OVERPAIN

'Underrated - Overhated' CD

not released yet

Overpain is a hardcore band from Thessaloniki and they exist since 2007, being dedicated representatives of the Salonica Hardcore Crew, along with Senseless.

I got in touch with the band for the first time back in early 2008, when they played along with Italy's Straight Opposition in Street Attack Squat, in a show co-organized by World's Appreciated Kitsch.

I have always watched them live a couple of more times the next year,  in Larissa & Thessaloniki (with To Kill & The Break and Settle The Score, respectively, If I remember correct).

3,5 years later here I am, standing almost in front of the stage while Overpain are 'opening' for Madball in Athens... To my best impression, the band has improved a lot and they have become very mature, delivering strong doses of heavy beat down hardcore in the faces of a bunch of hardcore kids.

Their first full length album is ready but not released yet since the band is searching for a label.

They just sent me the stuff in order to review it for this blog and I wanna thank them for this.

Underrated - Overhated includes 11 songs + an intro of intense heavy hardcore with a lot of beat downs, sing-alongs, mosh and mid tempo parts, plus some faster moments. What I like the most is that Overpain are very dedicated in what they are doing, st(r)aying away from the fake wannabe beatdown 'bad' motherfuckers that are floating around in our precious hardcore scene, pretending to be thugs and outcasts.

Overpain's beatdown hardcore style has its roots in the punk / hardcore scene and this is obvious, in my humble opinion. It's like Knuckledust; brutal hardcore but still grounded in its roots, if you can get the comparison. Or even the latest stuff of Final Prayer.

Lyric wise, they keep it simple; back stabbing, preserving their crew & hardcore, staying true and the likes, you know the deal.

The record feat. guest vocals by a handful of well known bands' singers including the ones of The Last Charge from Hungary, War Hound, No Zodiac, Life Sentence and Hammerfist from USA, Bitter Taste Of Life from Sweden and our local ones Senseless and Censored Sound. 

The artwork is very nice and I definitely dig the amazing cover with a drawing of a hardcore show taking place in front of Thessaloniki's greatest monument, the White Tower.

Stay tuned; this will get a proper release anytime soon.

www.facebook.com/overpainhxc

OLDE YORK

'Shallow world' CD

WTF Records

Olde York is one of my fav bands when it comes to the modern NYHC scene.

I've been following them since 2007, when I interviewed the band for Keep It Real fanzine issue #7.

More than 5 years passed, damn, time flies!

So, 3 years after the release of their debut album 'Empire state', Olde York come back with a milestone record for the NYHC. 'Shallow world' was produced by Mike Dijan (guitarist for Breakdown, Crown Of Thornz and Skarhead, among others) and includes 11 songs in the old New York hardcore style, bringing in mind bands like 90s era Madball, Sick Of It All, Judge, Leeway, Warzone, Underdog and Maximum Penalty.

I was always into the 'true' NYHC, but it seemed that the last decade the situation changed; the metal attitude along with the metal labels infiltrated the scene, bands turned into tough guy ghosts of the past and the spirit wasn't there anymore.

I'm glad that bands like Olde York continue keeping the flame alive by delivering one of the best hardcore records of 2012 in my humble opinion. This may indicates nothing but 'Shallow world' is still in the top 20 of the selling charts of one of the biggest hardcore record stores in Europe, Coretex Records, and it's been more than 2 months since its release...

Olde York are touring Europe in January 2013, don't miss them out.

oldeyorknyhc.com

wtfrecords.eu

ΕΝ ΨΥΧΡΩ

demo EP 2012

self-released

Εν Ψυχρώ (translated in english as In Cold Blood) is a new DIY hardcore / punk band based in Nicosia, Cyprus, and feat. individuals that are very active in their local scene, either by organizing gigs and running distros or being involved in politics. At least a couple of members of Εν Ψυχρώ were playing in Εντός Των Τειχών (Inside The Walls), that had released a great record back in 2008.

Their first demo is in CDR format, with a nice booklet including lyrics & translations, plus a short bio of the band concerning their political / DIY stance, and features 6 songs strongly influenced by the mid / late 90s greek hardcore scene and bands like Ναυτία (Nausea; the greek one) and Πανικός (Panic). 

There's also a huge metallic touch that brings in my mind Sepultura, while some riffs could easily have been used by thrash / death metal bands.

Lyric wise, they focus strictly on social / political issues, like the Cyprian diplomatic problem, nuclear war, religion and an explosion that happened in a military base in Cyprus last year. 

All in all, it's a nice demo, that all the fans of greek 90s hardcore will definitely love. 

The scene in Cyprus is still in an 'embryonic stage', but the  lately a lot of actions are taking place, with Εν Ψυχρώ being one of the most active bands nowadays. Let's support 'em.

www.enpsychro.blogspot.com

NO TURNING BACK

'No regrets' LP

Take Control Records

No Turning Back is one of my favorite hardcore bands ever.

Besides that, they are obviously by far the best european hardcore band nowadays.

'No Regrets' is their brand new album that was released almost a month ago by their own label, called Take Control Records.

The record includes 11 songs of groovy hardcore that only NTB know how to play well. It's amazing how these guys from Brabant, Netherlands, have managed to achieve a unique sound that everyone into hardcore music can easily recognize. 

NTB deliver a -less than 20 minute- record full of sing-alongs, break downs, moshy parts and catchy riffs. Drawing influences by all time favorite hardcore bands like Cro-Mags, Judge and Madball, No Turning Back maintain their own style, spitting doses of quality hardcore to the world.

'No Regrets' is the physical continuation of 2011's 'Take Control', but to be honest, the new record is more mature and consistent than its predecessor.

Lyric wise, Martijn is dealing with personal issues, backstabbers, friendships and the scene, keeping it simple and true. I definitely dig his lyrics.

What more can I say? I have already stated that NTB is one of my favorite hardcore bands; do you need more?!

Just for the record, there are guest shouts by the vocalists of Risk It!, For The Glory and Something Inside, while the artwork fits absolutely with the content once again. Gatefold cover, colored vinyl; ace!

Watch them live during the Positively Positive Hardcore Fest Six in Athens on 20th December 2012.

www.noturningback.nl 

BURST IN

'1000slow'

Refuse Records

Warsaw, besides being the capital and largest city of Poland, is the most active place when it comes to hardcore activities. It's not a coincidence that a lot of compilations, featuring Warsaw based bands, were released the last years, with Warsaw Hardcore / Punk Attach volumes 1 & 2 and Warsaw Is Burning 7" being among them.

So, here we have a great Warsaw hardcore / punk band with members already active in the Polish hardcore scene, in bands like Greed (in the past) or Double Vision (nowadays).

'1000slow' includes 8 songs of intense 90s hardcore with some youth crew influences, without being youth crew at all, though.

Burst In sing in Polish, but there are translations & explanations in the lyrics insert and I must admit that their lyrics are deep and thought provoking, dealing with issues like migration, the modern society of Poland, the roots of violent behavior and the past.

Music wise, they remind me of Polish hardcore bands like Apatia or even April. 

They are into the straight edge realm, even though they are not that outspoken when it comes to this, so bands like Have Heart or Trial are definitely a big influence for Burst In, as well.

Their sound is not that polished or modern though, they prefer to keep this 90s vibe, I guess.

There were 2 covers of this record released, and thanks to Robert Refuse I have the limited edition one, which I doubt if it is still available.

Listen to this record at the band's band camp and get your hands a copy, it's worth!

burstin.bandcamp.com

refuserecords.prv.pl 

SLAVEBREED

'Dethrone the architect'

L'Inphantile Collective | Noise Attack

'Wandering how we ended like this...

Remembering the past, days of prosperity, days of development, our eyes standing at the route of pleasure.

Our ears shut to the cries of help, we could not hear back then or had we persuaded ourselves not to?

The intellects, the philosophers of our time, carrying words of cancer, of pain, they had seen the signs, but nobody listened to them.

Now that your neck is broken... Turn your head 180 degrees, see the hooks in your back? What do you do? Release yourself? Your broken neck allowed you to face the truth, a little time is left to act, what is it gonna be?

Will you keep staring, like you did, or embrace the idea of seeing with your own eyes for the first time?'

Slavebreed, one of the best local bands, when it comes to all genres of extreme music, are back with a bang. This time this bang comes from a fully armed 14 song album that will start shooting our virginity like an unstoppable AK47 gun. 'Dethrone the architect' rips apart our moral abstinence, kicks the well-made lethe out of our minds and destroys our imaginary material paradise.

There are no many words to write for this intellectual yet political grind core masterpiece.

If you still believe that grind core is about gore and porno, then go fuck yourself and get this record.

Not only your ears but your ignorant soul will bleed to death, as well.

If you are afraid to expose your weakness, just stay away.

P.S.1 A cover of Disrupt's 'Dog eat dog' is included.

P.S.2 The release show of the record is set on 30.12.2012 | AN Club.

www.slavebreed.com

www.neonarcis.com

www.myspace.com/noiseattack81

2nd DIY Hardcore | Punk festival

Κατάληψη Ματσάγγου | Βόλος

26, 27 | 10 | 2012

-Friday 26th October-

15:00 vegan kitchen

18:00 screening | END:CIV

21.00 live w/

Mass Culture (post-metal, Tripoli / Sparti)

Eternal Hated (dark hardcore, Volos)

Narcan (crust, Athens)

10 To Go (punk rock, Larissa)

Another One Falls (skate punk, Athens)

-Saturday 27th October-

15:00 vegan kitchen

18.00 screening | 

a) Igniting The Revolution (ELF)
b) Behind The Mask (ALF)

21.00 live w/

Πανδημία (post-punk, Athens)

Gutter (hardcore / punk, Athens)
My Turn (hardcore / punk, Athens)
Unfit Earth (crust, Volos)
Dead City Motion (crust / hardcore, Athens)

Mατσάγγου Squat // Riot Squat
(Σωκράτους & Παύλου Μελά, Βόλος)
Έναρξη προβολών: 18.00 (είσοδος από Π.Μελά)
Έναρξη συναυλιών: 21.00 (είσοδος από Στοά)
Ο χώρος θα είναι ανοιχτός και η vegan κουζίνα θα λειτουργεί από τις 15.00 κάθε μέρα.
Είσοδος ελεύθερη -Οικονομική ενίσχυση απαραίτητη για την συνέχιση ανάλογων εγχειρημάτων.

SOUNDKRASH

Warfare MCD

self-released

Soundkrash is a brand new heavy hardcore band based in Athens, Greece.

They were formed back in 2010 and since then they have managed to play a good amount of shows all over Greece, including 'support' acts to bands like The Lines We Cross and Providence.

Warfare is their first MCD that was released a year ago.

It includes 4 songs (+ an intro) of heavy brutal hardcore music with a strong metallic touch.

They are obviously inspired by the NYHC sound, but their style is much more heavier and I can assume that they draw influences from bands like Irate, 100 Demons and First Blood, among others.

The sound production is clean yet heavy, and this makes me enjoy the MCD more.

I also dig the lyrics and the artwork. 

I love it when brutal hardcore bands don't care only to show their machismo and tough guy bullshit, but they actually have something to say or try to raise awareness.

Soundkrash have a lot to offer to the local hardcore scene, so better keep an eye on them.

Watch them live during the Balkan Hardcore Fest 2012 on Sunday, 21, this month. 

www.soundkrashathenshc.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/soundkrashband

V/A DESTROY YOUR WORLD

Back on the map vol.I

Destroy Your World Inc.

Destroy Your World Inc. is a brand new collective based in Italy, with the intention to give a helping hand to the Italian & worldwide hardcore scene.

Alex (vocalist of Strength Approach and ol' time scenester) along with Domenico, both from Roma, are behind this effort that was launched almost one month ago.

'Back on the map vol. I' is their first release that came out as a free sampler feat. 22 bands, with the sole purpose to represent Italy's today hardcore scene.

The line up consists of: Awaken Demons, Baseball Furies, Locked In, The Memory, Strength Approach, Payback, My Own Prison, Jungle Fever, Embrace Destruction, Face Your Enemy, Reinforced Concrete, Fear The Sirens, Grandtheftage, The Hardest Season, Startoday, Killjoy, Rise After Defeat, Strange Fear, Traces Of You, Uprising and Whales' Island.

All hardcore styles, from beatdown to old school and from modern hardcore to NYHC, are covered, while the bands come from various areas from all over Italy.

I was always a huge fan of the Italian hardcore / punk scene so I'm very glad to notice that it's still alive after a stagnant period the previous years. Some of the bands featured in this compilation have already received a review via this blog, some others played in Greece in the past (Strength Approach, Locked In, Whales' Island), while we had the honor to release the Face Your Enemy previous record and the Whales' Island latest 7" via World's Appreciated Kitsch.

Destroy Your World Inc. will release the new For The Glory 12" in November, plus a brand new Strength Approach picture disc 7" and the new CD by Australia's Mark My Words, later in 2013.

I really appreciate the effort that the guys behind Destroy Your World Inc. do.

The 'representatives' of the Greek scene should do the same.

Download the sampler via their website or better get one copy for free with any purchase via their webstore.

www.destroyourworldinc.com

www.destroyyourworldinc.bigcartel.com

GO FILTH GO

'5 tracks noise' 7"

Rawmantic Disasters | Crucificados | Truemmer Pogo

Go Filth Go is one of my favorite greek d-beat punk bands.

They come from Thessaloniki and they exist since 2008.

This is their brand new 7" following their demo tape and their split 7"s with Besthoven & Electric Funeral.

The 7" title describes the best way the concept of this record.

Go Filth Go deliver 5 new songs of relentless, distorted and in your face raw d-beat punk / hardcore music with a lot of Japanese hardcore influences.

Fans of Disclose, Crude and 80s Scandinavian d-beat must keep an eye on Go Filth Go.

Nihilistic, 2-3 sentences lyrics dealing with topics as no future & war.

Old school cliche artwork. You know the deal!

On the other side, if you believe that d-beat music is all this neo-crust frenzy, better go buy one of the latest Southern Lord labels'  record because '5 tracks noise' will make your ears bleed.

gofilthgo.blogspot.com

gofilthgo.bandcamp.com

BLACK TRINITY / CANCER SPREADING

split 7"

Scullcrasher | Deathcrush | Alcoholic Desaster

Scimmia Bastarda | We Don't Fight It | Pet A Back 

Sick Punk | Goodbye Mankind | Zas Autoproduzioni

'This is black metal the way it is supposed to be. Raw, ugly, extreme, violent. A nuisance to the mainstream, the decent, the normal. Against fancy labels, over played / over - produced shit, trends. Black metal must stay underground. This is why DIY applies perfectly in black metal. And just like Satan is considered to be against God, in our case 'satan' is the opposition to all kinds of hierarchy, oppression, fascism, dictates, aiming ultimately to their destruction. No Gods, no Masters.

DIY ist krieg. Destroy NSBM!'

These sentences are featured in Black Trinity's page of the 7" booklet and I think that this sums ups the whole release I'm reviewing right here.

This is a totally DIY release co-produced by 9 labels from Greece, Italy & Czech Republic.

It comes in a nice packaging (sticker incl.) featuring amazing artwork by ADMC07 graphics.

On A-Side we have Thessaloniki's Black Trinity delivering one epic black metal song lasting around 7 minutes. Black Trinity exist since 2003 but they have become more active during the last years, feat. members of Go Filth Go, Terrorismo Musical & Dyspnea.

Their song 'A bleak existence' is a great piece of old school black metal music in the vein

of Darkthrone and early Mayhem.

On the other side, there's Cancer Spreading from Italy, playing old school death metal / stench core in the vein of Axegrinder, Bolt Thrower and Napalm Death.

They offer an intro and one song lasting around 6 minutes.

They are about to release a split 12" with Belgium's Last Legion Alive (also known for their split with Hellstorm from Greece).

All in all, a great DIY release that is available through Uprising Hardcore Distro for only 3 euros.

Grab your copy now and support the scene.

theblacktrinity.blogspot.com

myspace.com/cancerspreading

LAST DAYZ

No Future 7"

Ratel Records

I bought this 7" from the Ratel Records' store a month ago, after having read in various fanzines (incl.  Law & Order) tons of amazing things concerning Last Dayz and the 2012 hardcore scene in Poland.

I was aware that Poland has a strong hardcore / punk scene, but these days it seems that the Polish hardcore scene is literally exploding with bands like Iron To Gold, Thug X Life, Death Row and -of course- Last Dayz.  

I got this record just to support the Polish hardcore movement and the effort that Ratel Records crew does, without having great expectations of the quality that I was about to find when playing 'No Future' in my turntable.

But how wrong I was... Last Dayz is one of the best European HARDCORE bands nowadays. Period.

These 4 songs are like a bulldozer, so tough and heavy that can make some hardcore gangsta wannabes cry. They are groovy as hell, as well. Full of mosh parts, breakdowns and sing-alongs. 

I definitely dig the guitar solos; they are lovely!

If you are into mid 90s Madball or No Turning Back, Last Dayz will be your new favorite band. Trust me.

Ratel Records is doing a great work trying to bringing the Polish hardcore scene on the surface.

It's a shame that the European kids lick the asses of the American or the Western European bands, following blindly the trendsetters. Take a look at the Eastern part of Europe and you'll find a bunch of dedicated and sincere hardcore bands. 

I hope one day Last Dayz will make it to Greece.

'No Future' is almost sold out, but you can download the 7" if you visit the band's websites.

lastdayz.bandcamp.com

ratelrecords.com

KABUL GOLF CLUB

le bal du rat mort CD

Uproar for Veneration Records

There are some records that it's hard to even write a couple of sentences about.

When I got Kabul Golf Club's in the post, I definitely had no idea what to expect while listening to their mini CD. 

First things first... Why would you name your band after an imaginary golf club that exists in Afghanistan's capital city that, after getting bombarded and devastated, is now exploited by the western civilization and the local lobbies. 

I can get the irony, I guess...

Music wise, Kabul Golf Club is a pretty new band based in Belgium and this is their first record that comes in a digipack MCD that is distributed everywhere (from Saturn to Mediamarkt and then to Fnac) via one of the largest distributors of alternative music, called Rough Trade.

The 5 songs that are featured in 'Le bal du rat mort' (I guess it's something like 'the dance of the dead rat', right?!) are into the math core / noise rock / post - hardcore style. I can draw comparisons with bands like At The Drive In, Snapcase, Dillinger Escape Plan, The Locust and Botch.

Moreover, there's a slight touch of dark post-hardcore in some of their songs, bringing in mind some Converge / Rise & Fall moments.

You all know that this style is definitely not my cup of tea, but one thing's for sure, Kabul Golf Club know exactly how to ROCK.

P.S.1 The artwork is weird yet cool, but I'd prefer the lyrics to be included, as well.
P.S.2 Did I tell you that this CD was recorded live in the studio?! 

kgc-band.com

myspace.com/ufvrecords 

(distributed by Rough Trade)

BYSTORM

sumalangitnawa CD

Major Malfunction | Still Ill | Delusion Of Terror

'Ask yourself whether the dream of heaven and greatness should be waiting for us in our graves or whether it should be ours here and now and on this earth'

Ayn Rand 'Atlas Shrugged' novel (1957)

BYSTORM's new CD is epic.

For those that do not know this band, they are one of South East Asia's most active hardcore bands the last years. They are based in Philippines and they have already released 2 great split CDs with Pulling Teeth (yeah, Pulling Teeth) and Sauna.

'Sumalangitnawa' (translated as the heavens upon our souls, or something like this) is their new record featuring 11 songs of dark & powerful metallic hardcore, plus an SSD cover ('How much art?'). 

Lyrics varying from against religion issues to trend jumping in the hardcore scene and short songs create a heavy atmosphere. Think a mixture of Catharsis, Ringworm and Length Of Time and you know the deal. 

It's totally Holy Terror stuff coming out of a country that the majority of the hardcore kids in our country believe that there's not a scene in. On the contrary, SE Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia) has a life-breathing and strong hardcore / punk scene that we all should take a look at.

Back to BYSTORM... From the haunting intro with the screaming lady to the apocalyptic outro, they manage to grab your attention and make you delve into the soundscapes they create.

Moreover, do I have to mention that a band covering SSD takes extra points from me?!

Last but not least, the artwork is lovely and fits a lot with the whole aesthetics of BYSTORM.

If you want a copy of this, visit Uprising Hardcore Distro.

bystorm.bandcamp.com

lacosanuestro.blogspot.com

xmajormalfunctionx.blogspot.com

facebook.com/dotrecordsdistroph03

HARDCORE / PUNK

WEDNESDAYS.

*credits:

location: Gingko Biloba | Σόλωνος 136, Εξάρχεια

music: hardcore / punk

dj: world's appreciated kitsch

poster: elena k. voodoo

Still Screaming

'Stick at nothing' MCD

WTF Records

I follow Still Screaming since their inception.

I used to love Brightside (anyone remember their fucking awesome shows in Greece with Biohazard 10 years ago?!) and when I learned that Dennis was singing for Still Screaming I got excited.

That Kassel crew (see Ryker's) sound used to be one my favorite hardcore styles back in the days...

In addition to this, Still Screaming feat. ex-members of bands like Skyz The Limit, Shaft and Point Break; all of them pretty active and well-experienced as it seems.

But... fuck the past!

Here we have a brand new refreshing hardcore band called Still Screaming!

This is their newest record (following their first 7" and their debut full length) including 5 songs fueled with massive sing - alongs, breakdowns, 2 step dancing, heavier than heavy mosh parts and 2 vocalists that trash everything apart.
If you are into bands like Down To Nothing, Terror and Ryker's, you will adore Still Screaming.
It's so fucking fresh heavy hardcore that will stick inside your head forever.

I strongly consider Still Screaming as one of the 'leaders' of the euro-HC scene nowadays, along with No Turning Back and Strength Approach.
We, at the World's Appreciated Kitsch HQ, feel very proud to host them in Positively Positive Hardcore Fest Six this coming December. Get ready for a show that you will never forget.

If you are into HARDCORE, check this band out.

Get 'Stick at nothing' from Uprising Hardcore Distro (www.uprisinghardcoredistro.blogspot.com), there are a few copies available.

www.facebook.com/stillscreaminghc

www.wtfrecords.eu

SEPTEMBER in ATHENS:

8_AN Club // Determination (AT), Against All Odds, Faithreat, The Vagabonds 77.

12_Ginkgo Biloba // Wednesday hardcore / punk parties.

14_Kallidromiou 94 // Haggatha (CAN), Hibernation, Eternal Hated

19_Ginkgo Biloba // Wednesday hardcore / punk parties.

26_Ginkgo Biloba // Wednesday hardcore / punk parties.

29_AN Club // local show_Elena's birthday.

Below The Bottom

Self - defined digital EP

self-released

It's a common truth that when it comes to hardcore music in Greece, either heavy metallic beat down bands in the vein of NYHC and heavier or 90s crust come in everyone's mind. If you want my opinion, hardcore is more wide and open-minded than this, but I guess that I am part of a small minority concerning this.

So, to get to the point, the tradition is still going strong and the 2012 greek hardcore scene is still into these 2 styles (except of some 'exceptions'). Below The Bottom belongs to the 1st category.

Being based in Heraclion (the capital of the greek island Crete), they just unleashed their debut CD. To be more precise, it's a digital release, including 3 songs + 1 intro, while you can find the whole artwork and lyrics in the download file, as well.

Below The Bottom play groovy yet ferocious metallic hardcore with a lot of death metal influences. 

I would compare them to bands like Merauder and 100 Demons or even Liar and Congress. But there's also a strong death metal touch in their songs, so I dare to say that Death and Bolt Thrower are among their favorite bands. 

The production is fucking superb, everything's clean and heavy as fuck, while the artwork is awesome.

What I like the most is that the band seems to care about politics and society, and this fact is obvious in their lyrics. They do not follow any tough guy / macho cliches at all.

The best song of the EP is 'City without sound' which feat. guest hip hop vocals by Hetup.

We all know that beat down hardcore fits so much with hip hop and this song proves this statement right.

You can download for free 'Self-defined' by visiting the band's band camp.

http://belowthebottom.bandcamp.com

http://facebook.com/belowthebottom

Left Cold

Symptoms of our time 7"

Face Your Gods | Johnny Park Avenue

Left Cold is a dark hardcore band from Finland established some time in 2009.

Some of you may remember the review I wrote for their demo almost 2 years ago...

(http://wakhc.blogspot.gr/2010/06/left-cold-demo-cdr-self-released-left.html)

Since then the band had some line up changes (new drummer / 2nd guitarist), matured a lot and progressed their music style, switching from Down To Nothing / Terror soundscape to Integrity / Holy Terror metallic hardcore.

So, this is their new 7" that was released a couple of months ago and includes 4 very well produced songs of amazing dark hardcore music. I'm definitely happy to say that Left Cold is a very tight band nowadays, while their music is high quality metallic hardcore; nothing more, nothing less. Drawing influences from bands like Cursed & Integrity, adding a strong touch of Swedish hardcore / metal and bands like Disfear or At The Gates, they create a unique blend of intense & heavy hardcore.

The 7" feat. a great cover and is nicely packaged with a mp3 download coupon inside.

If you are into modern heavy & dark hardcore, you have to check Left Cold out.

http://leftcold.bandcamp.com

http://faceyourgods.blogspot.com

http://jpar.blogspot.com

Senseless

Respect few - fear none CD

Spook Records

You all know that I'm not a big fan of tough guy beat down hardcore. It's definitely not my cup of tea even though I respect and occasionally listen to a lot of bands of this genre that seem sincere and 'true' to me. I grew up 'hardcore - wise' with NYHC, 90s metallic hardcore, the H8000 scene and the likes, so I surely respect this kind of hardcore music. What I dislike is that hatred & macho attitude that is exposed via the lyrics some times. I know that inside the hardcore movement we don't all share the same idea(l)s, and there is a multi-cultural sense in every corner of this alternative way of life, so I am always open-minded in listening / giving a chance to bands that are a little out of my territory.

Enough with the prologue I guess... Chris (Senseless' guitarist) sent me his band's new CD a couple of days ago and since then I'm listening to it regularly since it's a very nice record of brutal, heavy yet in your face beat down hardcore.

You know the deal; huge gaps leading to relentless beat down parts, growls, sing along choruses, chugga-chugga riffs, double bass drumming and an intense atmosphere all over.

There are a lot of crucial guest appearances in this 11-song record, as well. Pelbu from Knuckledust, Vincent from Alea Jacta Est, Guigui from Through My Eyes, Tito from Surge Of Fury and Overpain's vocalist, all offer vocal parts in some of the songs.

Musically, if you are into new school heavy metallic hardcore and bands like CDC, Six Ft. Ditch, Nasty, Final Prayer or Death Before Dishonor, you'll surely like this record.

Senseless exist since 2006 and they are very outspoken when it comes to their city, Thessaloniki (north Greece) and / or the Salonica Hardcore Crew they are a part of along other bands like Overpain.
Moreover, they have shared the stage with the likes of Madball, Terror, Sick Of It All, Deez Nuts, Only Attitude Counts and Walls Of Jericho, etc.

'Respect few - fear none' was released by the well known Polish label, Spook Records, that owns a back catalogue feat. releases from Most Precious Blood, Spider Crew, Schizma, Punishable Act, Wisdom In Chains, Stay Hungry and Pay No Respect, among tons of others.

P.S. Chris is also running One Two Six hardcore clothing line and does designs for a lot of hardcore bands worldwide. 

www.facebook.com/senselesshxc

www.spookrecords.com