Hardcore

Album Of The Week: Gouge Away- Deep Sage

As a giant music fan, I love when I hear albums that get me stuck on them. When that happens, I get so drawn into what is going on with everything about the album. Upon first listen of Gouge Away’s new and long awaited album, Deep Sage, I immediately started it again and I have yet to take it out of my rotation. The bands extended break and return to this material shows an immense growth in not only the bands approach to songwriting and ability to tell a story within a song, it also proved to be the right thing as these songs pack a walloping punch that is abrasive and urgent.

From the time the album starts with “Stuck In A Dream” all the way to the epic closer “Dallas,” Gouge Away have made an album that truly embodies what this band has always been capable of and more. Their first couple of releases started them on the path towards where they are now but, on Deep Sage it takes it to a whole other level. The way the album was recorded by Jack Shirley, really makes this album shine. The album was recorded live, the old fashioned way and that organic sound makes this record standout even more. The live feel of the album, the killer riffs and rhythms and the way the vocals grab you will not only make you pay attention but also shows the evolution of the band quite well.

I love this whole album so it’s hard for me to pick out certain songs to highlight. Instead of going track by track I will say this. Each song on Deep Sage is meant to be there and sequenced in such a manner that as I said above grabs your attention. The way Christina Michelle’s vocals are on this album showcase her talent not as a screamer but more as vocalist as she weaves really delicate webs and then can unleash a ferociousness that is quite intense, especially when you hear the songs “Idealized” and “Spaced Out.” The final track on the album, “Dallas” is a show stopper. I personally can’t wait to hear all these songs live but, this one in particular. There is such a wonderful dynamic shift within the song that when you hear it, let’s just say, you’ll know why this album is so damn good.

This is the type of album that gives me hope for the future of music. Not just in the genres that I enjoy most but, in general. Gouge Away made an album with Deep Sage that cements them as forces to be reckoned with but, also a record that stands out and can actually become a very influential album. Another thing about this album that I love is that it was made with a true passion and that shows through on each song. The live performance aspect really drives that home and it makes for a listening experience that feels alive. I can’t wait to see Gouge Away live and hear these songs. What a tremendous album this is. So much so that as of this writing, it’s my album of the year. I really do look forward to where the band goes next.

Overall Rating: A

Review By: Brian Lacy

Gouge Away- Deep Sage:

Album Review: Harms Way- Common Suffering

The evolution of bands is necessary for a multitude of reasons. I’ll rattle off a couple. One, you don’t want to keep churning out the same thing over and over. Your tastes change as you grow. The genre your band is in needs something more. And you want to further develop the sound of the band. All of these reasons can be found on the new Harms Way album, Common Suffering. Throughout their career, Harms Way have kept adding elements to their sound in a way that not only stands out in a good way but, also breathes new life into the genre. After one listen to Common Suffering, I knew that this wasn’t just any typical next album. This one is quite the record!

Right out of the gate you get a swift kick to the head with the very straight forward hardcore attack of “Silent Wolf.” From there the riffs really start to grab you as “Denial” takes the record to another level of heavy. “Hollow Cry” is one of the songs on the album that shows that evolution. There’s a Converge meets Helmet vibe to this song that I really dig. “Devour” is another hardcore banger with a head banging breakdown that will for sure put a crick in your neck. Next up is the very awesome and experimental track “Undertow” which features King Woman’s, Kris Esfandiari. This song has a really killer industrial tone to it. The vocals on this song are both haunting and pummeling. One of the things I really dig about this track is where it’s placed in the sequence of the album. The shift of the album happens here and it’s quite powerful. “Heaven’s Call” is the perfect follow up track to “Undertow” in the way it starts and then just cuts right to the heavy. “Cyanide” is another heavy banger that I have a feeling will be a crowd favorite when played live. “Terrorizer” is a song that brings in more of the industrial element while still being hardcore as all hell. “Sadist Guilt” has razor sharp riffs and an absolute gritty rhythm to it that could shatter glass. Closing out the album is the superb “Wanderer.” This track especially shows the band stepping further away from their comfort zone by adding some surprise elements that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from Harms Way but, in a way that is organic and on the track of their evolution.

Common Suffering is an album that you can tell a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making it. Having listened to Harms Way for some time now, it’s quite refreshing to hear them take a few twists and turns on this album. With each album, Harm’s Way have pushed themselves to not just be labeled as a hardcore band or a death metal band. The industrial elements they add to their already hard and heavy sound adds a layer that gives them a bit more bite. While the album is still quite angry and full of rage, there’s a sense of catharsis when you listen that by the time you finish the album, a purge of emotions has taken place. Harms Way really have made an album that not only stands out amongst their peers but also shows that having variety in hardcore and extreme music is a good thing.

Overall Rating: 9/10

By: Brian Lacy

Harms Way- Common Suffering:

New Release: Thoughtcrimes- Natural Imprudence

Back in August of 2022, Thoughtcrimes released their full length debut, Altered Pasts. That album quickly became a favorite of mine and it’s still been in rotation. Now, a new song has been unleashed upon us and it’s a banger! Speaking about “Natural Imprudence,” Billy Rymer said “The initial inspiration came about with a conversation Russ and I had about HM-2 distortion. He then brought his Evil Ned pedal to my place and we made a demo. This is probably the fastest we have written and released a track. We are all excited to share something that is still fresh even to us.” That being said, it’s pretty awesome to get a surprise new track from Thoughtcrimes. Now all that is needed is a proper Los Angeles show date!

Thoughtcrimes- Natural Imprudence (Official Video):

On Bandcamp:

https://purenoise.bandcamp.com/track/natural-imprudence

Songs/Albums Of The Week: March 2, 2023

In between my Depeche Mode and Pixies catalog deep dives, I’ve also heard some other songs and albums that have really peaked my interest. Some of these bands you might have heard before as they were featured on Audioeclectica and others will probably be new to you. Either way, these songs and albums have been on a constant rotation and deserve your attention. So check these out!

01) A Light Within– Meteroic Fires: This band is rad. I’ve been a fan for some time. Each new release shows this band evolving their sound and reaching new heights. This new song is a bit of a departure from their more prog driven rock. on “Meteoric Fires,” A Light Within finds balance between their love of prog rock by incorporating tighter arrangements and delving a bit more into a “space rock” territory a la Shiner or Hum. Really look forward to what else is to come from this band!

02) Common Wounds– Hit Or Miss: I’m totally enthralled with this band. I love it. You know that feeling that you get when you are looking for something to listen to and then you hear something that immediately grabs your attention? Well that’s what Common Wounds did to me. This new track “Hit or Miss” is most definitely a HIT! It’s got all the things you’d want in a post-hardcore band and song. Common Wounds is a band that I really look forward to hearing more from. Their EP comes out soon and I highly recommend you taking the time to listen to it and let it take over!

03) Lived In– Gone By: I love a good rock band. Just a no frills rock band armed with guitars, bass, drums and vocals. Recently I was introduced to this band Lived In and I’ve been really digging on them. They have the 90’s alt rock sound down and it doesn’t sound dated instead it feels and sounds fresh and lively. This band is another that I have on my radar and look forward to what else they do.

04) Deathgrave– Your Rulers Are Here: Heavy music is my and Deathgrave are definitely one that I’ve had my ear to the ground with for a bit. This track is heavy as it is absolutely crushing and delivers one hell of a punch. The video that accompanies it is quite fun too. Deathgrave are one of those bands that are a bit against the grain but worth every second of you listening!

05) Object Of Affection– Run Back: I recently heard this band and I found myself really digging on them. There is so much to this band that I haven’t had the chance to peel it all back yet. When you listen you pick up on bits of new wave, post punk, synthwave and then some. This song “Run Back” is a really solid example of all these genres mixed together to create something that is a bit more than meets the ear or eye. It’s music that seeps in and grabs you. Their upcoming album Field of Appearances was meticulously crafted with Grammy-nominated producer Alex Newport (who you might know from Nailbomb as well as producing and recording The Mars Volta’s Tremulant EP). Definitely give this a listen!

06) Form Rank– Sirens: Punk Rock has had a lot of variations over the years but, those that understand what it really is have held the flag for those that truly get it. One band that understands that ever so well is Form Rank. This band has a bit of an 80’s metallica hardcore edge to it with hooks and grit to stand apart from a lot of the others in the genre. Form Rank are one of those bands that will have your foot tapping, head bobbing and quite possibly singing along rather quick! Keep your eye out for Form Rank when they come through your town.

07) Stronger Than Machines– Undivided EP: Stronger Than Machines are fast becoming one of my new favorite bands. I’ve had the pleasure of booking them twice now for Cobalt Presents shows and each time they have played they have absolutely come in and owned the stage and decimated all that came before them and after. Their EP, Undivided is a heavy yet melodic trip. The 6 songs that are a part of this EP are a walloping punch to the gut. The unrelenting ferociousness of this band is infectious and each time you see them, you find yourself drawn in more and more. Stronger Than Machines are another band that I really look forward to seeing more and hearing what else they do. What a band!

08) Know//Suffer– Winter Two Piece EP: Another band that I was recently introduced to and I dig it. I love when you hear a band and at first you don’t know what to think quite yet, then you put it on again and it all clicks. Know//Suffer is one of those bands that might take a minute but once it hits, you know that you don’t want it to end. It’s heavy and brutal in ways that explore hardcore, sludge, post metal and even bits of black metal. If you are into heavy music, Know//Suffer is for you!


09) Mast Year– Knife & In Tandem from their upcoming album, Knife: I came across this band today and I’m glad I did. Mast Year is a post-hardcore/noise rock band that add a bit more to their sound. The additions of intriguing rhythms and ambient turns as well as a sludgey aspect make Mast Year stand out amongst their peers. It doesn’t have to be all dark and dreary and Mast Year gives that bit of light to shine through it!

10) Bleed The Sky featuring Mark Hunter- The Parasite: Bleed The Sky are back!!! I used to really dig this band way back. Now in 2023 they are kicking up quite a stir with their new singer and this new track. Plus having Chimaira’s Mark Hunter on the track gives it even more bite. Glad to hear Mark still has those vocals! Looking forward to what else Bleed The Sky has coming up! They were always a solid band with a great live show!

Album Review: Seizures- Reverie of the Revolving Diamond

a1060138663_16

There are bands that come around every so often that are truly inspiring and remarkable. More often than not, these bands never get the due they deserve because of the genre they are a part of as well as not playing by the generic norm of the industry. And that’s what makes heavy music truly great. There are no rules to abide by and there are no compromises when it comes to making the type of music and albums these bands want to make. There’s a band from Orange County, CA, that have been carving their own path for some time and with the release of their new album, they have cemented themselves as torchbearers for a genre and have set a standard for what’s to come from this style of music.

Reverie of the Revolving Diamond by Seizures, is an album that is truly outstanding and genre defining. The ability this band has to mix metal, jazz, punk, atmospheric sounds as well as deep and poetic lyrics is something that should not be overlooked by anyone. The instant that the first song “Mazarine” begins, you are immediately drawn into the soundscapes and almost psychedelic undertones. “The Cycles Unnumbered” unleashes a fury of off time playful chaos and delicate jazz scales directly into the rush of blood to your head of “In A Valley Of Twilit Meres.” “Toxophola” is one of the more experimental songs on the album but still maintains the ferociousness that resonates through the entire album. This song also features Keith Barney (of Eighteen Visions/ex Throwdown). “The Ponds You Dried Yet Still You Stare” is one of my favorite songs on the album. It has everything I love about this band all wrapped in one song. Listen and you’ll hear why. “Atollian” continues to expand upon the atmospheric undertones of the album and keeps it tasty as a sweet transition right into the decimating “Of Indigo and Seven Crows.” “Severnaya” provides a really cool interesting vibe as it serves as an entry into “Bedlam Blues” which is the most straight forward song on the album but not in the way that defers from the spastic nature of the album. “On Saturine Shores” is another moving interlude of sorts. These little atmospheric jazz breaks in between songs give the album and listener a breath in between sonic assaults. Closing out the album is “Eru” and this song is epic and like “The Ponds…” this too has a bit of everything that Seizures has to offer and then some.

Seizures have released an album that stands up with the best albums as their contemporaries and the ones that inspired and influenced them.  They have a sound and style that is ferocious and brutal yet delicate and oddly soothing. Reverie of the Revolving Diamond is an album for today as much as Calculating Infinity by The Dillinger Escape Plan was 20 years ago. The band live is a whole other beast as well. I’ve only had the pleasure of seeing them once but, they truly left a mark on me and I’ve been anticipating this album since I saw Seizures. Do yourself a favor and take a chance on something that might (well it probably is) out of your comfort zone and discover what this band has to offer. This album is definitely in my top ten of the year as well.

Seizures- Reverie of the Revolving Diamond:

 

By: Brian Lacy

On The Rise: Vein

 

Vein_errorzone.jpg

There is a band that is out and about right now that is decimating audiences where ever they play. Their debut full length is leaving a lasting mark in the heavy music circles. And the best part is they are still so young. I’m talking about the band Vein. This is one hell of a band and they deserve your attention.

Vein formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 2013. Their music takes bits and pieces from metalcore, hardcore, punk, and a hint of early nu-metal. Their debut album Errorzone, is one of 2018’s most acclaimed albums. The album in no way sounds forced or out of place. You can tell that each member of the band has studied their influences and without trying to duplicate what they’ve heard, Vein has managed to make something that sounds inspired. There is a real sense of urgency to these songs and album. It’s almost like a call to arms of the entire scene. The length of Errorzone is barely 30 minutes. That tells you that there is no letting up. The eleven songs on the album pummel from the instant the album starts to the end.

Errorzone is just the beginning for Vein. They are on to something that reaches beyond just the hardcore genre. The way they experiment shows that they have so much more to offer. It’s going to be really fun to watch this band progress over the years. Vein is here to inject their style into you and let it take over.

 

Vein- Errorzone:

 

Vein- Virus://Vibrance:

 

Band Of The Week: Entry

36852919_1091081427707845_1510368843556454400_n.jpg

Punk and hardcore have been a favorite of mine for pretty much my entire life. There is something so beautiful in the volatile and extreme nature of the music that resonates so well. There is a band in Los Angeles that is disrupting the scene and leaving one hell of a mark. The band I’m talking about is called Entry and they are fanfuckintastic. Originally formed as just a duo with screamer Sara Gregory and her partner Clayton Stevens (who plays guitar in the underrated Touche Amore), the band has now grown to a four piece that also features Christopher Dwyer of Ghost Idols on drums and Sean S on bass.  Since Their inception, Entry has fast become one of the bests underground bands in LA. Their music and live shows are full of piss and vinegar that harks back to the days that Black Flag was hitting their stride. Entry is the type of band in the punk/hardcore scene that is a real force to be reckoned with and I’d dare anyone to try and take them on!

 

Entry:

Band Of The Week: Knaaves

28055858_1956873877908593_379698066534173151_n

One of my favorite things about writing and running Audioeclectica is when I get an email from a band that is personalized and asking me to check out their band. Recently I got a message from a band called Knaaves. I was immediately impressed with the message that was sent that I stopped what I was doing to check them out. What I heard was a blistering heavy band that was full of dark riffs and an attitude that compliments the music superbly. Knaaves, based out of Milwauke, is a four piece band featuring Andy Parmann (Vocals), Amanda Daniels (Bass), Jamie Kerwin (Guitar), and Antonio Ninham (Drums) that mixes metal, hardcore, and bits of melody to create a hard charging, groove filled sound. Knaaves isn’t a “metal-core” band, instead they take bits of post hardcore and add it to their already heavy groove. Their 2 song EP JANUARY, featuring the songs “January” and “Nine Lives Lost” will have you banging your head and possibly erupting into a one person mosh pit (which is totally possible). Do yourself a favor and check out Knaaves and let the power of heaviness guide you on your way to where you are headed.

Knaaves- January EP:

Band Of The Week: Fucked and Bound

26814559_1557725057645703_7627102524097697067_n.jpg

When I first heard that members of He Whose Ox Is Gored were involved in a side project my curiosity was perked. Then when I heard that it was going to be a hardcore/punk band, I was ecstatic. Fucked and Bound is the name of the band and it delivers a righteous slab of unrelenting and ferocious hardcore. Their debut album Suffrage (released by Atomic Action Records) is 13 songs of pure heaviness, attitude, and anger. Fronted by Lisa Mungo, she screams her heart out and it’s furious and in your face. Her conviction of the lyrics as she spits them out in the mic are some of the most honest I’ve heard in a long time. The band themselves comprised of Brian McClelland (Guitar), Curtis Parker (Bass) and Matt Chandler (Drums) blast through riffs and beats that pummel and run you over with the right amount of brutality. Fucked and Bound is just what is needed in today’s political and social climate. Do yourselves a favor and throw this album on and unleash the inner beast inside you.

 

Fucked and Bound- Suffrage:

 

Fucked and Bound Tour Dates:

3/17 Seattle, WA @ Black Lodge
3/20 Portland, OR @ Fixin’ To Bar
3/21  Chico, CA @ Naked Lounge
3/22 Sacramento, CA @ Blue Lamp
3/23 Oakland, CA @ Golden Bull
3/24 Los Angeles, CA @ 3PM MATINEE at Redwood Bar
3/25 San Diego, CA @ Space Bar
3/27 Mesa, Az @ Nile Underground
3/28 Tuscon, AZ @ Flycatcher
3/29 Las Vegas, NV @ The Garth
3/30 Reno, NV @ Jub Jub’s Days of the Loud Fest
By: Brian Lacy

 

Band Of The Week: Matriarchs

1239552_601977913173833_338306918_n.png

10406509_864468236924798_4625136702216591583_n.jpg

The hardcore genre has undergone a few changes since its inception, but the true spirit of what the genre started as lives on in a few bands still. Last weekend while I was at the Whisky to see Vision Of Disorder, the first band I saw that night left me really excited. Matriarchs delivered the goods and represented hardcore music to the fullest. Their sound incorporates a tinge of metal, yet still rings true to the roots. Their EP Scandalous Jointz, reminds me of old school Hatebreed and Agnostic Front with a little bit of old Throwdown in there. Live, these guys are intense and command the stage. Vocalist Richard Barthel is quite a force. His gutteral vocals and true to life lyrics get the point across clearly. The band also features ex-members of well-known bands like Hoods, Ruckus, and The Faceless, making Matriarchs a band with countless influences to expand upon as time goes on. Check them out if you need to get your fix of well done hardcore.

Deadman:


Judas:

 

Better Off Dead:

 

Slave City: