Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Gig : Backtrack (February 10, 2012)

Long Island, New York Hardcore band, Backtrack will be visiting the Philippine shores on February 2012 to demonstrate 'The Roots Of Evil'. This will be a one night show, so start marking that calendar.


"It’s safe to say I’m not the only one, it’s always been easier said than done.
I’ve seen their fall so now it’s time for a change, won’t let my darker half control my ways." - Darker Half

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Interview : Truth


1. When and how did it all started? Who came up with the band name?

Jerrad : Hey dude, thanks for doing this with us. Umm...the band all started fall/winter of 2010, I had met my friend Jordan who was into the same stuff as me, and he played guitar, and I played drums. We knew of a bass player for us, but we weren't sure of a front man, which is where our friend Austin came into play. The name is pretty straight forward, which is why we chose it and like it so much. We all agreed on Truth, being a hardcore band, everything said is the honest truth, and as straight to the point as possible.

2. Do you still remember your first band rehearsal? What's it like? 

Jerrad : Our first band rehearsal is really embarrassing actually, haha. Me, Jordan, and Austin all got together in the living room of my parents house which is barely big enough for the furniture in it, so we moved everything to one corner of it and set all of our gear up. We jammed for a bit just playing random things that came to mind. We continued this weekly until we found a bass player that stuck with us, James, and luckily his parents had a big enough house with a spare room upstairs that we could turn into a band room. Pretty cool.

3. How old where you when you first started listening to hardcore-punk?

Jerrad : I actually wasn't too old. I had heard of random punk bands growing up from some stuff my cousin listened to, but I never really got into it until about my freshman year in high school.

4. Who writes the lyrics?

Jerrad : The lyrics actually are a group effort, Jordan writes most of them, but myself and Austin have written some as well.

5. What does Straight Edge mean to you?  

Jerrad : Straight edge really means more to me than anything. As cliche as it sounds, the family I've grown up and around has all had really, really difficult struggles with addiction. When I first got into like, metal/punk and all of that, I tried my share of things, and immediately realizing it wasn't for me. I found straight edge after seeing a friend of mine wearing an In My Eyes shirt. I was drawn to it, fell in love with straight edge hardcore bands, the whole idea behind it, and the feeling of saying that I'm a part of a movement unlike any other.

6. Any vegan/vegetarian band members?

Jerrad : Yes actually! Jordan is vegetarian, and James is vegan. Austin and myself are not.

7. Who are your current favorite straight edge bands?

Jerrad : Current straight edge bands I'm really into are our friends in Modern Pain. Some bands from north that we're either friends with, or have gigged with, like Stick Together from PA. Alert from MA. Outlast from Jersey. 

8. Memorable show so far..

Jerrad : I actually have a few. The second show we played was a small fest with a bunch of hardcore bands from Texas, like our friends Power Trip, and End Times. It was awesome, there were a ton of kids there, and we didn't expect much of a reaction, but kids went off. People were singing our words, which was a shock because our demo had only been out for a month or two. Another was the time we played on the Mother of Mercy/Foundation/Stick Together tour that came through Ft. Worth. We got added on about an hour before the show started because another local dropped. That was our 4th show, and the place was packed. Tons of people were there, but we showed up and played our set, and it was awesome. All of our friends and even people we didn't know went off for us, pitting, singing the words, everything was so tight about that gig. 

9. Can you share the band's goal for 2012?

Jerrad : Our goals in 2012, tour a little bit, gig with cool bands, write an EP, and just have fun playing music we love.

10. Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts and ideas man. 

Jerrad : Anytime dude, thank you for interviewing, I enjoyed it.

www.facebook.com/truthtx
www.xtruthx.bandcamp.com

Friday, December 09, 2011

Review : Straight Answer 'Passion Is The Reason' (CD)


Straight Answer is a legendary old school hardcore band from Jakarta Indonesia. They have been around since 1996, and to celebrate their fifteenth year of being active in the hardcore-punk community, they released a new full-length album called 'Passion Is The Reason'. Yes, passion is Straight Answer's reason for staying and continuously contributing in the scene. This CD features seven fast and insightful songs about being free and independent, fighting for change, and having a bright future. Fans of positive hardcore, take note! 

"Never give up, never give in
Because we are built to last
- Passion Is The Reason 

Review : Adaje / Shark Bait 'Split' (Cassette Tape)


Second release from Carucage Records, a DIY label out of Memphis, TN and St. Louis, MO. They will be releasing four new 7" records soon, so you might want to check out their website from time to time. Now, on with the split cassette tape. Side A features Adaje, which opens up with an instrumental song called 'Caveman' followed by a song called 'Caveman Not Cometh', a song about misery and selfishness. Heavy guitar riffs, good drum fills, and a harsh vocal delivery are some of the things that you can expect from this band. Shark Bait, on the other side, plays screamo with some indie elements. Lyrics deal with betrayal, egoism, and regrets. Fans of emo/screamo/skramz should check out these two bands.

Here's a video of Adaje playing 'Caveman Not Cometh':


http://adaje.bandcamp.com

Sunday, November 06, 2011

Distro List (November 2011)

Cassette Tape: 

B
Bulldozed (Self-titled) - P150 | $3

S
Staid 'Demo' - P150 | $3

CD:


After The Sky 'Nothing But Colors' - P200 | $4
All Hell Breaks Loose (Self-titled) - P350 | $7
Anchor 'Captivity Songs' - P400 | $9
ANS 'The Process Of Stocking Out' - P250 | $5

B
Billydekid 'Nuestra Victoria' - P250 | $5
Bottomline 'No One's Safe' - P200 | $4
Bloody Phoenix 'War, Hate, & Misery'  - P350 | $7
Broken Fist 'Prophecy' - P250 | $5
Bystorm / Pulling Teeth (Split) - P200 | $4

C
Commin Correct / Where Fear And Weapons (Split) - P350 | $7
Countless Shadows 'Maturity Through Tragedy' - P200 | $4
Countless Shadows / Until The Fall (Split) - P200 | $4
Common Enemy 'Late Night Skate' - P250 | $5
Crux / Pazahora (Split) - P250 | $5

D
Desarme 'Es Tu Terror' - P250 | $5
Dissolve 'Caveman Of The Future' - P350 | $7

E
Eleven 'Shattered Hope' - P200 | $4

F
FPO '2003-2007 Recordings' - P250 | $5
Fumbles In Life 'Everyday You Can Improve' - P250 | $5

G 
GO! 'Reactivate' - P350 | $7

H
Half The Battle 'What We Have' - P200 | $4
Horse The Band 'A Natural Death' - P150 | $3

I
Incarnate 'Embrace The Horror' - P350 | $7
In Cold Blood 'Suicide King' - P350 | $7
Indexterity 'Vivencio O Trauma' - P250 | $5
Insurgent Kid 'Paranoia' - P250 | $5

K
Kleins96 (Self-titled) - P250 | $5

L
Live For Today 'Taking It Back' - P200 | $4
Living Hell 'The Lost And The Damned' - P400 | $8


Never Face Defeat 'Remembering Your Heartbeat - P250 | $5
Never Face Defeat 'Human Weapons' - P250 | $5
Never Face Defeat 'Changing Times' - P250 | $5

O
Outrageous (Self-titled) - P250 | $5

P
Poser Disposer 'Waiting To Inhale' - P350 | $7

S
Samsara 'The Emptiness' - P350 | $7

The Smashrooms 'Rest In War' - P250 | $5

Straight Answer 'Passion Is The Reason' - P150 | $3
Strength For A Reason 'Blood Faith Loyalty' - P350 | $7
Sick Of It All (Self-titled) - P350 | $7

T
Throw 'Unwavering' - P150 | $3
Together / The Truth of XXX (Split) - P200 | $4

V
V/A 'It's All In Our Hands' (Half The Battle / Play / Feud) - P200 | $4
V/A 'New Names For Old Desires' (Nuclear Punishment / Isvarah / Forgiveness Denied / Prayer of Endurance) - P200 | $4
V/A 'The Spraypaint' (Bandana Revenge / L.E.A.R.N. / Balls Of Justice) - P200 | $4
Vitamin X 'Bad Trip' - P300 | $6
Vitamin X 'Pissed Off' - P200 | $4

W
War All The Time (Self-titled) - P200 | $4
Wheelbite 'Discography'P200 | $4
Where Fear And Weapons Meet 'Unstoppable' - P350 | $7

7":

A
Amour Fou / Invasion (Split) - P200 | $4
Alarme 'Walk Together, Thrash Together - P250 | $5

Alfatec 'Brainphobia' - P200 | $4
Ambitions 'Neon Lights' - P250 | $5
Any Last Words (Self-titled) - P200 | $4

D
Damage Deposit 'Straight To The Bottom' - P200 | $4
Damage Deposit 'Do Damage' - P200 | $4

F
Frank Castle Gonna Break Your Neck - P250 | $5

G
Gasc-oigne 'Epidemic' - P150 | $3
Get It Today / Held Hostage (Split) - P250 | $5
Gluttons (Self-titled) - P300 | $6

I 
In Defence 'Twin Cities Crew' - P250 | $5  
In Defence / Guns N' Rosa Parks (Split) - P250 | $5 
In Defence / Party By The Slice - P250 | $5   
In One Piece / Sink Or Swim (Split) - P200 | $4

K
Killed In Action 'Self Abuse' - P250 | $5  

R
Remain 'As Sharp As Knives' - P250 | $5

P
Party By The Slice / Malparido (Split) - P200 | $4
Party By The Slice / In Defence (Split) - P200 | $4

S
Severe 'Snitch Slaughter' - P300 | $6
The Shitty Limits 'Limits Appear' - P150 | $3
The Smashrooms 'The Wind Of Tomorrow' - P150 | $3

T
The Twats / Common Enemy (Split) - P250 | $5
Tighten Up / Warkrime (Split) - P150 | $3


For questions or inquiries, feel free to send me an e-mail: xmajormalfunctionx@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The Vault : The Exorcist 'Theme From The Motion Picture' (7")

The Exorcist is a ground-breaking movie that defied the norm of horror/suspense genre. It is one of the highest earning movies of all time and instantly became a cult classic. If you are not convinced just check out Regan's infamous spider-walk scene...


Besides collecting hardcore-punk cassette tapes, CDs, fanzines, show flyers, and vinyls, I also collect comic books and horror memorabilia. Anyway, I bought this 7" vinyl for $1.00 from a Japan Surplus Shop near our house. It was pressed by Warner-Pioneer Corporation in 1974. The Exorcist 7" single contains two songs: 

Side A : Tubular Bells (Mike Oldfield)
Side B : Iraq (Jack Nitzsche-Krzysztof Penderecki)

 Cover

 Inlay

"Especially important is the warning to avoid conversations with the demon. We may ask what is relevant but anything beyond that is dangerous. He is a liar. The demon is a liar. He will lie to confuse us. But he will also mix lies with the truth to attack us." - Father Merrin

The Vault : Foundation '3 Song Promo' (CD)

A fellow B9er tossed me this CD along with the Integrity 'Systems Overload' LP that I bought from him. He also sent me a NOFX 'The PMRC Can Suck On This' 7" vinyl. 

Here is the short note that he wrote:


 
 Cover Artwork

 Inlay

This promo CD contains early recordings of the following Foundation songs: Against The Wall, Keyhole, and Testing Patience. You can order 'When The Smoke Clears' CD/LP and 'At Your Mercy' 7" from Bridge 9 Records

"I pray that hand of yours gets hacked right off from your wrist. Sliced through like a god damn hammer and I hope the pain drops you to your knees cause if you can't stand then you can't stomp on these dreams. I've seen your kind, and you're all the same." - No Cure For Fools   

Review : Jack Bullshit # 1 (Fanzine)


Premiere issue of this thick cut and paste thrashcore fanzine from Russia contains artworks, band profiles, live photos, interviews, and music reviews. First band to be interviewed in this zine is The Italian Stallion, a five-piece thrash unit from Wegberg, Germany. Yes, they do love Rocky and Sylvester Stallone. Reproach is up next. The band shared their thoughts on DIY ethics, Nazis, skateboarding, and The Simpsons. Sister Bastard, a local Infest influenced band, talks about Metro Manila, politics, and police brutality. Other bands interviewed are Atomgevitter, BSYOM (Bastard Son Of Your Mom), Elastic Death, Henry Gonda, and Unquartomorto. This fanzine is done by Sergey, who also runs a DIY hardcore-punk label, Lost Cause Records. Jack Bullshit can fuel a circle pit in no time! 

km.distro@gmail.com

Monday, October 10, 2011

Profile : FIRR - Felix Rosales (Artist)

Painter, illustrator, adventurer and lover of evil nerdy women. 

 The Betrayal

 Mediator

 Make Do and Mend 'Firewater'

 Our Lady of Merciless

In Heaven Everything is Fine

 Humanity is the Devil

Contact him for apparel, merch design, and paintings.

Review : Tight End # 2 (Fanzine)

 

Second issue of this cut and paste hardcore-punk fanzine that focuses on the youth crew revival genre features lengthy and insightful interviews with Alert, Outlast, Second Combat, True Colors, Truth Inside, and artist extraordinaire, Jay Jacoby. There are also some well-written columns about the importance of communication, recording, and sincerity in the hardcore-punk community. Issue number three is currently in the works, keep it up youth crew Dan!

dlbothgunsblazing@gmail.com

Saturday, October 08, 2011

Review : Family Man S/T (CD)

  

I had a chance of watching Family Man perform live during their SE Asia tour with Atomgevitter last July. What an intense set, Henry (vocals) is insane and Machine (guitar) redefined the word 'shred'. This slick digipack S/T CD compiles both Family Man LPs, the S/T that they released in 2008 and the latest full-length that was released sometime last year. Produced by a Polish hardcore-punk label Nikt Nic Nie Wie Records. 26 raging thrashcore tracks about hypocrisy, mass murder, mind control, surfing, and pig champion? Nope, the song Pig Champion is not about Poison Idea, but it's an awesome track nonetheless! Comes with a thick booklet containing band info, photos, and lyrics. Recommended for fans of Common Enemy, JFA, and Vitamin X. 'To die and have lived: positive outlook family man style!'

mail@family-main.org

Friday, October 07, 2011

The Vault : Integrity 'Palm Sunday' CD/DVD Flyer

Flyer for the Integrity 'Palm Sunday' CD/DVD which was released by Spook City Records. I wonder what happened to that label? Shawn used to release quality CDs from tough as nails hardcore bands like Folsom, Nerve Gas Tragedy, Strength For A Reson, and Will To Live. 

The Vault : Mansonfish Embroidered Patch

Here is the 'Charles Manson riding a flying fish' embroidered patch that I ordered from Holy Terror Records. The envelope has a silk screened Process (circle) logo in it.

"I can't dislike you, but I will say this to you: you haven't got long before you are all going to kill yourselves, because you are all crazy. And you can project it back at me, but I am only what lives inside each and every one of you." - Charles Manson 

The Vault : Victory Catalog 96 and Victory Postcards

Back in the days when Tony Brummel still has his 'style' and that bulldog in the Victory Records logo can give you  bite marks, they used to release thick mail-order catalags and glossy postcards. The catalog contains a massive list of all the apparels, CDs, cassette tapes, and vinyls that they are distributing, plus interviews with By The Grace of God, Bloodlet, Deadguy, Doughnuts, Integrity, The Path of Resistance, Strife, and Warzone.

Review : Villain 'It's Rough' (CD)


Villain plays straight forward hardcore with a touch of trash. Just by listening to the first track entitled I.Q., I can say that these dudes can fuel a raging pit in no time! 'It's Rough' is Villains debut full-length CD under Arrest Records. 11 fast songs about close-mindedness, deceit, growing up, hating school, shooting cops, and partying? Yes, and Party Foul is one fun song to sing-a-long to, pa-pa-pa-party foul! Villain reminds me of Hammer Bros and Ringworm, minus the dark lyrics. Good stuff!           

http://myspace.com/villainma
http://villainma.bandcamp.com

The Vault : Unconquered - XXX (T-shirt)

Unconquered is an underrated mid-90's metalcore band from the biggest little city in the world, Reno, NV. They are not your typical Straight Edge band that sings about positivity and unity, Unconquered addressed crucial issues like animal abuse, betrayal, child molestation, drug addiction, religion, and world hunger. I have to say that they are one of my all-time favorite band from Reno. I also happen to correspond with Glenn Lemon (guitar) years ago, and he really is an awesome guy. Now, on with the shirt. This shirt most probably came out during the 'My Pain' 7", because it has the Area 51 Records logo on the sleeve. Dark green shirt with the yellow Unconquered logo printed on the front. The back-print proves that this band is fond of apocalyptic/macabre paintings. This t-shirt will be 'entombed' in my collection until the day of judgement.

Front

Left Sleeve
 
    Back

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Review : The Destructors 'Helloween' (CD)

  

The Destructors plays straight up garage punk rock with a touch of psychobilly, this Peterborough band started in 1977 up to 1984. They re-formed in 2006, and decided to change the band name to Destructors 666. From there on they have been releasing full-lengths and EPs non-stop, under the UK based label, Rowdy Farago Records. Just in time for Halloween comes this ghoulish full-length CD entitled 'Helloween', 13 eerie tracks that will have you digging graves in no time. Songs about death ceremonies, night creatures, puppeteers, and Elvis? Well, Elvis' rotten corpse that is. They also covered songs from Dead Kennedys, The Ramones, and of course, The Misfits. Besides the album artwork, I also enjoyed scanning through the booklet, it has that 50's horror feel in it. By the way, this album is dedicated to all things that go bump in the night.

destructors666@hotmail.co.uk
       

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Review : Casting Curses 'Dirt Road' (EP)


Dirt Road is Casting Curses' follow up to their first 7" EP on Panic Records, 'Cold All Over Again'. This EP opens up with a volatile song entitled 'Let's Ride', followed by their own rendition of STP's song 'Sex Type Thing'. Musically, I can compare this band to 108, Another Breath, and Verse. Aggressive, relentless, and catchy. I'll be on the lookout for more stuff from this NYHC band, and so should you.

http://myspace.com/castingcurses
http://facebook.com/castingcurses

Review : Lifespan Records Newsletter # 2 (Newsletter)


Lifespan Records is a Death/Thrash Metal label based in Sta.Cruz, Laguna. Second installment of this newsletter features lengthy interviews with local Thrash Metal veterans Pagan Fire and Norwegian Black Metal influenced band Tenebrion. Plus record reviews, band photos, and show reviews. If you are interested in checking out the local Metal scene, then you might want to check out this newsletter.

Lifespan Records
Ser Edward R. Natividad 
Maulawin St., Green Village Subdivision 
Sta. Cruz, Laguna
4J08 
Philippines  

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Review : People Ruin Everything # 1 (Fanzine)


First issue of this cut and paste fanzine from John Vista who runs Vista Fanzine and the frontman of the infamous Orange County Hardcore band, Inner Dam. People Ruin Everything is a zine that compiles disturbing, hilarious and weird newspaper articles. Topics range from cremation, deer meat, false teeth, and fast-food joints to cockfighting, deranged hunters, LeBron James, serial killers, snowballs, and witches.

v_love_845@yahoo.com

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Review : Worlds ‘Give Me Shelter’ (7”)


Worlds is a five-piece hardcore band from the state of New Jersey that was formed during the first quarter of 2009. Their first demo – Demo MMIX was released in the spring of 09 and the second demo – Demo II around fall. Musically, I can compare this band to Burst Of Silence, Edgewise, Strain, and Trial. The vocal style is harsh and relentless, which defies the aggressiveness of this band.  ‘Give Me Shelter’ has four heavy songs that deal with arrogance, disdain, emotional disorder, and self-will. Record comes in a coke bottle clear vinyl. 

http://myspace.com/worldshc

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Interview : Integrity


Integrity Members are located in different parts of the globe, how do you guys come up with a material? 

Dwid : Rob writes most of the music. After he records each song, he transfers the recording files over to my computer and I then add vocals and any other sound nuances. Once everything is on place I then mix everything together.

How often does Integrity rehearse?   

Dwid : Almost never, there is no need for us to rehearse.

When and how did it all started? 

Dwid : 1988.  I was not content with the music that was available at the time. So I created Integrity.

What does it mean to you?

Dwid : Standing up for what I believe in, no matter what the rest of the world thinks.

You have an upcoming full-length CD/LP called “The Blackest Curse”, Deathwish Inc. is going to put it out, right? 

Dwid : Yes, the recording will be released through Deathwish.

What should we expect in this new full-length? 

Dwid : 11 new songs.

How would you compare it to your recent materials (split with Creepout)?   

Dwid : I would not compare the records as they are their own entity. 
You are welcome to listen to two of the songs from The Blackest Curse on our Myspace page. 

Regarding the fundamental teachings and insights of Charles Manson, Robert De Grimston, and Anton La Vey, how do you apply them in your daily living? 

Dwid : Insidiously 

How was the recent Integrity / Vegas / Creepout Japan tour? 

Dwid : Incredible

Any plans of touring other parts of Asia sometime soon?

Dwid : No plans at this time.

Top 5 favorite albums of all time…

Dwid : 

GISM (all)
Septic Death (all)
Samhain (all)
Boyd Rice/ИОИ (all)
Les Legions Noire (all)

Top 5 favorite movies of all time…

Dwid :

Bedazzled (1967)
Begotten (1990)
Dr Mabuse, der Spieler  (1922)
Nosferatu (1922)
GISM 'subj and egos chopped' (1995)

You also sing for Roses Never Fade should we expect some new songs soon? 

Dwid : RNF is working on a split record with Rot In Hell (UK).

Also, do you have new Psywarfare materials?

Dwid : Nothing new.

Thank you so much for your time Dwid! Last words… 

Dwid : Download our music for free at Holy Terror.
Never purchase our music from Itunes.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Interview : Withdrawal

1. Hello Adam! How are you doing? How’s Withdrawal?

Adam : I'm doing pretty ok. Aside from Withdrawal I work an office job at a financial So between them all I'm stretched pretty thin and don't have much time to sit back and enjoy what little there is to enjoy in life. But Withdrawal is good, we're a few weeks away from a eastern Canadian tour and we played what amounted to be the craziest show we've ever played the other day. So things are good I suppose.

2. Whose idea was it to form this Holy Terror band?


Adam :  Me and my brother Joel have been active in bands since we were around 16. We're 24 now. We've been in a couple of bands seperate from one another, and we knew the other guys for a while. Eventually all our other bands kind of just ran their course and died, and we all respected one another personally and musically so we decided we wanted to do something together and work hard with it. And here we are about half a year later and we have already toured and recorded a demo.

3. Do you still remember your first band rehearsal? What’s it like?

Adam : I actually wasn't at the first practice! We had another drummer at first, but he didn't have any commitment so we started playing with Jeff which worked out amazingly. This band would have turned out totally different without his involvement, he is a phenominal drummer. The first practice I sang at was pretty intimidating, but I remember that the first song we wrote was "To The Wolves".

4. Withdrawal’s demo – "Promised Heaven, Given Hell", has been receiving positive feedbacks lately. How do you guys come up with a song? Who writes the lyrics?

Adam : I'm glad people have enjoyed our demo, it means alot. The writing process for Withdrawal is very much a collective effort. Often Joel or Ross will have the skeleton of a song ready for when we go to practice, and sometimes the song will be completely different than what was originally intended by the time we're finished. Seperately we write at a moderate pace, but together we're quite prolific. We have a few songs that didn't stand the test of time though, but we have more than enough songs written otherwise to make up for them. The lyrics are generally the last things to get done, and I write about 98% of them. Sometimes the other members help out with some vocal patterns.

5. Most of your songs deal with cataclysm, death, false beliefs, and hopelessness; who or what inspires you to write these thought provoking lyrics?


Adam : I think one would be hard pressed to not find inspiration everywhere they look in life. I've always been a pesemist, and our songs are a negative reflection of that. We live in a society that's pretty bloated with excess. Obsessed with sex, violence, vice, commerce, social status, body image. A bunch of bullshit that has been directly responsible, at least in my eyes, to the steady decline in humanity and society. And I write about that, if only because were I to try and talk to someone about it they would ignore me. Music to me has always been cathartic, and lyrically I can express a bit of the anger and sadness that I feel being a confused and ultimately frightened young man. As far as influences of the past, I would look to H.P Lovecraft, religious text, comic books... standard stuff. Contemporary lyricists that I enjoy are Chris Collohan from Cursed, Ian Curtis of Joy Division, Tom G. Warrior of Celtic Frost and in my opinion, the best songwriter of the last 25 years Martin L. Gore of Depeche Mode.

6. How essential is the works of Holy Terrorism to you Adam? As an individual, how would you convey the insights of Robert de Grimston Moor and MaryAnne MacLean in your day to day living?

Adam : The Holy Terror bands past and present are just on a whole other level musically and artistically than any other hardcore band out there. Bands like Gehenna have a certain lore that surrounds their violence, or with Integrity how throughout their discography they've always evolved with each release. So Holy Terror bands, past and present, I find are immensely inspiring in that sense. They don't just play a song, they live their art. Similarly I find Grimston's work to be inspiring as well; you can identify with what he says because even if you don't entirely believe what he says deep inside you wish you could "release the fiend" and take out your misery on this world. At least that's how I feel.
7. What’s your stand on religion?

Adam : It's something that is impossible to ignore in white, middle class, north america. It's everywhere. I'm lucky to have parents who were smart enought to be atheists. I think that alot of Christians were born into their belief system and fed lies at such an early age that they grow up not knowing any better. I don't want to start any blasphemous rumors but I think that God's got a sick sense of humor. I just don't believe in God and I get more tired and more annoyed with how much influence religion has in society as I grow older.

8. How’s the current hardcore-punk scene in Winnipeg? How often do you held shows in your area?

Adam : Winnipeg's scene is very very vibrant lately. Alot of great bands like Born Bad, Under Pressure, Mind Control, Hollow Ground, First Strike. Shows have been getting really good and there are alot of newer kids coming out and starting new bands. The shows are also getting more violent and less tolerant of "posers" which I full endorse. There are a few part time HC kids in Winnipeg but they're generally too scared to come to any real shows. I put on shows out here and I really can't stand poser kids who don't go to local shows. Drives me nuts.We generally have a show about once or twice a month. Bands tour through here ocasionally and I hope that more come through because things are picking up.

9. Withdrawal is currently recording new songs, how would you compare your new materials from your previous ones. When should we expect the new EP?

Adam : We are actually about 85% done recording it. Only a few things left before it's done. I would say it is noticably more agressive and darker than our early songs. We're letting our metal influences shine through a bit more, but we also made a concious effort to make sure the production was a bit more hardcore so it makes for a really corrosive sound. I realized that lyrically our earlier songs were depressing but you could tell there was a desire for hope or change in there, a beacon of light shrouded in darkness, but on these songs we just full on embrace misery, sorrow and anger. One song in particular "Pray as Lamb; Lamb as Prey" I think is the best song we've ever written. I'm sure you will enjoy it. We are talking to a few labels right now in North America, and hopefully we can work with someone out here who will work as hard as we do. And we'll be glad to work with you once it's ready, of course.

10. Thank you so much for taking some time in answering these questions Adam. Stay in touch.

Adam
: Thank you very much Led, your friendship and interest is very much appreciated and I hope to see and hear from you soon. Take care.