Wow, where to start, so much going on, so much news, so many good things happening in the Christian hardcore scene.
NEW RELEASES AND UPCOMING RELEASES
The Red Baron – A 5 piece hardcore band out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida has announced that they are now taking preorders for their upcoming EP called “My First Love.” From what we know here at HXCChristian.com, this is the bands first full length album. The album is being released on Blood & Ink Records. The official release date is April 7th. Here is what the band says about the album “We’re really excited about this album. A lot went to each song, spiritually speaking. We’re really proud of how honest and real this album is.” You can go reserve your copy here. They have a pretty cool package deal (which seems to be the new thing) where you can get a Tshirt or tank top as part of your order. If you want to learn more about the band, we did an interview with Phil and Chase, you can read it here. You can go to The Red Baron’s myspace page and listen to one of their new tracks called “Grace is for Falling.” I am sure that we will see these guys on tour soon, they have some dates up in the Southeast on the their myspace page, go and check them out if they are coming to your town.
Josh from XLooking ForwardX posted a bulletin on myspace a while back saying that he wanted to put together a new project. It sounds like the project is starting to get some legs. Safe to say that a lot of people are really excited to see what Josh puts together. The name of the band is “Back to the Garden.” Here is the blog post from the XLooking ForwardX page from Josh:
“My new project is officially named Back To The Garden. All of us in this new band felt it was appropriate, since this band reflects a bit of a spiritual regrouping for those involved. We want to focus on a message of love and grace, and at the same time, create something that we really enjoy.
Kevin and I are just starting the lyrics, but we have the music for four songs laid out. It’s coming together quickly, but we’re not trying to rush anything. Everyone is still getting used to each other yet, but the confidence is clearly building with each practice.
The vocals are the next big project. I know that it’s really going to shape the way the band is perceived, but I want to try to stick to the script of no screaming. We have toyed with the idea of some Orange 9mm or Downset-style vocal delivery in parts, but we’ll likely stop short of anything beyond that level of aggression in the vocals.
The level of aggression in the music is another story. The music is super heavy, but has some subtle melodic elements. There are definitely some breakdowns in there, and I’m real happy with how we were able to work them into the plan. As to whether it will be something hardcore kids can get into, well, I can’t say for sure, but I can say that there will be no shortage of dance opportunities. 
I’ll probably set up a myspace for the band soon. It will still be a while yet before we post any material up, though. As I’ve said before, I want to make the first impression count.
I’ll keep posting updates every now and then. Thanks for reading! Take care.”
Josh
Venia – A 5 piece hardcore band from Minnesota says that it has completed recording of its new album to be relased at a future date on Blood & Ink Records. We are bigs fans of Venia here and really like their music, plus, ask anyone in the hardcore scene that knows the band and they will tell you that they are the hardest working band out there. They are ALWAYS on tour, I call it “eternal tour.” They have a clip of one of their new songs within the “Sideburns Tim” update (whom is missing his sideburns oddly enough). It sounds phenominal.
The Great Commission – A 6 piece hardcore band out of Redlands/Grand Terrace, California, released their first full length on Strike First Records. The name of the album is “And Every Knee Shall 
Bow.” If you picked up their demo they had for sale, then you are in for a real treat. I personally thought the demo was really rough, but still a great set of songs. From what I understand, it was recorded in a church santuary with all members playing at the same time. Well, the new album with it is production value is incredible. You can go and check out some of their new tracks on their myspace page the name of the tracks are “Let Your Kingdom Come,” (featuring JR from Sleeping Giant) and “I Dub City” (featuring Eric from XDeathStarX). Both great tracks. You can go and purchase their album on the Strike First website.
Irish styled punk/Oi! band Flatfoot 56 is working on putting out another album. I have heard through sources that they are playing some of their new songs at their shows. I hear that their new material is awesome. No word on when their new album will be out, but I am sure I will post something on it when it drops. You care read about the upcoming album here.
I am sure there is a lot more that I have missed, if so, please email me info at Josh @ HXCChristian. com and I can post it in the next batch of news.
ON TOUR
Strongarm – Classic Christian hardcore band from Florida is not really on tour, but I thought this was news worthy. Jason Berggren (former lead singer of Strongarm) will be playing a Strongarm tribute show at the Cornerstone Festival this year in Illinois. The band Life In Your Way will be performing back up as the band. Jason and Life In Your Way will be performing songs off of both Strongarm albums. Jason also recently published a book called “10 Things I Hate About Christianity; Walking Through the Frustrations of Faith.” To learn more about Jason’s new book, he setup a blog called http://www.10thingsihate.com/. I look forward to reading the book and posting a review.
Call to Preserve is playing with Reign Supreme & Madball. I got to hang with the guys in Call To Preserve all afternoon and treated them to dinner at the BBQ Lodge here in Raleigh. Great guys with great stories and a lot of fun to hang out with. I think the most fun was hanging in the parking lot with Call To Preserve, the guys from Reign Supreme, and watching Freddy Madball play soccer with all the guys. Never thought I would go to a hardcore show and see Freddy Madball playing soccer. The show was great, but the crowd was small, which doesn’t surprise me because the hardcore scene in general here in North Carolina is slowly growing. You can check out Call To Preserve’s myspace page for tour dates, and let they guys crash at your house if you can, they would love it! See the pics below.
Venia is STILL on tour (do these guys ever quit?). These guys are machines. They are doing another tour that will cover most of North America again. I asked them if they ever stop touring, their answer….”nope we never stop touring. We hate being home.” (they were kidding of course). To check and see if Venia is coming to a town near you, go to the Venia myspace page.
All Or Nothing – A hardcore band out of Hollister, California is gearing up for a nationwide tour starting in the next couple of days. They have a pretty beefy schedule. They also just released their new album available on Ethos Records. Go and check them out if you like your hardcore mixed with a little metal. These guys are brutal, but love Jesus. If you want to give them a try, visit the All Or Nothing myspace page.
The Red Baron has dates posted outside of Florida. Looks like mainly the Southeast at this point, but we would bet they probably tour with the release of the new album. You can check their tour dates on their myspace page.
Christian punk band Fight Before Surrender is headed to Europe (well the UK at least), so if you are in the UK, then go and support these guys. Their tour starts April 1st and wraps up on April 9th (at least that is what is on their myspace page). They are also recording a new album as well, no word on it yet though. Go to FBS’ myspace page to check dates.
CALLING IT QUITS
XSolidarityX from Sacramento is calling it quits – great guys, great music, they will be missed. Go and check out their myspace page and pick up their full length it is worth it. Here is the link to the XSolidarityX myspace page.
Take care and God bless – Keep it HARDCORE!
