"From Norway with love: Norwegian hardcore punk in the 80s and 90s" special. Part 1

Note: Pølse i lompe. Tortilla + sausage? Is this really a norwegian dish?

 

Hey hey hey, ricuritas. We've finally started with our much anticipated special we've been talking about 2 weeks ago. I must confess that it's been a tough work and I haven't finished compiling the information that we'll be featured here. Also, it will probably be the last special of this year, because I'm preparing another one but it's a little bit more ambitious than this one. And, of course, I have other entries waiting to be finally published, so we'll keep you informed with the progress.  

Now, I decided to feature a special with norwegian hardcore punk bands because it's one of the most underrated scenes. I'm pretty sure that you may have guessed that the reason of this is that swedish and finnish hardcore/punk scenes were more popular and influential than the norwegian scene. And, of course, when everyone talks about norwegian underground musical scenes, almost everyone thinks about the second wave of black metal. 

Despite all of this, Norway spawned an impressive repertory of hardcore punk bands that had some international recognition. And this is the perfect opportunity to feature them here. It's remarkable to say that compared to their scandinavian neighbors, norwegian hardcore punk bands had more notorious american hardcore punk influences. Of course, there were groups that explored other sounds but the american style predominated. 

Finally, we'll feature some of the best norwegian hardcore punk bands in the 80s and the 90s, as well as some compilations. I'm planning to finish this special this week because I'll be abroad between November the 5th and 12th and during that time I won't post nothing. If we can't finish this week, we'll have to continue after the end of my journey. Let's see what happens and let's get started. 

Betong Hysteria - Spontan Abort

This was one of, if not, the first norwegian hardcore punk bands. Formed in Oslo in 1981, only lasting 2 years. During these years, they only recorded and released one record Spontan Abort in 1982. Vi Vil Ikke Ha was also recorded in 1982, but didn't saw the light until 2011. Almost 30 years later. Wow. And, they also participated in different compilations like Framtida Er Nå and the Hurra For Norge series, among others. 

Regarding the sound, Betong Hysteria incorporated early american hardcore punk bands influences like Black Flag, Circle Jerks and The Germs. It's one of the few bands in the 80s that have fast-paced and slower songs in their repertory. Even some of them have an interesting post-punk feel. But don't worry, the band manages after all the ferocious display of frenzy that characterized the beginnings of the hardcore punk subgenre. You'll probably notice that there were faster and more aggressive norwegian hardcore bands, but this is a good start.  Not your boring traditional punk band for sure. And, their songs were exclusively sung in their native language dealing with subjects like police brutality, government vigilance, media lies, among others.

Finally, I'll only feature their first record beacause I couldn't get the second one. The link was generated by our friends from 7inch Crust blog (thank you, pals!) and this is the original 1982 release. The 2008 reissue contains the original record with remastered sound and Tredje Rike, the track that only appeared on the Framtida Er Nå compilation and wasn't available elsewhere until this re-release. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Bannlyst - 1983 demo tape 

 

Bannlyst was a short-lived band from Molde, they existed between 1983 and 1985, and released one demo in 1983 (and probably another one the next year (?)), one split with local comrades Angor Wat (you can listen to it here: http://www.swedishpunkfanzines.com/?page_id=6275) and La Dem Ikke Lure Deg EP in 1985. Norwegian Leather Records released their "discography" in 2011 containing the EP tracks, the tracks from the split with Angor Wat, some compilation tracks, including the one featured in the Nå Eller Aldri compilation, as well as a live performance at the legendary Blitz squat. Members of this band went to form some other legendary local acts like So Much Hate and Stengte Dører.

Regarding the sound, Bannlyst mixed the best of both american and british hardcore punk styles. We could say that their sound is somewhere between Poison Idea, Agnostic Front (early works), Discharge and Anti Cimex. Our friend from Music Not Noize blog (thank you, dude!) brought us this rare tape. I didn't know about its existence. In fact, I ignored that Bannlyst ever released something before their only EP. Also, I have to say that this record is fantastic. Even though the sound quality it's not the best, it contains 3 rare covers (Borstal Breakout of Sham 69, State Violence, State Control of Discharge and Louie, Louie of Black Flag) and other tracks that probably aren't in the discography.  

Finally, you should get this record. Not only for its rarity but also for being the early development of the sound of this superb band. Anything related to So Much Hate and Stengte Dører means quality. Satisfaction guaranteed. I'd also recommend you get their discography just because of the fact that contains their only EP, it's such a jewel. The split with Angor Wat is also a must. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Svart Framtid - 1984 EP and Live @ Blitz

Ah!, we've reached the heaven with this EP. This is the only studio record of this mythic norwegian hardcore band, released back in 1984 by X-Plater Records. I'm pretty sure this record is named after George Orwell's book of the same name. Når De Døde Våkner ‎Records released the same year a cassette containing one live performance of the band on December the 12th, 1984 at the legendary Blitz squat. This record contains the live versions of the EP, compilation tracks and never heard before material.

Regarding the sound, Svart Framtid (Black Future) had huge american hardcore punk influences. You can think of bands like Batallion of Saints, Vatican Commandos, and Void for getting an idea of their superb sound. Besides, the lyrics are also sung in their native language criticizing different themes like religion, economic system, corruption and violence, among others. Due to my lack of knowledge of norwegian, I can't talk about the lyrics of other songs that aren't on this EP but I guess they follow the same path.  

Finally, you must get the EP because is a 80s hardcore punk jewel. Also, it's probably one of the best norwegian hardcore/punk records ever released. This is the original version. The file includes the artwork, inserts and lyrics (translated to english by the band itself). There's also a 2011 reissue, released by Voltage Records, a czech record label, with a poster featuring the same original artwork and inserts, as well as the english translation of the lyrics. The live performance at Blitz shouldn't be missed out either. The download link for the EP was generated by Hammer Und Axt blog, whilst the live record download link was generated by our friend from Music Not Noize blog (thank you, dudes!). Mandatory download. Enjoy!    

Barn Av Regnbuen - Det E'kje Nåkka Artig Længer  

Barn Av Regnbuen (Children of the Rainbow) was a Norwegian hardcore punk band that existed between 1986 and 1987. During this period, they only released two records: Det E'kje Nåkka Artig Længer (1986, X-Plot Plater) and Helter Og Skurker! (1987, Barneplater). In 2008, Crave To Grave Records released Folk Uten Framtid, containing their two records as well as compilation tracks. This record is probably one of the best and complete discography records ever produced. 

Regarding the sound, Barn Av Regnbuen had an unique and particular musical style unmatched by their local contemporaries. In effect, they mixed both american and british hardcore alike with complex song structures, weird vocal style, catchy and melodic guitar riffs and cool basslines without losing the ravaging hardcore punk fury of the time. They're one of my favorite norwegian bands for sure. 

Finally, I'll only present you their first record. The link is provided by our friend from Music Not Noize blog (thank you, pal!). Personally, I prefer Barn Av Regnbuen's second record but this one it's pretty cool too. It's the perfect apéro for knowing this wonderful band. If you can, get their discography but listen to their first record as a start. You'll be undoubtedly begging for more. I'm pretty sure of it. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 

So Much Hate - How We Feel

So Much Hate was a band that existed between 1987 and 1993. It's probably the most well-known and popular norwegian hardcore punk band. In fact, they got international special attention thanks to their participation in Your Choice Live Series and Blitz Live Hitz compilations, as well as being one of the first norwegian hardcore punk bands having english songs. During their existence they released: How We Feel (1987), Blind Alley (1988), Seein' Red (1990), A Day At The Station (1991) and Lies (1993). 

Regarding the sound, So Much Hate played fast and uncompromising hardcore punk like many US-influenced european hardcore bands of the time like Ripcord, Heresy, The Stupids and Negazione, among many others. We could say that the sound of this norwegian act fit into the thrashcore subgenre. Some songs have an interesting melodic hardcore touch without losing the speed. And, the lyrics criticize lots of life aspects with a superb introspective yet politically conscious point of view. 

Finally, it's almost imperative for you to download this record. It's fast and brilliant with superb execution. One of the best european hardcore punk releases ever produced. If you can, get their other records. They're impressive as this one. Sadly, it's the only one I have. Maybe in the near future we'll feature more material of this outstanding band, just maybe...Anyway, it's a mandatory download. Go for it. Enjoy!

Stengte Dører - Sangen Om Vår Vidunderlige Verden

We conclude this first part with this amazing hardcore punk band. Stengte Dører was a band that existed between 1985 and 1992. They released one split with serbian outfit Proces (1985), this record (1988), Hver Dag Er En Perfekt Dag (1989), Alt Er Alt Ingenting Er Mer (1990), and Siste Rais (1992). There's also a live performance at Blitz released in 2011 by Spud Boot Records. They also have appeared in multiple compilations like the Blitz Live Hitz series. 

Regarding the sound, this band had a notorious american influence blending fast music with an unique melodic touch. The song structure is absolutely brilliant with great guitar riffs (some of them reminiscent of traditional rock), fast and precise drum beats, and an aggressive yet audible voice. For some reason, I think of UK bands of the time like Visions Of Change when I listen to Stengte Dører. And, their lyrics were highly-political and sung in their native language (a few songs were sung in english).

Finally, you should get this impressive record. Some of the best representations of the unique norwegian hardcore punk style we've started to explore in this special. Once again, the link is provided by our friend from Music Not Noize blog (thank you, pal!). I have nothing more to say. Mandatory download. Enjoy and until the next post. Kisses and hugs!  

Pack Zelda :V Asamblea Internacional del Fuego discography

Coucou, papus et mamus! VVe iz bäck (?) with the discography of one of the most influential bands in the emo and screamo scenes in Latin America: Asamblea Internacional Del Fuego. This chilean group was born in 2001. It features members of other impressive local hardcore punk acts like xAsuntox, Entrefuego, Praxis, Tenemos Explosivos, Distancia, among others. Since their debut album La Marcha De La Desesperanza (Andamios y Plataformas Records, Chile, 2002), the band has exposed emo, screamo and posthardcore influences in the vein of classic groups like Closure, Portraits Of Past and I, Robot with deep, abstract, and highly sociopolitical-infused lyrics alongside with a poetic personal touch. In fact, most of their songs have a considerable long length time (more than 4 minutes) with complex and precise instrumentation. 

Now, after La Marcha... the band released Columnas (Andamios y Plataformas Records, Chile, 2004) and Lo Que Hablaron Las Ánimas En El Camino (Andamios y Plataformas Records, Chile, 2005) following the same musical path captivating all the latin american hardcore/punk community with their unique and original style. They also had a succesful european tour in 2005 (not really sure the year). It's remarkable that this was one of the first bands in the region exploring the emo and screamo sounds, something not so common or even inexistent at the time. Also, it was coincidentally the same époque where the screamo revival movement flourished in Europe and Asia.

Later, they were inactive a few years after the release of Lo Que Hablaron... album. They would eventually return in 2012 for recording a re-interpretation of one of their most well-known and succesful tracks: Albatros. This new track, named Astoria, was originally featured for the lecture of I Hate Mornings book, written by Jean Marc Rouillan (I don't know where this happened, though) and has a more refined and mature sound, totally different from the original track. The next year, they released an instrumental record with new songs and some others that were previously featured in Columnas. 

Finally, since 2013 they have been working in their newest record Diálectica Negativa. The official release will be this November 5th in Santiago, Chile but it's already available for downloading it for free here: www.dialecticanegativa.org. It retains the same spirit as their first albums but with a deeper and complex structure. It's incredible the musical maturity this band has experienced without forgetting their roots. It's pretty intense, I really enjoyed it. Although I must confess that I prefer more their classic records. Click on the image of the band at the beginning of this post for downloading the Pack Zelda :V, that contains their first 3 records. Highly recommended! Enjoy. Kisses and Hugs!

Note: Oh, I almost forgot. This October 29th will be a superb tribute to this band in Bogotá, Colombia. This event was organized by Catarsis: ContraCultura en Movimiento collective. Vorágine (already featured here in our blog), Vientos De Cambio and Quemarlo Todo Por Error will make each one one cover in their own style. There will be vegan food and distro merch. Don't forget to go dressed up. Support your local scene and see you there! We'll be waiting for you!   

Superpowers compilation cassette

Hola hola, les chaton.ne.s. We're back with this unknown and impressive 90s american hardcore punk compilation. This cassette was released by Troubleman Unlimited Records in 1993. It contains the following 25 bands: Three Shades Of Dirty, Stick And Stones, Huasipungo, One Blood, Sleeper, Born Against, Policy Of Three (they appear here as Matter Of Fact), Avail, Greyhouse, Heroin, Struggle, Assück, Iconoclast, 1.6 band, Crashwagon, Moss Icon, Freak Beans, Rorschach, Hoonah, Crisis Of Faith, Chisel, Merel, Spork, Tsunami and Shudder To Think. There's also some weird unknown artist tracks with strange phone calls, random songs and even Master Yoda's speeching... 

Regarding the sound, we have political hardcore like Born Against, Struggle, Spork, Crisis of Faith, Huasipungo, as you may know one of the best latino/chicano hardcore punk outfits, One Blood, and Rorschach (all of these bands highly influential for both american and european hardcore punk bands alike of the time); some emo bands lilke Three Shades of Dirty (an acoustic project with members of The Hated), Stick And Stones, 1.6 band, Moss Icon, Merel, Policy of Three, Sleeper, Hoonah, Iconoclast, Greyhouse, and Heroin (one of the first american hardcore punk bands labeled as "chaotic emo" or "hardcore emo", influential for the screamo/skramz and emoviolence sound); melodic hardcore like Avail, Freak Beans and Crashwagon; Assück, one of the american grindcore godfathers in the 90s; and, last but not least, Chisel, Tsunami and Shudder To Think (one of the first emo bands in the late 80s), despite their hardcore punk roots, they explore other sounds closer to indie rock or alternative rock.

Now, some of the songs featured in this compilation aren't available elsewhere. Also, some are live performances in unknown places and even some other are demo versions, later remastered in their respective discography collection. And, of course, some well-known hits. That's why you'll notice some quality differences between one song and another but it's still audible and enjoyable. Pure 90s style, papus and mamus!  

Finally, you should get this compilation. I'm pretty amazed with its content. It's probably one of the best 90s hardcore punk I've ever heard. Great repertory and different styles. I'd recommend it like an 101 lesson. Obviously, there's even more absent bands that could fit here, but it's a great start. I also imagine this cassette as a personal mixtape of a random 90s hardcore punk kid. Click on the image and you'll be redirected to The Sound Of Indie website (they have some astonishing 90s hardcore punk content as well as other musical genres like indie rock and shoegaze. Go and check it out) where I got this marvelous cassette. Oh, I also forgot. The cassette came with an interesting 52-page booklet with lyrics and some other stuff related to. It's included on the file. Mandatory download. See you soon. Kisses and hugs!     

Libérame compilation

Oi! my babies. We continue our short entries format started last weekend with this not so short post. I've been busy preparing our newest special because I don't want to push it back anymore and it'll be published pretty soon. So, I was looking at our rich, vast and complex music library of our database and found out this superb compilation released in 1998 by El Grito Records. It contains the 8 following bands: Los Crudos, Huasipungo, Kontrattaque, Godstomper, Youth Against, Former Members Of Alfonsin (USA), Parades End (Canada) and Swipe (Japan).

This is one of the few 90s hardcore punk compilations that treated immigrant issues and violations on their human rights, a very complex and worldwide problem that still persists nowadays. Basically, this collection denounces Proposition 187, also known as Save Our State - SOS (Seriously? WTF!, dude/tte!), one of the most shameful and ignoble acts ever proposed in the United States. In 1994, the state of California started a ballot initiative due to the increasing concerns about the costs of providing services (including non-emergency health care, education, and others) to the "illegal" immigrants and their families.

This initiative had a huge succes that later was proposed as a referendum during the general elections of November. As expected, the result was 59% for the "Yes". Some other states of the Union, like Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado (ironically former Mexican territories), among others, followed this trend. Obviously, before, during and after the elections, many organizations, most of them Mexican American, were opposed to this initiative because it was xenophobic and discriminatory against ethnic minorities, especially those of Hispanic or Asian origin. 

Thanks to this proposition, the state of California had a severe and strict law enforcement that restrained services to "illegal" citizens, and, naturally, the abuse of power and other unlawful acts weren't absent. Some of these atrocious performances and the hazards that "illegal" immigrants have to confront, especially in the US/Mexico border, are contained in the booklet of this beautiful compilation. Sadly, this political discourse of blaming the "illegal" immigrants for the economic crisis is still recurrent today. 

Regarding the sound, we have some of the best examples of ferocious political hardcore punk in the 90s. Los Crudos and Huasipungo, recurrent guests in our website, show us some of their best repertory; Godstomper crushes the ears with their superb powerviolence; Kontrattaque has both crust and powerviolence influences alike; Parades End, Swipe, Former Members Of Alfonsin have emo and posthardcore influences with a notorious political conciousness; and, last but not least, Youth Against has some of the best 90s political hardcore punk influences, including Born Against and Los Crudos. 

Now, as you may have noticed, this compilation, with the exception of Swipe, reunites the best latino and/or chicano hardcore punk bands. Even though the latino community has also been considered as a "minority" within the american hardcore punk scene, it has had a huge influence on it. It's one of the few 90s hardcore punk compilations that reunites this kind of bands that have had a great impact within the hardcore/punk community. Without these bands, top-notch hispanic speaker hardcore outfits like  E-150, Migra Violenta or Sin Orden, among many others, wouldn't have existed.

Finally, you should get this amazing compilation. Click on the image for downloading it. The file contains the artwork, booklet and inserts. Sorry for extending a little bit this post but the issues contained in this compilation mustn't be left aside. Never. You shouldn't miss this 90s political hardcore jewel. And, always remember that la lucha continúa!. Never surrender!. Mandatory download. Kisses and hugs!

Histeria compilations Vols. 1 and 2

Note: Salem Witch Trials, one of the first examples of "Mass Hysteria". In the picture, a young lady is depicted convulsing during the trial. Ah, dumb humans... 

 

Sup, homies! We're back. I had to delay the special I mentioned you last weekend because I'm having technical difficulties with some material. It will be published next week before the end of October. We'll work hard (oh yeah!) on it. So, we'll follow the same short entries format (apparently a succes) this week and we'll start with two superb compilations released by Lengua Armada Records (Martin Sorrondeguy's, vocalist of Los Crudos and Limp Wrist, record label): Histeria (which is the spanish word for Hysteria, one of the most common and fascinating psychological disorders. Yes, I'm crazy for saying that).  Oh, I almost forgot. We finally have a new image. Not as impressive as we originally conceived it but something is something. Now let's begin.

The first volume was released in 2002. It was available on LP format with a limited edition Red-colored vinyl pressing (only 200 copies). It contains the 9 following bands: Life's Halt, Limp Wrist, Sin Orden, Melee, Esperanza, Deathtreat (USA), Seein' Red (Netherlands), E-150 (Spain) and D.S.-13 (Sweden). From both volumes, this is my favorite one. It was one of my first international hardcore punk compilations ever and I don't know why it wasn't posted before. 

Regarding the sound, we have short, fast and loud straightforward hardcore punk the way we do fucking like it. These bands are associated to the thrashcore (or fastcore) subgenre. You should have already noticed that there are latino or chicano bands like Life's Halt, Sin Orden, Limp Wrist and Esperanza, following where Los Crudos left off. Also, we have Seein' Red (featuring ex-members of Lärm) and D.S.-13 (still active today and they played this year at K-Town Hardcore Fest in Copenhagen, Denmark. Fuck, how could I have missed them?), two of the most important european thrashcore bands. 

E-150 (one of my favorite spanish hardcore punk bands) delight us with three superb songs, including the infamous Toreros After Olé cover Chicos De La Calle (this version, however, doesn't feature the hilarious The Simpsons spanish dub where Mr. Burns nags Don Mattingly for having long sideburns). Last but not least, Deathtreat and Melee have always been a mystery to me but they also have an impressive repertory. 

Finally, the second volume was released in 2003. It was also available on LP and had a limited edition Pink-colored vinyl pressing (I don't know the exact number of copies). It contains the 11 following bands: Tomorrow (Italy), I Quit! (Sweden), Amdi Petersens Armé (Denmark), Conga Fury (Japan), Fuerza X (Guatemala), Punch In The Face, Regress, Scholastic Deth (USA), Vitamin X (Netherlands; they're still active and I saw them last year in Paris. One of the best hardcore shows I've ever assisted to in my entire life!), Disidencia (Uruguay) and Bruce Banner (Brazil). It shares the same musical approach of the first volume, so I won't say more about it. Only I'll add that it's pretty amazing too and you shouldn't dismiss it. 

You should download these two records. Pretty intense and heavy thrashcore for bashing people in the circle pit! That's a relieving therapy for everything, including hysteria. Trust my medical prescription, I'm a punk doctor (LEL). Click on the image below for downloading the file containing both records. Highly recommended. See you next time. Kisses and hugs! 

2 Full Of Hell records: collaboration discs with The Body and Merzbow

Qué tranza, papus y mamus? We finish this short entries weekend with this superb Maryland-based grindcore outfit. Full Of Hell is one of the best modern grindcore groups nowadays. They mix the best of our beloved extreme hardcore punk subgenre with elements of death metal, powerviolence, sludge, noise and harsh electronics. I went to see them, alongside with The Body, this year in Paris but I couldn't enter because the venue was full and the organizators gave priority to the people that bought their tickets on pre-sale (That attitude wasn't really punk at all. Fuck that!). Anyway, I bought Full Of Hell's collaborations discs with Merzbow and The Body and I hope you'll love them as much as I do. Let's begin.

The Body and Full Of Hell - One Day You Will Ache Like I Ache

This is an interesting collaboration disc with fellow sludge band The Body. In fact, both bands share some members. I didn't know about The Body until I went to the concert and some friends that could enter told me that this band's live performance is rad but Full Of Hell stole the show. Regarding the sound, this record mixes the best of both bands: the harsh noisy deathgrind madness of Full Of Hell with the sludge influences of The Body. Some songs are too experimental that even surpass this sound mix. If you enjoy noise music, this record will really please you. For sure. This is the CD version released by Neurot Recordings this year. Don't miss this record. It's pure joy. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Full Of Hell and Merzbow

Finally, this is probably the best record I've bought in the last year. Full Of Hell's songs in this record are also a collaboration with Merzbow, one of the first japanese noise artists in the late 70s (!) because the latter mixed and rearranged them. Despite this, the record still does sound as Full Of Hell. I bought the Digipack CD special edition, released by Profound Lore Records in 2014, that includes Sister Fawn CD, a Merzbow style record. And, I have no words to describe this latter: it's pure fucking noise and it's amazing as fuck. Even some songs have grindcore influences. This record is a fucking must. Sadly, I had problems trying to scan the artwork and inserts because of the Digipack presentation. Mandatory download. Enjoy!  

Vorágine - V.E.I.

Hello, les chaton.ne.s! We're back with Vorágine (Vortex in english), another beloved group of friends that have this amazing musical project. Vorágine, formerly known as V.E.I., is a Bogotá-based experimental hardcore punk group. As a curious fact, their name comes from a colombian book written by José Eustasio Rivera, one of the most underrated colombian literature jewels. Nonetheless, the band itself has made the interpretation of the name, as it follows: "Reality is so strong like a lightning bolt inciting fire to be born, to burn everything, the memory suddenly arrives and fear starts to flow; We are exposed to countless sensations that we don't know how to control, we don't know where do they start nor where do they end. In the middle of the masks that this world could have, our hands together become a container of joy as well as of expectations. We know that we walk through the darkness, fearing the unknown, but we also know that we are the masters of our own destiny, and that in our hands we find the answers...That's what we call it Vortex" (text taken from the V.E.I. tape)

Now, their music is a mix of posthardcore, screamo, post-rock, dark ambient and modern hardcore punk, something really uncommon to the colombian hardcore punk scene nowadays. I know them since they were known as V.E.I. and I must confess that I enjoyed the musical approach they took: a more refined, elaborated and mature sound. And, I think that they called their debut tape as such because the next step has already been taken and there's no turning back...Also, their lyrics are in spanish and are complex and abstract constructions with a pretty impressive introspective point of view dealing with social and political issues.  

Finally, this tape was released in June by Fading Halo Records, LMA Collective (Romania), La Flor Records (Peru), Meaw and Colmillo (Colombia). The physic copies of this tape feature 5 cards and a beautiful protective case. The images of the forementioned items are included in the file as well as the lyrics in spanish. Don't forget to visit their official bandcamp account (https://vragne.bandcamp.com/releases) if you want to support this amazing band. It's worth it. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Barren? - DEMO CD-R

Coucou, les chaton.ne.s! We're back with a really short entry. Why? Reasons...No, I'm kidding. If you haven't noticed, I make not so long posts before a reeeeaaaalllllyyyy long one or a special post. I'm preparing one of the latter and you'll be pleased. I'm sure of it. So, this weekend we'll have two or three posts like this one before the aforementioned "surprise" I've been working on these days. Sólo esperen y verán. 

This week some beloved colombian friends living in Paris, France made me realise that our also beloved french dudes and dudette from Barren? have already released their highly anticipated (Enfin, putain!) demo. Some months before returning to Colombia, I had the opportunity to hear some of the material included in this superb work and we all had high hopes for their debut. And, I must confess they "la sacaron del estadio" with this.

Now, Barren? is a Paris-based female-fronted anarcho-punk band that pays tribute to some of the greatest 80s british anarcho-punk bands with a top-notch instrumentation and musical execution. You'll find influences from Crass, The Mob, Poison Girls, Chumbawamba (early works), Icons of Filth, among others. Also, there's one one song named Obliviate where the vocalist and the bassist switch roles. And, as you may have already imagined, their songs have really clever lyrics dealing with different themes like war, depression, ecology, middle-class lifestyle, violence, drugs, daily frustrations, etc.  

Finally, you should download this work. We're not used to feature anarcho-punk bands but you mustn't miss this one. Click on the image and you'll be redirected to their official website where you can read their lyrics and download this amazing work. And, if you're in Paris, you should go and check them out live. They really do well their work. We do hope in the near future a 7" EP or a full-length LP. Anarquía siempre, homies. Enjoy!

Your unofficial guide to: Holy Terror

The Lamb and the Goat have finally fused as one...

 

Warning: This entry contains delicate themes like occultism, demonology and other complex metaphysical points of view not recommended for the faint of heart and mind. Also, there's a lot of imagery and symbolism linked to "shocking" topics like war, murder and terrorism. Not everyone will understand all the theoretical construction behind this, not even me. For further information, do your personal research and have your own conclusions. Thank you.

Oi! my chaton.ne.s. We're finally back with a special that I've been thinking of since long time ago: the unofficial guide to Holy Terror. Following the succes of Neocrust/Blackened Crust and 80s Japanese Hardcore Punk (thank you so much les chaton.ne.s! I'm really grateful) unofficial guides, I decided to talk about one of the most debated topics within the hardcore/punk community: Holy Terror. We've already featured hardcore punk bands related to this "movement".

Now, there are some key elements common to these bands: dark, apocalyptic and vicious metal-infused hardcore punk (some of them with evident japanese hardcore punk influence like G.I.S.M. and Zouo) exploring existentialist, occultist and demonology related themes. These bands were trying to surpass the natural boundaries of hardcore punk with their musical style and lyrical content, but don't get the wrong idea that this is a separated hardcore punk subgenre. In fact, other metalcore bands, and even crust punk bands, that could easily fit into Holy Terror and not necessarily be related to are, for example, Catharsis or His Hero Is Gone. And, as you may already know, the most iconic and influential Holy Terror band undoubtedly is Integrity.

This kind of images and symbols are commonly used by Holy Terror bands. For example, in this image we see the Process... "4Ps cross", Baphomet's symbol and Manson posing like a "Messiah".

But, why has Holy Terror been a delicate topic within the hardcore/punk community? First, over the years, Holy Terror bands have used imagery and thoughts of different secret religious movements like the Process Church of Final Judgement (an american sect that got mass media attention mistakenly accused of being satanic and and having potential links with Charles Manson) or the Abraxas Foundation (a now defunct Church of Satan's offshoot whose philosophy basically is resumed in "the strong rule the weak, the clever rule the strong"). Also, these groups have a strange yet fascinating obsession with serial killers (notably Charles Manson, which is seen as a martyr, like a new messiah, an outcast, a misunderstood free thinker) and other symbols, imagery and modern interpretations related to the bizarre, occult and demonology.

Second, Holy Terror bands in different interviews have mentioned Jack Abernathy, the founder of the "Holy Terror Church of Final Judgement" which compiled all the thoughts and philosophies (some of them mentioned in the last paragraph) that nourish the "movement". No one really knows Abernathy's "true" identity (some people argue that it's Dwid Hellion himself) and the whereabouts and activities of the Church. For example, in different interviews, most of these bands have teased some things related to the Church and the Holy Terror thing, but they have "strictly prohibited" to give detailed information of their activities. 

Last but not least, it's unclear the existence of the Church and Hellion isn't interested in getting adepts or that kind of things. In fact, he doesn't matter what the hardcore/punk community thinks about Holy Terror related activities. All of the "members" of the Church, self-proclaimed as Holy Terrorists, see Holy Terror as a weapon, and not as a musical genre. Despite all the controversy and discussion about these bands, I've always been fascinated with the occult and bizzare imagery these bands manage, as well as their superb music and the apocalyptic yet inevitable destruction of mankind as a way of salvation.

Finally, we will feature the bands that are linked (or presumably) to the "Holy Terror Church of Final Judgement", respecting the premise that Holy Terror is a mindset, but some bands mislabeled as such will be featured as well due to its musical influence to the "movement". Also, there will be other experimental music groups (most of them side-projects) related to this fascinating mindset. I hope this entry will please you and we'll be back soon (I certainly hope so) with more surprises. Kisses and hugs. So, let's begin...

Integrity - Humanity Is The Devil 

If someone dares to ask me what is the musical "bible of The Holy Church of Final Judgement", I wouldn't hesitate twice saying that is the spiritual guide to the inevitable destruction of mankind as the supreme act of love you're looking for. Originally released in 1995 by Victory Records, Humanity Is The Devil is considered by many the magna opus of Integrity. As a curious fact, the front cover features Abraxas, an ancient entity worshipped by gnostic basilidians that represented, in most cases, the duality of good and evil, and was designed by Pushead (Septic Death).

Compared to Integrity's works prior to this release, we see a more refined and mature sound without leaving behind the glorious metallic hardcore punk style of the time. Also, the last two songs have harsh noise, ambient and experimental music influences in the same vein of Psywarfare and Rapewhistle, Hellion's side projects. In fact, some reissues of the record mention Psywarfare in the credits (You can listen to Psywarfare's From Xicotepec with Love and Process of Elimination EP, as well as Rapewhistle). And, this is the first hardcore punk record ever having Processean references and symbols on it.

Now, one of the most interesting features of this superb record, it's the last track, Humanity Is The Devil, because it has a strange manifesto that nourrish most of Holy Terror Church philosophy. It's been said that god would offer eternal bliss after 70 years of perpetual slavery. Humanity obviously refused this and opted for a more "free" yet material life. This decision, alongside the constant battle between angels and demons, emphasizing that the latter walk among us seeding pain and suffering, the inevitable destruction of mankind is a fact. Humanity is doomed per se and nothing can change that. 

Finally, you should get this record. Even though most recent Integrity material is darker and more complex, this is an excellent introduction to this Holy Terror madness and is also one of the best hardcore punk records in the 90s. Last year, it was remixed and remastered by Magic Bullet Records and also reissued this year by Organized Crime Records. I strongly recommend the latter because it's closer to the original release with a "special feature" contained in the last track, absent in most of reissues. Click on the image to be redirected to Holy Terror Records (Hellion's record label, formerly known as Holy Terror Church of Final Judgement Records. Coincidence?) official bandcamp account and get this masterpiece at a good price. You'll be really pleased with the aforementioned "surprise". Go on and listen to it. Mandatory adquisition. Enjoy! 

Gehenna - Negotium Perambulans In Tenebris 

If I'm not mistaken, this is the first full-length of this amazing California-based hardcore punk band. This record was originally released in 2000 by Crawlspace Recordings and later reissued by Magic Bullet Records (CD version) and A389 Recordings (LP version) in 2013. Gehenna, today known as The Valley of the Son of Hinnom, is a place outside the Old Jerusalem (more precisely south to Mount Zion) and the Jewish and Christian analogue of hell.

As a curious fact, only the first LP release also featured an alternative black front cover due to the shocking value behind of the original. Something similar that happened with Carcass' Reek of Putrefaction. Also, the name of the record (translated to English as "Business walking in darkness") is mentioned in the Bible and was mistakenly translated to English in Negotiam Perambulans, a short story written by english writer E.F. Benson, whose writing style is compared to H.P. Lovecraft's.

Regarding the sound, Gehenna is one of the first hardcore punk bands that perfectly mixes hardcore punk with black metal. If something named as blackcore ever existed (I'm glad this never happened...well, kinda...damn you, dark hardcore!!!), probably this band, alongside with the first blackened crust groups, would be the first reference to it. Also, their lyrics evoke different topics like war, fear, hate, death, individualism and, of course, total fucking destruction of mankind.

Finally, I recommend you this album. Click on the image and you'll be redirected to Gehenna's official bandcamp account. Oh, I almost forgot. If you get Magic Bullet Recrords' reissue, you'll get an extra track, Yes Ma'am, which is a D.R.I. cover and, if you get the A389 Recordings version, just like the original LP release, you'll get another extra track, the Bite It You Scum cover, originally recorded by G.G. Allin. Also, get the Gehenna's The War Of The Sons Of Light And The Suns Of Darkness LP/CD, originally released in 1998 by the anarchist collective Crimethinc. with a 2013 reissue by A389 Recordings, which contains material prior to the release of Negotium... Pretty good stuff. Mandatory adquisition. Enjoy!

Ringworm - The Promise

Another outstanding Clevo hardcore punk band, whose sound has been a huge influence to almost all of the Holy Terror bands, as well as different modern hardcore punk and metalcore bands. This is their first album, and most well-known work, originally released in 1993 by Indecision Records. It's regarded by many as one the best and most iconic 90s hardcore punk albums and, of course, it's one of my favorite hardcore punk records. 

Regarding the sound, Ringworm took the best of late 80's hardcore punk mixed with a metallic touch, as well as a "darker" approach. Their lyrics are heavily influenced by different "negative" states of mind and old horror films. This band, as well as Integrity and Gehenna, was also labeled as Holy Terror in the 90s, but they never seemed to despise this. In fact, I read an interview where Human Furnace, vocalist of the band, said that they were really proud of being a musical influence for the movement.


Finally, I'm not really sure if Ringworm nowadays is a disciple of the Holy Terror Church of Final Judgement, but they're good and close friends to Integrity. You should get this amazing record. Click on the image and you will be redirected to Ringworm's official bandcamp account, where the 2003 reissue is available. This reissue was released by Deathwish, featuring a different front cover from the original 1993 release, with the anotation that the tracks number 1 and 2 and 9 and 10 are respectively combined, as well as adding the original demo and a live version of Deuce, a Kiss cover, as bonus tracks. For an unknown reason, Gimme Sopor, a Angry Samoans cover, is absent. And, A389 Recordings re-released the original 1993 release in 2009 with the original artwork (a picture of different demons) with the anotation of the combined tracks and the omission of the Angry Samoans cover. Mandatory adquisition. Enjoy.

Catharsis - self-titled

In this special, we couldn't left behind the band that first coined the term Holy Terror. The first reference started when Brian, vocalist of Catharsis, wrote an article in his ancient fanzine Inside Front about emerging metalcore bands in the 90s that had a relentless sound mixed with dark and apocalyptic lyrics like Integrity and Gehenna. In fact, some of these bands, for example, Gehenna, despised the term but would later embrace it in recent years.

Even though this band has never officially been linked to the Holy Terror movement, its sound has been a big influence. And, their record label, the anarchist collective Crimethinc., formerly known as Inside Front records, released some early works of Integrity and Gehenna (We already featured some compilations of this label, you can refresh your memory here: http://lamortdunemoderniste.blogspot.com.co/2015/12/penultima-entrada-del-ano-addenda.html. It's in Spanish, though). In fact, they were close friends in the 90s but each one would eventually take its own path...

Now, I decided to feature the first Catharsis 7" because later superb works like Passion and Samsara (that have been an influence in my life) will be featured in the near future with other purposes. Promised. Also, in musical terms, this record marks the beginning of the sonic madness Catharsis is known for. It should be noted that some lyrics of this record are weird reinterpretations of some passages of the Bible, (de)constructing an abstract and complex comprehension of this decaying and material world anticipating a prelude of destruction. Cool.

Finally, this the Crimethinc. edition, released in 1996, that compiles the original Endless Fight Records release of the same year, with their 1995 demo (named Fall) tracks, two covers of Sick People (Breakdown) and Our Fight (Confront), previously unreleased and with some minor changes in the lyrics, and the whole 7" tracks played backwards and in reversed order, as bonus tracks. Click on the image to download this interesting work. Sadly, I don't have the inserts but I added the original 7" artwork with lyrics for your amusement. Mandatory download. Enjoy!

Pale Creation - Wake Of Temptation

Pale Creation is a Cleveland-based hardcore punk band formed back in 1994. They have a self-titled (1994), Twilight Haunt (1999), this record (2010) and different splits with Repugnant (2000), Hessian (2012), Integrity (2010) and Abraxis (2012). There's also an anthology that compiles most of their work named Before Twilight and After, released by Holy Terror Records in 2008. As a curious fact, they also participated in the legendary Cleveland Hardcore compilation Dark Empire Strikes Back.

Regarding the sound, Pale Creation plays metalcore in the same vein of Integrity and Gehenna, although some songs have interesting stoner rock and goth rock influences mixed with clean vocals, complex guitar riffs, and slow and introspective interludes that finish with brutal breakdowns. And, of course, the lyrics have the Holy Terror trademark. It's one of the few Holy Terror bands that don't use the complex symbolism imagery they're known for.

Finally, give it a try. It's pretty neat. Click on the image, and you'll be redirected to A389 Recordings' official bandcamp account where you can listen to it and get it. If you dig 90s hardcore bands like Mean Season and Strain and want to hear Pale Creation's classic sound, get Twilight Haunt, this one is for you. Also, some members of Pale Creation, Integrity and VEGAS had an superb acoustic side-project named Roses Never Fade. It's dark and creepy as fuck. Highly recommended. Enjoy!.  

Creepout - OVSKVERE TORTVRED ORDER

Ah...Japan...It's a country that never stops to impress me. Japanese hardcore punk bands explore every hardcore punk subgenre surpassing their limits and this enigmatic group is not an exception to this rule. They formed way back in 2004 with beatdown influences (yes, there are japanese bands that play this way) paying tribute to NYHC and Cleveland Hardcore styles. With the release of the split with Integrity - Love Is...The Only Weapon (the name is an obvious Holy Terror reference), Creepout changed its image...

OVSKVERE TORTVRED ORDER is the first full-length that confirms the new shift the band took. Unlike other Holy Terror related bands, the sound of Creepout is closer to modern beatdown bands. So, you can imagine a Hatebreed-influenced sound mixed with the occult and individualistic attitude of Integrity. Also, this is their first record where Holy Terror imagery and references are more common (even the band's name uses the same font as Integrity does). 

Finally, I recommend you this band. We're not really used to post beatdown related groups but this one really rocks. Click on the image and you'll download this amazing album. Also, you can check their official bandcamp account (http://creepoutjapan.bandcamp.com) where you can listen to their latest release SON OV A VVITCH EP. And, I encourage you to get their split with Integrity. It's monstrous as fuck and has a top-notch presentation. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Blind To Faith - Under The Heptagram

This is the second album of this outstanding Belgium/Netherlands hardcore "supergroup" (it features members from Reproach, Rise And Fall, Amen Ra, Skullhog, Inhume and Lifespite). It's one of the best european modern hardcore bands nowadays. As a curious fact, the heptagram is a symbol used by ancient alchemists for representing the 7 planets known at the time and it's also used for Babalon (the Great Mother of Abominations representing the female sexual impulse and the liberated woman) in Theleman law, among other interpretations. 

Regarding the sound, Blind to Faith mixes la crème de la crème of both hardcore punk and extreme metal alike. Thus, we find different influences from groups like Repulsion, Celtic Frost, Bathory, Entombed, Ringworm, Gehenna and Discharge, among others. And, as you may expect, the lyrics are filled with an impressive violent, lawless and pure attitude. The band itself says that their musical agent is Richard Ramirez, so you know what you'll get from them...

Finally, I highly recommend this masterpiece. Click on the image, and you'll be redirected to A389 Recordings' official bandcamp account where you can listen to it and get it. It's worth it. Also, get their The Seven Fat Years Are Over EP and the split with Gehenna (both released by Holy Terror Records). They're fucking amazing. If you're looking for some raw, violent, and dissonant sound attack, this is the right place. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

VEGAS - Sagevisule

VEGAS (also known as VVEGAS) is a Belize-based german hardcore punk band, whose mastermind is an enigmatic yet charismatic man known as "T", formed back in 1999. In the same fashion as G.I.S.M., the acronym VEGAS has different interpretations. For example, V.enerous E.idetic G.alimatias A.boulomaniac S.chizogenesis, V.eritas E.nquesta G.uerra A.rratum S.anctuarium and V.raiment E.ffrayé G.amin A.tavique S.ang. The two latter names were used for some limited edition records during their Japan and Australian tours last year.

Regarding the sound, VEGAS has 90s hardcore punk influences like Integrity, Ringworm and Catharsis, as well as japanese hardcore punk influences like G.I.S.M. and Zouo. There  are some songs with a more experimental approach but in general terms they play fast and rabid straightforward metalcore like most of Holy Terror bands. Also, most of their lyrics display the same attitudes as the bands posted so far and in differents languages (english, french, german, italian and portuguese). We do hope some record with spanish lyrics in the near future.

Finally, you should check this amazing musical project. It has the best elements of Holy Terror with an interesting touch. Also, you should check out their split with Integrity, which pays tribute to british comedy artists Dudley Moore and Peter Cook and it has a superb artwork as well as a full size 24x36 movie poster print "promoting" the collaboration between thes two Holy Terror powerhouse bands. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Rot In Hell - Hallways Of The Always

This is a compilation of the early works (including demo, first 7" and shared splits with different bands, as well as top-notch Meanstreak, Integrity, Inronside and Last Rites covers) of this brutal UK-based Holy Terror band. It was released by A389 Recordings in 2015. So, you will find the best of Integrity and Ringworm's sound in the 90s with a superb modern hardcore punk touch displaying "musical terrorism with an extreme religious manifesto". Also, this is an amazing apéro for their brutal Deathwish debut As Pearls Before Swine. So, you'll be asking, why so short this review? Well, the band itself gladly ask me to do it this way...No, I'm joking. Finally, you should get all of Rot In Hell records. It's worth it. Mandatory download. Enjoy!

Withdrawal - Faith, Flesh and Blood

 
This is the second album of these Canadian disciples of the Holy Terror Church of Final Judgement. I chose this record because it's their most well-known and, in my humble opinion, their best work. Also, they have a superb split with blackened crust fellows Young And In The Way (already featured in our infamous neocrust/blackened crust special). Finally, you'll get everything you'd expect from a Holy Terror band (just like the last record, we won't say more about it). Highly recommended. Enjoy!

AVM - Shokography

This is a fascinating and cryptic Japan-based (allegedly) G.I.S.M.-influenced noisy hardcore punk project. No one knows who they are and it's been said that they have forbidden going to USA for national security reasons...Well, this is absolutely getting out of control...But, we don't care. Anyway, this compiles their splits with Integrity and Cape of Bats. Click on the image, and you'll be redirected to Holy Terror Records official bandcamp account where you can listen to this superb record. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Broken Cross - Anti-Human Life

This a Sweden-based one-man musical project that draws influences from Holy Terror, "metal punk", early black metal and noise  for creating this impressive experience. Broken Cross has already released 4 records: New World Soldier (2011), this record (2013), Secret Destruction (2014) and Through Light To Night (2015). And, as you may expect, this project displays the auditive terrorism Holy Terror bands are known for. Click to the image, and you'll be redirected to the official bandcamp acoount. Highly recommended. Enjoy! 

 OEDE - One Man's Trash 7"

This a Norway-based one-man dark ambient noise musical project. The name of the record, as well as the brief musical description, says it all. You can imagine Burzum and Psywarfare combined in a deep dark electronic ambient jail in Hell, for getting an idea of what this superb project does. Some songs have southern american folk rock, blues and creole influences. And, of course, he's a Holy Terror partisan. Finally, OEDE has been a curator of different blackened musical projects. In the near future we'll feature two of them. Just wait and see. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Vermapyre

This is the most recent Hellion's experimental music project. It shares the same musical taste and approach like OEDE. Hellion describes himself the project like this: "Vaudevillian horror soundtrack performed on home made instruments. Flickering imagery haunts, concealing the forgotten past of our vaudevillian apparition. Distorted, broken sounds from the deteriorated reels of many lost, 1920s silent era horror film devours the listener within the blackened, grit-pocked nightmare that is conjured through the home-made electric cigar box guitar". The only exception is the song Return Of The Sorcerer, featured in the split with japanese "metal punk" outfit Parasite, that has blackened hardcore punk influences. We do hope in the near future songs like this one. Click on the image and you'll be redirected to Vermapyre's official website where you can listen and download their works. Also, if you can get their split with Saturnian Tempel, a french dark ambient project. It's pretty amazing. Highly recommended. Enjoy!

Shades of Mankind - Songs Thou Shall Worship

Last but not least, we finish this special with this outstanding brazilian grindcore band. They mix crust, black metal, deathgrind, and Holy Terror perfectly. I never thought listening to something like this. I really enjoyed it. In the other hand, I'm not really sure if they're disciples of the Holy Terror Church of Final Judgement, but they use the same imagery, symbols and their music and lyrics are influenced by Integrity. Now, this record has amazing Integrity, Cro-Mags, Impaled Nazarene, Eyehategod, Nasum and Amebix covers. You should obey the title. Those covered songs are mandatory for any hardcore punk and extreme metal fan. Finally, check this band out. It's pure gold. Highly recommended. Enjoy!