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Topshelf Records 10 Year Anniversary

Ten years ago today, without a clue or even a basic understanding of how to run a label, we started Topshelf Records.
Thank you for all of your support throughout the years — you have no idea how important it is to us. Running a small business is incredibly difficult, stressful and emotionally draining work — but it’s always worth it because of the amazing peers, people and artists that build, support and fuel this entire community that we’re very humbly and happily a small part of.
Beginning now everything we have ever released prior to this year is downloadable for pay-what-you-want for the next 24 hours. If this gets 1,000 shares, we’ll extend it to 48 hours.
http://tpshlf.co/1n3gCWI
THANK YOU.
-Seth and Kevin

topshelfrecords.com

(U.S.) Slaves BC-All Dust And I Am Nothing LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Crust, Sludge

Label: Veritas/Very Tight Records
Tracks: 9
Length: 38.0'

Slaves BC is a five piece band from Pittsburgh, PA who formed in December of 2010.  Slaves BC play a killer style of blackened, metallic, and crust tinged style of hardcore.  Musically, Slaves BC can be loosely compared to bands such as Trap Them, Trenchfoot, Seizures, and Tempest.  Since their inception in 2010, Slaves BC have released a three song EP titled We Mean Nothing in October of 2012, a split 7" with Cousin Sleaze in April of 2013, and a split LP with Grace And Thieves in August of 2014.  All Dust And I Am Nothing is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released via Veritas and Very Tight records on February 15th, 2016.  On All Dust And I Am Nothing, Slaves BC offer up nine tracks of chaotic and volatile as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, crust, and sludge.  Overall, All Dust And I Am Nothing is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Slaves BC on Bandcamp
Slaves BC on Facebook
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(U.S.) Somos-First Day Back LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, Alt. Rock, Emo, Indie Rock
Label: Ambition Records
Tracks: 11
Length: 27.0'

Somos is a four piece band from Boston, MA who formed in the spring of 2012.  Somos play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of punk, alt. rock, emo,m and indie rock within their sound.  Musically, Somos can be loosely compared to bands such as Have Mercy, Moose Blood, and Sorority Noise.  Since their inception in 2012, Somos have released a four song demo in July of 2012, a split 7" with Sorority Noise in July of 2013, a nine song LP titled Temple Of Plenty in March of 2014, and a split 7" with Have Mercy in February of 2015.  First Day Back is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released via Ambition records on February 19th, 2016.  On First Day Back, Somos offer up eleven tracks of bright, catchy, and energetic tracks of punk, alt. rock, emo, and indie rock that's an absolute must listen for fans of this genre of music.  Overall, First Day Back is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended Enjoy!

Somos on Bandcamp
Somos on Facebook
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(U.S.) Daylight Robbery-Accumulated Error LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Punk, Punk
Label: Deranged Records
Tracks: 10
Length: 32.0'

Daylight Robbery is a three piece post punk/punk band from Chicago, Il who formed in 2008.  Daylight Robbery play a frenetic and tense style of music that incorporates elements of post punk and punk within their sound.  Musically, Daylight Robbery can be said to be influenced by bands such as Wipers, early Joy Division, Drive Like Jehu, and Crisis.  Since their inception in 2008, Daylight Robbery have released a four song EP titled Washtenaw in May of 2008, a three song EP titled Red Tape in February of 2009, a ten song LP titled Through The Confusion in March of 2010, a three-way split with Defect Defect and Foreign Objects in September of 2011, a ten song LP titled Ecstatic Vision in July of 2012, and a three song EP titled Distant Shores in June of 2013.  Accumulated Error is the band's latest ten song LP, which was released via Deranged records on February 16th, 2016.  On Accumulated Error, Daylight Robbery offer up ten tracks of frenetic post punk and punk that's chock full of tense and nervous energy.  Overall, Accumulated Error makes for a killer listen.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Daylight Robbery on Bandcamp
Daylight Robbery on Facebook
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FLOODWALKER

EP cover art
 
LOCATION: DAYTON, OHIO
FFO: SEVEN SISTERS OF SLEEP,  HANG THE BASTARD
 
came across this a couple days ago and was really surprised. these guys are from my neck of the woods over here in boring southwestern ohio. I didn't really think much came from around here except hilljacks, haystacks, and gunracks. (if anyone out there is writing a country song feel free to use that). anyway this some excellent sludgy hardcore. definitely worth checking out. if Dayton has this to offer I may have to venture out of these hills a little more often.
 

Saint God-Montefiore LP (2016)

Country: Israel
Genre: Shoegaze, Post Punk, Punk, Garage Rock
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 10
Length: 36.0'

Wow.  This band comes as a pleasant surprise.  I absolutely had to give this album a review after getting a request to post about this band.  Saint God is a two piece band from Tel Aviv, Israel who formed in 2015.  Saint God play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of shoegaze, post punk, punk, and garage rock within their sound.  Musically, Saint God can be loosely compared to bands such as Broken Water, Diat, The Estranged, Sonic Youth, early A Place To Bury Strangers, and other like-minded bands.  Since their inception in 2015, Saint God have released a three song EP titled Realise in September of 2015.  Montefiore is the band's debut full-length LP, which was released on February 9th, 2016.  On Montefiore, Saint God offer up ten tracks of tense, frenetic, yet swirling and dreamy shoegaze, post punk, punk, and garage rock.  Overall, Montefiore is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Saint God on Bandcamp
Saint God on Facebook
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Down To Agony/Fall Of Efrafa-Split LP Reissue (2016)

Country: United Kingdom/Spain
Genre: Post Metal, Hardcore, Punk, Crust, D-beat, Sludge
Label: Contrazst! Records
Tracks: 3
Length: 22.0'

Here's a killer reissue from Contrazst! records featuring some of the best recorded material from Spain's Down To Agony and UK's Fall Of Efrafa.  Down To Agony was a hardcore, punk, and crust band from 2004 to the present.  Down To Agony play a brutala s fuck sounding style of hardcore, punk, and crust influenced by bands such as Ekkaia, Tragedy, and His Hero Is Gone.  On their side of the split, Down To Agony offer up two tracks of dark and metallic sounding hardcore, punk, and crust.  The last song on this split comes courtesy of Fall Of Efrafa.  Fall Of Efrafa was post metal, crust, and d-beat band from Brighton, UK who existed from 2005-2009.  On their side of Fall Of Efrafa offer up one song of killer post metal, crust, and sludge that's an absolute must listen for fans of Lightbearer, Amber, Amen Ra, and other like minded bands.  This killer split was originally released back in 2007 and has been given the vinyl reissue treatment by Contrazst! records on February 17, 2016.  Overall, this is a killer split LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Contrazst! Records on Bandcamp
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Cold Moon: A Benefit for the Wolf Sanctuary of PA (2016)

Country: Multiple
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Hydrogen Man
Tracks: 19
Length: 41.0'

Hydrogen Man Records' new benefit compilation, entitled Cold Moon, gathers music from 19 hardcore and metal bands from around the world to benefit the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, a facility of over 80 acres devoted to providing a home for wolves who find themselves without a place in the natural world. Most of the recent roster of bands on HMR are represented here, Boroughs, Counter, Dying, Falter, Great Reversals, Jungbluth, Of Feather and Bone, and Woodwork all provide tracks, along with a host of other contributors including Axis, xRepentancex, Fucking Invincible, and Ultramantis Black. If you're into metallic hardcore, there's probably already plenty on that list you're excited about, but the bands you may not have heard yet are some of the most potent in the lineup. Facility from NJ is one of the most compelling bands we've come across in some time. And Carnist from the UK present a dark and vehement dose of fury. The result of all these contributions is a surprisingly complete album with a broad range of heavy music, one of the rarest finds in DIY music: a compilation that can be played from beginning to end.

Cold Moon: A Benefit for the Wolf Sanctuary of PA is available as a donation based download and as a limited run of 250 cassettes. Cassettes are on both white and black pro-printed tapes and come with hand numbered, screen printed J-cards. 100% of the proceeds from this release and any online donations will be going directly to the Wolf Sanctuary of PA.

Learn more about the Wolf Sanctuary of PA by visiting wolfsanctuarypa.org.

(Press Note)

Here's a killer benefit compilation that was recently released on cassette via Hydrogen Man records on January 15th, 2016.  A notable highlight for this compilation is that it features unreleased material from several bands that include Ablaton, Counter, Falter, Boroughs, Ultramantis Black, Knife Hits, and Woodwork.  Overall, this is an amazing compilation and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Hydrogen Man Records on Bandcamp
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River Cult-S/T EP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Stoner Metal, Stoner Rock, Doom, Sludge

Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 3
Length: 29.0'

Damn.  Here's a killer band request I absolutely had to throw up on the blog after hearing. River Cult is a three piece band from Brooklyn, NY who formed in August of 2015.  River Cult features members of  Eidetic Seeing, Nixa and Spanish Moss, and Heavy Traffic.  River Cult play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of 70's psychedelic  stoner rock, stoner metal, doom, and sludge within their sound.  Musically, River Cult can be said to be influenced by bands such as early Black Sabbath and Blue Cheer as well as newer bands such as All The Saints, Dead Meadow, and Ancient Sky.  This is the band's debut three song EP, which was released on February 4th, 2016.  On their debut three song EP, River Cult offer up three tracks of killer stoner metal, stoner rock, doom, and sludge.  Overall, this EP really kicks ass and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

River Cult on Bandcamp
River Cult on Facebook
Listen Here 


(U.S.) The Body/Krieg-Split LP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Metal, Black Metal, Noise Industrial
Label: At A Loss Recordings
Tracks: 8
Length: 37.0'

Formed in mid-1990's and late 1990's respectively, KRIEG and THE BODY metin the mid 2000's, being different sonically but sharing a bleak world view and inspirations musically far outside of the genre of metal. When NEILL JAMESON (sole constant member of KRIEG) showed up to MACHINES WITH MAGNETS with only a acoustic guitar and a few pedals, members of THE BODY knew the collaboration would be something really different. Written and recorded during the long sessions of both Christs, Redeemers (THRILL JOCKEY) & I Shall Die Here (RVNG), the end result is a blackened industrial crush of noise and anguish.

Noise, dirge, triggered percussion w/ Kings screeches and Jameson's growls take the audience to the BOTTOM OF THE BOTTLE, BOTTOM OF THE RIVER. Crawling booms, chimes, roars, and moans to static plodding low-end and hopelessness moves to industrial tones, accusing roars. Erie keys, wails of misery lead to brief period of sonic chaos and pure madness. Madness leads the listener lumbering down the final path, complete with discordant percussion, electronic beeps, forlorn screams, cavernous blows, and ending in the sounds of the otherworldliness!

(Press Note)

Seriously, this is an insanely heavy collaboration featuring some killer experimental post metal, black metal, noise, and industrial music from NJ's Krieg and Portland, Oregon's The Body.  Both bands offer up top notch material for this release.  This split was released via At A Loss recordings on November 12th, 2015.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

The Body on Bandcamp
Krieg on Bandcamp
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(U.S.) Total Abuse-Excluded LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk

Label: Deranged Records
Tracks: 10
Length: 30.0'

Total Abuse is five piece band from Austin, Texas who formed in 2006.  Total Abuse play a raging and volatile mix of old school hardcore/punk with '80s industrial/noise aesthetics.  Excluded is Total Abuse's fourth full-length LP, which was released via Deranged records on January 13th, 2016.  On Excluded, Total Abuse offer up ten tracks of dirty, raw, and completely blown out sounding hardcore/punk.  Overall, Excluded is an amazing LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  I also included the band's first two LPs and two 7" for you to check out as well.  Enjoy!

Total Abuse on Facebook
Deranged Records on Bandcamp
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Total Abuse-Prison Sweat LP
Total Abuse-Mutt LP
Total Abuse-S/T LP
Total Abuse-looking For Love 7"
Total Abuse-Sex Pig 7"
Total Abuse-Live on WFMU



Heart On My Sleeve-In The Midst Of Happiness And Nothingness LP (2015)

Country: Sweden
Genre: Post Hardcore, Punk, Screamo
Label: Through Love/Middle Man/Walking Is Still Honest/Tell Wilhelm Records
Tracks: 9
Length: 37.0'

Hear On My Sleeve is a four piece band from Stockholm, Sweden who formed in 2010.  Heart On My Sleeve play a tense and discordant style of music that incorporates elements of post hardcore, punk, and screamo within their sound.  The thing that makes Heart On My Sleeve stand out from other bands that play this style of music is that Heart On My Sleeve features some really killer female vocals.  Since their inception in 2010, Heart On My Sleeve have released a four song EP titled Blood Is Not Thicker Than Wine in January of 2011, a split with Boss in November of 2011, a four song EP titled Stand By, We're Going In For Life in August of 2012, a three-way split with Cavalcades and Coma Regalia in July of 2013, and a split 7" with Totem Skin in July of 2014.  In The Midst Of Happiness And Loneliness is Heart On My Sleeve's latest full-length LP, which was released via Through Love, Middle-Man, Walking Is Still Honest, and Tell Wilhelm records on November 11th, 2015.  On In The Midst Of Happiness And Loneliness, Heart On My Sleeve offer up nine tracks of killer post hardcore, punk, and screamo that's an absolute must listen for fans of The Saddest Landscape, Coma Regalia, and Frameworks.  Overall, In The Midst Of Happiness And Loneliness is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Heart On My Sleeve on Bandcamp
Heart On My Sleeve on Facebook
Through Love Records On Bandcamp
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(U.S.) Dead Heavens-Feel Low 7" (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Alt. Rock, Garage Rock

Label: Thrill Me Records
Tracks: 2
Length: 6.0'

Dead Heavens is a four piece band from NYC who formed in late 2014, from the looks of things.  Dead Heavens features Walter Schreifels from Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, Rival Schools, Etc. on vocals/guitars, Paul Kostabi  from Youth Gone Bad and White Zombie, Nathan Aguilar from Cults, and Drew Thomas from Crippled Youth, Bold, and Youth of Today.  With a line-up like, this I was really looking forward to what Dead Heavens would sound like.  Dead Heavens play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of alt. rock and riff heavy and slightly psychedelic sounding garage rock within their sound.  since their inception in 2014, Dead Heavens have released a two song 7" titled Adderall Highway in September of 2015 and a two song 7" titled History In My Hands in February of 2015.  Feel Low is Dead Heavens' latest two song 7", which was released via Thrill Me records on February 12th, 2016.  On Feel Low, Dead Heavens offer up two songs of riff heavy, haunting, and slightly psychedelic sounding alt. rock and garage rock.  Overall, Feel Low is a killer 7" and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Dead Heavens on Bandcamp
Dead Heavens on Facebook
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(U.S.) Petal-Shame LP (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, Alt. Rock, Indie Rock
Label: Run For Cover
Tracks: 12
Length: 41.0'

Petal is the musical singer/song writer project of Scranton, PAs' Kiley Lotz,who began writing music under the moniker of Petal in 2013.  Petal features a sound that incorporates elements of punk, alt. rock, and indie rock with it's sound.  Musically, Petal can be loosely compared to bands such as Waxahatchee, Rainer Maria, Pedro The Lion, and Death Cab For Cutie.  Shame is Petal's latest full-length LP, which was released via Run For Cover records on October 23rd, 2015.  On Shame, Petal offer up twelve tracks of upbeat and sometimes somber sounding punk, alt. rock and indie rock.  Overall, Shame makes for a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Petal on Bandcamp
Petal On Facebook
Run For Cover Records on Bandcamp
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DIVISIONS

 
LOCATION: FLORIDA, USA
FFO: WRETCHED BLACKENED HARDCORE
 
don't know a lot about this other than they were from florida and I think broke up in 2008. members of some bands quit those bands and formed divisions then broke up and they formed other bands. blah blah blah. like I said I don't know much about them. and I don't care. but what I do know and care about is the music this shortlived band dropped is some of most vile, scathing, and dirty blackened hardcore ive ever heard. think yaitw's "cloven hoof" ep. but meaner. and dirtier. pretty sure this is all their output. and I think I found this on cutnpaste a few years ago and they probably have a list of the members other projects so if this band tickles your sack, then check here for more info.

OMENS

Shrines to Mortality cover art
 
LOCATION: DES MOINES, IOWA
FFO: I DONT KNOW...DARK SHIT
 
I think the fog is starting to clear a bit. my funk is passing. thanks to these guys. and that vacate album that chris posted yesterday. seriously check that shit out. and omens. its dark. its heavy. bit of a cursed vibe. maybe some other modern hardcore influences like direwolves or Elizabeth. omens is good. listen to omens. I am.


Primitive Man/Northless-Split LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Metal, Sludge, Stoner Rock, Doom, Crust
Label: Halo Of Flies
Tracks: 4
Length: 32.0'

Fuck yeah.  I was totally looking forward to listening to this brand new split featuring new material from Denver, Co's Primitive Man and Milwaukee, Wi's Northless.  Most readers of the blog know I'm a huge fan of both Primitive Man and Northless, so I'll spare you the details as far as each band's discography is concerned.  For those of you who are new to the game, Primitive Man is a three piece band from Denver, Colorado who formed in 2012.  Primitive Man play a filthy, raw, and sludgy as fuck style of music that incorporates elements of post metal, punk, crust, doom, and sludge within their sound.  On their side of the split, Primitive Man unleash one song of filthy, raw, and heavy as fuck sounding post metal, doom, sludge, and crust.  Northless offer up the next three songs on this LP.  Northless is a four piece band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who formed in August of 2007.  Northless play a killer style of post metal, doom, and stoner metal.  With 12 releases under their belts, Northless offer up three of their best songs to date on their side of this split.  Overall, this is an amazing split LP, which will probably be one of my favorite releases of the year, which says a lot because it's only mid-February.  Seriously, I can't begin to describe how good this album is.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  Halo Of Flies will be releasing this album on March 4th of 2016!

(Label Submission)

Primitive Man on Bandcamp
Primitive Man on Facebook
Northless on Bandcamp
Northless on Facebook
Halo Of Flies Records on Bandcamp
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Totem Skin-Weltschmerz LP (2016)

Totem Skin-Weltschmerz LP (2016)


Country: Sweden
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Crust, Screamo
Label: Halo Of Flies, Adagio 830, Protagonist Music, Tokyo Jupiter, Wolves Of Hades Records
Tracks: 7
Length: 34.0'

I figured I'd repost this amazing LP because physical copies of the album are finally seeing the light of day! Totem Skin is a five piece band from Falun, Sweden who formed in 2012.  Totem Skin play a dark, and metallic style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, crust, and screamo within their sound.  Musically, Totem Skin can be loosely compared to bands such as Planks, Lentic Waters, Republic Of Dreams, Trap Them, and other like minded bands.  Since their inception in 2012, Totem Skin have released a six song self-titled LP in August of 2012, a six song LP titled These Ghost Are Haunting Our Halls in March of 2013, and a seven song LP titled Still Waters Run Deep in October of 2013.  Weltschmerz is Totem Skin's latest full-length LP, whic is slated for release via Halo Of Flies, Adagio 830, Protagonist Music, Tokyo Jupiter, and Wolves Of Hades records on October 12th, 2015.  Unfortunately, Cory from Halo Of Flies just informed me that Weltzschmerz won't be out in the U.S. for a long time in the U.S.  On their latest LP, Totem Skin offer up seven tracks of blackened and brutal as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, crust, and screamo.  Overall, Weltschmerz is a phenomenal LP and should not be missed!  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  Weltschmerz will be available on March 4th, 2016. 

(Label Submission)

Totem Skin on Bandcamp
Totem Skin on Facebook
Purchase via Halo Of Flies
Purchase via Adagio 830
Purchase via Protagonist Music (Deathwish E-Store)
Purchase vis Tokyo Jupiter
Purchase via Wolves Of Hades
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(U.S.) Spine-Deny EP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk

Label: Bad Teeth Recordings
Tracks: 6
Length: 6.0'

Holy Fucking Shit!  This EP absolutely smokes.  Spine is a four piece band from Kansas City, Mo and Chicago, IL who formed in the summer of 2011.  Spine play a vicious and brutal as fuck style of hardcore.  Musically, Spine can be said to be influenced by bands such as DYS, Negative Approach, Left For Dead, and Infest.  Since their inception in 2011, Spine have released a seven song demo titled Running Out in August of 2011, a six song EP titled Subhuman in September of 2012, a split EP with The Repos in October of 2013  a seven song Promo EP in February of 2014, and thirteen song LP titled Time Has Gone in December of 2014.  Deny is the band's latest six song EP, which was released via Bad Teeth Recordings on January 22nd of 2016.  On Deny, Spine offer up six new tracks of blazing, ferocious, and vicious as fuck sounding hardcore that's an absolute must listen for fans of Weekend Nachos, The Rival Mob, Mind Eraser, Total Abuse, Hoax, and other like-minded bands.  Overall, Deny is an amazing EP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Spine on Bandcamp
Spine on Facebook
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Spine-Time Has Come LP (2014)
Spine/The Repos-Split EP (2013)

Happy Diving-So Bunted 7" (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, Grunge, Alt. Rock, Indie Rock

Label: Topshelf Records
Tracks: 2
Length: 4.0'

Happy Diving is a four piece band from Oakland, California who formed in September of 2013.  Happy Diving play a catchy as hell sounding style of music that incorporates elements punk, grunge, 90's alt. rock, and indie rock within their style.  Musically, Happy Diving can be loosely compared to bands such as Big Eyes, California X, Potty Mouth, and other like-minded bands.  Since their inception in 2013, Happy Diving have released a self-titled four song cassette in January of 2014 and a ten song LP titled Big World in November of 2014.  So Bunted is the band's latest two song 7", which was released via Topshelf records on July 17th, 2015.  On So Bunted, Happy Diving offer up two songs of infectiously catchy punk, grunge, alt. rock, and indie rock.  Overall, So Bunted is an amazing 7" and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Happy Diving on Bandcamp
Happy Diving on Facebook
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The Ultimate Screamo Band-La saison du champignon EP (2015)

Country: Canada
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Screamo, Emoviolence
Label: Désordre Ordonné, Zegema Beach, GBS, Friendly Otter Records
Tracks: 5
Length: 5.0'

The Ultimate Screamo Band is a one piece band from Montreal, Canada who got his start in December of 2014.  The Ultimate Screamo band features Guillaume Archambault, who does all instrumentation for this killer musical endeavor.  Musically, The Ultimate Screamo band can be said to be influenced by bands such as Orchid, Republic Of Dreams, Jerome's Dream, Saetia, Resurrectionists, and other like-minded bands.  La saison du champignon is the band's debut five track 7", which was released via Désordre Ordonné, Zegema Beach, GBS, and Friendly Otter Records on December 13th, 2015.  On La saison du champignon, The Ultimate Screamo band offers up five track of chaotic and volatile sounding hadrcore, punk, screamo, and emoviolence.  Overall, La saison du champignon is a killer 7" and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Label Submission)

The Ultimate Screamo Band on Bandcamp
The Ultimate Screamo Band on Facebook
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Vacate-I Have Loved You With An Everlasting Love LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Grindcore, Powerviolence

Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 10
Length: 23.0'

Vacate is a four piece band from New Jersey who formed in 2013, from the looks of things.  Vacate play a chaotic, volatile and completely unhinged style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, grindcore, and powerviolence within their sound.  Musically, Vacate can be loosely compared to bands such as Iron Lung, Seizures, Nails, and other like-minded bands.  I Have Loved You With Everlasting Love is the band's debut full-length LP, which was released on February 14th, 2016.  On I Have Loved You With Everlasting Love, Vacate offer up ten tracks of scathing and vicious as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, grindcore, and powerviolence.  Overall, I Have Loved You With An Everlasting Love is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Vacate on Bandcamp
Vacate on Facebook
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Naive-S/T LP (2016)

Country: Germany
Genre: Punk, Post Punk
Label: Contrazst! Records
Tracks: 9
Length: 29.0' 

Naive is a four piece band from Cologne, Germany who formed in the fall of 2013, from the looks of things.  Naive play a dark, tense, and somewhat melodic style of post punk and punk.  Musically, Naive can be loosely compared to bands such as Terrible Feelings, White Lung, The Eisonores, and Don't.  Since their inception in 2013, Naive have released a five song EP titled Demon in December of 2013, and a three song EP titled The Final Whiteout in February of 2015.  This is the band's debut nine song full-length LP.  On their debut full-length, Naive offer up nine songs of dark, moody, tense, and at times, melodic sounding post punk and punk.  Overall, this is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  This album was released via Contrazst! records on February 14th, 2016.

Naive on Bandcamp
Naive on Facebook
Contrazst! Records on Bandcamp
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Cruel Bloom-Ketamine EP (2016)

Country: Canada
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Experimental, Noise
Label: self-Released
Tracks: 6
Length: 12.0'

Cruel Bloom is an experimental hardcore band from Owen Sound, Canada who formed in late 2015, from the looks of things.  Cruel Bloom play an experimental style of hardcore, punk, and noise.  Cruel Bloom can be loosely compared to bands such as DSGNS, Retox, Youth Code, and other like-minded bands.  Ketamine is the band's debut six song EP, which was released on February 14th, 2016.  On Ketamine, Cruel Bloom offer up six tracks of harsh and caustic sounding experimental hardcore.  Overall, Ketamine is a solid EP and definitely worth checking out.  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Cruel Bloom on Bandcamp
Cruel Bloom on Facebook
Listen Here

Virgin Flower-Absence Of Essence Cassette (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Punk, Cold Wave, Drone, Industrial, Noise

Label: Dead Tank Records
Tracks:7
Length: 21.0'

Virgin Flower is a minimalist synth driven, cold wave, industrial, drone, and noise project from Jacksonville, Florida who formed in early 2015, from the looks of things.  Virgin Flower create a cold and dark style of minimalist style of noise with dark drudging beats mixed with a blend of minimal synths and blown out industrial cacophony.  Added to the mix are distorted and blown out style vocals.  Absence Of Essence is the Virgin Flower's debut seven song cassette, which was released via Dead Tank records on February 6th, 2016.  On Absence Of Essence, Virgin Flower offer up seven tracks of bleak and experimental post punk, cold wave, drone, and industrial style noise.  Overall, Absence Of Essence makes for a really interesting listen.  Great stuff.  Enjoy!

Dead Tank Records on Bandcamp
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Surprise Package

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MEGAPOST

ok so first off id like to apologize to anyone who saw my last post. it wasn't up very long before I deleted it. what started out as a rant about a couple simple complaints turned in to me sounding like an even bigger asshole than usual. it wasn't very well thought out could have been taken the wrong way. I blame my meds. right so moving on.
im gonna kind of break format here. im in a funk. musically. everything new is crap and im sick of everything old. weve all been there. well like im sure most of you do as well, I have a few albums I always turn to when this feeling comes on. thought id share them with you. and id like to here what some of you turn to so feel free to comment.
 
first up is the melvins "stag" from 1996. my favorite melvins album. and probably one of the more odd albums they've done. and this is coming from a band who released "colossus of destiny" which is basically an hour long noise track recorded live. "stag" was the last album they released for a major label. every time I listen to it I cant help but think they made it as weird as possible on purpose just so atlantic wouldn't know what to do with it. well it worked.
Stag
 
next up is tom waits. "bone machine" came out in 1993 and was a kind of come back album for tom waits. his first work that wasn't a soundtrack or broadway related in 6 years. and its his best work. if "i don't wanna grow up" doesn't make you simultaneously smile and cry then theres something wrong with you. I love this album.
Bone Machine
 
killing joke. these guys are kind of a sore spot for me right now. I bought tickets 2 months ago for a show in Columbus last week but they cancelled the whole tour. but I still love them and their self titled album from 2003 above all the others. another comeback album on this list. see jaz coleman is a raving lunatic and killing joke have broken up like 3 or 4 times. this was the first album since 1996s "democracy". when they got back together for this one youth and raven came back and contributed to it and dave grohl filled in on drums for big paul ferguson. probably grohls 2nd best performance behind "in utero"
 
next we have zao. "liberate te ex inferis". the 2nd album of what most call zaos classic trilogy. and by far the darkest of not only those 3 albums but all zao albums. "liberate"  also has the best intro ever made by humans. and its full of clips from event horizon. great fucking movie. seriuously dark shit right here.
 
and the last one im gonna do for this list is today is the days "temple of the morning star". steve Austin mustve had a rough life. and whatever that tragedy or tragedies are, he pours into his music. this is some of the most purely hateful music made by mankind.
 
so that's it. really I could have doubled this list and included converge, faith no more, mark lanegan, cursed, and probably some others but these are enough for now. so there you have it. some of my comfort albums. albums that never let me down. like I said feel free to comment. im curious what you guys listen to till the music doldrums pass.

Seventh-The Hearld LP (2016)

Country: Italy
Genre: Post Metal, Post Hardcore, Sludge
Label: Sliptrick/Rip Roaring Shit Records
Tracks: 7
Length: 44.0'

Seventh is a three piece band from Venice, Italy who formed in 2012, from the looks of things.  Seventh was originally a two piece band featuring Maximilian Goldberg on instruments and vocals, Marco Tumiatti on instruments, and collaborated with Francesco "Cesco" Begotti of ZEIT on drums.  Seventh have now evolved into a five piece band and features Maximilian Goldberg on vocals and samples, Marco Tumiatti on guitar, Fabio Saccardo on guitar, Luca Soliman on bass, Marco Nolli on drums.  Seventh play a dark, ominous, and oppressive sounding style of music that incorporates elements of post metal, post hardcore, and sludge within their sound.  Musically, Seventh can be loosely compared to bands such as Titan, Old Man Gloom, Amen Ra, and Isis.  The Herald is Seventh's debut seven track LP, which was released via Sliptrick and Rip Roaring Shit records on January 18th, 2016.  On The Herald, Seventh offer up seven tracks of brutally dynamic sounding post metal, post hardcore, and sludge.  Overall, The Herald is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Seventh on Bandcamp 
Seventh on Facebook 
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Reserving Dirtnap-S/T EP (2014)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk

Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 5
Length: 12.0'

Reserving Dirtnaps is a four piece band from Memphis, Tennessee who formed in late 2013 or early 2014, from the looks of things.  Reserving Dirtnaps play a hard as nails style of modern hardcore.  Musically, Reserving Dirtnaps can be said to be influenced by bands such as 1000 Deamons, Integrity, Cursed, Sons Of Abraham, and Turmoil.  This is the band's debut five song EP, which was released on March 28th, 2014.  On their debut five song EP, Reserving Dirtnaps offer up five tracks of heavy as fuck sounding modern hardcore.  Overall, this is a really solid EP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Purchase)

Reserving Dirtnaps on Bandcamp
Reserving Dirtnaps on Facebook
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(U.S.) Pinegrove-Cardinal LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Indie Rock, Alt. Rock

Label: Run For Cover
Tracks: 8
Length: 30.0'

Pinegrove is a four piece band from Montclair, New Jersey who formed in 2010, from the looks of things.  Pinegrove play a laid back and mellow style of modern indie rock and alternative rock.  As far as musical influences go, Pinegrove can be said to be influenced by bands such as Built To Spill, Archers Of Loaf, Knacpsack, Modest Mouse, and Ted Leo & The Pharmacists.  Since their inception in 2010, Pinegrove have released a four song EP titled Mixtape One in January of 2010, an eight song LP titled Meridian in February of 2012, a four song EP titled & in July of 2013, a seven song EP titled Mixtape Two in May of 2014, and a 21 song compilation of all their recorded material titled Everything So Far in November 20th, 2015.  Cardinal is Pinegrove's latest eight song LP, which was released via Run For Cover records on February 12th, 2016.  On Cardinal, Piegrove offer up eight tracks of really well played indie rock and alternative rock.  Overall, Cardinal is a killer LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Pinegrove on Bandcamp
Pinegrove on Facebook
Purchase
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Surprise Package

                                                                   Surprise Package

Lesion-II 7" (2016)

Country: Denmark
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Black Metal, Crust
Label: Adult Crash
Tracks: 7
Length: 13.0'

Lesion is a Copenhagen, Denmark based black metal, punk, and crust band who formed in the spring of 2014, from the looks of things.  Lesion play a raw, and filthy style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, black metal, and crust within their sound.  Musically, Lesion will appeal to fans of All Pigs Must Die, Impalers, Protestant, Hexis, and other like-minded bands.  Since their inception in 2014, Lesion have released a six song demo in April of 2014, contributed two songs to the Uden For Cirklen compilation, and a four song EP in July of 2015.  II is the band's latest seven song EP, which was released via Adult Crash records on February 6th, 2016.  On II, Lesion offer up seven tracks of raw and chaotic sounding hardcore, punk, black metal, and crust.  Overall, II is a killer EP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Lesion on Bandcamp
Purchase
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Allergy-Peace Fuckers Flexi 7" (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, D-Beat, Noise

Label: Vinyl Rites
Tracks: 8
Length: 10.0'

Allergy is a four piece band from Gainesville, Florida who formed in the summer of 2014.  Allergy play a raw and dirty style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, d-beat, and noise rock within their sound.  Since their inception in 2014, Allergy have released a six song demo in July of 2014.  Peace Fuckers is Allergy's latest eight track 7", which was released via Vinyl Rites on December 9th, 2015.  On Peace Fuckers, Allergy offer up eight tracks of blistering and brutal as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, and noise.  Overall, Peace Fuckers is a killer 7" and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!

Allergy on Bandcamp
Purchase
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Strutter-S/T 7" (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Beach Impediment/Static Shock Records
Tracks: 4
Length: 6.0'

Strutter is a Austin, Texas based band who formed in the spring of 2015, from the looks of things.  Strutter features members of Impalers, Vaaska, Glue and Thee Nodes.  Strutter play a raging, vicious and stripped down style of punk with an early 1980's vibe.  Since their inception in 2015, Strutter have released a seven song demo in April of 2015.  This is the band's latest four song 7", which was released via Beach Impediment and Static Shock records on February 2nd, 2016.  On their latest seven inch, Strutter offer up four tracks of stripped down and raging hardcore that's a must listen for fans of White Wards, Society Nurse, and The Lowest Form.  Overall, this is a killer 7" that should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Strutter on Bandcamp
Purchase via Beach Impediment Records
Purchase via Static Shock Records
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POST #1,000

Well shit. I find this hard to believe, but this is the 1,000th post on this blog. That's fucking crazy. I made my first post here on July 4th, 2013, which was 954 days ago. I'm really bad at math but even I can figure out that this means we've been averaging at least 1 post per day since then, which is something I'm super proud of. There's been a lot of people that have contributed to this blog over the years but I have to give a huge thanks to Chris, who basically rescued this blog after his own (Manic Compression) was shut down by the powers that be. Honestly, it came at a perfect time for me as I was getting a little burned out, and Chris has been posting like a motherfucking madman ever since. I'm not sure if this place would still be around today if he hadn't come on board. And recently, Jeremy has been absolutely crushing it with a lot of old school and nearly forgotten about bands. There's so much new hardcore coming out these days and it's really nice to see him remind us all of the old shit and just how good it still is. I know I still don't post as much as I used to, but having these 2 dudes here really makes it so much better. It seems the more people get involved, the more fun it is and lessens the chances of us getting burned out. That being said, if anyone reading this feels like they want to contribute, please feel free to reach out to me. The more the merrier. Lastly, I want to thank all the daily visitors to the blog and to all the people in the chat box for not being assholes. Chats can be the worst sometimes but I'm really glad ours has become a nice little place to post links or make requests. Thanks everyone ~ ADAM

HARROWED/ART OF BURNING WATER SPLIT

Split 7" cover art
 
LOCATION: KENT, U.K./?, U.K.
FFO: ALL THE REASONS YOU COME TO THIS BLOG
 
if you've been coming to this blog for a while then you should know that there are several bands that are kind of a big deal around here. harrowed is one of those bands. I discovered them thanks to adam. their full length, "into inferno", was hands down the best thing to come out in 2013. it was so mean. so angry. and so fucking perfect. its a dual sledgehammer wielding maniac running around an antique store. smashing everything and laughing and shouting obscenities. its nails playing a little slower and longer. and better. its been a long wait for new material but its so worth it. these 2 tracks just continue windmilling those sledgehammers around. this right here is why we love hardcore.
 
art of burning water have been around for 10 years or so now started off as a kind of mathy sludge band similar to keelhaul or meatjack and slowly over the years have gone more in the crust direction. adding in some slight grind and powerviolence elements along the way. they've definitely gotten better with time. not to say the older stuff was bad. not by any stretch. I just prefer the later recordings. their 3 tracks here are different take on hardcore but every bit as effective as the harrowed side. this 7" drops on Monday so prepare yourselves. and hide your valuables.
 
 
 

Slaughter Horse-Plague Carriers EP (2016)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Black Metal, Death Metal, Thrash
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 4
Length: 18.0'

Slaughter Horse is a four piece band from the United Kingdom who formed in the summer of 2015, from the looks of things.  Slaughter Horse play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of black metal, death metal, and thrash within their sound.  Musically, Slaughter Horse can be loosely compared to bands such as Black Breath, Doomriders, and Impalers.  Plague Carriers is the band's debut four song EP, which was released on January 29th, 2016.  On Plague Carriers, Slaughter Horse offer up four tracks of vicious and ominous sounding black metal, death metal, and thrash.  Overall, Plague Carriers is a killer EP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Slaughter Horse on Bandcamp
Slaughter Horse on Facebook
Purchase
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Depths Of Reality-Promo Cassette (2015)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk

Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 3
Length: 4.0'

Depths Of Reality is a four piece Western, MA who formed in the spring of 2014, from the looks of things.  Depths Of Reality feature members of Hoax, Intent, Free Spirit, Moron, Mudlark, Violence To Fade, Misfortune, and Maniac.  Depths Of Reality play a raging, scathing, and brutal as fuck sounding style of hardcore/punk with a killer early 80's USHC vibe that gives nods to bands such as Negative Approach, Infest, Chokehold, and Poison Idea.  This is the band's latest three song promo cassette, which was released on December 3rd, 2015.  On their latest three song offering, Depths Of Reality offer up three tracks of raw and primitive sounding early 80's influenced hardcore/punk.  Overall, this three song cassette absolutely rages. Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Depths Of Reality on Bandcamp
Listen Here
Depths Of Reality-Demo (2014)

Barren-Void LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Metal, Sludge, Grindcore, Noise Rock
Label: Wasted Life Records
Tracks: 8
Length: 42.0'

Barren is a four piece band from Fayetteville, Arkansas who formed in March of 2013.  Barren play a volatile and chaotic style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, sludge, grindcore, and noise rock within their sound.  Musically, Barren cite Converge, Gaza, Black Breath, Don the Reader, Herder, Rage Against The Machine, Mastodon, Dillinger Escape Plan, Eyehategod, and Nails as influences, which definitely shows up in the bands sound and style.  Void is the band's debut full-length LP, which was released via Wasted Life records on February 5th, 2015.  On Void, Barren offer up eight tracks of chaotic and brutal as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, metal, sludge, grindcore, and noise rock that's an absolute must listen for fans of Hollow Earth, Bleak, Divider, Enabler, and other like-minded bands.  Overall, Void is an amazing LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Barren on Bandcamp
Barren on Facebook
Listen Here

Surprise Package

                                                                   Surprise Package

Surprise Package

                                                                   Surprise Package

Surprise Package

Violent Breakfast-Discography (2003-2008)


Violent Breakfast were a killer post hardcore/screamo band from Pisa, Italy who existed from 2003-2008.  Musically, Violent Breakfast shared a common thread with bands like Raein, Funeral Diner, Raein, Daitro, Orchid, and Ampere.  Members of Violent Breakfast currently play in the Italian post hardcore band Chambers.  Here's the band's complete discography for you to enjoy!

                                            Violent Breakfast - Nientaltro Che Tempo (2007)
                                            Violent Breakfast-Discography (2003-2006) 
                                            Pyramids/Violent Breakfast-Split 10"