Serration - Ease yourself back into consciousness

Better way late than never rings true here. 

I will put out there that the members of serration are good friends of mine, but that won't become a bias within this review. 

This 4 song release, coming in at a quick 7 minutes and 12 seconds brings everything I enjoy about this band into a strong culmination. Serration bring a slightly more compelling sound to the metalcore genre in my eyes. In the midst of their aggressive songs, I find there are only tasteful hits of those sharp dissonance accents that seem to be a favourite for most bands recently. While I listen to songs like downpour I am fully encapsulated by the opening riff, that transitions into multiple tempo changes that upon first listen left me surprised. Colter does a great job of providing strong transitions on drums, while leaving Jose and Jake on guitar to keep the aggressive deep guitar running wild. 

Cody brings his strong lyrical content to downpour. The most notable in my mind "How just a trace of hope has lead me to a lifetime of lie. You promised me a life of brightness, but your darkness fills the sky". I think this is a great opening track for this release, as it combines everything I think Serration is accomplishing. Strong guitar riffs, great lyrical content with a strong vocalist, as well as hard hitting drums. 

The Event Horizon comes in at track 2. Beginning the track with a faster tempo than downpour, but following this with a tasteful hit of dissonance accompanied by Cody's strong vocals and we have a recipe for a notable track. This track also features guest vocals from John Pettibone of Himsa/Heriess. Something that I learned while writing this review up. Matt's bass lines in this song stand out for me. Following the intricate riffs that Jake and Jose pull off, and supporting the dissonant notes when required. Matt has added to the tracks tastefully, adding bass runs when necessary and allowing them to be picked up by the listener with admiration. 

My favourite lyrics off this song are "I felt the rising tide at my tired feet. I feel the earth is drowning, and I can barely breathe". 

Lying figure comes in at track 3, and I think this song gets one of the strongest reactions live. It is a mix of violently heavy, groovy as all hell and brings inspiration to metalcore from the 90's with Cody's vocal delivery. Some may say that 1:36 is too short of a conclusion to this song, and I would partially agree. It is concise and to the point, and is an unrelenting 1:36 song. Once again Colter can change the overall mood of the song instantaneously, at one point making you want to bang your head and enjoy the culmination of all 5 members' intensity, followed by the need to set it off by either dancing, grooving on the side of the floor, or whatever your heart desires. Furthermore, the addition of the quick blast beat prior to the groovy tempo change is a great addition. Lying figure also has the most notable breakdown off the release, and when witnessed live in tends to sound heavier than the record. 

Favourite lyrics off this track delivered in the turmoil-esque " All this without you, time set aside while we wait to watch you fall. The price that you paid is now sweat off my back. Just taking advantage of the trust I had".

The title track Ease yourself back into consciousness wraps up the four song release, coming in just over 1 minute long. It is heavy. There are strong drum transitions that really bring out the guitar. The bell hits during the end of the breakdown appear to drastically change the sound, accomplishing a lot, with a minor change. I'm keeping this one short, since this track is short and to the point. It hits hard and is a great conclusion. 

I'm looking forward to what Serration will put out next. This release built on the success of their split with Dying Wish, and Shrine of eternal Life. The band keeps improving and I'm confident the next release will continue in this direction. 

You can check our Serration on bandcamp where you can purchase all three of their releases for about ten dollars currently. (https://serrationab.bandcamp.com/). As well as spotify if you are streaming. 

Trench - Blossom

This may be one of my most played releases of 2020, and rightfully so.

I watched trench for the first time in 2019 in Calgary. At that point in time they had released a 3 song released titled The Gift of Guilt. The intro during the song Infinite Husk drew me in instantly as the atmosphere began to grow on stage. The growing tone from both guitars, coupled with the Synth by vocalist Jay Breen were executed just over a minute in to release what Trench do so well. Fast doom inspired guitar riffs, paired with hard hitting drums and deep underlying bass. It strikes with full force as I could do nothing but nod along.

Green to Gray follows,  with what could be one of my favourite riffs of that first release. Jay's vocals and lyrical timing stand out for me on this song, and more so on their newest release Blossom (Songs: Hellbent Gate  and more so on Crystal Shame). I cannot help but follow along as Jay leads the listener through the song, with the heavy guitar riffs supporting every word and syllable.  My first listen through Blossom was caught off guard multiple times, as I expected the vocals to take the sideline while the guitars ripped ahead. To my surprise, They came together and filled my headphones fully, giving me something I didn't want to escape.


Both Bryce and Cole bring an incredible amount of presence to this album. From melodic riffs, to incredible heavy breakdowns and technical sections, these two provide a sound that I think is summarized in the Become Fulfilled.  It brings the slower atmospheric rhythm coupled with melodic leads that I can only compare to Misery Signal's Of Malice and Magnum Heart. That is a steep comparison, that I have yet to make while listening to new releases, but I believe it is the most fitting. Another example of this occurs on Blossom II, the closing track to this release.  It sounds like a darker and deeper Worlds and Dreams. Tommy Chan stands out as his fills during this track give a powerful energy and are fully aligned with the mood of this song. The softer cymbal work towards the beginning of the song accentuate the guitar melody being created. Tony Chan contrasts the driving high gain tone on Blossom I, to something more subdued and but still strong enough to come through the intricate drum work of his brother. The song continues to grow, with both guitars and synth giving more strength to the melody, and finally culminating in a compelling buildup that left me replaying the record from the beginning.

Blossom accomplishes what some hardcore and metal albums miss the mark on, and that is that from beginning to end the album is seamless. Songs such as Patience showcase the more experimental side of Trench, but throughout my many listens I have yet to fast forward. It provides a great transition from Cosmic Grave, 1:33 of punishing guitar, with Jay providing the dissonant notes on the synth. After listening to Patience, comes one of Trench's singles, Hellbent Gate, featuring Jesse Zaraska of Misery Signals.

Both Jesse and Jay's vocal styles work well together exhibited in an almost "call and answer" dynamic. Originally I thought that Jesse would overpower Jay, but

Misery Signal fans will no doubt be glad to hear Jesse's voice  after Jay's delivery of one of my favourite lyrics:

Fear from ear to ear reformed in the shape of a smile
We cannot fake a face again for long
No more denying denial

I think this album will catch the attention of a lot of listeners. Those that are looking for something heavy, something different, something melodic, something punishing, or something that will keep them wanting more. Trench has grown from The Gift of Guilt, and if Blossom is their second step, I cannot imagine what their next release will bring to the table.

The zine is complete. Issue 2 has been printed in a template for now to figure out how I want to lay it out.
If any of you car, its a full page print, not this half page stuff. We're playing big boy games.

Interviews include: Trapped Under Ice, Bad Choice, Shut Eyes, Planet x Danger.

More of a local lineup, but I'm okay with that!

Hope you guys are as stoked as I am on it.

Come grab it at a show, or just send me an email or find another way to get into contact with me.

Laters!

I got the chance to interview my good friend Chris Killingsworth from Shut eyes this weekend, and was super stoked on it. He mentions an EP which gets me psyched for some local guys going big by themselves. Have a gander and make sure you visit their myspace and download the demo or the split with emergency!

So Chris, how long have you and Shut Eyes been together?

I have been together for a little over 21 years, and Shut Eyes has been together for a little over a year.

So, what sparked the name change from "Get Wise" to "Shut Eyes"?

The name change sparked out of a couple different things that occured. We named the band after The First Step song "Get Wise", and for what it meant. The 3 original members (Cody, Pat, and I) had a lot of angst, and hatred for a lot of the things going on in our local scene, and "Get Wise" seemed to be a fitting name for what we wanted people to do. I guess we just wanted people to pick up the slack, and see that a lot of their bullshit was the reason that venues were getting shutdown, and people stopped caring about hardcore. After playing some shows under this name, we were told that there was a band from Kitchener/Waterloo area that was called "Get Wise" from 2001-2002. After we found that out, and saw that kids started putting their hearts back into the music- we decided to change the name to Shut Eyes, which seems to be a lot more fitting.

The band recently recorded your Demo, and its hard as hell! Are there any plans for more releases? Vinyl pressings?

Well our demo was released the summer the band started which would have been the summer of 2008. We released a split with our friends in Emergency in the summer of 2009, and we are about to release our EP "XVII" in a little while. Although we would be happy releasing our music on vinyl, it just isn't financially feasable right now. We have had some labels interested in working with us, but I guess we are afraid of label commitment right now, and still want to do the majority of things ourselves. I can say that XVII will be released on casette//digital download, in the coming month or so.

You guys have played with some pretty big bands since starting up a few years ago, what present bands do you guys take influence from? I know most of the guys are into Madball and the heavy hitters from the 90's, but I hear more of a Trapped Under Ice/ Mother Of Mercy meets Cro-Mags. Whats your opinion on my analysis? hahaha

As far as influences go, this band is all over the map. I find it really weird that no one every really compares us to anything going on in hardcore right now, and thats a plus, and a negative. Plus, in the sense that we know that we are doing something fresh, and unique, but minus in the sense that sometimes I feel like were doing something wrong, like maybe we should be compared to something else thats going in hardcore right now. As a band we are influenced by a lot of different music, and that contributes to the sound quite a bit. Pat is into bands like Ruiner, Blacklisted and the Carrier. Cody is into bands like The Wonder Years, and Lifetime. Chris is into bands like Terror, and Trapped Under Ice. Drew is into pretty much whatever Chris is listening too, and I'm into that NY sound, and 90's grunge. All of those influences (and more) mashed together- is Shut Eyes.

How many members of your band are straight edge? How much does this effect the writing process lyrically?

Drew, and I are the only members of Shut Eyes that are straight edge. Chris, and Pat are the two members that could never live this lifestyle. (Although Pat was straight edge in high school for a period of time. He claimed edge on the Sunday night, and broke by the following Friday night for 5 dollars at a party). Cody played guitar in straight edge band that I sang in, but he never claimed the title. He's kind of the "happy medium" between Drew and I, and Chris, and Pat. Straight Edge doesn't really affect the lyrics all that much. I played in an edge band when I was younger, and got all my hate out earlier in my life. That, and my best friends play in a band called Planet x Danger, so I have nothing to rant and rave about. The song Lurk, and the song World Of Lies have some straight edge undertones, but you probably won't find them.

What are you guys thinking of tour wise in the near future?

Touring is looking pretty good. We plan on doing some touring with Stay Young, and Planet Danger so be on the lookout for that. We want to make sure that the band is as active as possible over the summer because Cody, and I are going back to college come September. Not saying that the band is going to stop dead in its tracks, but we will be slowing down for a minute come September.

You guys have played basically every venue in Toronto. Whats your favorite place to play, and go to shows?

Yeah, we have played a lot of venues in Toronto, and its a bummer that some of them are getting shut down. For a bigger show, my favorite venue was definetly The Kathedral. Small ass stage, but lots of room to get down. For a smaller show, definetly Siesta Noveaux because its cozy, and theres a dog park across the street.

5 Best moshers:

Curtis Brox because of his unique technique
Bostin Gleva (because he can't see, and accidently put a girls tooth through her lip)
Polish Phil, because he's an animal, and a force to be reckoned with.
Ryan Ebony Leslie Perkins, because he's Ryan Ebony Leslie Perkins.
Sam Farrell because he's my 11 year old brother, and he pits harder than anyone in his grade.

Top 5 records currently being played:

Life & Times- Maximum Penalty
The Downward Spiral- Nine Inch Nails
Reincarnage- Born Low
The Big Picture- Big L
Master Killer- Merauder

Top 5 moshable songs:

Real Recognize Real- Icepick
Ananias- Planet X Danger
Kept Out- Backtrack
So Close To Defeat- Terror
Who's To Blame- Leeway

I got the chance to interview my friend Emmett from PXD the other day, after the release of their demo. If you haven't heard it, go check it out already!



So Emmett, what do you do in PlanetxDanger?
I play guitar!


What sparked the name for you guys, I heard some of the other possibilities but why did you guys end up picking PxD?
Hahaha ughh, we started as a joke band. The name is from that ad from back in the day with that robot being like "I'm Astar from Planet Danger, I cant put my arm back on, you can't" and then we decided to be a real band and we played too many shows to change our name. So now we're stuck with it haha


How long have you guys been straight edge for?
Umm I'm not sure for all the other dudes, but I myself have been edge almost 3 years now. Actually I know Craig has been for 4 years.


What bands have inspired the band the most, other than Bob and his gods in Madball?
As far as musically? Man its hard to pin it on one band, especially because I listen to so many different kinds. I just try and write evil sounding shit.


I heard some shit going on that someone said Bob was being an idiot when he was playing on of your first shows. What's the story behind that?
Haha I dunno. You'd have to ask Bob. Unless its about a bit of a tussle that went down once in St Kitts. That was all resolved but yeah some people were talkin on messageboards and stuff.



The new demo sounds heavy, where did you guys go to record? How was the process, and are you happy with the sound?
Thanks, We recorded with our boy Kent Sheehey of BOSS Studios. The process was awesome, and really quick and easy! Kent is the man and I knew exactly how I wanted it to sound and he helped achieve that tremendously. You're gonna see a LOT of Ontario bands with recordings done by him in the next little while.

How would you describe the Barrie hardcore scene compared to the hardcore scene in Toronto? What about the straight edge population?
Umm, as far as actual hardcore goes in Barrie, its us and Shut Eyes, and our close group of friends. But kids are starting to come out more and more which rules. I find Toronto to be mainly only interested in the 80's revival stuff. Most of the kids at the outta town band Toronto shows aren't even from Toronto. As far as straight edge in Barrie? Umm its basically our band, Chris Killingsworth and Drew from Shut Eyes and maybe a couple younger kids I don't know of!

What was the first band that got you into hardcore and the surrounding music scene?
Well I was going to punk shows and stuff first so it kinda naturally progressed. The first show I ever went to was Sum 41 and H20 in grade 7 haha. But my first hardcore show was A Day and A Deathwish in grade 9. My friend Carly told me I'd dig it so I went out, and I did.


Best story about the band people haven't heard.
One time we had a hotdog eating competition and had a whole bunch of leftover hotdogs (street meat size ones) and we went around Craig's neighborhood and put them all on the antennas of cars. The next day Craig saw a dude driving around with a hotdog on his antenna haha


Top 5 Records being played.
Agitator - Demo 2009
Entombed - Wolverine Blues
Shut Eyes - XVII (This rules, get stoked on this release!)
Piece by Piece - Piece by Piece
Owen - At home with (always)


Top 5 Songs making you mosh in your house.
Pantera - Domination (Hardest mosh part)
Bad Seed - Harsh Reality
Converge - Axe To Fall
Foundation - Evaporate
Terror - Not This Time


Oprah Winfrey, Hilary Clinton, and Paris Hilton. You have to marry one, kill one, and screw one. Go.
Kill 'Em All.

Justice from Trapped Under ice

I got the opportunity to have a super quick interview with Justice from TUI before they head out on tour with Polar Bear Club, Four Year Strong and Every Time I Die.

So many different bands, different Genres and problems getting along with those guys? [Four Year Strong, Polar Bear Club, Every Time I Die]


We've toured with polar bear club before and we really get along with and really like those guys. A few weeks ago we got stuck in Detroit for a few days because of snow. We went to a four year strong show and got to meet those guys. They seem great. I think all bands on the bill look forward to playing with different kinds of bands.


You guys have come and developed a lot from The demo? Any single thing or person you credit your success to?


You can't credit one person or thing for the success of a band. It's a lot of work from everyone in our band, Reaper records, and lots of other bands who help us out.



Where do you find the inspiration to write your lyrics?


My life and surroundings




How did you get introduced into the hardcore scene? And how did TUI come about?


I got introduced to hardcore very young. I liked punk rock music and went to some bigger punk shows with friends. My first hardcore show was hatebreed and death threat. I started jamming around with different groups of people around the area. Sam and me had a straight edge band called nick fury. After that, we started trapped under ice.


Favorite band that you have toured with?


We all really get along with terror, rise and fall, and cruel hand. Musically, we were lucky enough to do a bunch of dates with madball on the 10 for 10 tour last summer.



Favorite up and coming band that you are listening to or think people should get into?


Naysayer and backtrack both are making great music and touring relentlessly. Also product of waste is one of my favorites. They're going to be hitting the road strong this summer. From the Baltimore area there is mindset and a much newer band called sacred love that i would keep an eye out for.



Best story that you can think of that happened on tour?


When we stayed with Tim from foundation and played with his bull terrier. They're my favorite kind of dog in the world!!



Any closing words or shout outs?


Reaper records

Interview With Adam of WITHDRAWAL

If you haven't heard of Withdrawal you either refuse to acknowledge their existance because of their heavy hard riffs, or you've been living in your parents basement, talking on the B9 board for hours on end. I had the chance to ask Adam some questions when they came back from their tour with Creatures. Adam is a super nice guy and Withdrawal plays with a great deal of intensity and energy. Check them out as soon as you're done reading this.



So, who are you and what do you do in Withdrawal?

my name is adam eldritch. i am the lyricist, front man, visual and artistic director for the group withdrawal. as well as defacto van driver, as the rest of my band tend to induldge alot in pschadelics and i am straight edge.

Whats it like being the only straight edge guy in Withdrawal?

Actually, our new guitar player is straight edge, i forgot about that. he plays in a straight edge band called ill fated. they're really great. it's kind of a hassle having to babysit the rest of the guys some nights but i deal.

thanks.


When did Withdrawal come around, and how did you guys start?

withdrawal started practicing in february 2008, and started touring in may of 2008. we had all known each other from our previous bands together, and going further back my twin brother joel and i had known gord in since middle school. and of course, i shared a womb with my brother.

it just so happened that all of our bands had broken up the same year and it was fairly natural that we'd start a band together and so we did. we tried out a different drummer at first but he had other things going on in his life and luckilly jeff stepped up to the plate. he is an integral part of the writing process. we had a different guitar player as well, but he couldn't handle the stress and pressure of the artist's meager lifestyle we lead so we had to part ways with him.


When did you form your opinion on Religion?

contrary to popular belief and most peoples initial reaction when they see our visuals and lyrical content or our affiliation with the holy terror process church of final judgement, we don't hate religion. i certainly don't and in fact i find lots of religious imagary and lore to be infinitely inspiring from an artistic standpoint. particularly the works of gustav dore, the divine comedy.

that being said, i think there is nothing sadder than someone who needs a ghost in the sky and a firey boogy man in the earth to dictate their lives. those people are foolish, often rich, white, homophobic, racist north americans. the worst people on the earth are people who don't have common sense, and to trust in a higher power than yourself is laughable.

we are a holy terror affiliated band, which is an offshoot of the social darwinist abraxas foundation and it itself being an extention of the church of satan. we believe that the strong rule the weak, and the clever rule the strong. we live in a society where rich, white, christians are telling you that you can't do what you feel like doing because they don't think you should, because of a couple of scribbles someone wrote on papyrus thousands of years ago when the world was thought to be flat and the sun revolved around the earth.


Summarize your opinion on God, for the readers who may not understand what that last questions was about?

he doesn't exist. if you think he does, your prayers are falling on deaf ears. stop throwing away your emotions and prayers and take control of your mind and your life. while we're at it, if you're in a christian hardcore band stay out of our scene.



What's the percentage of luck that you found a group of guys that all hate God and religion the exact same way?

well evidently not too good, because we don't hate god or religion the same way. each of us have our own thoughts and opinions on the matter but if you wanted to say that we operate on a similar wavelength of distaste for god and religion i think you'd be correct. but to say that anything 5 vastly different people from 5 different walks of life is the exact same would be wrong.


You guys recently finished up a tour with Creatures? How was that?

it was great. being from a area so far out of the north american touring circuit we were very fortunate to have a mutual friend from california suggest they get in contact with us about setting up the tour. the guys in creatures were also nice enough to let us accompany them into the north eastern united states. they're similar to us in that they've sacrificed alot to create the music that they like, their singer stephen has had a broken collar bone for a little over a year now but he can't afford to fix it AND tour so he chose to tour. i respect that alot, and we're eternally thankfull for the chance they took on us touring with them.

it was our first time out there and for the most part the response we received was great. alot of great shows with some of the only interesting hardcore bands out there. we played a frat house in ann arbour, michigan that was probably the best venue i've ever been to in my life. we got hit by a bus in new york city, and we broke down just outside of boston. those are the kinds of storms you have to weather though. we got to see just how awful and scary baltimore, maryland is. that was quite the culture shock.



Where was the best show that you played on that tour?

tough choice: the metal frat in ann arbour, michigan was great because they set up a vegan buffet for the bands and the show was in a giant frat house. a pretty rowdy show... alot of kids came out to support the scene there, i enjoyed it. metamora, illinois was great too just because we played a really good set. it was just one of those nights where i think everything came together well.



Who was the most influential band on Withdrawal?

i can only answer for myself, but i would have to say carolina gypsey lifestyle leading apocalyptic metalic hardcore legends "catharsis". musically and lyrically they were on an entire seperate level than any of the bland 90's metal mosh drivel that was coming out around the time. perhaps more importantly than that, they were a thinking person's hardcore band and they toured everywhere. they were fiercly independent and did things their own way, which is also the reason they are only remembered by a select few in hardcore as the bands who did things differentlly tend to not catch on.

they are highly suggested.


Top 5 Bands you are listening to right now?

alot of variety here, but tegan and sara, depeche mode, the sisters of mercy, crucified and carcass.


Top 5 records being played?

tegan and sara - sainthood (not their best work, but a couple of really great and quirky pop songs)
depeche mode - black celebration (in my opinion, the greatest and darkest album of all time. timeless)
slowdive - souvlaki (great pop songs awash in spectral and shimmering waves of sound)
nitzer ebb - ebbhead (dark industrial tinged EBM, great production on this record.)
crucified - split with steel nation (the best active hardcore band in hardcore today. scathing and blistering)



Top 5 worst World Leaders? In descending order haha

truthfully i don't really pay any attention to politics, so anything i would state would be an uninformed and uneducated guess. i live a selfish personal lifestyle and no amount of political reform is ever going to feel like it's directly effecting me.

www.myspace.com/withdrawal13

So i've been away for this blog and zine writing business for a while! Which sucks!
But school has taken a toll on my time for hardcore related writings!

But on the contrary, 3 interviews are currently in effect, with some wicked bands!

A huge interview with Forfeit.
Another huge interview with Justice of Trapped Under Ice!

And a solid interview with Withdrawal!

Second issue of NO Alpha NO Omega will be at the kitchener TUI show, in March!

Come and get it while its hot!

I had the privelege of doing a quick interview over MSN with Michael, the vocalist of Bad Choice. I was not aware that these guys broke up so when he brought it up, I was upset!
Good news though, He hopes to start a band up soon! I'm excited to see the mosh he brings to stage with another group!

Here's the interview!
More to come!

michael
hey james whats up mate
JamesXmorgan
nothing dude, just trying to handle some drunk hooligans.
michael
hehe
JamesXmorgan
whats up on your part?
michael
just scanning some shit
JamesXmorgan
right on!
michael
listening to the watchmen
michael
you ever hear that 90s winnipeg band
JamesXmorgan
I can't say I haven't, but I feel like I should get on it!
michael
hehe theyre not great
michael
its more of a trip back in time for me
michael
seein their vids on the much music countdown
JamesXmorgan
dated! haha
michael
very
michael
cant really find any good vids of em on utube
michael
ill have a look
JamesXmorgan
hahaha
michael
heres some random shit ive scanned
michael
http://s359.photobucket.com/albums/oo40/mtm/
JamesXmorgan
do you have time to answer a few questions right now, or is now not a good time!
michael
ya sure np
JamesXmorgan
wicked!
JamesXmorgan
First off I guess, how did Bad choice come about?
michael
did you hear that we disbanded?
JamesXmorgan
I have not!
JamesXmorgan
This is shitty news to me!
michael
hehe ya
michael
a bit of communication breakdown
JamesXmorgan
when did this happen?
michael
the night before the have heart show
michael
literally right after practice
JamesXmorgan
oh man! I thought I was going to be able to catch you guys again!
michael
nah, i didnt want it all to continue after two of the guys wanted to step back
michael
really doubt well do a last show too
JamesXmorgan
oh man, thats a bummer!
michael ya i was pretty mad
JamesXmorgan
Will i still be able to see your unreal mosh at the shows?
michael
hehe of course
michael
ill prolly get another band goin sometime
JamesXmorgan
Good! the best mosh in Toronto!
michael
;)
JamesXmorgan
What's your reaction to eating glass' breakup?
michael
well anytime theres a break up of sorts, its too bad i guess. but maybe it was their time. i am pretty positive those guys will do other things
michael
theyre pretty involved in various levels
michael
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jIgB-52A1E
michael
this is not the original video...but this was one of their hits
JamesXmorgan
Do you think you'll get together with any of those guys for a band?
michael
i never say never, but ive never really hung with em much. lopez and spencer are cool guys.
JamesXmorgan
for sure!
michael
im not really too sure what their musical interests are
JamesXmorgan
what are your musical interests right now?
michael
i used to be all over the place...having pretty unlimited access to music online. but i still mostly listen to my nyhc demos, some oi, and dischord stuff
michael
i got back into buying records online through ebay, and people on livewire, so i listen more to the hardcopy than the digital files.
JamesXmorgan
Probably best! I think you appreciate it more when its in hardcopy!
michael
i didnt have access to my record player for a long while, so since ive moved into the manor of the middle east, i actually spend time listening to stuff
michael
i hardly listen to my ipod
JamesXmorgan
What upcoming shows are you excited for in Toronto?
michael
most of em. im not familiar with all the bands rolling through. put im gonna try to make it to them. i wanna get those have heart tapes to people. i wanna record some more live sets. at the last HH show, it was cool meeting some young kids, that were genuinely excited to acquire/learn what the music was about
michael
theres a really cool show coming up that i am really anticipating, and that show features Crucifist (dan lilkers new band), slaughter strike ( T.O.D.M.) and the mad man.
michael
the fucked up weekend at the end of october will no doubt be huge too.
JamesXmorgan
yeah for sure dude! Its going to be wicked!
JamesXmorgan
Well I'm off dude, I have to go settle down some rowdy teenagers! Thanks for everything dude!
michael
np james, hit me up next time, and well expand a bit if you want for the interview stuff.

Interviews to Come!

No I did not fall off the face of the earth! I've been at a summer camp for the past 9 weeks and no internet has made it hard to keep interviews on the go!

There are 2 currently in the process of being completed and Stuck in the City has been working hard getting some amazing shows on the go!

Forfeit Record Release on October Third is going to be insane!
Soul Control, The Endless Blockade, Haggatha, Titan – September 18th @ Siesta Nouveaux

Before all of these, which is a super sad story is the final Eating Glass show! This makes me super pissed, not because of their music, but because they are breaking up! These guys bring so much to the table, energy, pissed off vocals and the hardest bridges I have ever stomped to. I am going to miss their live performances, which means you should all go to their final show!

Eating Glass (last show!), Mother of Mercy, Creatures, Fortune Teller, PlanetxDanger – September 25th @ Siesta Nouveaux

Not to mention the amazing bands that are playing with them!

SHOOK ONES IN FINALLY COMING TO TORONTO!
Shook Ones, Title Fight, We are the Union, Junior Battles – November 7th @ The Poor Alex Theatre

So excited for this show! Considering I have had The Unquotable A.M.H on repeat for the past month!

It looks like this Fall is going to be unreal so props to the Guys at stuck in the City and any other promoters that are going to put a show on this year, or even next year!

Straight edge.

i have never been so proud to be edge! Never in the 4 and a half years I have been Straight edge.
Although many believe it is the worst choice t ever make, it is by far the smartest decision I have ever made.
I think since Have Heart is breaking up, I realized the impact they have had on me and my lifestyle, which is an extremely strong force.
I work with two huge jocks, who believe that the music I listen to is considered "emo" since I have to listen to fucking Tim McGraw and Taylor swift on my fucking lunch break. Nice dudes, but fuck everything you think.

Today is the day, I realized the impact and results of going straight edge in full effect.
Life is just wicked right now.
Solid friends.
Solid Family.
And a super Solid Girlfriend.

Although I have only one friend in Burlington who I would actually consider a true friend, (You know who you are, and you can relate to this post), I can fully beleive that I have many friends in Toronto and Barrie and many other places who have influence my life choices and smaller decisions. To everyone who has ever made contact with me, I thank you. I'm sure you have touched me in a positive manner.

New interviews are coming up!

Stay Tuned for some solid information and news!

Best night in a while

Tonight, I went and saw a show that will be in my memory for a long amount of time.

BANE
forfeit
End of a year
Cruel Hand
Hazardous Waste.

Amazing, just amazing.

Haz Was opened the show, and put on an a solid performance!
They are a an upbeat punk/thrash/Hardcore style and do it extremely well. Jon's guitar cut out during one song because of a sketchy patch cord, but the song continued and the band trekked on. Its a good thing to see a band not be nervous when something goes wrong, but play through it. Jon put down his guitar and began stage diving to the song and stomping right in front of the stage. Impressed with his sense of humor and calm personality. A really good local band, and I am looking forward to what these guys write next!

Next was Forfeit, and despite being a bit late, and keeping everyone on their toes, they showed and put on a show for sure. Extremely heavy guitars, and heartfelt pissed off lyrics made this set legendary. They played 3 new songs off their new EP and they sounds good, almost heavier than Visions, if that is possible. Kids moved for sure, and i experienced a blow to the head that left me with a bruised temple.

End of a Year played third, and although their style is totally different, I enjoyed them. I first heard them off the Sound and Fury sampler a year ago, and listened to the single when I needed something softer to keep me sane. Right off the bat, the lead singer said, "I can guarantee you there will not be any mosh". Which I think shocked a large portion of the crowd. The singer was full of energy and the guitars were totally in synch the whole set. Digged these guys a lot. Get into them.

Cruel Hand loaded up next. These guys remind me of a more technical version of meltdown, which is a totally positive. Super heavy and really tightly wounded rhythms. I had a low blood sugar so I really didn't move, and I kept my eyes on the band the whole set. They pack a lot of energy into their songs, and you can tell that when they play live. They had a lot of stop and starts on the dime which I think got me intrigued with their set. Good band, really nice guys as well.

Last but, definitely not fucking least was BANE. I saw them in October on a huge tour with Comeback kid and Misery Signals. It didn't really feel right when they were on the big stage (The opera House). As soon as they stepped on the small wooden stage at the Reverb, you could immediately tell they were more comfortable. They played an amazing set, with stuff off of almost every CD (GIve blood, the Note...ETC). Such a well rounded set. And in Bane style, the songs were played flawlessly. The best part about this set was Aaron giving his thoughts on hardcore and why he still plays music. Everything he said was heartfelt and sincere and you could tell he was passionate about hardcore, and giving kids a good show. Everything was interrupted by an ignorant girl who decided to tell him to shut up, and Aaron responded, "I won't shut up, you shut the fuck up". He received a well deserve applause for that. And even after he pointed the girl out and continued to tell her that she's following orders from her mother. Kids got so into this set, and as always with any BANE show there were loads of stage dives. Nothing negative to say about this band, members, or set. Nothing.

On top of the show being amazing, I got to see a whole bunch of old friends that I have not seen in a really long time. These people will always have a place in my heart and are still there for me, even after such a long time.

I handed out my zine, and got some solid constructive criticism and positive feedback!

holy fuck

I've been working on a zine for about a month now and I can honestly say this is the most work I have ever put into something besides homework or something in school.
I've had the chance to talk to some really rad people and learn a whole lot about the music scene and even myself. I'm super excited to put this out and hopefully people will like it.

Thanks to Eric and chris from Braindead, TomDom from forfeit and bob and everyone from letxdown.

Thanks for giving me the time.

Go to a show and I will put it out.

STOKED!

INterview with Eric and Chris of Braindead

I had the privilege to do the biggest interview I have done so far with a band that got me into melodic hardcore a couple years ago. Braindead, a band trying to mix up the formula for a hardcore band are a hard working bunch of guys out to make music and do what they love. They have gone through numerous lineup changes over the past three and a half years but never fail to pull through. So here is the interview with both Chris and Eric.

So who are you and what do you do?

Eric: My name is Eric and I play guitar and wear glasses

Chris: My name is Chris Lynch, and i just recently moved from playing guitar to vocals

How long have you been involved in Braindead for?

Eric: I started Braindead with my friend Joe (now in Reign Supreme) about a year or so before we actually played our first show, so I've been here since day 1

Chris: I joined Braindead on guitar shortly after they released their first Demo 7", so that was around late 2006 i believe.

What got you into the music that you write and the hardcore scene?

Eric: I got into punk rock back when I was in middle school and that eventually lead to hardcore and metal. I started going to local punk shows when I was 13 or so, and soon started going to hardcore shows in the area and then in Philadelphia shortly after. I've always felt a connection to the music and to mostly everyone involved in the scene. I did a zine and started booking shows in South Jersey and Philly, I played in some bands and always went to shows. Hardcore was pretty much my life for the majority of my teenage years. I would not be the person I am today without the hardcore scene.

Chris: Well i was first introduced into the hardcore scene by my friend scotto when i was just turning 14, he took me to a lot of shows in Philadelphia and Baltimore and the surrounding areas, so that was around 2000, i got to see a lot of awesome bands like count me out, damage, American nightmare, carry on, the ragmen, figure four, etc. so i guess you could say a lot of those bands have been a major influence on me and had got me into writing the music i do in one way or another.

Where do you get your inspiration for lyrics? When I listen to No Consequences and your demo, I can tell that there was a lot of thought used to write the lyrics.

Eric: Chris and I have recently taken over the writing of our lyrics since he has moved over to vocals. We draw inspiration from our past and present lives, just the things we deal with in life, both positive and negative.

Chris: At the time that the No Consequences ' lyrics were written we had our old singer still present. but as we are writing new songs and now that i have taken over as vocalist, i can tell you that i get my inspiration for my lyrics from all of the things that i should have done with the time i have had so far, or personal things that have to do with my family. As with all melodic hardcore bands, they always talk about regret, and all the choices they have made or didn't make in life, or where they have come from, so i guess you could say my lyrics are no different. i just know that if your a singer you should write about things know, not what you think people want to hear or relate to, because people are going to like your band or not like it, so might as well do it right.

I thought I heard Bob from Let Down on "an exercise for bad taste". How did that come along and what the thought behind the decision to have him on the record?

Eric: We toured with Let Down in 07 and we love those dudes. We asked Bob if he wanted to do a spot on our record. That was pretty much it haha

Chris: Yes that is Bob Wilson from letxdown (straightxedge). We asked him to be on the record awhile ago after going on tour with letxdown in the winter of 07', we became pretty good friends with all of them so we thought it was a good decision to have him on there, along with our other friends who did guest spots including Mike Riley, and LordXDom from pulling teeth, and John Louden from Jena Berin.

Do you think you have changed as a band, musically, since your first release?

Eric: We've gone through multiple line up changes in the last 3 years of being a band. Chris is mistaken because I wrote pretty much the whole demo haha. People have come and gone that have been involved in the writing process, but things really didn't start to take shape (in the direction I always wanted to go) until Chris joined the band. We aren't trying to reinvent the hardcore wheel, but we are feel that we are doing something a little different.

Chris: Yes, there is no doubt that we have. before i joined the band Justin our old bassist and Joe our old drummer wrote most of the songs on the demo and on our split. but once i started writing new material for the full length i started to incorporate more of the melodic tones, just because i think everyone at that point thought it would be a good idea to go in that direction. grant it i feel like we picked a medium that is much harder to pull off then your standard fast paced pissed off hardcore band, but i think what we have going will pay off in time.

What keeps the band going strong and doing what you guys are doing?

Eric: We love hardcore and writing and playing music. We've persevered over the years with line up changes and other set backs, but we are still a band, and I feel that now we are at our best in every aspect of the band. I

Chris: I think what really keeps all of us going is just our love for playing/going to shows and writing the music that we do, plain and simple. it's been hard at time with numerous, and i mean numerous line up changes over the past 3 1/2 years, but we all agree we want to do this more then anything right now.

Where do you see Braindead in the future?

Eric: We are planning on touring for most of 09, as well as writing a new record. It seems that every time we play there are more and more kids that know our songs and kids from places where we've never been that want us to come out. Hopefully we can get the chance to tour outside of the country. I just want to keep having fun and doing what I love.

Chris: I see us touring over seas, and releasing at least a few more LP's. this year we are definitely focusing on touring the US a lot more, now that some of our schedules have cleared up more, and once we get someone to release our record in Europe we hope to get over there if not later this year, then early next year.
Any Shoutouts?

Eric: Joe Hardcore. Without him, we would not be a band still. He took a chance on us and put us on This is Hardcore back in 06 and things just took off from there. The support he (and Philadelphia) has shown has over the years has been tremendous and we cannot thank him him enough. I'd also like to give a big shout out to everyone in the city of Baltimore. Baltimore is pretty much our second home and have done so much for us. Nick and Russ out in LA, Ashley and Justin in Tuscon, John Kapp out in Regina SK, Mike from Until Your Heart Stops, everyone from Michigan, we hope to see you all again this year. Oh, and Brian Cavanaugh's dad.

Chris: I would like to thank Joe Hardcore for giving us his undying support whether it be help us with contacts or getting us on great shows in philly, he has always been behind us since day one. and also like to thank Steve Smeal from Ruiner and Burn Bridges Records (www.burnbridges.net) for releasing our records as well as everyone in Ruiner for helping us out so much over the past few years, that also goes for everyone in Pulling Teeth, and our good friends in Blackbirds; Justin Steenbergh, his g/f Julia, Jesse Gongora (mi hermano), Brenden Schieman (bung, fuck you dale), Brandon Demarco and every band or any person who has helped us out in any way, thank you.

Forfeit Interview

I got the chance to interview Tomdom, the bassist from forfeit (basically my favorite band). I never realized how young he was and was completely surprised by his age. Anyways heres the interview.

So lets get down to brass tax. Who are you and what do you do?

I'm tomdom and I play bass In Forfeit from Syracuse, new York.


How did you get involved in hardcore and the music scene?
I met our drummer, Ben Shaw, in 7th grade in ecology and he was all decked out in gear and I went to go see what's up. From there he took me to my first show and we've been in bands ever since.


What are your biggest influences when writing and playing in Forfeit?
My biggest influences when writing in Forfeit is definitely Life Of Agony, Metallica, Pantera and Entombed. Honestly, One of the biggest influences besides music is anger and frustration. I usually lock myself in my room and write in my journal and pull out my guitar and just write.


What is your opinion on the direction of where hardcore is going presently?
I'm only 19 so I can't be one of those people who say hardcore is better or worse than it was ten years ago but I am very excited for hardcore. I like a lot of the current bands out now.


Where was the best show you have ever played? where did kids go off is what
I'm really asking?

That is a tough question. One of the best shows definitely has to be either our record release show at the Westcott Community Center or the Have Heart show we played at the Westcott; there is a video of it on the Internet.


Where do you see the band going in the future?

Well We are almost done writing our first lp that will be released on Reaper Records in late Spring and have plans of touring from May until late August. From there I can only see us wanting to play more and touring more- hopefully touring the rest of the world.


Shoutouts to Patrick Kitzel and Reaper Records, Paulyedge, The Brotherhood, Forfeit Crew, Foundation, Unholy, Polar Bear Club, Trapped Under Ice, Outbreak and The Mongoloids

I wish I could find a fucking excuse.

I have been into swamp thing for a long time now, but sice the release of In Shame, I have now officially been addicted to their music. THis album features a more personal set of lyrics, involving pieces of shit, motherfuckers, the bastard they call God and leeches. It hits at a personal level too, If i am feeling like shit, and its because of the people around me, i just pop this bad boy on and prepare for the worst.

In comparison to the youth is sick, this album, i find is definitely faster and more angry. The guitars are definitely heavy as shit, but more fine tuned. I mean, the rhythm seems perfected on all of the songs and there seems to the perfect harmony between both guitars.

I purely enjoy the drums on this record, not too fast, not too slow, but that perfect speed. They definitely power through the guitars, which is a good thing, because on some other albums, not swamp thing's i have a hrd time hearing the drums over every other instrument.

Listen to every song on this album, it is unreal.

Burn it to the Ground!

Crossbearer have been around for awhile, whether you've noticed them or not. The truth of the matter is that Crossbearer are amazing in every way and form. Heavy guitar parts filled with melodic harmonies, aggravated vocals powered by powerful lyrics and fast hard drums.

Transgressor, their newest release is an example of their growth and overall development over the past years. It boasts the previously described characteristics but with a tightened finish.

What blows my mind, and my ear drums are the melodic breaks in the songs that always make me turn the vlume up in my headphones or my speakers. They are just so good, and always capture their talent within about thirty seconds.

Check out Transgressor, Honesty & Hersey, and their first demo, they are wicked.

www.myspace.com/crossbearermusic

Alpha & Omega

Leave me speechless. Absolutely amazing. Sounds a bit like blacklisted but heavier and more pissed off. I've listened to Devil's Bed about 5 times in the past 3 hours and can't believe that I am not sick of it yet.

The guitars are extremely heavy and the recording did not draw away from the roots, like other records I have listened to. Where the recording makes the music less heavy than it actually is.

The vocals are what keep me in to this record. His voice is so heavy and booming that it could break through any Guitar riff or drum beat with force.

Just a wicked record to listen to.

More Canadian music, get happy!

I just discovered The New Enemy maybe a week ago, and they are one of my favorite bands to listen to when I am bummed about going to work, which is always.
Outsourced, they're new EP packed full of energy and aggression. Surprisingly, i found a large amount of melodies included in the tracks. One wouldn't think harmonies would come into play on a Toronto based Punk Band's Ep, but low and behold, it does. Fast paced rhythm guitar accompanied by overlayed harmonies add to the originality of the EP.
Some of the guitar parts reminded me off of something I would hear on a NEw Found Glory Record, but with Vocals more for those into hardcore. Not that I'm dissing NFG, but I found myself getting right into the EP, rather than skipping tracks on NEW Found Glaory CD's to get to the good songs.

Absolutely amazing and well worth the listen.

Did I mention it's free to download?
myspace.com/thenewenemy
you will find the link to the album there, it is a mediafire download.

Get Center

I haven't updated this blog in a while and I apologize to those who read it, the few of you at best. Consistency is a bitch, and schedules are not the way I usually live my life by.

But I have thoroughly enjoyed Casting Curses new Record.
It's catchy and enjoyable from the first time I listened to it. The Guitars have a very unique sound, in my opinion. They have that Southern vibe, but the vocals are just in your face. I love hearing strong vocals over heavy guitar rhythms, Its something about that combination that got me into Hardcore, and I'm glad to hear it again.
I would compare them to Braindead and bands a like, but with more emphasis on the weight of the guitar and heavier parts in most songs.

Check these guys out, they are from Quesbec, so Home soil for me.
myspace.com/castingcurses