MID-YEAR FEATURE: Hardcore

11 July 2014 | 4:48 pm | Staff Writer
Originally Appeared In

For “hardcore” in the first half of 2014, there’s a common thread. The elite just seem to be getting better. Stalwart artists that populate and reside at the head of the genre have released some impressive albums. From established internationals to local up and comers, we look at the quality of material so far. Killyourstereo.com gives you the best and worst “hardcore” has offered (so far) – a mid year feature to discuss, debate and offer opinion.

For “hardcore”, in the first half of 2014, there’s a common thread. The elite just seem to be getting better.

Stalwart artists that populate and reside at the head of the genre have released some impressive albums.

From established internationals to local up and comers, we look at the quality of material so far.

Killyourstereo.com gives you the best and worst “hardcore” has offered (so far) – a mid year feature to discuss, debate and offer opinion.

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Top five international albums (in no particular order)

Every Time I Die – From Parts Unknown

Every Time I Die are a safe bet. If you put your money behind the Buffalo boys, you’d never go a day hungry for the rest of your life. ‘From Parts Unknown’ is another perfect representation of why this band is so respected and well loved. Entertaining and full of musical personality, this is fast, heavy and typical ETID with a few surprises, ‘Moor’, perhaps?!

Comeback Kid – Die Knowing

“That’s it, back to Winnipeg!” Canadian punk/hardcore 14-year veterans Comeback Kid have provided another successful record with full-length number five. ‘Die Knowing’ has a strong live aesthetic to the recorded sound, which gives the material more of an authentic edge that will only serve to work perfectly within the genre.

Trap Them – Blissfucker

Thank God for Trap Them! They’re a band that consistently sets the bar high and the intensity even higher, and with each new album smash the previous standard. ‘Blissfucker’ is a reflection of a band that doesn’t care about trends or faux popularity; they just want to play music for the right reasons. From the moment ‘Salted Crypts’ drops, the tone is set.

Throwdown – Intolerance

One for the nostalgic. OC heavy-hitters Throwdown were the quintessential high school hardcore band. Breakdowns, a pissed off mentality, the group turned many onto the genre and had them sporting X’s on hands at local shows. The good thing about ‘Intolerance’ is it’s no vanity album for Dave Peters. It’s a return to form. For fans of the band’s earlier material, this record certainly went down well.

Trash Talk – No Peace

In a strict way of grading, ‘No Peace’ didn’t reach the heights of ‘Eyes & Nines’ or even crushing EP ‘Awake’. However, this is still a strong collection of tracks. ‘Cloudkicker’ is the clear highlight. Hardcore certainly needs a band like Trash Talk.

Honourable mention: Bane – Don’t Wait Up

Top five Australian albums

Thorns – From Tears To Glory

Melbourne’s Thorns really asserted themselves on debut album, ‘From, Tears To Glory’. Heavy and layered, this album is a fitting representation of local hardcore. The band has assimilated perfectly in the local touring circuit and things only appear to be moving in the right direction.

Iron Mind – Iron Mind

The closing line in our review from earlier in the year summarises why Iron Mind’s self-titled album simply works. “Self-assured and natural, the album wholly embodies the powerful, energetic entity that is Iron Mind in 2014 - skull-crushingly heavy and totally visceral.” The band now takes their strong work ethic international.

Shackles – Forced To Regress

Powerviolence dripping from every note, with a grind influence giving off an even heavier front. Deliberate and precise, ‘Forced To Regress’ was just chaotic. A wall of noise is a term of endearment. ‘Forced to Regress’ is another win for the local heavy scene.

Deadweight – Demo

Relatively unknown, Melbourne’s Deadweight will make just as much noise as their demo delivers in no time. Taking the rhythmic approach of Converge and All Pigs Must Die mixed with a hint of Oathbreaker, for an independent, first-up offering, this demo has tremendous promise. Get in early with these guys.

Marathon - Cure

The debut album from these Brisbane boys was chaotic but with enough purpose and direction. With a sound that is off the rails, sometimes bands can lose their way in pursuit of intensity. Not the case here as ‘Cure’ is a decent introduction.

Honourable mention:  Regresser - .1

Most surprising/underrated album

Hundredth – Resist (EP)

Music is littered with bands that were merely a flash in the pan. Whether an album or song, some groups hit the mark only in isolation. ‘Resist’ proves that Hundredth will have longevity. Every bit as strong as 2013’s ‘Revolt’.

Most disappointing album

Issues – Issues

Each to their own, but bouncy hardcore chuggs mixed with electro is too common, with interest levels quickly fleeting. Moving on…

Albums to keep an eye out for in the second half of 2014:

The Ghost Inside - TBA

Code Orange – I Am King

Collosvs – Unholy

The Weight – Suffer Eternal

Mary Jane Kelly - TBA

Read our previous MID-YEAR FEATURE(s): Punk and Metal.