Tag: metallic hardcore

December 29, 2023

Song of the Day: Unashamed - Never Ends

This band from Southern California was one of the first wave of bands who set the foundation for what was known as “Spirit-filled hardcore.” A wave which also included Focused, Strongarm, Six Feet Deep and a handful of others, many of which remained unsigned. The scene was characterized by ‘new school’ or ‘chugga chugga’ or metallic hardcore of the early to mid-90s, combined with lyrics that were bold and unapologetic about faith issues. The first time I heard Unashamed was actually a live show as they were the opening band at the first Tooth and Nail Weekend in 1994, a mini-fest at the Where-House in Bartlesville, OK featuring all Tooth and Nail bands (also on the bill were Focused, Chatterbox, Plankeye, Starflyer 59 and Wish for Eden who sadly had to cancel due to a broken down van).… Continued →

August 25, 2023

Song of the Day: Chalice - Lacerate

This band released one devastatingly heavy album in 1999 for indie upstart Takehold Records, and then like so many other metalcore bands, disappeared after only one album and one split (with fellow-Floridians Set Apart) never to be heard from again. A few members turned up elsewhere–some in the mysterious metal band Yeti, while drummer Nathan Warshowsky served as a studio drum tech for artists as diverse as Forever Changed, Underoath, Day of Fire, and even Paramore. Deathmask Grin came out just as metalcore as a genre was really taking off, and it was a significant contribution to the genre musically, despite it being heard by so few people.… Continued →

September 9, 2022

Song of the Day: Torn in Two - Plastic Dreams for Shining Rings

There was a lot of hype surrounding this band when they were first signed by Facedown Records, in large part based on the fact they had three vocalists. While the hype, and sadly also the band, were short-lived (they only released one full-length and one 3-way split album), they definitely generated a healthy buzz in their short existence. And for good reason too. Soli Deo Gloria (roughly translated as “to the glory of God alone”) dropped in 2001, and stylistically the album shows its age. Torn in Two were building off of the heavy, metallic, chugga-chugga or “new school” style hardcore of the 1990s, and adding more metallic leads and riffs without ever fully crossing over into metalcore.… Continued →

July 23, 2021

Song of the Day: Besieged - The Years Between

How often have you gone back to listen to an album that was more than 10 years old, only to find it didn’t hold up as well as you thought it would? A sloppy guitar part here, or a bad mixing job there, or even just song ideas that didn’t really work as well in hindsight? I first heard Atlantis in 2007 when I was asked to review it for Uprise Zine (if you remember that publication, give me a shout!) While I definitely remember liking it, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it sounds 14 years after its release.… Continued →

February 21, 2020

Song of the Day: Zao - Lies of Serpents, a River of Tears

Zao had already made a name for themselves, working up from the underground, with a 7″, cassette demo(s) and 2 full-lengths. They were quickly becoming known for taking hardcore in a new direction. I remember a friend telling me that although he loved the riffs on their sophomore effort Splinter Shards the Birth of Separation, he also found them really hard to dance to. With the third album, they would push the metallic limits of hardcore even further. From those opening riffs you knew this was going to be something special.… Continued →

July 13, 2019

December 7, 2018

REVIEW : Thin Ice "Misery Noose"

San Antonio, Texas' Metallic Hardcore act Thin Ice has recently released demos for what would've been their full length follow up to their Blood & Ink records EP release "Revelation Through Tribulation". Needless to say, this doesn't disappoint in the least. Heavy and aggressive as expected.

June 19, 2018

Full Ep Stream: Dreaded Dale "Wayward Ep"

Check out this ep stream from new metallic hardcore band – Dreaded Dale. The band just released “Wayward Ep” today. It is available on their bandcamp here and through digital networks in a few days. Ep stream and a little background on the ep, below. The band plans to release 3 eps in 2018 so keep your eyes peeled and ears ready. Dreaded Dale has set out to bring Christ to a generation that has all but given up on typical ChristianityContinued →

February 11, 2017

Introducing: Earth Groans

All you fans of heavy, brutal, thick sounding HARDCORE will love this new band called “Earth Groans” out of South Dakota. They released their debut 5 song ep titled “Renovate” through all digital networks including Spotify and Apple Music, last August. Give this band a listen and be prepared to throw down in the pit with the best of them. [iTunes Link] Purchase the band’s merch including ts, hoodies, tanks, and CDs right here. Continued →

January 18, 2017

Strengthen What Remains Stream New Song; Cassettes Available for Pre-Order

The metallic hardcore act, Strengthen What Remains has a new song streaming, as well as pre-orders for their Promo cassette for 2017. The band started in 2010 and released two studio albums and an EP. The band recently had a few members step down and had new members join. One of those is Logan Hayworth, former Bassist for Abated Mass of Flesh. The Promo tracklist is:
  1. Exploit. Enslave. Overpower.
  2. Liberation of the Spirit
  3. Against the Stone
Pre-order it here.… Continued →

November 21, 2011