Nice Boot(s)

I'm generally not the biggest fan of bootlegs, but there are always exceptions to the rule.  This particular post is case in point.  The boot that's on display here combines four of the greatest New York Hardcore Punk 7"s of all time onto one 12", and seeing as how it would have cost me a couple thousand dollars to get originals of these, I figured it was okay to pick this up.

The four EP's that are on display are The Mob - Upset the System, Urban Waste - 7", Antidote - Thou Shalt Not Kill, and The Abused - Loud and Clear.  The whole sound and look on this record really are top notch.  As you can see below, the front and back covers of the sleeve are collages of the front and back covers of the respective 7"s.  The insert is a booklet containing reproductions of the original inserts for the 7"s as well - like I said this is a really well done boot.

Coke Test

Following yesterday's post, here is another recently acquired test press of one of the best current straight edge, or hardcore in general, bands around.  This is Coke Bust's most recent EP (aside from their split with Vaccine) 'Degradation.'  If you're unfamiliar, get out from under that rock and listen to this band immediately.  Hyper-fast, blast-beat laden DC hardcore punk.  New LP slated for sometime this year on Grave Mistake.  Very much looking forward to that one.

As you can see, I scored number 8 out of 20.

 

No Remorse, No Test

Here is a test pressing of one of my top releases of 2012 - 'No Remorse, No Tolerance' from No Tolerance.  Hard-hitting Boston straight edge comprised of the usual suspects.  I recently picked this up from Sean himself (sorry for the name drop) for a good bit, making it the most I've ever spent on a record.  I don't regret it at all though because this is a record that will only appreciate in value I think.  I believe Youngblood tests are limited to 24, but it's not written on here anywhere.

Dead Fall

Mind Eraser is one of my current favorite bands, so naturally I'd love Soul Swallower.  Take Mind Eraser and swap the singer (DFJ) with the drummer (Brendan) and you have Soul Swallower.  As you can probably guess, this band sounds almost identical to Mind Eraser but don't be fooled, these are 'left over' songs of that band.  These songs are all very good.

Although it looks like black, this is actually a color copy.  It's just really dark purple.  I believe these were limited to 100.  Excuse the (usual) shitty pictures.

I Still Care

More early Think I Care stuff for today.  This is the self titled 7" and it's a rager, however I don't like it quite as much as the one in my last post.  I picked this up at the same time as the last one.  This didn't come with a lyrics insert, but with two different mail order inserts, both for the same record label.

Does anyone know the pressing info on this?  My copy is black with yellow in the labels but I think I read somewhere that some are black with red in the labels?  Can anyone confirm?

Quick to Quit

I like Think I Care A LOT, so I was definitely excited to grab a color copy of their 'Draw the Lines' EP recently.  The band hit their prime in the early-mid 2000's and has been imitated numerous times since.  Boston HARDcore which helped define the '2000's sound.'  Aside from the 'Mongrel' 10" this is probably my favorite material from the band.  Stoke to have this.

Seven Crowns

When A389 Records reissued the Left For Dead discography, they also reissued Gehenna's first LP 'Negotium Perambulans In Tenebris.'  Seeing as how the original press of this has been long gone, this was my first exposure to this record, and I have to say it's some of my favorite Gehenna material.  When I ordered there were two options: either the standard black or a package dead that came with a 7" and the LP, both of which are on color.  Of course I went for the latter.

Stonethrowers

I know this post is a few years late but that's okay, because of the content.  Here is 'Martyr Immortal,' by Pulling Teeth which just happens to be my favorite of theirs.  A very solid mix of metal and hardcore on display here.  I was sad to see them call it quits early last year, but was lucky enough to be at their last show to see them off.  The band was one of the better using the "metallic hardcore" term of the last decade.  This is a first press copy, limited to 150 pieces.

P.S. this record has the song 'Stonethrowers' which has one of the hardest mosh parts I've ever heard.  As a song promoting gay/equal rights, it was always a pleasure for me to see all of the stupid tough guys mosh to this song.

Show of Force

Force Fed was a very short-lived band from PA that existed a few years back.  I believe they only released a demo and EP (both put on by Painkiller Records) before calling it quits.  I don't think many people share my love for this band, as evidenced by the sale of their records and the fact that I never hear anyone talk about them.  That may have something to do with some of the members breaking edge before the band even ended.  I don't know, and I don't really care.  This band RIPS.  Early 80's Boston style.

A few weeks back there was a lot containing a copy of their live tape, two copies of the demo tape and three copies of the 7" up on eBay, and I was able to win it for the starting bid price.  I already had the standard color copy of the 7", but for some reason didn't take a picture of it for this post.  Not sure why.  Anyway, here is the tour press and the record release press (Floorpunch sleeve).  Below that is the live Canadian tape on the left, the standard press of the demo on the right, and a sealed release show(?) copy of the demo at the bottom.

Same Guy, Same Story

A few weeks ago on eBay I stumbled across what I thought was a great find - a test press of the debut LP by WA's Walls for a cheap BIN price.  Boasting members of Iron Lung, Cold Sweat, etc, this band takes a more noise-rock influenced approach to hardcore.  This is still a hardcore record/band, but just a bit different than what I generally listen to.  This LP is really good either way though.

I believe these were sold at the record release show as a 'pre-release' since the standard version of the record wasn't ready, but don't quote me on that.  Not numbered anywhere but I believe they're limited to 60 copies.

Eat Shit

A few months back A389 Records' head honcho Dom hinted at a vinyl reissue of the Left For Dead discography. Originally titled 'Splitting Heads,' and having been a CD-only release, I was very excited.  When it was announced the band was playing the A389 bash in mid January I bought tickets to go right away.  I changed jobs right around the time of the fest and was left with a really weak paycheck one week, so I couldn't afford to go.  After the bash Dom threw the leftover copies of the newly remixed/remastered discography LP, 'Devoid of Everything,' in the webstore, and I ordered as soon as I could.  Upon first listen I can only say one thing - HOLY SHIT.  If you've ever listened to any of the band's recorded output prior to this you know how terrible the quality was.  Somehow Kevin Bernstein was able to make this sound PHENOMENAL.  I love this band and am so glad I was able to grab a copy on clear vinyl before they sold out.

If you're unfamiliar with the band's sound, members are/were in Haymaker, Cursed, Pick Your Side, Chokehold, Countdown to Oblivion, and Burning Love.  This band sounds similar to Haymaker mixed with early Cursed.

The Truth

A few months ago Bridge 9 reissued Promises Kept by Champion, with a gatefold cover.  Seeing as how it is one of my favorite records of all time, of course I ordered one.  I was stoked when it showed up in the mail but being that it's a 4th pressing, it wasn't good enough.  Recently I was able to track down a first press tour copy of the record for fairly cheap, so I jumped at the chance to own it.  Blue was the tour-only color, with stamped center labels.  Feels good to finally have an OG press of one of my top records of all time.