Wall Of Water
Promo 2015
Independent (2015)
The deliciously gloomy album art on Wall of Water's two-track Promo 2015 features what seems to be a long-abandoned roller coaster rotting away in the elements, an image that seems to jive with the downbeat but arresting style of music played by band members Cullen Toner (multi-instrumentalist and vocalist) and Shawn Eldridge (drummer). Keyboard adds to the occasionally almost theatrical … Read more
War of Ages
Fire from the Tomb
Facedown (2007)
Erie has a long-standing tradition of hardcore: xDisciplex A.D., Brothers Keeper, Shockwave, and Abnegation. Continuing that tradition is War of Ages, though they definitely mix their hardcore influences with a significant amount of metal riffage. Fire from the Tomb is actually a re-recording of the band's debut effort. Some might question the band's decision to go back and re-do their … Read more
WAR//PLAGUE
Primal
Profane Existence (2013)
WAR//PLAGUE always come a little different each time out. Primal is their fifth release (and the seventh single in the Profane Existence Single Series) and one that shows the Minneapolis quartet stripping away the evolved crust and blackened characteristics of their previous material in favor of a sound that is more, well, primal. Jamming an airtight metal-punk attack into its … Read more
Wasted Time
No Shore
Grave Mistake (2007)
Wasted Time basically sounds like Time to Escape but with more gruff vocals and more influences that stem from early New York hardcore than Dischord. Once again, if it's done well, I like it. Wasted Time I like. Actually I like Wasted Time a bit more than Time to Escape since they just go for throat and are a smidge … Read more
We'll Go Machete
We'll Go Machete
Cedar Fever (2009)
Austin, Texas natives We'll Go Machete offer six songs on their debut EP, released through indie label Cedar Fever Records, also based in Austin. It comes in a cardboard sleeve, which for a CD release isn't much plus, there are no lyrics. Over these six songs, We'll Go Machete, blast through twenty minutes of alternative influenced hardcore punk. If you … Read more
Weekend Nachos
Black Earth
A389 (2011)
Since the release of 2009’s Unforgivable, Weekend Nachos has been taking the hardcore scene by storm with their signature blend of modern down-tuned hardcore and old-school powerviolence. Signing on to work with A389 Records, run by Pulling Teeth guitarist Dom Romero, the band has crafted the four-song EP, Black Earth. The album wastes no time with the title track, creating … Read more
Western Settings
Old Pain
La Escalera (2016)
Ever wondered what it would sound like if Off With Their Heads and Iron Chic had a baby? Well, even if you haven't, you need to check out Western Settings. With the help of Chicken (Dead to Me), they've produced a release that builds off the melodic punk rock they premiered last year with their LP, Yes It Is. They're … Read more
Where it Ends
Resonate
Surprise Attack (2007)
When I listen to Resonate from South Carolina's Where it Ends I immediately think of individuals my own age that were spinning Strife and Trial records in their bedrooms ten years ago. It's obvious from these seven songs that the members of Where it Ends grew up on the metallic hardcore of the 1990's. "Timeline" kicks things off and definitely … Read more
Whiplash
Unborn Again
Pulverized (2009)
Three piece thrash outfit from New Jersey returns with this barnburner. In your face guitar riffage, pummeling drum beats, and punishing bass lines feature prominently on this record. These guys have been making audiences sweat it out since the 1980's-so you know they can deliver the goods. "Firewater" turns up the heat with a Black Sabbath type dirge that rocks … Read more
White Lung
Paradise
Domino (2016)
Since the 1980s, Vancouver, B.C. has always had a thriving punk scene, but the new millennium came in like a reaper and scythe, decimating live music venues until there was virtually nothing left. So, in true DIY fashion, performances began in the underground parking garage of the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, that became known as The Emergency … Read more
Who Calls So Loud
Who Calls So Loud
Protagonist Music (2009)
Who Calls So Loud features ex-members of Funeral Diner and Portraits of Past, but that's not the only reason you should listen to their self-titled release. Their label, Protagonist Music, is well known for its incredible acts such as In First Person, Pyramids, Osceola, and Suis La Lune. The band plays emotional hardcore that breathes with quieter ambient sections. Heed … Read more
Wildhoney
Seventeen Forever
Photobooth Records (2014)
Demonstrating on their 2013 self-titled EP that they may be the modern group that best replicates the sound of classic, British shoegaze bands (particularly, Isn’t Anything-era My Bloody Valentine), Baltimore five-piece Wildhoney returned with 2014’s three-track Seventeen Forever. Showing off new vocalist Lauren Shusterich as well as more confident songwriting, the EP kicks off with the calming “Seventeen.” Guitarists Joe … Read more
William DuVall
One Alone
DVL (2019)
In the 13 years that William DuVall has fronted Alice In Chains, sharing vocal duties with Jerry Cantrell he has left an indelible mark on the band’s music making AIC a band to still be reckoned with, even 35 years after their inception. Their newest album Rainier Fog being proof positive of the strength of that legacy.Throughout his career in … Read more
Withdrawal
Faith, Flesh, And Blood
A389 (2011)
Withdrawal is possibly carrying metallic hardcore standards for all of Canada. As it becomes harder to note a truly interesting band of this style in general let alone from their corner of the world. The band managed to turn heads a couple years ago with their last EP Unknown Misery even managing to get rave reviews from this site. In … Read more
World Narcosis
Self Titled
Independent (2011)
World Narcosis is a relatively new band as this is their debut EP. The band's style relies on a slightly crusty version of grind hearkening back to early Brutal Truth with all the rage and politics intact. That is not to say they are solely raging against the machine as it were but the anger is most certainly palpable and … Read more
Wraith
Wraith
Reflections (2008)
Wraith is the latest U.K. export to hit my doorstep. Following on solid releases from Rot in Hell, Deal With It, and Dirty Money, the scene over there is starting to look rather promising again. While only a band for a year, Wraith has already built a massive following. And when you listen to this 7" you'll know just why. … Read more
Wunami
Pointless
Independent (2009)
Wunami is a fairly young group from southern California. While I mostly associate this region with it's volatile hardcore history, Wunami is about the furthest thing from it that a band could be. Pointless is the band's demo recording featuring three songs. The four-piece offers up melancholic post-rock over the course of a half-hour, beginning with "Pointless." The song starts … Read more
Wye Oak
The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs
Merge (2018)
Wye Oak have never made the same record twice, and on The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs, it’s not about to change. Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack grow by leaps and bounds on each release, and this, their first proper studio album since 2014’s Shriek has them taking the synth heavy sounds of that record and Wasner’s excellent … Read more
