Gym Playlist

    Carrying on with the occasional playlists on here, I thought about continuing with the seasons but nobody thinks "huh this song reminds me of spring" so here's some heavy and confident jams to motivate you to get swole bro. Honestly upon writing this whole thing, give some of the FFO's a listen as well some are also appropriate. Word of advice, ALWAYS bring headphones to the gym, otherwise you will suffer through either country or club music for some reason.

Hatebreed

Probably an essential to any gym playlist is of course Hatebreed. Heavy hardcore jams primarily about perservearance and crushing everything in your path. No specific album needed, all Hatebreed is the same idea, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Cryptopsy - None So Vile

Genre: Death Metal FFO: Psycroptic, Necrophagist

You can never go wrong with this album. Heavy, riffy, and brutal. None so Vile will make you just as sore as your workout.

Vantage Point

Genre: Hardcore Punk FFO: In My Eyes, Stop and Think

Vantage Point present some good old fashioned Boston hardcore. Perfect for some cardio and huge boost of confidence guaranteed to get you to go that extra mile.

Bolt Thrower

Genre: Death Metal FFO: Autopsy, Dismember, Benediction

UK legends Bolt Thrower delivers with every release. These guys will gear you up for war especially with my personal favorite, Realm of Chaos.

Throwdown

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Bury Your Dead, Pantera, Hatebreed

Throwdown are a requirement to a gym playlist just as much as Hatebreed. Throwdown originally started as a straight edge metalcore band, featuring members from basically every Orange County band, in the vein of bands like Bury Your Dead and eventually replaced vocalist Keith Barney (Eighteen Visions) with Dave Peters (ex-Bleeding Through) and began more into what people would call "groove metal" but continuing the straight edge theme. I can't stress this enough, Throwdown belongs on your gym playlist.

Colin of Arabia (COA) - Pain Machines

Genre: Hardcore

If you don't know COA, you aren't from Boston. Granted Pain Machines is a compilation album but everything is a jam full of anger and pissed offery that remind you that Colin is a psycho. Warning: Listening to COA at the gym may cause you to beat up the kid that just stole your squat rack.

Unearth - The Stings of Consciousness

Genre: Melodic Metalcore FFO: Killswitch Engage, Diecast, As I Lay Dying 

Unearth's overlooked first release. Still got that extreme metal speed, technical riffs, steroid drumming and a hardcore edge. Walk the line! Break the walls! See the things you never know!

Napalm Death- Harmony Corruption & Smear Campaign

Genre: Death Grind FFO: Carcass, Terrorizer, Brutal Truth

Napalm Death gets two albums on this one. Smear Campain is more my personal preference, Harmony Corruption is one recommended by fellow gym bro, Rafa Castro. Smear Campaign being a newer ND record features a cleaner sound but of course maintain the classic death metal thrown in a grinder style. Harmony Corruption is one I was unfamiliar with, however it does have more of 90's death metal feel (granted it did come out in the 90's). A little surprising for me being so used to the grindcore sound but definitely a gym album. 

Harms Way - Posthuman

Genre: Metalcore

You could really listen to anything by Harms Way at the gym but this album really does it for me.The type of album that makes you smash the barbell on the ground to make sure everyone sees that you're stronger than them.

Winds of Plague - Decimate the Weak

Genre: Symphonic Deathcore FFO: Bleeding Through, All Shall Perish, Despised Icon

If you wanna be as jacked as Johnny Plague himself, you need to bench while perfectly spitting every verse of Reloaded. Also if Anthems of Apocalypse isn't enough too get you pumped, well.....good luck.

Advent - Naked and Cold & Remove the Earth

Genre: Metalcore 

When I suggest Advent to people I usually describe them as Harms Way but heavier and then the person I tel laughs, calls me a poser, and probably doesn't listen to them. Anyway, Advent is Harms Way but heavier. Hard to believe the vocalist used to sing for Beloved. Both of these albums will give you an irresistable urge to swallow 45lb plates and terrify everyone else at the gym.

Dying Fetus

Genre: Brutal/Technical Death Metal/Slam FFO: Suffocation, Decapitated, Aeon

You just can't pick one. You gotta Jam it all. Dying Fetus have been making big moves in the past few years and are gaining popularity all over. Considering they just wrapped up a tour with Hatebreed not too long ago, and Hatebreed was the first one on the list, these guys gotta be part of it too. You just can't beat the heaviness and brutality mixed with some sick technical riffs and monstrous vocals.

It Dies Today - Forever Scorned & The Caitiff Choir

Genre: Melodic Metalcore FFO: Bleeding Through, Remembering Never, Evergreen Terrace

Metalcore allstars from New York. Forever Scorned was less melodic and more tremolo picking aggression, while The Caitiff Choir is more melodic but still very heavy with the classic clean choruses. Powerlift to both of these for great results.

Rampage  - Limit of Destruction

Genre: Hardcore FFO: Righteous Jams, Mental

Talk about motivating. Limit of Destruction gives you that catchy sing a long hardcore sound you probably forgot about. Full effect for me comes from the dumbells. L.O.D.!

Danny Brown - Old

Genre: Rap FFO: Earl Sweatshirt, Flatbush Zombies

Can't list without some rap. Danny Brown Motivates you to "enter your zone" and "bring dem AK's back" with Old. These beats go hard  and might as well be an equivalent for breakdowns for all you tough guys.

Earth Crisis - Breed the Killers

The kings of vegan straight edge. If you don't know Earth Crisis, I don't know you. If you aren't deadlifting to Ultramilitance or End Begins, your muscles may not receive The Discipline they need. XVX

Candiria - What Doesn't Kill You

Genre: Metalcore/Hardcore/Rap/Hip hop/Alternative Rock FFO: E-Town Concrete, Earth Crisis

Candiria is another band where you could really listen to every album. What Doesn't Kill You is the one where the next song is something very different than the last. When can't decide between rap or metal/hardcore, Candiria will decide for you, but honestly the first track is enough to get you pumped right off the bat.

Blacklisted - We're Unstoppable & The Beat Goes on...

Genre: Hardcore FFO: American Nightmare, Cold World, Guns Up!

Most people that know me know that I will say American Nightmare is my favorite hardcore band, well Blacklisted is a very very close second. Both albums remain in the original nihilistic and aggressive style Blacklisted started with before experimenting more with post-punk influences. Just hearing the tracks, "Mother Theresa" and "That Ain't Real Much" will make your arms double in size.

Despised Icon - Day of Mourning

Genre: Deathcore FFO: Suicide Silence, I Declare War, Through the Eyes of the Dead

I'm sure most were expecting The Ills of Modern Man, but lets be honest, this album screams deadlifts, gym shorts, and snapbacks. Day of Mourning is perfect blend of death metal and hardcore and you gotta love those pig squeals. Become the "MVP" of the gym.

Kickback - No Surrender

Genre: Metalcore FFO: 100 Demons, Merauder, Buried Alive

Kickback are a force. When someone says "check out this band from europe" its usually a good sign that it's sick. Kickback have gotten praise from tons of big name hardcore bands (including Madball) for a reason. The breakdown in Still on the Prowl is a deadlift jam.

No Tolerance - You Walk Alone

Genre: Hardcore FFO: The Rival Mob, Step Forward, Stop and Think

Boston straight edge vets, No Tolerance give you some angry edge anthems. You Walk Alone Will make you burst through those gym doors and call everyone on roids a pussy. This might be more for the edge followers considering the militant lyrics but still a good album to wrap up with.

Sleeping Giant - Kingdom Days in an Evil Age

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Bury Your Dead, Betrayal

LIFT FOR JESUS! HALLELUJAH! Sleeping Giant remind you want all your hardwork is about: God!, Jesus!, Santa Claus!, Other religious symbols. These heavyweight jams are all about the lord. Each track is the heavy hand of god vigoriously shoving you into the depths of hell and the only way to earn his mercy is to lift! Prove your worth to the almighty king! HALLELUJAH!

Incantation - Diabolical Conquest

Genre: Death Metal FFO: Autopsy, Hate Eternal, Immolation

My personal favorite by Incantation. Brutal jams for some powerlifting. Easily one of the best death metal albums of the era.

Ion Dissonance - Breathing is Irrelevant & Minus the Herd

Genre: Mathcore/Grindcore FFO: Car Bomb, War From a Harlots Mouth, The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza

I tried to pick between the two. Breathing is Irrelevant is a straight chaotic masterpiece, while minus the herd, while still chaotic, is on the off timed Car Bomb style breakdown thing. Both guarantee progress.

The Banner - Frailty

Genre: Dark Metalcore FFO: Ringworm, Pulling Teeth, Cursed

As seen on the Halloween playlist. Some heavy and evil riffs and angry lyrics to help motivate you.

Your Demise - Ignorance Never Dies

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Throwdown, Hatebreed, Bury Your Dead

If you saw the name Your Demise and nostalgia hit you like a brick, I salute you. Some of you young-uns may not know about these guys but back in the day they were the heavy hitters. Ignorance Never Dies features the orignal vocalist and less melody and dubstep interludes, and fuck you they fit in.

New Lows - Harvest the Carcass

Genre: Metalcore/Dark Hardcore FFO: The Banner, Cursed, Pulling Teeth

In the words of Tommy Leahy, New Lows and this album are, "Severely underrated". Harvest the Carcass was made for powerlifts and super sets. Heavy riffs with some old school hardcore influence and some dark atmosphere. 

The Secret - Luce

Genre: Metalcore/Grindcore FFO: Zao, Burnt by the Sun, Martyr AD

Italian metal masters, The Secret, bring you a shockwave of metalcore you never knew existed. Prepare to get swole. this album is a dissonant and heavy sludgehammer to the face. The song Memento Mori was made for the gym.

Coalesce - Functioning on Impatience

Genre: Mathcore/Sludge Metal FFO: Converge, Knut, Swarm of the Lotus

Coalesce doesn't get appreciated enough. This album is heavy heavy heavy! Sludge metal with a mathcore mix has got to be one of the most godly creations ever. Prove to everyone that "You Can't Kill us all" because of  "My Love for Extremes" and you will feel "The Reoccuring Ache of..." the weight you just bench that was "Measured in Gray". Ok I'm Done.

Waking the Cadaver - Beyond Cops, Beyond God

Genre: Slam Deathcore FFO: Annotations of an Autopsy, I Declare War, Abominable Putridity 

Yeah, I'm throwing this in. Waking the Cadaver was another big one for us back in the day. BCBG introduces a more hardcore influence into their already BR00T4L sound. 

Cannae - Gold becomes Sacrifice

Genre: Metalcore FFO: The Agony Scene, Shadows Fall, A Life Once Lost

Old school metalcore baby. That's what we're all about. Heavy and thrashy very similar to Shadows Fall and The Agony Scene with some ripping solos. 

Foundation - When the Smoke Clears

Genre: Metallic Hardcore FFO: Dead End Path, Downpresser, Turmoil

foundation is that one band that I feel got love from all hardcore kids whether they be punks, trend followers, into the heavier side or the ones like me who are more into metal. foundation is loved by all. The first song asks, "Who will march forward" will you?

Most Precious Blood - Our Lady of Annihilation

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Indecision, One King Down, Embrace Today

MPB took off from where the original Indecision vocalist left off. Keeping the same metalcore style but incorporating more of the NYHC emphasis into it. Personally I prefer MPB over Indecision. You just can't beat that aggressive hardcore force and those powerful vocals and words.

Think I Care - World Asylum

Genre: Hardcore FFO: No Warning, Bracewar

I recall getting this album free with a Bridge9 order but only gave it a few listens, revisiting it however definite shows potential for some heavy lifting. I can definitely hear this album as an influence on many hardcore bands around nowadays. No specific excercise needed, you name it, World Asylum was made for it.

Field of Vision

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Soul Search, Buried Alive, Martyr AD

 

Boom.

Autopsy - Mental Funeral

Genre: Death Metal FFO: Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, Entombed

Some absolutely disgusting death metal for some absolutely heavy lifts.

Symphony in Peril - The Whore's Trophy

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Sinai Beach, On Broken Wings, Scars of Tomorrow

One of the best christian bands ever. This album will forever be up there for me. All you need is the song "Stiletto", but the rest of the album is just as incredible. Very angry lyrics.

Trail of Lies - W.A.R. 

Genre: Heavy Hardcore FFO: Not my thing I got nothing

This band is outside my interests and I personally do not enjoy them, but I got multiple suggestions for them so here they are. While I will admit they are heavy, and from what I understand straight edge, the vocals kill it for me. However if you enjoy the new age of heavier hardcore, give it a shot and you will probably enjoy it.

Hell Within - Asylum of the Human Predator

Genre: Metalcore FFO: 100 Demons, Scars of Tomorrow, Diecast

Hell Within I feel are underappreciated as well. I like to think of them as a more commercial sounding 100 Demons as wrong as I may be. As most know, I'm all about that early 2000s metalcore sound and Hell Within are no exception.

Suffocation

Genre: Death Metal FFO: Cannibal Corpse, Autopsy, Dying Fetus

If you love death metal and you aren't jamming any Suffocation at the gym, you ain't going nowhere son. Not many live up to the heavyness Suffocation bring forth. Like Hatebreed, Suffocation follow through with the same style that never gets old for them and do it well.

Disfear - Live the Storm

Genre: D-beat/Crust FFO: Wolfbrigade, His Hero is Gone, From Ashes Rise

Nonstopfastpacedhighspeedcrust. Supah set!

Shadows Fall - The War Within

Genre: Metalcore/Thrash FFO: Killswitch Engage, God Forbid, Overcast

I'm all about this album, one of my favorites for a long time. No matter what for whatever reason, out of the 4000+ songs on my spotify gym playlist, Shadows Fall always always always plays at least once per visit, and man does it pump me up.

Overcast - Only Death is Smiling

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Aftershock, Shadows Fall, Hatebreed

Like Shadows Fall, Overcast seems to find its way on shuffle every time as well. Kinda funny considering Brian Fair was in both bands. Only Death is Smiling is a compilation of a good majority of Overcast's discography. These guys were the original Massachusetts heavyweights with the members going on to form just about every later Mass metalcore band and I'll say it, heaviest metalcore band I've seen live.

Black Sheep Wall - I Am God songs

Genre: Post-Sludge FFO:???

I know I'm using the word "heavy" a lot but thats what the gym is all about. Now then, these guys are H E A V Y. It's really tough to compare this to anything. Some really heavy riffs all throughout the album with surprise tremelo picked melodies out of nowhere. The thing that really sticks out about these guys is the timing. I would not suggest your reps to match with the timing of this album considering one of the following would happen:

a) You won't keep up b) you'll get hurt

Pantera - Far Beyond Driven

Essential.

Aftershock - Through the Looking Glass

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Overcast, Killswitch Engage, Blood Has Been Shed

Aftershock came from the same era as Overcast and deliver just as hard. Adam D and Joel from Killlswitch originally came from this band and played alongside Adam's brother on vocals. You can definitely hear the Killswitch sound in this album, I still want a reunion.

Evergreen Terrace - Burned Alive By Time

Genre: Melodic Metalcore FFO: It Dies Today, Misery Signals, Your Demise

I constantly praise ET. I've said it multiple times that they are one of my all time favorite bands. Burned Alive by Time was a more aggressive heavy release that really brought the foundation they began to ascend to. This album brought more dissonant breakdowns that the previous one and still keeps the punk attitude, occasional clean choruses, and the pop culture song titles. The first time I deadlifted three plates was to the song "No Donnie, These Men are Nihilist".  

 Killing the Dream - In Place Apart

Genre: Melodic Hardcore/Chaotic Hardcore FFO: This is Hell, The Carrier, Converge

Killing the Dream's most extreme release. Nothing is more motivating than hearing the word "fuck" hundreds of times, especially considering you might get kicked out for saying it out loud. Another good one for a supah set.

Unbroken - The Death of True Spirit

Genre: Metalcore FFO: One King Down, 108, Strife

More straight edge jams. I wish I could say these guys were still edge but unfortunately they are not. The Death of True spirit is filled with heavy metalcore riffs inspired by old school hardcore.

Bury Your Dead

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Throwdown, Hatebreed

I got 4 words for ya: BURY YOUR FUCKING DEAD!

One King Down - Bloodlust Revenge

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Strife, Earth Crisis, Snapcase

More NYHC influenced metalcore for ya. Also more straight edge songs. One King Down are probably gonna get jocked after TIHC so do the right thing and jam them at the gym because of me and be able to say "I heard them before TIHC". OKD are one band with some really sick lead guitar parts behind heavy breakdowns that are uncomparable to others for the most part. 

Black My Heart - Before the Devil

Genre: Heavy Hardcore FFO: Hoods, Since the Flood

 

I don't know many hardcore fans that don't love this album. Massachusetts hardcore heroes, Black My Heart are aggressive and all about friends and family. Something I wish was still a thing for heavy hardcore. Look up any live video of these guys and you will wissh you were there for it. Lift with your friends, for your friends.

Cardi B - Gangsta Bitch Music vol. 2

Name one commercial rapper that goes harder than Cardi B.... Thats what I thought. Cardi goes hard, and will fuck you up. Gangsta Bitch Music 2 keeps her aggressive, "be afraid of me" attitude in check and is a guaranteed banger all around.

Turmoil - The Process of...

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Martyr AD, Bloodlet, Disembodied

Metalcore allstars, Turmoil give you the dissonant and heavy metalcore sound that is becoming a huge trend as of recent. Most have gotten into bands like Disembodied recently, so I highly recommend Turmoil for those people. 

Strife - In this Defiance

Genre: Metallic Hardcore FFO: Embrace Today, Earth Crisis, Burn

A pinnacle for straight edge. A ton of bands today are influenced by Strife, Blistered actually got their name from a song on this album. Heavy but still remains punk, a little bit for everyone.

 Rotten Sound - Cursed

Genre: Grindcore FFO: Pig Destroyer, Brutal Truth, Nasum

Rotten Sound are a finnish band that are as terrifying as this album cover. This album will make you feel like a demon and as you lift, your wings begin to spread.

Sinai Beach - Immersed

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Symphony in Peril, Zao, Alove For Enemies

Praise Jesus! Never forget the lord saved you from the devils venom! Hallelujah!

Killing Time - Brightside 

Genre: Hardcore FFO: Breakdown, Leeway, Turnstile

Everyday do you say to yourself, it can't be done? Trying to look on the brightside and found there isn't one? This album is for you grab that barbell and say "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and won't be on a "Backtrack" and it won't be a "Telltale".

Misery Signals - Mirrors

Genre: Melodic Metalcore FFO: Shai Hulud, Poison the Well, Remembering Never

Misery Signals are perfect. I know most will disagree, but this one is my favorite. Starts off strong with a great balance of emotion and aggression as well as melody and heaviness. The song with Patrick Stump is iconic. COWARD YOU WILL FACE YOURSELF!!!

Mind Eraser - Glacial Reign

Genre: Powerviolence/Hardcore FFO: Coke Bust, Iron Lung, Wound Man

 

You don't hear about this band too much. Boston powerviolence punks, Mind Eraser, are a crowd favorite who great for a heavyweight super set. Sporadic riffs and drumming progress abruptly with sludgey slow breakdowns that will drop you to the floor.

Nails - Unsilent Death

Genre: Grindcore/Powerviolence 

 

We could argue which Nails album is best for the gym, but Unsilent Death is the one. All the feedback and muddy breakdowns and Todd Jones' vocals at their best, I mean c'mon. 

Remembering Never - Women and Children Die First & God Save Us

Genre: Metalcore FFO: On Broken Wings, Ligeia, Martyr AD

Now these are metalcore gems. Remembering Never are just plain mean but then with sudden melodies you wouldn't expect only to lead into heavy dissonant breakdowns. Both albums will remind you that betrayal and america sucks and will cause to lift until you're strong enough to take out the secret service and punch Donnie "Dope 45" Trump in the balls hard enough that he gets a sex change. Tons of hatred from this band.

The Red Chord - Clients

Genre: Technical Death Metal/Grindcore/Mathcore FFO: Converge, Cattle Decapitation, Animosity

Another favorite album of mine. Just sit back and let The Red Chord do the lifting for you. Once you get that barbell overhead, just throw it across the room.

Since the Flood - No Comprimise

Genre: Metalcore FFO: First Blood, Hoods, Thick as Blood

Not sure why these guys are always labeled as beatdown because I don't really hear it. Since the Flood should be considered another gym essential. Look up any video of these guys playing and you will understand why they're a favorite amongst Boston's heaviest.

Violence to Fade - Unstoppable Force

Genre: Hardcore FFO: Killing Time, Outburst, Big Contest

Violence to Fade were a lot of fun to see live. Become an Unstoppable Force and jam some NYHC inspired hardcore from MA. Warning: You might......no, WILL dance.

Embrace Today - Soldiers

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Strife, One King Down

I probably should started this list by saying "if you're edge, this list is for you". Embrace Today are just as militant as Earth Crisis with edge. Imagine if One King Down was faster. That is Soldiers by Embrace Today. Some of these songs will come up for me every other visit or two.

Mourned - Rift Ripper

I think I've reviewed Mourned enough for everyone to understand.

On Broken Wings - Some of Us May Never See the World

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Bury Your Dead, Remembering Never, Since the Flood

Drop that barbell so it bangs against the floor with the claps in Like Starscream

Girlfight - Infinite Carcass

Genre: Mathcore/Metalcore FFO: Every Time I Die, Harlots, Botch

I remember hearing this band in high school and loving it, then last year I was trying to remember their name and just couldn't for some reason. However, listening to the Breakfast Club morning show on the radio, I heard them say girl fight talking about UFC and the Conor McGregor incident and I was like "Holy fuck that sounds familiar....What a minute." and surely enough I immediately search it on spotify and there they were. Think ETID but replace the fun rock n roll part with complete chaos and hatred.

Stick to Your Guns - For What It's Worth

Genre: Melodic Hardcore/Metalcore FFO: Evergreen Terrace, Your Demise, The Ghost Inside

Stick to your Guns' first album is far different from the later albums. This one was more heavy and Jesse's vocals were borderline deathcore style. If you were around for it, you know that breakdown in "This is More" and of course "All Time Low". 

Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz - Put Yo Hood Up & Crunk Juice

Genre: Crunk FFO: Lil Scrappy, Ying Yang Twins, Boyz n da Hood

When most think Lil Jon, you probably think of Get Low, the Chapelle skit, or the newer "Turn Down For What" type songs. However, if you were around in the 2000's hopefully you've heard him shouting about "representin' yo' shit" with these two albums. Both of these albums are the hardest hip-hop related things of the 00's. I 100% blame Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz for getting me into metal and hardcore and if you don't believe me, the song "Stop Fuckin' Wit' Me" literally uses the riff from Raining Blood. Please bring crunk back.

Burnt by the Sun - Heart of Darkness

Genre: Technical Metalcore/Grindcore FFO: Deadguy, The End, Premonitions of War

BBTS are a different kind of band. For the most part its metalcore, but with heavy, sludgey breakdowns, and technical chaotics riffs. All about the heavyweights.

Her Nightmare - No Heaven, No Hell

Genre: Metalcore FFO: 100 Demons, Reign Supreme, Buried Alive

Some great bands come from down unda' and Her Nightmare is one of them. I'm sure not many have heard these guys, I only just discovered them back in the fall. These breakdowns are a triple plated deadlift waiting to happen. There's even a song on here entitled "Kettlebell".

Frontierer - Orange Mathematics

Genre: Experimental Mathcore FFO: The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, Car Bomb,Ion Dissonance

Frontierer are from the UK and from what I understand contain members from two big name bands in the area. Frontierer and different from the average mathcore sound. They manage to use a ton of diferent effects on the guitars, the timing is rediculous, and the vocals often synchronize with the rhythm. Not only all this, the production is absolutely amazingand just makes it sound even heavier like you got surround sound in your dollar store ear buds. 

Comeback Kid - Wake the Dead

Genre: Melodic Hardcore FFO: Bane, This is Hell, Evergreen Terrace

Earlier Comeback Kid was far more melodic than the newer releases. Wake the Dead from what I understand is most people's favorite. While the new agressive hardcore sound is also good for the gym, the motivation that Wake the Dead brings is untouchable.

Ramallah - But a Whimper & Kill a Celebrity

Genre: Heavy Hardcore FFO: 100 Demons, All Out War, Blood for Blood

White trash Rob will put you in your place and remind you MTV is fucking stupid and your privileged life makes you a poser. KILL A CELEBRITY!

Product of Waste - You Won't take me Alive

Genre: Hardcore FFO: COA, Bracewar, Wrong Answer

I still consider POW to be the best band from Rhode Island. Everything about them screams hardcore: Fast, pissed, and ACAB. You gotta defend yourself from cops somehow, allow POW to show you. As always, R.I.P. T.

Decrepit Birth - ...And Time Begins

Genre: Death Metal FFO: Origin, Hate Eternal, Spawn of Possession

Man oh man, do I love this album. As you probably could've guessed, the album has a very intelligent theme, with the lyrics being about universe theories and a bunch of nerd stuff. This will make you ready to beat up all the nerds at school, remember the real reason you're at the gym. 

Hammer Bros. - The Vitality

Genre: Hardcore FFO: Think I Care, Rude Awakening, The Mongoloids

MVHC allstars. Hammer Bros. Were just like most bands of the same era. Equal between both the heavy and punk sides of hardcore that ended up being branches today. Lift 'til "It Hurts".

Bleeding Through - This is Love, This is Murderous

Genre: Melodic Metalcore FFO: Cradle of Filth, Winds of Plague, As I Lay Dying

 

Bleeding Through is on a roll considering they pretty much made it all the playlists I've made on here. This is Love, This is Murderous was my favorite after Portrait of the goddess. Bleeding Through exhibit a balance betwwen each of their influences in this album, hardcore, black metal and death metal. The symphonic elements are used and sound incredibly echoey and feel like you're in a movie.

Terrorizer - World Downfall

Genre: Death Metal/Grindcore FFO: Napalm Death, Brutal Truth, Cattle Decaptitation

I feel like most people know Terrorizer, but thats all. If you're one of them, Terrorizer's World Downfall is a sick blend of death metal and grindcore that is a power lift jam.

Premonitions of War - The True Face of Panic

Genre: Metalcore FFO: Blood has Been Shed, Burnt by the Sun, On Broken wings

I shouldn't need to say anything about these guys, but I have to because they're not popular. Let's just say if they were around now, they would be jocked very hard.

Skinless - Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead

Genre: Brutal Death Metal/Slam FFO: Mortician, Internal Bleeding, Dying Fetus

Skinless should be considered legendary at this point, if not already. They've been around since the 90's, and have been brutal ever since. Trample the Weak features that classic brutal sound with tons of movie samples. Brutal.

Scars of Tomorrow - Rope Tied to the Trigger

Genre: Melodic Metalcore FFO: Atreyu, Bleeding Through, Misery Signals

Very underrated band from Orange County, aka the metalcore promise land. Scars of Tomorrow are emotional but the riffs are just mean with smooth amazing melodies, and of course heavy.

First Blood - Killafornia

Genre: Metalcore/Beatdown FFO: Thick as Blood, 100 Demons, Since the Flood

First Blood are one of few bands that would be considered beatdown that I actually enjoy. Each song has a breakdown that just gets slower and slower, and each time it gets slower it gets heavier. Not only that but the lyrics are catchy, the vocals are powerful, and some of the riffs can get really metal.

Antagonize - Demo 2018

Genre: Hardcore FFO: Iron Age, Think I Care, Chaos Cross

Brand new release from brand new Boston hardcore supergroup, Antagonize. Featuring members of, Bane, Vantage Point, Glory and more. (?) Very aggressive with some powerful riffs guaranteed to make you dance after you max out. 

Waka Flocka Flame - Flockaveli

Fucking essential.

Zach Ganshirt is a pussy. 

Lights Out America tour @ Brighton Music Hall

Fantastic and chaotic. Ever since I first listened to United States of Horror last year, I knew the album would be high on my list for the year and I've been itching to see HO99O9 ever since. I wish I could've caught 3TEETH but due to my responsibilities as a stupid adult I had to leave early but I promise this review is still worth it, and yes I went full goth jock at this show.

    

    I gotta say, this was my first real industrial show and I didn't feel that much out of place. A colorful cast of characters, mostly goth kids, but a few punks and black metal fans as well and everyone was really into the bands. Only thing I would change is 80% less drinking.

    Street Sects opened the night. I listened to these guys once before and thought "They're probably better live". The first member walked on stage dressed as a cop, like full on, badge, gun, handcuffs, everything. You would've thought he was the real deal. When the bass drop began, the second member walked up looking like a super villain wearing a duster and his gray hair poofing outward. The vocals were incredibly muffled and almost over powered by the bass drops. Dare I say it, I think I could compare it to The Body. 

   The second song, the supervillain went among the crowd holding a REAL chainsaw (chain excluded). He would scream un-amplified into peoples faces and rev the chainsaw at them while the beats would play in the background. When he got back on stage, he would scream even more violently while whipping the saw around, then stood triumphantly when the song was over. For the most part each song was heavy bass drops with different beats throughout, while the vocalist screeched over it all. Eventually He removed his wig revealing he was bald and everyone cheered. They only played I believe like 4 or 5 songs but the performance was what made it. I think I count this as my first rave as well.

    Now HO99O9 was the project I needed to see. Al the lights shut down except for one. theOGM walked on stage towards his soundboard, and then began the theme from Halloween. He began rapping the song "Street Power" and then Eaddy walked up to the front of the stage glaring at the crowd with his colourless eyes. Then you heard the words: "KILL FOR POWAH!" and Eaddy jumped into the crowd the moment the drums began and a mosh pit was started. Of course for the punk songs, the guitar and bass was sampled, however there was a live drummer and damn could he drum. 

    With the energy these kids had, they could fit right in at the average Boston hardcore/punk shows, if not a little more chaotic. The entire set was just wild. HO99O9's merch guy was even in the pit filming the whole thing. Aside from the punk songs, the creepy rap songs were just as ignorant and raw as they are on record. What really does is the energy that the two MC's have when performing, headbanging into oblivion, shouting like maniacs, and the miscellaneous antics Eaddy would pull . They stated "It don't matter if we play to two or two hundred, we still give our all". 

   Now if we're talking stage antics, Eaddy would stage dive multiple times throughout the night. Eventually he got out in the crowd and made a gesture that looked like he was parting the Red Sea. Eaddy said " The moment it drops, show me what you got Boston" He let out a bloodcurdled screech and it looked like the crowd charged him like an old school game of kill the man with the ball. Eaddy was panting getting back on stage and "Alright Boston you passed, A fucking plus". The highlight of Eaddy's antics was definitely in the next song which was more of a rap song where he jumped and climbed the rafters like it was nothing. He just sat there for a while rapping his part, and then drop the mic to a girl standing up front, then jumped from the rafters into the crowd and some how got the mic back, WHILE CROWDSURFING, and finished the song.

    theOGM introduced everyone including the live drummer who he said has two nicknames but only explained one: Corrupt. He stated "He's a good kid, but we are trying to fuck his life up." and the second being Gator. He also said, for anyone who didn't already know, their name is pronounced "Horror" not "Hoe-99". I could see theOGM almost tear up when he said that music is his only freedom because we are restricted from politics religion, etc. They had one more song, and it was a cover of "Attitude" by Bad Brains.

    Infuckingcredible. I'm calling it number one of the year so far.

Primitive Man, Spectral Voice, Scaphism, & Mourned @ the Middle East Downstairs

    This show straight up weighed 5000lbs. Primitive Man and Spectral Voice made the earth shake with local support from Scaphism, who I haven't seen in years, and of course Mourned, everyone's favorite. Sound quality was definitely at its best all night for each band.

Mourned

Genre: Death Metal FFO: Dying Fetus, Behemoth, Napalm Death

    I've lost count how many times I've seen these guys play. For the longest time Mourned have been recognized more among the hardcore crowd, despite being a death metal band, but more and more I see them get added to some awesome metal shows and getting a great reaction every time. This show is definitely a highlight for them. 

    I recall a man known as "Legs" telling me " wait till you hear Dave's drums, I could compare it to The Cleansing by Suicide Silence". These words were not lies. The drums were pounding like it was your new heart beat. Those guitar solos were clear as day and metal as fuck. As for Billy's vocals, disgusting and demonic.

    The pause in Ravenous torment caused motion among the crowd to the point where I thought there would be a few fights. Heavy riffs and shredding solos all throughout the set gave off a ton of energy from the crowd. I swear Mourned get better and better each time I review them but this is gonna be a tough one to top, especially since they were getting praise from Primitive Man.

Scaphism

Genre: Death/Thrash/Grind FFO: Abominable Putridity, Haemorrhage

     I haven't seen Scaphism in probably five or six years and not much has changed. If I searched my parents house I could probably find the threeway split between them, Composted, and Boarcorpse. Scaphism still retain that awesome and gross death metal sound chock full of blast beats with a few slams sneaked in. Granted all I really heard from these guys recording wise was on that split but hearing some of the songs they had to offer last night definitely brought me back. 

      Scaphism sounded just as professional as Mourned. The drums were thundering, the riffs were heavy and evil, and the vocals sounded like he would puke any second. I can't say too much about the crowd reaction as I was far in the back just enjoying the music.If you enjoy death metal I would recommend these guys for your next family gathering.

Spectral Voice

Genre: Death/Doom Metal FFO: Undergang, Inverloch, Hooded Menace

    Woah. All I can say. Number one set of the night hands down. Let me set the scene for you, the vocalist/drummer demanded that every light in the venue be shut off leaving only candle light. You have now entered the eroded corridor of unbeing.

    Spectral Voice were destructively heavy, high on my list next to Conan for heaviest live band. You could almost see the vibrations in the air. The vocals were incredibly echoed to the point where it sounded like you were in a cave. Each song more evil than the last, the whole set was very esoteric, you could use a ouiji board and probably re-enact the movie Veronica. 

     Punches were thrown during the slow heavy parts and more ruckus was summoned from the blast beats. People were flying back and forth. There are absolutely no other bands I could compare this performance to. Incredible just incredible. I can still hear those vocals ringing in my head.

Primitive Man

Genre: Sludge/Doom/Drone/Noise FFO: Indian, Lord Mantis, Thou

    This is gonna be a short one. If you know Primitive Man, you know two things: heavy and loud. Thats what you paid for and thats what you get. Everything I said about heaviness with Spectral Voice can also be applied to PM. Primitive Man was definitely 10x louder. You could feel your entire body vibrate like an oldschool gamecube controller. This is tough to give a write up for simply because most songs sounded similar and PM's gimmick is just being really loud. Definitely an interesting experience and worth seeing, just hard to write detail.

Fuck Paul Cronin

Norma Jean, Gideon, & Greyhaven @ The Middle East downstairs

     The time finally came for Norma Jean to play my personal favorite album of theirs in its entirety. Redeemer was a daily album I would listen to in 2006-2007 and had a heavy influence on my music taste later as most of you could probably tell. I will start this by saying Toothgrinder dropped and I missed Chuggernaut. 

Greyhaven

Genre: Mathcore/Southern Rock FFO: Every Time I Die, Maylene and The Sons of Disaster, Heavy Heavy Low Low

Greyhaven are probably the only reason I'm not only writing a review about Norma Jean. I heard one song of there's prior to the show and thought, 'these guys are worth checking out' but hearing more of their stuff live, I was very impressed. half the songs had that classic HHLL breath catching vocals followed by spastic screaming with chaotic ETID style riffs mixed with southern smoky bbq riffs reminiscent of He is Legend and Maylene. The vocalist asked who's heard them before and four people responded. "Four people huh? I think thats the most so far on the tour you guys are the best." Greyhaven is definitely a good blast into the past and an escape from 2018, brought to you by Myspace.

Gideon

Genre: I don't care FFO: I don't know

Around the time Gideon started I wasn't about it, so I went back to my car to play the game I've been binging for about a month, Fire Emblem: Warriors™ for the Switch. I thought that a level 50 recruitment mission in history mode would provide enough time to kill until Norma Jean would go on. With the map having the rival army consist of mostly dragons and archers, I considered using Lyn, Chrom, and Marth for their dragonslaying weapons along with my powerhouses Corrin and Navarre for good measure, and Frederick and Lissa as unplayable characters. I primarily used Lyn to takeover the forts with dragon captains and ordered chrom to do the same and sent the rest out to take out the archers, while keeping Lissa at the allied base. Darios appeared and began recruiting rival Commanders. I quickly switched to Navarre who was close by to Darios to escort him and defeat the reinforcements who were after him. Getting to the first commander, which was another dragon, went well until reinforcements came and begun an assault on my base, so I sent Lissa to heal the fort captain and quickly switched to Marth and used his warrior special to clear out any threat. Darios was on the move again to continue recruiting so I switched to Lyn who was the closest to him and we successfully recruited Elise and Anna. Word of advice, Lyn's speed matched up with her sixth strong attack makes for a great way to fill your warrior gauge quickly to make your battle a breeze. The enemies base opened reveal the commander to be defeated, Robin. Nothing Lyn's warrior special couldn't handle. Just one Warrior special depleted half of Robin's health. While dodging Robin's magic attacks, I was able to used Lyn's speedy strikes to kill enough of Robin's army and fill up my wrrior gauge once more and take him out. Victory was achieved with Lyn as the MVP. As soon as I got back to the middle east, Gideon ended and Norma Jean was just setting up.

Norma Jean

Genre: Mathcore/Metalcore FFO: Zao, Botch, Symphony in Peril

    Norma Jean's setup was similar to when I saw The Dillinger Escape Plan's last Boston show. They had the same style stage light setup along the amps flashing chaoticly with the music. Aside from that, there were two blinding lights that were basically like the type a carpenter would use but brighter. Anyway, the carpenter lights were the only lights in the room shining bright when The Almighty Norma Jean triumphantly walked out, and without hesitation presented the crowd with A Grand Scene for A Color Film. the crowd jolted forward screaming along, myself included. The pit was a combination of hardcore dancing and old school 2005 circle pits. Immediately after they began Blueprints for Future Homes, I made it my mission to get in Cory Brandan face and scream "you're killing me, just bury me" most of my friends know that when I plan this, it happens and surely enough it did.

     Cory stated that he was excited to be doing Redeemer and said it gives him the chance to actually talk about what the songs are about. For example, A Small Spark vs. A Great Forest is basically about how a disagreement can escalate to drastic proportions, or Cemetery Like a Stage is about how Cory was at home cleaning his house only to find out his father had been killed. Many more of them were mentioned and I apologize for not remembering them all. 

    Sometime between The End of all Things Will be Televised and Songs Sound Much Sadder, I believe, Norma Jean decided to throw in two songs from their newest album, Polar Similar. Personally I had yet to hear the album but hearing the song, I, the Planet, all I can say is: HEAVY. The other song was Synthetic Sun, which definitely impressed me as well.

    One thing I can't help but point out, certain parts of the songs, Cory would make his voice sound like its cutting in and out through a vocal effect, but he was actually doing it himself, very odd but he could pull it off.

    Surely enough Redeemer was played in full, from A Grand Scene to No Passenger, No Parasite. Each song had endless energy coming from the crowd, enough for Cory to state that Boston stage dives more than New York and we were just wild (Thanks Cory!). Norma Jean walked off stage in the dark with feedback playing over the speaker. The crowd was cheering "ONE MORE SONG" "NORMA JEAN" MEMPHIS". A few moments later....

    The band came back out. Cory stated Norma Jean is a collective and the fans are heavily involved. Cory finally said "This song, is the foundation of Norma Jean. Bless the Martyr...Kiss the Child. MEMPHIS WILL BE LAID TO WASTE!" For a christian band, Norma jean spawned more chaos than any band I've ever seen play the Middle East. A mountain of fans went for the mic. Eventually Cory said "If you know the words..." the feedback stayed in the atmosphere but the music was paused. Cory was holding on to a pipe overhead, a second vocalist appeared, kids were jumping on top of each other  and NOTHING EVEN HAPPENED YET. momemts and moments and moments later....NOW YOUR DOING THE WALTZ WITH YOUR MURDERER! the Kid doing Aaron from mewithoutyou's part crowd surfed while screaming in everyone's face as did everyone else for basically the entire song. Tons of energy you would think the earth was shaking. Norma Jean ended with a nice big " God bless you, God bless you all!" and the show ended.

    This was incredible. A very important show for me by one of my favorite bads playing my favorite album, I couldn't be happier.

Conan w/ The Ditch & the Delta, and Churchburn @ the Middle East Upstairs

     Absolute sonic destruction wielded by UK heavyweights, Conan, crushed the Middle East into oblivion. I've seen some heavy bands but this was something else. Joining them was The Ditch & The Delta, a band I believe most were unfamiliar with including myself, and Rhode Island doom devils Churchburn. This show was so heavy and loud you could probably hear it from miles away.

Churchburn

Genre: Sludge/Doom Metal FFO: Noothgrush, Grief, Brainoil

   Despite being from Providence, Churchburn are no strangers to the Boston metal crowd. A great beginning to the show. Churchburn played their evil sludge metal sound just as you would expect others to, long 5-7 minute songs, each heavier than the last, but with a few riffs that somewhat remind me of something Death would write hammered into the music adding an occult flow into the atmosphere. I can't help but point out how muddy that bass sounded. I definitely mean that in a positive way. The bass paired up exceptionally well with the drums making you think that a nearby church was probably well....burning. Churchburn played a few new songs that that keep their natural sound in check. 

The Ditch and the Delta

Genre: Sludge/Doom Metal FFO: High on Fire, DoomRiders, Khemmis

    I have asked multiple people I knew at the show if they heard these guys and every single one said no. After they played, everyone was amazed. I want to say these guys were like early Mastodon, but I would be off. Like the other bands playing, these guys were heavy. Heads up, you're gonna see the word "heavy" a lot in this post if you haven't figured it out. When the band got on stage, my first thought was "these guys look like they're naturally always drunk and aren't affected by alcohol". When they played, It was like Doomriders decided to play slower and open a blackhole on stage. Definitely impressive. Just about everyone enjoyed the band just as much as I did. Fun Fact: According to The Ditch and the Delta, "Utah" is actually pronounced "Yu-tahr". Very interesting.

Conan

Genre: Stoner/Doom FFO: Monolord, YOB, Cough

     If I were to name they heaviest bands I've heard live, I would say: Windhand, Suffocation, Full of Hell, Deftones, Neurosis, The Body, Saint Vitus, and maybe Cloakroom. I think after last night, Conan might be the number one contender. They played so loud I could feel my entire body vibrate to the point where I was starting to get sick and feel like I was gonna puke. Conan live up to their label "caveman doom" in more ways than one. The guitarist's Ozzy sounding vocals sounded even more powerful than they do on record and the bassist's low warcry was echoing like the venue was a cave. You would think they were leading an actual army to war. The crowd reflected the sound and created a battleground of neanderthals fighting over who gets to eat the mammoth steak. Absolutely wild. The drums were thunder, the guitar and bass were hammers, the vocals were savagery. You would think you were watching a viking documentary. Welcome to 10000 BC where everyday is a battle, you must kill to survive!

Marilyn Manson @ House of Blues

       The freak show finally made its way to Boston. This was one hell of a show. After being postponed for 4 months, the wait was 100% worth it. This was my first time seeing Marilyn Manson and as blown away as I was, most considered this a half-assed performance, but still phenominal nonetheless.
        I've first became a Manson fan at a young age like most, I recall my aunt giving me a list of metal bands to listen to one of them being Manson. I heard The Beautiful People and it terrified me and I was hooked. Ever since I've watched live performances and I was amazed and hated christianity from then on. Accompanying me to the show was my long time friend, Connor, who worships the ground Manson walks on and has seen him three times now. He showed me a video he took when Manson opened for Slipknot and he stood upfront on a podium, cut himself with a beer bottle and burned a bible. After seeing that I knew I needed to see him live despite what venue it is, so when I heard about the original date in October we both knew we'd be going.
    Some random DJ warmed up the crowd playing heavy metal hits, afterwards you saw nothing but curtain, and I swear nothing happened for a good hour. Eventually the lights dimmed and you heard someone yell "BOSTON!!" and the crowd screeched with joy. Curtain hasn't risen yet but over the speakers began what Connor said was $uicideboy$ for a short period until you heard once more: "BOSTON!!". The song change to something I didn't recognize. After another short period we heard "BOSTON!!" once more and Cry Little Sister began playing. Connor and I looked at each other knowing what happens next. Surely Enough we hear the words: "The World is an ashtray" and the curtain fell revealing Manson sitting on his throne with two gigantic pistols on each side and the double inverted cross banners on each side of the stage. I cant get over that he opened with The Reflecting God. During the pre chorus, he rose from the throne and approached the crowd screaming looking like he was puking on the crowd. Manson fans are always screaming along with so much passion.
        Immediately after The Reflecting God, Manson said: "Deep Six" then proceeded to play his new song deep six. Two people dressed in surgeon uniforms walked on stage and appeared to be trying to tell him something. Manson shoved them off and just said "These guys are fucking worthless all they're good for is drugs..." and the crowd cheered for him. You could honestly tell how cocked he was just from that one statement. The doctors walked off stage and Manson began the song "The New Shit" and the crowd reaction was EXACTLY like the video. It honestly felt like I was watching the video. Manson would constantly be doing some antics like throwing the mic stand to the ground, throwing mic , swinging the mic and even throwing random things into the crowd, one of them being Kanye looking shutter shades.
     Eventually the doctors came back out and gave him a fedora. He walked up to the mic and said "We came for the fucking mOBSCENE". Manson threw the fedora in the crowd and two new banners dropped showing a picture of Manson dressed in a tux wearing a bandana over his face and hold a machine gun. the Entire crowd chanted: "Be obscene!" at full volume.
     Manson performed another new song, Kill4me, and then stood on stage with an empty look on his face and said, "We're gonna get biblical, Revelation 12". Manson sat back in his throne with nothing but one red light shining down on him, and the chair began to circle around the stage. Everything about just seemed unnatural, he rose and began the song. When the time came, he began talking about drugs once more praising them and saying "I don't like drugs but the drugs like me, I mean this is The Dope Show". Manson walk away as the crowd cheered and the came back wearing another pair of shutter shades and a thick feather coat (hopefully fake feathers) and began The Dope Show.
      The lights shut of, and music that you hear play in a horror movie began playing, the backdrop fell revealing a new one that looked like a child scribbled all over it, but if you looked closely you could see his inverted cross logo multiple times drawn like a toddler did it. Manson walked out holding a lantern and the guitar riff in Sweet Dreams began. The way he sang the bridge of the song was very creepy with his spastic movements and hoarse vocals. The crowd screamed in excitement and shouted every word. It was incredible. Manson played a few new songs and a short snippet of Lunchbox and walked off stage awaiting an encore.
      Manson came back and played The Nobodies constantly pointing the mic into the crowd while the crowd sang their anthem. After that endless praise from the crowd continued, Mansons bassist walked over to him holding his bass up to Manson's face. Manson started tapping it and eventually played the drum beat of The Beautiful People. The drummer followed suit and began playing the song. If you know Manson, you know The Beautiful People, I mean everyone their certainly did. I don't know who was louder, the crowd or Manson. You could see the fire in his eyes, in the right light you could say he had the eyes of a killer, and his movements with the chorus would make you think he was having a seizure. A perfect way to conclude his performance was with this song.
     So as my first time seeing Marilyn Manson, I gotta say I'm impressed considering he just came back from having however many broken ribs. I'm sure his act is gonna be even better next time. I can't help but say it, he was so fucked up this night and still played flawlessly, I've seen so many talented bands play drunk, on acid, stoned, you name it I've probably seen it and 2/3 times it's awful, but Mr. Manson really pulls it off and I'm astounded he can.