place as a major force in the world of melodic hardcore.

Bad Brains: The Unstoppable Force of Crossover

Bad Brains, a sonic storm brewing out of Washington, D.C. in 1976, aren't just a band - they're a phenomenon. While often hailed as pioneers of hardcore punk, the band themselves bristle at the label, their sound defying simple categorization.

These musical alchemists blend the raw energy of punk with the hypnotic grooves of reggae, seamlessly weaving in elements of funk, heavy metal, hip-hop, and soul. Rolling Stone aptly dubbed them "the mother of all black hard-rock bands," and their influence stretches far beyond hardcore, touching upon thrash, speed metal, alternative metal, and funk metal - a testament to their revolutionary sound.

Bad Brains are more than musicians; they are deeply rooted in the Rastafari movement, their faith informing their music and their message.

Throughout their decades-long journey, Bad Brains have released nine studio albums, weathered breakups and reunions, and experimented with different vocalists and drummers. Their original lineup, however, remains legendary: the iconic singer H.R., the riff-master Dr. Know, the bassist Darryl Jenifer, and the powerhouse drummer Earl Hudson.

Bad Brains are a force of nature, refusing to be confined by genre or expectation. They continue to inspire generations of musicians, proving that true artistry knows no boundaries.

Get ready to unleash your inner punk with BAD DOG, a ferociously fun band where rebellious spirit meets playful mischief. Led by the fearless Snarls Barkley, their infectious tunes and high-energy performances are guaranteed to have you howling along in no time. With the thunderous drumming of K9 Crash and the blistering guitar riffs of Howler and Snaggletooth, BAD DOG's energetic sound will have you wagging your tail and diving headfirst into the mosh pit.

Bayside: A Punk Rock Anthem From the Streets of Queens

Bayside, hailing from the gritty streets of Bayside, Queens, burst onto the scene in 2000 with a raw energy that quickly caught the attention of the punk rock world. Led by vocalist Anthony Raneri, the band's lineup solidified with Jack O'Shea on lead guitar, Nick Ghanbarian on bass, and Chris Guglielmo pounding the drums.

Their debut album, Sirens and Condolences (2004), was a powerful introduction to their emotional and introspective style. But it was their 2005 self-titled follow-up that catapulted them into the mainstream. This album cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing their ability to weave raw emotion with catchy melodies and infectious energy.

The years that followed saw Bayside churn out a steady stream of quality albums. From the raw vulnerability of The Walking Wounded (2007) to the darker tones of Shudder (2008), Bayside continued to evolve their sound while staying true to their punk rock roots.

Their relentless touring and captivating live shows further cemented their status as a fan favorite. Albums like Killing Time (2011), Cult (2014), Vacancy (2016), Interrobang (2019), and There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive (2024) showcased their continued growth and ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level.

The Birth of a Band: From Long Island Demos to the Big Leagues

Bayside's story began in 2000, when Anthony Raneri and Mike Kozak decided to take a chance on a dream. Inspired by bands like New Found Glory, they set out to create their own brand of punk rock. Their early days were marked by a self-released demo and a five-song EP, Long Stories Short, released on Dying Wish Records in 2001.

As their reputation grew, Bayside hit the road, sharing stages with the likes of My Hotel Year, Don't Look Down, A440, Brand New, and Hot Rod Circuit. The energy of these early tours fueled their songwriting and honed their live performance, preparing them for the success that lay ahead.

In 2002, the band experienced a lineup change with JR Manning, formerly of Caroline, stepping in for Kozak. This solidified the lineup that would go on to become synonymous with the Bayside sound.

From those early Queens basement shows to packed stadiums, Bayside's journey has been one of dedication, passion, and a deep connection with their fans. Their music continues to resonate with generations of listeners, proving that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones told with raw honesty and unbridled energy.

Black Flag: The Uncompromising Pioneers of Hardcore Punk

Black Flag, hailing from the sun-drenched shores of Hermosa Beach, California, burst onto the punk scene in 1976. Initially known as Panic, the band was the brainchild of Greg Ginn, a guitarist with a vision. Ginn, the band's constant through numerous lineup changes, served as the primary songwriter and driving force behind Black Flag's uncompromising sound.

Considered one of the original hardcore punk bands, Black Flag paved the way for a new wave of aggressive music. They weren't just hardcore, though, they were also pioneers of post-hardcore, bridging the gap between the raw energy of punk and the experimental edge of post-punk. After a fiery run that ended in 1986, Black Flag returned to the stage in 2003 and again in 2013, proving their enduring legacy. The second reunion yielded their first studio album in nearly thirty years, "What The...", released in 2013, before the band announced their third reunion in 2019, cementing their place in music history.

Black Flag's sound was a sonic collision of the Ramones' raw simplicity and Ginn's atonal guitar solos, expertly weaving in unpredictable tempo changes that kept listeners on the edge of their seats. Ginn's lyrics, often echoing themes of social isolation, neurosis, poverty, and paranoia, resonated with a generation disillusioned with authority. The band's message of anti-authoritarianism and nonconformity reached a new level of intensity when Henry Rollins joined as lead singer in 1981, bringing his own unique brand of lyrical intensity to the table.

Black Flag, more than just a band, was a movement. They challenged the status quo with their ferocious sound, anti-establishment message, and relentless energy, inspiring a generation of musicians and leaving an indelible mark on the world of punk rock.

Blink-182: From Skate Punk to Pop-Punk Kings

Blink-182, born in the sun-drenched suburbs of Poway, California, in 1992, have become one of the most iconic rock bands of the 21st century. Their current lineup, featuring the dynamic trio of Mark Hoppus (bass/vocals), Tom DeLonge (guitar/vocals), and Travis Barker (drums), is the one that etched their name in pop-punk history.

While their sound has evolved over the years, Blink-182's core remains that infectious blend of catchy pop melodies and frenetic punk energy. Their lyrics, often laced with humor and a touch of cynicism, explore the universal themes of relationships, teenage angst, and the bittersweet journey of growing up (or not).

Emerging from the vibrant skate punk scene of Southern California, Blink-182 quickly made a name for themselves with their high-octane live shows and irreverent stage antics. Their debut album, Cheshire Cat (1995), established their unique brand of pop-punk, but it was their sophomore effort, Dude Ranch (1997), that solidified their growing fanbase.

After years of relentless touring and independent releases, including appearances at the legendary Warped Tour, Blink-182 signed with MCA Records. The result, Two albums that cemented their place in pop culture: Enema of the State (1999) and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001). These albums spawned massive hits like "All the Small Things," "Dammit," and "What's My Age Again" - anthems that became staples on MTV and radio waves worldwide.

Throughout their career, Blink-182 has continued to push boundaries, experimenting with different sounds and styles, as evident in albums like Untitled (2003), Neighborhoods (2011), and the Dogs Eating Dogs EP (2012). But one thing remains constant: their ability to connect with listeners through catchy riffs, relatable lyrics, and a sense of playful rebellion that continues to resonate with generations of fans.

Blondie: The New Wave Pioneers Who Conquered the Charts

Blondie, the iconic American rock band, burst onto the scene in New York City in 1974, spearheaded by the charismatic singer Debbie Harry and the masterful guitarist Chris Stein. They were early adopters of the nascent New Wave sound, carving their own path within the burgeoning American punk scene.

Their debut albums showcased a raw energy, blending punk and new wave influences, and while they quickly gained a passionate fanbase in the UK and Australia, Blondie remained somewhat under the radar in their home country. This changed with their 1978 release, Parallel Lines. This critically acclaimed masterpiece catapulted them to international fame, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with.

The next two years saw Blondie unleashing a string of chart-topping hits. "Heart of Glass" (US No. 1), "One Way or Another," "Dreaming," "Call Me" (US No. 1), "Atomic," "The Tide Is High" (US No. 1), and "Rapture" (US No. 1) dominated airwaves and solidified their status as musical titans. Blondie's eclectic sound, seamlessly blending disco, pop, reggae, funk, and early hip-hop influences, set them apart and captivated audiences worldwide.

After a remarkable run, Blondie disbanded in 1982 following the release of their sixth studio album, The Hunter. Their legacy as musical innovators and chart-topping superstars endures, cementing their place as one of the most influential and beloved bands of all time.

Bowling for Soup, the Wichita Falls, Texas natives, burst onto the scene in 1994. The band's current lineup features Jaret Reddick (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Burney (guitar, backing vocals), Gary Wiseman (drums), and Rob Felicetti (bass guitar, backing vocals). Known for their catchy pop-punk anthems, they've scored hits with "Girl All the Bad Guys Want," their cover of SR-71's "1985," "Almost," and the eternally relatable "High School Never Ends." Their contributions extend beyond their own catalog; they also penned the theme song for the Disney Channel's hit show, Phineas and Ferb.

History:

Bowling for Soup's roots run deep in Wichita Falls. Founding members Jaret Reddick and original drummer Lance Morrill connected in 1976. Reddick's musical journey began in 1985 at the tender age of 13. He and guitarist Chris Burney, who met in high school (1986), grew up immersed in the commercially successful heavy metal of Quiet Riot, RATT, and Mötley Crüe, but also found inspiration in the faster-paced punk rock of the Ramones and later Green Day. Burney's family owned "The Refuge," a local coffeehouse with a music stage, where he played with his band The Persecuted. It was there, in the early 1990s, that he, Reddick, bassist Erik Chandler, and drummer Gary Wiseman (who wouldn't officially join Bowling for Soup until 1998) crossed paths. Burney and Chandler later formed the Folkadots, while Wiseman pursued his own project, Gary & the Wiseman.

Cobra Skulls: A Punk Rock Powerhouse From The West Coast

Cobra Skulls, a band that's earned their stripes in the punk rock scene, initially emerged from the gritty streets of Reno, Nevada. Their raw energy and infectious tunes soon caught the attention of Red Scare Industries, who signed them and released their debut album "Sitting Army" in 2007. This album marked the beginning of a thrilling journey, characterized by relentless touring and a growing fanbase.

The band's signature sound, a potent mix of melodic punk and hardcore, propelled them forward. They shared the stage with punk legends like Against Me!, Mad Caddies, and the Loved Ones, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with. However, the journey wasn't without its changes. Charlie Parker, one of the founding guitarists, left the band in 2008, leading to the addition of Adam Beck on second guitar.

Despite this shift, Cobra Skulls continued their upward trajectory, releasing their second album "American Rubicon" in 2009. This album showcased their maturity and evolution as a band, solidifying their reputation as one of the most exciting punk rock acts of their generation.

From their humble beginnings in Reno to their embrace of the San Francisco Bay Area, Cobra Skulls have consistently delivered a potent cocktail of punk rock passion and musical talent. Their three studio albums, five EPs, and three 7" splits stand as a testament to their unwavering commitment to their craft and their ability to connect with fans through raw, authentic music.