Coalesce- Functioning on Impatience

Coalesce have always been the overlooked underdogs of the hardcore scene. I’m willing to bet that a lot of hardcore fans, if prompted, would list off a decent inventory of favorite bands, but mysteriously leave off Coalesce. Despite the fact that Coalesce has made some magnificent albums and have been sought after by major labels for a long time; they never succumbed to the dollar bills that were thrown at them, preferring to ‘keep it real’ by slugging it out in the underground, keeping their respectability intact. History lesson over, let’s get to the meat of this sucker. These guys crafted a masterpiece when they recorded “Functioning on Impatience”, every moment is intimidating and heavy as hell, but with enough interesting parts and masterful musicianship to ensure that they are not labeled ‘just another hardcore band’. Buzz-saw bass playing and heavy handed drumming hold down the low end while the guitars rip through the stratosphere…they are everywhere and nowhere and you are in between. Vocalist Sean Ingram’s vocals are some of the most punishing and brutal I’ve ever been privy too, each word seems to tear out of his throat at speeds faster than light and sound and crash into your eardrums with such force that your head might explode from the trauma of it all. This is a perfect example of what a hardcore album should be: heavy, punishing, intelligent and fresh. This is a classic and if you don’t own this you better hurry up and buy it lest you be labeled a fuck up for the rest of your life.          CS

As Friends Rust- A Young Trophy Band in the Parlance of Our Times (Circa: 2002)

Equal Vision Records

Compared most often to the likes of Dag Nasty, Avail, and even Gorilla Biscuits, As Friends Rust have quickly become a quintessential band for fans of energetic hardcore with strong melodic teachings. They blend punk/hardcore angst with indie-pop hooks and leads, never neglecting the timeless rock n' roll backbone that bonds it all together. "Temporarily Living", a great song played to me by a friend, combines an almost rap-rock element with bluesy guitar riffs. A truly standout song that enforced the purchase of this wonderful EP.          PM

River City High- Forgets Their Manners

Around the time this record came out, I saw River City High play at a local Columbus venue. I had never heard them before seeing them live and was quite impressed with their show. After the show I got a chance to speak with the band and discovered that one of the band members just rubbed me the wrong way. In fact he was a huge prick. Despite the fact that this guy had all the charm and social grace of an un-wiped ass, I still enjoyed the music. “Forgets Their Manners” starts off with the driving and amazing ‘Gone Sour’, the first song they played at the show and the first song that got me hooked on these guys in the first place. Mid tempo melodic punk with a lot of interesting guitar parts, a genuine steady rock sound and a vocalist who sounds a little like Dave Grohl. Overall a pretty kick ass EP and if you can find it, pick it up. Buy this, rock it and if you ever run into the aforementioned band member…kick him in the balls, but be sure to compliment this album afterwards.         CS

Poison the Well- Tear From the Red (Circa: 2002)

Trustkill Records

If you've ever picked up an random album and the promotion sticker read, "For fans of Thursday, Poison the Well, and Underoath", then you've just read libel. PTW is that underdog band that has been taking names and kicking ass despite  being grouped in with sweetheart bands. Tear From the Red is their sophomore album that puts a face to beautifully orchestrated hymns of horror. They are like the construction workers of music. They simply clock in on stage, tear everything to pieces while working together, then they go home. Maybe even sell a few t-shirt in the process. You have no hardcore credibility with out this album.          PM

Hot Water Music- Forever and Counting (Circa:1998)
Doghouse Records

Have you ever heard a song so good it gives you goose bumps? Every song on "Forever and Counting" will do that to you. Hot Water music concoct melodic, emotionally driven songs fused with the power and aggression of hardcore. Intricate bass lines, super precise drumming and two singer/guitarists that play each song like it's their last have made Hot Water Music one of the premier bands in the punk scene. Raw, emotional, uplifting songs. My favorite album of all time.          CS

The Blackout Pact- Hello Sailor

I fell in love with “Hello Sailor” as soon as I heard it.  After I gave it an initial spin, I quickly had to give it another…and another. This record makes you feel that The Blackout Pact just went to the studio to bro down and get drunk, but somewhere in the process, accidentally churned out an awesome album. The record screams fun and good times with a slightly lulled edge. Like most records, “Hello Sailor” has its lyrical highs and lows…stopping to explore deep insightful times in your life and then cutting loose with songs that sound as raucous and cheeky as their albums name. If you like great punk rock with a sharp melodic edge and metric shit-loads of lyrical wit, then don’t hesitate to pick this up. I had high hopes for this band and unfortunately they broke my heart by disbanding. And because I will never hear any new material from these guys, I will make it a point to frequently get together with my friends and drink many beers and rock this album in tribute.          CS

ZAO- Liberate Te Ex Inferis (Circa: 1999)

Tooth & Nail/Solid State

Liberate Te Ex Inferis is Latin for "save yourself from hell," a most appropriate album name for a band that writes hardcore music like Michelangelo paints a chapel. Hi shrill vocals and low-tuned crashing guitars  make this mid career  album for Zao a keeper. There is actually a biblical theme to the album broken down into "circles" or acts similar to that of a production or play. This keeps the illusion of a frightening apocalyptic overtone for most of the album and explain the lyrics to some extent.  It came out in 1999, upside-down that is 1666. Beware of religious paranoia.          PM

Black Flag- My War (Circa: 1984)
SST Records

Black Flag has always been, and will always be the most important band in punk rock. I first heard this record in 1994-1995. Every song screams anger and disenchantment-something my fifteen year old mind understood all too well. It was the most pivotal moment in music for me ever. Eight albums and two Black Flag tattoos later, this album still rocks my fucking socks off. Get this or get the fuck outta the way!          CS

Black Flag- Damaged (Circa:1988)

SST Records

Disclaimer: Members of AA should not listen to this or may experience falling off the wagon symptoms. If you've never listened to Black Flag, it's ok. Just don't tell anyone. Damaged is the quintessential thirst quenching album of it's decade. Henry Rollins is a down to earth, hang'n with the guys, chant your favorite punk song, drink lots of beer type of guy. Thus, Damaged was created. Rough recordings with beautifully bad vocals make this album a collector piece. This is truly the end of the night, everyone's half passed out, one last hooora drinking soundtrack.          PM

Armor For Sleep- Dream to Make Believe

Equal Vision Records (Circa:2003)

This care free group of emotional musicians form New Jersey made me want to sleep. Not because they were boring, but because they loosely based there album around dreaming and sleeping. If you like Saves the Day style upbeat pop-punk these boys are right down your alley. Although ending on pop-punk alone is too simple. These guys have an imagination for harmonies and a taste for the care free. Song 'Dream To Make Believe' was an excellent teenage punk rock anthem in which all could relate. A quintessential album for all the long haired, emotional fellas out there.     PM