PIT TALK

OPEN IT UP 

STATUES 

CRIKEY MATE ! DOWN UNDER 

WITH PERTH’S MOST RAUCOUS 

HARDCORE BAND 

FREE 

POSTERS! 

PLUS 

ATARI TEENAGE RIOT FEED THE RHINO HANG THE 

BASTARD OPEN SHORES ENTER SHIKARI GRADER 

WWW.PITTALK.CO.UK 

ISSUE 1 £2.99April 2015 

USA $5.50/CAN $10.99/AUS $8.99 

02 

9 772465 02583

CONTENTS 

12 FEED THE RHINO 

This Month 

Cover Photo: Mike Dann 

It’s my pleasure to welcome 

you to the first edition of Pit 

Talk where our blood, sweat 

and tears have gone onto every 

single page. I’m delighted to 

welcome Statues to the front 

cover of Pit Talk, who have 

completely taken over my 

music playlist for the last few 

weeks. I know pretty much all 

the words now so it’s vital they 

arrive in the UK ASAP. We 

have talks with Atari Teenage 

Riot on p32, Hang The Bastard 

and we welcome Open Shores 

to our first Introducing spot. 

Enjoy the issue and stay heavy 

motherfuckers! 

Laura 

Editor 

NEWS 

04 GHOST FEST 

Festival changes dates for 

this year. 

HARMS WAY 

The band gets robbed on 

their latest tour. 

THE STORY SO FAR 

Nationwidetour announced. 

05 VANS WARPED TOUR 

ANNOUNCED 2015 

Festival returns after year off. 

MARTYR DEFILED 

LIVE REVIEWS 

14 NO HONOUR 

16 ENTER SHIKARI 

GRADER 

17 ATILLA 

FEATURE 

08 INTRODUCING OPEN SHORES 

12 FEED THE RHINO 

18 STATUES 

28 HANG THE BASTARD 

The reasons behind their 

disappearance. 

30 HEVY FEST 

32 ATARI TEENAGE RIOT 

COVER 

FEATURE 

PIT TALK TEAM 

(Left to right: Max, Sabrina, Charlotte, Chloe, Laura, Alex) 

ALBUM REVIEWS 

44 WHILE SHE SLEEPS 

45 FATHOMS 

46 ZOAX 

GIG GUIDE 

47 BEAR TOOTH 

GALLOWS 

48 WHILE SHE SLEEPS 

49 PIT TALK QUIZ 

How hardcore are you? 

40 

THE HISTORY OF 

HARDCORE

NEWS 

WARPED TOUR UK CONFIRMED FOR 2015 

GHOSTFEST CHANGES FOR THE BETTER 

Ghostfest, originally put on in late August, has been moved to 

September, leaving fans of the annual festival quite pessimistic. 

Not only has the date been moved, it has also become a one 

day event. The organisers of the well-known festival have 

claimed that the date has been changed to avoid clashes with 

Slam Dunk, Download, Outbreak, Temples and every other 

festival in May and June. By doing this they’ve avoided issues 

with exclusivities and as such have booked the biggest line up 

Ghostfest has ever had, (they say). Ghostfest has also moved 

two cities, as it offers bands two shows and two payments 

rather than one, giving accessibility to more bands that are 

flying over from America, meaning the overall line up may be 

pretty awesome. All super early bird tickets for Leeds and 

Bristol are completely sold out, however there are still tickets 

available for the North and South shows which you can buy 

from their official website. 

HARM’S WAY ROBBED IN TEXAS 

The Chicago hardcore band Harm’s Way were robbed only a few 

days ago whilst on tour in America, leaving the band’s members 

and fans angered. The band’s personal items and money 

they had accumulated thus far on the current tour was stolen, 

leaving them penniless and without passports. Harm’s Way was 

visiting the Guitar Center in Houston, Texas when the incident 

happened, where they returned to find their tour van had been 

broken into. Regardless of the theft act, the band are carrying 

on with the ’RUST’ America tour, supporting Code Orange with 

Eternal Sleep, and the other half of the tour with Homewrecker 

and Discourse. The band has put up a fund site where you can 

donate to help finish the tour. Theft happens way too much in the 

music industry, especially on tour, so it is essential we support 

our music scene. 

UK fans of the Vans Warped Tour better get fucking excited, 

as festival organisers have confirmed the event is to take 

place this year after last year’s hiatus. Founder of the travelling 

festival Kevin Lyman revealed on twitter, as a response to a fan 

question, that the festival would return to the UK later this year 

with a simple ‘yes’ and revealed its to take place on 18 October. 

The festival left the states and went international in 1989, 

covering cities in Europe, Australia and Japan and returned to 

the UK in 2012 after a 14 year absence. Last headlined in 2013 

by Rise Against and Enter Shikari, no acts have currently been 

confirmed for this year’s event; however Lyman expects the first 

line-up announcement ‘in early May.’ 

FRANK CARTER TEASES FUTURE MUSIC RETURN 

Previous Watford punk group Gallows and more recently Pure 

Love vocalist Frank Carter has put up teasers of his new musical 

project on his Instagram profile. Whilst there has been no official 

music released yet, the teaser does suggest a much heavier 

sound leaning towards the music that was made during his stint 

in Gallows. Carter has been hinting at a return to music after 

going on an “indefinite hiatus” with previous band Pure Love. 

The teaser is only fifteen seconds long so don’t be expecting to 

hear much, but fans can get excited as it appears that Memby 

Jago, previous drummer for The Ghost of a Thousand is the 

drummer for Carter’s new project. 

MARTYR DEFILED GET TO USA THANKS TO FANS 

Lincoln based death metal / hardcore band Martyr Defiled have 

successfully made it to the United States following a crowd 

funding plea in eight days. Following the crowd funding started, 

money came in quick and the band were able to raise enough 

money to get their VISA applications paid for and approved. 

They will be joining Oceano on their tour of the United States, 

with other support from The Last Ten Seconds of Life, Lorna 

Shore and Boris The Blade. The band have missed the first 

three dates of the tour but as of March 19th, Martyr Defiled have 

arrived in the United States and their next show as part of the 

tour is on March 20th at In Distress Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

THE STORY SO FAR RELEASE NATIONWIDE TOUR 

California Punk band The Story So Far have released news of 

a forthcoming nationwide tour of the United States starting on 

the May 1st in Santa Ana California and ending mid-June in San 

Francisco. The band will be showcasing a new setlist composed 

of both older less played gems and newer material from their 

upcoming self-titled album, which is set to be released mid-tour 

on May 19th. Joining the band on tour will be melodic-hardcode 

outfit Four Year Strong, hardcore-punk quintet Terror and poprock 

group Souvenirs. Sure to be a tour full of energy and loud 

in your face punk music, it’s a tour not to be missed. Tickets and 

VIP packages are available via the band’s official website. 

TERROR DESTROYS CAMDEN AT THE UNDERWORLD 

The 15th March saw popular hardcore band Terror reliving their 

January 2011 gig at The Underworld in Camden, however this 

time with support from Knuckledust, Risk It, Survival, Broken 

Teeth and Redemption Denied. It was the last show of the action 

packed European tour and in one of the band’s favourite venues. 

The European tour started off at the beginning of March in 

Berlin, which travelled all around Germany and ended up in the 

heart of London. Terror is next set to support The Story So Far 

HIT THE DECK ADDS MORE ACTS TO LINE - UP 

The annual alternative-rock festival has just unveiled the latest 

addition of bands to the exisiting line up. The new bands now 

joining the festival bill are: The Xcerts, Hactivist, Brawlers, Black 

Peaks, Tellison, Oceans Ate Alaska, Oath Breaker, Hundreth, 

Calabrese and Bad Sign. These bands are now there with 

the likes of Skindred, While She Sleeps, Cancer Bats, Idiom, 

Allusondrugs and When We Were Wolves. The festival will be 

taking place across April 25th and April 26th starting in Bristol 

and ending in Nottingham. More bands are to be announced and 

shall be announced in the coming weeks. 

04 PIT TALK on their nationwide tour in May. 

PIT TALK 05

PIT T 

LKS 

LAURA HERBERT 

EDITOR 

“Statues bring chaos in the form of unruly 

riffs powered deafening vocal chords. 

INTENSE RECORD. MUST BUY.” 

A 

radar 

HERE ARE OUR TOP 10 

TRACKS THIS MONTH. 

CHECK THEM OUT... 

ALEX MACROW 

REVIEWS EDITOR 

“About as subtle as a blunt force trauma, 

Dead Tired are scarily ferocious and 

pulling no punches.” 

SABRINA SHALES 

FEATURES EDITOR 

“Stick To Your Guns give us an album with 

breakdowns so dirty you’ll need a long 

bath to calm down afterwards.`’ 

CHLOE PAINTER 

SUB EDITOR 

“Love this record, so good for such a small 

band! They’re going to go far.” 

NO. ARTISTS TITLE LABEL 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

WHILE SHE SLEEPS 

STATUES 

STICK TO YOUR GUNS 

OCEANS ATE ALASKA 

DEAD TIRED 

FATHOMS 

SURRENDER THE COAST 

TURNSTILE 

CANCER BATS 

INGESTED 

BRAINWASHED 

TOGETHER WE’RE ALONE 

DISOBEDIENT 

LOST ISLES 

DEAD TIRED 

LIVES LIVED 

LOST SOULS 

NONSTOP FEELING 

SEARCHING FOR ZERO 

THE ARCHITECTS OF EXTINCTION 

SEARCH AND 

DESTROY 

HIGHLAND 

RECORDS 

SUMERIAN 

RECORDS 

FEARLESS 

RECORDS 

NEW DAMAGE 

RECORDS 

GHOST MUSIC & 

ARTERY RECORDS 

REDFIELD 

DIGITAL 

REAPER 

RECORDS 

NEW DAMAGE 

RECORDS 

CENTURY MEDIA 

RECORDS 

RELEASE 

DATE 

20 MARCH 

09 JAN 

09 FEB 

23 FEB 

17 MARCH 

06 MARCH 

22 FEB 

13 JAN 

09 MARCH 

12 JAN 

SEE THE OFFICIAL PIT TALK CHART OVER AT WWW.PITTALK.CO.UK. 

CHECK OUT THE LATEST TUNES AND PREPARE TO BANG YOUR HEAD 

TO THE FUCKING GROUND. 

MAX BOSWORTH 

CONTRIBUTOR 

“An album that tears your headphones as 

well as live audiences.” 

06 PIT TALK PIT TALK 07

introducing 

Open Shores 

Words: Chloe Painter Photo: Brian James Nicholson 

Formed in January of this year, Open Shores are already 

making an impression within the hardcore community. 

Whilst stemming from Newcastle, the band assure us it has 

nothing to do with reality series Geordie Shore… Bassist 

Ollie Petrie notes that during the early days of formation, 

the five-piece, “had been stuck on a name for like two 

weeks and were at the point where we needed to agree on 

one.” Frontman Mark Watt put forward Open Shores during 

practice where they “all instantly liked it.” 

Their debut single Day By Day, along with it’s intense video 

was released on 16 March, receiving positive reviews, as 

well as gaining over a thousand Youtube hits in its first 24 

hours of upload. Talking about the single’s release, Petrie 

recalls how it was the first song the band wrote after vocalist 

Mark joined the band and the impact he made on their 

sound, “we had the basics of the track down but his vocals 

and really powerful lyrics made the song what it is now. So it 

was fitting to make this our debut to say ‘this is us’.” 

Pulling influence from bands such as Devil Sold His Soul 

and Architects, Petrie reveals his inspirations have come 

from the, “pioneers of the metalcore genre like Parkway 

Drive and August Burns Red.” As for their sound, Petrie 

explains, “we love to write heavy music but making it sound 

big, melodic and powerful is what we are going for. Think of 

contrast from melodic and mature clean sections, technical 

riffs and anthemic choruses.” 

The positive reception from their debut single has left Petrie 

and the lads eager to put more music out there, revealing, 

“we want to release an 8-track mini album of which we 

currently have 5 songs written.” As for their immediate future, 

the Geordie boys are planning to finish their album plus, 

“possibly film another music video and get merch designed 

and printed”, with the hopes of touring the debut album 

extensively and securing some festival slots next year. With 

an expanding fanbase opening their ears to Open Shores, 

the quintet has immense potential to ensure a promising and 

fulfilling next chapter. 

08 PIT TALK

MUST HAVE 

MERCH 

Heart In Hand 

Black Pens Tee 

Price: £10 

heartinhand.bigcartel.com 

Supreme Plaid 

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supremenewyork.com 

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Long Sleeve 

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allinmerch.com 

Drop Dead Acid 

Party Shorts 

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dropdead.co 

Malevolence 

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malevolenceriff.bigcartel.com 

Black Sweatpants 

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Comeback Kid 

Die Knowing Sports 

Grey Shirt 

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impericon.com 

Nikelab Air Max 90 

Patch Sneakerbook 

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store.nike.com 

Enter Shikari Backpack 

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entershikari.com 

Vans Spicoli 4 Shades 

Sunglasses 

Price: £15 

shop.vans.co.uk 

New York Yankees 

Skateboard 

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supremenewyork.com 


TALKS WITH... 

FEED THE RHINO 

As Feed The Rhino have a reputation for reckless live 

shows, Oz talks staying fit on the road, ripping of jeans 

and HUGE walls of death... 

You have just finished supporting Enter Shikari across the 

UK, with most venues being completely sold out, how was it 

playing at bigger venues? 

It was incredible! Over the years we have been fortunate to play 

some big indoor and outdoor venues for festivals, but this was by 

far the biggest tour we’ve done. I think our show and performance 

is much better in bigger rooms, and its a huge buzz! 

To you how important is it for Feed The Rhino to give fans the 

best live experience possible? 

Its the most important thing! We put a lot of pressure on ourselves 

to deliver a show every night, but most importantly we love 

stepping it up and trying to push it further. 

You’re known as one of the most destructive live bands in the 

UK, how does it feel to be known for such a great live show? 

Yeah, cant complain! We just have a lot of fun, and all really enjoy 

being up there. I think people can tell that. It also helps that Lee 

does a great job as a front man! 

Hardcore shows have come under fire for being too 

dangerous with things like crowd killing becoming big talking 

points. Do you think there is more to a hardcore show than 

that? 

I personally dont really get all that crowd killing stuff, and its 

certainly not something we advocate. We want everyone to have 

fun, get involved and be considerate of others in the crowd too. 

We’re bringing back push-pits haha! 

You’ve played up and down the UK for the best part of 5 

years. Do you think the UK hardcore scene is in a good state? 

I think the UK music scene in general is thriving at the moment, in 

all genres. With heavy music being played on daytime radio, and 

more and more people accepting it, its an eciting time to be in a 

band for sure! 

Do you see yourselves as one of the frontrunners in the UK 

hardcore scene? 

Absolutely not! I don’t think we are or have ever been a true 

hardcore band, in the sense that the genre is quite defined and 

I dont think we have that sound, but maybe use elements of it 

in places. I consider FTR to be a heavy rock band with lots of 

different elements and dynamics. 

12 PIT TALK 

After selling out most of your UK shows in October, how 

important is it for fans to keep coming out to your shows as 

well as buying merch? 

We just want to put on a gig that people wound want to come 

out to. Its amazing how many people came and supported us in 

October, and we hope we keep delivering good shows and good 

music so people want to! Merch is important. Its really what keeps 

a band afloat on tour. 

Your last album, The Sorrow and The Sound, kept to your 

hardcore roots but it also showed us your melodic side, how 

important is it for a hardcore band to keep evolving? 

We always want to evolve and try to further develop what we 

do. Its worth noting that on all our albums we have had mellow/ 

ambient sections and its something we’ve worked hard to 

incorparate into the heavier stuff too. Ultimately, we just write 

music we want to play! The minute we try and write to keep others 

happy, I think it’ll stop sounding like Feed The Rhino. 

You’re associated with many well known alternative clothing 

brands. How important is the band’s image? What’s your 

favourite brand of clothing? 

I think its important that we look like a band/ unit, and really 

appreciate all the great companies that let us wear their great 

clothes! 

As we know Lee likes to bare all when playing live. Do you 

have any strict training plans to stay in shape whilst on tour? 

Now that all of us (bar Sam) are 30 plus, we are definitely a bit 

more health conscious and try to get in shape before we head out, 

just so that we can perform how we want without passing out half 

way through haha! 

Lee stays healthy on tour, and I think a lot of that is so he can 

conserve his voice for all the shows. 

To readers who are in bands too, which equipment/brand 

would you recommend? 

I’d recommend getting the best and most reliable gear, nothing 

worse than things breaking during a show! For bass players, 

I really recommend the Darkglass stuff; Sounds huge and is 

well built. 

Words: Laura Herbert Photo: Matt Bromage 

What brands do you use and how has it influenced your 

sound? 

My main bass is currently a Fender Jazz which is smashed 

up but sounds great and feels comfortable and familiar. I 

use a Line 6 wireless into my board which is mainly a tuner, 

Digitech synth pedal and Darkglass B7K preamp. That goes 

into my Peavey Tour head and an Ashdown 8x10 cab. I think 

I’ve always liked a certain sound but the equipment above has 

helped me get closer to the tone I want. I have been using a 

more driven sound now that I used to. 

What bands have you come across that you feel are the 

future of hardcore? 

We all listen to so many different genres/ styles/ bands etc, so 

its really difficult to say as Hardcore is quite a specific genre. 

There are a huge amount of talented UK bands pushing the 

envelope at the moment though, so do yourself a favour and 

go to some shows and check them out! 

What’s the craziest thing you’ve witnessed at one of your 

shows? 

Thats hard to say as there have been so many! Ive seen 

broken bones, HUGE walls of death and circle pits, people 

doing flips and dives off stages and PA systems! Most nights 

we’ll see something cool and smile at each other about it. 

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened at 

one of your shows? 

Haha, personally it has to be when we first played Camden 

Purple Turtle supporting A Ghost Of A Thousand. As we got 

on stage to line check, I ripped the crotch on my jeans so 

bad, that I had to basically gaffa them back together and 

it ended up looking like I had a pair of weird pants over my 

jeans, kinda like superman or something. That was also 

the first show we had major UK press at to review and take 

pictures, which was pretty soul destroying.

LIVE FROM 

THE PIT 

NO HONOUR 

PLUS: That Night Forests Grew, Deliverer, Old Boy 

The Unicorn, Camden 05.03.15 [8] 

Words: Laura Herbert Photo: Marius Kamp 

EAST MIDLANDS HARDCORE CREW OPEN UP 

KILLER RIFFS IN CAMDEN TOWN 

In the hidden corner of Camden, The Unicorn lays host 

to some of the heaviest nights in London. Tonight Old 

Boy, Deliverer, That Night Forests Grew and headliners 

No Honour overtake the stage, to give us some of the 

best talent that hardcore has to offer. Although the 

floor may lack numbers tonight, every band shows the 

passion and force that comes with writing about what 

you love. 

As thick distortion fills the room, the Bournemouth 

quintet Old Boy instantly stand their ground. Coarse 

vocals are their forte. Driving those vicious lyrics 

around the heads of those that surround the stage, 

frontman Connor Pearce leads the band into chaos. 

Amongst unruly riffs, their captivating melodies stand 

out as a memorable tune but fail to bear the weight of 

the track. As the lads bounce around the stage, they 

provide head banging rhythms with outbursts of intense 

heaviness. To open tonight’s show, Old Boy have given 

us most of what we needed. It’s early days for these 

lads and with some more shows under their belt, it can 

only get messier. [5] 

We up the ante straight away as German hardcore 

outfit Deliverer, instantly execute an impeccable 

performance. Simply by his strong stance, vocalist 

Melo directs the audience, showing us his unyielding 

attitude to provide a brutal show. From the first 

riff, they illustrate all the strengths to the melodic 

hardcore genre. Easing into their softer qualities 

unveils moving tones, highlighting some clumsy 

clean vocals too. Their composure transcends into 

complete bedlam as Melo conducts his backbiting 

vocal chords whilst the audience moves from side 

to side. As each beatdown grips the audience, it’s 

apparent that Deliverer have a clear direction with 

brutality running through their veins. [8] 

That Night Forests Grew get straight to the point. In 

the crowd for the first track, vocalist Jay Kerr-Gray 

captures the attention of the crowd with no intention 

of lying down. Through chilled vibes, uplifting guitar 

riffs flicker with poignant melodies that pull on your 

heartstrings. As the ambience stays, the crowd 

swells and it’s clear the passionate songwriting these 

lads exhibit are relished by the leg swayers and 

the head boppers. Their emotion is really heartfelt 

and through raspy screams Jay brings all of their 

elements together to create a fresh sound to tonight’s 

line up. [7] 

Headlining tonight’s set, No Honour pull in the 

biggest crowd tonight. Their discordant tones set 

up a menacing climate, instantly pleasing the crowd 

with Broken Home. After speedy drum patterns set 

the rhythm for some funky moves, riffs almost creep 

to a halt with bone crushing riffs that set audience 

members on their path to skip their way across the 

room. Frontman Thomas Smith wraps his lead around 

his neck as the lads play with enough energy to fuel 

the whole crowd for a month. As the sweat drips and 

the crowd screams for more, No Honour jump into 

sensitive track Our Fight, feeding onlookers with the 

brutal energy they crave. As the night draws to a 

close, No Honour smile in appreciation whilst fans 

reply with their best hardcore jig. [8] 



Grader 

PLUS: Rituals 

The Cricketers, Kingston Upon Thames. 

09/03/2015 [7] 

Words: Chloe Painter Photo: Tom Joy 

SCOTTISH HARDCORE FOREFULLY 

ERUPTS IN KINGSTON UPON THAMES 

Hidden away on the fringes of Kingston Upon 

Thames, The Cricketers is a quiet pub about 

to be shaken by a rush of heavy noise as 

Scottish five-piece Grader take a day off from 

their support slot with Funeral For A Friend, 

to spread the sound of their aggressive 

hardcore. 

Kicking off the show is London based Rituals, 

who suffer a few technical difficulties after 

their opening track. Unphased, the quintet 

continue without fuss, showing off tracks 

from their upcoming debut album. Their slow 

riffs and unwavering intense vocals bounce 

around the red painted room with such force 

it rings in your ear canals even after they’ve 

left the stage. [6] 

Next up is Grader. The Aberdeen boys 

make a notable impression by making the 

most of the space in the 80 capacity venue, 

as they forget about the stage, to integrate 

themselves within the crowd. For reasons 

unknown, there’s fewer audience members 

for Grader than for support band Rituals, but 

they carry on like professionals and crowd 

numbers steadily increase throughout the set. 

Their powerful and fast paced performance 

vibrates the room, with frontman Liam 

captivating the audience with his rough and 

emotive vocals. Heavy guitars and forceful 

drums erupt behind the fervent vocals, 

shaking the venue through sheer force. 

Playing without fault, Grader are visibly 

comfortable on stage and go from strength to 

strength as their set continually delivers. [7] 

Enter Shikari 

PLUS: Feed The Rhino 

Camden Roundhouse, London 

26/02/2015 [8] 

Words: Alex Macrow Photo: Matt Bromage 

SHIKARI BRING STROBE 

LIGHTS AND CIRCLE PITS 

GALORE TO CAMDEN’S 

ROUNDHOUSE 

After decidedly non-hardcore openers Fatherson 

and Allusondrugs fail to ignite the crowd, it’s left to 

Feed the Rhino to prepare them for the aural and 

visual onslaught of Enter Shikari. Opening with 

Behind the Pride (Taken from 2014’s The Sorrow 

and the Sound), the Kent mob are clearly not taking 

any prisoners. 

Frontman Lee Tobin leads the band through a 

setlist that relies heavily on their last studio effort, 

with four out of the seven songs on display being 

taken from the album. Refusing to stand still for 

more than thirty seconds, Tobin flings himself 

around onstage and into the audience at every 

given opportunity. 

During their heaviest moments Feed the Rhino 

are formidable, but it’s the more melodic chorus 

found in the majority of these songs that really 

unite the crowd. The first two minutes of Tides 

are hypnotizing, and the following two are nothing 

if not crushing. If it hadn’t been for the crippling 

technical difficulties that caused The Burning 

Sons to grind to a halt, they would have had a 

chance to outshine the headliners. [8] 

With that being said however, tonight is clearly all 

about Enter Shikari. Having sold out alongside 

pre-orders for their latest album the Mindsweep, 

tonight marks the first of a two night residency at 

Camden’s Roundhouse and the penultimate night 

of the tour. In a scene where becoming stagnant 

and dull is a constant threat to hardcore outfits, 

on their new record Shikari have introduced some 

of the most experimental and interesting ideas of 

recent years, and tonight it mixes seamlessly with 

fan favourites. 

The lack of Sorry Your Not A Winner will always 

disappoint, but the half-hardcore show half-rave 

that occurs over the course of the next two hours 

almost makes up for it. The Last Garrison slips into 

Juggernauts around halfway through, sending the 

crowd into a frenzy. By the time Slipshod is aired 

and a glass vase is smashed over bassist Rory 

Clemlow’s head, it’s a miracle that they have any 

energy left. Both band and crowd seem to find it 

within themselves to lose their minds one more 

time as Sssnakepit closes out the night to the 

biggest roar of approval of the evening. [9] 

Attila 

PLUS: Fathoms, Silent Screams 

Electric Ballroom, London 

06/03/2015 [7] 

Words: Max Bosworth Photo: Alice Blenkinsop 

ATLANTA BADBOYS STOMP DOWN ON LONDON 

Tonight, the infamous Attila stomp their 

way into London town for more throw 

downs than you can shake a shitty stick at. 

Electric Ballroom was the hosting venue, 

as we experience one of the best hardcore 

shows of the year. 

First band to play the ballroom tonight are 

Brighton based djent-hategroove group 

Fathoms. Whilst the venue is only half 

full the band bring a set that is ground 

shuddering and deafening. The music is 

good, however the live performance simply 

lacks the energy and dexterity to get the 

crowds attention. [5] 

Up next is Silent Screams, as they take 

the crowd in the palm of their hand and 

completely control them. Energy flows 

throughout the audience as swarms of 

mosh-pits open up on latest single The 

Way We Were. Mixing melodic vocals and 

hardcore screams with snappy guitar riffs, 

the band waste no time in providing a firm 

For the final time after a brief setup, Attila 

run on stage before swiftly kicking into the 

chugging guitar riff of Proving Grounds. 

It’s not long before the crowd is brimming 

with swirling pits of moshers. Rocky 

Balboa claimed that “Nobody is going to 

hit harder than life”, and all I can say is that 

he’s never felt the drops and intensity of 

the energy here at the Electric Ballroom 

during standout tracks Middle Fingers 

Up, Shots for the Boys and Horsepig. 

No time is wasted with tracks upping 

the atmosphere and they finish strong 

on About That Life. The band might be 

one of the most controversial metal band 

currently active at the minute, but they 

put on one helluva performance, whether 

it’s Fronzak’s impressive live screaming 

vocals or the band’s spirit whilst playing 

live. Like the warlord Attila, they came and 

The half an hour headline slot wins over 

the small Kingston audience for the closing 

track, as the hardcore fans mirror the groups 

relentless energy, spreading themselves 

around the room for some hardcore dancing, 

closing the show on a high note. 

warm up for headliners Attila. [6] 

they conquered. [9] 


STATUES 

IN 

THE LAST FIVE YEARS, SOME OF THE BEST METAL BANDS HAVE SUCCEEDED 

OUT OF AUSTRALIA. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD, THE VAST ISLAND IS 

FAST BECOMING THE FACE OF HEAVY MUSIC. IN THEIR NATIVE PERTH, STATUES 

ARE CHANGING THE FACE OF HARDCORE, AT A PACE FASTER TAN YOU COULD EVER 

IMAGINE. TALKING LIVE SHOWS, GUITAR WIZARDRY AND THE HARDCORE SCENE, 

GUITARIST SCOTT KAY TELLS ALL ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE THE CHANGING 

FACE OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST LOVED GENRE. 

Words: Laura Herbert Photo: Mike Dann

Debut album Together We’re Alone generated an abundance 

of praise and attention, it’s clear that their musical abilities 

are hitting the right notes. After being together for well over 

five year, Statues have gained the experience that fans need 

and want both from the studio and on stage. As the album 

puts pressure on them to perform, Scott explains what goes 

down at one of their shows. 

“The breaking of barriers between the crowd and us. We like 

to bring the show to the floor,” reveals Scott. “If we can’t make it 

to the floor, we get as close as physically possible,” he explains. 

“Our shows are an exertion of raw energy, and most importantly, 

we just like to have fun.” 

With an ever expanding fan base, they’ve recognised the 

pressures of giving fans the best live show possible. We have 

seen more bands come under scrutiny for being boring live, so 

it’s on them to give people something different. Scott reveals 

how vital it is for them as a band to give their fans the best 

experience possible. 

“It’s the most important [to give fans the best live experience] 

and that’s not to be taken with a grain of salt. Since starting 

this band in 2010, providing the best live show possible was 

always our highest priority. At the end of the day, music is 

entertainment. I’d rather people respond with ‘What the hell are 

these guys doing?’ than ‘These guys are kinda boring.’ If you’re 

boring, you’re not entertainment, or at most, you’re really shit 

at it.” 

As many gig goers may ask themselves, ‘who the fuck are 

these guys?’, some people are taking their bedlam and turning 

it into something of their own. “In Brisbane, on our ‘Together 

We’re on Tour’ tour, there was a guy breakdancing in the mosh 

pit. That was insane,” reveals Scott. In these early days, there’s 

plenty more where that came from and they know that anarchy 

has just peeped its head around the corner, because they LOVE 

what they see. 

Live shows can be nerve-wracking for anyone, even for 

the biggest of bands and we have all experienced a show 

where something goes wrong. Statues are no different to that, 

especially Scott who gave his fans more than they bargained for 

at one of their shows. 

“I was exerting myself at a show too 

much, too fast. I was trying to swallow 

some spit that was collecting in the 

back of my throat, but it was so 

viscous, that it wasn’t going to 

go anywhere but up. I realised I 

was going to puke, so I ran to the 

bathroom, just left of the stage, midsong, 

came back out, and THEN I 

vomited all over the mosh pit floor,” 

he recalls. Crikey mate, that is one to 

tell the grandkids. 

A crazy live show comes with the territory 

of a hardcore band where some bands have a built 

up a bit of a reputation for delivery on some crazy shit. 

Yet, somewhere in there some bands are missing out on 

the weight of their song writing. With a chug chug here and 

a chug chug there plus some strained vocal patterns, there’s an 

entire wave of hardcore bands that leave an astronomical space 

for improvement. But this isn’t the case for these Australian lads. 

Statues call themselves ‘Chaotic Hardcore’ on Facebook and 

it’s bloody accurate. In twelve tracks, they pack in skull splitting 

riffs, rip roaring vocals and reckless rhythms that are the perfect 

soundtrack for a good old mosh or hardcore skip, whichever you 

prefer. 

“Our style of writing is a lot more chaotic,” says Scott, “in 

the sense that it’s usually a long train of thought type writing 

process, which in and of itself is chaotic. But if you’re talking 

sound, there’s a lot of dissonance and jarring rhythms in our 

music, which makes it more erratic than your usual hardcore 

stylings. Then there’s the live show on top of that.” 

Most bands just describe themselves as metal or classical, 

but Scott tells us what Statues would be like if a couple of bands 

had a punch up, saying: “If Rage Against the Machine and 

Dillinger Escape Plan got in a punching match, and Norma Jean 

was the ref, you’d have Statues.” Sounds like one helluva fight, 

who’d win though? 

The hardcore scene is thriving more than ever on the other 

side of the world and there’s no doubt that Statues are the key 

part to the ever spinning metal machine. We have seen the likes 

of Parkway Drive, Deez Nuts and In Hearts Wake create waves 

in the metal world, it’s clear to see that there’s plenty of talent on 

offer from our fellow brothers from down under. Scott admits that 

the metal and hardcore scene is better than ever in 2015. 

“Metalcore/Deathcore/Hardcore in Australia is huge at the 

moment. I’d argue it’s one of the biggest scenes in the country. I 

do feel that it’s somewhat of a ‘Boy’s Club’,” admits Scott, “where 

you have to be connected with the right people to get the bigger 

and better shows, but I guess the same can be said about the 

music scene anywhere.” It’s true; knowing people can get you 

places, but you can’t measure talent… Although Statues are off 

the fucking richter scale and everyone knows it. 

It’s the successful metal bands of the past five years that 

have opened endless opportunities for the Australians, although 

Scott admits their location makes it harder too.” I think bands 

like Parkway Drive have really put Australia on the map, and 

rightly so; there is so much good music coming out of Australia 

that deserves to be exported overseas. I feel our location on the 

planet is what makes it the most difficult though.” 

The hardcore scene in the UK is thriving too, with a tight 

knit community that is seeing an increase in many independent 

shows featuring specifically hardcore bands. As the community 

grows with the help of social media and hardcore specific 

groups, it’s become a cult which is being lapped up like no 

tomorrow. Although the community is strong, there’s one aspect 

that not everyone agrees with. 

If you’ve ever been at a hardcore show, you’ll know the drill. 

Two stepping and spinkicking are the two actions of choice, 

culminating in hardcore’s finest move: crowdkilling. It’s come 

under tight scrutiny from not only journalists, but bands and fans 

alike. Scott explains that hardcore shows are more than just the 

dancers. “In short, yes there is more to it than that. However, 

we’ve experienced occasions where people are just violent for 

no good reason, or lack the spacial awareness required to keep 

the pit safe. If you knock someone over, pick them up, apologise. 

If you’re targeting people, you have no place at a show; in fact 

a court of law would call it assault. Thankfully, these occasions 

have been very rare. For the vast majority of shows, people 

know what’s up. Express yourself however you like, provided you 

look after your fellow show-goers.” 

This is the kind of attitude that will bring hardcore back to 

the level it should be. Statues have received nothing but positive 

reviews across all major music magazines in the UK. We are 

pining to see these guys deliver a live show on these very regal 

shores of ours, as they set their eyes on taking over our hardcore 

scene. 

“We are very, very keen to get our butts over to the UK. It’s 

about getting a decent tour package together, and making it 

a worthwhile trip. It’s expensive, so we have to make it count! 

When we’re there, we just want to play shows; every night if we 

can,” says Scott. “I’d love to get back to Scotland too; I was over 

last year and it’s just a beautiful piece of country.” 

With Together We’re Alone gaining critical acclaim in the UK 

alone, it’s given the Perth lads a mammoth thumbs up whilst 

picking up a strong fan base along the way. Scott describes 

his disbelief in the reaction, “It’s absolutely mental. We weren’t 

expecting this reaction, if I’m being honest,” he admits. “I just 

really appreciate that people are listening to our music. In the 

musical setting these days, you can very easily be forgotten, or 

missed altogether, so the fact that there are people in the UK 

loving the album, really inspires me.” 


In many genre’s, image is important, as it makes a band 

marketable to their intended audience. Throughout the hardcore 

community, it’s easy to recognise that image is incredibly 

prominent. The latest merch, trainers, shorts and the latest 

Thrasher jumper, it’s an aspect which is significant in hardcore, 

especially with Deez Nut’s front man JJ Peters releasing his 

own clothing line in collaboration with Impericon. Scott talks 

about how vital their image is for the band and how it’s central to 

realise it shouldn’t be the be all and end all too. 

“Image is important; the strongest scenes also have the 

strongest sense of outward identity, in my opinion. However, 

if your music doesn’t speak volumes above your image, you 

become fashion, rather than a band, you know? Your priority 

should be to create good art first, and have a suitable package to 

put it all in after that,” states Scott. “For me, someone who’s not 

at all deeply connected with fashion, I love my AS Colour basics. 

Simple, cheap, good quality, and good ethically.” Although 

looking your best may be a priority for some, if you’re on the 

road, you need to be in good shape. No one likes a breathless 

and tired band by track two. 

Scott reveals his fitness regime that keeps him in shape 

for when he’s on the stage, saying, “Before embarking on the 

Northlane Singularity Tour in 2013, I was riding 20+km a day 

where possible. Riding is definitely my favourite form of exercise, 

but the sheer burst of energy you get from playing live is more 

like doing a series of 3 minute hard sprints. I don’t think any form 

of exercise besides doing exactly that could properly prepare me 

for a Statues show.” 

Exercise may not be able to prepare them for their shows, 

but they know their way around their guitars, “I’ve been 

using Ibanez guitars since I was 17, and I can safely say that 

everything from their mid-range guitars right up to their high end 

Prestige models, are quality, and are at a price that is hugely 

competitive,” says Scott. “I own a Prestige RG1451, an RG7421 

with Bareknuckle Blackhawks, an FR320 with Bareknuckle 

VHII’s, and two BTB basses. I’ve never had issues with any of 

them, apart from when I’ve abused them beyond reasonable 

expectation. Even then they’ve handled it better than most 

should. I’ve also switched over to the Axe-Fx II, which for touring 

purposes, is a Godsend. I’m used to borrowing heads and 

having to deal with whatever I can get my hands on (usually a 

5150, which never played nicely with my other rack gear). Now, 

when I rock up to a venue, I can plug in, play, and it’s my sounds, 

no matter where I am in the world. It’s amazing.” 

In the dictionary, the definition of Statues is: a carved or cast 

figure of a person or animal, especially one that is life-size or 

larger. In this case this band will be carving their name into the 

UK hardcore scene in the not too distant future. 

“IF YOU’RE TARGETING 

PEOPLE, YOU HAVE NO 

PLACE AT A SHOW” 

SCOTT KAY 


TURNSTILE 

THE HELL

MALEVOLENCE 

Napoleon

hang the bastard 

After a series of unfortunate events caused Hang the 

Bastard to grind to a screeching halt, everything looked fairly 

uncertain for them. Back with a completely new lineup and 

finally back on the road, the London hardcore heavyweights 

explain their absence and look to the future. 

W 

ith a band name like Hang the 

Bastard, it’s blatantly obvious 

that this hardcore mob weren’t 

going to be living a life of luxury 

whilst on tour, even if they were 

in the company of groove metal 

legends Corrosion of Conformity. 

In the centre of Nottingham, the four key 

members of the band sit alongside a touring 

guitarist, their roadie, the manager and a journalist 

in a room that barely seems big enough to store 

cleaning materials. Glamorous? Absolutely not. 

And yet the band seem more enthused than ever 

before to be back on the road. 

Our singer Tom here had a pretty nasty back 

injury and it sort of put him out of action for a while.” 

Explains drummer Simon Grubb, motioning towards 

the vocalist from his precarious looking perch on 

the arm of the single armchair in the room. “We 

had to cancel a tour which was really unfortunate, 

but yeah we had a bit of a quiet time with the first 

few months of 2015 and just before Christmas, but 

hopefully this signifies our comeback.” 

If we had been having this conversation in March 

of last year, a very different group of people would 

be assembled within the room, and most of those 

who remained would have very different roles. 

“We got our new singer, so it was quite a big lineup 

change. It was a complete wholesale clearout 

nearly, y’know? The whole writing process changed 

for the best though really,” admits guitarist Sam 

Rice, the man behind many of the riffs that have 

fuelled the band’s rise. “Beforehand it was just me 

and our old guitarist who would go and write riffs 

separately and bring them to the table, but now 

when we got Joe in on bass we struck up a really 

good sort of writing partnership.” 

“When Tom jumped on vocals we kind of changed 

the direction of the band.” Agrees bassist Joe Nally, 

the other key songwriter within the band. “It went a 

bit more rock-and-rolly, riffy and dropped a lot of the 

faster, thrashier elements of the band.” 

Since the lineup switch, the change in the 

groups sound has been noticeable. On last years 

Sex in the Seventh Circle, the band began to 

noticeably take cues from bands such as their 

tourmates in Corrosion of Conformity, playing 

slower but equally as heavy songs. “We always 

had that kind of mash of hardcore and metal and 

groove, and because of the people that left and the 

people that joined, it just sort of went down the riffy 

tunnel.” Rice nods, craning his neck to see around 

the figures currently shuffling around the tight 

space searching for their drinks. 

“I guess with the vocals being how they were 

as well, I mean I feel it enabled us to be that 

much heavier.” Interjects vocalist Tom Hubbard, 

who until this point has remained relatively silent 

and motionless, sat in the chair that Grubb is still 

balancing on. “Like we could explore that. Like, say 

for example, the previous vocals were very shouty 

and more hardcore-esque. There’s only so many 

sort of groovy riffs you can do with that.” 

When quizzed about the lineup change, the 

universal view within the band seems to be that it 

improved the dynamic on the stage, as well as in 

the studio. “We’d kind of hit a bit of a wall with the 

guitarist that we had at the time” Admits Nally, who 

reappears from scoping out the crowd seconds 

before the question is asked. “Nothing was coming 

from it, and the moment we kicked him out....” 

The use of those words earns a quick correction 

from Hubbard, Rice and the band manager as well 

as a hardened stare from the latter. “Parted ways 

with” They all say, practically in unison, followed 

by Nally seconds later who continues with his 

statement as if it hadn’t happened. “We turned out 

three of the songs that are on the album in the next 

two practices. The slight difference between me 

and Sam is like, I’ll maybe sit at home and spend 

twenty minutes getting everything right and I’ll show 

it to Sam and he just straight up off the cuff comes 

up with something that works with it. “ 

Without missing a beat, Rice explains his writing 

technique. “I have a writing technique that I call 

pulling it out of my arsehole basically” he shrugs, 

earning laughs from the impromptu circle that 

seems to have formed. “Turning up at practice and 

it comes out straight away. I think that’s just what 

comes best to me really, that spontaneity.” 

Talking to the band about the record, it becomes 

clear that producer Steve Sears was just as 

“WE WANT TO PROVE 

OURSELVES AS WRITERS ” 

JOE NALLY - BASS 

instrumental in its creation as any of the members 

on tape. “I think the one he had the biggest impact 

on was Mist of Albion which is obviously wild-card 

track.” Grubb says, not even taking a moment to 

consider the other tracks. “There was so much stuff 

that went into that: weird sound effects, noises and 

he just went mental on it. Probably my favourite 

track. He had me stood in the booth with a jar of 

coins at one point.” 

Having only just begun touring properly in 

support of Sex in the Seventh Circle, the idea of 

recording new material should be at best a distant 

idea, and yet Bastard are already considering 

what comes next. “I think me and Sam have been 

chatting a bit bout new ideas. We want to try and 

prove ourselves as writers. I think everyone can 

always improve on that side,” Nally says, looking 

over to Rice for some sort of confirmation. 

“Yeah, absolutely. We’ve got a few little ideas for 

projects and stuff. Maybe something bit different. 

But we can’t really talk too much about it now since 

nothings final.” Rice admits, nodding again and 

glancing over at the other members of the group 

before Hubbard interjects once more. “We’ve got a 

bit of lost time to make up.” 

Words: Alex Macrow Photo: 

28PIT TALK PIT TALK 29

hevy fest 

10 BANDS TO CATCH AT HEVY FEST 2015 

THRICE 

When Thrice announced their hiatus 

in 2011, they had promised they were not 

breaking up. Three years after their last show 

and the boys are back and set to headline the 

festival. The beloved quartet are well-known for 

their triumphant and powerful live shows that 

capture the essence of the genre they fall. Get 

ready for a nostalgic hour or so that’s likely keep 

you captivated with an impressive display of 

epic proportions. 

2 

1 

THE COLOUR LINE 

Winning their spot on the Hevy line up by a public vote, 

The Colour Line are not to be avoided. The Hull born 

hardcore outfit are impressing audiences all over, and 

have a couple of festival appearances lined up for the 

summer. Wild and reckless, their act is the perfect blend 

of serious and fun. Heavy riffs and catchy tunes make for 

a tremendous live show and it’s clear to see why they won 

their billing. 


3 

BABY GODZILLA 

They already have a Kerrang! award nomination for Best 

Live Band already under their belt, and Nottingham born 

Baby Godzilla have already carved a name for themselves 

for their impressive live show. A wild performance that 

blurs the line between stage and audience, their live sets 

have become renowned for their dangerous and energetic 

nature that will unquestionably leave you asking yourself 

why you haven’t seen them before. Truly not to be missed. 

Fresh of a UK tour with Funeral For A Friend, Grader are 

creeping their way into the forefront of the UK hardcore 

scene. The Scottish quintet have two EPs and plenty of 

touring experience to put on an energetic and aggressive 

set that won’t leave you disappointed, but rather eager 

to see them again. Due to release new material later this 

year, Grader are definitely ones to keep an eye on. 

8 

4 

HACTIVIST 

On paper mixing grime with djent shouldn’t work, but 

Hacktivist have time and time again proved that it does. 

Debut single ‘Unlike Us’ made the number two spot 

on Amazon’s UK Metal chart, and the band have been 

pulling in a following ever since. Their unlikely blend of 

grime and metal make for a brutally entertaining live 

show sure to be packed with high levels of energy and 

an annoyingly good cover of Kanye’s ‘Niggas In Paris’. 

6 

BLACK TUSK 

When bassist Jonathan Athon died last year the future 

of Black Tusk was briefly uncertain. However with Corey 

Barhorst filling in on bass, the American power trio have 

been touring steadily throughout 2015. The sludge metal 

titans are known for their brutal and heavy sound, which 

translate into a fiercely intense live show packed with 

face melting riffs and tight vocals. 

9 

GRADER 

FATHOMS 

They’re an up and coming band with a bright future 

ahead of them, and one act you probably shouldn’t miss 

this year. Their debut album ‘Lives Lived’ is a seriously 

strong album with a lot of killer and no filler, and their 

live shows are just as great. Aggressive, gritty and 

destructive are three words that accurately describe 

Fathoms, and who wouldn’t want to see a fucking great 

band spill out some banging tracks? 

7 

5 

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN 

If you’re yet to see The Dillinger Escape Plan, you might want to ask 

yourself what exactly you have been doing. Not to worry, though, as 

now is your chance. With a large back catalogue to play from, there’s 

plenty of tracks to keep everyone entertained. Their historically 

chaotic shows are impressive to say the least, spewed out with such 

force and speed you’ll be in danger of being blown away. Figuratively 

and literally. 

TOUCHE AMORE 

The much loved Californian hardcore five-piece will be back 

in the UK this summer for Hevy Fest, and it’s a show not to be 

missed. Their live shows are held together with Jeremy Bolm’s 

emotive and honest vocals, and paired with the warped guitars 

and menacing drums of the band, make for a gripping and 

genuine experience. They don’t currently have any other UK 

shows announced, so don’t miss out. 

10 

FORT HOPE 

Born through the flames and destruction of electronic rock band 

My Passion, Fort Hope have risen from the ashes and reinvented 

themselves with a strong sound and clear vision. Their 2014 debut 

album ‘Courage’ reached number 8 on the British rock chart and 

secured them support slots with Finch and Mallory Knox, and 2015 is 

looking like their year, as they released their self titled EP in February. 

Get yourself down for a good time. 


Atari Teenage Riot 

Atari Teenage Riot may well be one of the most important bands that you’ve never 

heard of. Having influenced everyone from Enter Shikari and Crossfaith through to 

Jilted Generation era Prodigy, the Berlin based outfit were amongst the first bands 

to do the unthinkable and combine hardcore punk with electronic music. Still as 

outspoken as ever, mastermind Alec Empire discuses their politics and evolution. 

“I THINK THAT IT’S IMPORTANT TO 

CONSIDER HOW THIS INTRUSION OF 

PRIVACY AFFECTS PEOPLE, ADN HOW 

“I think that as a male you need to be aware of that too, which is 

why we made that point.” He explains, clearly passionate about the 

topic. “People assume that because she’s female she can’t set up her 

own equipment, or she just somebody’s girlfriends who’s gotten lost. 

Why do we still have to think like that? I realized when I was looking 

at some of these comments and I noticed that lot of people just didn’t 

Despite pioneering the sub-genre known as Digital Hardcore maybe miss a bit,” Muses Alec Empire, one of the two masterminds 

understand what the meaning of that it is, especially in that context. I 

THEY START TO SELF-CENSOR.” 

and gaining a cult following in the UK, USA and throughout who drive the project. “Nic [Endo, vocalist, programmer and cofounder], 

who is really mostly behind the noise stuff and adding noise 

maybe actually look into what you’re attacking. “ 

think that if you react with that much anger and hate then you should 

It’s clear when talking to Empire that the fans are a hugely 

Europe, by 1999 the band were bordering on selfdestruction. 

With a string of mental breakdowns, huge amounts of 

important factor in what the band do. He manages to relate almost 

to ATR; the absence of some of the white noise and stuff has more to 

There are many things that you could accuse Alec Empire and the 

every topic that he discusses back to them: Endo’s new position as the 

do with the fact that she’s singing more and not being able to do both 

other members who make up Atari Teenage Riot of, but having nothing 

tension within the band and addiction to prescription medication 

front-woman, the change in song writing style on the new record, and 

at the same time on stage more than it’s down to us suddenly hating 

to say is not one of them. Since their inception, ATR have carried a 

taking it’s toll, the group agreed to support Nine Inch Nails at 

perhaps most interestingly the role that feminism played on the band. 

noise or something.” 

strong political message and their latest studio effort Reset did not 

Brixton Academy at the personal request of industrial heavyweight 

Last month on the group’s Facebook page, a series of images were 

When faced with the concept of reintroducing some of the more 

prove to be an exception. One song, Erase Your Face, spoke explicitly 

Trent Reznor. The show would prove to be one of the most divisive 

posted with quotes made by Endo promoting feminism. The reaction 

chaotic, less controlled noise elements, Empire goes quiet and takes 

about living in a surveillance state and the consequences of that as 

of a small minority of fans was hugely negative; with some going so 

in the genre’s history. One which abandoned all concepts of a few moments to consider his response. “It’s an element that we think 

well as the controversy surround the NSA in America and infamous 

far as to completely denounce the group. “I was really surprised by 

traditional song structure, instead opting for pure chaos and noise. we need to bring back to a certain extent.” He starts carefully, obviously 

whistle-blower Edward Snowden. 

some of the guys reactions,” Empire says, a note of disapproval and 

The element had always been present in the band’s sound until still trying to formulate the remainder of his answer. “That’s the thing, 

“We thought okay, when we write this we need to describe that 

disappointment aimed towards those individuals still clearly evident in 

that point, but has notably vanished on more recent recordings. sometimes when we put something out people will immediately think 

feeling and I think that the spoken word thing at the end of the track 

his voice. “People can argue with us online about it, but the fact is that 

“I think that it was an element of our sound that some people that ‘Oh that’s the direction that they’re going to take for the next 

that mentions the NSA and stuff did that.” He explains, pausing again 

we need feminism in the music industry. Artists like Nic Endo, she’s 

ten years’.” Sometimes we focus more on one side like the noise, or 

to compose himself. By this point it is clear that when Empire, a man 

facing a lot of bullshit and sexism and discrimination from that industry. 

another side like the hardcore and that’s just how we do it. It doesn’t 

who is usually fluent and outspoken in his answers, stops his response 

I mean, we don’t make a thing out of it and talk about it all the time but 

mean that because we did Is This Hypereal? for example that every 

mid-flow to evaluate which direction he wants to go it will generally 

it starts with little things.” 

record will sound like that from then on.” 

lead down a path that few artists, or indeed people, are brave enough 

to tread. 

32 PIT TALK PIT TALK 33 

Words: Alex Macrow Photo:

“If we didn’t have that, you could easily be listening to it in maybe a 

couple of years time, or even decades ago in Eastern Germany and the 

feeling stays the same. The thing is also that we need to add to this, 

we don’t live in Nazi Germany now. It’s different now. But with this kind 

of technology and the way it’s being used we could quite easily end up 

back there.” He continues after apologising for the silence. Clearly the 

topic makes him feel uneasy, and it’s almost possible to feel the tension 

in his voice through the internet connection on which we are speaking. 

“Privacy and creativity are really connected.” He enthuses, clearly 

back in his element. Listening to him discuss topics like this lays to rest 

any doubts about whether or not the band truly mean what they say on 

the records. They’re not writing about these topics because they have 

nothing else to write about or because it is simply what is expected 

from them at this point in their career; they do it because they’re 

passionate about them and they genuinely affect their art. “People 

might know that from having to write something personal like an email 

to their parents, and someone like a teacher or anyone is looking over 

your shoulder whilst you write. It’s just really hard to focus and be open. 

I think that that’s what’s important to consider. How this intrusion of 

privacy affects people, and how they start to self-censor. This is what 

needs to be talked about. “ 

Atari Teenage Riot are not the only band who are driven by politics, 

with acts such as Anti Flag and Propagandhi now carrying the flag 

left behind by the likes of Bad Brains and Dead Kennedys. What 

separates ATR from this movement is their approach to writing lyrics 

discussing these topics. “We don’t write songs about something that 

could be gone in a week, or reversed or forgotten,” he explains. “I think 

the problem with some political bands in the past is that they talked 

more about the present. A specific president or a decision made by a 

politician or some new law or something. This is more what we as a 

band talk about in interviews or something. We try to make our music 

sound more... timeless, you know?” 

The one thing that differentiates the group from any other hardcore 

band currently operating within the industry is their relationship with 

technology. Bands such as Enter Shikari or Crossfaith use traditional 

instruments alongside their electronics. Atari Teenage Riot do not. 

Instead they use nothing more than, as the name would suggest, Atari 

computers to produce sounds. 

“I think it’s interesting because when you have a traditional punk 

band or a metal band they really hit their instruments hard, and hitting 

it harder makes the sound get harder or louder.” Empire points out. 

“With an Atari, you can bang on the keyboard as much as you want 

with your anger, but it won’t get harder. We find other ways to make it 

sound aggressive.” 


In a scene that is almost as concerned about the authenticity of an 

outfit as it is about the music they produce, they admit that in recent 

years the backlash against them has calmed, and they have begun to 

ignore it. “Twenty years ago people would get really mad about this 

stuff, but not anymore.” He laughs before screaming down the line in a 

faux-American accent. “YOU’RE REPLACING THE DRUMMER! THIS 

IS A HUMAN BEING! YOU’RE SUPPORTING THIS EVIL MACHINE! It 

sounds like a total joke, but people would actually want to start fights 

about this stuff, especially in the kind of squats we were playing.” 

“WITH AN ATARI, YOU CAN BANG 

ON THE KEYBOARD AS MUCH AS 

YOU WANT WITH YOUR ANGER, BUT 

THE SOUND WON’T BE HEAVIER. 

WE FIND OTHER WAYS TO MAKE IT 

SOUND AGGRESSIVE” 

When confronted about the lack of activity planned for the band in 

2015, Empire simply shrugs it off. “What is maybe important to know is 

that in 2010 to 2014 we played more shows than in the whole of the 90s.” 

Perhaps it’s fair enough given this revelation that the band would want 

some downtime, but that is clearly not what is planned for when they do 

eventually get off of the road. “There was just this point where we were 

like kay, we want to spend more time creating music. We really feel like 

we’ve not made enough over the past 5 years.”

THE 

BREAKDOWN 

Killswitch Engage 


Killswitch Engage have become one of the most iconic 

bands within the melodic hardcore scene, as they 

defined a whole genre. In a thirteen year career they 

have produced six full length studio albums. But like 

any band, that has come with drama as we have seen 

the rise and fall of band members, most notably exvocalist 

Howard Jones. The seminal album that brought 

the band their greatest wave of success in the form of 

their 2006 album As Daylight Dies. This album was a 

great turn in the metal scene as it brought shredding 

guitar riffs, iconic metal screams and appealing clean 

vocals, it was the Black Album for modern melodic 

hardcore and rightly so. But what made it so iconic and 

why is it such a popular album across metal fans, well 

Pit Talk is gonna break it down for you track by track. 

Opening track Daylight Dies eases in with atmospheric 

build up before a heavily palm-muted guitar line erupts 

from the silence, quiet spoken words are brought in, soon 

accompanied by the deafening screams of Howard Jones. The 

melodic guitar lines are firmly suited to the booming drum 

beats, but for all of the melody Jones brings, his crippling 

screams are enough to make a seasoned metal fan shudder. 

The beatdown brings the song to a dramatic climax and 

prepares the listener for an amazing listening experience. 

One thing that makes this album by far Killswitch’s best 

is their continuation of using dominant riffs that sink their 

way into your mind. Before Daylight Dies has the chance to 

end, the track crosses into the intro for This is Absolution 

which opens with a tremolo-picked guitar line, the drums 

are rapid and infectious. Being a hardcore metal group, the 

band do a great job of varying their sound and diversifying 

the musical spectrum. The Arms of Sorrow demonstrates 

this with a clean and crisp guitar line before distortion hits 

through. Howard Jones’ vocal range is an impressive feat 

and it can be really put on show here as we hear a mix of 

commanding vocal lines. 

Rapidly reverting their sound on Unbroken, a thrash-metal 

blast beat is used. This is a regular go to song for the band’s live 

performances which guarantees circle pits to break out. Whether 

it’s the power-filled breakdown or gravely vocals, you’re bound to 

want to go fucking nuts when you hear this. Leading single My 

Curse follows, opening with a clear arpeggio picked guitar which 

kicks hard and fast as the electric guitar takes over and soon 

before long. A gnarly riff shreds through your speakers and it’s 

near impossible not to wield your air guitar as the notes pound into 

your mind. Jones’ screams are vast and full of soul on My Curse as 

we hear piercing highs and guttural growls, all of this of course is 

mixed to sweet harmonic moments in the chorus and bridge. 

For You follows and begins with a progressive guitar riff 

that is quick to command the listener in banging their head in 

time. It’s only the sixth song on the record and it’s evident that 

the instrumental sections are on equal parts quality to Jones’ 

vocal work on this record. Guitarists Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel 

Stroetzel manage to balance their tones incredibly well on this 

record. As the rhythm and bass section keeps the band in perfect 

sync throughout due to the hard work of drummer Justin Foley 

and bass guitarist Mike D’Antonio. 

Defining the band’s sound can be diversified by which aspect 

of an album you listen to. At points their music can seep into 

the metalcore sub-genre with heavily palm muted guitar and 

crashing breakdowns, whereas in other elements the band 

demonstrate a hardcore vibe in songs previously mentioned 

such as Unbroken. It is in the mix of melodic hardcore that 

the band shine most and it is because they are able to mix 

harmonious lead guitar and balanced vocals to the heavier 

rhythm guitar and gruff screamed vocals. 

Still Beats Your Name returns to the hardcore style with a 

smashing guitar riff, the song is not as strong as the rest of the 

album in terms of creative flow given that the other tracks on the 

record command your attention, this song just doesn’t appear to 

have the appeal factor present. Not wasting anytime Eye of the 

Storm continues with a thrashing riff that hits you harder than 

a sucker-punch in a mosh pit. Before you have the chance to 

realise what’s going on, you’re in the middle of a musical tornado 

and you find yourself spinning in a sea of chunky guitars layers 

and drums beats that slam you into submission. 

Metalcore is the order of the next track Break The Silence, a 

cascading guitar riff escalates into a marching guitar mix with 

shouted vocals, Jones once again takes control of the song on 

the heavier aspects, however the chorus seems to be lacking the 

energy the song warrants from the verses and introduction. As 

the album draws to a close, penultimate track Desperate Times 

opens with a slow guitar octave sliding riff which is slow in pace, 

but strong in delivery. Lyrics here are delivered in a modulated 

fashion which is pleasant to listen to, as the main focus here is a 

slow calmer song, as the screamed vocals are seen less and only 

really are shown on the bridge. 

The finale foray of Reject Yourself aims to go out kicking and 

screaming. The duelling wizardry of Dutkiewicz and Stroetzel 

dominates the song. Whilst being backed up by some thudding 

bass grooves from Mike D’Antonio. As heavy as this song 

is, it fades into a mellowed instrumental bridge before recommencing 

to the sound of Jones’ raspy screams and one final 

blow of metal intensity. 

If you have found yourself in a melodic hardcore band, then 

As Daylight Dies should be used as fuel for your inspiration. 

Killswitch Engage pioneered their whole genre and this was 

another reason why they are one of the greatest bands in 

modern times. 

Words: Max Bosworth Photo: 


history of 

harcore 

THROWBACK TO THE 

BEGINNING OF HARDCORE 

Words: Sabrina Shales Photo: Various 

Here’s a little history lesson for all you people out 

there who want to know where the hell hardcore 

came from, because honestly, who doesn’t like a 

bit of the ol’ history? 

Hardcore originated in late 1970s, where a small part of society 

finally said a massive ‘fuck off’ to the generic American life 

of boring careers, materialistic objects and shit music. There 

was a desire to stand out from the crowd and make music that 

was going to leave people wondering what the hell they’d just 

listened to. 

By 1980, Punk wasn’t really going anywhere and the 

industry wasn’t making much of an impact. Hardcore became 

the predominant mode of punk rock which brought out a rawer 

stripped down form of punk to shake up the industry. Hardcore 

bands didn’t care that they weren’t making any money, or that 

they weren’t maintaining a ‘real’ career, they lived and breathed 

hardcore because it was what they fucking loved to do. 

Even though punk rock and 

hardcore never really ‘made it’, it 

has influenced many sub-genres 

to this day. Without Bad Brains, 

there would be no Nirvana. Without 

Black Flag, we wouldn’t have Red 

Hot Chili Peppers. Without Minor 

Threat, there would definitely be no 

Slipknot, you get my drift. 

“Normal people didn’t listen to 

Hardcore, and we liked it that way” 

Vic Bondi (Articles Of Faith) 

To a lot of people, hardcore was much more 

than just music, it was a movement. The music 

was too honest and brutal to become part of the 

mainstream, but it was a gateway for people to 

express themselves. Authentic hardcore is an 

unstoppable message, where there are no limits to 

how rough you make it. Hardcore was, and still is, way more 

than just an image; it’s become a massive part of music history 

and has influenced some of the most successful bands of the 

20th century. 

In the early 1980s, members of well-known hardcore bands 

started speaking out against the notion that punk rock should 

be dark and promote heavy substance abuse. Whilst the 

majority of people were making music based around getting 

high, some young people were challenging mainstream culture 

and looking for someone to say the opposite. 

Straight edge was a feeling of ‘I’m not going to make the 

same mistakes that other people made’. The term bases 

around smart, hostile and sober living, and doesn’t engage in 

activities that are harmful to their minds and bodies, such as 

drugs, alcohol, and even one night stands. 

The 1980s saw bands like The 

Who, Fleetwood Mac and Lez Zeppelin all losing 

their edge, it was forming a hatred for the mainstream and loathing 

the fact that society was still listening to formulaic bands like The 

Doors and The Beatles, whilst revolving their lives around flashy 

cars, fashion and generic high end bullshit; this is when punk and 

hardcore became the portal to the counter culture. 

Bands like The Bad Brains and Black Flag were the faces 

of rebellion and recklessness. They were rough and ready and 

were all authentic madmen. Black Flag started off playing at 

parties; they had an intense take on things in South California, 

with a political agenda, an animal ferocity and strength for life, 

they helped define what punk rock was going to be. 

Bad Brains figured out their riffs and had the message 

in their music, which made them so iconic in music history. 

The Bad Brains were the band that everybody feared to play 

with because they knew they would get their heads kicked in. 

Being a tight, fitted and committed band, their powerful shows 

exhibited an incredible and emotional vibe throughout America. 

They were known for technically challenging rhythms, innovative 

melodies and core patterns with extreme precision. The intensity 

of the music and the soulful, screaming vocals is what made 

hardcore so overwhelming in the 80s. They put on shows that 

were just frustrated, mind melding basements of frustration, in 

Bands like Minor Threat were short lived but had an iconic 

DIY ethic for music distribution and promotion. Their song 

Straight Edge became the basis of the straight edge movement, 

with the realest lyrics ‘But I’ve got better things to do, than sit 

around and fuck my head, hang out with the living dead, snort 

white shit up my nose, pass out at the shows’, these bands were 

for once encouraging teenagers to not do dumb shit, weird that 

isn’t it? 


other words, fucking mayhem. 


1986 saw the decline of the punk rock scene. The violence 

of punk rock was becoming too central and was turning into an 

excuse to fight rather than putting on shows purely for the music. 

The end of the 80s was when the era of hardcore came to an 

end, and some of the most well-known bands died out. Black 

Flag’s last tour was in 1986; Bad Brains became Rastafarians, 

bringing out reggae music which started to confuse people and 

the overall scene started to disappear. As limited as it was, the 

punk and hardcore movement made history around America, 

and each scene in several states were an accomplishment. 

Even though many punks and hardcore fans said that 

hardcore ended in the late 80s, there is proof today that 

hardcore still exists. UKHC is a massive community where 

hardcore is still preached just like any other music genre, with a 

fan base that cares and supports the scene. But if you’re looking 

for radicalism in the 80s, then you should look to hardcore. 

PIT TALK43

The 

Hardcore Bible 

PREACHING THE BEST IN HARDCORE 

OEAN ATE ALASKA - LOST ISLES 

RELEASED - 23 FEBRUARY 

LABEL - FEARLESS RECORDS 

[8/10] 

AN AUTHORITATIVE RELEASE, 

PUSHING THEM TO THE 

FOREFRONT OF THE MELODIC 

HARDCORE SCENE 

With a band name that sounds eerily similar to 

that of a John Green novel, there was a worry Oceans 

Ate Alaska’s sound would mirror that of the uninspired 

writings of Green, and would be nothing more than 

dull. However the group have proved that a good band 

name is not always essential to success, or a measure 

of talent, and sometimes it’s best to let the music speak 

for itself. 

The Birmingham outfit’s debut album Lost Isles is a 

ferocious and damning release, spanning 45 minutes of 

sonic and masterful melodic hardcore. Reminiscent of 

early Bring Me The Horizon, Lost Isles is a platform for 

the five-piece to show off their technical skill. Vocalist 

James Harrison’s blend of screams and clean vocals 

throughout, works wonders with the weighty breakdowns 

and dominant drums. 

Downsides and Floorboards are a welcome change 

of pace within the otherwise breakdown heavy set of 

tracks, offering up a melodic chorus and poignant vocals 

that shows off the range of frontman James. Tracks Part 

Of Something, High Horse and Lost Isles are a punch to 

the face; kick you in the balls type of aggression. 

It’s bold and confident within itself and that shines 

throughout, with the skill of each member taking centre 

stage. There’s no gimmicks, no bullshit, just a young 

band with bags of talent and a clear direction they’ve 

mastered. The high levels of production in Lost Isles 

results in perfectly polished set of songs but still having 

a roughness to it that embodies the gritty nature of the 

hardcore scene. 

There’s layers to Oceans Ate Alaska with the mix 

of heavy and compelling arrangements, with strokes 

of atmospheric and melodic elements that effectively 

merge together. Lost Isles is an impressive metalcore 

debut that covers a range of angles that packs enough 

punch to go around. 


Chloe Painter 

WHILE SHE SLEEPS 

RELEASED - 23 MARCH 

LABEL - SEARCH AND DESTROY 

[8/10] 

SHEFFIELD HARDCORE HEAVYWEIGHTS 

SET THE BAR WITH SOPHOMORE EFFORT 

For a brief period last year, the future of While She 

Sleeps seemed uncertain. The rise of the Sheffield 

based hardcore mob saw them smash their way 

into the rock mainstream after years of grinding 

it out in the underground. However this came to 

a screeching halt following the throat surgery of 

vocalist Loz Taylor in late 2013. 

By June however, the group were back and 

showed no signs of being phased. A triumphant 

set at Download Festival showed that they 

were still a force to be reckoned with give. 

Brainwashed, the sophomore studio effort by 

the band, proves that they still remember how to 

write decent songs. 

“We are the underground/You know nothing 

of us,” Taylor roars to open first track New 

World Torture. Ironic then, that Brainwashed is 

infinitely more accessible than their debut This 

is the Six. The record loses the rough and ready 

production of its predecessor, replacing it with a 

crisper and cleaner sound, and the actual song 

writing seems far more varied this time round. 

In terms of sound and structure, 

Brainwashed showcases two very different 

extremes. The startlingly heavy Your Evolution 

is a reminder that Sleeps can still be as heavy 

as they were during the North Stands for 

Nothing Era. Whereas No Sides No Enemies 

is an almost hauntingly melodic radio friendly 

track. 

Brainwashed doesn’t set fire to the While She 

Sleeps rulebook. The trademark gang vocals 

are present as is the buzzing guitar tone of Sean 

Long and Mat Welsh (Even if the solo on Our 

Legacy does temporarily divert away from it). 

This is not a band who have abandoned their 

sound, but simply evolved alongside it. They’re 

already headlining tents at festivals, but on the 

back of this album they’ll only creep higher. 

Another couple of albums filled with material like 

this and they might just be able to hit Wembley. 

Alex Macrow 

FATHOMS- ‘LIVES LIVED’ 


LABEL - GHOST MUSIC - ARTERY RECORDS 

[7/10] 

BRIGHTON FIVE PIECE CREATES A 

FAST AND EPIC DEBUT 

Brighton may be known for sticks of rock and 

it’s infamous pier, but the sea side town is also 

a Mecca for good music. Five-piece hardcore 

outfit Fathoms are the newest group to stem 

from the town with the release of debut full 

length album Lives Lived. 

Fathoms file their sound under ‘hategroove’ 

so it was always unlikely they would serve up 

anything other than in your face, guitar heavy 

noise, and that is exactly what Lives Lived 

dishes up. The debut is 37 minutes of pure 

weighty hardcore, the emotional songs matched 

up with raw and coarse vocals. Explosive drums 

backdrop each song, adding force and power to 

already strong and aggressive tracks. 

Album opener Hate Resonates plays as a 

short introductory track that flows seamlessly 

into second track Graveyards: an intense 3 

minute strain packed with roaring riffs and 

choppy, low growling vocals. The Weight 

of The World and Deathwish offer up some 

drum heavy and hard-hitting moments on 

the album. Lead single Hell is a distinct 

highlight, displaying a cleaner sound while 

simultaneously embodying the fast paced, 

aggressive and gritty feel that holds the album 

together. 

While some say you can never have too 

much of a good thing, the one downfall with 

Lives Lived is too much of the same thing. 

Some tracks feel too samey, with nothing 

to set them apart from each other, however 

Fathoms have clearly found a formula they’re 

comfortable with, and as a young band have 

room for experimenting in their career. Lives 

Lived is a strong, coherent debut from a 

youthful group with a promising future. 

Chloe Painter 

DEAD TIRED 


LABEL - NEW DAMAGE RECORDS 

[8/10] 

POST-HARDCORE ICON RETURNS TO 

THE FRAY, AND HE’S OUT FOR BLOOD 

Alexisonfire clearly had the Midas Touch. Not only did 

every album released under the moniker serve as a 

template for how forward thinking melodic hardcore 

should be done, but everything released by the 

members since the sad dissolution of the band has been 

pure gold. 

Whilst Dallas Green has gone on to enjoy a career 

performing acoustically as City & Colour and Wade 

MacNeil has done the unthinkable and successfully 

replace Frank Carter as the frontman of Gallows, all has 

been quiet on the side of George Pettit. 

Arriving with very little fanfare, Dead Tired marks his 

return to the music scene. The third and arguably heaviest 

component of Alexisonfire’s iconic vocal delivery returns 

with a record that follows this pattern. Heavier than City & 

Colour and Gallows by a country mile, Dead Tired is a short, 

sharp and ferocious beast, taking the extremes of Pettit’s 

former bands and amplifying them. 

With 11 of the 12 songs on offer clocking in at under 

three minutes, the group are clearly not pulling any 

punches. Grungy sounding productions merged with the 

fuzzy guitar tones are clearly reminiscent of early punk 

bands such as Fear; bands to whom the hardcore scene 

already owes a great debt. 

Retaining the iconic raspy tone adds a certain edge 

and air of familiarity to the songs, although his voice 

now seems to have a far stronger sense of urgency. 

Of course, given the style that this band plays, some of 

the songs begin to sound remarkably similar. It starts to 

sound like they might be running out of ideas towards 

the end of the album, but at just 24 minutes in length 

you’re unlikely to get bored too quickly. 

Are there breakdowns? No. If that’s the kind of hardcore 

that you’re looking for, Dead Tired will leave you sorely 

disappointed. Rather than following the formula for a 

successful modern hardcore band, Pettit and company 

offer pure, undiluted fury and attitude. Old school 

hardcore done by an expert. 

Alex Macrow 

STICK TO YOUR GUNS - 

DISOBEDIENT 


LABEL - SUMERIAN RECORDS 

[8/10] 

AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR WHAT 

STICK TO YOUR GUNS REPRESENT 

I’m somewhat impressed with Stick To Your Guns 

fifth studio album Disobedient. This Orange County 

melodic-hardcore band has always been pretty 

consistent with their albums, and this time they bring out 

something that is back-to-back bangers, yet still giving 

us more close to your heart, powerful melodies. 

The whole album is a modern throwback, especially 

with songs like RMA (Revolutionary Mental Attitude), 

which is not only under two minutes but also a retake 

on the Bad Brains’ slogan of PMA (“Positive Mental 

Attitude”), showing that the modern day hardcore scene 

can still live up to some of the best hardcore bands of 

the 80s. 

The Crown stands out for me because it brings out 

a more personal vibe; the vulnerable and heartfelt lyrics 

show a softer side to the band. However, the album 

still has formulaic breakdowns, explosive riffs and Jesse 

Barnett’s vocals once again are clean and scream out the 

truth. 

Stick To Your Guns already has a solid reputation 

in the hardcore scene, especially after their last album 

Diamond taking off and I honestly think this album is 

keeping them high up in the hardcore ranking. With so 

much tension and aggression reflecting in this album, 

every song fitting perfectly together like a pack of 

biscuits, Stick To Your Guns prove that there is much 

more to them than just a loud, in your face band. 

The War Inside has breakdowns that are on edge 

of being cringey, but they just about get away with it. 

With lyrics like ‘Use the pain/let it be the force/ that 

drives you/every day’, this band will always be one for 

preaching for what is best. The guitars, bass and drums 

all contain high energy that will ensure let you keep still 

when you listen to it. 

Disobedient is definitely a rights of the people 

album, with hard-hitting tracks that stand for something 

and that people can connect to facing real issues. 

Overall it is another showcase of Stick To Your Guns’ 

sheer talent, producing a solid album that is a form of 

expression and self-realisation. 

Sabrina Shales 


ZOAX - IS EVERYBODY 

LISTENING 


LABEL - CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS 

[7/10] 

AN ALBUM WHICH FINDS THE 

PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN 

CHAOS AND CALM 

After smashing their way onto the scene 

last year with an impressive debut EP, Zoax 

continue their rise through the UK’s elite. Is 

Everybody listening? shows the pedigree 

this band have and guess what we’re bloody 

listening, lads. But don’t be fooled by opening 

track ? as Adam Carroll sings sweetly amongst 

fleeting drum patterns. It’s a welcome ‘hello’ 

yet the album certainly doesn’t follow suit. As 

the quiet draws to a close we’re met by the 

raucous vocal depths that Adam harbours on 

Lonely Souls. Their funky riffs rock the beat 

whilst distorted solos take the spotlight and 

it’s pretty fucking clear that Zoax know what 

they’re doing. Each track delivers a brilliant 

balance between a place to chill and a zone 

to rip your head off it’s shoulders. Click is 

their most recognisable tune as the infectious 

distortion grips onto your cerebellum for 

dear life. And as the album draws to a close, 

we’re blessed with the talent of Adam’s vocal 

strength, which features heavily on Innocent 

Eyes. Actually, that’s a very high note you’ve 

got there Adam, is that really you? Et voila 

the rough edge vocals blast through for the 

last time over a Zoax flavoured jam sesh, 

producing some of the sludgiest riffs featured 

yet. The whole EP is as destructive as their 

live show. Pure hardcore bliss. 

Laura Herbert 


CANCER BATS - SEARCHING 

FOR ZERO 


LABEL - NEW DAMAGE RECORDS 

[8/10] 

INNOVATORS IN MODERN HARDCORE 

PUNK RETURN WITH A MUSICAL 

SUCKERPUNCH OF NOISE 

Cancer Bats return with a punch after a three year wait 

with Searching For Zero; taking the elements that made 

Dead Set On Living and pumping it full of aggression 

and vitality. Opening track Satellites commences a 

pounding drum line from drummer Mike Peters with 

echoing guitar lines, right before anthemic chants. 

Before long, vocalist Liam Cormier’s distinctive vocals 

tear through the atmosphere and it’s clear Cancer Bats 

are here to get back to the top. 

This album wastes no time on mellowing out and it 

hits hard and loud, consistently delivering in your face 

tracks. Arsenic In The Year Of The Snake stands out 

from the album, fuelling any metalhead’s night out. As 

much as Cormier defines Cancers Bats’ distinctive tone, 

there is immense instrumental talent from guitarist Scott 

Middleton and bassist Jaye R. Schwarzer, heard on both 

Beelzebub and Dusted. 

All Hail delivers the thrash-hardcore punk sound that 

fans have been asking for and the delivery is nothing 

short of excellent. Following on from this comes Buds, 

which contains a drum groove that embeds itself in your 

heads for hours with vocals that are impressive, mixing 

high-octane screamed vocals with blasted chorus lines. 

Dusted opens with a chugging guitar line that is a 

slower pace than the rest of the album yet still delivers 

the furious attitude of a Cancer Bats track. It’s relieving 

to see that Cormier can still deliver a performance and 

energy of a screaming banshee across almost every 

song, enhancing the whole attitude of this album. 

Album closer No More Bullshit, finishes with a bang 

as the guitar and booming drum lines mix in perfect 

synchronisation to Cormier’s coarse vocals. In short 

Searching For Zero is loud, in your face hardcore, that 

will please fans new and old. This album will certainly get 

you excited for their live performances later on this year. 

Max Bosworth 

GUTTERLIFE - DON’T SLEEP 


LABEL - WE ARE TRIUMPHANT RECORDS 

[7/10] 

NEW YORK POLITICAL PUNKS 

IMPACT ON THE DIY ETHICS 

American hardcore punk band Gutterlife, has released 

their second EP Don’t Sleep, following up from their 

2014 EP Violent Dischord. It’s dirty and packed to the 

teeth with question-provoking lyrics. This band brings 

political themes to the underground punk scene with a 

powerful delivery. 

Opening with title track Don’t Sleep, an eerie 

tension builds up as static with a light acoustic guitar 

that gradually increases in volume. The track then 

progresses into the EP’s lead single Complacent. 

Groove filled drums mix well with the heavy bass lines 

before vocalist Matthew Van Rossem’s howls are 

furious and packed with emotion. With lyrics focusing 

on the lack of questioning on governmental actions 

speculating 9/11, it’s a captivating song that gets you 

hyped for the rest of the EP. 

Next track Dropping Bombs picks up the reigns 

where Complacent left them. The guitar and bass flow 

with a thumping rhythm to balance clean and screamed 

vocals. Their political themes ring similar notes of Enter 

Shikari’s latest material across all tracks. Sail Home 

initiates with a powerful guitar line as brisk drum rolls 

crash into the verse with melodic yells that are thrown 

into the track. This song definitely serves as the least 

heavy song on the EP but still acts as a subtle transition 

into the rest of the EP. 

Symptoms of War quickly juxtaposes the previous, 

where the guitars’ faster-tempo punk elements are 

sure to get your head banging. Vocals are harsh, which 

quickly establish themselves as the strongest aspect 

of the band. Closing track Pursuit of Hopelessness 

is reminiscent of 90’s punk-era Bad Religion which 

gets you singing along. Whilst the vocals are on good 

form throughout the track, the bridge sections seem 

inconsistent in delivery. 

Overall Don’t Sleep proves itself as a strong EP 

but unfortunately lacks some vital production values. 

Nevertheless, it’s a bright future which lies ahead for 

this New York punk act. 

Max Bosworth 

gig listing 

AMERICAN NIGHTMARE 

APRIL 29 ELECTRIC BALLROOM LONDON 

APRIL 30 ELECTRIC BALLROOM LONDON 

ALL OUT WAR 

AUGUST 10 UNDERWORLD LONDON 

ASTROID BOYS 

MANGA & OTHERS 

APRIL 26 THE UNDERGROUND PLYMOUTH 

APRIL 27 CLWB IFOR BACH CARDIFF 

APRIL 28 CAMDEN BARFLY LONDON 

APRIL 29 SOUND CONTROL MANCHESTER 

APRIL 30 CLASSIC GRAND GLASGOW 

MAY 1 KEY CLUB LEEDS 

MAY 2 FESTIVILE SHEFFIELD 

MAY 3 FURY FEST LIVERPOOL 

MAY 4 THINK TANK NEWCASTLE 

MAY 5 LOUISIANA BRISTOL 

BEARTOOTH 

THE COLOR MORALE 

DEAD HARTS 

MAY 18 THE BOWERY DISTRICT READING 

MAY 19 ANVIL BOURNEMOUTH 

MAY 20 ROADMENDER NORTHAMPTON 

MAY 21 THE BRICKYARD CARLISLE 

MAY 22 STUDIO EDINBURGH 

BLACK PEAKS, 

BROKER 

APRIL 8 THE BARFLY LONDON 

BIOHAZARD 

JULY 6 THINK TANK NEWCASTLE 

JULY 7 THE FLEECE BRISTOL 

JULY 8 SLADE ROOMS WOLVERHAMPTON 

JULY 9 UNDERWORLD LONDON 

COMEBACK KID 

BANE 

MAY 22 THE GARAGE LONDON 

OBAY THE BRAVE 

DEMORALISER 

APRIL 15 THE MASH HOUSE EDINBURGH 

APRIL 16 THE OOBLECK BIRMINGHAM 

EMMURE 

THY ART IS MURDER 

HEART OF A COWARD 

SWORN IN 

MAY 26 GARAGE GLASGOW 

MAY 27 ELECTRIC BALLROOM LONDON 

GALLOWS 

BABY GODZILLA 

MAY 22 CATHOUSE GLASGOW 

MAY 26 THE GARAGE LONDON 

MAY 27 SOUND CONTROL MANCHESTER 

LANDSCAPES 

THE TIDAL SLEEP 

APRIL 8 AUDIO GLASGOW 

APRIL 10 JOINERS SOUTHAMPTON 

MODERN LIFE IS WAR 

APRIL 9 THE OLD BLUE LAST LONDON 

APRIL 11 THE UNDERWORLD LONDON 

OBEY THE BRAVE 

MALEVOLENCE 

NAPOLEON 

APRIL 4 THE ROADHOUSE MANCHESTER 

APRIL 5 JOINERS ARMS SOUTHAMPTON 

APRIL 6 CLWB IFOR BACH CARDIFF 

APRIL 7 CORPORATION SHEFFIELD 

APRIL 8 IVORY BLACKS GLASGOW 

APRIL 9 THE OOBLECK BIRMINGHAM 

APRIL 10 THE UNDERWORLD LONDON 

POLAR 

BLOOD YOUTH 

APRIL 19 THE HAIRY DOG DERBY 

APRIL 20 FUEL CARDIFF 

APRIL 21 CRAUFURD ARMS MILTON KEYNES 

APRIL 22 THE UNDERGROUND STOKE ON 

TRENT 

APRIL 23 O’RILEYS KINGSTON UPON HULL 

APRIL 24 CITY CAFE EDINBURGH 

APRIL 25 DOWNSTAIRS ABERDEEN 

APRIL 26 BUSKERS BAR DUNDEE 

APRIL 27 EAST VILLAGE ART CLUB LIVERPOOL 

APRIL 28 FROG AND FIDDLE CHELTENHAM 

APRIL 29 SCREAM LOUNGE CROYDON 

APRIL 30 MAIDEN’S HEAD CANTERBURY 

TURNSTILE 

KNUCKLEDUST 

25 APRIL T CHANCES LONDON 

TRASH TALK 

4 MAY THE STAR AND GARTER MANCHESTER 

5 MAY CATHOUSE GLASGOW 

6 MAY STUDENT CENTRAL LONDON 

WHILE SHE SLEEPS AND CANCER BATS 

HUNDRETH AND OATHBREAKER 

APRIL 22 THE INSTITUTE BIRMINGHAM 

APRIL 23 THE RITZ MANCHESTER 

APRIL 24 UEA NORWICH 

APRIL 28 NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY STUDENT 

UNION NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE 

APRIL 29 THE ABC GLASGOW 

APRIL 30 THE FORUM LONDON 

ZOAX 

MARCH 31 AUDIO GLASGOW 

APRIL 1 CORPORATION SHEFFIELD 

APRIL 2 COMPAS CHESTER 

APRIL 3 BRICKYARD CARLISLE 

APRIL 4 HEAD OF STEAM, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE 

APRIL 6 THE UNDERGROUND STOKE ON TRENT 

APRIL 7 OOBLECK BIRMINGHAM 

APRIL 8 THE HORN ST ALBANS 

APRIL 9 TIKI BAR PLYMOUTH 

APRIL 10 MEZE LOUNGE NEWPORT (ISLE OF WIGHT) 

APRIL 11 THE ANVIL BOURNEMOUTH 

APRIL 12 THE CELLARS PORTSMOUTH 

APRIL 13 BARFLY LONDON 

BEARTOOTH 


NO YOU’RE NOT HARDCORE. . . 

QUIZ 

Come on then, let’s av ya, let’s see how hardcore 

you are! Answer each question with yes or no. If 

you answer with yes, that counts as a point. At the 

end of the 10 questions, give your yes answers a 

mark out of 10. Are you a true hardcore individual 

or more of a gentler soul? GO! 

1 

3 

Do you wear large baggy shorts 

to shows? 

2 

Do you own a beanie or 

snapback, wearing it everyday? 

Do you shop at most 

independent online merch 

stores? 

4 

Do you own a piece of 

Desolated merch? 

9 

UNLESS YOU LIVE 

HARDCORE 

8 

Do you ensure you attend 

Ghostfest every year, otherwise 

it would be a travesty if you 

didn’t? 

Is your top XXL / two sizes too 

big for you? 

10 

Do you breakdown harder than 

Lindsay Lohan? 

5 

7 

6 

Are Turnstile in your top 5 

bands at the moment? 

Do you keep fit by 

hardcore dancing? 

Are Emmure too mainstream 

for you? 

0 - 3 

Not hardcore at all. You’re just a gentle soul who isn’t about 

that hardcore life. Maybe you just don’t like baggy t-shirts? 

4 - 7 

You’re almost there. How about buying some more 

Desolated merch and doing the hardcore jig at your next 

show. 

8 - 10 

Cor, watch out mate! You are well known amongst the UKHC 

group and your clothes are on point. You’ve got the best two 

stepping moves out of all of your mates and you’re always 

the first to find the heaviest beatdowns. 

Let us know how hardcore you are via our website and 

Twitter! Hashtag your score at #howhardcoreareyou. 


next months issue 

BLACK 

OUT 

MAY 4TH 

TONGUE 

FATHOMS 

BABY 

DESOLATED 

GODZILLA 

BLACK 

PEAKS 

PALM READER

PIT TALK

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