Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Bystorm 'SLN' (T-shirt)

The new Bystorm shirt is already out. Comes in two colors, athletic gray and black. Shirts are printed on Gildan, for better quality and fit. Get this 'sanctimonious' t-shirt for P300. For international orders or for inquiries, just send me an e-mail, or check out Mic's blog : http://lacosanuestro.blogspot.com.





Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Interview : Sworn Vengeance


1. Hello Ryan.How are you doing? Can you share a brief history on how the band was formed? Who or what fueled you guys to assemble a metallic hardcore band? 

Ryan : I am doing great, thanks for the interview, it is much appreciated! Sworn Vengeance formed in early 1998 from our former band, Downshift.  All the members loved metal and just wanted to develop a much more aggressive style of music.  So we took a lot of our influences, such as Slayer, Metallica, Anthrax, Testament, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, etc. and just combined it with the sound of hardcore bands we really liked (Earth Crisis, One King Down, Hatebreed, Overcast, Integrity, Stigmata, etc.) and started to develop our musical style.  At the time on the West Coast, there weren't very many bands that had the sound we were striving for, and we wanted to be one of the first.

2. Who came up with the band name? What does 'Sworn Vengeance' mean to you? 

Ryan : Brian (our guitarist) came up with the name.  He got inspiration from an Integrity song (either "Mediator" or "No One") and wanted to come up with a name that had the word vengeance in it.  After some brainstorming, we came up with Sworn Vengeance.  For me personally, the concept of "sworn vengeance" is a declaration of war against whatever tries and holds you down in life.  But, being an artist, I also like hearing other people's interpretations and allowing them to develop their own personal etymology.

3. Sworn Vengeance was born out of the ashes of Downshift? Why progress from youth crew to metalcore? How was the first band rehearsal? 

Ryan : The transition from Downshift to Sworn Vengeance was seamless. Originally, as Downshift, our musical approach was influenced by our first bassist who was really into 80's youth crew.  the music was written before I joined the band and thus my lyrics were merely trying to mirror the sound that the band had already created in those 5 songs.  But by the time we wrote our 6th song, Brian wanted to start pushing a more metallic sound, to which I wholeheartedly agreed, and as a result our second demo had much less of a posi-hxc influence.  By the time we wrote "Hammer" for the California Hardcore compilation, the youth crew influence was gone.  Coincidentally, our bassist left the band at that point and so we all felt it was time for a change: a new name for the new style we were playing.  And thus Sworn Vengeance was formed.  So the first band rehearsal was no different than the last one as Downshift since we had slowly been evolving to our style over a period of two years.

4. Who writes the lyrics of your songs? Where do you guys drew inspiration from? 

Ryan : I have written the lyrics to all of our songs.  One of our bassists (Bob Hookey) penned a few lines for "Bloodstorm" so I had his help on that one.  But over the years it has pretty much been me.  Lyrically, I draw influence from personal experiences, organized religion and my experiences with it, social issues, cultural clashes, history, mythology and art (poetry, paintings and classic literature).  I have a fascination with Western Religion and the mythos behind it.  I like to apply a sense of psychology to it and look at some of the stories and beliefs from "the other side" and imagine what The Devil was thinking or experiencing.  Certain songs like "Abbadon", "Mark of Cain" and "Blatant Disregard" were written with that approach.  Musically, I think the guys just try and outdo themselves and that is where they draw inspiration.  They always are challenging themselves to write a better song, to bring a heavier breakdown, a more technical approach, etc.

5. For those who didn't know, can you explain what the infamous 'weapons show' is all about?

Ryan : Hahaha, the weapons show was initially just a joke.  We use dot watch these guys on pro wrestling bash each other's heads in with chairs and kendo sticks and the like, so we thought it would be funny to bring some cookie sheets to a show and throw them out to the crowd and see what would happen.  When we went shopping, we ended up picking up all kinds of things for people to use and somewhere in the middle of the set, just started throwing them out.  People were catching these objects and you saw this split second look of confusion, like "why do I have this in my hand?" and suddenly they realized "oh, it is to HIT someone with!" and then the chaos ensued.  Like anything else, I am sure over the years the stories outshine the real events, but regardless, they were a lot of fun to do.

6. How would you compare the hardcore scene in 1998 against the current, 2012?

Ryan : Honestly, I don't think I could do an honest comparison.  I am 39 now, so a majority of my time is spent working and enjoying the company of friends and family, so I haven't been to very many shows since SV originally disbanded.  From what I have seen, it appears that  like anything else in life, cycles exist.  In 1998 I saw the rise of the beatdown tough guy culture of hxc and by 2003 that started to fade a bit as I saw a lot more fashion conscious kids showing up.  The music became more technical, the fashion got a little weird with all kinds of makeup and super tight clothes and odd haircuts, but hey, maybe I am just showing my age, haha!  Deathcore seemed to pop up a could years later and the next thing I know I am hearing about "metalcore", which musically had a COMPLETELY different definition than when we were known as metalcore.  The new metalcore is not really my thing, but again, that is just my opinion.  But for the modern hardcore bands I have had the pleasure of being introduced to, they definitely have a hint of the late 90s style and combining it with some thrash metal elements, which I love.

7. What made you guys to reunite and write new songs? Besides playing shows and writing/recording new materials, what can we expect from Sworn Vengeance this year? 

Ryan : We decided to re-unite after we played a second reunion show in 2010.  We did one in 2007 and it was just a lot of fun, but in 2010 after we were done playing we all just looked at each other and realized that we missed it.  Now, we can't do things like we used to.  Most of us are married, have kids, careers…  we just don't have the time to play countless shows like we used to.  So for 2013, we will play a select number of shows that work for our schedule and limited time, maybe a fest or two.  We also want to hit the studio by the end of 2012 and get some new tracks down, as well as re-master the Outstretched Arms of Damnation tracks that we never got to finish the first time around.  That is a pet project of mine.  As for what else to expect, your guess is as good as mine!  We are just taking it one day at a time.

8. Of all your releases from 1998 up until 2002, what is your most and least favorite? Why?

Ryan : I think my favorite release is still Domination.  That was my baby, I spent a lot of time creating the layout for that album, as well as countless hours in the studio mixing.  I don't really have a least favorite since each one was special at the time we wrote/recorded.  Abbadon was very raw and our first full length and that is an amazing memory for me.  My Friend Violence was great to remix/clean up some old demo tracks and put out properly.  Domination is just a nice piece of history for me.  Outstretched Arms of Damnation was, I think, set to be an incredible album before things got derailed. It does contain some of my favorite songs we ever wrote, like "Empty", "Virus de Christo" and "Evangelic Lies."

9. Your most memorable Sworn Vengeance show so far? 

Ryan : We played a LOT of shows, but for me, there are 3 that stand out:  The Trocadero in Philly with Vision of Disorder and Cave In.  We opened and it was the biggest crowd we ever played in front of and people just destroyed the pit, it was incredible to witness.  The Don SEED memorial show at Westcoast Worldwide in Sacramento was a very special show for us (and ended up being our last until 2007).  It was a very intense show with a lot of emotion.  Huge pile-ons, everybody grabbing the mic and singing along, dancing hard and just leaving the venue exhausted and happy that we poured our hearts and souls out for Don.  The third show that sticks out in my mind is our reunion show in 2007 in Reno Nevada.  Just a lot of love and support that night, it was great.  it was the first time back on stage in a number of years so it felt great to know we didn't really lose a step and could still do what friends and fans expected of us.

10. Thank you so much for your interest and support Ryan! All the best to you and Sworn Vengeance man...

Ryan : Thank you again for the interview, we really appreciate all the people that have supported us over the years.  Without you, we would be nothing!!!

http://www.swornvengeanceband.com
info@swornvengeanceband.com

Sunday, August 26, 2012

The Vault : Sick Of It All - Yours Truly (T-shirt)

A friend ordered me this Sick Of It All shirt from Interpunk, I think that was around 2003. This shirt features the cartoon characters from the 'District' music video. Front print features the characters' 'evil persona'; authoritarian, dismissive, and greedy. 'Normal' subway passengers in the back. 

Check the 1:00 mark of this music video: 

"Poison for the destitute, is also in the silver spoon..."

 Front

Back

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Profile : Ryan Encinas (Artist)

Graphic Artist. Vocalist. Straight Edge.







Contact him for prints, design information, and Rebox development. 

ryan@ryanencinas.com

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The Vault : Strife - Los Angeles Hardcore (T-shirt)

Strife has and will always be my favorite hardcore band of all time. 'In This Defiance' is a groundbreaking album that got me into Straight Edge, and I'm glad that they will be releasing a new album ('Witness A Rebirth') under 6131 Records this fall. I had a chance of meeting and seeing them play live in 2008, during the “In This Defiance” Lineup - Canadian Tour. It was a short 3-day tour; Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto. I saw them in Toronto, at the Kathedral; a famous show venue where most hardcore-punk and metal bands play. They were supported by Fired Up!, Reign Supreme, and To The Lions. RZL DZL was supposed to be on this tour as well, I wonder why they didn't made it. Here is the flyer for the said show : 


Strife only have one shirt design for this show, luckily they did not ran out of sizes. Huge logo embossed above the map of 'City of Angels', printed on a white shirt. Witness my t-shirt!  

Front

Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Vault : Verse (T-shirt)

In celebration of the latest Verse full-length album, 'Bitter Clarity, Uncommon Grace', I'll be posting this awesome shirt that I got from film director / photographer extraordinaire Rob Soucy. I met him during the First Blood / Alcatraz South East Asia tour - Philippine leg (2010). This shirt came out in 2004, most probably before recording 'Rebuild'. You don't see that Verse logo being used by the band anymore. Sweet live band photo on a navy blue shirt.  

Front

The Vault : Modern Life Is War (T-shirt)

Bought this M.L.I.W. shirt at Disc Union (Shibuya branch) during my visit in Tokyo, Japan last January. Got it for just 100 Yen (1 US$). I guess this shirt was printed in  2003, same year 'My Love. My Way.' was released. Reference to the Martyr Records logo. M.L.I.W. cross logo on an ash grey shirt, record label logo on the back. 'First and Ellen' has to be my favorite song from 'My Love. My Way'.

"And I've been thinking about my past today...thinking of all those times I was afraid...and all those times that I felt worthless and ashamed." 

 Front 

Back

The Vault : Integrity - To Die For (T-shirt)

I've been collecting Integrity records and merch since 2006; from LPs, cassette tapes, flyers, and posters to shirts, hoodies, and patches. Hey, who doesn't love this controversial metallic hardcore band? I got this shirt around the first quarter of 2009, from KisG of Hungarian Straight Edge hardcore band, Motivation. He also runs a hardcore-punk label called Honest For Truth Records. According to him, this is one of Integrity's European tour shirt during the 'To Die For' era. White print on a red shirt, featuring the infamous Integrity skull logo with wings (reference to Blessed Majesty or Heavens Final War?) on the front. Bold 'To Die For' printed on the back. Deathwish logo on the left sleeve. 

"We don't need you or your rules - this is ours, there's something to die for..."

Front

Left Sleeve 

 Back

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Gig : Bystorm 'Sumalangitnawa' (CD) Release Show (September 1, 2012)


If you missed Bystorm's full-length release party that was held last Sunday (August 12, 2012), then now is the time to wipe that silly frown of your face. Bystorm will be visiting the southside next month, to preach unholy scriptures and pulverize disbelievers! Brought to you by Dark Rift Productions, United One Blood Records, and Hard Times Merchandise.

Blasphemour Records


DEFORMITY “Murder Within Sin” (CD and Digital)
11 Tracks of brutal death metal influenced hardcore out of Belgium. 


Frost Giant “When Myth and History Merged into Mystery” (CD and Digital)
5 Track EP from the cold mountains of PA. Blending the power and imagery of Viking metal with the heart of hardcore and punk to bring something completely new to the table.


V/A "One HELL Of A Compilation" (CD and Digital)
17 Tracks from 15 bands. Includes songs by Goatwhore, Deformity, Skinless, Abnegation, Burial Ground, Milhouse, Psywarfare, Length Of Time, Deadeyesunder, Motive, Crossthread, Heaven Forbid, Legion, Arora, and Our Time.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Distro : Overdose On Records

Common Enemy "As the World Burns" (CD) 

Dousing everything with gasoline and setting the world ablaze, Common Enemy has unleashed their 5th and most aggressive studio album yet. As the World Burns sparks 16 tracks of pure post apocalyptic chaos, and good times to be had with friends while sitting back and watching it all burn. With influences ranging from hardcore punk to thrash metal, these songs ignite a spastic yet tight, as well as a somewhat, umm… matured… new and exciting sound that is experimental yet familiar, screaming out the pure passion and rage that each member personally feels about the situations that we’re all faced with. This is definitely the soundtrack of mass destruction, so bring your board, your bong, your best buds (both kinds), spark it up, and thrash out with Common Enemy as the world burns!  And oh yea, don’t forget your skewers and marshmallows for when you have the munchies.


Local - P300 / P350 (Registered Mail)
Asia - US$9 (Registered Mail)
USA / Europe / Rest of the World - US$10 (Registered Mail)

Concrete Facelift "Loud, Fast, Raw" (CD)

These insane skatecore legends hailing straight from Worcester, Massachusetts are no strangers to killer releases. With many amazing sold out 7″s under their belt, it’s no surprise their first full length CD thrashes even harder. This CD contains songs about getting wasted, parties, skateboarding, and struggling with everday life.  






Local - P300 / P350 (Registered Mail)
Asia - US$9 (Registered Mail)
USA / Europe / Rest of the World - US$10 (Registered Mail)

Reanimate "Jumpstart" (CD)

Reanimate’s delivery of their first EP comes out swinging, with fearless, uncompromising hardcore. Fueling the fire are their friends, family, and everything that life has to throw at you, making these songs aggressive, melodic, and very personal. Features current and ex-members of Common Enemy, Alive in the Moment, and Submarine Screendoor.

For fans of: Kill Your Idols, Suicide Machines, Good Riddance, No Friends, Ignite, Paint it Black

Local - P150 / P200 (Registered Mail)
Asia - US$4 (Registered Mail)
USA / Europe / Rest of the World - US$5 (Registered Mail)

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Review : A389 Presents : Midnight Mass (Fanzine)

 

First issue of the official fanzine of A389 Records features lengthy and in-depth interview with Chris Colohan (discussing his time spent playing for Countdown To Oblivion), Orion (Ilsa's frontman shares his favorite VHS-only horror films like Demonwarp and Servants of Twilight (1991)), Symon Siech (prolific artist in-charge of doing album covers for Blind To Faith, Gehenna, Low Places, and Homewrecker), Dwid and Aaron Melnick (reminisce Integrity's memorable experience with Dave Nicholai Aracara). Plus tons of band photos! Cover artwork by Brian VDP, fanzine layout and design by Dwid Hellion and Szymon Siech. 

"Take the time to listen to records, and have a conversation with somebody about the music, and the bands you love and hate. You are contributing more to keeping all of this alive than you can imagine..."  - Domenic Romeo

www.a389records.com

MM 07 - Bystorm 'Sumalangitnawa' (CD)


Local - P200 / P250 (Registered Mail)
Local (Wholesale) - P180 (Minimum of 5 pieces)
Asia - US$8 (Registered Mail)
Asia (Wholesale) - US$7 (Minimum of 5 pieces)
USA / Europe / Rest of the World - US$9 (Registered Mail)
USA / Europe / Rest of the World (Wholesale) - US$8 (Minimum of 5 pieces)

Distros and labels get in touch.