Volume problems?

I was alerted that some people were having problems w/ the Hard Ass Radio player being too loud. I have tried to adjust it, please let me know if the volume is too loud when the player starts or if you have any other issues by leaving a comment below. Thanks!

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!

ELVES!

"They're not working for Santa anymore!" that's the tag line used for this ultra obscure  and ultra wacky 80's X-Mas horror treat. it has been a while since I did any horror movie stuff, but it's Christmas and I thought this was the perfect gift so here we go!

Grizzly Adams himself stars as the Santa at a local mall who runs afoul of a girl  working at said mall who is involved in some kind of mysterious modern day Nazi plot. it seems that she was selectively bred (her grandfather banged his own daughter to give birth to the perfect girl) to mate with the nazi's ultimate creation: ELVES! I kid you not! Supposedly if the Elves bang this girl on a certain night (Christmas) she will give birth to the ultimate human being and this action will bring aboutt "The Master Race" that the nazis had been dreaming of since Hitler.

But hold on, Santa has something to say about this! There's gun-play, horse-play, incest, and wacky monster elves galor! One not to be missed due to the sheer absurdity of the subject matter at hand. What better way to spend a cold, Christmas night than watching this wonderful gift?

Click here to watch/download ELVES!

CLIP form ELVES:

Grizzly Adams interrupts Christmas Dinner to find out the TRUTH about Elves!

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!

NEW ULTIMO BEATDOWN EP

Ultimo Beatdown's new EP "RUGGED" will be out sometime in 2010 here on the HARD ASS Digital Blog. It will be a free release and will have new material as well as re-recorded material form the Demo and WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS EP. The songs will be more of the same: the mysteries of the universe, hard luck, and work wear will all be covered in detail to a mix of NYHC, beatdown, and stoner rock. Prepare for the Rugged excursion!

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

Here's some news you can use (or not):

CREEPOUT is going to be releasing a full length on NGS RECORDS which has changed ownership from our good friend Jason in Chicago to our good friend Dan in Massachusetts. This will be Creepout's 1st full length after many years of EPs, splits,l and demos. Here is a video of Creepout playing on their recent tour w/ VEGAS and INTEGRITY video as well for you to enjoy:





RACE RIOT played their 1st show on Nov 7th and it was a success. The demo is still available for download via the history on this blog at right. The band will be playing more shows in the future, like the one shown ----> on Dec 4th in Cleveland!


CROWD DETERRENT is in the process of re-mastering/re-engineering all of their studio and demo material. Original Drummer DAVE PIETAK is working on obtaining all of the material and some of
the material will have vocals re-recorded and it will all be re-worked so the songs will all have superior quality. This will be the deinitive Crowd discography. The band has 5 new songs all finished but no idea as of now exactly how/when they will be released. Also, Dave will be re-joining the band on drums and Steve will be playing bass.

That's about all for now. Please feel free to check out the blog history for lots of downloads, interviews, 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.

Check out SUBURBAN SCUM'S Myspace