Aggression is the sophomore release from Verse. A lot of bands tend to hit a sophomore slump. Not sure why, but that’s what usually happens. However, this is not the case for this particular album. In fact, it seems like a natural progression from their From Anger lp. The passion and heart haven’t changed. The …
Continue reading “Verse – Aggression – Bridge 9 Records #095 – 2008”
How do these people find me? According to Mr Mroz’s press sheet, “there is a crisis at hand and Pete Mroz is the inexhaustible hero.” Of course, the PR sheet goes on and on joke after joke, hyperbole topping hyperbole. Before listening, I assumed I was getting a Good Clean Fun solo project. I was …
Right Idea is everything good about new and upcoming hardcore currently. I can’t believe how good this demo is. No serious, fully backed. This is straight up, youth crew style hardcore from Cleveland. This demo makes me think of Side By Side, Our Turn, … everything I love about hardcore. Some true PMA going on …
The First Step have been a staple in hardcore for many years now. The first time I remember seeing them was way back in 2002. It was this big show at the Knights Of Columbus in Wallingford, CT. I can recall Fred and Ashley being up front losing their shit. And almost everyone else was …
Continue reading “The First Step – Connection EP – Rivalry Records #028 – 2008”
Not the Red Ranger or A. Shumsky Glue is a western Mass hardcore band. Semi out of the ashes of R’N’R, Think I Care and every Shumsky project, add the Red Ranger from Attitude and a bassist. It was Josh Hynes (from Resist) but now appears to be Natalie Kacian. WHOA, not edge. WTF!? When …
Holy shit, Final Verdict is carrying the torch of mid 90s hardcore. If you miss Groundzero, Holdstrong and 25 Ta Life (wait, you can’t miss them, they are still playing shows), then Final Verdict is for you. This band may as well have stepped out of a time machine from 13-15 years ago. I didn’t …
Continue reading “Final Verdict – Reaching For Something Better – 2008”
Defiant Hearts are from my back yard. Almost literally. How they ended up on 6131 Records out of Huntington Beach, California is a little beyond me. I’m puzzled by it. Defiant Hearts isn’t forging a new path or breaking new ground, but what they do, they do well. A little melodic hardcore on a snowy …
Continue reading “Defiant Hearts – Arlington – 6131 Records #09 – 2007”
It isn’t too frequently that we receive books to review. In fact, I think HYE? has only ever received three books ever. In the case of books, the quality out weighs the quantity. What Southern Empire Records is presenting here is a glimpse into the lives of straight edge men, women and children outside of …
Continue reading “Out Of Step: Faces Of Straight Edge – Empire Press – 2007”
This is heavy. Out and out heavy. Pellinore hail from New Jersey, but they have a definite Cleveland influence. I wouldn’t be surprised if they kill it in Ohio. Plenty of slow mosh, plenty of fast mosh, lots of hard breakdowns. This band basically takes all the good stuff and lumps it into one song. …
Continue reading “Pellinore – Memento Mori/Hell Mouth – Strike 3 Records #03- 2007”
Charles really fucked up when he sent me this demo. Not only did he send me his demo, but he also sent me the us release of The Steal album. That’s just not thinking straight. How am I supposed to listen to Strike A Chord when I have The Steal on repeat 24/7? Now that …