The return of Poison Idea with their first album in over a decade is a cause for celebration. Confuse & Conquer is in that same raucous style that influenced everyone from Pantera to Napalm Death, with some strangely fastidious (read: metal) solos and even a cowboy anthem. It may lack the darkness and ugliness of their seminal material, but it's still a high octane, low fat affair. [$7.99]
It's been a while since I've checked in on Swedes xANCHORx; almost as long since they last played Malaysia. Distance & Devotion continues in the same vein of forward thinking hardcore that the band have made their niche. A remarkably mature and unique album; there's more to Swedish hardcore than one sloganeering band. [$5]
Gut Feeling's line-up may include James Chang of the legendary Catharsis and Undying, but their music eschews the metallic heft of those legendary bands. What you get on their second untitled EP is pure heart on sleeve hardcore and the sincerity of lifers. The EP is available as a "name your price" download.
DC's Pure Disgust aren't veterans, but they sure sound like they are. Chained is a throwback to the early misanthropic days of American hardcore, jangly power chords and lyrics that explore volatile race relations with all the subtlety of a ball peen hammer. No positive, just force. The EP is available as a "name your price" download.
