Party Squad Podcast

My buddy Jason hit me up to let me know he and his friend Miller have launched their podcast "Party Squad Podcast". For those of you that don't know Jason has done time on the drums in Powerhouse (FL), Where Fear and Weapons Meet, Judas Factor, 108 and a slew of others. Always something interesting to say, this thing is pretty much the anti-PC but it's quite funny so check it out of have a chance. The newest episode went live tonight and discusses musical idols.

Party Squad Podcast

Deathbed (ATL) Records 2 New Songs For Upcoming Split

My dudes in Atlanta's Deathbed just recorded 2 new songs for a split with True Life. You can check them out here and you can order their 7 inch here. If you dig bands like 108 and Harvest, chances are you're probably going to like this.

108 - Songs of Separation Zine

When 108 released their first official full length "Songs of Separation" (Holyname was an EP) in 1995, they also made a zine to go along with it. The zine featured the lyrics to all of the songs as well as the meanings behind the lyrics, photos and interviews with each band member. While some of these songs were discussed in the discography liner notes, the zine is pretty comprehensive and really gives a great understanding of where the band (namely Vic or Vraja Kishor Das as he was known) was at the time of the release. Definitely a cool idea and I wish more bands would take a note from this and create something similar for their records. A very big thanks to our friend and regular reader, Rob Mafia, for sending this to me so I could scan it. If you don't already own the 108 discography "Creation. Sustenance. Destruction.", head over to their webstore and pick up a copy. Otherwise, enjoy this trip back to 1995. I've uploaded the entire zine (34 pages) as a download which you can find below.

*NEW LINK*

108 - Songs of Separation Zine

Krishna Interview - Trustkill Zine #2, 1993

Here it is. The infamous interview that caused a huge uproar in the scene. Some thought it was funny, some hated it and still some others just saw it for what it was: a joke. The interview is not to be taken seriously so please read with tongue firmly inserted inside your cheek. Josh was nice enough to scan the original article for us as well as give us a look back on how he feels now about the interview. Here's what he had to say:

"I'm not all that proud of this to be honest. I wrote it when i was 19 and I thought it was hilarious back then in 1993, but looking back on it, it's just kinda mean. Ha Ha. No wonder Rob Fish, Vic Dicara, Steve Reddy, and everyone else wanted to beat me up. What did I even KNOW about Krsna back then? What I learned from Shelter albums? Seriously uneducated about it. Granted, the 36 year old me still hates all religions and think (know) they are the root of all wars, but you gotta respect whatever makes people happy right? As long as you aren't killing anyone or impeding on anyone else's rights, more power to ya."

This "interview" was original printed in Trustkill Zine #2, 1993. I've also included a download of the interview in pdf format if you prefer reading it that way. Big thanks to Josh for scanning this and allowing us to post it.


Krishna Interview - Trustkill Zine #2, 1993

Curse of Instinct: 108's Final Tour Video, 1996

In 1996, 108 decided to call it a day and embarked on a US tour and a European tour. Evan Jacobs, brother of our own Andy Jacks, was there to document the tour and the video was released via Equal Vision Records. Out of print for years, I had never actually seen the video until recently. Then my friend Geoff Mitchell of the band Deathbed posted up that it was on Google Video. Granted, the transfer is not that great and the sound is a little low but you get the idea. If anyone from Equal Vision or 108 has a problem with this being posted, please let me know and Ill be happy to take it down (this is not my upload). Enjoy!

xDisciplex Interview - I Stand Alone Zine #8, Summer 1997

Many people in the 90s (and very much so today) had/have mixed views on religion in hardcore. Many feel that it has no place in hardcore while others disagree and still some others just don't care one way or the other. In the early 90s, many kids jumped on the Krishna bandwagon with religion obviously being the focal point (see what I did there?). Kids supported Shelter, 108 and Equal Vision Records but as soon as the the topic of Christian hardcore came to the forefront, it was as if that certain elephant was in the room and everyone was glaring at it. I don't consider myself religious by any stretch but I respect what others believe as long as they respect me. A band like xDisciplex (and later xDisciplex AD) is a band that, though they were a Christian band, I gave 100% respect too. Extremely nice guys who didn't force their beliefs on anyone...more of a "hey we believe this and its cool if you don't". This interview was conducted by Adel Collins from her excellent "I Stand Alone" fanzine and was printed in the summer of 1997, right after the band released their "Scarab" 7 inch on Surprise Attack Records.

Classic Records: Burn - Self Titled 7 Inch (Revelation Records)

Along with Inside Out, Burn was one of the first great hardcore bands of the 90s. Displaying a variety of styles, Burn only released one record during their short existence (this would change but lets stick with the first time they were together) but left a lasting impression on thousands of hardcore kids. For those of us not living in NYC or the surrounding areas, the band seemed shrouded in a bit of mystery. No photos in the insert, very minimal information on the band...I don't believe this was intentional but when this sort of thing happens, I feel like the band is letting the music speak for itself and allowing the listener to form their own image. The cover looks like someone watched a video of a live show, paused the VCR and took a picture of it. Nice and bright, it looks like complete mayhem.
I remember reading an interview with guitarist Gavin Van Vlack and he said how he was criticized because his new band (Burn) had an African-American singer just like his previous band, Absolution. He seemed angry about the criticism but I like the fact that he went a different route instead of asking someone who had previously been in a well-known band. Chaka Malik is the quintessential frontman.
The record begins with "...Shall Be Judged", a fast track that speaks on the idea of vegetarianism. Chaka ends the track with the now famous "We have killed and shall be judged" while the music slows down and goes in a more post-hardcore direction. My favorite track is "Godhead" featuring a slow jazz midsection which is then swallowed up by a midpaced singalong. Chaka screams "Hear Me, Im calling out. I stand by the edge". The song deals with religion as a cult (at least that what I get out of it). "Out Of Time" has been covered by so many bands that I've lost count but Death Threat definitely has done the best version.
My only real gripe with the record is I wish the guitars were louder. Everything sounds great but it just feels like the guitars could be louder. I know, I'm nitpicking but I'm just being honest. I really wish Rev would release an official discography with a remix/remaster job. The band has a bunch of unreleased songs from practices and rehearsals that I love to see get an official release. My friend Vin who runs Blogged and Quartered took the time to clean up, correctly name and number, and post the Live At CBGBs bootleg CD that came out some years ago. He also included some rehearsal tracks as well. You can check that out by clicking here. Are you reading this Revelation? Give the people what they want.
All in all, the self titled Burn record is one of the best. The band got back together in the early 2000's and recorded a new EP, "Cleanse", and the release of "Last Great Sea" (a demo that was recorded for Roadrunner if I remember correctly). They played some shows with Vic from 108 on guitar but then called it quits. I'd love to see them get together one more time...I'd fly. Bottom line, if you don't own this, get it.

Listen to 2 new 108 songs

Deathwish Inc. has posted a link to listen to 2 new songs from the long awaited 108 record "18.61". Its been what feels like forever since the last record, so Im fiending for the new album. You can listen to the new songs here.

Also, Rob Fish responsed and said that the long awaited Ressurection discography should be out by the summer.