Agnostic Front - No One Rules

The past is on a crash course with the present with a slew of documentaries, books and what feels like a continuos archeological dig for long lost and often forgotten material from both obscure and celebrated artists.

"No One Rules"a collection of 34 songs recorded over two sessions. The first predating their classic debut 7' "United Blood". The second,  just prior to their first full length
"Victim in Pain".
A time that, for many, saw the band creating, defining and ultimately, placing NYHC on the map. Rightfully earning them the title as the Godfathers of NYHC.

 "No One Rules" just might be the best collection of resurrected material I've heard to date. The overall sound and delivery brings the listener back to an essential period in both Agnostic Front's and the often overlooked early New York Hardcore scene. A record that fits neatly between "United Blood" and "Victim in Pain". Records considered by many, including myself to be the bands most vital and raw.

Radio Raheem Records deserve a great deal of credit for their hard work in getting this long lost, never before released material on Wax. There's an astonishing amount of detail to the history of these tracks, the early years and days of Agnostic Front and the
New York Hardcore Scene.
The massive 48 page full color booklet that comes with the record is worth it's weight in gold. Featuring more than
150 archival images tracing the bands humble beginnings in 1982 until the end of their first nationwide tour in 1985.
There's also additional commentary and anecdotes from the band and members of the early NYHC scene.
An absolute can't miss for fans of the band and hardcore alike. James Damion

Radio Raheem Records    Get it Here

NYC Mayhem - For Real!

I still remember first hearing the NYC Mayhem demo at my friend Richie's apartment on 92nd Street in Jackson Heights. At the time, I was trying to come up with a name for a new fanzine I was working on.
Just as Richie, who might have been high at the time, suggested the name "Arf it Up". He dropped a tape that featured a badly drawn figure called 'Speedy' on a green demo cover into the deck.

I can't help but recall my immediate disappointment as I listened to the first few tracks. Having been a die hard fan of the NYC band Straight Ahead and often referring to Tommy Carroll as NYHC's undisputed, best frontman. N.Y.C. Mayhem, a band that predated Straight Ahead by about a year, seemed like a let down at the time.

As I listened to N.Y.C. Mayhem's "For Real" all these years later with, perhaps, a lot more knowledge and appreciation for early 80's Thrash Core. I found as if I was righting some wrongs. And though N.Y.C. Mayhem and Straight Ahead were very different bands with similar roots. "For Real", though many years later, allows me to appreciate both bands on more of a leveled playing field. Though I can't say I really appreciated the March '85 and June '85 demos the A side offered. Side B's June '85 and "For Real" 7" sessions had me in a complete stranglehold.

The 26-track LP "For Real" contains all of NYC Mayhem's studio recordings: two demo tapes and their unreleased "For Real!" 7" that was to appear on Urinal Records. Also includes a 12-page full-color book containing extensive liner notes by Laurent Ramadier of Snakepit Magazine. "For Real" also includes many rare/unseen images. Limited to 500 copies.
This is a must have for Hardcore and Thrash fans alike. A perfect document and time capsule for what was being created at the time. Get yourself a copy before they're all gone.
James Damion

Radio Raheem Records  Get it Here

The Abused - Loud and Clear

After years of rumors and talk of an official and definitive re-issue of The Abused epic 1983 release 'Loud and Clear'  Radio Raheem Records step up to make a true classic from New York Hardcore's early days available again.

'Loud and Clear' Collects 21 tracks which feature the "Loud and Clear" 7 inch, their 1982 demo and never before heard live tracks. If that's not impressive enough.
(And it very well should be.)
The album, which comes in all it's gatefold glory, is accompanied by an impressive 24-page, full color booklet containing photos, lyrics and the band's infamous show flyers drawn by their vocalist Kevin Crowley, as well as a sticker sheet replicating original Abused sticker designs. Classics like 'Wargames', 'Nuclear Threat', 'Blow Your Brains Out' and the oft covered 'Drug Free Youth' sound incredible. Essential listening for fans of early Agnostic Front, Cause For Alarm, The Mob and Urban Waste.

A lot of respect goes out to everyone involved with putting this together. The overall quality merits praise.Everything from the music to the art, layout, attention to quality and detail are so well done. It's great to see the band and it legacy get it's due. James Damion

Big Cartel  Get it Here