Refused - The Shape Of Punk To Come

Released in 1998, yet still far beyond its years. "The Shape Of Punk.." is one of the few albums, from any time frame, that still today can stand its ground next to any modern hardcore punk album. 12 years ago this album came out, and Refused called it a day right after. Mainly cause of a dislike for each other in the band, and the toll the road had taken on the band. If this album and its results, are the product of hate amongst band members, id gladly be apart of it. I cant say enough good things about this record, its quality, the songs, and the impact it has had on me, and many of my friends. The problem with this record though, is its lost on the younger generation of people coming up in the music world. Which is a shame cause this is a classic for everyone to hear. If you have never heard this take the time, youll be doing yourself a big favor.

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Blacklisted - No One Deserves To Be Here More Then Me

"No One Deserves..." is the latest Blacklisted album to date. Released just suddenly by Deathwish Inc at the end of 2009, at first is was a giant disappointment to me. It just didnt seem to have what their previous albums had. But after a few months of listening, and letting it grow on me, this is actually one of Blacklisted's strongest records to date. It might not be their fastest, or most in your face record of them all, but its got alot of stuff that Blacklisted always brings to the table. Its even got this acoustic song, that at first just doesnt seem right, but after a few listens, Georges voice actually fits the song perfectly. Its actually kind of a very unsettling song. The album actually seems to have a theme of Georges uncomfortableness with people and his nerves breakdown, which has been touched upon on previous albums. But either way, if you enjoyed any of the old Blacklisted stuff, id say check this one out, even if you have never heard them before. There just one of those bands that change people.

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Modern Life Is War - Witness

Im not sure why this album has taken me so long to post, but here it is. "Witness" is the 2nd album from MLIW. Unfortunately they recently decided to call it quits, but left one hell of an album to remember them by. Now this isn't their last album, they released one more after this, but it just didn't possess the kick, or bite that "Witness" did. I still remember the first time i heard it, the vocals reminded me of a dirtier, grittier version of the singer from Rise Against. The music of course wasn't even in the same ball park. Meaning MLIW takes a giant steaming pile on Rise Against. Its one of those albums that you always know how good it is, but find even more things to love about it the next time you hear it. Enjoy!

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The Hope Conspiracy - Death Knows Your Name

CRUSHING!!! THC is by far one of the most amazing hidden secrets among the hardcore scene. Im not sure why they have never made it to the level of such bands as Terror, or Bane, and this all could have to do with the break ups, and member changes over the years. But non of this has kept THC down at all. Each new release is stronger then the last, and even more pissed off then before. "Death Knows Your Name" is their heaviest release to date. This shit is as legit as hardcore can get. Its like having your throat torn out, and force fed back to you. I dont see how any hardcore fan could dislike this.

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Melvins - Houdini

Im not sure really what i can say about The Melvins... THERE THE FUCKING MELVINS. I love anything and everything they release, but this has to be hands down my favorite album of theirs to date. "Houdini" was released in 1993, and co-produced by non other then Kurt Cobain. Which by the way, he did an amazing job on this record. He even lends some leads to the record. Anyways, The Melvins are a legendary band, amongst the sludge metal community, and for good reason. They are godfathers of this music. Now im not saying they created it, but they sure as hell helped it to the next level, and this album shows that in every way. Plus the artwork is HILARIOUS!!!

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Minus The Bear - Acoustics EP

Not enough people understand the greatness of Minus The Bear, which is really sad for them. This band always blows me away, but not like they managed with their EP "Acoustics". MTB managed to take 6 already unbelievable songs from the past catalogs, play them acoustic, and make them better then they already were. Then wrote one extra song just for the EP, that is equally amazing, and probably my favorite MTB song to date. If your just looking for a good chill record, to lay back, and maybe read a book, or play some video games too, this is your album. And if your a Botch fan, just give this a listen, so you know the greatness has been carried on in other forms by the former members.

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Tragedy - Nerve Damage

Not many Crust Punk bands can say they have critically acclaimed albums, but Tragedy sure can. This band contains members from some other highly regarded crust punk bands such as His Hero Is Gone, and Deathreat. After listening to this band for a few years now, i have to say that "Nerve Damage" is the album that still makes me drool after a listen. Its like the Apocalypse on disc. Pulverizing in each and every way. These guys embody the DIY factor to the core as well, no myspace of their own, just a fansite. Finding show dates for these guys are impossible, but thats the crust punk way. Take sometime to give it a listen, and im sure you'll be happy you did.

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The Blinding Light - Junebug

After calling it quits in 2004 with just an EP and a full length, The Blinding Light regathered in 2009 to release their most devastating album to date, "Junebug". Another amazing band on the Deathwish Inc label as well. When i heard of this album, i was excited but kinda freaked out as well. When bands reunite to release a new album, those albums mostly tend to bite the dirt, and hard. Drowningman comes to mind when i say that. Anyways, TBL are a gem that all should see shine. When i first put this album on, and laid back, im pretty sure i found my happy place, cause once the album was over, i just pressed play again. The thing i love about this band, is nobody can give them a label. They have blistering fast songs, and then the most sludgy song you have ever heard. These guys are forsure living legends.

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Century - Black Ocean

I had never heard of this band before, and just came across a review for their current album at the time, which was the album "Black Ocean". So i took a listen and was pleasantly surprised that there was a Metalcore band around that wasn't over saturating their music with breakdowns. This album has some amazing drumming as well, just really awesome rhythms that in some ways remind me of Meshuggah, along with just crushing guitar, and amazing leads when they are thrown into the mix. Take the time to give this a listen, cause this album actually made alot of top 10-20 lists for 2008, yet people still have no clue as to who Century is. My only complaint is the vocals could have been louder in the mix, but other then that 2 thumbs up. These guys are trying something different, among a sea of carbon copies.

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Crime In Stereo - The Contract

After hearing the new Crime In Stereo album "I Was Trying To Describe You to Someone", which is a complete and utter disaster. I decided id take a listen to the back catalog again, for the 100th time. Of course like those first 100 times, this EP of theirs called "The Contract" stuck out over and over again. So much that i listened to it 10x over that day haha. If you have had the displeasure of listening to their new full length, and hate it as much as i, don't forget they once wrote amazing fucking punk records. So check this one out, if you haven't already, or if you have, but forgot about it. Complete masterpiece.

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