SUMMER OF HATE 2014 - ALL OUT WAR

New York heavy hitters ALL OUT WAR will finally be playing SUMMER OF HATE in Cleveland in 2014. SOH will go down @ the venues NOW THAT'S CLASS on FRIDAY, JUNE 27th and GROG SHOP on SATURDAY JUNE 28th with  AOW playing the Saturday show. Those who have attended the show in the past know what to expect: brutality. Year after year this fest claims to be the hardest/most dangerous show in America... AOW playing will only amplify this.

Rest of lineup, tickets, and more to be announced late winter 2014.

SUMMER OF HATE 2012 TICKETS + INFO

SUMMER OF HATE 2012 "WORLDWIDE APOCALYPSE" Sat July 14th @ Peabody's
2045 East 21st St, Cleveland, OH 44115

THERE WILL BE WALK-UP TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR FOR SATURDAY!!!!

FEATURING:
SHATTERED REALM, DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR, RINGWORM. MERAUDER, NASTY (Europe), SUBURBAN SCUM, NUMB (Japan), CLENCHED FIST, WORLD OF PAIN, SAND (Japan), PALEHORSE, LIFELESS, 10 OF SWORDS, LIFE AFTER DEATH, COPYKILL (europe), CDC, COLD EXISTENCE, PSYCHO ENHANCER

Tickets: $26 adv/$30 at the door (there WILL be walk-up tickets at the door for the Saturday show!!!) Doors @ 2pm

OR buy tix for Summer Of Hate AND the July 13th SOH Kickoff show Tix for $35 (save $5!)

- SUMMER OF HATE KICKOFF SHOW -
!!!!! FRIDAY IS SOLD OUT !!!!!

Friday, July 13th @ Pirate's Cove (Small room in Peabody's)

CROWD DETERRENT, TASTE THE STEEL, STRENGTH FOR A REASON, ENEMYMIND, COLD REIGN, and ETERNAL SLEEP

Doors @ 7:30pm
PEABODY'S - 2045 East 21st St, Cleveland, OH 44115
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TICKET OPTIONS

Advance Tickets can  be purchased  online through TICKET WEB  via the link below. Tickets will be available in person up till the day before the show. You can get them starting the last week in April @ the PEABODY'S BOX OFFICE, at DEFIANCE TATTOOS in Kent, and more locations TBA soon. We will also announce via the SOH facebook which shows we will be attending in the region so you will know what upcoming shows tix will be available at.

CLICK HERE FOR SUMMER OF HATE TICKETS VIA TICKET WEB

GENERAL SHOW INFO

- The show is ALL AGES, and there is no charge for under 21 patrons like Peabody's usually has. 21+ patrons can drink w/ ID. There is re-entry for 21+ only

- There will be hot dogs and burgers and possibly other food on the patio for a reasonable price

- The ticket prices include SALES TAX (unless you buy via ticketweb, then the tax will be added) so there will be no surprises at the door.
- This show is extremely rowdy, if you cannot handle a violent environment, this show may not be for you.
- There are many reasonable hotels nearby. If you wnat to stay cheap, call the UNIVSERSITY HOTEL and say "PEABODY'S" to get a $65 room rate. Or put in the Peabody's address at Hotels.com or similar sites and you will find some decent hotels within walking distance.

- Doors @ 2pm, 1st band @ 2:40pm. get there on time/early so you can get inside and avoid the long line!

SEE YOU JULY 14th!Ticket Web

LIFE AFTER DEATH - 2011 DEMO

LIFE AFTER DEATH is a new band from Northwest Indiana. This is rough and rugged straight up hardcore. Angry, brash, and violent, this band impressed highly as the surprise guest at Summer of Hate 2011. Looking forward to seeing great things from this band in the future... if they come to your neck of the woods don't sleep, they won't disappoint live! Download this 4 track Digital MP3 release or free via the link below:

Download LIFE AFTER DEATH 2011 DEMO free by clicking here!

LIFE AFTER DEATH - 2011 DEMO
1. Intro
2. Respect Is Collected
3. Wasted Years
4. Street Mother

THE FINAL BEATDOWN?

    I was told via e-mail from Kevin of Bulldoze that "Summer of hate will be the last show ever for Bulldoze". While this is sad news, we are honored that this legendary band will be doing this at SOH. Over the years we have had many bands that play "beatdown"style hardcore play at SOH... in fact, that is mainly the style of music we have had play the show since it was started half a decade ago so we are thrilled to have the masters of Beatdown play the show! 

Now, the only question that remains is who will survive the set? And what will be left of them???

Buy your tickets at the Pay pal link at the top right of this page, or click here to buy them via TICKET WEB, or get them in person at any Defiance Tattoos location. FEEL THE HATE!!!!

SUMMER OF HATE 2011 TICKETS & FINAL LINEUP!

    As of June 27th we are done selling tickets via the Pay Pal method, you may still buy tix via the TICKET WEB option (described below) or at the Door/Day of Show. If you bought tix via the Pay Pal/Snail mail method, alll tickets will be mailed out by Tuesday June 28th.

SUMMER OF HATE 2011

"THE MOSH OLYMPICS"

Saturday, July 9th @ Peabody's

2083 East 21st St, Cleveland OH

BULLDOZE, COLD AS LIFE, WISDOM IN CHAINS, STOUT, BITTER END, SUBURBAN SCUM, CROWD DETERRENT, COLIN OF ARABIA, HARM'S WAY, DEEP ROOTED HATE, PALEHORSE, TASTE THE STEEL, LIFELESS, 10 OF SWORDS, HOMEWRECKER, COLD EXISTENCE, LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, DOMESTIC WAR

TICKETS $22.00 in Advance, $26.00 Day Of Show, Doors & Opening Ceremony @ 3pm Sharp. All Ages.

THERE ARE MULTIPLE OPTIONS FOR TICKETS: 

 - There are online tickets you may buy from TICKET WEB at the link below (they charge a service fee and Sales Tax is included)

- Tickets will be available at the door for $26 (this price includes State Sales Tax of 8% and there is no service fee... venues in OH have been hassled by the State lately for Sales Tax money because they are scraping for $$$)

- You may also buy tickets @ PEABODY'S Box Office or from any DEFIANCE TATTOOS LOCATION with no extra service charges

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE TICKETS VIA TICKET WEB

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Here's some more general info that may answer any questions you may have:

- There will be 2 stages and no 2 bands will play at the same time 100%

- We do not have control over the ticket provider or the fact that Sales tax must be included in the ticket price. This is one of the only things we could not control in regards to the show since the venue has a contract that all shows go through the same ticket provider. Any service charges and fees the ticket provider charges for pre-sale tickets are out of our hands. The door/day of show price will not have a service charge, nor will tickets bought @ Peabody's Box office.

- There will be re-entry for 21+ only

- 21+ Drink w/ ID

- There will be food (burgers, dogs, etc) on the patio for a reasonable price

- There will NOT be an extra charge at the door for under-21 (Peabody's usually does this, but for this show there will not be any such extra charge for those under 21 years of age)

- The price of the show has increased this year but the promoters will STILL not make a dime off the show regardless of the turnout. ALL monies will be paid to the bands and venue and cover costs. If there is money in excess of the budget, bands will be paid more than what they were promised. Out ultimate goal is to pay the bands above and beyond what was promised... don't you want the bands you came to see get well taken care of? We do! Also, many of the bands this year are coming from places like Texas, Chicago, Boston, and other areas of the East Coast and gas is a major factor for the bands that have to travel to play for you.

We hope that everyone will have a great time this year! We tried our best to bring a good mix of the hardest legends and newer bands. Since we don't make one thin dime off doing the show, the only reason we do it every year is to provide the bands and people who attend with the most enjoyable show possible. Lots of people helped us to book the show this year... thanks to everyone who helped us get this far. FEEL THE HATE!!!!!!!

4/20/11 TEN TO MIDNIGHT

    Be here April 20th @ Ten To Midnight (11:50pm) for a final lineup announcement for SUMMER OF HATE 2011. At that time pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase as well.. This 4/20 even people who are straight edge will have reason to celebrate! See you then!

ULTIMO BEATDOWN "WAR OF THE COLOSSAL BEAST" EP

4 Tracks of angry hardcore featuring themes of mental illness, alien Gods, and Toho monster movies. In the vein of early Blood For Blood, Cold As Life, Sheer Terror and misc hardcore. Much better quality than the War of The Gargantuas EP from years ago. Members of Crowd Deterrent.

Click here to Download ULTIMO BEATDOWN "WAR OF THE COLOSSAL BEAST" free!

TRACK LISTING:

1. Hands Of The Creator
2. Personality Disorder
3. Mothra's Plea
4. Feelings

Enjoy!

CIRCLE STORM - SPIRIT 7"

Here is my Christmas gift to you: CIRCLE STORM'S "SPIRIT" 7". This is a GREAT 7", one of my all time favorites. This is an over-looked band that featured members of other famous Posi bands (if you don't know, then you have just been given a homework assignment). This band did an EP that really was terrible, but this 1st 7" was pure gold. 2 tracks of fast Posi Style sXe hardcore out of the 1980's. Hits hard and fast with extremely memorable sing along parts. I remember finding this 7" and being blown away by it when i was in high school and I have always wondered why this 7" is not talked about as much as many similar bands that were inferior. Download it. Love it. Live it. Happy holidays!

Download CIRCLE STORM "SPIRIT" by clicking HERE

1. No One To Blame
2. I Won't Turn Away

Mosh

More news/videos/etc

RACE RIOT will be doing a show for the holidays. it will be their 1st show since they played their one and only show back in November of last year. It will be a big one so keep your eyes peeled!

Good friends BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT will be playing in Pittsburgh on Friday the 12th of November w/ ICEBERG, GLADIATOR and more. The show is at THE SUBCULTURE. Check the  Some good bands that are worthy of your support! Check the following link for show info: THE SUBCULTURE

Lastly, CREEPOUT has posted a video commercial for their full length album "Tribe Called Hardcore" w/ some fun footage and DOMINATE has also posted a video from their "Just Chillin' At The Backyard" EP (which you can download free via the downloads tab at top). Check both the Creepout video posted below, the Dominate video had some issue w/ Youtube and it would not post properly, so check it out via the following link: DOMINATE "NO WAY OUT" VIDEO

NEWS YOU CAN USE!

Things have been pretty inactive here, I haven't been updating the site or the radio player much but I see that there is always a steady amount of visitors to the blog so thanks! I started a new job and don't have access to a computer all day like I used to. We'll have some new stuff in the near future for you to download as well as some new interviews and such. For now, here's some news for you:

CROWD DETERRENT will have a new EP very soon. One more song needs to be finished and the new material will be released. This material sounds much more like their earlier material (Demo through Blood and Family era). I sent a message to Dave to try and get the original 1997 demo (which NO ONE seems to have) so I can hopefully post it here for download in the near future in a re-mastered form. Crowd Deterrent will be returning to Japan in Fall of 2011.

CREEPOUT will have some new releases: their split w/ Integrity will be released in the US on A389 RECORDS so keep a lookout for pre-orders on that. Their full length has been out in Japan, I think a US release is pending. The Lords Of West Tokyo may be back in the US again next summer.

RACE RIOT will have a new record hopefully by the holidays or early 2011. If you don't have the Race Riot demo, make sure to download it here: Race Riot "Crew Life" Demo

ULTIMO BEATDOWN posted some new songs on their Myspace, there is a new version of the classic FEELINGS ad well as a new jam called MENTAL PRISON (which is in rotation on the Hard Ass Radio player as well). Check it out here: Ultimo Beatdown My Space

In other non-band related stuff, Samoan Rob of Crowd Deterrent has opened a new location of his Tattoo shop DEFIANCE TATTOOS in Canfield, OH. Check out their facebook here: DEFIANCE TATTOOS

Keep on keepin on. More new stuff soon!

WHAT WOULD RAYBEEZ DO?

   Shouldn't we all be asking ourselves this question? I think the answers we'd get to this question would be much more profound than the answers we'd find if we asked the same question about Jesus. Besides,  who kept the faith harder than Raybeez? Remember, whenever you cannot find the answer you are seeking,  always ask yourself "WHAT WOULD RAYBEEZ DO?" and put on a Warzone album.The Hardcore Reality will show you the way!

In all seriousness... go listen to any of the live Warzone stuff that is out there. The LIVE @ CBGB 7" still sends chills down my spine and the track that is on the CREEPY CRAWL comp does as well. To this day, if I was going to try and show someone what definitive HC was, I'd show them those recordings. Some of the best stuff ever. I cannot find any links online to download the Creepy Crawl comp, if someone finds it send it my way. But I posted a link for the live @ CB's 7" below.

Here's a link to download the LIVE @ CBGB'S 7": WARZONE LIVE AT CBGB'S

 

"WE WON'T FORGET!"

KUNIHYDE "CLEVELANDER" of CREEPOUT Interview

Anyone who follows this blog knows I love Japanese hardcore. CREEPOUT is a band that me and Rob found years back and wanted to bring their music to the US. This June they are returning to do 2 US shows (June 17th in Indiana and June 19th @ Summer of Hate in Cleveland). I hit up Kunihyde (aka Japanese Clevelander), Creepout's vocalist to do an interview and he was more than happy to answer my questions about the band's recent activities, tour w/ integrity, and more! I am most impressed with his responses... his English has vastly improved since we 1st met years ago. Now if only I could get a handle on Japanese like that!

HA: Tell us about Creepout's history

KUNIHYDE: ok,We're formed in 2002 with me and Tak. And keepin'on playing many shows and released some comp, splits. On 2008, We made 1st our own stuff called "S.O.S.F" in Japan, and our 1st full length will comes up in Japan and U.S.so sooon!

HA: What are the main differences between shows in Japan and shows in the USA?

KUNIHYDE: Yeah, we have so many different points...We have to pay to play or booking any show at any clubs like $1500 per 1 show...so naturally, ticket's price will be expensive, and normally $18 to $25!
It sucks!! And we have soundcheck before a show. Japan is small country, but so many people is living, esp in big city like Tokyo, so we can't do house show and any small like that. The kids dances same like american's...Mosh is worldwide sports!!

HA: You seem to like American Baseball... how did you learn about it in Japan?

KUNIHYDE:  Baseball is like national sports over here too, so in basic, we love baseball since we were born! MLB is highest place about baseball in the world...so i love it.

HA: Japanese hardcore has a long history, which Japanese punk/hardcore bands were a major influence on you?

KUNIHYDE: Gastunk, G.I.S.M, The Willard

HA: How do most Japanese people view Americans?

KUNIHYDE: Most of Japanese can't speak or write in english, so they're afraid of all foreigners! haha, it's weird but true.

HA: What was the best food you ate when you came to the US?

KUNIHYDE: Food!? Oh, I like american BBQ, Hot dogs, Pizza, Grilled chicken, Hamburgers, Steaks, oh of course Mexicans! And i like american beverages...BRISK (Lipton Iced Tea) fuckin'rules!

HA: Which American bands have influenced you the most?

KUNIHYDE: You already know it!! It's pretty difficult to choice one, but...ok, i say Cleveland Hardcore!

HA: Tell us an odd fact about Japan

KUNIHYDE: hummm, it's depends on people, so you should come here to feel it.

HA: What 1st got you into hardcore? How old were you?

KUNIHYDE: Hardcore? Originally, i loved Dead Kennedys, Misfits, Ramones etc, and Cro-mags, SOIA etc, so it's Cro-mags. I think i was 16.

HA: You recently did a split with INTEGRITY and did a tour w/ them in Japan. Tell us about that record and the tour.

KUNIHYDE: You know i love them, so it was like one of my dreams came true! Jukeboxxx record is my friend and they said ok 3 seconds aftter i offered to release! The record is great i think, and Dwid also loves that.  was released in ep and cd, both are out of stock though, i will bring some to the Summer of hate next month. The tour was awesome!!! They are good guys than i expected, Jochum brothers are stupid but good, haha anyway it was good time.

HA: What can we expect from Creepout in the future?

KUNIHYDE: Our full length "Tribe called hardcore" will be available soon!! and you can get our shirts at Shop Shogun or NGS records.

HA: What are the best current Japanese HC bands?

KUNIHYDE: So many. NUMB, SAND, ROCKCRIMAZ, DOMINATE, FIGHT IT OUT, EDGE OF SPIRIT, FACECARZ, ETERNAL B... AND MORE AND MORE!!! We think we should spread Japanese bands among overseas.

HA: Any last words?

KUNIHYDE: Thanks Steve for take this interview!!! Support Hardass record everyone! And you should get our album and listen to it again and again, and SEE YA AT SUMMER OF HATE!!!!!

Here is a video of CREEPOUT live in Japan! Make sure to pause the HARD ASS RADIO player before trying to watch it!

RELEASES/DOWNLOADS

Below are all the official HARD-ASS RECORDS releases for you to download. Scroll down and download them all! Feel free to re-post these and share them as much as you'd like! Enjoy!

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ULTIMO BEATDOWN "WAR OF THE COLOSSAL BEAST" EP - HA008

Ultimo Beatdown's follow-up to the "WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS" EP from years back.  4 tracks of angry style HC, similar to demos era COLD AS LIFE, BLOOD BLOOD and SHEER TERROR. Songs about Alien Gods, Toho Monster movies, and mental illness. Will the band ever play another show? Who knows. Who exactly is in the band? An eternal mystery. Will this EP change your life? Yes! Download it for free via the link provided below.

Click to download ULTIMO BEATDOWN'S "WAR OF THE COLOSSAL BEAST" EP for free!

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DOMINATE "JUST CHILLIN AT THE BACKYARD" EP - HA007

As promised, here is DOMINATE's new EP for FREE DOWNLOAD straight outta Tokyo, Japan! Straight up Hard/Beatdown style that is not for the weak! Similar in styles to BULLDOZE, STOUT and BIOHAZARD as well as others in that vein. This is sure to get you to mosh your room to smithereens and your blood boiling. Brutal Tokyo hardcore.

Click to download DOMINATE'S "JUST CHILLIN AT THE BACKYARD" EP 

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RACE RIOT "CREW LIFE" DEMO - HA006

Race Riot is an angry, violent punk band from North East Ohio. This band is anti-racist. This band believes that punk and hardcore music should be violent and dangerous. 5 tracks of fast, angry punk-core. The demo is available for free download via the link below:

Click to Download RACE RIOT "CREW LIFE DEMO"

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THE STRUGGLE "18 SONG DISCOGRAPHY"- HA005

THE STRUGGLE was a band from the early 2000's form Youngstown that featured STEVE ASSAULT (Crowd Deterrent), JON BUTTERY, ZACK V (Shelter, Soul Cries, Inner Revolution), BOB DIRENZO, and ANGEL SULLIVAN (Puppet Government). The band played old-fashioned angry, negative hardcore straight out of the 80's, mixing WARZONEw/ BLACK SABBATH. Lyrically the songs were mainly negative in regards to personal struggles/short-comings, plus a few songs about horror movies. Included here are all the songs the band ever recorded. 18 tracks. The original demo has been re-engineered/re-mastered as well as some of the other songs. Download it for free via the link below:

  
Click here to download "THE STRUGGLE- DISCOGRAPHY"

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CROWD DETERRENT/NUMB "SOSF WORLDWIDE VOLUME 2"-  HA003

 Full length featuring Ohio's CROWD DETERRENT and Tokyo's kings of hardcore NUMB. Yet another release that bridges continents! NUMB's legendary style of Tokyo Hardcore hits the US at last! This is a release w/ something for fans of NYHC, to Oi and Beatdown. Angry traditional HC from opposite sides of the earth!

Click here to download CROWD DETERRENT/NUMB "SOSF WORLDWIDE VOL 2" 

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CROWD DETERRENT/CREEPOUT "SOSF WORLDWIDE VOLUME 1" - HA002

 Full length featuring Ohio's CROWD DETERRENT and Tokyo's CREEPOUT. Ohio hardcore meets Japan Clevo style! Includes the Crowd Deterrent's anthems LIVE FOR REVENGE and DOWN TO THROWDOWN. Holy Terror from the far east hits the mainland with this epic release.

Click here to download CROWD DETERRENT/CREEPOUT "SOSF WORLDWIDE VOL 1" 

CROWD DETERRENT RECORD RELEASE SHOW FEB 2002

Dave uploaded this full set of the 2002 CD release show for the album BLOOD AND FAMILY. This show was @ Nyabinghi and Run Devil Run played as well. Some fun stuff... one of the handful of shows in the bands history that featured a full line-up w/ members that practiced the songs. Many of these songs were never played at any other shows. A few fun covers too... Madball, AF, and Motorhead. It is fun to see many ghosts of the past stage diving, singing along, and running wild. This was one of the last really fun/highly attended shows in Youngstown before the scene began to really decline.

*Make sure you pause the Hard-Ass Radio player before you try to watch the videos!

ASCENSION - CLEVELAND HARDCORE

In the 90's I went to the video store here in Youngstown and there was a skinny guy w/ glasses wearing a bow tie (all employees there wore them) who worked there. Form the looks of us, he figured me and my friends were into hardcore stuff. He told us about his band ASCENSION and told us they were playing soon w/ Ringworm (a reunion show I believe) and In Cold Blood. From his appearance, you'd never gather he was in such a band, but Chris Wood was a great front man who was known for his wacky stage antics. His band was a rather unique 90's Clevo band. They def had a Clevo sound/influence, but they were a little more metal then the rest and they had a sound all their own (check some of the bass work on the albums). This is a band I see discussed very little and I feel they were one of the better 90's bands out of Cleveland. For your enjoyment I have posted both of Ascension's releases below. Both were released by TOYBOX RECORDS and are way out of print. Please check out both the YEARS OF FIRE EP and the ABOMINATION LP! I especially liked ABOMINATION... that 1st song was a killer!

Click here to download ASCENSION "YEARS OF FIRE" EP free! 

Click here to download ASCENSION "ABOMINATION" LP for free!

ABOVE PIC: Chris Wood on vocals. I once saw Ascension play a show w/  Skarhead... kind of an odd lineup. Hopefully I will see this band again someday and hopefully many more people will be able to rediscover this band!

HARD-ASS RADIO UPDATE

The HARD-ASS RADIO was down for a few days. I had an issue w/ my file storage server and had to delete everything and start all over so there's some fresh new tracks on it but it's up and running again. There was before (probably about and hour and 1/2 of tunes on there now) but I will get more up on it again soon and will keep spreading the Hard-Ass Reality!

New stuff added recently to the playlist:

RINGWORM, VISION, INSULT TO INJURY, CIRCLE JERKS, COCKNEY REJECTS, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, CAUSE FOR ALARM, BACKFIRE, POWERHOUSE, SNUFF, TJ MAXX,  and much more!

STRONG STYLE

When some friends from Tokyo visited me a few years ago they gave me many CDs, one of which was this CD from a band called STRONG STYLE which was released opn the famed JUKEBOX RECORDS. This is Melodic Japanese Oi/Hardcore at it's best. All the lyrics are in Japanese, as are all the track listings, so I have no idea what the songs are called or what they are saying, but the music is great. They play a style similar to PRESSURE POINT, DISCIPLINE, etc. This CD is 10 tracks of melodic skin-core anthems. There are guest spots on the record by members of STILL YOU ALIVE, one off my favorite and little known Japanese HC bands.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD "STRONG STYLE'S" ALBUM FOR FREE!

Wish this was in English... but what can ya do? Still some solid tunes!

HOLIDAY UPDATE/NEWS !

CROWD DETERRENT will be releasing their new EP as an online/digital download ONLY in very early 2010. All new songs. A mix of sounds/styles from the early demos up to the more recent releases.

DOMINATE form Tokyo Japan will be doing a split online/free release right here on Hard Ass Digital in early 2010. The other band and date of availability will be announced VERY soon so keep your eyes peeled!

ULTIMO BEATDOWN was in the studio over the weekend and got all but finished w/ 8 tracks of rugged-core. UB's new EP will be available via free Digital Download right here in early 2010 and UB will also play a show or two!

RACE RIOT will be doing a split w/ a band TBA in 2010. No idea yet if it will be a 7"/vinyl release or a CD/Digital release.

SUMMER OF HATE 2010 is already in the works. Venue, dates, and some of the initial bands TBA early 2010. SOH will be bigger and better than all the other years 100%

The Radio App has been updated w/ lots of new stuff like SUBURBAN SCUM, FEAR, CLENCHED FIST, BIOHAZARD, MERAUDER, BODY COUNT, CHOKING ON REALITY, WARZONE, SINNERS AND SAINTS, NOTHING PERSONAL and many more HC and punk jams.

Check it all out here: HARD-ASS RECORDS DIGITAL BLOG 2010 will be a big year on the Hard Ass Digital site! Please check back often as the radio player will only be updated/added to more and more... as well as new downloads, interviews, and much, much more!

HARD-ASS RADIO IS HERE!

Unless you are deaf, you noticed that there's a streaming app that randomly plays songs on the blog now. We will be tinkering with this, adding new songs/playlists from time to time. We will play any hardcore/punk music that we see fit. We will put music up that we like, if you'd like to submit your band's music we will be more than happy to check it out, just do not be sad if it doesn't get posted. If you don;t like a song, go to the next one, maybe you'll like it? Maybe not? We post new stuff as well as classics. As usual, we don't make a dime off any of this. At any rate, we will do our best to bring you lots of quality stuff as always!

Current playlist includes: CREEPOUT, UNFORGIVEN, AMERICAN WEREWOLVES, JOHNNY VOMIT, VISION, YOUTH BRIGADE, WISDOM IN CHAINS, TOTAL CHAOS, JOHNNY VOMIT, BLACK LARSON, COLD AS LIFE, MASAKARI, TSOL, KNUCKLEDUST, THE EXPLOITED, GUT INSTINCT, RACE RIOT, CROWD DETERRENT, THE STRUGGLE, TURBO LOVERS, UNREAL CITY, and more!

SUBURBAN SCUM (NJ) INTERVIEW + NEW TRACK

NJ's SUBURBAN SCUM play straight-up East Coast Hardcore. I was impressed with them when they played at this year's SUMMER  OF HATE. Check out the interview w/ vocalist Ryan below, and also be sure to check out a new track form their upcoming EP "Internal War" via the link below!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEW SUBURBAN SCUM TRACK from "INTERNAL WAR" EP!

HARD-ASS: Tell us about SUBURBAN SCUM: how long ago did the band start? What kind of releases have you done? Where the did the name come from

RYAN: Suburban Scum started in July 2007 as a complete joke. Me and my drummer Sam were at a party and said we wanted to start a NYHC influenced band since that's what we are into. He said what should we call it. I said Suburban Scum. It fit perfect being as me and him are complete scumbags for the most part or were and we are from the suburbs. Im sure tons of people confuse us for a street punk band but that's not the case. Suburban Scum. Scumbags from the suburbs. As easy as I can put it haha. We have done one super shitty demo that will never see the light of day. Then we did another 4 song demo that again will never see the light of day. Then in the summer of 2008 we did a 4 song demo that we passed around everywhere. We have went through tons of member changes and a bunch of stuff so honestly I can't even say we were a real band till about a year ago. Once Jeremy stepped in on guitar we started to take things a little more serious.

HARD-ASS: What message do you want to convey to people with your music?

RYAN: I want people to recognize that were not just another heavy band with no meaning behind it. I am a person who struggles deeply with depression and that will convey through our latest EP that is set to come out in the coming months on RTF records entitled "Internal War". I hate when people write stuff off. Maybe its not your cup of tea but it doesn't hurt to taste it. I want people to read the lyrics in the booklet when they get it and feel some sort of connection to it. If I can get even one person to feel what I'm saying then I can honestly say im happy. Everyone in this band is in it for a reason and its all real. Whether people recognize that or not I can't change. Were doing this for us because it gets us through our week.

HARD-ASS: It is difficult to get people these days into substance, esp when playing in a "heavy" band. Why do you think that is?

RYAN: I think it's because of how many bands out there that just write completely senseless shit with no meaning behind it. Just writing music to pass the time. There are a few bands that get over looked because of this and its a shame.

HARD-ASS: Tell us about the scene in NJ. What are some of the best bands? What is going on socially (if anything).

RYAN: New Jersey scene is divided into three parts. Well 4. North, Central, South, and New Brunswick haha let me explain. The cool thing about new jersey is there a ton of local bands and everyone is basically doing something different so there is something there for everyone. It hit a dead spot for a while. South Jersey would stay in south jersey. Central jersey wouldn't travel out of central jersey, and north jersey would stay in north jersey. In the past year tons of things have changed. It seems like a lot of kids are opening their eyes to bands they wouldn't normally open their eyes to. Whether it be mutual friends or whatever the case is it still rules. More and more kids are starting to come out and support almost every show. Jersey has been known to be very very selfish and picky when it comes to shows because of how many bands come through here but lately it seems people are a little more appreciative. The best venue in NJ is the stelton church in Edison which is literally 10 minutes from my house. Always backs out. Shout outs to AV for putting up with everyones bullshit and booking solid shit there. NJ has a lot to offer and it could only get stronger. There are a lot of bands I like here and I don't want to miss and single anyone out so Ill name my top three...Disaster, Black Kites, and Fleshtemple...

HARD-ASS: What kinda fast food joints do you have in your area that are not everywhere else? If I went to NJ... where would you take me to eat to have the best food experience? 

RYAN: Well everyone creams their pants over the grease trucks so I would probably take you there. Ill tell you what it consists of. Everything horrible that you should only eat once in a while in one sandwich. Fat night...Cheesesteak, mozarella sticks, fries, grease, marinara, all sorts of shit...At least 3,000 calories in one sandwich and it is filled with greatness. A sandwich you can eat and feel like a piece of shit in a good way if that makes any sense. The Grease Trucks in New Brunswick, NJ. Peep it out if you haven't

HARD-ASS: CDs, Vinyl, or Digital Download: which of these formats do you prefer, and which do you think is going to be relevant in the future as far as HC/punk music goes?

RYAN: I honestly like them all and use them all including tape. I think Vinyl is cool for the collectors. Digital Download is good for the internerds and are super helpful. CDS will never go out of style for me as long as cars are still made with CD players. All of these will most likely be used for ever into the future and beyond. Me personally I think Vinyl is the most personal and is just something awesome to hold onto. I'm not a huge vinylhead but I have a few goodies.

HARD-ASS: if you were not involved w/ or never discovered HC what do you think your life would be like/what would you be doing right now?

RYAN: Jesus Christ I honestly have no clue. its been such a big part of my life since I was about 16 or 17 years old that I honestly really have no clue. I would probably be in a lot of trouble. With what only god knows but I would be in trouble. Hardcore has helped me find myself and become a lot more outgoing and passionate. It's the best therapy and the best outlet for me. If I didn't have hardcore I wouldn't be me. Simple as that and I am so greatful to have it as such a huge part in my life. Now more than ever..

HARD-ASS: What are some of the biggest influances on your band musically?

RYAN: Our biggest influence is the world around us and our own lives. We have all hit rock bottom at some point. Physically and emotionally and this band is that outlet. It sounds corny but life is our biggest influence. I constantly make the worst decisions for myself and I almost can't help but do that. I beat myself up over through this band and its a venting tool. Depression can swallow any human being alive. Our main influences are the ups and down's in life.

HARD-ASS: Would you ever participate in a gang-bang?

RYAN: hahaha wild question. Way out of left field. Siked to answer. I mean you only live once. I'll leave it at that. You only live once. Id probably feel super uncomfortable but I mean I'd try it out. If it was like Me Sam and Jeremy and Fingaz I would absolutely do it. Shit would be an experience. A tale the weird uncle tells when hes like fucking 60 and his nephew is growing hair on his nuts and hiding porn mags under his bed. Long story short. Would I? Yes. Would it be weird? Yup. Would it be a cool story? Yup.

HARD-ASS: What bands do you feel are the most relevent band in HC right now?

RYAN: It's been said a million times before but I really think Trapped Under Ice is doing their thing right now. They are constantly putting flawless releases and standing for something. They write heavy music with tons of meaning behind it. One of the top dogs. I think my favorite band in hardcore is Blacklisted and I have a few reasons. They constantly keep re inventing themselves and progressing. I relate with almost everything George writes and I connect with almost every song. That band does not care what is considered "cool" in hardcore and have made quite a name for themselves in the past 5 years. Blacklisted means a lot to me. I actually saw them last night and they blew me away as usual. "Sometimes I wonder if i'll remember names, of the faces that just went away with age." Keep in mind these are my answers and im sure my opinions are a lot differnt then anyone else in the band

HARD-ASS: if you could go back in time and see ONE band in it's "prime", what band would it be, when, and why?

RYAN: I watch the NYHC documentary pretty frequently and I could only imagine being around when Madball, District 9, and Crown Of Thornz were all sharing the stage. There isn't one band that I would want to see. I wish I could go back in time and be apart of that NYHC period. See all the cb matinees you see videos from. I'm truly jealous and catch chills hard all throughout that documentary. IT was truly something special and was a beautiful thing that they had.

HARD-ASS: if you could change ONE thing about the scene, what would you change

RYAN: The attitudes. Mainly the elitist attitudes. Anyone who thinks that they are someone because of who they know or how long they have been around. Everyone should be in that room for the same reason and I don't feel that with some people. It sucks. Nothings perfect and I truly only worry about myself but in that sense it's something that semi bums me out. I try and talk to everyone. Especially the younger guys. Everyone should feel like they are apart of something special and if they don't then they are missing the fucking point. Straight up

HARD-ASS: Any final words? Anything you'd like to add?

RYAN: Be on the lookout for the internal war EP coming out on RTF records very very soon. Shout outs to all the NJHC heads and bands doing their thing, all our dogs out in Brooklyn, everyone keeping it real. Also my homie Steve Schramm. 1 love. Jah bless.-R.D.T.

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