Hello Kiddies….It has been waaaaaayyyyyyy to long since I have given you an update on things that are going on in the Christian hardcore, punk, ska, and Oi! world. Some cool things are happening and I wanted to share them with (along with some new releases you should check out).
Anyone ever heard of The Crucified? Well…….I emailed the band about a rumor I had heard that they may be getting back together for a reunion tour and I am hoping an album. I emailed the band and got a response a day later, not a yes or no, but (quoting Jeff) “No Comment…..Yet?”
For those of you who don’t know The Crucified, they are a 4 piece Christian thrash metal band that started out as one the best Christian punk bands in my opinion. You can check out the band on The Crucified myspace page, they also have some awesome new shirt designs for sale. Definitely a band worth checking out if they swing through your town on tour.
They guys from Gorilla Warfare (whom have some new tunes up I think that kick butt) are in the process of putting together a compilation CD called “DIY Brotherhood Project.” This is the how they explained it on their myspace page:
“The D.I.Y. Brotherhood project is a group of hard working independent Hardcore,Punk, & Oi bands from all over the world that have gotten together to help each other co-finance a CD compilation. This CD compilation will feature 2 songs from every band that is part of it.This is a chance for all of the bands involved to work together with other bands like their own & help each other out by networking & co-promoting new music in their country or state.Touring is very expensive & money is tight right now for a lot of hardworking, blue collar independent bands.This is an effort to help all of the bands get their music heard by new people in far away places that they might not be able tour or reach otherwise.Why work alone promoting your bands music when you can team up with a bunch of other great bands from similar backgrounds that can all help each other out spreading the word.The CD’s will be sold by the bands themselves.Every band will get 100 copies of this CD from the first pressing to sell.By buying a copy of the Cd you are supporting all of the bands involved.”
Some of the bands are Christian that will be contributing, some will not. Among the bands contributing are Gorilla Warfare, old school NY Oi! band The Few, Thee Imposters, Dragged Out, Off Balance, Among Friends, and xHere I Remainx, to name a few. Be sure to link to the DIY Brotherhood Project myspace page and be on the lookout for the CD when it comes out. SUPPORT DIY HARDCORE, THIS IS WHAT WE ARE ABOUT!
I saw an interesting post on myspace from Josh of xLooking Forwardx (the band is on temporary permanent hiatus). He is looking for band members for a new project. From what I remember, he is not looking to form anything similar to the sound of xLooking Forwardx but something more melodic, possibly post hardcore type stuff. Should be interesting to see what he comes up with.
IN THE STUDIO:
The Red Baron, the Christian hardcore group out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is FINALLY in the studio. For those who don’t know, the band singed with Blood & Ink records earlier this year. They were supposed to be in the studio during the summer, my guess is things got pushed back. Phil, their singer was recently spoke at the United Underground conference in Maryland as well, check out his side project Brokensound Blvd. his rap group, Phil is a huge hip-hop fan, and I have to admit, the stuff is great!
All Or Nothing should be finishing up their album soon that will be released on Ethos Records. We did an interview with the guys in the band and they gave some really thoughtful answers. If their album is a brutal as the tracks they have on myspace, then we are all in for treat, be sure to pick it up when it comes out.
Venia is also writing new material, which probably means they will be in the studio soon. The band also signed with Blook & Ink records earlier this year. Venia has been on tour for what seems like an eternity now. They seem to enjoy being on the road. Their drummer recently ran into some complications, we have been pulling for him and praying hard that he has a quick recovery. Check out the great videos of “Sideburns Tim,” their merch guy (when I met him he was “No-Burns Tim”) who has his own theme song too!
Sideburns Tim Part I
Sideburns Tim Part II
NEW RELEASES:
Through Trials out of Lexington, Kentucky will be releasing their first full length album on Crossface Records. The band doesn’t claim to be Christian, but I think that some of their members came from Christian bands. The band has a classic hardcore sound and is definitely worth picking up when it is released in January.
Abeline out of Sanford, North Carolina just released their first EP called “Blinded by Fear.” They are a fairly new band on the scene and are mix of metal and hardcore. Look for an upcoming interview on the band on HXC Christian to find more about them.
Braveheart out of Bullhead City, Arizona recently released a 4 song album called “Speak To These Bones.” I highly recommend picking up their album. You can get it on itunes for a few bucks and it is worth every penny. Hope to see these guys tour soon and make it out East. Great guys, great music.
I am sure I missed a ton of other things. If I have, ping me josh @ HXCChristian.com
Also, don’t forget to hit the HXC Christian Forum, click on the banner below….do it…..now………..
God Bless!
