Jan 2018 Splits Reissues Compilations EPs

SHORT LIST

REPRESSES

Holy Terror Total Terror Box Set Dissonance Productions

Holy Terror Terror and Submission Back On Black BOBV512LP

Out Now

Holy Terror was a Los Angeles band that savagely represented thrash. Their two first albums are legendary. Submission (1987) and Mind Wars (1988) are heralded in the cannon of US thrash, although mostly to the passionate fans that dare to dig beyond the common names. But, that hunt just became easier. Dissonance Productions presents Total Terror which will be available to North American headbangers on February 9^th, 2018. Holy Terror’s entire catalog is on 5 CDs. Terror And Submission (1987), Mind Wars (1988), El Revengo (2006), live album Live Terror-Live In Dendermonde, plus a rare DVD featuring multiple live shows and videos. MetalReview.com called the band, "faster than Slayer, heavier than Exodus, and more melodic than Megadeth." Terror Submission comes on vinyl in white and red splatter.

The Ocean Precambrian Pelagic Records
Late Feb 2018

The Ocean's Precambrian was released in November 2007. An impressive post-metal trek, a la Neurosis, Converge, Gojira, and ISIS, The Ocean presented a challenging album packed with tense riffs, looming heaviness and angular guitars played concise and sharp. The schizophrenic dynamics of this milestone mock any attempt at classification beyond ‘metal’. Strapped with vocal conviction over chunky bass lines, Precambrian relies on intellect as much as grit. Seven albums deep, tours with peers like Mastodon, BTBAM, Opeth, and Kylesa show The Ocrean’s growth and impact. The Ocean refer to themselves as a “collective” leaning on a constant rotation of contributors and artists.

Precambrian cherishes the metal tech wizardry as much as raw emotion and delivery of hardcore.  Precambrian itself embodies variety with guest appearances by Caleb Scofield (Cave In, Old Man Gloom), Nate Newton (Converge), Tomas Hallbom (Breach), Eric Kalsbeek (ex-Textures), and musicians from the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. This tenth anniversary edition of Precambrian (released on March 16th, 2018) relishes in a re-recording of ten-minute "Rhyacian"; played by the current lineup of guitarist Robin Staps, vocalist Loic Rossetti, drummer Paul Seidel and bassist Mattias Hägerstrand.

To celebrate, The Ocean will play the entire Precambrian with a headlining set at Doom Over Leipzig Festival on April 21st, 2018.

Each of the three packages is limited to 250

LP1: ultraclear w/black and orange smoke; LP2: beer w/ dark red smoke; LP3: transparent orange w/ black and dark red smoke.

LP1: silver and clear, A-Side / B-Side w/ black splatter; LP2: brass & beer, A-Side / B-Side w/ black and red splatter; LP3: gold and clear orange, A-Side / B-Side w/ black & red splatter

LP1: beer in ultraclear; LP2: transparent orange in ultraclear; LP3: transparent red in ultraclear

Unearth The Oncoming Storm Metal Blade
Jan 26, 2018

Metal Blade Records will re-issue The Oncoming Storm. This was the album that propelled Unearth into the forefront of the resurgence of American metal. As the band’s (and the scene’s) writing was growing beyond the formulaic (but still loved!) metalcore. This went beyond beatdown riffs to start a pit in a local venue. Metal was shedding its dirty word status and embracing the dynamic song structures, melodies, solos, and musicianship of the records the hardcore kids had back home. Massachusetts sure spat a few out of note. Unearth have always kept it humble and honest. On The Oncoming Storm fans can revisit the classic sound that saw them transition into the revered beast of later days.

VINYL: 180g black; orange-brown marbled, 300; "flame" splattered, 200; pumpkin orange marbled, 300; root beer marbled vinyl; 300; gold / black split, 700.

ALESTORM Captain Morgan`s Revenge – 10th Anniversary Edition Napalm Records
January 26, 2018

In 2008, Alestorm secured a large fan base with their mixing of storytelling and catchy metal. Sharp guitars and clean production and rowdy lyrics ensured waves of attention. Here, Captain Morgan`s Revenge is resurrected with “a fresh remix and remastering by original producer Lasse Lammert at his LSD studios plus rejuvenated artwork.” The Live At Summer Breeze bonus disc is included as well. Alestorm combine meaty riffs and raging rhythms with folktale aesthetics and symphonic metal grandiosity. Their tales are alluring when paired with punctuated production and mesmerizing guitar leads revisit the beginning of Alestorm!

Nebula

Let it Burn
Jan 26, 2018
400 on yellow transparent w/ multicolor splatter; also, black vinyl/ Digipak CD/ Digital

To The Center
Feb 16, 2018
400 on red transparent w/ multicolor splatter; also, black vinyl/ Digipak CD/ Digital

Dos EPs
Mar 02, 2018
400 on transparent w/ multicolor splatter; also, black vinyl/ Digipak CD/ Digital

In 1997, Nebula was spawned in Los Angeles when guitarist, Eddie Glass, and drummer, Ruben Romano, left Fu Manchu. Arguably, their final sound would not be much of a departure. But, in fact, audiences can hear the rise of the musicianship above just riffs. Romano and Glass revel in a freedom and exuberance that, whether roiling or simmering, allow each to mark their artistic territory. Capturing the essence of psych/stoner rock, this power trio (after recruiting bassist, Mark Abshire) encapsulate the volume and songwriting of Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, and Hendrix; but also cite The MC5, The Stooges (check the cool strut of “I Need Somebody” on To the Center) and bands like TAD, Skin Yard, and Mudhoney. The unfettered expressionism resort in variety, such as laying back for seven minutes (“Fly On” on Dos EPs) as well as the reserved Hammond on “Smokin Woman” (Dos EPs). Nebula lead you through expanding your third eye (“Fields of Psilocybin” on To the Center) or trudging heavy riffs on “Dragon Eye” and “Devil’s Liquid” (both scorchers on Let It Burn). Nebula’s three releases here utilize the silky leads and fuzzy bass and raucous drums of stoner rock; plus instruments like the sitar, piano, and organ. They expand the impact of their songs with the usual psychedelic filtered effects; soaking in flange, delay, panning, reverb and wah-wah to lead an audience’s mental and aural attention. Each reissue presents the full album Dos EPs being the split and on gatefold (or 6 panel digipak on CD) plus two unreleased tracks. This is a gorgeous way to celebrate twenty years of Nebula.

SPLITS

Windhand/Satans Satyrs split 12” Relapse Records
Feb 16, 2018

Richmond, VA present two of their macabre darlings. Windhand resurface after the glorious 2015 LP, Grief’s Infernal Flower. Clayton Burgess’ brainchild, Satan’s Satyrs, have not released anything since 2015 either. This 12” positions its balance on Satan’s Satyrs’ raw riffs and gusto with Windhand’s musicality and challenging of paradigms. The five tracks demand a 12” format. Windhand, always prolonging their heavy psych-doom, open with “Old Evil” at six minutes. Afterwards, the extensive, 14 minute (ain’t nothing new for them) “Three Sisters” is unleashed. Dorthia Cottrell’s vocals are pushed more forward than usual, above the swirling dense tones; drenched in emotionally draining hooks, hammered slowly. The heavy droning riffs are coupled with a haunting organ, riding slow waves of plodding drums.

If lulled by Windhand, Satan’s Satyrs side is a jolting slap. While still sinister and ominous, Satan’s Satyrs uses rambunctious rhythms and raucous ‘70s riffs. This is big volume contained under four minutes. The closer, “Ain’t That Lovin’ You, Baby”, is a stripped down rocker, echoing the opener “Alucard AD 2018”, with its glam-inspired strut, The mid jam, “Succubus”, is darker depending on atmosphere and a gritty tension.

VINYL: 2500 on black; 400, metallic gold; 300, baby pink with mustard; 300, bone white and purple splatter; 100, black and metallic gold merge with white and gold splatter.

Endorphins Lost / Osk split 7" Rotten To The Core Records/ Delusions Of Terror Records/ Agromosh Records/ You All Die Records/ New Age Pyrate Punks Records
Feb 1, 2018

Seattle’s Endorphins Lost captivated fans with their punishing grindcore just over a year ago, in November 2016. A caustic debut, Choose Your Way, on Six Weeks Records, portrayed Endorphins Lost’s version of old school crusty powerviolence. Done with bombastic, crisp production, this fevered punk is served again with four new tracks on this split 7” EP. Spanning from 12 to 90 seconds, Endorphins Lost kill tracks in the vein of Napalm Death, Spazz, Despise You, and Phobia. “Mercy for One” is a beast and its fits of rage into a slowed down thick groove breakdown is explosive. This is grind or powerviolence whatever to perfection. The sound and unrelenting power is one of the best of recent years.

Canadian grind/hardcore band, OSK, add three crushing tracks. The vocals are more abrasive. OSK fly through minute and a half long spurts with some contagious fervor. “Let’s Play A House Show” adds a slight groove to its crunch. All three songs are handled with a pummeling low end, emphasized by big punches from the bass drum. Tough as nails stuff here.

Fistula Splits with –(16)- + Come To Grief Patac Records
Out now

Fistula / Come To Grief split: Ooof. Come To Grief’s “Take Me in My Sleep” is six minutes of bludgeoning, low-tuned, sluggish despair. Jon Hebert’s raspy growls relay the song title’s desperation. This is not a frantic, sweaty desperation, but one profusely embedded in hopelessness and defeat. “Take Me in My Sleep” is a brutally miserable onslaught of loathsome attrition; chiseling at faith in restitution. Fistula follows CTG’s pace with their track, dragging in at six minutes as well. “There is no hope, there is no reason why – we should go on – we should not die” are the lyrics sung by frontman, Dan Harrington. Fistula distinguish their imprint by sectioning their duration. At two minutes, the riff changes slightly in tone and tempo but not pace. The growls still spew vitriol at “fakes and liars, hypocrites”. Then at 3:25, a distinct crisp groove enters the picture; with a –(16)- or even Helmet or Fudge Tunnel (Creep Diets) type stomp. Heavy as hell and twisted and misanthropic. Bad ass song of fetid fury.

150 copies of silver metallic cassette; 100, Clear Vinyl; 150, Transparent Red/Black Smoke Vinyl (PATAC exclusive); 250, Black Vinyl

-(16)- / Fistula split: Here –(16)- grabs a classic Killing Joke track from their debut LP and extracts the spirits but churns the track with its own imprint. –(16)- utilizes their sludge stamp but highlights the melodic guitar line for contrast against the driving, fuzzy bass “Complication” becomes darker and more sinister than its parent song. Fistula hone in on Devo’s punk pith for their cover of “Mongoloid” and nail it. “Mongoloid” fits Fistula’s oeuvre all too well. And they conjure the inner spite while eschewing any pop or electronic elements. Heavy reverb bass and down tuned riffs, strengthened by Harrington’s screams shape the ugliest beauty. “Mongoloid” becomes a tarnished, twisted track of rocking punk. 

100x Clear Vinyl; 150x Aqua Vinyl (PATAC exclusive); 250x Black Vinyl

“Fistula will unveil four more splits with Hemdale, Bloodsick, Fister, and one final band to be announced at a later date. Additionally, the band will issue a vinyl version of 2016’s Longing For Infection with a bonus etched seven-inch from the recording session.”

https://www.patacrecords.com/

Iron Reagan / Gatecreeper split LP Relapse Records
March 2 2018

Stomping into 2018, Relapse Records give the world two raging bands on one slab of wax. Iron Reagan’s scalding crossover and Gatecreeper’s punishing death metal have impressed fans globally. Relapse Records cemented classic status by having the two bands attend the same studio, the lauded GodCity with Kurt Ballou producing. Both bands are hitting the road with one off shows and fests immediately in January 2018. Relapse posted a track from each on YouTube: Iron Reagan’s two minute “Paper Shredder” is one of their five tracks on side A; Gatecreeper’s “War Has Begun” is one of their three which pummels eardrums for four minutes. Unique shirts with both bands logo and the artwork are available in black or white. Available on CD and vinyl: 100 on bone white and blood red merge with black splatter; 300 on bone white with blood red + black splatter; also, black vinyl. 

EPs

Flytraps Outro Records
Out Now

The Flytraps have been a quartet of all female, with a surfier, reverb sound. Now, with three ladies and a dude, the band is darker and faster and more straight-up garage punk. Whatever the formula and combination, this new 7” captures their snarling swagger with three punchy tracks. The L.A. quartet gives us “All Talk”; “He's Been Around” - a fast-paced, jangly lo-fi classic- and “Doin' It Right”. The Flytraps play dense garage punk rock with slithering female vocals and attitude that flaunts meandering bass, tight guitar licks, and rugged drums. 100 on red vinyl; rest on black.

Hell Bent Demo EP (Cassette) Self-release
Jan 12, 2018

Rhode Island’s Hell Bent spews three-ish minute tracks that combine searing elements of thrash, d-beat, crossover, and hardcore – if you need a label beyond “whoah”. Hell Bent boasts the menacing vocals of long time screamer, Aaron Badger, of Straight To Hell, Ulcer, and Paindriver. Other members have spent time in Dropdead and Neon Bitches. This demo was released last year on a very limited cassette version aside from digitally. Kicking off the New Year proper, they are repressing with a more expanded run on cassette.

Hell Bent execute furious, dark metal. Six tracks here exhibit speed-driven riffs with catchy time changes and powerful bass. The brash guitars and pounding drums push and push behind the experienced lungs of Badger. “Yeast” is a blistering opener. These are hardcore thrash songs with taut riffs and more dynamic parts in the songwriting; blazing tracks anchored by breakdowns for the pit. “Bastard Curse of Abraham” starts with a slower, trudging pace which gains momentum, then ebbs into the mid-tempo, building the anticipation. After 90 seconds the final minute, spazzes forward again with tight thrash riffs. Rest of the demo has infectious, energizing tracks that move into dark, down-tuned thrash. See these dudes live if you get the chance. Killer honest metal/hardcore with a voracious hunger. And the bite to match

Silver print on black cassette, deluxe edition comes with an embroidered patch and sticker.

Pissed Regardless Feed the Birds Creator Destructor Records *(Earsplit PR)
February 16th, 2018

San Diego-based thrash purveyors, Pissed Regardless, are releasing their dark, negative take on hardcore based crossover. Feed The Birds is thick and powerful. The condemning ferocity of the vocals match the brutal music. Incensed vocals and frenzied drum patterns switch on dimes to bring pulsating respits and breakdowns (bordering on grind at times). Heavy riffs accompany slick chops and relentless double bass drums bellowing disdain for a rotten world. Pissed Regardless call to influences like 90’s Earache and 80’s NYHC to currents like SSS, Ramming Speed, and This Is Hell. Again, heavy.

Gnaw Bone Scorched Earth Auris Apothecary
January 15^th, 2018

Indiana’s malevolent trio create treachery and devastation with a new four track EP. Their names and duties are recorded simply as B, Rhythm & Voice; R, Thunder & Voice; S, Noise & Voice; the mysterious aspect adding to the chaotic atmosphere of their blackened doom sludge. Enmity and sadism are instruments as much as any guitar. Four to six minutes each, tracks like “The End” (which begins the EP) revel in noise and sonic abstraction. Thick and pounding, the EP conjures spiteful snarling and disdainful cynicism. Limited edition vinyl is on ultra-heavy 180 gram vinyl, on crystal clear transparent vinyl, a double-sided insert, and a heavyweight 24pt jacket. Deluxe edition includes crushed bones pressed into the wax. *Includes digital download

COMPILATIONS

Americas Hardcore Vol 4 Triple B Records

Ships Jan 26, 2018

Continuing its beloved series, Triple B – who had a spectacular 2017 – deliver Volume 4. This installment visits us with upstarts, Brother (New Bedford, MA) – Negative Approach-style female fronted hardcore with new bassist, George Radford (She Rides, F.I., Dropdead); Krimewatch, old school, abrasive, punky hardcore with a mix of NYC and Japanese members and lyrics (3/4 female as well); Line Of Sight, DC SXE revival with mosh friendly two step rhythms and ferocious guitars; Glory, infectious Boston Youth Crew Hardcore; Pure Disgust, punishing DC thrash; the metallic frenzy of Primal Rite (LP coming on Revelation 2018); Free, new track after their stellar 2017 7” of eclectic influences; and big wigs like hardcore super group NYHC style, World Be Free and Baltimore’s titans, Trapped Under Ice. 

“Each band also designed and submitted their own pages for a 20-page, 12" x 12" insert booklet included with each record. LP includes digital download. These will ship in January. All copies come with a free immediate download.”

Aqua Blue, 700; Purple with White Swirl, 500; Red White Blue Tri-Stripe, 300.

EHPC Best of 2017 Hardcore

EHPC Best of 2017: Hardcore. *(Metal sub genres and punk and Oi! and hip hop to follow)

Here is SPOTIFY list including much more than what is here

Instead of a pure "Best Of" or "Top 25" etc... Here are a bunch of great records that came and me (us - Mark Leighton ( @Mark_Spots_The_X on IG ) in 2017. Killer shit. Audio discussion - what the kids call a podcast will be up soon on emptyhandspodcast

No Particular order. I'm not straining over should Incendiary be 4 or 6 over Forced Order. Do that yourselves.

HARDCORE:

Backtrack Bad to My World Bridge 9 

Ricky and the boys return with ill NYHC. Check my interview 

Break Away Cross my Heart React! RVA SXE simple and sweet

Forced Order Last Crusade Triple B metallic chug that sears

Incendiary Thousand Mile Stare Closed Casket Activities check my interview

No Turning Back No Time to Waste Take Control Records Euro stalwarts come back again!

Firewalker 12” Pop Wig Boston hardcore, low tuned and evil. Heavy and dark. Short fast loud

Sect No Cure for Death Southern Lord Records ... Scott Crouse and Chris Colohan team up for dirty crust 'core. My review at New Noise

Wolfbrigade Run With the Hunted Southern Lord D-Beat Swedes deliver again

All Pigs Must Die Hostage Animal Southern Lord phenomenal record by these chaps - grit. variety.

Kohti Tuhoa Hajota ja hallitse Southern Lord Finnish punky D-Beat on Southern Lord – CVLT Nation did a bit on them here. I had gotten the promo and dug instantly.

Open City s/t LP + City of Ash 7” self released / new Dan Yemin, female vox; noisey, chaotic fast, good bass-lines, guitars and dope time changes.

HON MEN HC LPs: 

Walk the Plank Cemetery Vacation Say-10 fast passionate - uncanny Paint It Black worship My review at New Noise; 

Western Addiction Tremulous Fat Wreck Chords - their first LP was cool, but i stay away from Fat Wreck Chords. Nine Years later these dudes pack a punch. This is smart and intense and confrontational; catchy but dirty.

Park Sparrows s/t self ...fast and sullen; RVA punk  bandcamp for $1 

Brick By Brick Thin the Herd Fast Break! - Ray Chaos' 2nd LP with this Upstate NY beatdown band. Tough as nails.

HC EPs: * i bought every one on here. I love 2017!

Free Ex Tenebris Triple B - We loved when it came out…Vocalist Pat Flynn (have Heart) and 3 more Have heart and a criss-cross of members from Clear, Fiddleheads, NYC Headhunters, Give, Line Of Sight, Mindset, Sweet Jesus, Verse. They have created something honest and intense, quite different. Review here

But actually Triple B could get a spotlight for this year: 

Terror The Walls Will Fall, 

Freedom Never Had A Choice, 

Abuse of Power When Then Becomes Now,  

These above three all make the list. But Triple B also did:

No Warning cassette, Foreseen EP before LP, Buried Alive demos LP, Unified Right EP, Violence to Fade EP, the mentioned Forced Order LP, and Faze and Candy too.

Miracle Drug How Much Is Enough War - Again very different and cool with 90s style. Smart songwriting from older dudes with a a love for DC. my interview here

Fireburn Don’t Stop the Youth Closed Casket Activities - Flawless record. Bad Barins love from an ex-Brain and Todd fucking Youth; plus Knife Fight drummer and Todd Jones. Damn.

Rat Cage Caged Like Rats La Vida Es Un Mus ‎ugly and nasty fastcore.

Combatant 7” Sick Plot not like you - angry, old school '82 love.

Drug Control Stabbed New Age Records from DC and they play that. Crazed fast core.

DC Disorder Naive to a World Youngblood Records killer youth crew from a legendary label.

Aggression Pact Instant Execution 7” - Boston banger. chaotic ugly and fast

Memory Loss Exile Vinyl Conflict (cassette; bandcamp) - crusty dirty angry

Exit Unit 7” Deep Six Records – Ex-INFEST and Lack of Interest

Faithless HC cassette *its great even though it was recorded in 2008/2014

Primal Rite Sensory Link to Pain Revelation - heavy but still wicked hardcore + ex-scalped. Not the dive bombs. Heavy, metallic, frantic

HON MEN EPs:

Insist Here and Now - Manchester UK SXE, old school, heavy Youth Crew. 4 tracks on React!; 

Unjust Transparency QCHC killer angry sxe 7”; 

xFirm Standing Lawx Unashamed Carry the Weight - like Judge, Undertow, Strife, Mouthpiece. Really good; SXE UK Band (CTW is a UK label) band name from Chorus of Disapproval song –  style. Energetic and well produced; 

DEMOS: 

Undone (NWOBHC), Innocent boston d-beat, 

Imposter demo - Quality Control bandcamp. Low tuned. heavy UK82 hardcore 

Screw demo - DC Core - like 86 Mentality,

Stand Point demo QCHQ – cassette;  loves Uniform Choice; 

Payday Second To None QCHQ  (2^nd demo; Clevo love – London SXE);  

Tetro Pugnale – incredible Italian Oi hardcore (Blitz/86 Mentality – LP in 2018!!!) all cassettes

MISC Demos/EPs:

Powerage demo 2017 – i saw on youtube. Dirty bass! Grimy thrashy hardcore. Heavy. French powerviolence

if you miss '90s metallic SXE hardcore – which I love – a la Earth Crisis, One King Down, Morning Again and Culture… or all that Euro stuff – check out:

xElegyx demo - 4 songs of metallic sxe hc with Female vocals;

Inclination demo Straight and Alert - Midwest Straight Edge. Metallic 90's love. dark.

xServitudex Path to Amnesty – killer. This is more metal, low vocals with the djent screech tempo – very Seventh Dagger roster ish, violent;

Ecostrike Time is now CTW - This is the best of these. The best produced and written. Good '90s feel without being too metal. Ecostrike has way better writing; very OKD 

*(Carry the Weight also has put out Blind Authority, New Morality, Secterian Violence, Poison Planet, Red Death (CASS) good eps; also Culture, Coke Bust, and Race Traitor re-issues)