COUCH SLOUCH!!!!

History of the hawk-Ocean 7"

2012-02-09T00:10:00.000-08:00

Must admit I didn't really fancy hearing this band until Rich sent me a copy of this 7". I was pleasantly surprised. I've heard names like Drive like Jehu and Fugazi thrown around to describe and while I can agree with that to a certain extent I think there's some heavier elements too (like Botch etc). It makes for a potent of blend of engaging music anyhow. Great artwork too and a nice colour vinyl make it an overall lovely package. On speedowax records, I believe a split 7" with deathbed is coming up next on that label.

Deathbed-Oppression 7"

2012-02-07T06:13:00.000-08:00

For every douchebag that you encounter in this weird little universe we call hardcore punk there's always some saint that comes along and restores your faith in it. Such a guy is Rich Perri. After learning that I got fleeced last year off the thief who 'ran' Nothing in vain records he kindly decided to send me one of the records that I was meant to get. What a dude!
The record was Deathbed's 'oppression' 7". 3 tracks of metallic vegan straight edge hardcore that sounds like it has been transported directly from the mid 90's. No surprise but these guys have signed to Catalyst records so expect more greatness. It's a shame that this record was released by such a shady chracter as it makes getting a copy pretty difficult but some of these have sent out to distros so hopefully more people will be able to check it out. I think Rich still has copies so if you live in the UK or Europe head over to www.muempire.bigcartel.com and ask him and hopefully he should be able to hook you up. Cheers man, much appreciated.

Sleep-Volume one LP (UK pressing)

2012-02-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

It's late and I'm tired and I don't feel like writing much so here's some pictures of the first Sleep LP which I got earlier off a friend.

Motorhead/Girlschool-St Valentine's day massacre 10"

2012-02-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

It's always good discovering something in your house that you'd forgotten or didn't realise that you had. Such was the case when I found this nice 10" vinyl in a box of crappy records under the stairs that I was going to get rid of. Since I'm on a bit of a Motorhead trip at the moment, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Recorded way back in Xmas 1980 with Girlschool, this is Lemmy and co on top form. 3 tracks and on a nice thick, heavy 10" record. I see the 7" seems to sell well on Ebay but this format is cooler.

V/A "No Peace/War comp” 7” Test press

2012-02-03T06:50:00.000-08:00

Nate, the old singer of Rot in hell was selling some of his RIH raraties recently. I missed out on the kvlt ov kali box set due to my own stupid fault when I didn't get back to him straight away. It went for big money!!! I didn't make the same mistake twice when he emailed me to say someone had flaked on this test pressing and that I could have it for a reasonable price. I posted about this 7" comp (on organised crime records)last year when I scored the box set with all the colours in it. It's basically a holy terror fan's wet dream. Bands like Integ, RIH etc doing covers of songs from old Jap hardcore bands. This is limited to 35 which is pretty high for a test pressing. Anyway nice to have it although I know there's a rejected test press out there too so no doubt I'll have to snap one of those up whenever I see one. Nate also threw in a End Reign 7". What a nice chap!!!

Orange Goblin-A eulogy for the damned LP

2012-02-01T23:33:00.000-08:00

Whenever anyone asks me to describe Orange goblin, I don't say stoner or doom etc, I just say it's ROCK!!!!! These guys have been around a while, put out some great records and they're a treat to see live too. In fact seeing these with Firebird and Solace at the end of 2010 was one of the best gigs of that year for me. There was a rumour going around a couple of years ago that they were splitting up. Thankfully that didn't happen otherwise we wouldn't have this new album, released on back on black (and I thought they only put out reissues!!!). It's more of the same Goblin trademark sound-in other words it ROCKS!!! My mate says whenever he listens to the goblin that he feels like having a beer. Well I don't drink anymore but I can get behind that statement. In a lush gatefold sleeve and on clear wax. Awesome!!!

Slayer-Reign in blood Demos LP

2012-01-28T23:11:00.000-08:00

It goes without saying that the majority of people I know into metal or hardcore (but were into metal first) would rate 'Reign in blood' as one of their all time favourite albums ever. I know I do. It's 25 years since I first heard it and it still does and always will reside in my top 5 list. To say it was a landmark in heavy music is a gross understatement. Anyway I really could spend all week going on about why it is so great so I'll just get to this newly unleashed bootleg of demos or rehearsals (which is what they sound more like) from the 'Reign in blood' sessions. Without the polish and big production the album has (which is a crucial factor in why it is such a classic and sounds so fresh and heavy after all this time)these songs taken out of that comfort zone are raw, more vicous sounding and frankly feel more dangerous. Like a rabid dog off a leash that will attack you at any second. Some of the tracks are without vocals and there's some extra stuff on at the end. Like most bootlegs you have to crank up the volume to get the best impact. For die hard Slayer fans this is recommended but there are only 100 copies of these I believe and a couple have gone for a bit on good ol' ebay. As you you can see it's on a marble red-ish colour but should have been just a clear red vinyl. That's the only way to release Slayer records as far as I'm concerned.

Anthrax-One last drop/Welcome 7"

2012-01-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

I picked this self released 7" up mainly because it's a benefit for the legendary 1 in 12 Club in Bradford, Yorkshire. I've had many great nights there, seen many great bands and made some great friends over the last 20 odd years. It's in a bit of Financial trouble at the moment so lots of people are pooling together and trying to raise enough money to pull them out of the shit. Go to www.1in12club.com for more details. I, like many people would be gutted to see it closed.

IRON CHIC- Shitty Rambo 7" Red

2012-01-23T00:04:00.000-08:00

There were two bands that I discovered last year that got played constantly on the Ipod and the stereo. They were Crusades and Iron Chic. It's funny thinking back because I don't know what made me check them out initially. They're both pretty different to a lot of the stuff I listen to but I am getting more and more broad minded with music as I get older anyway. So this is the first Iron Chic 7". I missed it when it came out but Dead broke rekids had some that they unearthed so I jumped on a copy. Mine's on red vinyl. Apparently it's from the 2nd press and there are 333 of them. As with everything else they've done, these 4 tunes are just totally rocking and extremely infectious. It's like the best bits of Samian, Seaweed etc combined. Just fucking awesome!!!!!

Ceremony-Covers 12"

2012-01-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

2010's 'Rhonert park' was a huge surprise for me because not only was it a change of musical direction for the band it also became one of my most played things of that year. Actually it shouldn't have been that surprising really as I saw the band the previous year and they were playing a lot of that stuff anyway but I had forgotten all about that just before the record came out. Following on where they left off this one sided 12" of covers features songs previously played by the likes of Crisis, Urban waste, Eddie and the subtitles and more. Normally the idea of a record of just cover versions wouldn't excite me but this really does hit the spot. The etched vinyl looks superb too. What I would have liked more though is if they had included a cover of a full on thrash /power violence band like Infest or crossed out or someone similar- you know, to give us a reminder of what they used to be like.

EXANTHEMA/CHRONIC DECAY - Split MLP

2012-01-20T00:09:00.000-08:00

I've been listening to and buying a lot more metal stuff than usual lately which I don't know is a good thing or not really. I've always had a soft spot for metal but I was always more of a thrasher than a death metal head as that was what I was mainly into in the 80's before I got into hardcore. I did dig a fair bit of Death metal in the early 90's like Morbid angel , Carcass and especially Swedish stuff like Entombed and Dismember. The Swedes had their own distinctive style that differed from the rest of the world therefore Swedish Death metal became a genre of it's own. This split 12" was previously released on CD back in the day but thanks to me saco un ojo records, it's now out finally on wax. As you can see in the pic there is a limited clear version available as well as the standard black. This is good ripping shit but I'm not sure that my neighbours seem to like it though. Damn students anyway, who cares!!!!!

Integrity/Rot in hell-split 7"

2012-01-18T23:34:00.000-08:00

At least two of my other blogger buddies have done (most likely better) posts about this release so all I'll say is this my test pressing from Thirty days of night arrived yesterday so now I have a complete set (if you exclude the test press that Dwid knocked up) so here's a family photo. Pressing info is 100 on black, 100 on white, 500 on the blue/green mix and just 5 of these test pressings (mine's numbered 5/5). If anyone wants a Blue/Green one then hit me up. I have one for sale or trade. It's totally sold out from the label.

Speedwolf-Ride with death LP

2012-01-17T23:36:00.000-08:00

I'm digging a bit of the recent stuff that Hells Headbangers are releasing-Nekrofilth, Midnight and now this. Described as 'Lycanthropic Metal Punk' you can imagine there's a big Motorhead worship thing going on. It may not be exactly original but it is rocking stuff. HH have put out a quality package-housed in a embossed gatefold sleeve with a nice poster. All copies are on black vinyl which is a shame. An extremely limited number on colour would have rounded it off perfectly.

Midnight-Satanic royalty LP Updated

2012-01-14T08:58:00.001-08:00

Recently I purchased the Midnight LP on dark blue coloured vinyl. It was so great, like any self respecting record collector geek I decided to pick up more copies, one on silver vinyl and the other on picture disc. Here's a snapshot of the boys together.

Antisect-Tour 10"

2012-01-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

When I first heard about Antisect reforming and playing again I thought it was weird. After all, they're not all vegetarian anymore so it seemed a bit phoney to me especially since some of their lyrics were about animal rights and stuff. I heard there was going be a self released 10" made up and sold only at their upcoming shows. I wanted one being a nerd and all and to complete the collection but wasn't too bothered about actually going to see them. Then something cropped up and I couldn't make the Liverpool show anyway. Thankfully My mate, Lee was at the show and agreed to grab one for me. (By accounts, they were very disapointing live.)
The first track '4 minutes past midnight' is previously unreleased and was recorderd back in 1982. On the flip side is a re-recording of the 1985 classic 'Out From The Void ' and it still sounds good. Antisect definately were one of the best from that early 80's anarcho punk scene (better than Crass-who musically, were fairly overrated) and definately influencial to a lot of bands. I'm not sure how many of these records were pressed. As you can see, it's nothing to look at and features two songs that could have easily fitted on a 7". It cost £8 too so it wasn't too cheap for what it actually is. I wonder if they sold many of them. I can just imagine them sitting on a pile and waiting to be sold on their next reunion tour in 2020 or something.

Enough-Something we can build 7"

2012-01-11T01:24:00.000-08:00

It was Mike that introduced me to this band last year when he did a post about their Demo which the band had self released as a 7". There was a MP3 attached so I had a listen and was so impressed that I ordered the record (all 3 colours of it). As a demo it was better than 90% of the 'proper' releases that I had heard around that period. Sure it was original or anything but it had a sharp, clear and passionate sound that immediately grabbed my attention. So here is the band's second 7" (or first official 7" depending on how you look at it). The US pressing comes from Iron mind records. 94 were pressed on this nice orange colour apparently. Assault records are doing the European pressing. This is more of the same musically (Y'know straight up SxE HC!!) but the lyrics are super cool. Not just about pointing your finger at someone who's stabbed you in the back. Get on it!!!!!!

Burning witch-box set

2012-01-08T03:22:00.000-08:00

This seems like I've been waiting for this forever. Southern Lord announced they were doing this ages ago-I got to thinking it would never see the light of day (on vinyl at least, the CD version came out a while ago).
It's hard to think that Burning witch were only around a year or so (1996-7)but they left such a devastating effect on a lot of today's doom/sludge bands. They featured Stephen O'Malley who I bet you own at least one record that he's on. I first heard Burning witch at the beginning of 1999. I had just got the 'towers' 12" from the legendary and sadly now defunct Slapaham records and was blown away. I loved shit like Grief, eyehategod etc but this was heavy music taken to another level.
Skip forward to 2012 and here we are-the box set finally arrives at my house. At first I thought this was a really expensive item (especially with postage costs) but I'm really pleased with it. You get the entire studio works (including the afforementioned 'towers' and also 'Rift canyon dreams'-which I only previously had on mp3) and also a live recording spread across 4 heavyweight back vinyls in individual sleeves. Also you get a lush 12" sized glossy booklet with photos of the band and some cool illustrations. There's also a DVD included which features a live show from 1996 and some sketchy looking cable show from early 1997 with them preforming a live session. If that wasn't enough early pre-orders came with a limited shirt-made up especially for this release.
In the past I've had issues with ordering stuff from southern lord but they did good this time-this came well packaged, they made sure I didn't get stung by customs and they even threw in a free Hidden hand CD and some posters. Most importantly they sent the actual item that I ordered.

Accused-Return of martha splatterhead LP repress

2012-01-05T12:51:00.001-08:00

Jeez, it's 24 years since I first bought a copy of this album. I got the 2nd pressing of the subcore release (the first one had different artwork). It was also released here in the UK by Earache (with a truly shit cover) and now Unrest have provided us with a remastered and nice looking colour vinyl. Thankfully they used the artwork from the 2nd press subcore release and not the earache one. To add confusion this record is a repress of the 'Martha splatterhead' 12" (on Condar records in 1985) with extra tracks.
So how does it sound then? It still sounds raw despite being remastered but that's a good thing. Personally I prefer their second album 'More fun than an open casket funeral' which has also had the reissue treatment from unrest (and is on my shopping list)but this is still an essential record from that wonderful mid to late 80's metal/hardcore crossover era. This certainly brings back memories of being 16 again. Ahhh....

Best of 2011

2012-01-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Ok I know this is slightly late but I nearly didn't bother doing this as there was so much good stuff last year it wasn't easy picking out the best. Simply put 2011 was another awesome year for music and I bet that I've missed something out. Here goes-this is what kicked my ass in '11.

Records
Best LPs
Crusades- The sun is down and the night is riding in (It’s alive)
Ringworm-Scars (Victory)
Take offence-Tables will turn (Reaper)
40 watt sun-The inside room
Midnight-Satanic royalty (Hell’s headbangers)
Rot in hell-Pearls before swine (Deathwish)
Amebix-Sonic mass (Easy action)
Reproach-The bitter end (Deep six)
Nightbirds-Other side of madness (Grave mistake)

7”
Agitator-Walls closing in (Six feet under)
Iron chic/Pacer-split (all in vinyl)
Hope defeated-2010 demo (Endless quest)
Death evocation-s/t (Quality control)
Social cirkle-Expiry date (Self released)

Gigs
Public Enemy-Manchester (September)
Take offence-Manchester (June)
Poison planet-Manchester (July)
Social cirkle-Liverpool (may)
Iron maiden-Manchester (July)

Midnight-Satanic royalty LP

2011-12-31T09:51:00.000-08:00

Midnight have been around a while. A mate actually gave me one of their 7"s in a trade a few years ago but I'd be lying if I said I'd played it more than twice. In fact I was thinking about selling/trading it but I'm glad I didn't now. I only heard this album via download a week ago. It was that good I ordered it straight away. Just 6 days later I recieved it. Considering Hell's headbangers are in the US and I'm in the UK-that's what I call fast!!!! Anyway, Midnight play METAL!!!!! It's more in the NWOBHM style rather than thrash/death/black etc. Seriously, this is one of my faves of 2011. My copy is on dark blue with a nice poster. Glossy sleeve, this is one quality release.

Front line-Basic training 7" Purple vinyl

2011-12-30T01:34:00.000-08:00

Just when you think there's no more hidden treasures in the early USHC archives comes along this awesome 7" which is a vinyl conversion of a long lost demo tape from 1982. I'm no expert on early 80's like some folk I know but I do love a lot of that stuff. It was some of the most hardest, urgent and authentic music ever. Of course a lot of it wasn't well played or well produced but that was it's charm. That said, like anything there's a lot of mediocre stuff out there and you have to wade through some junk to find the good shit so it's great when something like this shows up. Beach impediment records have done an awesome job here. The packaging is simple but still nice and even features a sticker and an old interview with the band. Obviously a real labour of love. 400 on black and 100 on purple and would you believe that they've already sold out? Hope for a second pressing. Hey, if he does another colour I'll buy one.

Trial-Foundation 7" repress

2011-12-26T13:46:00.001-08:00

Originally released in 1997, New age records have decided to do a timely repress, of four versions. 500 on brown,300 on clear, 200 on marble grey and another 77 on the same colour with the special labels for the customary '77 pressing'. The last time I ordered from new age was back in the early to mid 90's and I always thought they were pretty ok despite their bad reputation for running a slow and crappy mailorder. There was no paypal back then so I would get my dollars from the bank or travel agents, send them off and hope for the best. I'd generally get my package in 3-4 weeks. This time it took over 4 months but there was a delay at the pressing plant so I don't blame them. I think React are the slowest mailorder around. It took them 3 months last time to post my order which was in stock for fuck's sake. Anyway I digress...
Trial are one of those bands that people who weren't around hold up as some magical type band but for me they were just there. I never saw them live so maybe that's why they never affected me as much as Strife or earth crisis who I did see back then and was awe struck by. This 7" does hold up well. It's probably either nostalgia or the fact that there's a 90's revival of sorts going on . Still I'm digging this. I do wish New age would re-release the mean season LP next though simply because I only have the CD.

Morbid angel MMXI box set

2011-12-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me prety well is aware that I have a soft spot for some old metal stuff. I was more into Thrash than death metal as when Death metal started getting big in around 1989 I was already really into hardcore and it's attitude so I kinda shunned metal for a bit because I realised how silly a lot of the lyrics and images were (always loved slayer and old metallica though). When I was really into grind and power violence around 1992-3 I started listening to a bit of death metal too and along with Entombed, Autopsy etc, Morbid angel were always one of my favourites. Nearly 20 years later and I'm buying represses of their classic records in the form of this box set which collects their four best albums ('altars of madness', 'Blessed are the sick', 'Covenant' and 'Domination'). As you can see these all come on white vinyl and also in nice gatefold sleeves. This box set was limited to just 100 and they didn't last long in the earache store. One has already gone for a daft price on ebay and there's some silly cunt trying to sell one for £666 although I can't see him getting that. Still, some of us actually buy records because we actually like the music and even play them from time to time not to simply make some quick cash.

krakdown-s/t 7" repress

2011-12-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

This was originally released back in the day on common cause records minus a couple of tracks that are featured here on this better looking repress by state of mind records. There are just 500 of these pressed. Listening to this reminded me that Krakdown were a pretty overlooked and underrated band. It's not surprising really as they were always going to be overshadowed by the likes of YOT, Warzone, Gorilla biscuits,SOIA, sheer terror etc and all the other bands that dominated New York in the late 80's. Even on the awesome 'NYC hardcore-the way it is' (easilly one of my all time favourite hardcore comps) it's easy to forget that they were actually on it despite their contribution being really good. Shame really that it's a repress of a long out of print and largely forgotten record that is the reason I'm reminded properly of this band. Anyway if you haven't Krakdown this band then I highly recommend this. It's raw and hard and the lyrics are cool. Much better than any of what NYHC turned into during the 90's with shit bands like 25 Ta life etc. State of mind are putting a discography I believe. I look forward to that.

Discharge/Off with their heads-Split 7"

2011-12-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

I thought my eyes were decieving me when I saw that Drunken sailors had released this. Yes that's actually Discharge and that's actually off with their heads sharing a split with each other. Discharge's side is good stuff. Like most people in hardcore I dig and own most of their early stuff but I am sceptical about old bands releasing new records (especially when it's not anything resembling the old line up) but this is good heavy shit.
OWTH were the reason I bought this and their side rocks of course. 200 were pressed on red and 800 on black. The red copies went really quick but you can still grab a black one. Apparently this isn't going to be repressed so don't leave it too late if you want one.

Reproach-The bitter end LP

2011-12-09T01:16:00.000-08:00

I didn't know these guys were still around. I have a couple of 7"s that they did a few years ago which I was really into at the time but I had no idea they were still going until this turned up on the ever reliable Deep six records (the 21st century's answer to Slapaham-one of my favourite labels ever). Naturally I made a purchase and I'm glad I did, not only did I get the limited red/pink-ish colour of 100 but it's one of the best releases of 2011 (which has been an awesome year for music). This Belguim ragers play fast, thrashing no bullshit hardcore with great lyrics. This has been on heavy rotation this week on either the deck or my ipod.

Death is not glamorous-Soft clicks LP Test press

2011-12-08T00:40:00.000-08:00

Another one for my dead & gone records test press collection. This time it's the 'soft clicks' LP by Death is not Glamorous (or DING as they also seem to be known as). I love this band and I love this album-so much that this marks my 4th copy. It's just nice, positive feel good hardcore punk although it seems wierd listening to them at this time of year-they're more of a summer band, not that we really get summers anymore in the UK. This didn't come with a special cover or anything-just a plain white dust sleeve. There's only 10 of these I believe.

Deep wound-s/t 7"

2011-12-07T00:45:00.000-08:00

Since this is my 200th post I wanted to do something pretty special . I have bought loads lately but I still wanted to do something a bit more than just posting about some recent item. I’ve decided to go back in time by digging out a significant record in my collection- significant for a few reasons. One because it’s one of my favourite ever 7”s and not to mention one of the pride and joy’s of my collection. Also because at that point when I bought it (1999) it was the most expensive record I had purchased at £50. Seems like a bargain now but back then it was a big deal. I knew it was a big item but there wasn’t the same price measuring tools around like Ebay (which was still in it’s infant stages) and Popsike. I had just been made permanent at work and felt like splashing out on a nice item and this one was in the pages of record collector so I called the bloke up and it was a done deal. I first stumbled across this record via bootleg in the early 90’s as it was when Dinosaur Jr were massive and this was the previous band of singer/guitarist J Mascis (who played drums on this) and bassist Lou Barlow ( playing guitar here). It was also one of the best and fastest records of that era. Recorded and released in 1983 by Radiobeat records, there were only 500 copies pressed until the said bootleg surfaced (which is a very good I must say-most bootlegs of that era looked and sounded like shit). This was Deep wound’s only proper record (apart from an appearance on a comp) and it just summed up everything about early US hardcore-fast, brash and snotty. Nearly 30 years on it’s still one of the best hardcore punk records ever and I can’t ever see that changing anytime soon.

Brain F#-Sleep rough LP (UK pressing)

2011-12-05T00:51:00.000-08:00

After two really good catchy 7"s, North Carolina's Brain F# have dropped a full length 12" upon us. It's more of the kinda garagey punk style (they're not that easy to define)that they displayed on the singles. In the states this was a split release between Grave mistake and Sorry state records. Over the pond, us lucky Brits have a special pressing thanks to the ever reliable Static shock records. 125 on purple, 125 on clear and the rest (350) on black. I've already played this 3 times and it's getting better with each listen. Not for everyone I'm sure but I dig it. My only complaint is that the f'n download card doesn't work. Bah!!!

Hang the bastard/Brotherhood of the lake-Split 7"

2011-12-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

Hang the bastard have been around for two or three years as far as I'm aware and I was never that bothered about them until I saw them last year with Black breath. I picked up their LP (hellfire reign) at that show and it was a regular on my turntable and Ipod for months. I couldn't believe how much they've improved. So I was excited about a new HTB release and I ordered the full package-3 colours and the package also came with an alternate red sleeve, a patch, badge and sticker. Quite nice when you look at it as a whole. The black is the most limited colour of just 100 copies while there are 200 each of the other colours. HTB sound great on this. I saw them last weekend at the thirty days of night bash in Manchester and they were the best band on the bill next to the awesome Oathbreaker. Certainly one of my fav bands in the UK right now. Brotherhood of the lake are a band I know nothing about except they're also from the UK. They sound ok here though. Typically heavy and metallic. I'd like to hear more but this 7" is crucial in my book for HTB.

Wormrot-Noise 10" Promo

2011-11-30T05:56:00.000-08:00

This was a strange 'buy'. First up Earache (who I got it from) announced they had some of these in their store and they were free if you paid the £5(!) postage. Hmm okay. It still seemed like a good deal as these are all new tracks. It is indeed a 'promo' as it says so on the sleeve and label. Next up it's a collaborated release between Earache and Scion and Toyota (yes the car manufacturers). I'd heard that Toyota were sponsoring grindcore and death metal bands but I guess I had to see it to believe it. Now I've seen it I still find it hard to digest. If someone had told me twenty years ago that this would happen I would have laughed in their face. So besides all that I'm glad I picked this up. I really like Wormrot, they play full throttle grind. The way it's meant to be.

Nothing in vain records= Rip off!!!!!!

2011-11-23T00:31:00.000-08:00

About 3 months ago I ordered the Axis and Deathbed 7"s from this label. Anyway after a while I got in touch to see where my shit was and I got a email back saying he'd check. Numerous emails from me later I got nothing back-no records, no replies. Looks like I've been conned. Seems the guy who 'runs' this label has a rep for being shady. Anyway I guess the point of the post is to warn others and to try and avoid anyone else getting fleeced. Cunts like that have no place in hardcore. And if you are reading Garret Lewis then be warned I will be posting on all the main forums about you being a fucking thief.

Steel tormentor-Return of a king LP

2011-11-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

I must admit I don't buy much new (not 'nu') metal stuff these days but I had to make an exception for this awesome album by Ireland's Steel tormentor. This is very traditional sounding metal-definitely a NWOBHM vibe going on. Don't let the Slayer shirt on the back fool you. This is self released by the band and anyone who likes it proper unashamedly metal(that means you Mike) should give it a go. I discovered this by accident and it's the best 'accident' that I've ever had. Check that cover out. Manowar and savage steel would be proud.

Death is not glamorous-Undercurrents 7" Tour sleeve

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

One of the things I miss about Dead and gone records is the fact that they used to release records by bands that I probably wouldn't have got round to checking out if they hadn't come out on that label. Norway's Death is not glamorous were one of those bands. I remember ordering their 7" back in 2006 and automatically liking it. It was positive, upbeat and inspiring feel good hardcore-the sort of stuff that puts a smile on your face as soon as you hear it. Death is not glamorous are still around and quite recently put out a new album which is as good as anything else they've ever done. Anyway back to this 7". It must have sold well as there were 3 different pressings. This one was sold on their UK tour in 2006 which I recently scored for cheap on Ebay was from the first press and was one of the black vinyl copies. Like a lot of bands that toured around that time I didn't catch them but if they ever make it over again I'll definitely make the effort next time round.

Floorpunch-Discography 2xLP Euro press

2011-11-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

I was gutted at the beginning of 2010 when I missed out on the Floorpunch reunion and even more gutted when I found out that there was a special version of their discography on SFU records made up exclusively only for the European tour. Of course these things soon became Ebay gold and I ruled out the idea of ever getting one. So to my surprise I managed to bag one recently at just £12.50. I really lucked out there as copies had just sold before and just after at around £50-I just hit the right week. The funny thing is that I didn’t realise that I’d won it until over two weeks later as I had been in hospital for an operation and the guy had forgot himself to check Ebay so it arrived over a month after I actually won it. Still I’m chuffed to get such a bargain. The truth is that this thing isn’t much to look at. It is numbered out of 150 but the packaging is very basic and the labels are blank but fuck it because it is Floorpunch and I had to own it.

Boiling over-Barriers 7" (+ Tape)

2011-11-16T02:47:00.001-08:00

Boiling over played great SxE hardcore and put out a very underrated 7" 'Trash city' a few years ago on Lifeline records. Their follow up was originally a tape. I hate those fucking things. Always have and always will, I don't care if there's a revival of sorts they still look and sound like shit. Anyway one of them landed as a freebie in a record order with Lifeline a while ago and despite the actual sound quality being piss poor (it is a tape after all)I wanted it on vinyl. My prayers were answered when I discovered that there had been 150 pressed on wax for their last show (in January 2010) and even better they still had some left in the lifeline store. So here you go-both releases back to back. I do like the 'go vegan' slogan on the tape though. Great band, they will be missed. By those who remember them anyway.

Ringworm-The promise LP Test Press (updated)

2011-11-13T01:02:00.000-08:00

A while back I scored a test press of the A389 release of the classic Ringworm album 'the promise'. It was the accepted test so I knew I needed the rejected one to make this thing complete so I managed to grab one the other week (numbered out of 15). They look nice together don't you think? I wouldn't mind an original Indecision test pressing now although I'm not holding my breath.

Integrity-To die for 10" Test press

2011-11-12T01:36:00.000-08:00

Another day, another A389 test press. Actually out of all the things featured in their recent 24 hour test press sale this was the one I wanted the most (and typically it was one of the more expensive items). Released originally back in 2003 as a CD on Deathwish records this is one of my favourite Integ records and it came after a string of pretty dodgy releases (Closure, that horrible 'covers' CD etc). This was the Integrity that I knew and loved and they were back on track. The vinyl was a long time coming. At one point it even looked like Marcus of Endless quest would be putting it out but in the end A389 did the honours. I already had the 3 limited colours of this release so adding a test to the collection seemed like the logical conclusion (unless they put it out again on another colour of course).

Ringworm-1991 Demo 7" Test press

2011-11-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

The first time the Ringworm demo first saw the light of day on wax was back in the 90's was when it came as a 7" with the almighty Blood book zine. Any a couple of years ago A389 decided to repress it to go with the deluxe version of the re-release of 'The promise' album. I decided to grab a test pressing when was available and it's pretty cool looking. Nothing flash, just a nice one off item.

Gluttons-s/t 7" Test press

2011-11-10T00:45:00.000-08:00

Recently A389 had one of their 24 hour test pressing sales. I ended up going on a crazy buying spree since I had a rebait from my gas bill. This was one of the cheaper items as I guess not a great many people bought this when it came out. It was a band featuring Human furnance of Ringworm but there was more of a Motorhead rock n' roll style rather than the intense metalcore that Ringworm blast out. Pretty damn good but sadly overlooked. The test was just limited to 10 copies with a great alternate sleeve-a rip of of Venom's welcome to hell. Instead it reads 'welcome to Clevo'. Great stuff!! This a nice addition to my clevo HC collection. Shame the actual record just came and went.

Regret-Demo 2005 7" mailorder version + test press

2011-11-08T23:08:00.000-08:00

Recently while placing an order (OK about about two and a half months ago-this took a while to turn up) I decided to add the Regret-Demo 2005 7" that organised crime records put out back in 2006. Even though I'd never heard it before or knew anything about it I figured it was cheap and because OCR had put it out and most of their records are good. So when it finally arrived I was pleasantly surprised not just to get one of the limited to 61 mailorder versions on white vinyl but also a test press numbered out of 20!!! How cool!!! Anyway sticking this on it's very typical of early to mid noughties hardcore. Many bands were doing the Metal tinged thing (ala American nightmare) and these were no exception. There was a former Holding on member involved too. It's a good little record-well played and all but I can see why it got lost in the shuffle. I guess many bands of the time stood out a lot more. Anyway it's nice to finally hear it and of course wind up with two very limited pressings.

Amebix-Sonic mass LP

2011-11-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

The new album from the mighty Amebix. Only been 24 years since the last one, that's some osrt of record surely. Anyway the most important matter is whether it's actually any good or not. Some are saying it isn't but but I think this is a superb comeback from a band who were so influencial on many bands that are bigger in name (Neurosis etc). The new stuff does have goth elements to it but boy, when it's heavy , it's damn heavy. Also helped by the fact that this is probably the finest sounding production job that they've ever had. It's like they've finally been able to to do the record they've always wanted to. I imagine these still to be a force to be reckoned with live. Easy action records have put this out and the entire first pressing is on red vinyl with a snazzy looking gatefold sleeve. The second pressing will be on black and so will the following pressings but in a regular sleeve (as opposssed to a gatefold one).

Night birds-The other side of darkness LP

2011-11-02T01:45:00.000-07:00

After a string of 7"s, the Night Birds have finally dropped a full length and it's their best release yet (in my humble opinion). It's a mix of old school hardcore punk with surf guitar elements and oh and these guys love horror films too so how can you fail. In fact there's a sound bite from the classic movie 'Brain damage'. All copies of the first pressing are on black but a very limited amount of the pre-orders came with a special sleeve which sadly I missed out on. Oh well. If Grave mistake records repress this on colour I will certainly buy another copy. That's what us nerds do right?

Alert-Find your way 7" record release

2011-10-31T04:32:00.000-07:00

A while back I recieved an email from Six feet under records saying that they had some of the record release show versions of the Alert 7". I naturally headed to the store and got lucky and bagged one. Alert play old school style sXe and if you like that stuff you can't fail as they pull it off well (albiet while still being generic sounding). Anyway this bad boy was just limited to 54 copies so I was surprised any were left over unless no one attended the show. The sleeve is better than the actual regular version (which I don't have yet)and the labels are hand stamped. Another nice souvenir of a gig I never went to (and maybe not many others did either).

Crusades-The sun is down and the night is riding in LP

2011-10-19T00:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favourite records of 2011. I only got it last week and I’ve played it a bunch of times already. Looking at Crusades’ record sleeves you could be mistaken that you would be getting something musically that could be on Holy terror but in fact it’s more pop punk sounding albeit with a more darker feel. I can even feel a hint of black metal in there somewhere. Their lyrics are very anti-religion which makes them unique for a band of that style. I only recently got a copy of their 7” from last year but this is brand spanking new. Great job. It’s alive records have done the deeds here. It comes housed in a nice gatefold sleeve and there is a limited quantity on red vinyl.

Paint it black-New Lexicon LP 2008 Euro tour version

2011-10-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

I remember going to see Paint it black back in 2008 with Trash talk and I wasn't too impressed by them. I thought Trash talk blew them off stage to be honest.I've seen them twice since and my opinion has changed. They are a great band, both live and on record and Dan Yemen is such a cool frontman. Anyway back to the 2008 show I remember them selling a tour version of their album 'new lexicon' exclusive to Europe. Having not being blown away by them I didn't bother getting a copy. I would regret that later as it became a wanted item of mine when I started really getting into the band. So at last, 3 years since that gig I've managed to bag a copy. 250 pressed with a different sleeve on blue vinyl. The funny thing is that I think this is my favourite thing by them now yet 3 years ago I just wasn't bothered.

ufomammut Eve LP Tour red vinyl

2011-10-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

Just got in from seeing ufomammut play a killer set in my town. They ruled!!! Also managed to pick up a nice souvenir, their 'Eve' album on red vinyl with a nice silk screened sleeve, sold exclusively on tour. It's a great album to just drift away to. It's late and I'm tired so I may just do that in a moment when I stick it on.

Davana/Uncle acid and the deadbeats-Split 7"

2011-10-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

It happened again. I went to see a band that I didn't end up seeing. This time it was Davana when they played in Liverpool. I caught Lecherous Gaze and had to leave seeing train times in scouseland back to Preston are shit. Anyway I didn't go home empty handed. I picked up some records including this split 7" with Davana and Uncle acid and the deadbeats (on Kermado recs). Imagine my shock when I saw one sell the other day on the bay for nearly £60. Bloody hell!!! Make no mistake the reason is simply because of Uncle acid and the deadbeats. Their stuff is gold right now. I shudder to think how much the mega limited release of their album on rise above will go for. No, I didn't get one and I'm gutted. Anyway I just wish I'd bought more than one copy of this. At least I got one. I would have have been pissed off to have passed it up. Oh, it's a pretty good record too!!!

Slapshot=Step on it LP Red

2011-09-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

I first purchased a copy of this album back in 1989 from my local store (which is thankfully still around). It was a boring black copy but what a record!!! Skip forward 23 years later and I'm getting my first colour version. Limited to just 500. This was also released on green I think and I'm guessing it was the same number. Anyway like I already said what a fucking record!!!!!!!

Betrayed-Substance LP

2011-09-23T12:44:00.001-07:00

One of the unsung classic sXe records from the last decade for me is 'Substance' by Betrayed. Fronted by Aram who did time in Champion and now runs the cool but ultra slow (mailoder wise) React records. I got a blue copy (328 pressed) this week so it goes next to my white copy (of 622). These are from the first pressing and there was also a pink vinyl of just 218 and a black test press of just 10 which of course I don't own. A second pressing of 1030 copies were all on white vinyl with a different B side label. I'm even listening to it as I type this stupid nerdy info. Great stuff.

NoFX-Hardcore covers 10"

2011-09-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

What the hell? A NoFX record in my collection? My mate sent me a link to this EP on youtube a bit back and thought I'd like it because it was covers of old classic bands like Agnostic front, Stretchmarks etc. He was right. I'd certainly never heard that side of NoFX before. Anyway that got me looking on the sites for a copy. It was released on two formats- a 7" and one sided 10" on Fat wereck chords. Both colour versions had sold out (as is the way with fat wreck-a label that still does limited colour releases like labels used to before vinyl became a serious collector's only format-bless 'em). I decided to have a look on the bay and managed to bag a reasonably priced copy (before postage costs). The packaging in minimal to say the least. Just the nofx hardcore symbol spoof on the front and a sticker. No track listing or anything. Not even a fat wreck logo anywhere. So there you have my first and probably only ever NoFX record. Blimey!!!

IRON CHIC- "Not Like This" LP 3rd press

2011-09-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

This is the third pressing of 'Not like this' (the dead broke rekerds release). 400 on pink and 200 on orange. I'm loving this shit at the moment. I own four copies of this record at the moment and the annoying thing is that I'm nowhere near completion as there's also European pressing on YO Yo records in a variety of different colours. Well it gives us geeks something to do I guess in between working and sleeping while normal people lead lives.

Nazi dust-s/t 7"

2011-09-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

A killer 7" that came and went quickly on the red hot Youth attack records. Shit, nearly everything sells out quickly on that label and this was no exception. It's pretty thrashy hardcore with vocalist who sounds a bit like Pushead (Septic death). Since I'm a life long SD junkie that can only be good news for me. I managed to score this off the bay at a fair price I guess. If postage wasn't so fucking high these days it would have been quite a bit cheaper. This shit's been rocking my ipod for a few weeks and now it will causing mayhem on my turntable.

Ringworm-scars LP

2011-09-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

Scary to think it’s over 18 years since I discovered the mighty Ringworm with their classic debut album ‘the promise’. I was obsessed with Integrity at the time so anything that sounded similar I just had to have and with Ringworm also being from Cleveland appealed even more. Although similar to the metallic hardcore that Integ was pumping out Ringworm still had a distintive style with human furnace’s vocals and the shredding guitar work. It made for some great music. Nearly two decades later we have a new album and it kicks fucking ass. The band have gotten more death metal influenced musically over the years but it’s still hardcore at heart and it still sounds like Ringworm. 500 pressed on vinyl and I got one of the 100 clear smokey ones. It’s definitely one of my picks for my favourite releases of 2011 so far. Get on it

SerpentCult-Weight of light LP die hard

2011-08-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

Another heavy band from Belgium fronted by a female singer, this time on the mighty Rise above label. I bought this superb crushingly heavy doom LP when it came out in 2008 but noticed that RA still had some of their die hard editions in their store which is surprising after all this time really. I’m guessing this wasn’t a big seller for the label and seems to have slipped under the radar with many fans which is a shame as it’s a real gem of a record. The die hard version is limited to 300 copies on a nice white splattery vinyl with a bonus 7” and poster.

Like hardcore I do love my doom stuff too and this is a perfect example why. They played at a rise above special show in London back in 2008 headlined by the mighty Electric wizard. I had a ticket and a hotel booked and was really looking forward but there were heavy showers and rain throughout the country and many of the train lines were closed down as a result (any fucking excuse) so I ended up missing the show. I was just a bit pissed off. Anyway it’s nice to have another copy of this album.

Oathbreaker-s/t 7" Test press

2011-08-28T01:48:00.000-07:00

Oathbreaker are an awesome band out of Belguim. They play very heavy and metalic influenced hardcore and have a female vocalist who certainly knows how to abuse her vocal chords. Also they have an album just out on Deathwish which you should probably go and get because a) I told you to and b) it is really great. No, seriously. Anyway I was lucky and honoured to have a test pressing of their debut 7" on Thirty days of night records given to me. It didn't have a sleeve or anything so I've just put it next to another copy. As stoked as I am to have this it's made me realise that there's another colour of this record that I'm missing. I can see another order coming on.

Death evocation-s/t 7" Blue

2011-08-24T01:35:00.001-07:00

Quality control is a new label and already I'm damn impressed with their output. First was an awesomely packaged Stab cassette and then there was the Crazy spirit demo 12" and now we have the Death evocation 7". I think this band features people from more famous bands but I haven't worked out who just yet. These 3 tracks are reminiscent of the old uk metal/punk band Sacrilege (especially with the female vocals) but there's also a good dose of slayer in there. Fuck, yeah. This record is great. 100 on a beautiful blue vinyl and with a great sleeve. These won't be around long so act fast.
http://qualitycontrolhq.bigcartel.com/product/death-evocation-7

Deal with it-World coming down 7" Record release edition

2011-08-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

Another variation of the debut Deal with it 7". This time a numbered (12/30)edition from the record release show. No, I didn't go but thanks to Ebay I can now pretend that I did.

Cyvoid-s/t 10"

2011-08-20T00:43:00.000-07:00

If you were a fan of Send more paramedics then you need to check out this band. It's ex-members doing exactly the same thing musicially except instead of zombies they're singing about aliens and sci-fi related stuff this time time round. Still lots of Slayer in there (which of course aint no bad thing). Thirty days of night records put this out-100 on black and 200 on clear. Grab one before they all vanish.

Rise above represses.

2011-08-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

Rise above are one of my favourite labels around but you have to be alert as they often sneak out their vinyl releases and repressings into their store without warning and if you don’t act fast you’ll end up missing out. Such was nearly the case recently when I decided to have a look and discovered that they had re-released the first Blood Ceremony and Astra albums and just an hundred copies of each were on clear vinyl. Predictably a few days later they were gone but I decided to grab them both along with a new green vinyl pressing of Electric wizard’s classic album ‘Come thy fanatics’ (1000 pressed). I already own original pressings of all of these records but that’s what us geeks do right? Buy more variations of the same damn records,
I wasn’t keen on the first Blood Ceremony self titled album when it came out and to be honest it doesn’t do much for me now but I still couldn’t pass this version up. Thankfully the band have redeemed themselves with this year’s awesome ‘Living with the ancients’ album. Astra’s ‘the weirding;’ was another record that I wasn’t too fond of when I first got it. It took a while but I really grew to love this album. ‘Filthy hippy music’ I call it but it’s a really smart LP.
Of course ‘come thy fanatics’ is a different story. This album has always kicked my ass. My other copy comes with a 7” which wasn’t included with this release. Keeps the original still highly collectable I guess. This isn’t as limited as the other two but it will sell out eventually. People can’t get enough of the wizard. All in all a good haul. Just a shame rise above over charge on the postage and that’s just in the UK. I really for people like Mike when they place orders. They probably need to take out a second mortgage.

Deal with it-End time prophecies LP Release show

2011-08-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

Deal with it are one of the best bands around in the UK right now in my opinion and their first album 'End time prophecies' is still my favourite release by them. So I was pretty stoked when I won a release show version off eGay for just £3.20 which comes in a totte bag (or whatever you call them) with cool artwork by Sam Layzell (he of Sick-fuckin-O and Closure fame). Yep this will do and is now my third copy of this LP. Anyone fancy helping me complete the set and selling me a test press?

Iron chic-Not like this LP yellow

2011-08-07T09:53:00.001-07:00

I love Iron chic, one of my favourite new bands right now. Just great hard hitting yet melodic punk. This is their debut on yellow. Not sure of the pressing info as this is the Euro release on Yo-yo records. Dead broke records did the stateside release and there are several pressing on different colours. The shopping list just gets longer....

Blood ceremony-Living with the ancients LP Special edition

2011-08-04T23:51:00.000-07:00

The second album from these Doom merchants and it’s definitely one of my favourite releases of the year so far. At first I wasn’t too thrilled about hearing this as their debut album didn’t grab me too much. There was something lacking about it compared to a lot of the quality stuff that Rise above records were putting out around then and there was too much bloody flute playing on it. This time around there is still quite a bit of the old flute abuse but it actually blends in rather than annoyingly standing out. There’s some awesome songs on here (‘Daughter of the sun’ and ‘Great god plan’, just to name two) and it is HEAVY, obviously taking it’s influences from a lot of early 70’s rock stuff (Black Sabbath more notably). Rise above did a special edition of 500 for the geeks, 250 on red and 250 on black. They went really quickly but obviously the red ones were the first to vanish. It comes in a nice sleeve pouch cover and features an exclusive poster made up for this release. It wasn’t cheap but they, these things always sell out and turn up on EBay for silly money so you just have to bite the bullet sometimes. It’s all worth it in the end.

Rot in hell/Moloch-split 7" red

2011-07-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

Another split 7" from the ever productive Rot in Hell, this time it’s one with Nottingham’s sludge merchants Moloch. This Rot in hell track (‘cauldron born’) is one of their best in a while and if Nate has really left for good then it could sadly be one of their last. I think a 7” of recordings they did in January in the states is meant to be coming out sometime on Organised Crime records but don’t quote me on that. Moloch sound a lot like Eyehategod on here (which of course isn’t a bad thing). Feast of tentacles records put this out and 100 of them are on red vinyl in an attractive and very 90’s looking cardboard sleeve. A great record, go and grab one before they vanish.

Champion-Promises kept LP White

2011-07-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

Dead and gone pressing on white vinyl, 200 made, my fifth copy of this classic sXe album. Mike, I'm slowly catching up.

Iron Maiden 7”s

2011-07-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

One thing I’ve started to regret over the last few years is getting rid of my Iron maiden collection in the late 80’s. It was a good collection too (pic discs, coloured vinyls etc) but as soon as I got properly into hardcore I took it to my local record store and did a trade against some LPs (No EBay back then) and got ripped off. Anyway although it would be painful (let alone expensive) to start collecting Maiden stuff again I decided a bit ago I’d still like some of the early stuff on original pressing. A guy at work said he had the first two 7”s so I kept pestering for him to bring them in and he kept forgetting-after a while I thought he would never get around to it but this morning I thought I’d drop him an email and he’d remembered to fetch them. Stoked, wasn’t the word!! Anyway here’s the first two 7”s ‘Running free’ and ‘Sancturay’, both released by EMI waaay back in 1980. Most of the Iron maiden picture sleeves are amazing but these are two of the best in my opinion especially ‘Sanctuary’. When Margaret Thatcher dies I reckon there should be a punk festival in celebration of her death and this artwork should be on the flyer. Quite fittingly I’m off to see Maiden this Thursday so this has psyched me up even more. Up the irons!!!!!

Floorpunch-Division one champs 7" Blue

2011-07-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

It's not that often these days that I actually do trades but I still like doing them when you deal with a like minded individual who operates fairly and don’t try and take the piss (sadly that excludes a lot of the Hows your edge board). Anyway one item I did seclude in a trade was a second pressing of the Floorpunch 7” on blue (limited to 800). Floorpunch should need no introduction really. Along with In my eyes they were the biggest band to come out of the late 90’s youth crew revival and were known for their in your face and often controversial attitude. Still, whether I disagree or not with some of the things they came with , I can deny musically they still kick my ass so I’m pretty happy to own this copy . I only have two different pressings of this record_I have some catching up to do.

Septic death-Time is boss 10”

2011-07-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

The insanity of record collecting sometimes isn’t just getting records that you don’t want to play (like ultra rare items, test presses etc), or records you can’t play (like the Slight slappers 2” that slapaham records put out). It’s also getting records that you don’t even want to listen to like this Septic death live 10” but get anyway just for the sake of completion. The reason I don’t want to play this record is because the sound quality is beyond dreadful. The first copy I ever scored off Ebay a few years back had a disclaimer off the seller about the quality of the sound. An unusual way to try and sell something but at least he was honest. Still such things don’t deter me because I’ve been a Septic death fan since the late 80’s and although I realistically can’t see me owning everything by them I still can’t resist picking their stuff up-even if it is shit. Hey, at least the sleeve looks cool if nothing else. I picked up a red copy in a trade recently and it looks pretty good next to the green one I already have. These were limited to 1000 a piece I believe and there’s a splatter vinyl of just 100 copies out there too. Deluxe records who put this out also released a Gang green 10” which was pretty rubbish as well (although it didn’t sound as bad as this). Still another item to add to my ever expanding Septic death collection, even if it’s staying on the shelf.

Down to nothing/Kids like us-Split 7" test press

2011-07-12T00:08:00.000-07:00

Another Down to nothing test press, this time of the split 7" with Kids like us which came out on the now defunct Knife or death records. It's another pretty nicely packaged item. It's a pretty basic layout with the cover but this copy is silk screened so it looks and feels pretty cool. Both bands compliment each other well. The sound of youthful, energetic hardcore which the members were probably in their golden moment of hardcore in their lives (not that it goes downhill or anything but it does reach a certain crucial time that can never happen at any other point). I know that may sound like twaddle to some but others will understand. Anyway I'm pretty happy with this score.

Down to nothing/On thin Ice-Split 7" Test press

2011-07-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

I love Down to nothing but they are a collector's nightmare (or dream depending on how you look at it). Loads of stuff out, loads of different pressings etc. This is a test pressing of the split they did with On thin ice back in 2005. It was released on two labels-Grave mistake in the US and Dead & gone (RIP) over here in the UK. This is the Grave mistake version, numbered out of 24 in a clear PVC sleeve which looks fucking rad. A nice item for sure but it also reminds me I don't own half as many DTN records as I probably should. Then again I haven't won the lottery yet either.

Double negative-Hardcore confusion Volumes 1&2

2011-07-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

What’s better than a new Double Negative 7”? Why two new Double Negative 7”s of course. Now if I was cynical (which I’m not-honest) I could moan that these 4 tracks that weigh in at under 10 minutes long would easily squeeze on one single piece of vinyl but let’s be honest don’t they look awesome together? DN records always seem to have lavish and awesome packaging and these are no exception. Musically you know what you’re getting too-quality hardcore punk from people who have been around longer than a good part of today's hardcore scene were even born yet play fresh, innovative and exciting music and don’t depend on living on past glories like a lot of old timers do. Sorry state have put this out and they’re limited to just 500 a piece so get yours now or cry later.

White stripes-Elephant LP Red/white

2011-07-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I actually only got into this band a couple of years ago kind of by accident. I obviously knew of them before but had never paid any attention to all the raving that the press and everyone was doing about them. I was reading a bunch of old Maximum rock n’ roll mags I had dug out and found an interview with them in one of them. I was shocked because I couldn’t believe that they had once been that underground and how big they had become since. I decided to check out this album out as they had it cheap in my local store and really got into it but recently started listening to them again and got the urge to start getting more of their stuff. I have some catching up to unfortunately. Lucky for me this double coloured vinyl turned up cheap on the bay the other week and I managed to grab it. I say cheap, by comparison to how much it normally fetches. This is still my favourite album (that I have heard by them-I don’t have them all). It’s brilliant and varied and uncompromising too-it doesn’t sound mainstream at all yet obviously a lot of the music buying public fell for them. I just wish I had gone to see them live now

Omegas-Blasts of lunacy 12”

2011-07-02T23:58:00.000-07:00

Props to Simon Kelly for introducing me to this awesome Canadian band. He said ‘if you like your old Boston and NYHC stuff then you’ll love this’. He knows that I do so I would have been surprised if this was anything but great. I love the cover. It looks like anything but a brutal hardcore record-hell, you could probably pass it off as a 70’s Kraut rock album but it’s just so striking. Parts unknown records put out the US release but over here in Europe, Hardware records from Germany did the honours and this version is limited to just 100 copies on green. (I believe parts unknown did a clear vinyl pressing but their fucking site is down at the moment). I’ve only listened to this a couple of times so far but I have a feeling it may wind up on my best of 2011 list. It’s been a good year so far for music-and we’re only halfway through.

Fucked Up-Looking for gold 12”

2011-06-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

Fucked up are a band who are a headache for record collectors. With well over thirty 7”s and around 10 LPs and 12”s it’s safe to say they have just a bit of stuff out. Not surprising really when Singer Damien is a huge collector but what is surprising though is that apparently he doesn’t own any fucked up records himself. You think he’d have a sneaky test press somewhere in his house. With yet a new record out it reminded me that I picked this up a bit ago and forgot to post it. It’s one of their more sought after releases and was limited to just 300 copies. It’s one record I patiently sat on avoiding to pay through the nose on ebay knowing a copy would wind up in my collection someday and it did-at a reasonable price too. Fucked up have morphed from a straight up hardcore punk band into something totally different and avant garde over the years. This self released 12” was recorded around the time it started getting weird but who really could have predicted how big they would become? Big festivals, playing arenas with bands like The arcade fire etc. Pretty mad. So while I don’t envision me getting hold of every fucked up record on the planet I think this is a good one to own.

Virgin witch-s/t 7"

2011-06-26T02:25:00.000-07:00

This amazing record is really a thing of beauty-both musically and visually. It comes packaged in an awesome fold out silk screened cover on a one sided etched colour vinyl (with sticker and download card) via free cake records. Musically it's what you'd expect from members of pulling teeth and shin to shin (and the guy who runs A389 records). Two tracks here-the first number is slow and reminds me of Burning witch, Grief etc. The second is pretty fast and kicks ass. This is one superb record. Not sure of the pressing info. Free cake's site seem to be down at the moment but I think this is a second pressing. Grab one before they vanish.

Gentleman's pistols-At her majesty's pleasure LP Clear

2011-06-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

At long last, the eagerly awaited (at least by me) second long player from the Gent's pistols. Is it really over three and half years since the last one came out? I remember getting that one, playing it a few times and then leaving it until about a year later and then really, really getting into it. Don't think it will take that long with this as I've already played it about 3 times this week and although it's instantly likeable it's still got to grow on me properly. So far I still prefer the first album but who knows, time will tell. Rise above were quick with this order. There's just 100 of these on clear and they went pretty quick. There's 3 other colours (including the black vinyl). I pre-ordered one cheap off HMV so I'll probably end up with the black one. It's a shame RA didn't do a die hard version although in hindsight it's probably better for my bank account anyway. If you haven't heard this band and love straight up 70's style Rock then do so now. You are missing out.

Time has come-s/t 7" Red

2011-06-22T01:03:00.000-07:00

The youth crew revival in the late 90's got tedious really quickly. Cliched band names, generic music and lyrics with really corny record sleeve artwork/covers- you know the thing that killed it in the late 80's. For every one In my eyes or Floorpunch there would be at least a dozen lame ass bands that nobody either remembers or cares about these days. It also meant some of the better bands got lost in the shuffle somewhere like Ohio's Time has come. Sure, with a cover like that it would be easy to write it off as another worthless generic dud but seeing on the back cover it was produced by Bill Korecky at Mars studio (Clevo HC fans will know what that means) I thought it was worth a look (well listen) and I was surprised, shocked even to find out how decent it is. First of all, the production is really good and strong (something a lot of the 90's 88 wannabes lacked) and the lyrics are good-a cut above the usual 'you stabbed me in the back and now I'm going to point my finger at you' variety which plagued a lot of these records. The music is harder too yet still retains the classic hardcore style. This was released in 1999 by CI records (which stands for corrupted image). As far as I'm aware they have another 7" out which I'll have to try and hunt down. Shame the cover is so crap but as the old saying goes you always can't judge a record by it's sleeve.

Black friday '29-Blackout 7" 2002 Tour

2011-06-21T00:46:00.000-07:00

Managed to bag this 7" rather cheap by German greats Black friday 29 which was sold on their European tour back in 2002. Despite 3 albums , this record and a split 7" with Death before dishonor (which bridge nine released) I still think these guys are overlooked. I've never seen them either but as far as I'm aware they're still around so there's time yet. I love exclusive tour/show items. It's a great reminder and souvenir of a gig even though I didn't actually go to any on this tour.

Gentleman's pistols-I wouldn't let you 7"

2011-06-17T12:12:00.001-07:00

Apart from Rot in hell, another of my favourite bands in the UK right now is Gentleman's pistols who also share a member in the form of guitarist and Jesus lookalike James Atkinson. Firebird are another of the best groups over here and guitarist/Singer Bill Steer has also joined the gents and this is his debut recording for the band(yep it's a small country). Anyway fucking Rise above records-their website is so slack that releases usually hit the shops beofore they actually go in the webstore so you don't know the pressing info before it actually comes up on their site. I bought this 7" on black from my local shop only about a month later to find out that a more limited clear was available. Damn!!! Anyway I ordered two to save on their ridiculously overpriced postage fees (even in the the UK, two 7"s came to over £4-what a fucking rip off). A lot of hassle to get a single with one track that is featured on their new album anyway. (That means I have a spare if anyone's interested). Regardless, the clear vinyl (of just 100) sold out in about two or three days as RA limited stuff usually does. So after all that headache, I'm pleased to report that this is a great rocking record, can't wait to get the album.

Rot in hell-Hallways of the always LP Test press

2011-06-13T01:34:00.000-07:00

Some people confuse this as the debut LP from Rot in Hell but those in the know are aware that this is just a collection of tracks from their 7", split 7"s and comps. Still this was many an American's introduction to the powerhouse that is Rot in hell (and probably the best band in the UK right now). I rememember going to the record release gig for this LP and guess what-the records hadn't turned up so I never did get one of those special show only editions (that were sold afterwards, obviously and I missed out). Anyway this does mark my 4th copy of this record and I got it during A389's 24 hour test press sale and it does look pretty nice I must say. I've really got the bug for getting hold of test pressings at the moment but as Marcus will tell you, it's not exactly a cheap hobby.

Ringworm-The promise LP Test Press

2011-06-11T03:45:00.000-07:00

A389 records recently had a 24 hour test pressing sale on their site a bit ago and of course being me I had to get involved especially as I missed out last time. The problem was choosing my items as there was plenty of good (and expensive)shit on there and I would have broken the bank tootally if I had gotten everything that I really wanted so in the end I had to limit myself to two items-those being 'Hallways of the always' by Rot in Hell and of course this-the debut album by Ringworm. Hell, I've loved this record since it first came out in the early 90's (originally on Indecision records). A couple of years ago it was reissued by A389 to a new generation of Clevo hardcore fanatics. As far as test pressing go this is an awesome package-cool sleeve and it's on colour vinyl too, numbered out of 20. This is the accepted version (I couldn't afford a rejected version as well). This record never gets tiresome-a true classic.

NO PEACE/WAR 7” comp box set

2011-06-08T06:20:00.001-07:00

Here we are-a compilation of Holy terror bands doing covers of classic Japanese hardcore groups released by the ever reliable Organised crime records-it seems surprising that this has taken up until now to happen but Dwid did try to get such a project off the ground in the 90's to no avail-which is where this old Gehenna track came from. Other bands included are Integrity (of course), Rot in hell, cape bats and Vegas. I've never been a huge fan of Jap hardcore really (as I have already mentioned in previous posts) and profess to know very little about it. I did however see SOB back in 1989 playing alongside with Napalm death (the classic line up before that muppet Barney took over the mic) and it was a killer show apart from some dumb metalhead landing on top of me while stage diving and nearly breaking my neck in the process. Rot in hell do a SOB cover on here so that tale is kind of relevant. I was one of the lucky ones and managed to grab a limited box set with all four colours of vinyl-just limited to 35. As you can see I got number 15. The yellow and red vinyls were limited to 185 each and the blue and green ones to 135 each and each version comes with a individually coloured sleeve-cool, uh? This is a nice little item and one more fine addition to the holy terror cannon.

Deal with it-World coming down 7" Test press

2011-06-06T03:06:00.000-07:00

My Dead & gone records collection of test pressings is starting to look healthy although it's an expensive hoby. Since I'm off to see these guys tonight (with Fire & Ice) it seems fitting to post this-a test pressing of their debut 7" from 2007. Really good kicking hardcore-they've definately gotten more metal sounding since but fans of tough sXe hardcore should lap this up. It's not too amazing to look at but there's only 10 of these in existence. Now to bag a test pressing of their debut LP (end time prophecies), any sellers?

Crumbsuckers-Life of dreams LP test pressing

2011-06-05T01:56:00.000-07:00

Anyone who got into hardcore via thrash metal in the late 80's should be familar with this album. How the fuck could you not be? Needless to say it's a true classic. I first heard this around the time I first heard Agnostic front's 'Cause for alarm' and DRI's 'Crossover' and was blown away. I hadn't heard Negative approach at that point but it's fair to compare Chris Notaro's hoarse vocal style to John Brannon. If NA had started playing metal, this is what they may have sounded like. Anyway this fucking album is a quarter of a century old and still grabs you by the throat full throttle style. The lyrics are still amazing too ("Bullshit society" etc)Fucking awesome. They did a second album too ('Beast on my back) which I love as well even though a lot of people don't like it now. I managed to acquire the European test pressing and it's pretty cool. As you can see the sleeve actually folds out so you drool over Sean Taggart's amazing artwork even more. Who knows how many there are of these but it's cool to own one of the rarest versions of this fucking amazing album. The only downside of listening to this album again after a while is that it reminds me how old I am. Damn!!!

Judge-The storm 7" Yellow

2011-06-02T00:29:00.000-07:00

For some reason I never owned a copy of this on vinyl as I only previously had the CD single. Feel like a right amateur especially since they're such horrible things. The only advantage the CD single had over the vinyl is that it included a stonking cover version of Led Zep's 'when the levee breaks'. This was Judge's last record and although it wasn't up there with their album in terms of sheer classic hardcore it did deliver and showed a more mature side of the band (even though one of the tracks 'The storm' was a re-working of a track off 'Bringin' it down'). As was with the standard back in those days, Rev pressed up 1000 of these on colour and although that seems like a lot now back then it wasn't really as many people still mainly bought vinyl as opposed to CDs (especially 7"s). I managed to score this a while back but had forgotten about it. Still better late than never.

Social cirkle-Expiration date 7" Red

2011-05-31T02:05:00.000-07:00

Caught the almighty Social cirkle last week in Liverpool and they kicked some ass. The last time they played there in 2009 I missed them and was gutted-worse still, I was actually in Liverpool that evening-waiting to board a plane to Berlin. Bad timing. Anyway apart from a great show I also picked up their new 7" on red vinyl. 5 tracks of straight up hardcore-no bullshit. Released on Side two records-not sure of the pressing info. I believe this is their final recording. Sad news but at least they go out with a bang.

Black flag-Process of weeding out 10"

2011-05-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

My least favourite Black flag release on 10" colour vinyl. This version was released in 1990 and according to Chuck Dukowski (who played bass and also worked at SST records) there were only a few hundred of them. Balck flag colour vinyl is highly sought after these days so it was by luck I got this off the bay cheap because the seller didn't mention it was colour vinyl in the main title of the listing. I just never got this record. Don't get me wrong Gregg Ginn is one of my all time favourite guitarists but these 4 instrumentals just sound really ordinary. Despite the lack of fondness I have for this I'm still happy to own a colour copy and slot it in my collection. Sadly my copy came with a slight crease on the corner of the cover. Damn royal mail!!!!!!!

PARASITE / VERMAPYRE split 7"

2011-05-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

More Parasite. This time we have two tracks on one side of a split. The first one is pretty mid paced while the second is some raging Discharge influenced punk. Great shit. The same can't be said about Vermapyre though. Is it black metal, is it punk? It's so badly played and recorded that I can't really tell. It's pretty bloody awful and totally soils this release. I got the pre-order yellow vinyl with patches from Holy terror records which seems sold out but I've just found out there's a purple vinyl out now, limited to 100. Damn!!!! Anyway despite the shitty b-side I'm loving Parasite right now. More please sir!!!!

Parasite-Sin 7"

2011-05-25T02:22:00.000-07:00

A bit ago I picked up Parasite's metal punk masacre 10" and was blown away so their 'sin' 7" immediately went onto my wants list and last week I managed to secure a trade involving a copy so I was pretty pleased. Two more tracks of brilliance. Mid paced Japanese with a large dollop of metal. These guys like their Maiden etc. This was released by Tadpole (who did the 10") and was sold out very quickly. Not sure of the pressing info-about 300-500 copies I'm guessing. I've already seen one on the bay for daft money but you can never tell with prices on there sometimes. What might be gold one week can end up selling for peanuts the week after. Besides it's about the music not how much money you can make on a record. Hopefully the world will catch how good these guys are. With a release out on Holy terror records, the plan for global domination could be starting.

SSS-s/t LP Test pressing

2011-05-22T03:28:00.000-07:00

Decided to expand the SSS collection by adding a fifth copy of their first album to it. A test pressing, it's about as basic looking -wise as you can get but when there's only 10 of them, it makes it the rarest version I own. Still I wish they I had done a cover for it though. Scary to think it's around 5 years since this was released. Originally released on dead&gone and thrashgig records (which this copy is)it was re-released when they signed to Earache (and more pressings followed). Now I wonder if I can bag a test pressing from the earache stock?

WARHEAD - This world of confusion / Acceleration 7"

2011-05-18T01:58:00.001-07:00

Some raging shit here. Two tracks of total aural destruction. As I said in a previous post I'm not that clued up on Japanese hardcore but on the strength of this and the new Parasite 10" I probably need to get more involved. This just sounds so out of control and chaotic. Released simultaneously in Japan thru H:G Fact Records, USA thru Feral Ward and Europe thru La Vida Es Un Mus which this green vinyl copy comes courtesy of. 100 were pressed on this colour and they sold out pretty much straight away. One of the very rare times that living in the UK seems like a bonus. Glad I nabbed one of these, just luck I guess, being off work and spending too much of the day browsing forums and online record stores.

Double Negative: Daydreamnation 12" pink

2011-05-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

I remember Lins posting this up on his blog and kicking myself as the pink vinyl was already sold out. I snoozed and I lost. Anyway over a year later I managed to track one of these beauties down and it is one of the best packaging jobs I've seen for a long time on a hardcore record. Hot pink wax that blends well with the foil sleeve and even includes a strip for the sleeve. This photo honestly doesn't do it justice. Double negative play some raw and stripped down in yer face hardcore, these guys are lifers and have been around for years in various bands from the late 80's. A new 7" is on the cards (also on Sorry state who released this), get in!!!!

Social cirkle 7"s

2011-05-15T01:52:00.000-07:00

Man, I love Social cirkle. I got these 7"s (both released by No way) when they came out but the colour versions were gone by the time I placed an order (they went really quick as I recall). Anyway not to worry I believe in destiny and I was always going to get them at some point, a bit later than I expected but here you go. This is the second pressing of 'Static eyes' on white and there was 500 of these, as for 'I've got afflictions' there were 200 of these on clear. I still need some bits and pieces like the 'city shock' LP on clear or the No way fest version as well as 'static eyes' on yellow. If you have these and can live without them let me know. Also they're playing Liverpool in over a week's time. I'm already there dude.

ELECTRIC WIZARD Dopethrone 2xLP Green

2011-05-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

It's very handy having a record shop just a mile from my house but of course I can't usually go in there without purchasing something so after record store day I decided to keep away for a bit especially since I've been buying records off various people online anyway. So the other day I popped in for just for a browse (honest) and there were about 3 items that I could have purchased on the spot but I had to restrain myself-well apart from buying another copy of Electric wizard's dopethrone on green. Come on-I'm not strong willed. Anyway for those keeping track, there was a repress last year on boring black which I bought since I didn't have an original copy on wax but when I saw this I just had to have it too. Not sure of the quantity of this yet, rise above's website is pretty shit-it's not even listed on there (neither is the new Firebird LP and that's out in the shops too). Still if they brought out another pressing next week on a different colour I'd probably buy that too. It makes perfect sense...to me anyway. I'd had a really shit day as well dealing with scumbags on public transport so going home and listening to this was the perfect soundtrack while I wallowed in hatred and fantasized about wiping at least 80% of the human population off the face of the earth.

DYS-Brotherhood

2011-05-11T04:32:00.000-07:00

Just added two more copies of this classic record to my collection (makes four different versions I own now). First up is the repress by Reflex from a few years ago on solid purple vinyl, just limited to 100. Looks really nice actually, I was expecting clear purple for some reason. Reflex did do good jobs on their releases-what happened to them I wonder?

Next up and more importantly is the original on Xclaim. One of the pricier and much more sought after things on the label (next to SSD's 'the kids will have their say'). This is one of those things I thought I'd never own but one came up for sale and I thought 'fuck it' and caved in. Some things just have to be done.

Nothing to really say about this record except every self respecting fan should have at least one version of this record in their collection. If not, give up now.

More dead & gone test pressings

2011-05-09T23:07:00.000-07:00

Quite a few folk seem to be selling off their collections here in the UK (including Mr dead & gone himself, Ian Wiles) which is good news for me but bad news for my bank account. It's amazing to think what the label achieved really-40 odd releases and some genuine classics in there. Sadly, Ian is still clearing up his debts so those idiots who dubbed him as a money grabbing rich kid (and someone did, on the profane existence board a few years back) were clearly talking out of their arse.
Anyway onto today's entry-a couple of test pressing-first up the Black Thursday 29 debut LP 'The escape'. Good band, they did two more LPs (the second one on D&G). They played good heavy but heartfelt hardcore, sincre as hell. I like the Gorilla biscuits rip off cover, numbered out of 15.

Next up is another great record but is just a plain no sleeved test pressing of the Death is not glamorous (or DING as they are known as on this cover)'undercurrents' 7". These guys were from Olso, Norway and played really nice melodic hardcore. Again sincre as fuck. I believe there 3 pressings of this 7"(and a CD version)so it was pretty popular. They also did a LP ('Soft clicks') and split 7" with the Down and Outs, also on D&G but this is my favourite release of theirs.

This is what the cover actually looks like (taken from my CD sleeve, I'm too lazy to go and dig out the 7")

It's been good for me at the moment with scores and there's plenty more to list too.

Sleep-Sleep's holy mountain LP

2011-05-09T02:18:00.000-07:00

Classic stoner metal that's still as worshipped heavily today as it was back in the nineties. I always owned a copy of this on CD but skipped the vinyl on it's intial release, shame on me. This has been repressed since on Kreation on different colours of vinyl but this is an original on earache. It's on boring black but it's on very heavy vinyl. Got this in a big haul recently so it worked out pretty well price wise. I love my stoner/doom metal but I always listen to it a lot during the winter-just seems better in the darkness and coldness of England, mind you our summers are usually shit too so there's even more reason for blasting this out constantly.

Champion-Promises Kept LP Test press

2011-05-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today's entry is a test pressing of a noughtie's classic hardcore album, 'Promises kept' by Champion. This was instant gold on it's release. This is the European version on the defunct and sorely missed Dead & gone records. (Bridge nine did the US release but you know that already). My copy is 8/10 and nedless to say I'm pretty stoked to own this. I have 4 copies of this record now and no, that isn't enough.

Self Destruct test pressings

2011-04-30T04:10:00.000-07:00

Funny enough a couple of years ago one of my main wants happened to be a test pressing of the first Self destruct 7". Self destruct were an awesome band that played old style hardcore and released two 7"s and then vanished. Their 7" 'This is not your world' was released on Dead& gone records and it's wierd why it really became such a highly wanted item of mine. Okay, it's a great record but because apart from the record release version which had a different sleeve there wasn't a limited version available which unusual for D&G-they usually did a colour vinyl as well as the normal black. I guess that added something to why I really wanted it. Also this test pressing had a superb and very striking sleeve (a rip off of the 'let them eat jellybeans' comp). One actually went for over £60 on the bay which I thought was pretty insane at the time but then again there only 10 of them so it was super rare really and that might have been the only chance the winning bidder would ever have to get one. Thankfully mine didn't cost that amount but I probably paid more than most people would these days. Not that I care to be honest, I've been after this for ages and the only people I knew who owned a copy wouldn't part with it so when this came up for private sale I naturally pounced on it.

As you can see I got number nine.

The dude I bought this off also had their second 7" on test pressing for sale so it made perfect sense to but that too. This is the better of the two as well. A really awesome record that was one of my favourite 7"s of 2008. It was a split release between Zandor records and Rumour control records. Alex of Zandor is still going strong putting out records but I think Rumour control called it a day. This was also limited out of 10 and this time it's a homage to the first Adololescents LP sleeve.

The original fold out sleeve looks like this.

So, a nice score. Also nice to bag something you've wanted for ages even if a lot of people probably don't even know or remember the records.

Champion-Count our numbers 7" record release

2011-04-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

This marks my fourth copy of the Champion 'count our numbers', released on Bridge nine records back in 2002 (nearly a decade ago, fucking hell). I was listening to a lot of hip hop around then, as well as spending a lot of money collecting horror films on DVD and living a life style that was anything but straight edge so I was out of the loop with new hardcore releases which I'm paying for dearly now(quite literally). I've always been a sucker for the youth crew style and have been since the late 80's and Champion in my opinion were one of the best bands that did the '88 revival style. This was a limited edition of just 116 (my number is 76) on white label with a blank label. There was another white vinyl release too with a proper label and regular sleeve. The cover is obviously a take on Youth of today's classic album 'We're not in this alone' (still one of my all time hardcore records) and looks pretty darn cool. Just a few years these were going for silly money on the 'bay but thankfully the price has drooped down a bit and I bought mine off someone privately which is good on two counts-One, you don't get into a bidding war and lose like I normally do at the last minute and secondly because you're not lining the pockets of those greedy, rip off fuckers at Ebay.