Jaguar - Axe Crazy / War Machine - Neat Records 1982

Axe Crazy
War Machine








Since I posted Goldsmith and Soldier up I figured I would dig this classic 7" out of the archives to finish off my little NWOBHM run.

The A side of this record contains a nice uptempo rocker and the b-side steals the show for me with a nice ballad type rocker reminiscent of Iron Maiden's Remember Tomorrow or something along those lines...Dave G.

Goldsmith - Life Is Killing Me / Music Man - Bedlam Records 1982

Life Is Killing Me
Music Man








Here is another NWOBHM 7" that my metal hating friend gave me last week.

Pretty cool obscure record that's worth sharing and worth a listen if you like this kind of
thing...Dave G.

Soldier - Sheralee / Force - Heavy Metal Records 1982

Sheralee
Force








I bought some records from a metal hating friend last week and luckily for me this 7" was one of the gems he had no use for.

Soldier deliver sold NWOBHM on this 7" with the up tempo A side Sherilee being the standout track for me with its sold riffing and catchy vocals. The B-side is more mid tempo but still a good solid rocker with some nice guitar soloing running into the fade out. If you are a fan of early 80's NWOBHM then you really can't go wrong with this 7"...Dave G.

Mothman - Axe Hold and 5 Songs of Freedumb Demo Tapes

The mighty Mothman formed in the nether regions of NJ somewhere around 1993, and used to play a lot of shows locally with a lot of the Emo bands of the mid 90's, though there was absolutely nothing Emo about Mothman.

Mothman actually played more of a dirty Lower East side of NYC style of Metal more similiar to Prong or the Unsane. The music is heavy, dark,angry and hits like a repetitive pounding to your head.

If you like what you hear....I released a Mothman 7" back aound 1995 or so that you can purchase from me right here in the distro section of this blog.

Mothman is actually still active today, however they went through a change in drummers some years back and changed their name to The Nolan Gate. You can download The Nolan Gate elsewhere on this blog or you can buy a copy of their cds from my distro as well or don't buy anything...I really don't care...Dave G.

Demo Tapes

Fresh Meat - The Stunning Self Destruction 2011

Fresh Meat have a brutal hardcore punk style that is sort of horror inducing. This is a good promising recording for a band that has been together for less than 6 months. The music reminds me of the Misfits meets Ministry or something along those lines. I think the band is onto something here as their music has a fairly original feel to it to my ears. Anyway Give them a listen and keep an eye out for future releases...Dave G.

"Fresh Meat started in May of 2011 and within three weeks started gigging. With influences spanning punk, hardcore, psychobilly and also electronic music we opted to use programmed drums instead of a live drummer. This gives the music a cardiac inducing pounding rhythm which will either make you dance or vomit down your favourite Exploited t-shirt."

Fresh Meat bandcamp
Fresh Meat facebook

Murder In The Front Row - Book - Bazillion Points Publishing

Purchase

During the early 1980s, when heavy metal was defined by MTV and mile-high hair, San Francisco’s small community of dedicated headbangers scorned image and instead

risked life and limb in search of the ultimate in musical thrills. Locals Exodus and Los Angeles transplants Metallica reigned in small clubs like the Old Waldorf, The Stone, and the infamous East Bay bastion of heaviness, Ruthie’s Inn. Thrash metal upstarts Slayer and Megadeth found a second home in the Bay Area, while a homegrown breed of tempo-crazed teenagers like Legacy, Possessed, Death Angel, Heathen, and Vio-lence brought Bay Area thrash metal to critical mass.

Photographers Harald Oimoen and Brian Lew were dodging bodies from the very start, in front of the stage, backstage, and on the stage itself. They captured the public victories and private parties of a scene where fans and musical idols were equally hellbent on faster, heavier music and endless outrageous fun. Oimoen and Lew fought on the frontline of a war for individuality, snapping frame by frame as thrash metal was born, along with stagediving, crowd-walking, and countless other magical moments filled with key local personalities.

Somewhere along the way, Oimoen and Lew’s friends in Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth became legends. Today, the Big Four thrash metal bands pictured in this book are the reigning elder statesmen of heavy metal. Their fellow ragers in Exodus, D.R.I., Testament, Death Angel, Possessed, and Forbidden remain ambassadors of a Bay Area metal scene that continues to thrive and command fascination around the world.

This stunning volume collects over 400 amazing color and black-and-white photos, plus passionate personal accounts by Bay Area veterans Harald Oimoen, Brian Lew, Ron Quintana of Metal Mania, Gary Holt of Exodus, Alex Skolnick of Testament, and Robb Flynn of Machine Head. From DIY origins to world domination, the Bay Area thrash metal scene screams to life in these fearless pages.

“This will not be a history book, but rather a time machine back to the ‘bonded by blood’ days of the original Bay Area Metal scene. Before they played the Bay Area, Slayer wore makeup onstage—after that first Bay Area show they never wore makeup again. This book will show people why.”—Brian Lew

Johnny Warman - Screaming Jets / American Machines 1981

Johnny Warman

Cool early 80's bizzaro punk / new wave single with Peter Gabriel on accompanying vocals, chants, screaming and effects. The music has a bit of a Bowie or Gabriel feel to it as well. I felt like posting something a little off the beaten path today...hope you enjoy...Dave G.

Screaming Jets

Underdogs - East of Dachau - Riot City 1983

The Underdogs

The Underdogs from Leeds In Yorkshire England released this excellent slab of Brit street punk in 1983 on Riot City Records. Overall this is excellent rough and tumble Brit punk with good memorable melodies thrown in. From what I can tell this 7" is The Underdogs only solo vinyl release, though they did appear on a few compilations and they also released a few cassette demos as well...Dave G.

East of Dachau
Johnny Go Home
Dead Soldier

Gay Cowboys In Bondage - Owen Marshmallow Strikes Again

Fort Lauderdale Florida' Gay Cowboy's In Bondage released this filthy little ditty in 1984 on Sublapse records out of Miami Fl. What you get is fairly simple straight up punk/hardcore done with enough snotty humor to make this record an enjoyable listen.

I see that there is a discography out there on Burrito Records so if you like this 7" you should try to track down the discography as well...Dave G.

Here

Negative Degree - 2011 Demo Tape

Negative Degree - Denver Colorado - contact: handoflaw@gmail.com

Excellent Straight forward angry punk / hardcore with a bit of a Germs feel in the stripped down guitar sound. Also, brings more current bands like the Formaldehyde Junkies to mind.

Honestly, not much more to be said about this demo, it's just a solid all around demo that should definitely lead to a 7" release in the near future.

Looks like distro's are selling out of this tape pretty quickly so I would get one fast if you like what you hear...Dave G.

Here's a couple songs for you to check out.

Service Industry
Punch Out

Purchase demo tape.

Night Birds - The Other Side of Darkness - review - cd and Lp release date 09/13/2011

Night Birds - Facebook

To my ears the Night Birds have always sounded like a modern day hybrid of Agent Orange and the Adolescents, and on their first full length album "The Other Side of Darkness" they have done nothing to change my opinion. In fact, they have maintained the surf punk twang of Agent Orange and upped the speed, catchiness and snottiness that always brought the Adolescents to mind, however they have modernized everything and thrown in so many hooks that it will make your head spin...in a good way.

I must say that we have another candidate for the top 10 list of 2011 right here, and maybe even the top spot at that. I'm finding that I can't get enough of this record, and that it just keeps getting better and better with every listen...Highly Recommended...Dave G.

Night Birds - The Other Side of Darkness - release date 09/13/2011 on compact disc and vinyl, to be followed by a European Tour September/October 2011. Tour dates can be found HERE.

Night Birds to perform live on the "Crust Never Sleeps" Radio Show September 13, 2011 @10pm. You can tune in to www.newtownradio.com for an online broadcast of the show.

Grave Mistake Records - Purchase cd, vinyl, T-shirts and special preorder packages.

Punk Rock Record Party ( Podcast)

Bob Suren (founder of Burrito Records ) has decided to start a podcast with his first broadcast going out on September 1st 2011. Bob is a long time record collector with a broad knowledge of all things punk rock, especially those strange and obscure records from the past that many of us have been searching for for years.

Here's the details you will need to tune in to the show:

Download the PUNK ROCK RECORD PARTY podcast #01: It is 60 min (55.04 MB).

Subscribe to weekly episodes.

Download a short promo video or watch it below..

Like the PUNK ROCK RECORD PARTY on FACEBOOK.

Bob can use some NEW releases to play on the show, so send vinyl and CDs to
Bob Suren
PO Box 3204
Brandon, FL 33509-3204

Social Circkle - Expiration Date 7" - Side Two Records 2011 (review)

Social Circkle Facebook

One of my favorite current punk/hardcore bands returns with what is unfortunately their final recording. What you get is more of what they do best...no frills, uptempo and catchy punk rock.

Anyway, add these 5 songs to your Social Circkle folder on your hard drive or rip them to a cd for the car and enjoy!

Thanks Social Circkle...I will be enjoying your music for years to come!

Side Two Records - Purchase - Act quick as they made 50 red vinyl copies for mailorder only and as of today they still have some available.

What the label says:

"SOCIAL CIRCKLE - Expiration Date 7"
5 tracks of intense early 80's hardcore mixed with late 70's punk from all around the globe. More anger and speed than previous releases, SOCIAL CIRCKLE manages to exit on their most manic note while still maintaining the melody and catchy hooks of their 'Static Eyes' 7". Think ripping hardcore with songs you can actually remember. The follow up to 2009's 'City Shock' LP (No Way Records) this ep is the band's final offering. (Side Two 002)"

Olivelawn - Cat's Meow / Mom's Farm - Nemesis Records 1991

Olivelawn Facebook

I just realized there is a serious lack of Olivelawn music and information on the web and that is a real shame in my opinion.

Olivelawn burst out of the 90's San Diego Ca punk scene with a dirty grungy MC5 meets Stooges sound that would have been right at home on Sub Pop records back in the early 90's.

Besides the Cat's Meow 7" I have 3 other 7 inchers by Olivelawn and the Sophomore Jinx Lp and I have not heard a song yet that I do not like...check em out...Dave G.

Cat's Meow

PS. Members of Olivelawn later went on to play in Fluf, Fu Manchu and Nebula. If you like what you hear then you can purchase the Sap and Sophomore Jinx CD'S here . Also, you can find the bands 7" vinyl on Ebay on a regular basis and at bargain prices.

Major Damage - st 7" 2011 (review)

No Way Records
Even Worse Records
Way Back When Records

Brand new solo project from Brandon Ferrell of Government Warning, Direct Control, Wasted time, Syndrome, Obsessor and others.

This is one excellent raging hardcore record in the vein of early NYHC bands like the Abused with hints of Boston hardcore thrown in as well. Hell, this record sounds like someone locked the abused, SSD and the Crumbsuckers in a room together and said you can't come out until you record a 7"... Buy It! ... Dave G.

Double Negative - Hardcore Confusion Volume 1 and 2 - Sorry State Records 2011 (review)

Sorry State Records

Raleigh North Carolina's Double Negative return with 2 brand new scorching 7" records showcasing their complex yet brutal hardcore style.

I am a little at a loss for words when it comes to describing Double Negatives music, and using the the term "Hardcore" really doesn't due the music justice in my opinion because there is so much more going in these songs then just typical straight up hardcore.

Volume 1 opens with "Writhe", a blazing and complex song that ends with a repetitive riff that hits like a fucking hammer to the head. "Cunny hop" closes out Volume 1 at full speed and with maximum aggression.

Volume 2 opens with "Fat City Address" which is a more mid tempo song when compared to the songs on volume 1. "face jam" closes out Volume 2 with lightening riffing, aggressive vocals and dare I say memorable hooks.

Overall, Double Negative is one of the best bands currently tearing it up out there...I highly recommend their entire back catalog as well...check them out...Dave G.


Double Negative Facebook
Purchase Hardcore Confusion Volume 1 and 2

A few new titles added to the Rocket Science distro.

Distro page

Borscht - Primitive Borscht - Demo Tape 1982

Borscht - Pearl River, N.Y. (1981 to 1984)

Classic early 80's punk rock...Borscht appeared on Flipside Vinyl compilation #1 and also on Thrasher Magazine’s “Skaterock 2 – Blazing Wheels and Barking Trucks”.

To read all about Borscht and to download the bands demo tape which we are sharing with the bands permission please visit my Suburbia Suburbia SUBURBIA! blog right HERE and while you're there have a look around as there's some good obscure metal, punk and hardcore music up for your listening pleasure...Dave G.

Vectom - Speed Revolution - 1984 Gamma Records

Speed Revolution








Vectom

Cool , yet fairly typical German thrash metal record from a lessor known 2nd or even 3rd tier early 80's German thrash band. Really nothing ground breaking going on here, but I do like and appreciate the album for it's obvious sincerity and straight forward thrash metal approach.

Here is a very accurate album review I found online:

"The mid 1980’s spawned a sub scene in thrash metal, namely speed metal. Germany was the main area for the genre which took its cue from Maiden and injected speed (obviously) and powering double bass drums. The scene was very severely limited due to the style the songs all took. However if it wasn’t for this scene I think many of today’s power metal combos wouldn’t exist. Speed Revolution may not be the best album of the genre but it has passion and sincerity which is often lacking in metal today. The album has a top heavy bass production compounded by some decent drum work, especially in the foot department. The guitar work, whilst basic, has a certain degree of melody which the band only spoils by trying too hard in the solos. The vocals are more down tuned than your typical thrash and speed metal as the group have tried to thrust a more demonic vocal style into the songs at times. The album treats us to a nice cheesy track (Loudness and Speed), which to be honest I find very enjoyable. Damned Love is different to the rest as it starts with a labored double bass drum kick and rarely gets into the archetypal speed associated with the genre. Overall the album is worthy of the attention of any speed metal freak and is becoming quite difficult to find, but is definitely worth the effort." ... Infernali

Dark Ages - Can America Survive? Lp 2011 (review)

Sorry State Records

I have been looking forward to this Lp for quite some time now as I've been a fan of Dark Ages since they dropped their first demo back in 2007, and then followed the demo up with 2 excellent 7"s.

Musically I would compare Dark Ages to current bands like the Omegas and Double Negative in that these bands have a knack for playing music that is all at once hard driving and noisy yet catchy enough to keep you hitting the repeat button...and Dark Ages definitely fit that description.

"Can America Survive?" is definitely an album that will be spinning repeatedly on my turntable, and I also think this Lp will be in personal my top 10 for 2011...Dave G.

Dark Ages - Can America Survive? Lp Purchase Sorry State Records
Dark Ages - Vicious Lie 7" Purchase from Cowabunga Records

Label description and details regarding "Can America Survive? Lp.

"After a couple of great but under the radar 7"s, Kansas City's Dark Ages return with their first full-length and it is a hardcore monster. Eschewing the recent vogue for raw recordings, Dark Ages have nailed a crystal clear, precise sound in which all of the fascinating little nuances hit you with full force. While the pedal is always to the floor, it's the weird little parts--quirky touches that remind one of Die Kreuzen's first LP or Hüsker Dü circa Everything Falls Apart--that really separate this band from the pack. I can think of no other band that captures the angry, alienated, and isolated sound of the midwest better than Dark Ages. Deluxe packaging, including heavyweight, tip-on style sleeves, a 24"x26" poster, and digital download. Mailorder version on red vinyl (ltd. to 150 copies). Sorry State Records"

Six Feet Under - S/T Lp ( Sweden 1983 ) - Universe Productions Records (Holland).

I found a sealed copy of this obscure metal Lp in a local record store recently, and I consider myself fortunate for finding it.

The music is classic early 80's metal with Keyboards and a musical similarity to the band Rainbow. Apparently the vocalist for Six Feet Under Bjorn Lodin sung for Krokus at one point but never recorded an Lp with them.

Check the link below for a blog with more details about the record and a download link...Dave G.

Swedish Heavy Metal Blog: Here

P.S. My album didn't come with a lyric sheet, and has different labels than the Lp on the Swedish Heavy Metal blog. Just figured I'd mention this since this record is pretty damn obscure to begin with.

Tyrant - Mean Machine - 1984 Gamma Music West Germany

Tyrant








When you have an album cover as ridiculous as this one you are either going to be pleasantly surprised or thoroughly disappointed...in this case I am happy to report that I am pleasantly surprised.

Overall, I like the hard charging thick riffing on the more uptempo songs like the album opener " Free For All" . If I had to compare Tyrant to anyone I would choose Accept with hints of Iron Maiden here and there. Overall, "Mean Machine" is a fun listen that is most effective when the band is charging full speed ahead...Dave G.

American Dream - s/t Lp - America Records 1984

American Dream - Allentown, PA

I haven't posted much music to the blog lately, but that's because I was waiting to have something amazing to share and American Dream is the amazing band I have been looking for.

I am confident that this Lp is the best American hardcore punk record that you have most likely never heard. Originally released in 1984 in a very small pressing of only 300 copies , it is this records obscurity and small pressing amount that has stopped it from being a classic but has caused it to be a highly sought after collectible amongst those in the know.

Musically, this is straight up hard charging punk/hardcore, though there is some full on guitar soloing involved which may bother some but doesn't bother me in the slightest.


Files removed as I have learned an official reissue of this Lp is in the works. More details to come in the near future...Dave G.

Grave Mistake Records Bandcamp page

Great label releasing future punk rock classics. Check out the new bandcamp page for free downloads of almost everything on the label. If you like what you hear please buy something and support this great label.



Link

Obsessor - demo tape 2011

Tank Crimes records
Obsessor - Purchase 2 song Demo Tape

From Tank Crimes:

"OBSESSOR is a new metal band from Richmond, VA influenced by English Dogs / Venom – dirty and punk. All instruments and vocals done in the studio by my long time close friend Brandon “The Obsessor” Ferrell whos strong pedigree includes Direct Control, Government Warning, Wasted Time, Municipal Waste, No Way Records and Vinyl Conflict Record Store (RVA). We have many more releases planned for Obsessor so get obsessed!"

The above description sums these 2 songs up perfectly in all honesty. All I would add is that while these songs are more metal than Brandon's past output, I think the songs still maintain a punk edge to them.

This is an impressive first release for Obsessor, and I for one am definitely looking forward to Brandon's future output as the Obsessor...Dave G.

Listen to Obsessor HERE