The best kept secrets in hardcore music
December 3, 1997
Editor’s note: As part of the Daily’s week long series on hardcore music, Arts & Entertainment editor Corey Moss compiled the following list of 10 new hardcore records not to pass up.
(Hed)pe
“(Hed)pe”
Orange County, California’s (hed)pe (don’t ask about the name) is a fusion of punk and hip-hop and bring in elements from Rage Against The Machine, Funkadelic, Ice-T and Cypress Hill and twist them around the raw sound of guitar angst.
The band calls its unique style “G-Punk,” although the name gives little indication of the band’s monstrous screams and quick-verse raps. Lazer 103.3 radio personality Cory Brown best described (Hed)pe as a West Coast Limp Bizkit.
Suggested track: “Ground”
Vision of Disorder
“Vision of Disorder”
V.O.D. is not for the mild hardcore fan. “Vision of Disorder” could easily be the heaviest record of the year, as frontman Tim Williams screams through 12 amazingly angry tracks.
The music is fast-paced, in-your-face metal, topped off with choruses that will get you using your head as much as you are banging it.
Suggested track: “Element”
Fragile Porcelain Mice
“Frostbidding”
School teacher/frontman Scott Randall describes his band as “rhythmically based loud rock.” The press kit calls the Belleville, Ill. band’s sound “abrasive, yet hypnotic, post punk.” Take your pick.
“Frostbidding” is carried by loud guitars and Randall’s unique vocal range.
Fragile Porcelain Mice has played a few dates in Ames supporting such favorites as The Urge and N.I.L.8.
Suggested track: “22”
Soak
“Soak”
The Dallas, Texas fivesome Soak could be described as a less industrialized Stabbing Westward — meaning, singer Jason Demetri can carry a tune like few hardcore singers can.
The record is amazing in that each song sounds strikingly different from the one before. One song may remind you of Nine Inch Nails and the next may remind you of Faith No More.
Suggested track: “Me Compassionate”
20 Dead Flower Children
“Candy Toy Guns And Television”
Yet another hardcore hip-hop band, 20 Dead Flower Children actually borrow more from Tool than Rage Against The Machine.
The screams on “Candy Toy Guns And Television” are mean and often.
The band clearly takes advantage of vocal effects, particularly on “Tunnel Vision” and “Swollen.” But by far the most interesting track on the disc is a hidden cover of The Pet Shop Boys “Safety Dance.”
Suggested track: “Coma 99”
Stem
“Forever Up”
Poetic is the word that comes to mind in describing the genius rapping that paces this Ocean County, New Jersey band’s debut release.
Stem proves that hardcore hip-hop can be done without the guitar noise wizardry of Rage Against The Machine by blending singer Ocean’s raps with a rock sound purified by basic metal licks.
Ames’ 35″ Mudder drummer Dave Eagan (also a New Jersey native) played with Stem guitarist Skat in his previous band Locked Up In Life. Stem even thank the Ames band in its liner notes.
Suggested track: “Drop The Bomb”
Incubus
“S.C.I.E.N.C.E.”
Incubus is the Rod Woodson of music — this band does it all. Angst rock/metal/techno/rap.
Frontman Cornelius sings, raps and occasionally screams like you wouldn’t believe on the full-length debut from Incubus.
The band also utilizes the turntable kung fu action of DJ Lyfe to full extreme, mixing sound effects all over the place.
Suggest track: “New Skin”
Sevendust
“Sevendust”
Sevendust is the new hardcore wave’s answer to Metallica. The band showcases amazing guitar work throughout “Sevendust” and sweeten it with vocals that show powerful emotions.
“Bitch” (although nothing similar to the Meredith Brooks’ song of the same title) is a perfect example of how singer Lajon’s vocals can make heavy music radio friendly.
Suggested track: “Black”
Downset
“Do We Speak A Dead Language”
Probably every band on this list has been influenced by Downset in some way, yet the band remains relatively unknown.
Downset’s second release, “Do We Speak A Dead Language” has all of the elements of a memorable hardcore record, which is probably why it made this list two years after its release.
Downset has the political involvement of Rage Against The Machine, but are not quite as nice about speaking on behalf of the world’s problems.
Suggest track: “Empower”
Snot
“Get Some”
A Red Hot Chili Peppers on crank, Snot is truly a revolutionary band.
Snot is heavy in a Helmet sort of way, but danceable in a 311 sort of way.
Most of the songs on “Get Some” start slow and build up, each taking the funk of the Peppers and kicking it in the head with cruel guitar work.
Suggest track: “Stoopid”
