"In Effect 91 NYHC Documentary": A Trip to the Real Old School

In Effect is one of the relatively lesser known documentaries about the NYHC scene. It contains live footage and interviews with some of the real, universal HC legends, like Agnostic Front, Cro-Mags, Murphy's Law, Sick of it All and Gorilla Biscuits.

What is great about In Effect is that you get to see the different personalities and approaches behind each band (i.e. Cro-Mags' tougher 'bad guy' stance, SOIA's more mature HC approach, Gorilla Biscuits' intellectual straight edge), which has pretty much evolved into different schools of hardcore in all these following years. It's awesome to watch documentaries like this, because you gain some insight of how hardcore really used to be back in the day, before the hype, the style, the tattoos, the rejection of the oldschool by newer schools, and before touring and putting out records was easy as it is today.

It can't be a coincidence that all the bands featured in this documentary actually created such a strong name in the history of hardcore, or the fact that most of them still continue to this day. It really makes me happy to know that most of the people in the documentary are still involved in hardcore in one way or the other. I guess it's evident that these are the people who are "in it for life" and who - no matter what the kids of today have to say - have paved the way for all the rest. However, this important documentary marks a hardcore era that for better or for worse, did not serve as the political correct mouthpiece that hardcore bands & people have inarguably become nowadays.

So... know your hardcore history, enjoy the awesome music and check out these 58 minutes of O.G. NYHC action!

Review: BURN EVERYTHING "Hollow Victory" 7"

Genre: Metal-Hardcore/Mathcore

Location: NJ, USA

Band Website: Bandcamp

Label: Dullest Records

Do you happen to know a band called Burn Everything? If not, I believe it’s about time to discover them. Cause their two previous releases might have prepared the ground and warned us about what’s coming but their new release leaves no room for doubt. It is extremely positive when you see a band evolve and improve things whilst keeping all the good elements that has previously created. The 4-track 7" titled Hollow Victory that has just came out it’s simply the natural continuation of last year's EP and the beginning of a sound avalanche that has started to 

grow dangerously and nothing seems to be able to stop it.

So complicated music and style yet so simple. Burn Everything don’t step on their technical abilities in order to create a sound effect without order and structure. They don’t overwhelm with complex riffing and numerous changes. Cause through the complexity and the “out of tune” tempos, diffuses directness and simplicity. The distance that you have to cover is full of twists and turns but you‘ll have a pleasant trip and you will never lose your way. Everything is placed in the right spot, energy and passion is present at every second and when necessary they bombard you with death-ish tunes that shake your head miles away.

Okay, I can’t neglect the fact that the “math” sign, as also the huge similarity with Burnt By The Sun, is stuck on them but their music is enriched with all the elements needed to make a difference and to make this band special. Most important is that apart from the excellent bonding between guitar riffs, tempos and changes, each moment has a story to tell and has a reason to be there, at any point of this release. Thumbs up also for the improved production and sound compared always to their previous releases. The sound has the clarity needed to reflect the complex riffing and the heaviness and volume required to make Hollow Victory a bomb ready to explode at any time.

Burn Everything no longer bear the title “promising band”. They are far beyond that. Listening to Hollow Victory you will acknowledge that this band has a great potential. My only concern is whether they‘ll manage to break free from their influences (mainly Burnt By The Sun and Human Remains) and make their sound and music even more unique. Four tracks were perfect as a starter. I look forward for the main course!

- Nikos – nikostolis@gmail.com

HELLSPAWN - "Diabolic"

Poland's Hellspawn really have it all: the insane blastbeats, the perfect production, the catchy Satanic riffs, the extravagant technichality, that sick Morbid Angel atmosphere... Fuck yeah! What else do you need to press play on the video below? Strictly for fans of true death metal!

http://www.facebook.com/Hellspawn.Metal

The Nobodys - Manny

This is some quality scruffy punk rock from the masters of this style. I know that the Nobodys got a lot of shit back in the day for being oh so politically incorrect, but that's what I love about them! Punk rock just needs to be offensive sometimes! What can I say, I practically grew up with this band.

I just wish people still made honest punk music like this. All you need is the basic elements: inspiration, 3-4 catchy chords and a shitty production sound! I personally kind of prefer the Nobodys' later, more mid tempo stuff, but this will do just fine for a starting point.

All hail old school punk rock and it's don't care ethos!

GWAR - Go Fur Free!

Original crazie Oderus Urungus from numero uno shock metal band GWAR (and if you don't know GWAR, where have you been the last 20 years?) goes berserk for you on camera, on a rant about the use of fur. This video is a bit too long, but it's still funny and it promotes a good cause. It's always nice to see how some of the most don't give a fuck people out there in the end show they do have the basic common sense most 'normal' people lack. Now you know what to do... Go fur/leather free!