Supreme Brutality, part VI - FROM ASHES RISE

Okay! It's been a long time coming and I think now that we're only 3 days away, I'll pack the shit outta this feature starting now. Anyway, the biggest surprise (aside from Sodom canceling) is the addition of reactivated melo-crusters FROM ASHES RISE! I've been a fan ever since I got their amazing split 12" with Victims a while back. Imagine Tragedy playing a more melodic and less nihilistic brand of hardcore. Don't worry, FAR are just as pissed off. It's great to see them close out the fest... I just hope everyone will have enough energy left!

Here are some clips of them playing in Montreal a few weeks ago. In HD, of course.

THE ICEMEN

Here's the latest band that is blowing my mind right outta my fucking head: New York City's THE ICEMEN! This band formed in the early 80's around the same time the New York hardcore scene is starting to roll but didn't release anything until 1992 with their only EP, R.I.P. Obviously, this cult status means they are simply amazing.

I heard of these guys when connecting various NYHC people together. One of my favorite drummers, Mackie Jayson from Cro-Mags and Madball, played with these guys and I've heard a few songs by them a while ago. Last night I was lurking in Generation Records with some friends before the Ace Frehley show and I stumbled upon the band's second official release, The Iceman/It'll Be Your Grave 7" single.

This single pretty much has everything I love about hardcore punk and metal. It's quite evident from the first few measures of "The Iceman" that these guys, rounded out by guitarist/vocalist Marco Abularach and bassist Noah Evans, worship heavily at the altar of Motörhead. Add Mackie's signature power-drumming style and you have some totally crushing crossover. "It'll Be Your Grave" has some serious Bad Brains feeling and this dates back before Cro-Mags(!)... no shit.

I seriously can't stop listening to this. I'm pretty happy that it came with a download card. This is 4 and a half minutes of solid fucking gold!!

Supreme Brutality, part IV - D.R.I.

Because I'm feeling a bit punk/hardcore this weekend. Here are the fathers of crossover: D.R.I.









I don't care what anyone says - their later shit is awesome, too!