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2012 Best Albums Overview (12)

28.01.2013

Drowning: Prey for Me

This band are heavy as f*ck and are one of the best bands coming out of Chicago at the moment! There are some really down-tempo breakdowns that make you want to Mosh. I love the themes that are present within their tracks and can really relate to this style of music. This band create some of the heaviest music going so if you like down-tempo, metallic riffs, smashing drums and ear bleeding beatdowns then this is the record for you.

2012 Best Albums Overview (11)

28.01.2013

Mindset: Leave No Doubt

Youth crew hardcore at its very best. Mindset top this genre of hardcore easily and they are one of my favourite bands. The previous releases were amazing but Leave No Doubt left such an everlasting impression on me on what I though was a mind blowing full length. Playing some fast riffs, rapid drum rhythms and mixing this with their memorable lyrics this is a band to remember. Get into this if you haven't already and support their music.

2012 Best Albums Overview (10)

28.01.2013

Out Crowd: Just Us

This band are so catchy and fun. Found this record instantly entertaining and a great listen. Out Crowd play a blend of old school style hardcore with a mix of punk. Some pretty sweet solos and groovy riffs. Don't sleep on this record as it is definitely up there with the best of them. Really want to see them live.

2012 Best Albums Overview (9)

28.01.2013

Knuckledust: Bluffs Lies & Alibis

London's finest hardcore band, signed to the notorious Rucktion Records released this record a few months ago and it blew me away. It was easily my favourite UK hardcore release of 2012. Although it took a slightly more melodic approach to the Knuckledust sound I think this is one of their top records showing the listeners what hardcore is all about. This is a fantastic record and gets better on every listen. Get on this now!

2012 Best Albums Overview (8)

28.01.2013

Swamps: Seven Sides

I loved this band as soon as I listened to Corroding Kings and didn't think they could get any better Seven Sides soon proved me wrong. Taking a mix of hardcore genres and scrambling them all up in one they produce a sound that is quite original in itself. This band are heavy, angry and wild. I can't think of anything else you need to be honest. Great record, if you haven't listened to it, I highly recommend it.

2012 Best Albums Overview (7)

28.01.2013

My Turn: Athens

One of the best hardcore punk bands from Greece. Since 2010 they have been one of the hardest working bands releasing Noble Intentions and now this fantastic record Athens. There are a lot of melodic influences in this record mixed with some nice old school influences that sound reminiscent of Youth of Today. I love the style and the ethics of this band and I am sure they will go far. If you don't know My Turn then check them out ASAP!

2012 Best Albums Overview (6)

21.01.2013

True Valiance: Expect Resistance

One of Rucktion Records finest bands. They have come a long way and I think that they are one of the best bands going in the UK at the moment. I love the heavy sounds they put out and are always fantastic live. They have put a lot of hard work and dedication into their music which has payed off greatly. Main influences are from early 90's hardcore bands which is evident from their metallic ferocious sound. I highly recommend this band so whatever you do make sure you check them out.

2012 Best Albums Overview (5)

21.01.2013

Fire & Ice: Not of This Earth

Awesome band from Richmond, Virginia. These guys are re-inventing the whole groove style of hardcore. This record is faultless and I love every second of it. Lots of progressive guitar riffs and blasting drum rhythms. I really love the themes of conspiracy and the whole extra-terrestrial thing going on, different from the usual hardcore topics. This is definitely worth the money so if you haven't already then you should get this album ASAP.

2012 Best Albums Overview (4)

21.01.2013

Benchpress: Stay Hated

Terrible name but freakin' awesome band. Tough guy style with some pretty hard hitting riffs. They sound a lot like terror but with heavier breakdowns and with a more down-tempo twist. Moshing, sing a longs, and as much chaos as possible is what this band is all about. Everything sounds 100% on point so I think you should check them out.

2012 Best Albums Overview (3)

21.01.2013

Frustration: Dying Breed

A really good quality band from Dublin, Ireland. This record is relentless and should set off a pit on every listen. Some of the heaviest riffs going that can get real sludgy too. I found Dying Breed a really intersting and entertaining listen as they add variation into every track. Some of the hardest mosh parts around, get into it.

2012 Best Albums Overview (2)

21.01.2013

Wrong Answer: Cross a Black Cats Path

One of my favourite bands, labelling themselves as 'Naughty Youth Crew' and for all the right reasons. Lyrically they deal with themes such as drug dealers, demons and labour among other things. Theres a nice old school sound coming from this record and musically there is some awesome upbeat riffs and drum rhythms that make you wanna go crazy. Some really good sing a long parts which was proven when I got to see them at a small show in London this year. Brilliant band and brilliant record. Check em out. 

2012 Best Albums Overview (1)

21.01.2013

Dead End Path: Blind Faith

Metallic sounding hardcore band from Wilkes Barre, Pennysylvania. This record offers some of the best quality chugging riffs that you need on a day-to-day basis. Taking many elements from the 90's hardcore scene they combine the perfect amount of metal with hardcore to create Blind Faith which is a record that should not have been missed. If you did happen to miss this then now is your chance to redeem yourself.

2011 Best Albums Overview (10)

25.01.2012

Foundation: When the Smoke Clears

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One of the fastest and heaviest records of 2011, containing some very hard hitting, straight edge hardcore. This contains 10 tracks of pure pummelling instrumentals, ferocious breakdowns and untamed vocals. This to me, was Foundation’s best material released as of yet and I loved it from start to finish. This is a must have album and is easily at the top of my list.

2011 Best Albums Overview (9)

25.01.2012

War Hungry: War Hungry

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Since I first heard War Hungry they have always been one of my favourite bands and was delighted to hear they were releasing a full length last year. After listening to it I loved it! They are the perfect sound of modern day metallic hardcore and add some really heavy guitar riffs which just make you want to bang your head. Containing 9 tracks, this was one of the heaviest releases of 2011 and is an essential record to own.

2011 Best Albums Overview (8)

25.01.2012

Kingdom: Threads

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I pre-ordered this and for all the good reasons. Kingdom are a very angry, vegan, straight edge band who cover all of the relevant topics that are affecting the world of today. I have always liked the way Kingdom have gone about things, maintaining good ideas and ethics behind all their activities. Threads is diverse but still packs a powerful punch that is needed. This record contains intelligent lyrics based around suffering, police violence, poverty and rage on the system. I like everything about the 4 tracks and only wish it was longer!

2011 Best Albums Overview (7)

25.01.2012

Naysayer: Down but Not Out

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This EP was pretty short with only 4 tracks but it’s a decent listen. Naysayer have never disappointed me with their sound and this is no different. They also released a full length last year too with 2 tracks from this EP on it but to be honest I did prefer this EP. The recordings and content is a lot rawer and I liked the sound of the tracks better. A heavy, pummelling style of hardcore in the vein of old school bands like Madball and Death Threat. Definitely a must have which is why it's on my list.

2011 Best Albums Overview (6)

25.01.2012

Mother of Mercy: IV Symptoms of Existence

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This band play some of the best metallic hardcore that is currently around, and are best known for their thrashing chugging sounds. They seem to be able to take out all the best parts from early 90s sounding hardcore and combining it with just the right amount of metal. This album is just as great as their previous material and I really enjoyed the sound and spent a lot of time listening to this record. I really love this record and hope to hear more from Mother of Mercy in the future.

2011 Best Albums Overview (5)

25.01.2012

Sorry Excuse: Sorry Excuse

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Sorry Excuse had to be in my top ten, just for the sheer amount of ferocity and speed in their songs. They combine rapid instrumentals with raw, shredding vocals which is just plain and simply, a heavenly sound. Fast riffs, mid tempo-breaks and complete moshing destruction sums this band up in one. Every song is super quick and doesn’t even allow a gap before the next. This record is quality and is one of my favourites 

from last year. Sorry Excuse are bringing the rawness back, minus the bullshit (excuse my French).

2011 Best Albums Overview (4)

25.01.2012

Earth Crisis: Neutralize the Threat

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I have been a big fan of this band for quite a few years now and I think it would be wrong of me if I didn’t mention these in my list. Earth Crisis just have a massive amount of aggression which no one can compete with and this album is no different. I love the 90’s style metalcore and to hear it still going strong in 2011 is amazing, with just as much passion and energy as always. Still unsure of some of the instrumental work that is present on this one, but nonetheless, still up here in my top favourites! 

2011 Best Albums Overview (3)

25.01.2012

No Tolerance: No Remorse No Tolerance

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I know a lot of people have been posting stuff up about No Tolerance and I thought I'd join in as this new EP is so good! I didn’t get into this record as quick as I wanted to but once I first heard it I was completely hooked! It’s one of the hardest and solid records I’ve heard in a while. You can definitely notice the 90s hardcore influence on this record, mixed up with some rapid speed riffs and angry lyrics. One of the best straight edge bands around right now and this new EP is so much better than the demo (and I loved the demo).

2011 Best Albums Overview (2)

25.01.2012

Real Talk: Mindless

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I only started listening to this band a couple of months ago but instantly found myself loving their hard hitting sound. This EP is really heavy, raw and sounds a little likeTrapped Under Ice (but in a good way). Mindless is a solid record that pulls no punches. If you haven’t listened to Real Talk yet, then you should be expecting real, straight up angry hardcore. It’s full of catchy breakdowns, 2-step style riffs and contains just enough melody to separate the other elements from each other. This EP flows really well and yet again it is another addictive record which I thoroughly enjoyed.

2011 Best Albums Overview (1)

25.01.2012

Swamps: Corroding Kings

There are a lot of different views on this band, some positive some negative. So I thought I would see what all the hype was. From start to finish I could not find any complaints with this EP. In my opinion it has been one of the catchiest records of 2011 and I actually got addicted to listening to it. Corroding Kings is very hard hitting and is in the vein of the 90’s era. I have to admit the content and the hatred theme is a little too obvious but who cares! The instrumental sound and mosh style of this record got me hooked and seemed quite fun, alongside the hate and anger, that’s exactly why it’s up here.