Surprise Package

                                                                   Surprise Package

Black Hole Kids-Easy Masks 12" (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Crust, Post Hardcore, Screamo
Label: Social Cancer
Tracks: 6
Length: 17.0'

Black Hole Kids are a Birmingham, Alabama based band who formed in early 2010.  Black Hole Kids play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, crust, post hardcore, and screamo within their sound.  Black Hole Kids cite Void, Orchid, Black Flag, Shotmaker, Ekkaia, Death Wish Kids, Portraits of Past, Big Black, La Casa Fantom, pg.99, His Hero Is Gone, Sonic Youth, City of Caterpillar, Merkit, Deep Wound, Öroku, Minor Threat, Thomas Wolfe, Rebel Truth, Union of Uranus, Poison Idea, Anti-Cimex, Hüsker Dü, Cut The Shit, The Germs, Hot Snakes, Das Oath, Art Bell, and Samhain as influences, which is definitely a good thing in my book.  I also get a killer Wolves, Sinaloa, and Life At These Speeds vibe, which totally sells me on Black Hole Kids' sound as well.  Since their inception in 2010, Black Hole Kids have released a self-titled four song demo in March of 2010, a five song 7" titled Dull Conjecture in June of 2011, a two song cassette EP titled Prothesis Volume 1 in April of 2012, and a split cassette with Holiness Church Of The Valley.  Easy Masks is Black Hole Kids' latest six song 12" which is slated for release via Social Cancer records on September 10th, 2015.  On Easy Masks, Black Hole Kids offer up six tracks of brilliantly executed hardcore, punk, crust, screamo, and post hardcore that's an absolute must listen for fans of Life At These Speeds, Sinaloa, Books Of Caverns, Comadre.  Overall, Easy Masks is a fantastic album and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Black Hole Kids on Bandcamp
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Black Hole Kids' Website
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Lluvia-Eternidad Solemne LP (2015)

Country: Mexico
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal, Post Metal
Label: Fallen Empire/ Grey Sun/Amor Fati Productions
Tracks: 8
Length: 44.0'

Lluvia is a  four piece atmospheric black metal and post metal band from leon, Mexico who formed in late 2013.  Lluvia play a bleak and extremely vicious sounding style of underground metal with a very cool atmospheric vibe, which makes Lluvia's sound ominous,oppressive, and cold as hell.  Musically, Lluvia can be said to be influenced by bands such as Thou, Liturgy, Alter Of Plagues, Usnea, and Mutilation Rites.  Since their inception in 2013, Lluvia have released a two song LP titled Permoncion De Guerra in December of 2013, and a two song EP titled Illuminates Tenebra, which was released in December of 2014.  Eternidad Solemne is Lluvia's latest full-length LP, which was released via Fallen Empire, Grey Sun, and Amor Fati Productions records on August 17th, 2015.  On Eternidad Solemne, Lluvia offer up eight tracks of atmosphericlly bleak and heavy as fuck sounding black metal and post metal.  Overall, Eternidad Solemne is an amazing album that should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Label Submission)

Lluvia on Bandcamp
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Strafplanet-Big Feelings 7" (2015)

Country: Austria
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Crust, Powerviolence, Fastcore
Label: Contraszt! Records
Tracks: 7
Length: 10.0'

Strafplanet are a four piece band from Graz, Austria who formed in early 2014, from the looks of things, Strafplanet features members of Boredom, Rivers Run Dry, and Catholic Guilt.  Strafplanet play a caustic, volatile, and brutal as fuck sounding style of female fronted hardcore, punk, crust, powerviolence, and fastcore.  Since their inception in 2014, Strafplane have released an eight song self-titled cassette in January of 2014 and a split 7" with Noncommunicative Violence in June of 2015.  Big Feelings is Strafplanet's latest seven song 7", which was released via Contraszt! records on August 3rd, 2015.  On Big Feelings, Strafplanet offer up seven tracks of chaotic and brutal as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, powerviolence, and fastcore that's an absolute must listen for fans of Glasses, Punch and No Statik.  Overall, Big Feelings is a killer 7" that should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  look for physical copies via Contraszt! records on September 9th, 2015.

(Label Submission)

Strafplanet on Bandcamp 
Strafplanet on Facebook 
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Kids Having Kids-Despise EP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Powerviolence
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 8
Length: 7.0'

Holy shit.  This band is insane.  Kids Having Kids are a three piece band from Brooklyn, NY who formed in early 2015, from the looks of things.  Kids Having Kids play a caustic, volatile style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, and powerviolence within their sound.  Musically, Kids Having Kids can be said to be influenced by bands such as Left For Dead, Iron Lung, Infest, Cancer Kids, and no Faith.  Since their inception, Kids Having Kids have released a four song EP titled 104 in January of 2015, and a five song EP titled No. 2 in February of 2015.  Despise is the band's latest eight track EP.  On their latest EP, Kids Having Kids rip through eight songs in a little over seven minutes, so going on that alone, you know that this shit absolutely blazes.  Overall, Despise is a killer EP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Kids Having Kids on Bandcamp
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(U.S.) Forced Order-Vanished Crusade LP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk

Label: Revelation Records
Tracks: 14
Length: 21.0'

Forced Order is a California based hardcore band who formed in early 2014.  Forced Order play a killer style of metallic hardcore.  Musically, Forced Order can be said to be influenced by bands such as Integrity, In Cold Blood, Hatebreed, and Weekend Nachos.  Since their inception in 2014, Forced order have released a four song demo in February of 2014, an eight song LP titled Eternal War on Mass Movement records in June of 2014, and a four song 7" titled Retribution in December of 2014 on Revelation records in December of 2014.  Vanished Crusade is the band's latest full-length LP, whch was released via Revelation records on August 7th, 2015.  On their latest LP, Vanished Order offer up fourteen tracks of modern hardcore that's an absolute must listen for fans of Weekend Nachos, Suburban Scum, and other like-minded bands.  Overall, Vanished Crusade is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Forced Order on Bandcamp
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Bleak-We Deserve Our Failures LP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Sludge

Label: Hex Records
Tracks: 7
Length: 32.0'

Bleak is a four piece band from Syracuse, NY who formed in early 2014 from the looks of things.  Bleak play an insanely brutal style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, post hardcore, and sludge within their sound.  Bleak features TJ Calandra, who most notably played guitar in Architect.  Musically, Bleak can be said to be influenced by bands such as Botch, Coalesce, Engineer, Achilles, Converge, and Neurosis.  Since their inception in 2014, Bleak have released a self-titled five song EP in September of 2014 and a split 7" with PA's Sovereign.  We Deserve Our Failures is Bleak's debut seven song full-length LP, which was released via Hex records on August 14th, 2015.  On We Deserve Our Failures, Bleak offer up seven tracks of extremely well played hardcore, punk, and sludge.  Overall. We Deserve Our Failures is one of my favorite albums that have come out all summer and you'd be insane to not give this album a listen.  Seriously, it's that good.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Bleak on Bandcamp
Bleak on Facebook
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Pleasure Leftists-The Woods Of Heaven LP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Punk, Punk

Label: Deranged Records
Tracks: 9
Length:  24.0'

Pleasure Leftists are a four piece band from Cleveland, Ohio who formed in April of 2010.  Pleasure Leftists play a dark and melancholic style of post punk and punk style music.  Musically, Pleasure Leftists can be said to be influenced by bands such as the Wipers, early Cure, Christian Death, Crisis, and Gang Of Four.  The Woods Of Heaven is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released via Deranged records on August 21st, 2015.  On their latest LP, Pleasure Leftists offer up nine tracks of dark, brooding, and tense post punk and punk that's an absolute must listen for fans of The Estranged, Belicose Minds, and The Elsinores.  Overall, The Woods Of Heaven is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Pleasure Leftists on Facebook
Deranged Records on Bandcamp
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(U.S.) Into Another-Omens 12" (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Hardcore

Label: Ghost Ship Records
Tracks: 5
Length: 22.0'

Into Another is a five piece band from NYC who formed in 1990.  Into Another features members of Underdog, Youth Of Today, Crippled Youth, Bold, and Whiplash.  Into Another play a truly unique style of progressive post hardcore that's really hard to pigeonhole or peg into any sort of classification as far as underground music goes.  As Far as the band's discography is concerned, Into Another released a self-titled album on Revelation records in 1990, an EP titled Creepy Eepy on Revelation records in 1992, a three song 7" titled Poison Fingers on Revelation records in 1994, an eight song LP titled Ignaurus on Revelation records in 1994, a self-titled three song 7" on Hollywood records in 1995, an eleven song LP titled Seemless on Hollywood records in 1995, and an eleven song LP titled Soul Control in 1996.  Omens is Into Another's first new release in over two decades, which automatically got my attention and made me curious to see how their sound would hold up.  Let's just say that I'm beyond impressed by how good these new songs are.  Omens pretty much sound like vintage Into Another, but updated and modernized.  So if you're a fan of Into Another in any shape or form, you'll totally dig Omens.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Into Another on Facebook
Into Another's Website
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Exit Order-S/T EP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Post Punk

Label: Side Two Records
Tracks: 8
Length: 12.0'

Exit Order is a Boston, Massachusetts based band who formed in the spring of 2013, from the looks of things.  Exit Order play a vicious and snotty sound female-fronted hardcore/punk.  As far as comparisons are concerned, I can't help but think that Exit Order would be the end result of mixing the hardcore fury of Punch with the jagged post punk stylings of early White Lung.  So basically, Exit Order play a frenetic and tense style of music that melds elements of early 80's hardcore, punk, and post punk within their sound.  Since their inception in 2013, Exit Order have released a seven song demo in June of 2013.  This is Exit Order's debut eight song EP, which was released via Side Two records on August 12th, 2015.  On their latest EP, Exit Order offer up eight tracks of vicious and frenetic sounding hardcore, punk, and post punk.  Overall, this is a killer EP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Exit Order on Bandcamp
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(U.S.) Camera Shy-S/T LP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Shoegaze, Indie Rock

Label: Run For Cover Records
Tracks: 8
Length: 31.0'

Camera Shy is a two piece band from San Francisco, California who formed in early 2014.  Camera Shy features Nick Bassett, who also plays in Whirr, Nothing, and Death Of Lovers as well as being a former member of Deafheaven and vocalist Alexandra Morte, who was the former vocalist of Whirr.  Camera Shy play a dreamy and mellow style of shoegaze and indie rock.  Musically, Camera Shy can be said to be influenced by bands such as The Smiths and The Sundays.  Since their inception in 2014, Camera Shy have released a five song 10" titled Jack O' Lantern in July of 2014 and a three song 7" titled Crystal Clear in June of 2015.  This is Camera Shy's debut full-length LP, which was released via Run For Cover records on July 17th, 2015.  On their latest LP, Camera Shy offer up eight tracks of dreamy, hazy, and laid back sounding shoegaze and indie rock.  Overall, this is a killer LP and is an absolute must listen for fans of modern indie rock and shoegaze.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Camera Shy on Facebook
Run For Cover Records on Bandcamp
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Walleater-I/II LP (2015)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Shoegaze, Indie Rock, Grunge
Label: Tiny Engines
Tracks: 8
Length: 35.0'

Walleater is a five piece band from Leeds, United Kingdom who formed in 2013.  Walleater play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of shoegaze, indie rock, and grunge within their sound.  Musically, Walleater can be loosely compared to bands such as My Bloody Valentine, Swervedriver, Cloakroom, and Whirr.  Since their inception in 2013, Walleater have released two EPs titled I and II.  This album collects both EPs onto a single album and was released via Tiny Engines records on June 22nd, 2015.  Both EPs were originally released back in 2014 on Close To Home records.  To be honest, I had never heard Walleater before this album and had no idea of what to expect.  On I/II Walleater offer up eight tracks of dark, hazy, and slightly melodic shoegaze and indie rock.  Overall, I/II is a killer album and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Walleater on Bandcamp
Walleater on Facebook
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Ampere/Raein-Split 8" (2015)

Country: USA/Italy
Genre: Post Hardcore, Punk, Screamo
Label: No Idea
Tracks: 5
Length: 7.0'

Ampere was a North Hampton, Massachusetts based band who existed 2002-2011.  Ampere featured Will Killingsworth from Orchid as well as many notable bands from the western MA area.  Over the span of their lifetime, Ampere released a prolific amount of material that included three LPs as well as splits with bands that included Daitro, Wolves, Sinaloa, and Italy's Raein.  On their side of the split, Ampere offer up three tracks of chaotic and volatile sounding post hardcore, punk, and screamo.  Raein is a five piece band from Forlì, Italy who formed in 2002.  Raein play a tense and powerful style of modern screamo that paved the way for bands playing modern screamo.  Since their inception in 2002, Raein have released a prolific amount of material that includes  2002 - Self Titled, 2003 - Il N'y A Pas De Orchestre, 2004 - Döden Marscherar Åt Väst 7", 2004 - Raein/Phoenix Bodies Split 7", 2004 - Raein/Funeral Diner Split 7", 2004 - Raein/Daïtro Split 10", 2004 - "This Is Your Life" Compilation , 2004 - "Verso La Fine" Compilation, 2004 - Raein/Daitro/Lhasa Split CD "The Harsh Words As The Sun", 2004 - From 3 To 1 In 2 And 4 (Remix), 2004 - "The Emo Armageddon" Compilation, 2005 - Discography 2000-2004 (audiocassette), 2008 - Ogni Nuovo Inizio, 2011 - "Ah, as if..." CD Discography (all the material from the mid-era Raein), 2011 - Sulla linea d'orizzonte tra questa mia vita e quella di tutti, 2013 - Raein/Loma Prieta Split 7", 2015 - Perpetuum LP.  On their side of the split, Raein offer up two tracks of intense and powerful post hardcore/screamo.  This split 8" was released via No Idea records on August 7th, 2015.  Overall, this is a killer EP that should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  Also, hit up Ampere's bandcamp page and Raein's website.  You could snag many of the band's releases on the sites for free.

Ampere on Bandcamp 
Raein on Facebook 
Raein's Website 
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Empty Flowers- (2012-2014)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Punk, Post Rock, Shoegaze, Indie Rock, Noise Rock
Label: Atomic Action! / Redscroll Records / The Path Less Traveled Records / Translation Loss 
Tracks: 21
Length: 87.0'

Empty Flowers is a five piece band from CT, MA, and PA who formed in 2011 from the looks of things.  Empty Flowers features members of Philadelphia, PA's Hex Inverter and CT 90's noisecore pioneers Cable, who had several releases on labels including Hydrahead records in the early to late 1990's.  Empty Flowers play a killer style of unique and creative sounding music that gives nods to several sub genres of underground music that includes shoegaze, indie rock, and noise rock.  Musically, Empty Flowers can be said to be influenced by bands such as Lungfish, Slint and Unwound.  Since their inception in 2011, Empty Flowers have released a six song LP titled Six in September of 2012 on Translation Loss records, a two song 7" titled Call A Priest/Ice On Wings on Atomic Action! records in December of 2012, an eight song LP titled Five on Atomic Action! records in August of 2013, and a six song LP titled The Air You Found on Redscroll Records in February of 2014.  The Air You Found is actually a remix collaboration that showcased Empty Flowers songs remixed by artists from bands that include Godflesh, Gorguts, Palms, Tombs, and Khanate.  Empty Flowers have also released a new album on Translation Loss records titled Four, which was recently released back in June.  I included Empty Flowers' first three albums, Five, Six, and The Air That You Found for you to check out.  Do yourself a favor and give these dudes a listen and see for yourself why Empty Flowers is truly a unique band.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy! 

Empty Flowers on Bandcamp
Empty Flowers on Facebook
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Empty Flowers-Five LP (2012) 
Empty Flowers-Six LP (2013) 
Empty Flowers-The Air You Found LP (2014) 

Surprise Package 0065

Power-Heavy Muscle 7" (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Noise Rock

Label: 12 Gauge Records
Tracks: 6
Length: 14.0'

Power is a four piece band from Bremerton, WA who formed in 2011 from the looks of things. Power play a snotty and riff laden style of hardcore, punk, and noise rock with a killer Black Flag vibe.  Since their inception in 2011, Power have released a seven song EP titled Death Haunts in May of 2011, and and an eleven song full-length LP titled Bremerton Zoo in February of 2013.  Heavy Muscle is the band's latest six song 7", which was released via 12 Gauge records on August 7th, 2015.  On their latest 7", Power offer up six new tracks of riff laden hardcore, punk, and noise rock.  Overall, Heavy Muscle is a killer 7" and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Power on Facebook
12 Gauge Records on Bandcamp
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(U.S.) The Beautiful Ones-Jaded Love LP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk

Label: 6131 Records
Tracks: 11
Length: 35.0'

The Beautiful Ones are a a five piece band from Mesa, Arizona who formed in 2011.  The Beautiful Ones play a killer style of hardcore influenced by bands such as Modern Life Is War, Killing The Dream, and Give Up The Ghost.  Since their inception in 2011, The Beautiful Ones have released a four song demo in February of 2011, a second demo in March of 2013, and a five song EP titled Birth Of Desire in May of 2012.  Jaded Love is The Beautiful Ones' debut full-length LP, which was released via 6131 records on July 31st, 2015.  On Jaded Love, The Beautiful Ones offer up eleven tracks of intense Groove laden hardcore, that's an absolute must listen for fans of 108, Modern Life Is War, and Give Up The Ghost.  Overall, Jaded Love is a killer LP.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

The Beautiful Ones on Bandcamp
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Wrong-Stop Giving 12" (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Sludge, Noise Rock

Label: Robotic Empire
Tracks: 4
Length: 11.0'

Wrong is a four piece band from Miami, Florida who formed in early 2014, from the looks of things.  Wrong features members of the sadly defunct Capsule, so going on that alone, you know you're in for some really stellar tunes.  Wrong play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, sludge, and noise rock within their sound.  Musically, Wrong can be said to be influenced by bands such as Quicksand, Helmet, Big Business, Bleach era Nirvana, and Unsane.  Stop Giving is the band's debut four song EP, which was released via Robotic Empire records on March 5th, 2015.  On Stop Giving, Wrong offer up four tracks of killer sludgy hardcore, punk, and noise rock.  Overall, Stop Giving is a killer EP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Stop on Bandcamp
Robotic Empire on Bandcamp
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Vacant Life-Pain Compliance 7" (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Iron Lung Records
Tracks: 4
Length: 10.0'

Vacant Life are a four piece band from Seattle, Washington who formed in mid 2014, from the looks of things.  Vacant Life play a bistering, caustic, and venomous style of hardcore/punk.  Since their inception in 2014, Vacant Life have released a four song self-titled demo in November of 2014 and a self-titled three song EP in January of 2015.  Pain Compliance is Vacant Life's latest four song 7", which was released via Iron Lung records on August 1st, 2015.  On their latest 7", Vacant Life offer up four tracks of  dirty, blown out, and ultra negative sounding hardcore that's an absolute must listen for fans of Gag, Walls, and Back To Black.  Overall, Pain Compliance is an amazing 7" and should not be missed.  Highly recommended! Enjoy!

Vacant Life on Bandcamp
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Blood Suckers-Crush To Dust 12" (2014)

Country: Norway
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Sjakk Matt Plater
Tracks: 8
Length: 10.0'

Blood Suckers are a Oslo, Norway based band who formed in early 2013, from the looks of things.  I haven't really found much information about this band on the web, which can often be the case with completely off the radar bands such as Blood Suckers.  Blood Suckers feature members of Problems, Okkultokrati and Urbanoia, which are two band I have absolutely no clue about.  Blood Suckers play a dark and ultra-negative style of hardcore/punk that gives nods to lots of bands on Deranged and Painkiller records.  Musically, Blood Suckers can be loosely compared to bands such as Hoax, Scapegoat, Brainkiller, and Brown Sugar.  I'm not really sure when this album was released, but I think it was released in late 2014 or early 2015, seeing that Hardware records released a seven song EP back in November of 2014, which seems to be a follow-up to Crush To Dust.  On Crush To Dust, Blood Suckers offer up eight tracks of blown out, dirty, and negative as fuck sounding hardcore/punk.  Seriously, Crush To Dust is completely off the chain!  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

*No Band Site
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Mind Control-S/T EP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 7
Length: 9.0'

Mind Control is a four piece band from Duluth, Minnesota who formed in early 2014 from the looks of things.  Mind Control play a blistering and unhinged style of hardcore and punk.  Musically, Mind Control can be said to be influenced by bands such as Hoax, Pregnancy Scares, Omegas, and Career Suicide.  Since their inception in 2014, Mind Control have released a self-titled five song demo released in March of 2014 and a nine song live EP recorded on radio K in May of 2011.  This is the band's latest seven song EP, which was released on July 1st, 2015.  On their latest EP, Mind Control shred their way through nine tracks in about nine minutes.  On their latest EP, Mind Control offer up seven tracks of blown out, dirty, and snotty as fuck sounding hardcore/punk.  Overall, Mind Control have absolutely nailed it on their latest EP.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Mind Control on Bandcamp
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Kaya-S/T EP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Grindcore
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 5
Length: 4.0'

Kaya is a three piece band from Tampa, Florida who formed in early 2013, from the looks of things.  Kay play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, and grindcore within their sound.  This is the band's debut five song EP, which was released digitally on April 11th, 2015.  On their debut EP, Kaya offer up five tracks of blistering, caustic, and abrasive as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, and grindcore that's an absolute must listen for fans of Cynarae, God Harvest, and other like-minded bands.  Great stuff.  Enjoy!

Kaya on Bandcamp
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Tideland-Love Luster LP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Indie Rock, Shoegaze, Grunge
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 9
Length: 38.0'

Fuck yeah!  Here's the new Tideland.  Many regular readers of my old blogs know that Tideland is one of my favorite bands and theri new album will totally show you why this band is so good.  For those of you out of the loop, Tideland is a three piece band from Sterling, VA who formed in August of 2007.  Tideland is comprised of members of Pg. 99, Sail, Pizza, as well as Passing Phases.  Tideland play a dark sounding style of indie rock, shoegaze, and grunge.  Since their inception in 2007, Tideland have released a twelve song LP titled Asleep In The Graveyard in April of 2010, a nine song LP titled Lost Bets in March of 2011, and an eight song LP titled Lull in November of 2013.  Love Luster is Tideland's latest full-length LP, which was released digitally on June 28th, 2015.  On Love Luster, Tideland have offered up nine new songs of brilliantly executed indie rock, shoegaze, and grunge that's an absolute must listen for fans of Pygmy Lush, Passing Phases, and Cloud Nothings.  As of now, Love Luster is only available in digital format, but hopefully we'll see this album in physical format soon.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

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Meatwound-Addio 12" (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Sludge, Noise Rock

Label: Magic Bullet
Tracks: 6
Length: 24.0'

Meatwound is a four piece band from Tampa, Florida, who formed in early 2014, from the looks of things.  Meatwound features members of Combatwoundedveteran, The Holy Mountain, Headless Dogs, and Primate Research, so going on that alone, you know you're in for some amazing music.  Meatwound play a killer style of hardcore, punk, sludge, and noise rock.  Musically, Meatwound draws from their experience from their previous bands and add influences such as Fudge Tunnel, Godflesh, and Unsane to their sound.  Addio is Meatwound's debut six song 12", which was released via Robotic Empire Records on July 1th, 2015.  On Addio, Meatwound offer up six dirty and brutal as fuck sounding tracks of hardcore, punk, sludge, and noise rock.  Overall, Addio is an amazing album and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Meatwound on Facebook
Robotic Empire on Bandcamp
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Lord Snow-Winterhold EP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Screamo
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 6
Length: 8.0'

Lord Snow is a four piece band from Chicago, Il who formed in August of 2012.  Lord Snow play a chaotic and volatile style of hardcore, punk, and screamo.  Musically, Lord Snow can be said to be influenced by bands such as The Saddest Landscape, Ampere, Orchid, and Beau Navire.  Since their inception in 2011, Lord Snow have released a self-titled six song EP in December of 2011, a four song cassette titled Sovngarde in March of 2012, an eleven song LP titled Solitude in September of 2013, and a split LP with Germany's Afterlife Kids in September of 2013.  Lord Snow also appear on the interskramz volume II compilation and the Dogknights Productions' Epilogue To A Carcrash Orchid tribute LP.  Winterhold is Lord Snow's latest six song EP, which was released on July 12th, 2015.  As of now, this is only a cdr release and is available as a tour only release.  On Winterhold, Lord Snow offer up six new tracks of abrasive, chaotic, and volatile hardcore, punk, and screamo.  Overall, Winterhold is a killer EP.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Lord Snow on Bandcamp
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T-Tops-S/T LP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, Grunge, Noise Rock

Label: Big Neck Records
Tracks: 9
Length: 22.0'

T-Tops is a three piece band from Pittsburgh, PA who formed in 2012.  T-Tops play a blown-out, dirty as fuck, and sludgy style of music that incorporates elements of punk, grunge, and sludgy noise rock within their sound.  T-Tops features members of Don Caballero & The Fitt, so going on the Don Caballero connection alone, you know you're in for something really special.  Musically, T-Tops can be said to be influenced by bands such as Shellac, Hammerhead, Bleach era Nirvana, The New Brutalism, Big Business, and early 90's AmRep noise rock bands.  This is the band's debut nine song LP, which was released via Big Neck records on April 9th, 2015.  On their self-titled debut, T-Tops offer up nine tracks of killer sludge fueled punk, grunge, noise rock that's an absolute must listen for fans of Stone Titan, Ken Mode, and Cleenteeth.  Overall, T-Tops have absolutely nailed it on their debut LP and have offered up an amazing album that should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

T-Tops on Bandcamp
T-Tops on Facebook
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Purchase via Big Neck Records
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Half Goon-Homie Lover EP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Hardcore, Noise Rock

Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 4
Length: 7.0' 

Half Goon is a four piece band from Fullerton, California who formed in January of 2013.  Half Goon play a killer style of blown out and dirty as fuck sounding post hardcore and noise rock.  Musically, Half Goon can be said to be influenced by 90's AmRep noise rock, Big Business, early Cult Ritual, and Walls.  Since their inception in 2013, Half Goon have released a two song EP titled Thee Men's Warehouse Session and a seven song cassette titled Terrorizer in August of 2013.  Homie Lover is Half Goon's latest four song EP, which was released on July 29th, 2015.  On their latest EP, Half Goon offer up four new tracks of dirty and scuzzy sounding post hardcore and noise rock.  Overall, Homie Lover is a killer EP.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

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Reigning Champion-Disposer Poems LP (2015)

Country: Russia
Genre: Post Hardcore, Punk, Screamo
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 9
Length: 31.0'

Reigning Champion is a five piece band from Vladimir, Russia who formed in 2010.  Reigning Champion play a chaotic, intense, volatile, and somewhat melodic style of post hardcore and screamo.  Musically, Reigning Champion can be said to be influenced by bands such as Raein, La Quiete, Daitro, The Saddest Landscape, and Funeral Diner.  Since their inception in 2010, Reigning Champion have released a five song EP titled First Born in September of 2011 and a five song EP titled Hollow Trees in July of 2012.  Disposer Poems is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released on August 3rd, 2015.  On their latest LP, Reigning Champion offer up nine tracks of well-executed post hardcore, punk, and screamo.  Overall, Disposer Poems is a killer LP is an absolute must listen for fans of modern post hardcore/screamo.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

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Bonestorm-Life Is Poison EP (2015)

Country: Canary Islands
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Crust, Powerviolence
Label:3DB Records
Tracks: 7
Length: 9.0'

Bonestorm is a four piece band from Tenerife, Canary Islands who formed in 2013, by the looks of things.  Bonestorm play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, crust, and powerviolence within their sound.  Musically, Bonestorm can be said to be influenced by bands such as Infest, Chokehold, Left For Dead, and Haymaker.  After releasing a killer demo back in 2013, which I reviewed on Elementary Revolt, Bonestorm are back with a new seven song EP titled Life Is Poison.  On their latest EP, Bonestorm shred their way through seven new songs in about nine minutes, so going on that alone, you know you're in for some seriously brutal sounding tunes.  Overall, Life Is Poison is a killer EP.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

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TONGUES - Wonders Of Nature (2015)

GENRE: Garage Punk, Hardcore, Noise
FFO: Off!, Hot Snakes, Obliterations



Tongues is a 4-piece band from Milan, Italy that formed in 2012. Memebers of the band played/are still playing in bands such as A Faded Glory, Stop Talking, Breaking Apart and Rise Above Dead. They released a killer 7" called Raw Nerves in 2013 and are finally back with a 13-song punk rock bomb titled Wonders Of Nature, not sure if this one is getting a physical release but it's definitely worth a download! Tongues play a super-focused, tight & spastic brand of punk filled with tons of hardcore tendencies. You can tell they know what they are doing but at the same time, it feels like it could all go off the rails at any time, which is exactly how punk should sound, if you ask me. This is one of the rare times that I will actually like a band that doesn't tune down, so if you are in the mood for some righteous hardcore punk rock, this is it.

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JUNGBLUTH - Lovecult (2015)

GENRE: Punk, Hardcore, Noise, Screamo
FFO: Alpinist, Oathbreaker, Momentum, Code Orange



Well, this sure was a nice surprise to come home to! Two years after the release of their first LP, Germany's Jungbluth have made available a brand new, 10-song full-length titled Lovecult that they've been working on the last weeks and months. As with all of their releases, this one's free to download and of course you can "name your price" if you wish. If you didn't know, Jungbluth arose from the ashes of the legendary Alpinist, so you'll have an idea of what to expect. While their music seems to be more evolved and diverse than Alpinist, there is still plenty of breakneck speed and violence in their music, just expect a few more slow spots. From what I've listened to so far, this is Jungbluth's best offering yet. Better production, higher energy and overall it just sounds really fucking great. It still amazes me when 3-piece bands sound this loud. Love it. I've already ordered my LP from Halo Of Flies, so if you are interested, links are below. This record is self-released and 500 will be on Solid Green 180gr. Vinyl and 1,000 will be on Black 180gr. Vinyl.

Jungbluth on Bandcamp
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Abest-Asylum LP (2014)

Country: Germany
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Crust, Post Metal, Sludge
Label: This Charming Man Records
Tracks: 7
Length: 40.0'

Holy shit!  Where did this band come from? Abest is a five piece band from Göttingen, Kassel, Lüneburg, and Bielefeld, Germany who formed in March of 2012.  Abest play a dark, oppressive, and ominous style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, crust, post hardcore, and post metal within their sound.  Musically, Abest can be said to be influenced by bands such as Amen Ra, Old Man Gloom, Lightbearer, Alpinist, and Planks.  Asylum is Abest's latest full-length LP, which was released via This Charming Man records on May 16th, 2014.  On their latest full-length LP, Abest offer up seven tracks of insanely heavy hardcore, punk, crust, post metal, and sludge.  Overall, Asylum is an incredible album that should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  Special props to Toxic Breeds Funhouse!

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Night Witch-S/T Cassette (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label:Forknife/Total Negativity Records
Tracks: 11
Length: 10.0'

Night Witch is a four piece female-fronted hardcore band from Tallahassee, Florida who formed in the fall of 2013.  Night Witch play an ultra-pissed/stripped-down style of hardcore and punk that is sure to please fans of the sadly defunct Punch, Glasses, No Statik, Omegas, Dead Friends and other like-minded bands.  This is the band's latest eleven track offering, which was released digitally on July 18th, 2015.  On Night Witch's latest effort, the band offer up eleven tracks of blistering, caustic, and chaotic as fuck sounding hardcore/punk that's an absolute must listen for fans of Punch, Closet Burner, Rotting Palms and other like-minded bands.  Overall, this album is fucking over-the-top and completely unhinged.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  The album was just released via Forknife and Total Negativity records, so hit the label up if you want to snag yourself a copy.

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Where My Bones Rest Easy-Exercises In Futility 12" (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Indie Rock, Grunge
Label: Glory Kid Ltd.
Tracks: 5
Length: 20.0'

Where My Bones Rest Easy is a four piece band from Seattle, Washington who formed in March 2012.  Where My Bones Rest Easy play an Americana/roots rock tinged style of music that gives nods to indie rock and grunge.  Musically, Where My Bones Rest Easy give nods to bands to Waxwing, Sharks Keep Moving, The Casket Lottery, and other like-minded bands.  Exercises In Futility is the band's latest five song EP, which was released via Glory Kid Ltd. records on June 23rd 2015.  On My Bones Rest Easy's debut EP, the band offers up five tracks of killer Americana/Roots Rock influenced indie rock and grunge.  Overall, Exercises In Futility is a killer EP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

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SIBERIAN HELL SOUNDS / TRAVELS - Split

GENRE:  Black Metal, Hardcore, Post-Metal, Melodic
FFO: Seven Sisters Of Sleep, Miles Away, Defeater



Once again, I'm late to the party on this one. I've been on a self-imposed posting hiatus for some time now, and I apologize for that. Thankfully Chris has been killing it here, but I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. Anyway, this little release is from May and i just ran across it, buried in my email. If you've followed this blog in the past you should know I'm a massive fan of Siberian Hell Sounds. For this release, they team up with Travels for a split of epic proportions. Each band delivers a single track, seamlessly merging from one composition to the next. Ishtar is a marked departure from the grinding riff warfare that has made Siberian Hell Sounds a name amongst heavy music fans. Paying tribute to their post-metal influences SHS delivers nine minutes of droning ebb and flow, a perfect companion for Travels' darkly epic opener Chasing Circles. Both tracks can be listened to and downloaded on a name-your-price basis on their respective Bandcamp pages.

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Surprise Package 0064

GEIST - Faith Healing (2015)

GENRE: Dark Hardcore, Punk, Metal
FFO: Cursed, Worms Feed, Harrowed, Cholera



Featuring former members of End Reign (one of my favorite hardcore bands of all time), Geist is a 5-piece that hails from Northeast England. I'm a little late with this, but they released a 6-song EP earlier this year that you simply cannot pass up. This is a perfect example of mid-tempo hardcore punk, but tinged with a definite dark side. They do things that not many bands since Cursed have been able to pull off, and by that I mean this EP has riffs coming out of it's ass, agonized vocals, great lyrics and no nu-hardcore bullshit like a million blast-beats, unintelligible singing or other death metal clichés. This is just great UK hardcore. Plain and simple. It never gets repetitive, and there are even some atmospheric spots to this EP that remind me of Cursed again, think "Model Home Invasion" or "Gutters". If any of this interests you, grab this now and maybe buy a shirt to help them out. They recently ended a tour and it looks like the physical copies of the EP are sold out. But keep an eye out for some news in the coming weeks about a split they're releasing with a US band. And, if this doesn't interest you, please stop reading this blog immediately.

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Worriers-Imaginary Life LP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, Indie Rock

Label: Don Giovanni
Tracks: 12
Length: 28.0'

Worriers is a musical project of Lauren Denitzio, who's best known for playing in New Brunswick, NJ band The Measure (SA).  When she was playing in The Measure (SA) Lauren Denitzio wrote some amazingly catchy pop punk songs.  With her new project Worriers, Lauren Denitzio continues to write impossibly cathy punk/indie rock songs.  Musically, Worriers can be loosely compared to bands such as Hop Along, Thin Lips, Lemuria, and Waxahatchee.  On Imaginary Life, Lauren Denitzio is joined by Mikey Erg on drums, Rachel Rubino on guitar, Audrey Zee Whitesides on bass, Lou Hanman on bass, and John McLean on guitar.  Imaginary Life features twelve songs of energetic and catchy as fuck sounding punk and indie rock.  Overall, Imaginary Life is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy! 

Worriers on Bandcamp

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Black Tower-The Secret Fire LP (2015)

Country: Canada
Genre: Metal, Punk
Label: No Idea/Unspeakable Axe Records
Tracks: 9
Length: 32.0'

Black Tower are a three piece band from Ottawa, Canada who formed in early 2013.  Black Tower features members of Crusades, The Creeps, and The Visitors.  Black Tower play a totally unabashed and unapologetic style of metal with a great punk edge.  The Secret Fire serves as Black Tower's debut full-length LP.  The Secret Fire features nine tracks of pretty much by the numbers metal that will definitely appeal to fans of Doomriders, The Sword, Night Bitch, and Insano Vision.  The Secret Fire was released via No Idea and Unspeakable Axe records on June 2nd 2015.  Overall, Black Tower is a killer album and a must listen for straight up metal fans.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Black Tower on Bandcamp
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Purchase via Unspeakable Axe Records
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Suis La Lune-Distance/Closure 12" (2015)

Country: Sweden
Genre: Post Hardcore, Screamo, Indie Rock, Post Rock
Label: Topshelf Records
Tracks: 4
Length: 29.0'

Suis La Lune are a four piece band from Stockholm/Gothenburg, Sweden who formed in 2006.  Suis La Lune play an intense, passionate, dark, abrasive, and melodic style of music that incorporates elements of post hardcore, screamo, post rock, and indie rock within their sound.  Musically, Suis La Lune can be loosely compared to bands such as La Quiete, Raein, Daitro, and The Saddest Landscape.  Suis La Lune's discography includes a five song demo released in 2005, a two song self-titled 7", released in 2005, a song on the emo apocalypse, which was released in 2006, a ten song LP titled Quiet, Pull The Strings!, which was released in 2006, a four song EP titled Heir released in 2008, two songs on the Connections: Part II LP released in 2010, a split 7" with Oseceola released in 2009, a two song US tour CD released in 2010, and a ten song LP titled Riala released in 2012.  Distance/Closure is Suis La Lune's latest four song 12", which was released via Topshelf records on July 31st. 2015.  On their latest EP, Suis La Lune offer up four new tracks of passionate and tense sounding post hardcore, screamo, post rock, and indie rock.  Overall, Distance/Closure is a killer 12" and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Suis La Lune on Facebook
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IRON HAND - Injected Fear (2014)

GENRE: D-Beat, Crust, Hardcore, Punk
FFO: Discharge, State Of Fear, Disrupt, Amebix

Hailing from New Haven, CT, Iron Hand is a killer band that formed in early 2009. Along with this 12", they have previously released a demo and two 7-inches. You can download those 2 EP's at their Bandcamp. Iron Hand is one of the best D-Beat Crust/Punk bands you are going to find. The production on this 12" is perfect, dirty and nasty, reminds me a lot of the best stuff by Entombed or the early Turbonegro stuff. Their songs are all highly energetic and catchy, while at the same WAY pissed off sounding. I can't recommend this enough. My only complaint is that this 12" is only 7 songs. Enjoy this!