[BE-14] Blunt Force- 2014 demo

A new project from the suburban hell of New Jersey; featuring a current member of Night Birds, as well as BE alumni from Bloodtype and Phibes. Mainly influenced by bands like Slapshot/ Stars and Stripes, Blunt Force blends Boston 82 hardcore with UK 82 punk/oi. The songs are melodic yet hard and mid paced. Includes a cover of a Boston classic.

Limited to 150 copies on pro duplicated cassettes (100 solid black/50 clear black), printed labels and silk screened covers. (5 songs)

Check it out on the new Bleeding Edges Label bandcamp here: http://bleedingedgeslabel.bandcamp.com

Buy it here: http://bleedingedges.bigcartel.com
http://facebook.com/BleedingEdgesLabel

WTFF for Verbal Assault art show

The boys of the Phantom Hand are at it again. This new show focuses on general rude statements and a biting commentary. I decided to flex my typographic muscle with this one. Designed in Illustrator, cut out in tape and sprayed background. Originally I wanted to do it on glass, but that didn't go

well. Yes, that is a quote from the movie Step Brothers...

[BE-13] RAZORHEADS cassingle

After an incredible demo, Razorheads went back to the studio to record for a 7". They had made 50 promo tapes for New York's Alright Fest, which sold out. The songs were too good to be missed, and the 7" is not on the immediate horizon, so this is a re-press in cassingle format with updated artwork. Razorheads play Japanese influenced D-beat, with lots of distortion and reverb. Contains current members of Suburban Scum and Ugly Parts.

Limited to 200 copies on pro duplicated and shrink wrapped putty colored cassettes, with imprinted shells and wraparound covers. (3 songs)


Check out this, and their other releases here: http://razorheads.bandcamp.com
Also, check out the new Bleeding Edges label bandcamp here: http://bleedingedgeslabel.bandcamp.com
 
Buy it here: http://bleedingedges.bigcartel.com 
http://facebook.com/BleedingEdgesLabel

HELLBOY 20th ANNIVERSARY ART SHOW

 

I was excited to be asked to participate in a HELLBOY themed art show to celebrate its 20th anniversary. I had been in a HB art show years ago, but wasn't nearly as high profile. I cleaned up my piece from that, and added the crown in gold paint, so it is very subtle, and extended the tentacle at the bottom. It now fills out the space a lot better. There is a whole lot of talent involved in this, and will surely be one to go check out!

https://www.facebook.com/events/301589879989156

[BE-12] PROTESTER cassingle

Protester is back, this time with a new cassingle. This is a promo for their new 7", coming out on Trash King Productions. The A side will be on the new record, but the B side is exclusive to this release. Much like the cover art would suggest, this is heavily influenced by bands like Confront, very hard-edged straight edge hardcore. Their demo was incredibly well received, and these are expected to sell out quickly. These will be available at Damaged City Fest in April, with whatever is left available here.

Limited to 100 copies on pro duplicated and shrink wrapped gray cassettes, with imprinted shells and wraparound covers . (4 songs)
*Due to an error on my part, the first song is actually Let You Forget and not Left To Rot, as stated on the back cover. Oops*

Check it out along with their demo here: http://protester.bandcamp.com
Buy it here: http://bleedingedges.bigcartel.com 
http://facebook.com/BleedingEdgesLabel

[BE-11] Ugly Parts- Wet

Ugly Parts from New Brunswick, NJ released a demo and 7" previously. They took some time to focus on this new EP, and it is worth the wait. "Wet" perfectly captures their sound like My War era Rollins joined Negative Approach, did drugs, then moved to Japan and X-claim released the end result. The production is raw, and contains samples and feedback to flow the whole thing together. Members also currently play in Razorheads.

Limited to 150 copies on pro duplicated smokey black cassettes, with printed labels and screen printed covers, sealed with a sticker. (7 songs)

Check out this, and their other releases here: http://uglyparts.bandcamp.com
Buy it here: http://bleedingedges.bigcartel.com 
http://facebook.com/BleedingEdgesLabel

Prelude to Judgment Day for It Came From 1984 art show

I was asked to participate in the IT CAME FROM 1984 art show, a show who's theme was based around movies released in 1984. I decided to do a piece based on the Terminator, putting my own spin on the cyborg played by Arnold Schwarzeneggar. I did a multiple layered stencil technique, also using fades and metallic paint. For the eyes, I used these red reflective doll eyes, which really make the piece pop. I titled it "Prelude to Judgment Day," referencing the title of the sequel.. .On a personal note, I usually spray paint outdoors, but with all of the snow and cold weather, I had to take over a part of the basement to get this done.

Chogrin Illustration & Design & BOTTLENECK GALLERY PRESENT: "It Came From 1984"
I invite you to the latest art show I'm curating at Bottleneck Gallery! "IT CAME FROM 1984" will pay tribute to the films of 1984 (Ghostbusters, Terminator, Gremlins, Nausicaa, Neverending Story, Karate Kid, etc.), which are all turning 30 years old this year!

Check out www.bottleneckgallery.com for the latest news and artwork previews for this show!

https://www.facebook.com/events/597680180304535/

[BE-X.5] Hardcore Still Rules mixtape

 The story behind this one is that when we were moving offices at work, for some reason, 13 sealed 90 minute blank tapes were unearthed. Since they were to be thrown out, I figured I would give them a second life by doing a mix to get people into cool new bands. So as a cross promotion to get people to check out my buttons, I've uploaded the mixtape there. No downloads, just cassettes, only 12 made. 57 bands, 90 minutes of current hardcore. Check em out, and maybe add a button to you order. There's like 6 new designs!

http://bxebuttons.storenvy.com/products/5082563-hardcore-still-rules-mixtape
[UPDATE: SOLD OUT]

Best of 2013

So if you've been following this page for a while, you may notice a lack of reviews of HC records (sorry), but I assume you've noticed a lot of art and label related posts. To say I've focused my efforts elsewhere is fair, but I do miss talking HC. What I did here is do more in depth reviews of each release, since I never reviewed most of them before. I felt like this year had a ton of good LPs, while I don't think I got a lot of memorable zines (so they were omitted). It seems like a lot of labels are focusing on reissues, as they know their back catalog will sell better in a limited color, rather than taking a chance on a new HC band. It's really a shame, because I feel like newer bands are getting overlooked. HARDCORE STILL RULES!


Best 7"s of 2013:
1. The Flex- Scum On The Run
I love The Flex, I re-released their demo in the US, and I think this new 7" is even better. Adding Tom from Sectarian Violence and Violent Reaction on drums really helped tighten them up a ton. Their style of NYHC meets Boston, meets UK HC approach is so good. The recording is nice and dirty too. I can't wait for them to come to the US next spring w/ Violent Reaction. Seeing videos online of these guys playing, they get better and better.
2. Violent Future- s/t
LOVED Violent Future's demo, and this new 7" is great. You only get 4 songs (as opposed to the 6 on the demo), but they're all legit stompers. They take a very UK82/oi influence and play off that mid paced drumming with some powerful songs. Even the cover art is great. That brown cover w/ black and red ink looks so cool. I know they recorded another record recently, so I'm hoping that will also rule.
3. Altered Boys- s/t 2
So Altered Boys rule, I did a tape for them this year and did the layout on this record's cover. They recorded both 7"s at the same time, but I feel like this record's songs were their best. Rather than kicking the record off with a slower song with an intro, it kicks in with the fastest/ shortest song on the record. These guys are my favorite local band in a while, and I'm glad to have a no BS HC band (with an affinity for pink )locally. The band is on a sort of hiatus, but hopefully they can squeeze out another record before calling it a day.
4. Spine/ The Repos
Split 7"s are one of my least favorite format for HC (before CDs). 99.9% of them are throw away songs, rushed for a tour, don't make any sense, one band is good and the other is terrible. Luckily this record has none of those trappings. This is awesome, and easily Spine's best shit, and The Repos' best material since reforming as The Ropes a few years ago. I remember someone describing The Repos once as Youth of Today if they were psychopaths (I'd take that is a compliment), and I can probably say the same for Spine. There's definitely some youth crew background in both bands, but definitely mixed with a lot more diverse HC stylings. This is honestly my favorite split since the Talk Is Poison/ Deathreat split 7" over 10 years ago.
5. Future Binds- s/t
Some teenagers from North Carolina churned out this fucking killer 5 song record (it was recorded as a demo originally).  Heavily influenced by bands like Out Cold and Wasted Time, you have some fast early 80's influenced HC, but with complex riffs. This is great, I saw 3/4 of their old band Pure Scum last year, and even at like 15 years old, those dudes could shred. Adding Ace from Abuse on guitar ups the average age slightly, but their high school punk band is better than most adult HC bands.

 
Best LPs of 2013:
1. Violent Reaction- City Streets
Fuck yes, the Violent Reaction LP is even better than I hoped it would be. I loved their 7" and demo, but damn the LP steps it up a notch. I can hear a lot more of the UK82/Oi influence, though retaining the fast Poison Idea like HC meets Side By Side mosh sound there. There's some guest appearances on here from some Boston notables as well, which really expresses the unity and collaborative nature of HC in general. Sappy junk aside, this record is ridiculously good, and if you don't like it, I don't like you.
2. Culo- My Life Sucks, and I Could Care Less
Fucking Culo. Antics aside, these guys know how to write a HC song. I think a lot of people were skeptical if their fast HC assault would translate well into an LP. Welp, here it is, and you were wrong. There's still their usual sound, but mixed within is some mid paced songs with a tambourine like a Ramones song, if the Ramones were freaks who did a lot of drugs and lived in the mid-west. I feel like the diverse mix of style really keep this LP interesting, despite that gramatical error in the title.
3. Hounds Of Hate- s/t
Hounds of Hate really stepped it up from their 7", perfectly capturing that New Breed comp NYHC sound. Most NYHC influenced bands just sound like 25 Ta Life or bad era MAdball, but these guys blend Cro-Mags and Outburst perfectly. Definitely some hard mosh parts, and some fast parts to balance it out. Overall a great LP, hoping to see them some more next year.
4. Night Birds- Born To Die In Suburbia
Night Birds are Jersey's premiere punk band at the moment, and with good reason. With a new lineup, NB doesn't miss a beat, with their early 80's Dead Kennedys meets Agent Orange sound. The songs on here have a bit more punch than the previous LP, and I love it. I like how both sides of the LP start with instrumentals, something that in a CD format would be maybe weird, but totally works when you flip the record over. Expect Night Birds to do some more touring in 2014, as they took a few months break for the singer to be a dad (Congrats Bri!).
5. Magic Circle- s/t
Not really a hardcore band, but containing a HC lineup. Members of bands like Mind Eraser, Rival Mob, No Tolerance, Mental, and a ton more. Some Boston dudes with a love for Sabbath and NWOBHM. Their approach to metal is much better than most (maybe all) in the "stoner" category. This is seriously so good, but seemed to take over a year to get released. If this wasn't just a side project, I could see them being huge, and opening up for big tours.


 
Best demos of 2013:
1. Chain Rank 
Chain Rank made a late entry into the best demos category this year, but I did some shuffling to give them a proper spotlight. Similar to bands like Boston Strangler and Peacebreakers, nodding to the old Boston crew scene, but there's definitely some Out Cold records in their collections. Real fast, no punches pulled HC. Fucking Awesome!  
2. Night Prowler- Psychopath
Night Prowler did a tape a few years ago, and it was a straight up ripper. I feel like it got overshadowed by the Boston Strangler demo, which was released around the same time, but damn was it good. this new tape has way more songs, and takes it to a more Neon Christ/ Youth Korpse/ Deep Wound territory, thought still very much early X-Claim worship. Apparently this is a solo project by a member of Vacant State, which I can definitely see, thought keeping tot he faster side. I ordered this off a label in Canada, and it cost like $11, which is totally worth it.
3. Social Damage- Demo II
Social Damage did a tape last year under the name Blind X Justice, though unfortunately there ended up being a much more popular (thought much worse) band by the same name. The band plays Straight Ahead worshiping fast hardcore, much like bands like Free Spirit, Freedom and Word On the Street, though much better. The tape is really short, but very memorable. Hoping these guys do an EP soon. 
4. Protester
Protester was a tape that I released, but fuck it, it rules. A one person side project that's not too different from No Tolerance and Violent Reaction. Fast, pissed off straight edge hardcore. Always have a soft spot for aggressive sounding edge bands, and this was my jam. I also did the cover art, which I may say is the most hardline edge art since the 90's. Now a full band and working on more shows and tours. Real stoked on these guys.
5. Correction
Correction is a 2 person sXe side project from Sweden, with members of Sectarian Violence and Anchor. Musically lending more favorably to raw punk ala Mob 47. I one time described them as "Anti-Cimex wearing varsity jackets," which will make sense when you hear it. Raw punk with mosh parts, hell yea. Working on a new tape or EP currently.


Honorable Mentions:
Sectarian Violence LP, Sickoids EP, Coke Bust LP, Criminal Damage LP, Barge 7", Green Beret 7", Power Trip LP, Rival Mob LP, Night Birds 7", Gas Rag 7"+ demo, Weekend Nachos LP, Out Cold LP, The Repos (aborted Ropes LP) tape, Stab 7", Broken Prayer LP, Razorheads demo, Lude Boys/ Combat Zone tape, Savageheads demo, Last Words LP, Abuse LP, Negative Degree 7"

Best Reissues:
Abused - Radio Raheem did a great LP reissue of the 7", demo and an unreleased live track on a crazy deluxe LP. Came in a booklet filled with art and photos in a sleeve that's so big, it won't fit in your record box. Essential, one of the NYHC greats.
7 Seconds - Lifeline reissued the first 3 7 Seconds 7"s, and even did a cool boxed set. I love a well done reissue, and they really went all out on this. Recreating the art perfectly, doing some limited colors for the collectors, and even throwing in an insert with a note from Kevin Seconds inside. I like that they didn't just collect these on some LP, but kept them in their original format.
Anti-Cimex Nada Nada reissued the Anti Cimex 7"s packed with random little inserts and notes. These records have been out of print forever, and a collection that is over priced and really ugly. The cover for Raped Ass has to be one of my favorite record covers, even though it was most likely stolen from a newspaper or something.

Anticipated Releases for 2014:
Oblivionation 12" EP + 7", Peacebreakers 7", The Flex LP, Boston Strangler LP, Ugly Parts LP, Correction EP, Battle Ruins LP, Violent Future 7"

BxE BUTTONS

I've been working real hard to launch this, and after a successful "soft open" at the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, I'm happy to announce BxE Buttons. I designed and assembled each of these big 3" badges, perfect for jackets or bags. A good assortment of punk and nerd related designs

Climbin' Canuck for Comic Ink art show

This piece is for the COMIC INK art show, opening in Philly on November 1 at Locust Moon Comics. The theme of the show is to combine tattoo elements with comic book imagery. I decided to go with Wolverine, from the X-Men, and combine it with the pose of the traditional climbing panther tattoo. I used an action figure as a drawing model, and broke out the colors with stencils. After spraying, I added the details/ linework with a paint marker. I used a long and narrow canvas, so it gives the piece a cool different look. Very excited to see what other pieces people submit.

[BE-X] PROTESTER - demo

Protester is the straight edge brain child of Connor from Abuse/ Last Words/ Double Negative. Much like bands like Boston Strangler and Violent Reaction, this is a solo project that is now an active band (with members of Coke Bust and Thick Skin). Musically it takes cues from the early 80's Boston crew, as well as the early REV roster.
Limited to 100 200 copies on pro duplicated red cassettes with a glossy cover. (5 songs)

Check out the whole thing here: http://protester.bandcamp.com
Buy it here: http://bleedingedges.bigcartel.com 
http://facebook.com/BleedingEdgesLabel

*A second run of another 100 tapes has been made, there is also a button and tape combo pack option now*

3NES art show @ Bottleneck Gallery

 

The 3NES show is an art show that I was asked to participate in, where artists did pieces related to Super Mario Bros, Legend of Zelda and Metroid.  I had done a Metroid piece a while back, and I wanted the other 2 to follow the same style. Each piece has the main character in an action pose in black, while there is a pattern of one main villain behind them in multiple colors. As as series, they look amazing together, and I even did some splatter painting on the frames, in each main character's primary colors. This show had a tight deadline, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

September 6th, 2013 - September 22nd at Bottleneck Gallery in Brooklyn, NY. A tribute to 3 of Nintendo's most popular games. This show will also complete the trilogy of the "3" numbered shows, next to the 3G Show (http://vimeo.com/15258621) and the 3B Show (http://vimeo.com/23596254). See you all there!

That's It ...Bye! for Leaving art show

I did this painting for the PHANTOM HAND show called "Leaving," which will open on Saturday at JINXED in Philadelphia. The topic was very open ended, basically just based on the title. I chose a darker topic of suicide. Visually, I went for a minimalist Frank Miller (Sin City era), mixed with a little Roy Lichtenstein. It's an 11x14 canvas, painted with stencils and spray paint. I did the sides in yellow to make the noose color pop a little more from a side angle.

Phantom Hand presents LEAVING Come out to Phantom Hand's summer doldrums show, and see how our artists grapple with a completely open-ended show, art based simply on the title of the exhibition. Featuring work by: Rog Petersen, Juliana Lose, Eli Vandenberg, Carol Piast, Daniel Trauten, Harrison Freeman, Jenny Ross, Christine Larsen, Christian Patchell, Melissa Lomax, Concetta Barbera, James Heimer, Elliott Downs, Jeff DeSantis, Jeff Daniels, Anthony Pedro, Eamon Dougherty, Alex Eckman-Lawn, Sam Heimer, and more!

[BE-09] Brain Slug- CREEP // Annihilate Me

New York's Brain Slug returns in 2013 with their sophomore release, the CREEP//Annihilate Me three-song-single; a manic blast of ancient NYHC wisdom (Straight Ahead, Krakdown) spiked with a hefty dose of noisey punk (Discharge, et al.). Wrapping things up is their vicious take on Christian Death's "Spiritual Cramp."

Limited to 200 copies on pro duplicated red cassettes, with screened red shells and a glossy cover. (3 songs)
Check out the whole thing here: http://brainslugnyhc.bandcamp.com
Check out their first 7" here: http://hardwarerecords.bandcamp.com/album/brain-slug-distort-new-york-7
UK pressing on Self Acceptance Records: http://selfacceptancerecords.bigcartel.com

Buy it here: http://bleedingedges.bigcartel.com 
http://facebook.com/BleedingEdgesLabel

Hot Dog Party USA for Phantom Hand

I did this piece for an upcoming show for Phantom Hand at Hot Diggity for a Philly Food Art Show on July 20. I love the Phantom Hand crew, and I love Hot Diggity, so this was a no brainer. With a tight deadline, I went with a simple 1 color stencil and re-used an old canvas and frame. Came out great in my opinion. I've called it "Hot Dog Party USA," and it's 8x10 in a painted frame.

I've been posting work in progress shots over at Instagram for all of my art. if you're interested, please follow me @bleedingedges

Custom Sewer Creep toy

I picked up a clear unpainted Sewer Creep from Coma21 @ NYCC last year. I really liked the design, since it reminded me of the old TMNT toys, but made in Japanese (sofubi) vinyl. It took me a while to finish this, but I think the extra time really paid off. The red and brown were done with spray paint, while the rest was painted inside. The white and black details were done with the new Monster Kolor paint pens, which worked out great. Once it was all painted, I did a black rub to make the details pop. This is really fun design, and I'm very happy with how this came out. I took photos down at the skate park, since I felt like the background fit the character.

Battle for Eternia for Arch Nemesis art show

For this month's Hero Complex Gallery show, "Arch Nemesis," I decided to go with a He-Man vs Skeletor theme. I kept with my recent style on using tape masks, with the yellow being done with a stencil. I had to cut out each of those bricks out of tape individually. I think it worked out well.

"Arch Nemesis" - A show focusing on bad guys...on the villains, rogues, and scoundrels of the world. And what good is a nemesis show without a few heroes to kick around?

Opening Reception:
May 24th, 2013, 7-10pm
Hero Complex Gallery
2020 South Robertson Blvd. Studio D
Los Angeles, CA, 90034

[BE-08] Altered Boys cassingle

In time for their spring tour, New Jersey's Altered Boys have recorded 2 new songs which are housed in an cassingle style cover. You may be already familiar with AB from their 7"s on Katorga Works and Deranged Records. They play a style of HC reminiscent of the early 2000 era HC bands like Shark Attack, Knife Fight, Tear It Up, etc... These 2 new songs were recorded after their 2 EPs, and are exclusive to this release. Side A is a mid-paced stomper, side B is a fast thrasher.

Limited to 250 copies on pro duplicated yellow cassettes, with screened shells and wraparound covers . (2 songs)
Check out some songs: http://alteredboysnj.bandcamp.com 
Buy it here: http://bleedingedges.bigcartel.com

http://www.facebook.com/alteredboys
http://facebook.com/BleedingEdgesLabel 

Corey Webster for Righteous Rides show

 Hero Complex has another show, this one with a central theme of transportation in movies. I decided to do a skateboard based on the classic cheesy 80's movie, THRASHIN'! In the movie, the main character dreams of being a professional skateboarder, and dreams of having his own deck. My idea was to basically make that deck, based on the illustration he shows in the movie, and the Smash Skates logo. Unfortunately I didn't have access to an 80s shaped deck, but it came out rad. I'd had this idea in the back of my head for a while, and I'm glad this show came along to give me the proper motivation to get it done.
I did all of the artwork without any stencils, but instead cutting out little tape masks (based on my original vector artwork), and positioning them on the board before painting. This allowed for a lot more detail to stay crisp. I also upgraded my tape to the green Frogtape for this.

"Righteous Rides...And the Dudes Who Drive Them!" - A show focusing on prominent characters of fiction and their often creative ways of getting around!
From skateboards to spaceships, anything that rolls, races, flies, or crashes can be counted in this high-throttled, tour de force that celebrates your favorite modes of transportation and the characters who drive them!

Opening Reception:
May 3rd, 2013 - Los Angeles
http://www.herocomplexgallery.com