The Curse

I've posted before about The Curse from Philadelphia. Well I'm finally getting around to posting their demo and self titled record on Hellbent Records. As I've said before these guys were really good melodic hardcore much like Kid Dynamite. I picked up their demo 9 years ago and still listen to it often. Great band.

Here is the description Interpunk.com used for their self-titled release:

"They say hardcore music comes around in cycles; well it's coming back again! Plain and simple, honest and brutal, hardcore is back. In your face, point your middle finger, walk on peoples heads hardcore the way we like it. The Curse is here to stay! Hailing from the city of brotherly love, these four Philadelphia natives are fresh on the scene and need no comparison. This record will redefine whatever you think punk is. The Curse has already shared the stage with the likes of: Sick Of It All, Avail, Hot Water Music, Kill Your Idols, Strike Anywhere, and Trial By Fire. The Curse features current members of Paint It Black (Founding members from Kid Dynamite, Good Riddance, and Lifetime) and former members of Step Ahead and Kill The Man Who Questions."

Download the EP here.

Download the 2002 Six Song Demo here.

Martini

Hellfest 2004 was memorable for many reasons. It was the last Hellfest, but we didn't know that at the time. Bad Luck 13 Riot Extravaganza is easily the most memorable and most talked about set, but my personal favorite was E.Town Concrete. Apparently it was their first time playing their hometown of Elizabeth, NJ. I'm pretty sure it was supposed to be one of their last shows too, but I'm not positive about that. They played towards the end of Saturday night and were great. I completely get how people can hate on E.Town, but I've always loved them. Anyway, when I strolled by their merch table that night I was disappointed to find them selling very little stuff. Still I had to buy something so I grabbed a shot glass and hat. Then I noticed a CD sitting there that was Anthony Martini's solo rap EP. Official Bootlegs: Vol. One was the title and it would forever change my life. I threw it in my car CD player as soon as I walked out of the RexPlex and dropped my jaw. This shit is equally hilarious, awful and good. Songs sampling Slayer, lyrics about being a honkey, and a serious track, what more do you need. Download it and laugh at it or dance or make stew or whatever the fuck you wanna do.

 

Download it here.

Baltimore Hardcore: Belly Of The Beast

Since the early 80's it hasn't been uncommon for many bands from the same city to get together for a compilation album. There have been tons of classics releases like This Is Boston Not L.A., New York Hardcore: The Way It Is and Flex Your Head. Ultimately though a lot of these styled compilations have gone without notice by those outside of the city walls. Now I am pretty biased, but one of my all time favorites was released in 2004 called Baltimore: Belly Of The Beast on Cornerstone Records. I'm not sure of the distribution for this CD, but I can't imagine it got too far out. This 28 track disc covers almost 20 years of Baltimore hardcore starting from the early days of legends Gut Instinct to the kings at the time of the release the Slumlords. There are many classic bands covered here including the aforementioned as well as Harsh Truth, Next Step Up, Stout, Curse Of Years and Dead End Boys. Do yourself a favor and download this and get to know what Baltimore hardcore was all about before Trapped Under Ice, Ruiner and Pulling Teeth took over.

1. Together We Fall - Ninety Days
2. Together We Fall - Drowned
3. Stout - Eternal
4. Stout - Ne Ya E (The Beating)
5. Bring It On - Only The Strong
6. Bring It On - Respect
7. Harsh Truth - Altered State
8. Harsh Truth - Lie To My Face
9. Dead End Boys - I Don't Like You
10. Dead End Boys - Everyday
11. Next Step Up - I Am The Law
12. Next Step Up - Take Me Away
13. Slumlords - Hardcore Eviction Crew
14. Slumlords - Time To Drink
15. Erase The Past - Voices Of Youth
16. Erase The Past - Ascension
17. Curse Of Years - Days In Black
18. Curse Of Years - Remember
19. Backhand - Wrestlemania
20. Backhand - Hang Em High
21. Never Enough - Passed On
22. Never Enough - Perfect Truth
23. Wake Up Cold - Wake Up Cold
24. Wake Up Cold - Live For Yourself
25. Fighting Chance - Global Homicide
26. Fighting Chance - Got Your Number
27. Gut Instinct - No Trust
28. Gut Instinct - Vicious Circle

Download it here.