Moment of Clarity - 'Learn! Inform! Evolve!' Review (self released)

I really didn't know what to expect from a band with a name like Moment of Clarity (great name by the way*) when they got in touch.  Nevertheless I was lucky, cause from the first to the last song I was dealt with some fierce brutal hardcore like it used to be! Great!

MOC do not play too fast, but they do play really heavy and groovy. They really mix hip hop beats with NYHC but this doesn't sound like beatdown, it is a style of their own that is closer to 90s hardcore metal. The songs are short (around 2 minutes or less), with no guitar solos, just mosh and go! The vocals are heavy growled but some nice spoken/rapped parts are also thrown in (about family, pride and integrity). These parts stand out and make the band sound even more hip hop. You'd naturally expect that this band goes out thug, but they don't; they have a minimal approach to everything, and give out a dark and mysterious feeling like In Cold Blood, Ringworm, Integrity etc. An interesting mix of street & dark attitudes!

If I didn't know the background of this band I'd probably say they are from the US. The production sound is nice and clear, and the singer's pronunciation of English is right on. Nevertheless, MOC hails from Belgrade, Serbia. Yet another Balkan band that unrepentantly moshes, tears and destroys all in its path!

Down for the core & more from Moment of Clarity!

With bands like Moment of Clarity, this part of Eastern Europe rightfully puts its foot on the map and deserves a nomination as kings of heavy hardcore/beatdown. They got the brutality, the technical skills and persevere the true hardcore spirit, so what else do you need when it comes to this style?

[7/10]

*not to be confused with the South African epic metal band that goes under the same name!

Video Teaser of the New ST

Check out the new ST circa 2010! The band redid some of the best songs from two legendary 80s records (Join the Army and No Mercy Fool!). The outcome is some crazy, overhyped punk hardcore with awesome musicianship from truly excellent players and, of course, Mike Muir's trademark vocals. Top it up with a great production sound and awesome artwork, and you got SxTx 2010. Here is the promotional video from the band's official website:

Yep... this is the state of the cyco in 2010. Can you dig? Suicidal Tendencies stood out and paved the way since 1983 with their first, self titled album and haven't looked back ever since. Through controversy, fame, obscurity and now becoming legends in their own right, these guys have done it all. I am in a bit of a trance right now as I just got the new album and I am in the process of just getting crazy with it, but we should have a record review up soon. Until then, enjoy!

The Locals Only Punk Rock Show - Thu 25 Nov 2010

While TYS is and always will remain a zine devoted to hardcore music and lifestyle, we always like to pledge our allegiance to solid good punk rock! Melodic punk/hc has always been a fave here at TYS, when we feel like winding down a little bit; therefore, we are happy to present shows like this:

To me, good punk rock has always carried the message of youth and rebellion. In heartless times like the ones we're going through, I guess we really need to remind ourselves of this lost message. No worries, just straight on punk rock, hardcore and ska-core! The best remedy for all your troubles.

So the bands on the bill are also a bit of an unusual and interesting combination. We got the technical Strung Out/Propaghandi Fat Wreck style of Another One Falls, and the 7-piece ska-core of Bad Bid. We also got the mid tempo melodic punk of Lost Meanings (a band I also happen to play bass for :P) and the all school punk of Toxica Apovlita, a band with a legendary status and a long history behind them.

This show is hosted by WAK Records, the hardcore label that supports good punk rock and justifies the connection between hardcore and punk rock that we talked about above. Anchors Aweigh!

Homerun - Demo Review (2010, self-released)

I am very glad to see that the spirit of youthcrew hardcore is alive and kicking in SE Asia. Kids from this particular part of the world tend to go against the trends, or even better, create their own trends and support styles of hardcore that aren't so popular any more (at least in Europe and the US).  Bands like Homerun from Malaysia prove the abovementioned point with some proper '88 youthcrew!

These young fellas have released a demo that all fans of fast straight edge hardcore should get into. Homerun goes straight to the point, with a raw, almost sloppy sound (like youth crew used to be!) and positive lyrics about the scene, thinking straight and staying drug free. The bass is high in the mix, so are the thundering drum rolls that land on your head in the many breaks and mosh/sing along parts. In other words, this is proper old-school youth crew (maybe like a mix between Chain Of Strength and Insted), and less neo-youth crew (i.e. early Comeback Kid, or Champion). By now you should probably know if this is your thing or not!

Homerun goes out all positive and old-school!

I don't have many other things to say about Homerun cause the band really speaks for itself. They preserve a form of hardcore that has been somewhat lost back in time. They are all about sticking to the basics and promoting a positive message with lots of energy and passion. Things like that definitely get thumbs up here in TYS!!! I give it a [7/10].

p.s. Another thing I should mention is that the band offers their demo for free downloading through their myspace: www.myspace.com/homerun88crew. Enjoy the songs, youthcrew go!

Deathbed Greek Mini Tour (19-21 Nov. 2010)

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for another great band to hit our premises. From Finland, hardcore punk heroes with post/crust sensibilities, we present you Deathbed (ex-Endstand):

Brought to you by the usual suspects (for underground hardcore/punks shows in Athens and elsewhere), World's Appreciated Kitsch. Enjoy!

p.s. Don't forget that apart from the show in Athens this Friday, Deathbed will also travel to Patras and Larissa for 2 shows filled with intensity, supported by some of today's best and most active Greek HC/punk bands!