MOSH OF ASS #6 featured in SHORT FAST AND LOUD #8, released early 2002.
Intro
This is by-far the biggest MOA that has ever come out. There are various reasons for this…one is that it took a little longer for this SFL issue to come out due to Chris moving to Southern California. I welcomed this delay everytime I looked at the 5 shopping bags full of tapes I knew I would have to review. The other reason why there are so many tapes is that I went on a few tours since last time, and I spent a lot of time and money collecting demos from opening bands and from stores. When I went to Japan I bought about $300 worth of demos.
About MOA: I started it about 5 years ago as a free demo review zine…I used to scam Kinko’s copies and pass these out for free. It soon became too big for me to do that, so Chris and I decided to make it a feature of SFL. This way it gets out to more people, although now, I can’t send free copies to the bands.
Most of these tapes I bought, which is OK for me because I love demos and cassesttes in general. If you want to submit anything to be reviewed, please send it to MY Po Box. As long as its not racist, sexist or homophobic, and falls under the ubrella of grind/hardcore/straight edge/punk I will probably review it.
A warning about the following reviews….I dig most styles of punk, everything from raw grind to New York style HC to even some melodic stuff. So what I might think rips, you may not. Also, I have a certain admiration for new bands and young kids pumping out their first demo, I think it rules and what punk is all about. So I take that into consideration when reviewing something too….Although I might not listen to most of these tapes more than three times ever again (mainly due to volume), I think demo tapes serve an important part in our scene.
So write these bands, support and check out some good tunes while you’re at it!
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Top million Favs of this issue: (in no particular order)
Dewa Comp Tape / Acme / Parade of Enemies / Brody’s Militia / Zoul / Wasteoid / Nada Cambia / Far Left Limit / Rats A Poi / Ripped To Shreds / The Corpse / Domestik Doktrin / Curioso / Shortfuse / Circle / BG / 24 Reasons / Lugosi / Crucial Attack / Violent Party / APA / Edora
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CIRCLE - 2nd Demo
I loved these guys 1st demo (which was a lo-fi recording) plus was way into a video I saw of them… this tape just confirms Circle is a thrash force to be reckoned with. One of the new breeds of thrash bands coming form the Nagoya area (Okazaki-City to be exact, the capital of thrash right now)….this tape is 6 songs of fast, start-stop hardcore with strained vocals. Good shit. Mitsgu Sugiura, 7-10-5 Nakamachi, Okazaki City, Aichi, 444-0015, JAPAN
SLIGHT SHIVERS - Demo
When people say “one man band” I normally expect crappy noise/grind with a drum machine. This is rocking metallic crossover from Atlanta, where the guy does record everything. The recording and style makes it sound like it should have been on an old Skate Rock comp tape in 86….think Beyond Possession meets Code of Honor. Greg, 1151 Portland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30316
THE 67 - 5 song Demo
Snotty, garagy thrash from Japan…..fun, fast, hectic, and catchy at time. The recording is a little blown out, but it sounds good for this style. Think a thrash version of Smash Your Face. Tomohiko Okami, 2349-1 Moriya Kou, Moriya-machi, Kitasouma-gun, Ibaraki, 302-0115, JAPAN
POST CROWN - Demo
WHN played with these guys, and they were pretty hyper hardcore punk….and while there is a lot of that mixed in with the 7 songs on this tape, there is a lot of melody, post-hardcore rocking, and even some surf-style intros etc. Although I like it, I think once they get more parameters on their songs they will be ripping. Mitsuki Takeda, 1-4-3 Hukutomihigashi, Okayama, 702-8033, JAPAN
H PYLORI - The Inception Demo
Although I hate the term, I guess the best way to describe this is to say power-violence…its not necessarily fast straight up HC, nor grindcore….but mixture of the two. Multiple vocals, crazy riffs…..and a constant high speed through out. I dug it. Las Vegas is coming up! Panic Inc, 1350 E. Flamingo Rd. #143, Las Vegas, NV 89119
DEATHBOOT - Hagridden Demo
7 songs of tuned-down fast grind/HC from Sweden. The good recording (especially the guitar tone) keeps the strong. Henrik Wendel, Ehrensvardsgatan 26, SE-212 13 Malmo, SWEDEN
SKATENIKS - Escape the Human Limits Demo
2 songs that are raging…..fast, start stop hardcore punk…..They skate (no shit) and there music is the perfect embodiment of the high energy that comes from skating. Cool! Yusuke Hisakawa, Nakagawa-nishi 3-6-22, Ikuno-ku, Osaka, 544-0032, JAPAN.
SMEAR CAMPAIGN - Demo
This is pre-Oxbaker from Canada (just a name change really) so you know its fast, straight forward HC-thrash. Reminds me of a slower They Live…..damn good. Plus my tape has a live radio show that is awesome! Mike, 1 Rickwood Pl #3, St. Thomas, ON, N5R 6A8, CANADA.
ALL IS SUFFERRING - Demo
This is an advance of some studio songs from AIS from Maryland….I’ve never heard of them before (although they have an EP out) but its pretty damn crazy shit…..fast, grind hardcore that busts into some pretty damn good crust style shit. They call it “brutalitarian hardcore” which fits pretty well. L. Likas, 4220 Solomons Island Rd., St. Leonard, MD, 20685.
SMES / FUCK THE FACTS - Split Tape
SMES is fucked up electronic grind with samples/keyboards/drum machine, etc from Holland. Fuck The Facts are more death metal/grind (but with drum machine) from Holland. Zas c/o Tournoud Marco, Via Roma 59, 10056 Oulx (TO), ITALY
PISSED YOUTH - 8 Song Demo
Primitive fastcore….all crazy, fast, with some high pitched vocals (ala Neos). The recording is a little rough on the edges, but it’s a cool demo. If you are a fan of crazy, fast hardcore punk…….I think a split with Dystrophy is in the works, which will be cool. G7, Po Box 1646, 49006 Osnabruck, GERMANY
AK-47 - Tape
33 songs of grindcore/noisecore from Colorado….for fans of fuzzed out noisecore. Legion Records, 4588 Parfet St., Wheatridge, CO 80033
TROTSY ON ICE - CDR Demo
Super primitive hardcore…..basically a drum machine blasting away on one beat, a guitar, and vocals. The 650 mosh theme is pretty funny. 48 Camino Alto, Millbrae, CA 94030
BONES BRIGADE - Demo/Advance
Some solid skate-core from the Boston area…..this really is like a Skate Rock band (a little rocking guitar licks, etc) but with some good fast hardcore mixed in (ala youth crew like Tem Yard Fight). I dig it…damn good for a demo. 7 songs, about zombies, skating and oh, a cover of “Let’s Go Get Cokes” by the Faction. Philip Harwood, 700 Columbus Ave, Box #5171, Boston, MA 02120
RIGHT TO BLAME - Demo
A Japanese youth crew band that has a mix of melody (ala UC) and heavy breakdowns ala new school styles. This is about as formula as it gets, but for what it is, its not bad. When they speed up (their song “strong style” is almost at thrash speed). If you like formulaic sxe then you’ll dig this. junthrash@hotmail.com
KORONA - Demo 2001
From the ashes of Curtainrail comes Korona…and the brand of crazy fastcore that Curtainrail played shines right through on this. Crazy time changes, textured riffs, weird chords, multiple vocal styles…..awesome. The recording is a 4 track recording but works well on this since you can hear what everybody is playing. 4 songs in all. Takuya Koreeda, 3-9-14 Kojiya, Honchou, Adati-ku, Tokyo, 121-0832, JAPAN
WASTEOID - Total Pukoid Demo
I just saw these guys, and they are nuts…..non stop fast….I mean there is hardly ever a slow part. 20 songs of out of control grindcore……awesome. Even crazier to see live. I believe these tracks are going to be on an LP soon…….can’t wait to hear it. Wasteoid, Pmb #145, 3201 South St., Lincoln, NE 68502-3266
SIZLAK - 2001 Advance
Super fast fastcore/grind…..played with technicality and speed. 16 songs of ballistic speedcore…..at times remind me of a more metal Soilent Green. Good shit…. Sizlak, Po Box 721, Frazer, PA 19355
EDORA - No Regrets Demo
Awesome fastcore from Singapore…some of the best I’ve heard in a long time. I received this with a bunch of other tapes, and this one made my head spin around. I couldn’t believe how well executed these songs were…imagine the politics of Argue Damnation mixed with the straight forward 4 chord fastcore of FxOxB. Awesome! 14 songs in all…..great. Asyura, Block 227, Choa Chu Kang Central #04-189, s(680227) SINGAPORE
CARPENTER ANT - Demo
Don’t let the name fool ya….this band is rocking hardcore that mixes a little youth crew with some thrash riffs. Well played, tight, and damn original. Good shit….I’m hoping they will have some other releases out soon. Ray, 6970 Linten Rd., Macungie, PA 18062
CARPENTER ANT - Advance tracks
8 newly recorded songs that are pretty ripping…..I’m confused on why some label in their own area hasn’t jumped all over this. Its mid-tempo, metallic, yet kinda East-Coasty….its just a perfect blend of hardcore. Mosh. See address above.
GEXODUS - Demo
Very eclectic and noisy first song…followed by some songs that are crazy and hectic, intermixed with some noisy intro/outros. This like if Greg Ginn / Boredoms played fastcore……I like this style because its original. When they get going its awesome. Takako Fujita, 610 Bankan Bldg. 1F 6-10-14, Jingunae Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, 150-0001 JAPAN.
WEST COAST STIFFS - Demo
A 6 song demo of political raw hardcore punk from SoCal….I dig it cuz its pretty rough and raw, but still a good recording. I dig it…..a little sloppy, but it makes it better. xthrashcorex@aol.com
V/A - Reborn Comp Tape
This is a Kofu City comp tape from Japan….and the bands are pretty awesome….Stand outs are Verrygoodman (raw melodic punk), Sound Like Shit (fastcore), Violent Party (great fast hc punk), Exhale (trad Japanese hardcore)….a little of everything for everyone. A great comp tape. Throw Up Records, 2970-1 Hakii Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi-ken, 409-2523, JAPAN.
HATE NO. 3 - The Decadence of the Age Demo
There is absolutely no info (maybe I’m missing a booklet or insert) but from what I gather this is from Japan…and is super fast and direct thrash (w/two singers). Sticks to the formula: repeats the same riffs, slow intro, fast middle. I dig it though. No Address
OUT OF STEP - 2nd Demo
Young youth crew (c’mon, with a name like that, what else could it be!) that is a little cheesy but good. Formulaic, but the youthfulness and fast parts keep it strong. No address
SYLVESTER STALINE - Rehearsal #3 Demo
Cool fast hardcore that is like Charles Bronson out of control (the vocals especially)…..tons of samples from Russian Propaganda films, etc…..cool stuff. You dig power violence? Get this. Ben Thomas, Appt. 14, 204 Rue des Fusilles, 59493 Villeneuve d’ Ascq, FRANCE
BACKSTABBERS, INC - Demo
Jesus…..Damned if I remember any of the info about this band (since I don’t have a cover, nor any info/address) but this is super fucking heavy grind/hardcore like the German style. Deep vocals, good recording…….wish I knew more. No Address
DEATH IS YOUR LANGUAGE - Demo
These guys have been looked over by this scene which is fucking sad…I’m surprised these guys aren’t more known since all their releases just rock. This is their demo…which is super fast (ala grind beats) mixed with some super heavy parts ala German HC. Good shit…..they have a self-released CD out too which rocks. Write em and see what’s up. DIYL, Po Box 5583, Richmond, VA 23220
LAST ONE STANDING - Demo
4 songs of quick youth crew from Japan. Its has all the new school flavor (heavy guitars, breakdowns) without being too metal…..enjoyable if you can look past the formula that most bands adhere to these days. Good stuff. Their song “Never Give Up” is ripping. No address…….
NINE CURVE - 4 Songs of Crossover Thrash Attack Demo
This is bad-ass….it really is crossover, it’s a perfect blend between hardcore thrash and metallic crossover. Unlike some crossover bands, Nine Curve keep it fast pretty much all the way through, with hardly any breakdowns…….this rules. Get it if you can Masaki Tabata, 1-90-2Jyo-jyo Chou, Kasugai City, Aichi, JAPAN
NINE CURVE - Tape
A one-song advance tape from Nine Curve which is super thrash-metal…..we’re talking Vio-lence style riffs at twice or three times the speed. Its awesome really…..just think of Japanese thrash mixed with old Bay Area style thrashcore! See address above
BLACK BOOTS - Keras Kepala Tape
I’m at a loss because I don’t know which SE Asian country this comes from…..I wish I had more knowledge of language because than I could take a guess. This is anarcho-fast punk which is awesome. Really well done, and the music is fast and raw just the way I like it….reminds me of some old Finnish raw punk. Blackboots_antimiliter@hotmail.com
FORCED TUMOR - The Beginning/The End Demo
This is a discography of sorts…….super fast grindcore that has a little powerviolence formula thrown in as well. Good shit….fast and raw, dual female/male vocals. This includes 12 tracks…from split EP, comps, demos…..cool. Fans of grindcore should pick this up. Good snare sound too. Legion, 4588 Parfet St, Wheatridge, CO 80033
EXTREME DECAY - Social Welfare Demo
A compilations of songs spanning from 97-99….they play fast crossover that borders on grindcore. Reminds me of a more crossover RDP…..the vocals are WAY upfront though, so while the music is at a good level, when the vocals come on your headphones bog out. It’s actually kind of cool. Limited to 300 copies. Pro tape, and includes a cool Malang scene report. Adi, Jl. Raya Candi 111/393, Karangbesuki, Malang, 65146, Jawa Timur, INDONESIA.
SCARRED - Snipers Wanted Demo
Solid crusty hardcore group (aka terrorist group) with some gruff vocals and wailing guitars.…..members of React and Broken I believe. They thank GISM and URKO so you know where they are coming from! 8 songs in all. Magilla Guerilla, Po Box 1271, New Haven, CT 06505-1271
COLOSTOMY BAG - Demo
This is some heavy hardcore grind (somewhat like a loose German HC band)..Some metal riffage, some blast beats….all solid. Check out their EP which will come out soon. colostomybagistherevolution@yahoo.com
GET ONES LIFE - Demo
6 songs of raw, traditional Japanese hardcore punk. Melodic intros break into straight forward guitar heavy Japanese HC, with shouted choruses, gruff vocals, etc…..You know the formula, good shit. Without an address, I don’t know what city they are from. No address.
SCOTT BAIO AMRY - Demo
Well, by now most people know em by their debut EP….super fast, thrash not unlike the Charles Bronson demo. Good shit…. 2138 Gilpin St., Denver, CO 80205
FACTORY EFFECT - Voice a Cross Demo
Political punk from Malaysia that relies on 3 chords and a 4 track to gets it message across. A little rough, a little simplistic, but hey, enjoyable for the effort. Write em at: Zulhazmie Kg gua, 27100 Padang Tengku, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, MALAYSIA.
HANGING ROTTEN - Demo
Brutal grindcore from North Carolina. Good drumming, sick vocals, and a nice raw demo recording to add to the severity. Songs about suicide, drugs and the other positive grindcore things in life. Check it out! hangingrotten@yahoo.com
BRODY’S MILITIA - Salt in the Wound Demo
Great raw hardcore punk that reminds me of some straight forward Japanese raw thrash. It’s a rehearsal, but the quality rules……covers of Antiseen and GG Allin as well. Po Box 377, Mt. Orab, OH 45154
V/A - Banned In Nagoya Comp Tape
The tape starts out with the great positive HC of District (like Gorilla Biscuits), and is rounded out by the thrash-metal of Nine Curve, the fast-raw HC of Unleash, the melodic fast-Hc of One Line, and the post-punk noise rock of Furious About . All bands are from around the Nagoya area and all rock. Good shit! This is a damn good comp tape! Hiroyuki Karaki, Nishimido Yotutuji-5, Hagiwara Ichinomiya, Aichi 491-0365, JAPAN
ZEROVOX - Is Dead Demo
Electro-industrial/death metal noise that goes right over my head. DIY yes. I believe it's one person, guitar/vocals/keyboard. 6 songs. zerovox@pulsenet.com
V/A - Dewa Comp Tape
This is probably the best tape of the issue…..Dewa just flat out rules. This comes in a full color plastic cover, with a nice insert as well. The bands rule as well (both musically, and the fact that many are all new/unknown): Bolstein (HC mixed with grind), Deride (awesome old school punk/HC), Age (crust metal), Pile of Trash (metallic-crust), Peaceful Collapse(Confuse style punk) and Terrible Headache (great fast hc). Awesome…..the ideal comp tape. Dewa c/o Yuuichi Onodera, 89-11 Ishinada Tonojima, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0815, JAPAN
V/A - Czechcore #1 Comp Tape
An all Czech band comp that goes from metallic/thrash bands (like Per Libertad Societa) to full on fast hardcore like (Mrtva Budoucnost) and everything in between. Some stickers, some classics. Check it out! Bohdan Mach, Po Box 2/2, 763 61 Napajedla, CZECH REPUBLIC
NADA CAMBIA - Demo
Smoking fast Japanese punk thrash. Fucking great…10 songs in all of some of the best 3-4 chord thrash songs. Here’s the bummer though, no address. Like most Japanese bands, they only include a phone number. Damn!
HAYMARKET - Demo
The new Canadian all-stars……fierce hardcore that has a heavy guitar tone….thus Haymarket rely on heavy riffs and mid-tempos more than blistering speed, etc. And they pull it off like pros, which they are judging from the ex-member list. Labels have been all over this band so watch for some label soon! John, Po Box 57342, Jackson Sta., Hamilton, ONT, L8P 4X2, CANADA
SOLITUDE - Demo
7 songs of thinly recorded screamo……the first song kind of killed the whole thing for me. If you like hectic, loud then quiet, emo style hardcore with some Moss Icon parts here and there, check it. ericsolitude@yahoo.com
DOMESTIK DOKTRIN - Demo
This rules….Indonesian fast thrash that has a lot of old school elements to it. Although this tape was recorded live in a basement, it has a quality that I love….so while you’re listening to your $12 over-produced hyped American HC band record, kids like Domestik Doktrin are keeping thrash DIY and in the basement. Can’t wait for some studio stuff…..write em at: Ari Purnama, Mekarsari #5, Cibaduyut, Bandung, INDONESIA
LAST KID PICKED - Demo
This tape doesn’t have a cover or lyrics, but this band kicked much butt….fast, youth crew from Virginia. The riffs are generic, but it’s played with sincerity and speed which make it AOK by me. Write to Jeremy and ask him what’s up. Jeremy, 12038 Heather Down Rd, Herdon, VA 20170
HATEBOX / KRYPTOSEXUAL CANCROID - Split Tape
Both bands play super raw fast hardcore/grindcore…..HATEBOX use a drum machine which I can’t really stand too much. It’s not too bad on this recording just because the recording is so raw. But they would be so much better if it were a live drummer. For fans of extreme grind/noise/thrash only. Zas c/o Tournoud Marco, Via Roma 59, 10056 Dulx (TO), ITALY
RECENSION - Demo
This is a young band from Canada…..lightening fast hardcore that is ripping. Some vocals remind me of Harmony As One…..the tunes all fly by super quick with some humorous samples in-between. Great shit. They already have a split EP out with more on the way. Recension, 10470 Mulberry Rd., Windsor Ontario N8R 1H5, CANADA
FAMILY MAN - Demo
You guessed it, a Japanese Black Flag band…while they have some early-style Flag parts, they also have later, Greg Ginn going bonkers on the guitar, fucked up songs kind of Flag. Good because it squashes both styles into 6 songs….6 long songs that is. No Address.
V/A - Guatemala City HC Comp Tape
I love this…..I got it from my friends in FUERZA X….it features 4 bands: DIFERENTE EXPECTATIVA (old school hardcore/punk), FUERZA X (youth crew) BOMBARDERO (punk/HC), JERK (pop-punk). Check it out: guatemalhardcore@hotmail.com
OUT FOR JUSTICE - Demo
A Joke hatecore tough guy band….which is pretty good. I mean you can tell it’s a side-project (songs are put together simply) but it has its moments. Every now and then I like joke bands like this… Out for Justice, 362 Front St., Winchendon, MA 01475
THE KID KARATE - A Fist Full of Noise
Raw, 21 songs of grind/fastcore from Belgium…great packaging too, inside an oversized envelope you get the tape, a booklet, some pieces of print…etc. Tons of stuff. Limited to 333, write em first to see if it’s available. Carlo Steegen, Molenstraat 57, B-3730 Hoeselt, BELGIUM
SAVIOUR OF FILTH - Bersatu Demo
Whoa…..this is super heavy hardcore ala NYHC (with hints of melody)….which includes the best recording I have ever heard from a tape from Indonesia……it even has a rap intro, etc. Um….you dig Victory/Triple Crown style….check this out. Po Box 1726, Bandung 40017, INDONESIA
LOS CRUDOS - LP cassette
This is CRUDOS’ LP on pro-cassette for Indonesia….what can be said. Some of the best punk/HC from the US in the 90s. Parau Records, Jl. Kanayakan A-3, Dago, Bandung, 40135, Jawa Barat, INDONESIA
THE CORPSE - Retrospektywa 1985-95
Hailing from Poland…this is an awesome old hardcore/punk band with some heavy crossover elements. Although everything is in Polish, it appears these guys have been around since the late 80s, and this tape is a retrospective. The thing I like is, that it sounds like an old Finnish band circa 82…..weird effects on the vocals, old-style recording, songs that are really fast and hectic. I know nothing about this band besides this tape, but its fucking awesome. All super-pro as well (full color cover, pro tape). Enigmatic, Po Box 40, 41-709 Ruda SL. 9, POLAND
DRAGNET - Demo
A pro-demo from this Western Mass HC band. They’ve already had some vinyl appearances, but this demo is smoking….a little old school thrash, a little Boston HC, a little East Coast heaviness. Mixes new and old well…and its just straight forward. Check it out. No Sense Records c/o Matt, 58 Preston Ave, Pittsfield MA, 01201
RED REACTION - Demo
Pissed off Boston style HC…..they have an LP out now, but this is their demo that No Sense distroed before. Good shit….7 songs in all. The lyrics to ghost town rule. No Sense, see address above.
V/A - No Sense Whatsoever Comp Tape
From No Sense comes this international HC comp tape….pretty damn good. Features a lot Western Mass bands, plus Stupid Babies Go Mad, No Side, Mukeko Di Rato, etc….loads of good bands. Don’t know if it’s still available…but check write No Sense to get a full catalog. No Sense, see address above.
BJELKEPETERSON YOUTH - Demo
Great fast thrash that is pissed off….plus the singers vocals are awesome. Reminds me of the Brisbane band called Deadstare. If you dig fast thrash that is done well, with heavy break downs…check this out. I would bet there’s gonna be some vinyl soon too. Neil, Po Box 668, Booval D.C., QLD 4304, AUSTRALIA
IT TAKES ALL KINDS - Demo
Cool hardcore punk with female vocals….while nothing mind blowing, it breaks into parts that have some really good riffs, but the songs lack energy. I think on the sophomore release their style will be hammered out more. Lyrics about sport hunting, staying true, going against the grain…. Ryan, Po Box 57, Olean, NY 14760
CONFUSIONE - HC Torino 2000 Demo
Fast hardcore from Italy that goes from being a little catchy (ala Gorilla Biscuits cover they do) to fierce Italian thrash with the those crazy-ass vocals that Italian bands have. I dig it, although the recording is a little in the background. Bongera Giovanni, V. Mazzini 92, 10091 Alpignano, Torino, ITALY
NOT - Demo
A raw, but awesome recording of a tongue-in-cheek thrash band from Buffalo, featuring members of Project Grizzly, They Live and No Time Left. NOT are bare-bones thrash…..simple, straight forward, and fast. Lyrics are hilarious. There was supposed to be a split LP or something, but I guess they couldn’t do it. I don’t know if this is a band still or what, but write em and get this if you can. NOT, 99 Custer St, Buffalo, NY 14214
RAZOR BLADE JOCK STRAP - Demo
Ok, I thought the samples were an intro, but I guess this is just some ultra fucked up sampler noise. Kind of like a bad trip on acid. Bob, 522 Linwood Ave. #F, Monrovia, CA 91016
AGATHOCLES / TOO MANY SCREAMING CHILDREN - Split Tape
Agathocles rip out some fierce grind (mince) core in the style they have become known for (and have done to death)……TMSC are weird punk mixed with noisecore/grind parts. Bob, 522 Linwood Ave. #F, Monrovia, CA 91016
OBI BON KEJOVI - Demo
This is an old demo from a defunct band……..mid-90s fastcore style, a little Suppression, some Infest vocals, etc….only thing is, it’s recorded pretty poorly so you can’t really tell what’s going on. It was recorded in 96. www.koalslaw.com
BREAKER BREAKER - Demo
This was just put out on Bridge 9, so you know its going to be thick-headed, middle of the road modern youth crew. I had high hopes for these guys when I heard there was a band from SF playing this style, but it turned out to be more of the same old shit. Bummed. 128 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118
???- Control Demo
Most of the info is in Japanese, so I can’t tell anything more than, this is 3 songs of ripping, Japanese crusty thrash……fucking awesome. The vocals are low, the guitars are distorted and the music is fucking awesome…..plus Gunma is coming up on bands. So check it out. Masanori Kojima, 3181 Shinmachi, Tanogun, Gunma, JAPAN
B.C.K.S - 2nd Demo
Punk from Malaysia, which incorporates some mid-80s mid-tempo melody (not the faster paced 90s snowboard crap) with just regular punk. This would be called Alternative now I guess.. It’s not necessarily bad, but not really my style. Jim, No. 7, Laluan Mehaw Indah 9, Taman Mewah Indah, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak, MALAYSIA.
WITHOUT SYSTEM - Demo
Big Mohawks, photocopied cover, a name like that….c’mon, you know it’s a ripping Japanese thrash band! The vocals are PISSED on this, we’re talking the system is fucking doomed. The bass is super fuzzed, guitars wailing, cymbals piercing….this is superb. Wanna hear the bummer, no address. Sorry.
CURIOSO - Demo
This is fucking awesome…..melodic punk/hardcore played like how it was meant, pissed and raw….sounds like Asta Kask or something. Wait till you hear the vocals on this….they are like doubled so it has a 70s punk feel. If this was in a produced studio, it would suck, but with the raw punk recording it stands out. Now here’s for the twist, it’s a Japanese band playing songs in Portugeuse. And of course it’s from the ripping city of Okazaki. Get it or suffer. Masaomi Nakamura, 5-20 Motokake, Okazaki City, Aichi, 444-0016, JAPAN.
YEAR OLD URINE - Demo
I think these songs went on a split EP but I could be wrong…..YOU (hey, that’s funny) hail from Houston, and remind me of bands like RATPISS or other fast, snotty crusty bands. I dig the style since its really fast and energetic, yet has a “fuck you I’m punk” attitude as well…..only thing is, with song titles like “butt pirates” and stuff, I have no idea where these dudes are coming from without lyrics. 3346 E.T.C Jester #B-22, Houston, TX 77018
EXCLAIM - Critical Exploder Demo
Labeled as not for sale, this is a demonstration tape of their new LP……11 songs of hectic Japanese thrash that defies the speed limit. Fucking great shit…..If you have not heard em, get anything they have done….everything is really good. No Address…..
KENT BROCKMAN - Demo
12 songs spanning 2 years of stuff……KB hails from Germany and play really fast thrash. They have just recently released an EP on a German label……good shit. I would write em and see if this is available cuz for a demo, these songs are awesome. Jochen Oppermann, Nelkenstr. 69, 67691 Hochspeyer, GERMANY
APA MOT APA - Demo
This is good….yet hard to pinpoint. I saw that it was recorded in Uppsala (the crust capital of the world)….but these guys are like a fusion of various elements, kind of reminds me of a slower Born Against with screamo vocals. I liked it though because it’s very different and discordant. Fredrik Moberger, Hjalmsta Akerbby, 740 22 Balinge, SWEDEN
ASSERT - 5 song tape
ASSERT have been around for about 5 years and have had various vinyl/cd outputs…on this tape, they play a mix between old school punk (ala Poison Idea), crust and a little crossover. The music doesn’t really grab you by the throat, it seems a little restrained, but has elements that are awesome. 45 Chilten Gardens, Dawley, Telford, TF4 2QQ, ENGLAND
V/A - Mindless Commodity for a Spineless Majority - Comp Tape
This is a comp tape from Australia……it contains Sewer Cider (see review this issue), World on Welfare (who rip), Dystempa and Iron Sausage. All the bands were surprisingly good, and of the fast thrash, crossover variety. Dug it. Check it out. Mindless Commodity, Po Box 279, Enmore, NSW 2042, AUSTRALIA.
YUKIGUNI - 2nd Demo
Super thick mosh-core from Sapporo….the style seems to be pretty popular among the new kids in the Sapporo scene, and I must admit, some of it I like. I met the singer when WHN played there and was super nice, so he won me over with just that. There is Slayer (south of heaven era) written all over this. Good stuff, but you gotta like metal-core. Terumitsu Nishimura, 8-23, 4Jo, 5Chome, Atsubetsunishi, Atsubetsuku, Sapporo, 004-0064, JAPAN.
SHORTFUSE - 5 song Demo
These guys rip……straight forward crossover thrash from Tokyo. Not too fast, but definitely not slow…this is good old fast hardcore punk. I think they will have an EP out on Badman records soon. Cheeno, 4-25-23-105 Kamiigusa, Suginami, Tokyo, JAPAN
SHORTFUSE - 4 Song Demo
The same band as above, but I think an earlier version….and a different singer. Same ripping fast hardcore punk, but with grindcore vocals (don’t really work too well). But the tunes are still ripping! Write em at the above address.
TILL I DIE - Demo
They have been labeled Japan’s only truly straight edge band …….although I know of bands like Not A Thing and others in the past, I don’t know of a truly all SXE band currently. TILL I DIE feature an American on vocals, and an ever changing line-up (due to the difficulty in finding sxe Japanese punks)……this is extremely metal, so be forewarned. Revenge Records, 3-29-4 Akagi So apt #202, Suginami City, Ogikubo, Tokyo, JAPAN.
REPROACH - Advance Tape
This tape is an advance of Belgium’s REPROACH upcoming releases….and the first studio recording of this band. I first heard about them through their live demo tape (see below) which rules…..this tape compiles songs from their future Ep on Kid For Life Records, and 3 comp songs…all of which are fast and furious. Check these guys out! Stijn, Stuifzandstraat 8, 3900 Overpelt, BELGIUM
CHAOTIX - Demo
The graphics are straight up like Crucial Section, etc……which I like. Funny drawings of skulls and punks…..the music is very catchy, yet high energy hardcore thrash, which I think is awesome. Instead of taking their cue from the blistering fast 80s bands, CHAOTIX have more mid-80s SoCal sound…and their catchy choruses, and random guitar solos are a breathe of fresh air. The next recording I think will kick butt. Lastly, they are from Sapporo, and it’s awesome to see a fresh new crop of bands popping up there in the spirit of the (often over-looked) 80s hardcore thrash scene from there. Takashi Otsuka, c402 Mezondobowaru Sumikawa, 4-1 Sumikawa, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 005-0004, JAPAN.
STRUCK - 5 song Demo
This tape was just a practice demo…..and all I have to say is this is THE SHIT. Their EP on Dan Doh blew me away, and this demo is even better. Seriously, one of the best bands I have heard in the past few years….when WHN played with them, they opened the show, and just blew all the bands away. I couldn’t even believe they were opening, or that they aren’t the hugest band ever. Imagine the perfect blend between old American hardcore, with high energy Japanese thrash…….here’s the catch, no address, nor is this available. Sorry for teasing you, so go get the Dan Doh Ep if you can find it.
SHEEVAYOGA - Demo
Extremely original, yet awesome fastcore/grind form the Czech Republic……..it has some really crazy time changes, as well as multiple vocals styles. It’s a really intelligent approach to this style of music…I would check this out. Viki Wojtanovsky, Po Box no. O, 720 00 Ostrava 20, CZECH REP.
FASTGAME - Demo
I might have already reviewed this in the last issue, but I got another copy, and this band is still kicking ass. FxGx are from Malaysia, and they play great, fast, DIY hardcore along the lines of the European thrash bands of the 80s. insightful lyrics, good song writing……only detractor is the recording, but since this tape, they have taken part in a CD compilation which has some of their best (and better recorded) material. Get this so you can check it out. Kid, No. 6 Jalan 8 C/6, Taman Setapak Indah, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.
HATE UNIT - Demo CDR
This is awesome, pissed off hardcore that has that “fuck you” Negative Approach feel to it, but with a little new school hc/punk in it. Mid-tempo, but aggressive all the way through…lyrics about rich kids, people who grow up and move on, etc. From what I hear, they might have an EP out from a Belgium label soon. Get it, this is pissed. Marko Brown, Puutarhakatu 15 D 75, 20100 Turku, FINLAND
TROGLODYTE - Youth Missile Demo
Super heavy mosh metal (like NEXT STEP UP) with low gruff vocals……Its OK, but I’ve heard the style so much that it does really nothing for me. The recording is kind of low-fi, and the vocals don’t fit very well. It seems that the really heavy mosh metal is really big in SE Asia since it’s a style that has been exposed more than others down there (since its kind of mainstream). Chuck Divinagracia, Peti Surat 2507, 90728, Sandakan, Sabah, MALAYSIA.
SEWER CIDER - Demo
This is crazy…its from Australia, but it sounds pretty damn close to later Concrete Sox, or Deviated Instinct / Hellbastard. I actually really like it, since most bands who say they are influenced by them sounds like crappy Amebix wanna-be stuff, this is actually really good thrash metal stuff. Awesome. Sewer Cider, Po Box 279, Enmore, NSW 2042, Australia.
ALL TENSED UP - Demo
This is a great rehearsal demo from a new band from Holland….fast pissed off hardcore (they do a Negative FX cover which is a pretty good comparison of their style)….awesome. Can’t wait to hear them in a studio….I’m sure some vinyl will follow soon cuz this demo is awesome. All Tensed Up, Hoge Largenseweg 221, 1221 AP, Hilversum (NL), THE NETHERLANDS.
BELABOR - Blasphemous Demo
Grind/death metal that is a little tongue in cheek and a little serious. The recording quality doesn’t do it justice (as well as the live tape below) but I think this band is still molding their style. If you’re a diehard for grind/death metal…check this out…I’m stoked that they are from Novato though..the North Bay needs more bands. Belabor, 1605 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947
I got a bunch of tapes from an Australian label called Beerache. Here’s what was in the stack:
GAUZE - This is a cassette of the CD bootleg that came out in the mid-90s. Although it is missing some things, it has he Equalizing Distort and Fuckheads LPs, and comp tracks from Thrash Till Death and Outsider.
SEPTIC DEATH - This is a complete collection cassette, with tons of demo/rehearsal and live songs, plus vinyl and comp tracks. Not complete, but what the hell will be with a band like Septic Death.
YOKEL / STAND AGAINST - Split live tape from 1997, both Aussie bands play fierce political punk/crust. The recording isn’t too bad, but if you’re not a fan of the bands, I would recommend getting their vinyl outputs.
IRON SAUSAGE - demo tape….these guys play awesome crust that reminds me of Disrupt.
MIND COLLAGE - Manipulated Slaves
Awesome grind/crust from Tokyo…..I can’t remember if I have seen some vinyl from them yet (this demo is from 99) but alone, this demo rocks. Lyrics about war, the state, etc belted out over some grindcore ala Excruciating Terror. Awesome. 2-27-12-406, Horinouci I, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, 166-0013, JAPAN.
REDUCTION - Demo
From the ashes of Youth Strike Chord, comes Osaka’s REDUCTION….. Raw fast punk with good hooks and well written songs (even some melody thrown in now and then). They have some comp appearances soon as hopefully some of their own vinyl too. Naoki Umekawa, Ogawa Manshon 3-Mae, 1-15-18, Kishinosato Higashi, Nishinariku, Osaka, 557-0042, JAPAN
REPROACH - Live Demo
This tape rules….very fast thrash from Belgium. 7 songs in all…and even though its live, the sounds quality rules as well as the bands performance. Get their new EP out on Kid For Life records too! Stijn, Stuifzandstraat 8, 3900 Overpelt, BELGIUM
DRAWBLANK - Demo
From Missouri, Drawblank play good, distorted punk that stays mid-tempo. Sounds like a slower Cop Out….good, simple, pissed off. Plus a Reagan Youth cover, can’t go wrong. 1000 W. Victor St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
V/A - Virtually Unknown Modern Day HC Bastards Comp
Songs from Dixiecrats (snotty fast punk), Colostomy Bag, The 12s, Crippled Mongol, plus more….Most of the bands share members or project bands…from the SoCal area. ThrashBot, 736 S.Chestnut, Escondido, CA 92025
MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD - Demo
Metallic HC from Brooklyn NY. I don’t know if these guys have some releases already out….but this demo appeared right after the break up of their old band Indecision. I dig this band a little more than Indecision (a little more complex) but its still too metal for my tastes these days. Po Box 581, Brooklyn, NY 11209
ENGRAVE - Demo
5 songs of fuzzed out Japanese thrash….fucking awesome. Just has that guitar tone and mix that seems only to accompany Japanese bands of this fair. They do add some melodic intros etc to mix things up….but normally go to straight up distorted thrash. No address, only phone numbers.
INSANE’N THE BRAIN - Bionic Demo
These guys play some fucked up grindcore…and I love it. I’ve seen em live a few times, as well as have dig their earlier outputs. There are 5 songs, 3 of which appear on the grind comp that I’m doing. Fucking great shit…..weird time changes, original vocal styles. Cool. Toshiyuki Suzuki, Sofia Nissin No. 201, 2-701 Sakae Nissin-shi, Aichi JAPAN
VIOLENT PARTY - Demo
6 songs of high energy punk from Kofu Japan. I met these guys last year and they were so nice……they are heavily influenced by Ill Repute (even their logo is the hangman’s noose) but the style is still just straight up 4 chord Japanese thrash punk. Awesome! Rotten2dacore@docomo.ne.jp
THE DEAD ONES - Demo
Good Swedish hardcore punk that sounds right out of the early 80s…the best thing about these guys is that the guitars aren’t super distorted, plus the vocals are really pissed. Good stuff! I’ve heard there is already a feeding frenzy over them, so maybe watch for some vinyl….. Anton Hansson, Skeppsbrog. 28, 5 tr, 972 32 Lulea, SWEDEN
JOHN RITTER - Demo
A mega-blown out recording of some sloppy fast hc/grind…..on the verge of noisecore…….obsessed with John Ritter. Hhhhmmmmmmm. xritterx@totaldeath.com
THE FIRST STEP - Demo
Great catchy youth crew from North Carolina….I don’t know if it features ex-members, but this demo, although formulaic, is damn well executed. Any fans of modern youth crew with a some catchy hooks will love this. Po Box 8664, Greenville, NC 27835
BELABOR - Field Trip to Burnt Ramen Demo
Grindcore that I think was recorded live at Burnt Ramen (a live space / recording studio here in the Bay Area)…..this is 10 songs of all over the place grind / death metal. The recording doesn’t really do it justice.
HANGMAN - Demo
Already defunct…but this demo rocks. Sounds like a super fast COP OUT…with dual male/female vocals. Members went onto other bands…one of which is Funeral. Write em to see if this demo is still available…its good. Just enough heaviness, with enough hardcore energy. Po Box 40766, Portland, OR 97240
FAR LEFT LIMIT - Live Tape
I really liked their demo, and this live tape is pretty awesome. It’s pissed yet positive at the same time. Good high energy hardcore thrash from Australia….I can only think that the more this band plays, the better they will get, and what they have started with is pretty damn good. Watch out for a split with Deadstare out soon. Dave, Po Box 236, Blackburn 3130, Vic, AUSTRALIA.
CAKNE - CARE - CONCERN - 3 way split live Tape
This is a split between HULK OGAN, STRICT TEASE and AGHAST, all from Malaysia…although it’s hard to distinguish who’s who……it’s pretty cool. It goes from peace punk sounding punk, to almost oi-ish punk to really moshy style hardcore. Cool because it’s so diverse. ronindistro@hotmail.com
CRYPTICAL DEATH - Fight, Survive, Existence Demo
Political crust/grind from Indonesia….great lyrics and samples….while the music is pretty polished and played tight (the recording is really good too). The vocals are low death metal style. Awesome that they included a lyric sheet. Karib, Jl Pulo Raya IV No.23, Jakarta, Selatan, 12170, INDONESIA
V/A - Keep It United Comp Tape
A super heavy mosh core comp tape from Indonesia…..you’d be pretty surprised, but a lot of this stuff puts to shame the bands that are playing the Victory style here in the US. Best bands on it were Thinking Straight and R.U. Suck who stand out as the fast youth crew bands. Pinball Records, Po Box 6239, JKBKG 11480, Jakarta, INDONESIA
CAUSE - Demo 2000
This is one of the best demos I’ve gotten from Japan in a long time…..great hardcore that has hooks left and right…..reminds me of Antischism. The speed and intensity are strong throughout, and the quality of riffs is just incredible. Great……… Hasegawa, 3-412 Fushiyadai 2 Jutaku, Nakagawawaku, Nagoya, 454-0982, JAPAN
PARADE OF ENEMIES - Demo
Ripping fast thrash from the UK….simple riffs, but catchy choruses and good riffs…..6 songs in all….check it out! Jamie B, 25 Malmesbury Rd, Shirley, South Hampton, 5015 5FP, ENGLAND
DISCARGA - Tape
This is a pro-tape that they made for their tour earlier this year….this includes the EP on 625 plus 4 extra songs recorded in Dec 2000. I love these dudes…..honest, fast hardcore punk from Brazil that reminds me of LARM. Love it! No Address.
THE A-TEAM - You’re All Screwed Demo
This is a follow up to their EP……this is SLAPSHOT to a T. Guess where they are from, Boston. Serious, the guys vocals are like Choke’s….nuts. But when we played with them they were all really nice and down to earth. If you like Boston style, you will love this. Rat_core00@hotmail.com
DOT.DOT.DOT - Demo2001
3 songs, and it reminds me of Municipal Waste from Richmond. Total mid-80s thrash metal style of hardcore. Although both bands are pure HC thrash, you can hear some Kreator or something else mixed in. It’s awesome. The first two songs are great, last song is kind of cheesy. DotDotDot, Po Box 46, Newtown, NSW 2042, AUSTRALIA
MOUTHBREATHER - South Phoenix Murdercore CDR
6 songs of brutal yet technical death metal….I love the style, kind of reminds me of the New York style like Pyrexia or Suffocation, although not as tight. Its cool. Only thing that kind of gets on me is the dumb lyrics about girl’s vaginas and stuff. Gets old, and redundant.
TORN ANUS - The Anal Wizard Demo
Well, I don’t know if this qualifies for a demo (since it’s a real CD)…but this is super fast HC with elements of grind/black metal…recorded kind of DIY. Its good……two guys (no bass)…the entire project is humorous, with 35 songs of pure silliness. The packaging is cool too. Dare I say a little like Spazz? Torn Anus, Po Box 1104, Boise, ID 83701
REAGAN SS - Demo
Well, when I first heard my friend Matt Average was in a band, I pooped my pants. Then when he sent me their first demo, I pooped my pants. This band is fucking awesome, high energy punk/HC….straight from fucking Flex Your Head….seriously man, the songs are slightly sloppy, but that’s the point, just pure angst. Man, this shit fucking rules…..watch for a million releases on a million labels. Much deserved. Engine, Po Box 64666, Los Angeles, CA 90064
FACEPLANT - Demo
Well, first thing, I noticed I lost the insert info, or if there ever was any….which sucks ass, cuz this CDR rules. Fast hardcore…..gruff vocals over HC that is that reminds me off either Rorschach or Chokehold….the recording is thick, with the guitars almost being too loud. Good shit, now I wish I had some more info on em.
THE FIENDS - Demo
Great fastcore from Portugal that features members of TIME X. Sounds like POINT OF FEW or something….which really grabbed me. All the songs are simplistic and straight forward thrash…which I love. I dig it, hell, I dug it so much I’m gonna do a record with them.
STRIKER - CD
This features ex-ROSVETT members, so you can imagine it has a strong Scando-punk crust style elements in it. The first song opens with a fierce 3 chord riff and it only gets better from then on. If you like your Swedish hardcore to formula, then you’ll dig this. Reminds me of the earlier Distortion releases. dissen@home.se
WASTEOID - Advance CDR
Crazy, all over the place grindcore mixed with hardcore…..We’re talking 20 songs of quick blasts…..good shit. I heard they’re coming out West, so hopefully Ill be seeing em live soon Ross, PMB# 145, 3201 South St., Lincoln, NE 68502-3266
NEW WINDS - Refusing to live by your lies Demo
Great, positive youth crew from Portugal….gees man, that country is blowing up with good, diy hardcore right now. This has a lot of melody, so fans of 7 Seconds of Uniform Choice will dig it for sure. 10 songs in all, released on a Belgium demo label Still Holding On c/o Xavier Lepage, 65 Au Long Pre, 4053 Embourg, BELGIUM.
DESPERATOR - Demo 01
These guys have been going at it for so damn long, I’m surprised someone hasn’t picked them up yet…….we’re talking guitar heavy (that Swedish style) grindcore death metal recorded at Sunlight studios. Great 3 songs, only thing is that they only sing about funny sex topics. Nothing sexist, just infatuated with sex I think. Any death metal or grindcore fan will be blown away by this. Micke Stromberg, Grindvagen 10A, 761 62 Norrtalje, SWEDEN
PROJECT GRIZZLY - Demo
Fierce grindcore from Buffalo….this recording is awesome, it’s a nice, raw four track recording, that sounds blown out when everyone is playing at volume 11. Although a little hard to hear the exact riff when they hit blast, this is how grind was meant to be played. Raw and fast. The songs all pretty much have the same structure/approach, but for the first demo, that’s OK by me. Project Grizzly, Po Box 14215, Buffalo, NY 14215
CIRCLE - Lets Enjoy Now Music 2nd Demo
CIRCLE hail from Okazaki City, which right now is a well of ripping thrash/hardcore. These guys play straight-forward, unrelenting thrash, with the skill and tightness of pros. I liked this demo so much, I asked em to do something on 625….check em out. Plus, I recently got a video of em, and they go nuts live….only a three piece too. Their first demo is cool, although it is a rehearsal recording. Mitsogu Sugiura, 7-10-5, Nakamachi, Okazaki City, Aichi, 444-0015, JAPAN.
BLOWN TO BITS - Demo
All my friends have been talking about these guys, since the Bay Area has finally got a Scandinavian-style crust band. Well, this demo isn’t D-beat, but it’s more like HELLKRUSHER, heavily relying on thick guitar riffs….but playing the UK style of crust. Good shit….stoked. Jake, 574 Rosal Ave., Oakland, CA 94610.
SOOTHE - Fist Second Demo
I got turned onto SOOTHE from a friend who used to live near their town (close to Okazaki City)…they play ripping hardcore thrash with female vocals. Awesome song structures, little hints of melody among their brutality…varying tempos…..really strong. Their first demo rips too…..I’m sure we’ll be seeing some vinyl from them soon. No address.
RATS A POI - “Realization” 2nd Demo
Fast, raw punk thrash that is all over the place and insane, but in a very early 80s style (not unlike some Italy stuff). Just straight fast punk…..very cool. 9 songs, recorded just rough enough to keep that edge. Since this I think they have been on a few comps. Takahiro Morioka, 2-D Oribe Manshon, 2-13-19 Kuzyo Nishiku, Osaka, 550-0027, JAPAN.
SHITBASTARD - Bust It Demo
Fast, thrash that is short and to the point. They changed their name recently (since there was a Shitbastard from Arizona) to Spitting Teeth….and have an EP out as well. The humor of the band adds points. When WHN played in Seattle, these guys played and were awesome.
NEW GRANADA - Demo
Ripping punk from Chicago that reminds me of something along the lines of COP OUT or BORN AGAINST. Not thrash…..but more just like good driving, fast punk. With how good this demo is, I’m surprised I haven’t heard more of them. Get it if you can. 1359 N. Artesian Ave, Chicago, IL 60632
ESPERANZA - Demo
Now I feel dumb for reviewing this now, because after they kicked all our asses for over a year, they have called it quits. What a bummer, since this band contained so much energy and potential…I was truly bummed to hear about that. Luckily, they did a good job of getting the demo around, so there are hundreds of the tape out there. Great, honest hardcore punk that is fast and pissed. 6 songs, all of em gems. Po Box 18198, Los Angeles, CA90018
BATHTUB SHITTER - Demo
These Osaka grinders have been putting out some awesome releases lately, and EP, a 10” plus some other things….this ’99 demo is where it all started, and is still my favorite recording. 5 songs of fierce grind…..crazy vocal style as well. Track it if you can find it. No address listed.
CSMD - Demo
Raw, noisecore from Holland, that is like AC or other minimalist noise/grid acts. As I’ve said before….this is not really my thing. Its ok, the humor is cool, but the gore/sex stuff gets old real quick. Niels Kater, Marnixstr. 145, 2316EX, Leiden, NETHERLANDS.
CSMD / PILE OF EGGS - Split Tape
Like the review above, this is blown out minimalist noise/grind. I’ve checked out POE before……good noisecore…hailing from Parma Ohio. If you’re a fan of noisecore, check it out. Steve, 3329 Torrington Ave, Parma OH, 44134-2223.
AMDI PETERSONS ARME - Demo
Well, most people know these guys from their awesome EP on Kick n Punch….great snotty punk/hardcore that sounds like it belongs on the This is Boston comp. Seriously, other bands try to get that “80s” sound whatever the hell that means, but APA play it to the T. Honest punk…….only three songs. Kick n Punch, Po Box 578, Copenhagen, DENMARK
DEATH IS YOUR LANGUAGE - Demo
This flat out rules…..crazy, frantic fast hardcore…with elements of grindcore. The bass is distorted and tuned low, the drumming is hectic, multiple vocal styles... I’ve heard a bunch of stuff from these guys and am surprised more people don’t know about them. They have a unique way of writing songs…… Po Box 5583, Richmond, VA 23220
DETACHMENT G - Counter Attack Demo
Awesome thrash, we’re talking fast thrash mixed with some moshy-parts like friggin LUDICHRIST or something. The vocalist has a really snotty style too, which sounds awesome. This is a four-track recording, so it’s a little raw, but get these guys in a studio and it will be fucking awesome. SOD cover to boot. Po Box 401038, Hesperia, CA 92345
THE INSECURITY CAMERA - Worst Demo Ever Demo
This is pretty funny…it’s live, with some funny banter in-between the songs. But the recording is super blown out so you can’t tell really what’s happening. The music is tongue-in-cheek fast thrash, almost sounding like noise…… Philip Knowles, 12780 E. 2200th St, Atkinson, IL 61235
THE INSECURITY CAMERA - Rabid Dog Tearing Teeth Tape
This is a collection of various recordings (mainly live and blown out) of I.C……and as the review above says, rough, loose thrash……..a modern Psycho Sin? See address above
V/A - Thrash for Cash Comp Tape
An international comp tape of smaller, diy thrash bands….mainly bands from Brazil (lie Mekeka Di Rato and Flag of Hate) and Holland (like Boycott and Grizzly Adams)…but a few other countries are represented. Cool tape, and there are 14 bands on here doing multiple songs, so you get your money’s worth. AarshAAr, Zaansgroen 15, 2718 GL Zoetermeer, THE NETHERLANDS.
PUNCH IN THE FACE - Demo
Yet another manifestation of ex-Chicago super punkers……..and the result is fucking awesome. Straight up early Poison Idea on this one…..not Boston, no DC, straight up Poison Idea. Ripping to say the least. Watch out for the label feeding frenzy. Po Box 220352, Chicago, IL 60622
CSSO / FILTH Split Tape
This tape is awesome….although I don’t know if its even available or what (its from 99). The CSSO stuff is live, and the recording is awesome…….really eccentric band, that sometimes goes over people’s heads. FILTH are from Australia…..total raw grindcore ala Agathocles. Obliteration Records, 3-41-16 Sumida, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131, JAPAN.
FUCK ON THE BEACH - Too Sad To Be Alone Tape
This was a tape that was given out at the fest that FOB puts on in Tokyo every year. The songs on this are from the upcoming LP on Slap A Ham…some studio, some rehearsal….all raw, but all ripping. I think their second LP is so fucking good, so I was all over this. I don’t think this is available. Killed By Fast Records, no address
ZOUL - Humankind Oblivious Demo
This is fierce grindcore from Nagano Japan……sounds like Excruciating Terror. Grindcore can be done right and it can suck, Zoul pull it off perfect with just enough skill to keep it tight, and enough rawness to keep it brutal Wada, 573-8 Nagano-shi, Nagano, 380 JAPAN
BOXED IN - 3 song Demo 2001
3 songs of crunchy crossover hardcore There are some singing parts that seem very out of place, especially with the super thick guitar sound. It kind of reminds me of some super heavy NYHC band that is more punk/crossover influenced. Atsushi Nakatani, 11-6 Asahigaoka-cho, Suita City, Osaka, 564-0083, JAPAN.
INNER FALL - Demo
A pro tape from this Malaysian band…this is awesome…it reminds me of 108’s style of complex yet, catchy metallic hardcore. Now I don’t know if this is Krishna, but it has some very poetic lyrics about transcendence, etc. This could easily be on a European or American label if it was recorded better, but the Malaysian scene relies on 4-track recordings to produce their tapes. It’s too bad these guys won’t be heard by more people into this style of music. Fahmi, 63, Jalan Lembah 8/1A, 40 000 Shah Alan, Selangor, MALAYSIA.
FRIENDSHIP 7 - Glow Demo
Well, I’m instantly won over from two things: one, its from the Philippines and I love hearing tapes from there, and two, the first song is called “thanks mom” and is about how there moms rule. Its fast, a little poppy, sloppy, and the singing is out of key, but I dig….reminds me of a sloppy FYP or Your Mother. F7 Mark No 75, Saint Peregrine St., Addas II-C Bacoor, Cavito, 4102 PHILIPPINES.
REPROACH - Advance Tape
This is a tape of the upcoming EP from Belgium’s Reproach…and it is pretty ripping for their first studio recording. It reminds me a lot of Point Of Few (recorded in the same studio) musically. If you dig your thrash fast and raw…you’ll dig this. Stijn Vanchaze, Stuifzandstraat 8, 3900 Overpelt, BELGIUM
THE RIGHT - Demo
Sloppy and fast punk thrash from the US (what state, I don’t know since all I have is an email addie). Its cool for a first demo…snotty, fast and a blown out recording. genuasge@yahoo.com
STRONG BLOSSOM - Demo
OI punk from Japan…that has some awesome gruff vocals and catchy song writing. In small doses I don’t mind this style at all, and in demo format, I actually enjoy it. Now lift your glass of Sharp’s and sing along damn it! No address in demo.
THE ATTACK - Demo
Cool hardcore punk from Canada….reminds me of a mix between youth crew and Life’s Blood. The lyrics booklet is an addition that most bands forget nowadays, but The Attack have an awesome little booklet that explains where they are coming from, etc. Their song “Learning and Resisting” is so Minor Threat I can’t believe it. I dig this…get it. Mark Palm, 1637 West 62nd Ave., Vancouver, B.C., V6P 2G1, CANADA
THE PEOPLES WAR - Demo
6 songs of pissed off, thrashy hardcore from Memphis. The guitars are nice and upfront on this, which adds to the distortion of the demo. Songs about corporate culture, history and other ills of the modern world. They just recently put out an EP on Coalition. Po Box 11552, Memphis, TN 38111
SEE YOU IN HELL - Demo
Ripping grind/fastcore from the Czech Republic…..this is crazy and all over the place, but done super tight. The musicianship on this is superb (I think because it features ex- Mrtva Budoucnost and Gas Chamber members). Great stuff. 8 songs in all, nicely printed cover as well. They released a split EP with Mindlock already, but I would watch out for these guys….they are awesome. Filip Fuchs, Grohova 39, 602 00 Brno, CZECH REPUBLIC
I DON’T CARE - Nature Noise Software Demo
Hailing from Tsukuba City Japan, I DON’T CARE rip through 6 songs at blazing speed. There is no particular style that they cling to, just honest, straight forward thrash that is raw, distorted and pissed off. The recording is on a four-track (my favorite) so the ferocity is amplified by the overtly distorted vocals and guitar tones. Ripping. Don’t know if they are still around or if this is available, so write a letter first. Hitoshi Shinada, 23-6 Midorigaoka, Tsukuba City, JAPAN
BUCKET FULL OF TEETH - Demo
This is some ex-members of Orchid playing some crazy grindcore that is chaotic as fuck. Its not down-tuned, but emphasizes more quirky guitar parts and frantic chords. In fact, you can kind of hear a little “if Orchid played grindcore” in this. Good shit, they are looking to do an EP, and with this caliber of a first recording, they will probably have some vinyl out soon. Clean Plate, Po Box 9461, North Amherst, MA 01059
DIALLO - Diagram of a Scam Demo
This features a ton of “ex-members’ of classic Connecticut bands…and it shows. It’s awesome. The style reminds me of HELLKRUSHER, because it is ultra metal (the production makes the guitars sound so thick) but also has the great d-beat thrown in here and there. Some quiet Dystopia-eque parts thrown in here and there. Diallo, 24 Three Rod Rd., Windsor, CT 06095.
ST. PETER GHIDORA - Demo
Cool, frantic HC that is really original, and at times, has some parts that are a little screamo (ie, high pitched vocals, chords high on the fret board, messy typewritten lyric sheet, etc). The first song is really strong, sounding like END OF THE LINE, the later songs tend to be more chaotic-to-quiet structures. In a genre that sometimes I don’t really like, St Peter Ghidora stand out. Po Box 4622, Fayetteville, AR 72702-4622
NEWTON IS THE STAIN - Demo
Low budget tape/packaging, of some really fucked up sample-noise. The track I listened to is mainly a driving pulse (ala horror movie) played behind what sounds to me to be whales. This is coming from someone who knows nothing (nor cares much about) noisecore. I’ve tried to understand it, but it just hasn’t clicked with me yet. Po Box 54, Richboro, PA 18954-0054.
THE MICRONAUTS - Demo
Raw recording of some rocking punk. The style falls outside of any specific categories, it being kind of eclectic…..fans of Vermiform style will dig it. Notice it has the same address as the Newton is the Stain tape as well….which is cool cuz it means there’s a lot of creativity coming out of that circle of people. Po Box 54, Richboro, PA 18954.
UNUSUAL - Kontrol of Dastard Demo
Ok, what comes from Japan, sounds like Doom and uses words like “dastard”? It’s Unusual from Toyama-City Japan. Good shit…you like EOW or Doom? You like Unusual. 4 songs recorded back in 99. P.C Recs c/o Sawahata, Simizumotomachi 4-1-412, Toyama City, 930-0034, JAPAN
V/A - Banzaicore Comp Tape
Brutal grindcore comp (featuring mostly live tracks) which is pretty much 99% bands from Singapore, with Australia’s Warsore being the exception (it was recorded on the Warsore tour of 98). Bands include Jhai Alai, Demisor, Kindred, plus others. You like underground grind? Check this out… Worm Tapes c/o Jali, Blk 204, Yishun St. 21, #02-263, S(760204) SINGAPORE.
DS-13 - Compilation Sessions plus Live Tape
This is a tape release of comp songs and a full live set……19 songs in all. Never heard DS-13? Three chord pissed off hardcore punk with catchy choruses. Just saw em live twice over the weekend and had a blast. Busted Head Recs, Box 275, 901 06, Umea, SWEDEN
THE WORLD ON FIRE - Demo 2001
Super heavy and thick HC…..like the modern style that takes death/thrash metal as a key influence….sometimes it is done right, sometimes not. This is pretty good….heavy, well written riffs, double bass flowing, technical time changes, quiet acoustic parts, but if it was 10 songs, I would probably only get through a few. Eric, 222 B Gardem Ridge Rd., Baltimore, MD 21228
DESENSITIZED - Through Languid Eyes Demo CDR
Mosh metal which is horrid. The music isn’t bad (generic is the word) but the vocals go from screamed style, to that horrid strained singing that is so popular on MTV these days (which started w/Victory bands and shit). It’s mainly the recording that suffers….with the vocals super upfront. I’m sure with a proper recording this wouldn’t be as bad as it is here. GP, 9-C Crossman Ave, Leominster, MA 01453-4403
KILLED IN ACTION - Definition of Thrash Demo
Good, raw thrash punk from Columbus Ohio….this demo is really raw which is awesome…the guitars are nice and fuzzed. They’ve put out a split since this demo ( with Crucial Unit) which is awesome, as well as recording a new batch of songs. So watch out for KIA…..The song Malinko’s Last is awesome…tons of catchy whoas in the chorus. KIA, 432 E. Kossuth, Columbus, OH 43206
KILLED IN ACTION - Advance CDR
7 new songs from Columbus’ thrashers……this recording shows KIA getting more complex in their song writing, while still staying fast and hectic. A perfect blend of American HC style, fast thrash and even a little (do I dare say) crust in there. The song “Eat Shit” rules. Write em and see what’s new. Address above
HOW LONG? - Pro Cassette
22 song of ripping grind-crust from Poland…looks like this is a posthumous release, since the studio stuff is from 96 and the live is 97. They mix the classic style of Doom and ENT with blast beats here and there. Vocals go from low death metal style, to the crust-style screams……Songs about vivisection, borders, war and covers of Shitlickers, Discharge and others. Cool! Adam Gajewski, Zapolskiej 23, 41-400 Myslowice, POLAND.
STANHANSEN - 6 Asshole Songs Pink Demo
Great hardcore punk from Okazaki-City (the capital of thrash right now)…There are a while slew of styles going on here, sometimes they sound like Born Against, when they go fast there is a hint of screamo-style guitar riffs, and their logo looks like Charles Bronson’s. I enjoyed this because it's unique, although drawing from the basic styles we all know. Good stuff. Tatsuya Kano, 5-18-4 Ueji, Okazaki-City, Aichi, 444-0823, JAPAN
IGNIT - Demo
I didn’t know what to expect with there name and the hand-written cover, but the music is pretty fierce crossover / grind. I don’t know where they are from (no address)…but they mix it up between some fast HC, slow Sabbath style riffs, and funny-crazy vocal styles……kind of reminds me of a HC Deadhorse. 6 songs.
SMUT - Demo
Low-fi recording (it rules cuz they say used a 4-track that “no one know how to use”-that rules!)…thus when they are all playing full throttle, the mic is just bogging. Kind of reminds me of early FYP, snotty vocals, punk, yet thrashy, maybe even a little Charles Bronson demo era. Smut, 9605 Deer Trail, Haslett, MI, 48840
V/A - Corpus Delecti Comp Tape
This is a promotional comp tape from the label Corpus Delecti….it features, what I think are all Macedonian (and surrounding area) bands…..I love getting tapes to see what is happening in other areas. One song each, ranging from pissed off anarcho punk, 77 style, to metal. The track from Boombyx is awesome…22 bands in all. Write the label and see what’s going on. This is what tape trading is all about. Toso Filipovski, Bregalnicka 36, 23 00 Kocani, MACEDONIA.
FAKE COUNT - Beat Ride For All Demo
Ah, gotta love the title on this one. 4 songs of really melodic youth crew from Tokyo. I really like this though, because while they do have some poppy parts, when they start going fast (in a Gorilla Biscuits way) its awesome. The vocalist has a pretty high pitched voice which really stands out. This demo is awesome, but I’m afraid that Fake Count will lose the attributes I love about em if they go into a nice studio. In the meantime, get this if it sounds good to you! Shouji Narita, Ebara 2-16-19 Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Japan.
RECENSION - Tape
Ballistic fast thrash from Canada….my friends were telling me about em for awhile and was stoked to get a demo finally. It has a metallic edge for sure, but they rely on the 4 chord blast parts….which is OK in my book. I think they have a few splits and other projects lined up, so write em and see what they are up to. 10470 Millberry Rd., Windsor Ontario N8R 1H5 CANADA
PROTOKOL - “Mommy says don’t talk to Bastards” Tape
A pro-cassette from Malaysia….the music is aggressive thrash-metal/grind, kind of like PHOBIA. There aren’t any lyrics, but there are some statements about Protokol’s beliefs. From these you can tell they are some pissed off mofo’s. Recommended. Pure Minds Records, Lot 267, Kg Che Zainal, Tambahan 1, 31200 Chemor, Perak, MALAYSIA.
V/A - Republic Chaos Comp Tape
Super pro-cassette comp of mainly Indonesian bands (infact, all of them are, except one French band). As with most comps from SE Asia, this has everything from electronic noise, to low tuned grindcore….and everything in between - but mainly focuses on really harsh and aggressive crust and HC. The underground music scenes seem to be more supportive of each other because they have to be. One song from each band, and I would highly recommend getting this just to experience what is happening in the current Indonesian scene. Sounds better than most Western bands that are around now. $7 ppd to: Edelweiss Productions c/o Alam, Jl. Kali Anyar X Gg. 3 No. 19 Rt. 010/02, Jakarta Barat 11310 INDONESIA.
TOTALLY RIDICULOUS - Second Demo
This is awesome….the letter that came with this describes the band as two 18 year old kids who live in Central Illinois…just doing a ultra raw hardcore/crust band. That’s the beauty of some demos, they are the result of kids trying to escape their surroundings, creating something to get involved in the international punk scene. TR are bass and drums, and while it would be easy to say there is a GODSTOMPER similarity, these guys keep it more defined, not so loose…..but still fast and raw as fuck. Plus they do an AWESOME cover of Sacred Denial (damn, rare to meet people who even know who that band is, let alone a cover of them). 5 songs in, cool as shit. Get it. Jeremy Armstrong, 421 Phoenix Ave Apt. #3, Bloomington, IL 61701.
DIEHARD YOUTH - Promo 2001
7 songs of pissed off youth crew from Central California. It has a lot of early 90s influence, emphasizing the heavy riffs, while still keeping it fast with the more punk youth crew parts. The vocals sound really pissed since they are so upfront in the mix, which is cool. If they recorded in a polished studio, I wouldn’t like this half as much. But the raw demo quality makes it sound genuine and punk. The song “Just Remember” is a clincher. They got a CD coming out soon on 6 Weeks, so watch for that. I don’t know if it’s this recording, or if it will be new material. Andy, 1011 Cypress Way, Tehachapi, CA 93561
XUNLEASHX - 2000 Demo
Don’t let the X’s fool you, this is Japanese fast HC, played with ferocity and distortion. Although there are little hints of youth crew here and there, its really just some good ol’fast hardcore punk, done in a way that I like. 6 songs in all….one of which is a Nations On Fire cover. Awesome! No address (bummer!)
DISTRICT - Exciting and Super Real Demo
Ok, with a name like that you know it’s Japanese. 5 songs of fast, but basic youth crew that reminds me of the first Turning Point Ep. The fast parts are awesome, the rawness of the demo is great. I’d be interested in hearing more from this 3 piece, although it looks like this demo was recorded last year. Hopefully they are still around! No Address
THE STAKEOUT - Demo
Hailing from Finland, The Stakeout sounds more like an old US HC band than a Finnish band. It’s fucking pretty awesome, the tempo never slows down, the vocals are high energy, and there are tons of choruses and hooks to keep it strong. This is awesome. I’m surprised I haven’t heard of some label jumping all over this. 5 songs in all, mine w/out a cover or any info. J. Alto, Sukkulakuja 2A2Y, 20100 Turku, FINLAND
EXTREME DECAY - Social Welfare Demo
28 songs of some crazy ass grindcore from Indonesia. Songs taken from demos, live and rehearsal…all recorded in 98 / 99. Fans of Agathocles or more harsher forms of grindcore will love this. Its comes with a Malang scene report, lyrics and a bio of the band, all printed on a nice glossy cover. Write em at: Adi, Jl. Raya Candi 111/393, Karangbesuki, Malang - 65146, Jawa Timur, INDONESIA.
ME AND MY DAD - Demo
Ok, no address, nor much info, unusual graphics (and name) and the tape starts with a movie sample in Japanese. 18 songs of really short, fast, and raw grind / hardcore. The recording is boombox, and you can’t really hear the music too well, but enough to know that they play 1000mph raw HC. I’d like to hear these guys in a studio.
ZANN - 3 Song Demo
Chaotic post-HC type metal stuff….along the lines of BOTCH or COALESCE….but a little more chaotic in the screamo sense. Its cool…..I like how being “chaotic” and “energetic” has been re-defined….really fucked up riffs, off-time beats, distorted vocals. Cool. Schulze, Scheffelstr. 38, 04277 Leipzig, GERMANY
TEST BAN TREATY - Demo
I got turned onto TBT from there contributions to the awesome “Thrashmaster” comp LP out of Brazil (find it and get it)…TBT play tight thrash, that in between the mid-90s fastcore bands and just straight up HC. Cool stuff, Brazil is blowing up right now.
FAR LEFT LIMIT - Advance Tape
Energetic youth crew from Australia that is fast and raw. This was going to be an EP but I guess they scrapped it for a better recording….but it serves well for a demo. I dig this a lot more than the generic 88 kind of shit that has been coming out, because it has more of a thrash element, while still keeping the good elements of youth crew. Good vocals too. Dave, Po Box 326, Blackburn 3130 Vic, AUSTRALIA.
FINAL BLOOD BATH - Dead or Alive Demo
Total D-beat thrash from Japan…..taking DISCHARGE as an influence 100%. I saw these guys live and loved it. This not for everyone: FINAL BLOOD BATH don’t speed up the traditional D-beat style nor do they distort it as much as DISCLOSE, they just play straight up WHY-era Discore. I love this shit! Shuichi Sano, 1-20-4, Mitui-dai, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo-to, 192-0014 JAPAN.
WARSORE - Live in Japan 99 Tape
A pretty blown-out live recording of WARSORE from Australia on their tour of Japan. I think this might have been taken from a video tape maybe, because most sound boards from Japanese clubs are like friggin studio tracks. Shitloads of songs from this grind unit, but you will have to be a diehard to enjoy the recording quality. Smell the Stench Tapes c/o
EVOL - Demo
I don’t know how old this is, but I do believe there is some releases already from Japan’s Evol. This is fierce grindcore/death metal……with a long piano intro I didn’t know what to expect, but then it just blasts out with some fierce grindcore with multiple vocal styles. 4 songs in all….pretty damn good. Miyamoto Nankichi, 4-6-27 #201 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 161-0033, JAPAN.
V/A - Three Way Split Release Tape
As the title suggests, this is a split release between 3 bands, all from Malaysia, BURGER KILL, WATCH IT FALL and INFIREAL. All of them play a form of heavy hardcore, whether it’s rap-NYHC or a heavy mosh metal. Pro-tape. Anak Liar Records c/o Muhammad (Mat), 12 Jln Tasek 25, Bandar Seri Alam, 81750 Masai, Johor, MALAYSIA
CRIPPLED MONGOLOID - Demo
Some snotty ass fast hardcore…..we’re talking Charles Bronson to the T. A little rough on the edges, but showing promises. 12 songs in all…pretty damn good. Chris, 767 Storeybrae Pl, Escondido, CA 92027
BARBARIAN - 666 in Asshole Demo
This is pre-Sound Like Shit, and it is fucking super raw, fastcore. The recording is four-track, but works well this. 14 songs of non-stop 1000mph Japanese thrash. Follows the power-violence formula…. Throw Up Records, 2970-1 Hakii Minamikoma-gun, Minobu-cho, Yamanashi-ken, 409-2523, JAPAN
A BUNCH OF THE EGOS - Wind Where Ever Demo
Hhhhmmmm, after a very long first song, they kick into some mid-tempo rocking Japanese punk hardcore. Very long songs, repeating riffs/choruses…..the traditional style vocals add strength. No Address.
FREE GRAND CREATE - 1st Impact Demo
8 songs of thrash from Kyoto…some songs are like crossover hardcore, others are lightening speed. Then some songs have death metal style vocals. I think they are at their best when just flying fast. For fans of fast crossover. Shiojiri Takeshi, 11-8 Atago Kamimachi, Maizuru Kyoto, 625-0030, JAPAN
V/A - Accidental Therapy Sampler
A 13 band comp tape featuring the extreme of the extreme….total blur grindcore or complete noise (Total Fucking Destruction, Wasteoid, Mouth Breather, etc). Not for the meek, but most definitely for the grind/noise fans. It was put out by the drummer of Wasteoid so check out what else he has. PMB# 145, 3201 South St, Lincoln, NE, 68502-3266
DOWNER - Demo
A young fastcore/grind band from Sapporo…. 7 songs of fast that fly right by. I bet their second demo is gonna be sick. Satoshi Daitou, 56W21 Chuoku, Green Vira Maruyama 103, Sapporo 064, JAPAN
SHANK - Demo
This is a 4-track tape they recorded in a basement while on tour in Australia….fucking fast and tight as shit. We’re talking dual vocal, blasting drums, distorted guitars…..awesome. And for a 4 track recording, this is brilliant. Shank c/o Eight-O-Three, Flip Basement, 70-72 Queen Street, Glasgow G1 3EN, SCOTLAND
BENT OVER BACKWARDS - Demo
I’ve been hearing about these guys from some friends who live in Portland…..and for good reason, they play some great metallic crust. Low vocals, metallic slow parts, fast driving parts, and even some blasts. I kind of hear a little DYSTOPIA mixed in there, with a whole lot of raw death metal thrown on top. Bent Over Backwards, 815 NE Emerson, Portland, OR 97211
ESTETICA POLAR - “Eraserhead” Tape
This is some fucked up electro-noise from Madrid…The bio says influenced by Whitehouse and Merzbow…..I guess this would fit in that category, although I don’t really have the ear for this type of stuff. Noise fans take notice. Mono Records c/o David Montero, Apdo 116098, Madrid 28080, SPAIN
GORY INHUMANE GENOCIDE - Hentikan Kekerasan Demo
Ripping Indonesian fastcore grind! The vocals really do it for me, it reminds me of low screamed HC vocals (not cookie-monster vocals), and the music is really well written and executed. The drummer is flying on this one. 25 songs in all, some really good stand outs as well. Fans of the BRUTAL TRUTH style will dig it. Edelweiss Productions, see address above. I’m guessing $7ppd.
SELF DEFENSE - No Holds Barred Demo
Good fast, raw, pissed punk rock that is very reminiscent of Boston or old New York style. A pretty good indicator of their style is that they do a LAST RITES cover…Most songs hit the NEGATIVE FX speed though, so the tempo of the entire demo never lets up. If you dig your HC ala 82, get this for sure. Self Defense, Po Box 822, Woodbury, CT 06798
V/A - Democratic Life? Bullshit! Comp Tape
A 6 band comp tape from Japan…and 5/6 are Japanese bands. What’s cool is that all the bands are new, or from smaller towns, so it’s a great introduction to some awesome crust/grindcore. Bands included: BOLT STEIN: fast grindcore, with good lyrics and DIY style, EQUALITY: are super raw D-beat style thrash - boombox recording, TERMINAL: the surprise of the tape, ripping metallic Japanese style-crust with awesome vocals, got here this band, ATROCIOUS MADNESS, only non-Japanese band, and if you haven’t heard em yet, this is THE premier D-beat band from the states….REGION OF DOOM: their song starts off with a long, heavy metallic intro, and then bolts into a thick Scandinavian style d-beat song, IGNORANCE: have been around for awhile and play awesome crust thrash with male-female vocals. Good comp, esp for crust fans. $6ppd to MMY c/o Umemura, 4-25-7-401, Sannou-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, 232-0013, JAPAN.
BALLAST - Scraps is Life Demo
Great demo of some very energetic hardcore punk that reminds me of a more metallic ANTI-SCHISM. Good fast-paced songs that are really well written, great female vocals, a booklet with awesome artwork. Hell, what more could you ask? Well, tons of writings and lyrical introspection…….there ya go. You got it all. Po Box 21530, 1850 Commercial Drive, Vancouver B.C., V5N 4A5, CANADA
HIDEOUS FECAL SPLATTER SESSIONS - Demo
10 songs of primitive grindcore/HC. Two guys (guitar and drums) playing some gore-inspired grindcore, recording themselves on a 4 track in one of the dudes rooms. You dig your grind as raw as it gets….check this out. Reminds me of the earliest EXIT-13 stuff. George Lopez, 3816 E. Dozier St., Los Angeles, CA 90063
TIME X / SEIZE THE DAY - Split Tape
Seize the Day start things off with early-90s inspired hardcore. Its youth crew, but has a lot of the formulaic metallic style riffs (a heavy JUDGE influence is in there). For being the very first 3 songs these guys wrote, this is pretty damn good. TIME X play some fast, pissed off youth crew that is really good. Both bands have formulas they are following, but they execute it well, plus the left-wing politics of both bands are a breathe of fresh air. Both bands are from Portugal, tapes limited to 200 copies. Seize the Day, Pct. Mario Sa Carneiro N°3-10°D, 2675-235 Odivelas, Codivel, PORTUGAL.
TIME X - Love It or Leave It Demo
8 songs of lightning fast youth crew from Portugal. Their split tape with Seize the Day rules, but this flat out smokes. Lyrics go from the formulaic SXE stuff, to songs that are anti-homophobic, etc. Very cool. Plus they have samples from various activists, so you know their politics are in the right place. Time X, Apartado (Po Box) 229, 2685 Sacavem, PORTUGAL
LUGOSI - Demo 2000
6 songs of mid-paced but straight forward hardcore punk…..I got turned onto these guys from the buzz about them from a few of my friends. Everyone was talking about this young band that played high energy sets, and no one knew of em etc…..Well, these rock, most definitely not thrash, more of a mid-tempo old Revelation kind of rock, but man, the energy that they have live comes through on this tape. Exceptional vocals too. Blazing. The tapes they made are low in volume, but ask em about the CDRs they have. Lugosi, 903 Alameda, Redwood City, CA 94061
OUR WAR - Demo
Extremely pissed off youth crew from Canada, sounds like FLOORPUNCH without the lame politics of that band. Lyrics about being pissed, pissed and getting pissed. Good production so it comes off thick. I guess a ton of labels have flocked to them already, so watch for some vinyl. In the meantime, write em at: 1458 Reynolds Ave, Burlingtton, Ont, L7M 3B7, CANADA
GxBx - Tokyo Skate Punk Demo
Punk thrash that utilizes various vocal styles throughout various songs (but are best when the vocalist sticks with his snotty style)….it has some melody, some thrash….pretty much what you would expect from a skate punk band. Good stuff…and I bet their second demo will be solid. tomokazumizutani@hotmail.com
RIOT IN OPERA / SIKA split Tape
RIO is fast and raw punk from Slovakian band that is inspired by the old Italian bands. It pretty much sounds like Wretched or something…..a little sloppy, lyrics are being belted out at rapid pace. Also from Slovakia, SIKA belt out some very fierce thrash that reminds me of Rapt or Larm. A little sloppy, but that is the point. The packaging on this is crazy, it comes in a cardboard box, with glued lyric sheets, etc. Very cool. Tomas Fifik, M. Sch. Trnavskeho 22, 841 01 Bratislava, SLOVAK REPUBLIC
V/A - Urban Guerilla Zine Comp Tape
Some zines have been popping up in the Bay Area that are finally making me proud, along with People Under No King Zine….UGZ has been a constant on my read list. Mainly focusing on local hardcore bands and (my favorite) skating, they have managed to put out a bunch of solid issues so far. The last issue came out with a comp CD, with some up and coming hardcore punk bands from around the way, and this tape is a live tape from a record release show they did. Bands include BEWARE (ripping), BLOWN TO BITS (Bay Area’s first Scando-style crust band), MELEE (Boston thrash) and INSIDIOUS. Pretty good quality and the bands rule. Write em to see what’s up at: UGZ, Pmb 419, 1442A Walnut St., Berkeley, CA 94709)
POINTING FINGER - Get in the Way Demo
Great fast youth crew with some vocal style that I love ( not screaming, its almost sung). Catchy riffs, good breakdowns, no metal…great. For being a new band, POINTING FINGER write some really solid songs. I’m digging this a lot. I bet they’ll have vinyl out by the end of the year for sure. For fans of melodic youth crew….. Po Box 717, 8000 Faro, PORTUGAL
JAZZUS - Demo Ansaio
Really raw power violence from Brazil. The recording is a little rough (four track or less) but for this style of music is works (for a demo). Short songs, blasting drums, etc, at times it almost sounds like noisecore. I dig it though. It comes with a full size booklet as well. I’m interested in hearing these guys in studio. Allan Borges, Ed Paranapanema ap. 401, 1a Etapa, Coquerial de Itaparica, Vila Velha / ES, CEP: 29101-201, BRAZIL
ASSERT - Demo
5 songs of 4 chord UK punk/hardcore. I know they have released some vinyl and CDs, but this was the first time I’ve actually heard em. Although some of the songs tend to get caught in repeating riffs over and over, once Assert get going fast (like in their song “Left Opposition”) they are blazing. Cool vocal style that is clear yet still screamed. I dig this…I think I’m going to hunt down some of their releases now. Assert, 45 Chilten Gardens, Dawley, Telford, TF4 2QQ, ENGLAND
WARTIME - Repeat the Human Demo
My friend Stephe in Canada taped this for me, this is awesome. Great Japanese thrash that goes from Japanese crust, to some faster (almost grind) songs. Not a lot of metal in this, which is good, just good old Japanese thrash (with dual female/male vocals to boot). All the songs are about war, attack, or battle. No Address on cover,
PARENTAL ADVISORY - Demo
Wow….the demo starts off with just a drum beat, then blam, everything comes in full throttle. Hailing from Brazil, PA play fast thrash that is executed much like German outfits like ACME, etc, but more straight forward. They even do an Armageddon cover. Looks like some of these songs will be a split with Wojczech, so keep an eye out for it! Douglas Alves Junior, Caixa Postal 1668, Sao Paulo SP, Cep: 01059-970, BRAZIL
24 REASONS - Why They’re Starving Demo
24 REASONS from Malaysia just flat out rip, but unfortunately they have disbanded…this tape is from 1996, and I luckily stumbled upon a still sealed copy form a friend that I trade with regularly. They play mid-paced metallic thrash that reminds me of the first RDP LP. The vocals have that echo effect like the old Brazilian stuff, which I love. Great lyrics as well, songs about technology, about how hardcore kids need to think for themselves…etc. If anyone does write to someone in Malaysia, ask around, and at least try to get a dub. I’ve included the printed address, although it is 5 years old. Shammir, 533-P, Block 2, 14th Floor, SRI Pahang Flats, Bukit Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.
FELL-A-VICTIM - Demo CDR
11 songs of fast, short grind/HC songs. Songs about current state of affairs in both the world and the scene…with some funny ones to boot. Mix a little SCATHED with PHOBIA and you got the direction FELL-A-VICTIM are going with a few more recordings under their belt. xxfell_a_victimxx@hotmail.com
MY LUCK - Demo
Ok, somehow I have either lost the address, or there was not one included in the demo, but I do remember that I got the tape in Austin TX. This is fast, energetic hardcore that reminds me of OUTLAST. It has melody, hooks, good breakdowns, good fast parts……sometimes like TURNING POINT. Stoked. 4 songs in all. Damn, now I just wish I had a contact addie for them.
SHARK ATTACK - Feeding Frenzy Demo
Next to American Nightmare, Shark Attack were the most hyped band on the East Coast when I was there. I admit, damn good, pissed HC that is pure Boston/NY hardcore ala 82. Songs about knocking people down to size. You get the drift. While this demo is ripping, they are now gone, so let the myth machine start rolling. mattxcore@aol.com
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION JACKSON - Demo 2001
Good, straight forward-hardcore that is funny, but also pretty damn heavy at the same time. Some great fucking breakdowns….reminds me of RAMBO actually. 10 songs in all, and highly recommended. Best song title “You can’t spell ‘Drum and Bass’ without ‘Dumb Ass.’” andy@pacihl.com
HORTUS - Demo
This is ex-GNOB, so you know to expect some extremely quirky/original, psycho grind/HC. The riffs are even crazier than GNOB, while the vocals are less screaming….but the approach is in the same vein. Really experimental to say the least….almost too psycho for my ‘straight-forward’ tastes although I’m interested to hear these guys with a better recording. hortus777@hotmail.com
STRAIGHT TO HELL - Demo
This band features Brian/Drop Dead and Aaron/Ulcer kicking some really raw and primitive HC thrash. The first song is written and sounds like its some raw Finnish HC. The recording is kind of rough on the edges, but I think these guys sophomore effort will be awesome. I don’t have a cover, and only have an email address for a contact. aaronulcer@hotmail.com
RIPPED TO SHREDS - You’re Next Demo 2001
This demo is fucking awesome…..super fast thrash that is punk to the core. And the best thing is that on some parts these guys get totally sloppy, but it fucking rules. There is something extremely special about this demo, just because this is exactly what a demo is supposed to be. Raw, fast, youthful, sloppy……man, this is the shit. Fans of TEAR IT UP check this out! Brad, 1616 Lincoln St., Bellingham, WA 98226
BERSERKER FURY - Demo
Sounds like a more power-violence (and looser) CHARLES BRONSON..especially with all the crazy samples in between each song. Rough four track recording makes this extra raw, vocals are distorting, the guitars are feeding back…..Taken for what it is, this is cool. Dylan@2xtreme.net
TAB - Warriors Demo
Fast hardcore crossover, that reminds me of a modern DR KNOW (just saw them, so they are fresh in my head). Basic song structure, repeating choruses and good breakdowns…a little formulaic, but for a first demo its cool. Lets see what they do next. Po Box 25003, Colorado Springs, CO 80936
FAST SCREAM FOR MERCY - Karaoke Violence Demo
When they karaoke, they mean recorded by a karaoke machine. This leaves a little to be desired in the production dept cuz its just too tinny and fuzzed out (plus they don’t have a guitarist, so it’s a little thin there as well). A definite graphic and song title influence from Japanese thrash to boot. I want to hear FSFM recorded a little better, this recording doesn’t do em justice. N1792 Orchid Way, Greenville, WI 54942
CRUCIAL ATTACK - Good Enough for a Demo
Ripping thrash from Reno….WHN played with them in a basement there and they were awesome. They call themselves straight edge punk rock, which is a fair description, cuz they have some youth crew influences, but with full throttle thrash influences. The four-track recording makes this sound fucking raw as shit without diminishing anything. Watch out for them, they are awesome. Crucial Attack, Po Box 294, Reno, NV 89504
BG - Demo 2001
This was one of the best bands on the WHN tour….ripping HC from ex-Rash of Beatings / Burned Up, Bled Dry members. If you combine the ferocity of those two bands, you get BG…..extremely fierce, metallic thrash that is better than the best. If you dig modern German HC or stuff like Kungfu Rick, get this. Awesome dudes to boot. BG, 13506 Heritage Pl, Fort Smith, AR 72916
MAKE MENTION OF SIGHT - Demo
4 songs of new-school Japanese youth crew style…….it follows the basic formula of, let’s say the new Revelation bands, but has tons of melody mixed in (ala Turning Point LP). Not really my style (too much melody mixed with metal), but done pretty damn well. Fans of new school HC / sXe will dig it. Yoichi Sakai, 5-29 Shintomicho, Shiogama-City, Miyagi, 985-0022, JAPAN
SUPPRESSION - 2001 Demo
Yup, the SUPPRESSION…..now down to two dudes (bass and drums), and has gotten more experimental than the straight forward thrash they used to do. While there are blast beats intertwined here and there, the new material is relying on unorthodox beats and distorted bass lines, instead of the Crossed Out style they used to play. Definite MITB influences here and there. CNP, Po Box 14555, Richmond, VA 23221
DYSTROPHY - Skatin for Satan Demo
Dystrophy is one of many of new bands that are starting to appear on the Peninsula (here in the Bay Area). It’s awesome to see. Distrophy are 3 chord fastcore, and instead of doing the cookie monster vocals that so many bands rely on, these guys belt out just some good old-style punk vocals. Hell they even do a VOID cover. Good raw recording too.
THE AWAKENING - Demo
Hailing from Columbus, The Awakening play HC that is heavy and dark (ala a little Memphis tinge to it). They’re at their best when they are hitting the mid-paced Scandinavian beat. 6 songs in all, showing strong potential. With super thick guitar production these guys will be your new favorite band. The Awakening, 1579 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
THE LAB RATS - Demo
Good, catchy hardcore punk from San Francisco. Loads of catchy choruses, melodic guitar overtones (but not too much melody), and snotty vocals. There’s 4 songs on this tape, and I heard they have a ton of new (and better) songs. These songs are awesome, so I’m stoked to hear what they have been writing lately. The new breed is coming up. Us old timers better watch our backs. Smath, 3649 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94121
JOHNNY X AND THE GROADIES - Demo
Don’t let the name fool ya, this sounds like fucking German HC at full speed. They have been going forever, and their prior stuff has been awesome. This time around, they are utilizing a drum machine, which normally I can’t stand, but on this recording, they have masked it by bringing the guitar levels up, thus it sounds damn close to a real drummer. If you like fast HC that is influenced by a heavy dose of thrash metal, you’ll dig these guys.
STOP AND THINK - Demo 2001
Good, solid straight edge from Boston. Its straight edge that seems to be the norm these days…..pissed off lyrics, heavy breakdown, mixed with youth crew fast parts and attitude. Fans of Carry On will dig for sure….I give it 1 month before labels are crawling all over themselves to get a piece of these guys, so ya better order this quick Stop and Think, 8 Carmel St #2, Roxbury, MA 02120
ACME - ‘01 Demo
Not the German band, this ACME hails from Tokyo and plays great mid-paced Japanese metallic thrash. This style is only really pulled off by Japanese bands: melodic guitar lines played over metallic riffs, repetition, the wanking guitar solo over the breakdown….it is so good when done right, and ACME do it right. This features members of Trapped and Shikabane, so you know its damn good. Satoru Nakamura, 103 Yokoyama 1-4-8, Haramachida, Machida-si, Tokyo, 194-0013 JAPAN.