Red Contrast of Sin

Cross another long time want off my list.  This is a red vinyl copy of Integrity's first EP 'In Contrast of Sin,' on Victory Records.  The last few copies of this I watched on eBay ended either close to $200 or slightly over that mark.  Recently a seller with basically zero feedback had this, a black copy of this 7", Dark Empire press of this 7", a copy of 'Systems Overload' on clear, and a first press of the Mayday split in a lot up and I finally decided to pull the trigger.  I only needed/wanted this red copy and had planned to sell the others so I threw a pretty large bid on the lot, and was ecstatic when it barely went over the $100 mark.  After a few hiccups with shipping (I was starting to get worried after a while - maybe other people were smarter than me for not bidding on this when the seller was new?) these finally showed up at my door and I was beyond stoked.  I'm still in the middle of selling the other records that came in this lot but once that is said and done I will be breaking just about even - it's like I got this 7" for $15.  ONE LIFE DRUG FREE.

LP of the Year?

Here's a post for what may end up being the LP of the year for me.  The first long player from Boston's The Combat Zone.  Released on the always reliable Side Two Recoirds, this is the limited clear version of 100 copies.  After a very solid demo a while back (that I apparently never posted about) this LP is straight up Fast Boston hardcore greatness in the vein of Jerry's Kids or early Gang Green.  Not much else to say other than GET THIS NOW.  I love the layout of the insert too.

Annihilate Me

I could have sworn I posted about the tape version of the 'CREEP//Annihilate Me' EP from New York's Brain Slug, however a quick search on my blog says otherwise.  As stated this was originally put out as a tape on Bleeding Edges but has been given the vinyl treatment by Failure Recordings.  Two originals in the vein of Krakdown and Citizen's Arrest, and a CxA cover = all quality.  This band has gotten significantly better since I first heard their demo, and I hope they release something else soon.  Limited to 325 copies all on black vinyl.

No Punches Pulled

Keep It Clear is a straight edge band that originally existed a few years back.  After releasing a demo and EP they went quiet.  They've recently begun playing shows again so React! Records pressed the two aforementioned releases to a 12".  Solid youth crew on display here in the vein of Floorpunch.  Limited to 100 copies on smoke vinyl.

Body Bag

I guess I'm the last one to post about the new 7" from Melbourne's finest, Caged Grave.  Better late than never though I suppose.  Following up a demo and live tape, "Gutless" is another above average display of metallic PV influenced hardcore.  They almost sound as if you combined Vaccine and Mind Eraser into one, but not really.  I don't know what I'm trying to say, other than this band fucking rips.  Get into it.  I believe there were 100 copies pressed on clear vinyl.