"Martian Waltz" for Little Green Men art show

Martian Waltz by Bleeding Edges 11x14 canvas board

I was asked to be a part of the Little Green men art show, hosted by SubUrban Vinyl and Leecifer. Based around his Picklebaby character, who is an alien. I made this using spray paint, airbush and paint markers. A pretty ambitious piece, though also very simple; I went with an alien abduction theme.

May 16, 2015 at the Suburban Vinyl shop in Waldwick, NJ - custom show using Leecifer's Pickle Baby figure as a platform. Word is Lee is going to show up and hang out! Killer lineup. Be there. 4 Frederick St, Waldwick, NJ 07463

[BE-17] Pure Disgust- s/t (promo tape)

The new breed of Washington DC hardcore, Pure Disgust, are back after an awesome demo and a 7" on Flophouse Records. These 3 songs serve as a preview for their new "CHAINED" EP out soon on Katorga Works (USA) and Quality Control (UK). Taking musical cues from UK street punk and oi,  mixing it with early 80's DC hardcore and bands like Life's Blood. 2 of these songs will be on their 7", while "America" (originally on their demo, but re-recorded) is exclusive to this tape. Pure Disgust will be on a US tour this summer, so make sure to check them out! Members also currently play in Protester, Red Death and more

Limited to 100 copies on pro duplicated clear cassettes, sticker labels and printed covers. (3 songs)

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

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

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

BEARRITO IS FINALLY HERE!

Bearrito does not want to give you a hug, he wants to eat you! Beware the next time you are in the woods and you see a large tasty burrito walking around...

This is a pilot release in the "Flesh" colorway just like the nostalgic M.U.S.C.L.E figures! This is a collaboration between Bleeding  Edges X DIEHM STUDIOS. BEARRITO is a compatible scale with most popular minifigures.

Available here: http://diehmstudios.storenvy.com/products/12485034-bearrito-rubber-minifigure-flesh

*This is a project that has been between my friend, JR (Diehm Studios) and me (Bleeding Edges). It was conceived as a submission to October Toys' OMFG line for series 5. When it did not get picked, we went forward and produced it ourselves. Below are some concepts and sketches I had made, and JR knocked it out of the park with the sculpting and casting. This is the first of other planned colorways; please follow @diehm_studios and @bleedingedges for further developments.

original OMFG submission

Skullbrainer art show @ Clutter Gallery

I will have a few pieces in an art show, opening this weekend in NY at the Clutter Gallery.This is the first art show where I have submitted pieces painted with an airbrush, and I am really happy how they all turned out. This is also my first collaborative piece (Zombitron) with Stacia Murphy. There are a lot of great artists in the show, and I am excited to see how they all look together.

Sky Deviler by Bleeding Edges

Hooded Zombie by Bleeding Edges

Zombitron by Stacia Murphy x Bleeding Edges

 

Pocket Mummy Gator by Bleeding Edges

A kaiju and other strangeness art exhibition, done in the spirit of the classic It Came From Skullbrain shows, at the Clutter Gallery. The opening reception will be free to the public and take place on March 14th from 6-9pm. The works will remain on display until April 3rd, 2015.
https://shop.cluttermagazine.com/gallery
https://www.facebook.com/events/818938974809610

Best of 2014

I know I don't do reviews regularly on here anymore, but I still like doing my annual "Best of..." post. So what you get is a detailed review/list. Obviously I would highly recommend all of the releases on this list, please support the bands and labels making things happen currently. I feel like this year I didn't get as many records as I normally would. But despite starting a new job and moving to a new apartment, I feel I still gotten a ton of great new records. A lot of amazing bands have been coming from Boston and the UK (most having some connection to the Rival Mob and Violent Reaction).
*In the time it took to write this, some of my "Anticipated Releases for 2015" got released. Not to say they don't warrant a spot on this list, but I haven't had a chance to fully digest them.*

On the label front, Bleeding Edges Label released 5 tapes (only one being a demo). I've made a Bandcamp page for people to listen and download everything, and made some cool new wholesale connections. I got to do a new EP for one of my favorite 2000's era edge bands, Black SS. I got a new band of my own, Blunt Force, which has started playing shows. Did 2 promo cassingles- for Protester and Razorheads' new 7"s, which got a great reception. It's always good to see the bands I worked with grow, and do more records and gain more notoriety. No plans of stopping in 2015, so keep an eye out!

Best 7"s of 2014:
1. Protester- s/t (Trash King Productions)
Protester has been pretty productive the past year; toured the US this summer, did a promo tape with me (for this EP), and even announced their next EP will be on BBB Records. This band started out as the brain child of Connor, who currently plays in Red Death, Genocide Pact and others. The Protester sound mixes the hardness of bands like Confront, with the early 80's more punk sounding HC from Boston and NYC. Their intro on here is killer, definitely going to be turning some heads this year

2. Violent Reaction- Dead End (Painkiller / Quality Control Records)
The boys are back with their first record as a full band. It's a bit more full sounding, but same VxR we know and love. Musically there is a bit more oi/punk than HC vibe, which was hinted at on songs on previous records, just more prominent now. Crazy that their next LP will be out on Revelation Records, which hopefully means they will come back to the USA again. This band, and their associated projects are all great.

3. Peacebreakers- Everyday Battle (Rock N Roll Disgrace Records)
Peacebreakers' demo had some killer songs, but sounded like it was recorded in a dumpster. This 7" blows it away though with a lot more power. I get a heavy Out Cold vibe from some of the riffs, but there is some more sing along to the choruses. This band has 3/5 of Boston Strangler, so it should already have your attention Anyway, this record rips, and worth tracking down.

4. Savageheads- s/t (Twerp Records)
The Savageheads demo was so good, really catchy heavily influenced by the Partisans punk. The 7" has one song re-recorded plus 3 new ones. Aside from a cleaner sound, the song writing doesn't diverge further from the demo. Apparently this band is 3/4 of Bloodkrow Butcher, but sounds totally different. I really like this band, hopefully they do an LP soon.

5. Oblivionation- Cult of Culture (Man In Decline Records)
Being a huge Out Cold fan, Oblivionation was immediately on my radar (since they share a drummer). They actually recorded this after their LP, which as of now still isn't officially out yet. This is their first with their new bass player, and they continue playing punishing hardcore without missing a beat. Hopefully their LP receives a more wide release soon, because that is great as well.

Best LPs of 2014:
1. Boston Strangler- Fire (self released)
I have loved The Boston Strangler since their demo a few years ago, loved their Primative LP, and been following the various demos and promo tapes in the mean time. Despite having heard most of these songs in some form or another, this LP really blew me away. I feel like their sound evolved, and in a good way. The recording is a bit more polished, and the songwriting got a bit more complex. The album ends with a piano part, like a Faith No More song, but that's not a bad thing-it's great. The first press sold out pretty quick, but it's definitely worth waiting for, if you have to.

2. The Flex- Wild Stabs In The Dark (Video Disease Records)
The Flex has really evolved over the past few years. I was lucky enough to catch them 3 times on their recent US tour, and each time was awesome! The recording is a lot cleaner than their 7", and the song writing has definitely gone toward the late 80's NYHC sound. This record was my go to gym record for a few months, (only to be replaced by the Hounds of Hate LP) and I definitely got caught treadmill moshing more than once. Their next record will be on Lockin Out, which is crazy.

3. Battle Ruins- s/t (Rock N Roll Disgrace Records)
One of the more popular of The Rival mob's side projects, Battle Ruins released a demo a few years back (later put on a record). One time I described their sound to a friend as "skinheads at Medieval Times," and I stand by that. The music straddles a Oi meets NWOBHM sound, in that the vocals are sung and the music is mid-paced. When this record went up for sale, it sold out of 500 copies in a few hours. Definitely worthy of the hype, maybe they'll play a show one day.

4. Hounds Of Hate- Hate Springs Eternal (self released/BHF)
The Hounds are back with another smokin' LP. They've been putting in a lot of touring, including the US and Europe, and somehow found the time to release a new LP on their own label. Their sound definitely has that late 80's NYHC "New Breed comp" sound. I love that stuff, but find that 99% of bands that stick just to that sound suck, but HOH have a more punk backbone. They can easily play a show with some punk band in a basement, or with some hyped hc band in a club. They should be touring all over this year, make sure to catch them.

5. The Combat Zone- s/t (Side Two Records)
I caught The Combat Zone at some random show last winter, when they were on tour with Lude Boys, and both bands blew me away. They play some gruff oi influenced hardcore. Definitely staying more to the punk side of the 86 Mentality sounding bands. This is one of those hidden gem records I haven't seen too many people talk about, but it's great and the songs will get stuck in your head.

Best demos of 2014:
1. Arms Race 
Arms Race dropped their demo late last year, but had a US release this year (this is how I'm justifying it). The band has a few members of the now defunct Stab, but taking more influence from early Agnostic Front and Crucifix. The vocals are brutal and sung in a thick British accent, which makes it definitely stand out from the pack. Their new 7" is out in England, with a US release on Painkiller, and it is incredible. Stoked to see them in the US next year.

2. Ajax
This demo may have also come out late last year, but I got it this year (it was also released on vinyl by Even Worse Records). Ajax is a new band from NY with some people from Creem I believe. Musically, it reminds me of Totalitar, but with a more USHC slant. Very cool

3. Red Death
Red Death is a new Washington DC HC band, taking heavy cues from Corrosion of Conformity (particularly the Animosity LP). Definitely more metallic than hardcore, but sure as hell ain't metalcore. I grew up on metal, and that crossover stuff was always super cool to me, and these guys to it really well, mixing in a Cro-Mags vibe. Stoked for their LP coming out on Grave Mistake.

4. Crown Court
Members of Violent Reaction playing some awesome oi punk. Bands like Sham 69, Menace and the early (pre-bonehead) Skrewdriver come to mind, since it is very melodic and catchy. This isn't some hardcore/oi hybrid, it's pure UK punk. Really great, stoked for their 7", which should be out in early 2015

5. Response
Some badass straight edge hardcore punk from CA right here (can't remember the last time I could have said that about a band). Musically taking big cues from early Youth Of Today and Side By Side style NYHC, but with some Negative Approach bite to it. Definitely some good singalongs, without some of the overly cheesy typical straight edge lyrics.

Honorable Mentions:
V/A- Stomp-I-Lation, Razorheads- s/t, Cardiac Arrest- In The Mouth Of Madness, Pure Disgust- s/t, Body Count- Manslaughter, Missionary- American Strike, OblivionationJock's Blood demo, Shrapnel demo, Pitfall 7"

Best Reissues:
Autistic Behavior- Shattered Cattle, SOA- First Demo, Sacrilege- Time to Face the Reaper, Lip Cream- s/t, Lovely Lads- The Best You've Got, Offenders- Endless Struggle /We Must Rebel, YDI- A Place in The Sun

Anticipated Releases for 2015:
Violent Reaction LP, Vacant State- Chained EP, Spine- Time Has Gone LP, Arms Race- Gotta Get Out 7", No Tolerance LP, Mental Abuse- Streets of Filth reissue, Barge LP, Forseen- Helsinki Savagery LP, Night Birds LP, Protester 7", Red Death LP, Shrapnel 7", Ajax 7", Crown Court 7", Chain Rank LP

[BE-15] Black SS- Animals E.P.

Hailing from parts unknown, Black SS (aka: Black Sheep Squadron) is a long running straight edge hardcore punk band. Started way back in 2004, this is their first release since 2008. Though they haven't been as active, due to location and general adulthood, they still occasionally play. Comparisons to bands like Slapshot, Kill Your Idols and Life's Blood are not far off for the uninitiated. They had previously done releases on such notable labels as Reaper, Third Party, Organized Crime and others. This release is to coincide with their appearance at Oneota Punk Fest. These song are fast, raw and to the point; proving there are still things to be angry about in your 30's.

Limited to 250 copies on pro duplicated teal cassettes, screened shells and printed covers. 30 #'d pre-release copies on black tapes with sticker labels and fold over covers only available from the band. (5 songs)

Check it out on the Bleeding Edges Label bandcamp page: http://bleedingedgeslabel.bandcamp.com
& http://blackss.bandcamp.com

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

http://facebook.com/BleedingEdgesLabel

"Turtles In Time", an official TMNT art show

I was incredibly stoked to be asked to participate in an official Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles art show. So official that my sketch had to be approved by Nickelodeon (see bottom). I didn't want to do one of the main turtles, since I figured other people would be handling that, but the villains from TMNT were always so crazy looking. I went with Leatherhead, who is a mutated alligator. The composition was influenced by an old skateboard design from the 80's, and done in stencils with spray paint on canvas board.  Titled "Leather Daddy," you can see it and many more awesome pieces at the opening reception and online soon after.

Nickelodeon, Chogrin Muñoz and Bottleneck Gallery are excited to announce that on Friday, October 3rd, we will be celebrating 30 years of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with "Turtles In Time", an official TMNT art show, featuring new work from over 75 artists from around the world. 

The opening reception will take place from 7pm-10pm at 60 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249.  There will also be contests, free prints and exclusive giveaways provided by Nickelodeon. The show will be on view until the end of October. Admission is free and open to all ages!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1589815731246083

http://www.bottleneckgallery.com

[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!