Recent Rotation

Madball - Empire
Donnybrook! - The Beast Inside
Terror - Keepers of the Faith

Kylesa - Spiral Shadows
Coke Bust - Degradation

Pressure Sounds - VA - "Red Bumb Ball"

DJ Muggs vs Ill Bill - Kill Devi Hills
Celph-Titled & Buckwild - Nineteen Ninety Now
7L & Esoteric - 1212
Q-Unique - Between Heaven and Hell
The Left - Gas Mask/Gas Leaks

OFF 1st ep review

OFF "1st ep"

Official Press Description

"The first release, the succinctly titled 1st EP, is a limited edition 7" that comes with an exclusive poster courtesy of Raymond Pettibon, the living legend responsible for Black Flag's overall visual aesthetic.

LA-based OFF! features Keith Morris (Black Flag/Circle Jerks), Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Steven McDonald (Redd Kross), and Mario Rubalcaba (Earthless/Hot Snakes/Rocket From the Crypt). "


So...does the old guy still have it? Would you listen to this band even if KM was not in it? is it really good, or just good for an old guy?

YES! YES! YES!

This is Black Flag/Circle Jerks lo-fi craziness. Desperate screams and cursed pleas emit over strong riffs.

"Black Thoughts" taut and frantic. so-cal punk gem "I can't stop thinking black thoughts!" ...55 seconds

"Darkness" this must be a lost black flag song from '78. Incredible. Caustic howls scratch past Morris' throat over a dark riff.

"I Don't Belong" ..."i'm standing in the shadows and i'm pissing in the punch bowl". This one is a touch slower. a good creepy crawl stomp. 57 seconds of eerie and bitter.

"Upside Down" Big riff of (again) '80 level Circle Jerks feel. i guess you can say catchy - but not pop or melodic. this is gritty punk rock and roll. 47 seconds.

So. expect three more ep's at 4 songs a piece over the next three months.

Intense early hardcore punk fro the dude that helped create the sound and rebellion and energy of this distilled emotional music. Raw production and vocals bring home the paranoid and sinister spite towards nrmal society. Just as vicious and relevant as 30 years ago.

And again, it's not just sentimental. If 4 20 year olds in Texas were putting this out as their first ep, they would the same review.

and yes, cover art by Pettibon. damn.
*** and mario rubalcaba was always one of my favorite skaters and i had a deck by him i loved...new school.

band's myspace
BUY IT!

Terror "Keepers of the Faith" lp Review

Terror "Keepers of the Faith" Century Media

first off, i love Terror, so if you hate...why read this. i still can be objective, and will list where their strengths and faults are. A quick synopsis to gage my opinion verse yours...

they came out, i ignored them. i hate over hyped "ex-members of" shit. Then i saw them. I am a judgmental asshole. this band kills. I have loved each Scott V band, anyway. "Lowest of the Low" rules. "Underdogs" was awesome, but felt a little stiff in production; but an incredible album. "Hard Way" - perfect. "RATC" was a great release to tide us over. I play it frequently. "TD,TD" i go back to it the least. a solid release, but i think the Zeuss production tried to push them into something they weren't. Although that said, "Voice...", "Relentless...", "Never Alone", "What I Despise, and "Let Me Sink" are some of their best songs. and i never subscribed to them falling off when Carl or Todd left. Buske and Frank 3 Gun, and Martin are some of my favorite personalities in hardcore.

Songs like "Push It Away", "Out of My Face", "Lost", and "Disconnected" are my tops from these dudes.

SO - i loved "KOTF" 7" that came in July.
and let me also preface this with i was this biggest, loudest naysayer of Chad Gilbert. i was frightened. and again, i am a judgmental asshole. i was fuckin' wrong. This man produced what maybe the best Terror album. "KOTF" find these cats at the peak of their game.

This album is loud, fierce, and angry. Scott's voice has(miraculously) remained strong through 2 decades of screaming. His lyrics won't challenge Keats or Joyce, but he has matured and still loves representing hardcore. I love hardcore (at age 33) and i love seeing other dudes my age still engaged; never mind dudes still enraged and shouldering a scene.
Another aspect i always appreciate of Scott is the lyrics included; with a prose description/explanation *(so buy the bitch - do not just download it). Perspective and personal experience make it uniquely Terror. I feel a kinship through his words. This hardcore scene; this quagmire of outcasts and outsiders become something purposeful and beautiful. Scott's focus of lyrics are decrees and pacts to his family, friends and 'fans' (for lack of a better term). But that's the point of hardcore - 'fans' become brothers and peers. And these denouncements of society's sheep, these clones, these weak ones - our universal derision and condemnation of those types is our bond.

The songs are short and vicious. Nick Jett still gets a huge sound as the backbone of this roadworn outfit. Guitars are crunching and heavy. Drums are pouncing and rigid. Gilbert really did mix this well and extract prime output from each of the players. The formula remains the same. Dance, pile on, pound the chest, and head-nod. bring the mosh and finger point. Glorious. I could have used a breakdown or two more -but this bitch moves fast forward and lots of two-stepping parts.

"You find strength in what you hold in your hand - that's not for me - i'll stay free"

And again, they expanded on the foundation of the formula - this is not hc paint by numbers. Please do not think i blur eac song together They have a formula without being formulaic. I mean, hardcore ain't ELO or Zappa. This is a hardcore album; not even a "genre crossing metal-core album". There are elements of metal - tight riffs, a few leads and dive bombs; definitely some thrash in here - bits of Anthrax/DRI/Metallica *(yeah...the "Only Death" song is an old Metallica style riff; not Motley Crue! You watch your tongue!). They just keep the foundation the same.

This is fight music. These are anthems for the hurt, burdened, forgotten, scorned, furious; those of us who see a fucked-up world and our own contributions in the scourge called 'humanity'. But with a little wisdom and experience, we can move forward and be better than the mindless. Or at least be with those like us. "These are the sounds of the underworld."

This album - whatever you may think of these dudes or there work - tour relentlessly and bring the true spirit of hardcore to the stage and disc.
Raybeez is looking down proudly.
"Always Keep the Faith"

For fans of Terror.

Standout Tracks: "Stick Tight", "Shattered", "Stay Free", "The Struggle" - ...ah, i just picked all the "S" songs....listen to them all, really - there is not a bad song on this. "New Blood" i s bad-ass and Toby2o pops in.

TerrorMySpace
KOTF
CMRecords
BuyAtRev
ReaperRecords

Madball "Empire" review

Madball "Empire" Good Fight Music

I have loved the last two Madball Albums (well, i love all of them) - but the last 2 have just been amazing. The spark of adding Riggs and Mitts has catapulted these guys into full dedication mode. Touring non-stop and 3 lps in 5 years; scan't stop, won't stop. And their live shows have been tight and energetic. But this is a new label, new drummer, and new producer.

"Empire" - well, this one is minus Riggs. He is missed. And despite Jay Weinberg NOT being in the band as i type this, he was on the album. And he does a superb job. But the chemistry of Mitts and Hoya and Freddie is undeniable. These dudes are on fire.

lyrically, Freddy continues to grow. I mean, it's still about the streets, but the streets in the context of this world, this government. The spirit remains the same, but the mouth through which these vocals are screamed is a wiser one. Freddy often is caught contemplating the struggle. He sees both sides of the coin. He sees the future and the past when arriving at a fork in the road. He can examine his old ways with lament and reason.

"And no this not about the scene, this is about the relevance in the bigger scheme of things" Freddy's social criticism and political leanings have become strengthened in the past 3 albums, and it is glorious. Good stuff. I mean, he ain't Jello Biafra or anything - but "us vs the system" has been honed in on some specifics. and nice shout of "fuck BP petro" made me smile. Speaking against the sleepwalking clones, the corporate thugs, the consumer, and the complacent.

Music: same formula - no dramatic twist. Just the best hardcore you can have. NYHC. Two-steps and gang chants for the listener to become possessed by. Fast crunching riffs; mid-tempo beats with a hip-hop bounce. Head walks and chest pounds a plenty. The mixing is classic Madball - time changes and channel drops while Freddy screams that lead into breakdowns. Not chugga chugga and breakdown saturated; the main focus is one the importance of racing forward.

That said - they got , who i guess is some Florida Death Metal guru (Cannibal Corpse, etc). He did a fantastic job. No crazy metal tendencies, just hardcore.

Some highlights: Brother roger comes on "Shatterproof"; the Paul Bearer intro to "Hurt You"; two new songs in Spanish; and "Tough Guy" - as i remark on Freddy's obvious maturation, do not take that for growing soft. and this songs harkens back to that sparkplug.

"Con Fuerza" has me throwing haymakers alone in my room and i do not know a lick of Spanish. The tracks "RAHC, "All or Nothing" that we got a peek at 2 weeks prior courtesy of Reaper Records got me picking up change. Invigorate, "Timeless", "Dark Horse" has me looking like a fool waiting for the buss as i shout at the telephone pole and point. i could go on - every song on this album kills. They are each made for the pit; and the revolution. Stand up and fight. And make sure this is your soundtrack.

Sadly, the album closes with "Rebel4Life 1 8" is about Hoya's wife that passed away. My condolences. That must be horrible.

MBMS
MBFB
PFNY
RRHC
GoodFight

BUY THIS FUCKING CD!!! a superb mix of fast and bounce; and fresh enough to be different from Set It Off, DMS, HID....

DJ Muggs vs Ill Bill "Kill Devil Hills" Review

DJ Muggs vs Ill Bill "Kill Devil Hills" Review


So it has been 6 weeks since the release of this album. And I was waiting for months. Ill Bill was at the top of his game on "Hour of Reprisal". The variety of music and lyrical Influences were a relief in this disgusting quagmire of present pop music that passes for hip hop. On the other coast, Muggs has cranked out 3 dope albums under his "Vs" moniker. So this East to left collabo of two top performers had me stoked.

The other aspect of this that had me drooling was the talk from the two men regarding "the Album". Well, that and the proven track record from the two artists ( "Vs." x 3 from Muggs; LCN and "HOR" from Bill). my biggest complaint in hip hop - that we trace through the prior decade - is the lack of "the album". It can be seen that I do not decry in solitude by this past summer's Rock the Bells tour focusing on just that. But I would say in whole, the rap album where you can listen front to back without skipping a track is now an anomaly. Remember Cube, PE, Too Short, EPMD, Geto Boys? My analysis would render that these magical concoctions were due to producers and rappers being together. Physically and mentally. Seeing the album as an artistic product. GangStarr, Hill/House/Doobie, Wu, Beastie Boys, Tribe and certain others were products of this distinction: in-House producers that were part of the group, and hence, the creative process. Like these days, Ed O.G. & Pete Rock, JMT, Gza & Muggs, 7L & ES, M Polo & Torae - these cd's stand out. Think Primo and Guru, Sir Jinx and Cube, Kool G and Marley (or Jinx, for that matter), Ice-T & The Syndicate, PE with Bomb Squad, EPMD with Scratch, Dilated, rap-a-lot.

But these days, it is about the "single". Which has rappers paying producers to provide beats that they made alone; not specifically for a particular mc. Don't get me wrong, there are exceptions through out history. Anyway, Muggs agrees and sat in a room, in a lab, with Ill Bill and they made an album. One that was a culmination of effort, energy, work, communication, compromise, and collaboration. *(damn, the "u-Massacre" lp had Meth, Ghost, and Rae record separately. And we wonder why there is a lack of chemistry?) So how did this end up....

Fuckin dope. What we get handed is classic Muggs, with a slight twist and Bill at his peak. A snare roll that opens up "Cult Assasins" morons into that marching beat that we heard on the
Muggs - Asia lp. We get a simple beat with a fuzzy bass and chants that keep that ethereal feel Muggs loves. Some space age funk twirls in and out to add atmosphere. Bill, as most of this album will be adorned with, lays lyrics obsessed with conspiracies and Illuminati and bible codes and such.

"Trouble Shooters" gives us an elaborate weaving of the same apocalyptic scenarios from Bill. Sick Jacken murders his piece. Sean Price Comes up and kicks a great verse of thug Vs brain type options. While OC rounds it out with a strong verse. Love that guy. Muggs gives a Rza type beat with that repeating stringplay enhanced by a Muggs drone and hum. Wraps it all up nicely.

"we got a black president, the aliens will be here soon" starts off "Illuminati 666". So with those "end of days" intro - you get the vibe. I'd say this is average Muggs beat, which makes it better than most still. This rocker has that synth stomp. and with introspection like "...meanwhile the mass-population consumes / i'm in a catch 22, too smart for my own good / intergalactical, too smart for my own hood / my x-ray vision sees through..." relays the scale of his thoughts and the grand weight of the mental burden this truth-seeker lays upon himself.

These songs are great, but the lp really kicks in with "Amputated Saint" with B-Real. This tune just lifts the energy level. Muggs beat is haunting with his chants and dusty drums. Crackles enter our ear to add to the ancient secrets Bill and B are discovering and enlightening us with words of wisdom. B-Real spits "they got hell to pay and i got hell to raise..." as i smile. Drugs and violence lace the entire album, and B-Rizzy sums it up: "We got the greenery and heavy machinery / life don't mean a thing to me - bitch, enjoy the scenery". The is the message encompassed. Life is a hard trek, get high and enjoy what you got. live for today.

Bill knows how to write a hook. And these paranoid warnings provide the fertile fodder for Bill to strengthen that skill. The entire cd keeps your head noddin' with provocative flows repeating.



The next jam has LCN brothers Slaine and Everlast join Bill on an Indian sitar loop and a catchy snare clap. Chanting weaves in and out to add that spark. Bill kicks "use computers To rob commodities/ abuse technology / Produce monopolies/ google and YouTube robbery" to school the listener in a verse that is spoken to teach. Slaine slams a stellar spit and i am high just listening to the hypnotic beat. Ev kicks a simpler phrasing, but kicks it with a punch.

That next song ( is centered around an electro-synth loop that i expect Lil Wayne to jump on...i get a little apprehensive, but as soon as Bill spits i cannot deny that it bangs. i quickly adjust. Muggs still whoops out his Marching head banger feel on the beat. And some audio tweaks to some speech part helps. I also hear some metal sword clanging in the background. Ill Bill calling "Sarah Palin is a Wu-Tang fan" makes me chuckle. But the defining moment for me is Q-Unique..."in the constellation of rappers, i am the top star / superbad, mclovin', shootin the cops' cars /yeah we all loadin the clip and feelin the heat / but y'all aint' killin' the street / like Ill and Unique". Boom! and when he spits - "Fox News Room, where my sanity dies, cause i get more truth out of Family Guy". whooooo!

the slow crawl of drums and a whistle lead us into "The Owl" with a creepy guy talking some mob shit for a quick rest

The following 4 songs are absolutely incredible. Best beats one the album, bringing this shit to the next echelon.

"Millenniums of Murder" is a killer Horn march with crackles and gun shots that boost it to an epic feel. a disjointing Psycho type prickly horn carries in verse 2.
"Chase Manhattan" is a classic beat - total 70's soul tune. deep horns, wakka guitars, and layers of drums help us klisten to a bank heist story from Chef and Bill. Smoking. *( best line, "listening to Lamb of God, while i pack the Bong")
"Ill Bill TV" opens with a scream into a cloudy, dark hammond organ loop. crisp metal like pipes banging supply the head knock beat. Horns come in a little later. But the organ is so dope, it carries the whole thing.
"Secrets Worth Dying For" is another organ riff with a punch of drums. it is slower, but sick. I love organs (....hold the joke) and this is the shit. Chace Infinite guests.

This is by far the best beat on the whole thing. a somber piano with some of beat bass drums lay a foundation for a raw boom bap song. less is more. Add Vinnie Paz and B-Real on the track and you cannot lose. i feel like a bad-ass thug just listening. Intellect and bravado stomping. "The symbolism is just like a prison / i am trying to free you from your condition" - B-Real. A Gritty beat for the grittiest, Paz; with two other soldiers of the war.

We go out on a somber note, "Narco Corridos" has an eerie synth beat with pummeling drums and a haunting chant in the back. Uncle Howie often comes up with Bill and you see how the sorrow and reflection resonates with the wounded Bill. Sick Jacken comes up and tells and equally morose tale. a good song to end on.


Ill Bill is the master of multisyllabic rhymes a la Too $hort, Rakim and Kool G; or contemporaries Slaine, Eso or Apathy. This album has Bill never slowing his message or sound. His subject matter sticks with the conspiracy theory that takes up maybe half of his last album. This paranoia fuels the desire to fight the powers that be, hence the drug and gun talk; which is never brought up simply for novel effect or needless violent tales.

This album is a banger. no doubt. This album is New York. Dark, hustling, gritty, reality. And the samples, lyrics and names reflect the NY vibe and attitude. But Bill is never fettered by this, he still peers at the whole world and how he and NY fit into it. He examines the Big Picture with a fine toothed comb. Smart, articulate, and skilled rhymes are the solid pith of Ill Bill, and with a consistent producer, especially one of the tenure, talent and vibe of Muggs, is the perfect pairing. Get this now.
And then go read a book. Bill and Muggs will suggest both, i think.
Bill MySpace
Muggs Site
Muggs MySpace
FresnoMedia

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DJ Muggs vs Ill Bill "Kill Devil Hills" mini-review

brooklyn's illest conjures up paranoid visions of the illuminati and conspiracies
to the dusty, spooky stomp of DJ Muggs. To battle the single-minded (pun intended) 'rap' (read..."POP")
stars of today, Muggs and Bill got together to create an actual album.
Sat together in the same room and honed the apocalyptic sound of this thrilling lp.
Muggs continues to bang out top notch beats in his "Vs." series. Slow and eerie, this is Muggs at his best, but also has some funk bangers.
As bill comes ripping, hot of "reprisal". Violent and realistic lyrics come forth,
accompanied by the undergrounds top rappers as guest. this is real hip hop - first song to last. this is an album.

i posted this on www.emusic.com

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John Joseph Interview on www.dyrsfrihet.no

The site is not in english - but the interview is. JJ is on point. I am not drug free, i am not vegetarian. But i am anti-corporation - down for local natural business - and avoid processed foods.

ANyway, the man drops knowledge with no ego, no bullshit.
and no illuminati tirades.

read:
interview

DBD Tour Dates

Official press release:

Death Before Dishonor will be storming through the East Coast alongside legendary hardcore band Strife with support on various shows from labelmates Cruel Hand, Foundation and more. Following the East Coast dates, Death Before Dishonor will head to the Midwest with thrash kings Suicidal Tendencies and support from Hed PE, Cro Mags, and Underdog starting in Columbus, heading back through New York, and then ending out in Minneapolis. Tour dates are listed below.

10/16 Philadelphia, PA @ Broad Street Ministry w/ Strife, Strength For A Reason, more
10/17 Richmond, VA @ The Warehouse w/ Strife, Foundation, Stick Together, more
10/18 Providence, RI @ Club Hell w/ Strife, Cruel Hand, Unsung
10/19 Albany, NY @ Valentines w/ Strife, Incendiary, Born Low
10/20 New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge w/ Strife, Disembodied, Iron Age, Earthless
10/28 Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa w/ Suicidal Tendencies
10/29 Detroit, MI @ Harpos w/ Suicidal Tendencies, Hed PE
10/30 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagle Ballroom w/ Suicidal Tendencies, Hed PE
10/31 Cleveland, OH @ Peabodys w/ Suicidal Tendencies, Hed PE
11/02 Sauget, IL @ Pops w/ Suicidal Tendencies, Hed PE
11/14 New York, NY @ Terminal 5 w/ Suicidal Tendencies, Underdog, Cro Mags
11/15 Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar w/ Suicidal Tendencies, Hed PE
11/17 Chicago, IL @ Metro w/ Suicidal Tendencies, Hed PE
11/18 Minneapolis, MN @ The Cabooze w/ Suicidal Tendencies