Category Archives: Hardcore

Acoustic, Hardcore, Music, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Screamo, Ska

BHP BEST OF 2024

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This blog is not going anywhere at the moment. I am beyond grateful for anyone who stops by at any given time and has checked it out.

As a father of 2, my priorities are toward them and ensuring they have all the dad time in the world, so excuse the lack of content. I promise you I am listening to all the music all the time.

What that said, I never will not do a best of list as it helps me look back to all the amazing music that dropped throughout the year.

Enjoy.

BHP BEST OF 2024 LIST

State Faults – Children of the Moon

One of my most listened to albums of the year. This is an album that dragged me through emotion like none other and truly speaks for itself. It’s screamo, it’s post-hardcore, it’s perfect.

Maxwell Stern – In the Good Light

Max has outdone himself this time. This album is the greatest thing he has ever created, and I will fight those to disagree. He put something together special that will get stuck in the heads of so many for years to come. When I say I love watching someone mature as a musician, I am talking about Max Stern. I look forward to future releases, but it is going to be hard to top this one.

Glass Beams – Mahal

I was so into this sophomore album by Glass Beams upon listening to it that I stopped what I was doing to pre-order the album only later to find out I ordered an overseas copy and not the US version. When I try and tell people about this one, I just say things like disgusting and filthy and mean it in the best way. This band is phenomenal.

The Dopamines – 80/20

I was beyond stoked to hear after 7 years this Cincinnati punk band was dropping a new album. These guys have always been a great band, and this album is a blast to get into.

Hunden – A Calming Press

So much fuzz on this debut by Cleveland’s Hunden. Love to see pals from various bands connect and formulate insane tunes. They need to put this on wax already.

Hollow Suns – Free Fall

Caught these dudes in a basement earlier in the year and became an instant fan of their tunes. Their live performance pulled at all things 90s Sub-Pop roster related and on top of it they were just the nicest dudes. They hail from Tokyo, and apparently that night I saw them was the first time they ever played a house show.

IDLES – TANGK

This is the album that turned me into an IDLES fan. I did not really get into them before, but all is changed after becoming obsessed with this album.

Knocked Loose – You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To

I am getting up there in age, but I appreciate the hell out of this album. Insanity at its finest.

Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown

Forever a Portishead fan, there’s no wonder why I am obsessed with Gibbons’ solo release. This is a deep and personal journey set to her own town.

The Cure – Songs of a Lost World

I remember as a teen what this band meant to me. I was tossed feelings I tried to hide from then and was reminded how impactful this band is with this release. I am being serious when I say I teared up reminiscing about a young me Cure fan. The band has not lost their touch one bit.

Hey-Smith – Rest in Punk

The LP dropped in 2024 so I am saying this came out this year. This band is one of the best ska punk bands in the game. I adore them and listened to the absolute hell out of this release. I even got to see them open for the Suicide Machines and they put on one of the most energetic sets I have seen in ages.

Alkaline Trio – Blood, Hair, & Eyeballs

This band literally can do no wrong. Skiba and crew have written a start-to-finish classic.

Hot Water Music – VOWS

This band is easily one of my top 10 of all time and they have once again exceeded my expectations with this new album. Cresswell fits in ever so perfectly once again and the band seems stronger than ever. Happy to say I even got to see them live this year too.

Amyl and the Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness

Raw AF hits. I am not sure how else to describe this one. It is damn good.

SeeYouSpaceCowboy – Coup De Gr?á?ce

This one was wild. Jazzy, hardcore, and sewn together so perfectly. It is really a disaster of a masterpiece in the best way.

Omnigone – Feral

Wait… Some of the Link 80 dudes got back together and started a new band? Of course this is going to rip, but I did not expect it to slay.

Kill Lincoln – No Normal

This is one of the most fun ska punk bands out there. Every time I catch them live, I am just left with a sense of satisfaction. I was stoked to snag this album weeks before it dropped and love how they refuse to let off the accelerator.

Soft Play – Heavy Jelly

This album is just hard fun. Some of the lyrics had me busting up. The tunes are just insane too.

High Vis – Guided Tour

I will be forever kicking myself in the ass for missing these guys at a venue minutes from my house. I had no idea they were a supporting act. This album is just about as perfect as it can get.

Carpool – My Life In Subtitles

The emo album I needed this year to feel some feelings. It is so good.

Cursive – Devourer

I have been a Cursive fan most of the 2000s and will admit I was caught way off guard with this one. It is brilliant and ever so poignant. It really made my aging ass feel some emotion again.

Various Artists – Red Scare Industries: 20 Years Of Dreaming and Scheming

What a great collection of tunes to celebrate 20 years as a punk label. Toby has himself a label that has helped so many bands out there I love and adore. The Sidekicks cover on this album by that Laura Jane Grace person no one has ever heard about is one of the best renditions ever.

I am stopping here…for now. If you know me, I always find something else to talk about (and I did at least twice now). There are plenty more I can toss on here, but these were the ones I made note of and wanted to showcase.

Thanks, as always, for checking me out. I really would love to toss more content on here, but between raising the coolest kids, my big boy job, and building/slinging lamps with my homies at Whiskertin, my time sometimes is limited. I have no intention of disappearing and appreciate all the bands and the labels for continually fueling my head with the best tunes.

Happy New Year to everyone out there. Enjoy the day.

Alt Rock, Country, Electronic, Emo, Experimental, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie, Metal, Music, Outlaw Country, Pop, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Rap, Rock, Ska

BHP Best of 2023

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This year absolutely flew by and here I am scrambling to toss something together to validate myself for poorly running my blog.

Clearly other objectives in life got in the way of how I wish I could maintain the site and keep it current, but here we are, so I guess I just do what I can, when I can.

I will say this past year has been a wild ride and I was able to really to enjoy it with friends and family, but something tells me that next year is going to be even better.

The absolute highlight of 2023 was covering the Punk in Drublic fest (thanks Vanessa!!!!) in Columbus, OH. If you missed that you can check it out HERE. To see so many of my favorite bands with some close pals of mine was just perfect.

I may not have reviewed a lot of bands this year, hell, I think I only did one looking back…but I did listen to tons of music and wanted to share a few that really caught my attention in 2023.

Enjoy.

BHP BEST OF 2023 LIST

Codefendants – This is Crime Wave

Easily one of the best releases this year. When I heard Fat Mike got The D.O.C. to drop some lines on one track I knew this was going to be something special.

Lucero – Should’ve Learned by Now

I love Lucero and everything they stand for and have to admit this took me a couple of listens to truly get into and I am glad I did because there are some gems on this one.

Heart Attack Man – Freak of Nature

I love this album. I really do not know what else to say here other than if you have not checked it out yet, you really should change that.

koyo – Would You Miss It?

This band won me over this year in the best way. Melodic emo hardcore. Does it get any better than this?

Militarie Gun – Life Under the Gun

Catchy as hell sums up this release. This has been a weekly listen since it dropped.

Sincere Engineer – Cheap Grills

File this one under “Deanna Belos makes me cry again with her poignant lyrics.” Dammit.

Bollweevils – Essential

Dr. Daryl Wilson is back with the gang and completely blew me away with this release. It sounded even better live at a local dive bar. That was a true treat.

Blink 182 – One More Time

I grew up in the 90s. Did you seriously not think this was going to land here at some point? Old punks are still cool, we just go to bed at a reasonable time.

Spanish Love Songs – No Joy

This band always stabs me in the feelings. This album was no exception.

Svalbard – The Weight of the Mask

I found this band a few years back as a suggestion to Holy Fawn and have loved them since. I was so stoked to see a new album drop by them this year and it simply rules.

Hot Mulligan – Why Would I Watch

Pop punk fun. Honestly, I did not think I was going to enjoy this one as much as I did.

Chayla Hope – Damn, Feelings

True Cleveland talent here. I will not be shocked when she grabs the attention of the world. Chayla can do no wrong.

Joey Valence & Brae – Punk Tactics

Just got into these guys a few weeks ago and adore their style that really reached back to the 90s. This release is pure fun and begs to be listened to on repeat.

Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here.

This was one of those releases I read a review on and knew I needed to stop what I was doing and check it out. It is wild.

Incendiary – Change the Way You Think About Pain

Meanest album of the year. I adore it and listen to it on my worst days.

MSPAINT – Post-American

Music-genre bending at its best. I certainly cannot tell you their style other than “all of the above.”

Flying Racoon Suit – Moonflower

Oh hi, this band takes almost all the sounds of music I adore, tosses it in a blender, purees it, and pours out one hell of a release. Do not let the band’s name fool you.

Kerosene Heights – Southeast of Somewhere

2023 was a pretty emo year for me and this band helped fuel that.

I want to thank all my friends out there for keeping me going. New and old, life rules when you are all around.

More importantly, shoutout to my amazing kids who continue to give me purpose in life and let me continue to be my goofy-ass self with zero apologies. I hope one day you come across this and are reminded of the joy you both bring me.

Happy New Year and thanks for reading. Let’s see if I can kickstart the blog in 2024. I think I am up for it.

00's, Acoustic, Country, Folk, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie, Metal, Music, Punk, Rap, Screamo

BHP Best of 2022

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If you know me at a personal level, you know that this year was a wild one and full of challenges and accomplishments. Needless to say, I have made the best of it and can tell you I have managed to take time for myself to enjoy it.

I went to more shows this year than ever and rekindled my love for live music. I reconnected with friends and even started a side gig making lamps with some of my fav people.

Even with all that has been going on, I still have listened to music on a daily basis. I may not have done as much as I had wanted to with the site here, but I am still going to take a moment to share with you a random ass list of albums that dropped in 2022 that caught my attention.

There are plenty more I am sure I overlooked. I am sure I will add to it here and there, but the following were amazing according to me:

BHP BEST OF 2022 LIST

STS x RJD2 – Escape from Sweet Auburn

This is one of those albums that just blew me away from the moment I checked it out. I am a huge RJD2 fan, but I had no idea of the talent that is STS. These two joined forces for a reason and the outcome is amazing.

SACK – Ripper!

This band rips so hard that I caught Covid at their show when they played Cleveland. No joke. Certainly, one of my fav punk albums of the year.

Cave In – Heavy Pendulum

Per Spotify, this was my most listened to album of this year. There is a reason for that. I absolutely love what this band has turned into. This album exceeded all expectations as a fan.

Curtail – When the Sway Sets

This album is like dipping back to my teenage years. So much 90s flair with a lo-fi sound that easily sucked me in. Added bonus, this band is comprised of some amazing humans.

Pool Kids – Pool Kids

This right here is the #1 album to not listen to when you are having a relationship change. It brought me to almost tears the moment I heard it, but honestly, I needed it.

Dream Widow – Dream Widow

This album was made specifically for the cult slasher flick Studio 666 starring everyone’s fav rock band the Foo Fighters. The movie was amazing, but this album is just insane.

Frank Turner – FTHC

This album was a little harder then the last few and carried some pent up angst that I fed on during tougher times this year. “Haven’t Been Doing So Well” seemingly was my theme song this year at times.

No Trigger – Dr. Album

Easily one of the best punk rock albums to drop this year. Do not sleep on this one.

Signals Midwest – Dent

I adore this band and everything they stand for. It was no surprise how much I got into this release. I will sound like dad here, but it is what it is: I am so proud of how this band has grown as musicians. This album is a total testament to that.

Cigar – The Visitor

It’s not every day a band busts out an album 22 years after their debut. With a slight lineup change, the band sounded as amazing as ever.

Soul Glo – Diaspora Problems

This band has certainly had some challenges over the years but haven’t let anything stop them. In fact, I think they just got stronger because of it.

The Flatliners – New Ruin

Cresswell and crew simply can do no wrong. Full of anger and angst, this release at times pointed back to the younger years of the band with heavier moments.

Gospel – The Loser

17 years after their debut, Gospel dropped this album. I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to this prog heavy masterpiece.

City of Caterpillar – Mystic Sisters

I am not complaining at all how many bands from years back dropped albums after an extensive period of time, but City of Caterpillar dropped a follow-up 20 years later and needless to say, it rules a lot.

The Smile – A Light for Attracting Attention

Comprised of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood and as well as Sons of Kemet’s Tom Skinner, this album really reached back to a younger Radiohead sound, something I absolutely adore.

Viagra Boys – Cave World

Viagra Boys are like Ween and Electric Six on a cocaine bender. This band is a new level of fun and this album helps prove that.

Vein.fm – This World Is Going to Ruin You

This is a post-hardcore / nu-metal release that may be my favorite thing this band has done to date.

EDIT (6-JAN-2023) Shocking….I totally forgot these few too:

A Wilhelm Scream – Lose Your Delusion

Easily the catchiest punk album of 2023. I listened to this probably too much. That opening track alone…

The Interrupters – In The Wild

Solid release by a band that certainly deserves all of the attention. I almost wish Rancid would have just recorded this for themselves. Not dismissing the band at all, but def has that Hellcat love.

Cory Branan – When I Go I Ghost

Cory is easily one of the best song writers out there. This album confirms that statement.

Arlo McKinley – This Mess We’re In

Sad and emotional songs sometimes are the best. Arlo has really taken a few steps forward with this amazing release.

Birds In Row – Gris Klein

I was sucked into this album instantly. Powerful and moving I think is the best way to describe it.

Big ups to the bands, the labels, and the readers of this blog. I feel like I say it all of the time, but if it wasn’t for y’all, this blog would not be here.

Special thanks to my friends and family who have gone above and beyond in a time of need. You have no idea how much I value you all. Detail not needed, but I offer my eternal gratitude for helping me get though the low times and keeping me going.

Here’s looking at 2023. I can sit here and say this and that about the blog, but we will see what happens with it. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Hardcore, Metal, Music, Punk

Album Review: The Decayed – Corrupt Politicians Will Never Set You Free

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I am probably a little overdue for a review, so allow me to take a few moments to talk about a ripper of an album that was sent to me a couple months back by Jake from The Decayed .

I promise y’all it was listened to upon release, the delay on my end came from carving out some time to talk about it.

Hailing from South Chicago, The Decayed manage to smash punk and thrash together making for a unique, full of angst listen. The foursome are working class dudes with vocal opinions and zero filter. Their debut Corrupt Politician Will Set You Free dropped almost a year to the day, so apologies on my end for the delay of this post.

The album cover clearly has a They Live feel with a money-hungry politician surrounded by brute force that more than compensates for the album’s title. Before even listening to this, I had a feeling it was going to have tons of raw energy.

“Piece By Piece” had me slightly nervous that the back was nothing more than a Jackyl spinoff with the chainsaw, but boy I was dead wrong. These dudes just jumped right into it and got to business. Think street punk mixed with thrash and a steady bass lick keeping it all together.

“Abandon Hope” was the prominent song off this album with a powerful metal / punk collaboration enjoyable throughout. Loved the riffs on this one that tore into solitude and escape.

“Desolate” to me is what Bleeding Through would have sounded like if they skipped the metalcore and fell towards hardcore. This was a brutal track all surrounding gut feelings about propaganda and failed states.

Sounding like and angry early AFI sans emotion came “A Fire Inside”. I laugh about this one because it was not until a few minutes into writing that comparison did I line up that AFI is abbreviation for, yeah, you guessed it. Coincidence? Perhaps. The track is a good listen.

“The Old & The Dead” easily was one of my choice cuts all in thanks to angry old man punk with Matt Fremon-like bass playing. This song isn’t cookie-cutter at all and just blatantly tells you how it is and I for one appreciated the hell out of it.

“One Last Ride” was a working class, do-or-die punk rock track. I have to hand it to them, hearing “I got a perfect view of heaven from my front row seat in hell” was quite appealing to me. This wasn’t a happy-ending by any means and was more so a vision of extremities when all else is lost.

The Decayed are on the same page as Anti-Flag but far heavier. If you carry the same ideals and need something to just get your blood pumping as you question this reality built around, I’d consider checking out Corrupt Politicians Will Never Set You Free. If you are on the other side of the tracks, I hope this offends the shit out of you.

The debut was pressed on a black & white splatter LP which just looks awesome and sounds amazing when played loud. You can snag one for yourself on their Bandcamp page. It is also steaming on all of those platforms that will never pay artists what they truly deserve, except for Bandcamp. Here, I will make it easy on you, check them out:

Acoustic, Alt Rock, Hardcore, Metal, Music, New Wave, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Rap, Rock, Ska, Solo

BHP Best Of 2021 List

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Oh look, the year is about up already. Guess that means it is time to drop my fav releases of yet another messed up year.

The good news about 2021 is that I went to exactly one show, but it was a great show with amazing humans all around.

Anyways, I am busy as shit with the paying gig and that dad life, so I am going to try and keep things short and sweet this year. With any luck, I will add to this some content on why these hit me the most. To be continued I suppose.

Check out the albums in no particular order that caught my attention throughout the year:

BHP BEST OF 2021 LIST

Turnstyle – Glow On

Heart Attack Man – Thoughtz & Prayerz

Lars Fredericksen – To Victory

One Step Closer – This Place You know

Johnny Dynamite and the Bloodsuckers – Sleeveless

Kali Masi – [Laughs]

Haunt – Beautiful Distraction

Neighborhood Brats – Confines of Life

Shitty Neighbors – People I Know

Heart & Lung – Twistin’ The Knife Away

Joystick – I Can’t Take It Anymore

Descendents – 9th & Walnut

Jeff Rosenstock – SKA DREAM

Lucero – When You Found Me

Jonathan Richman – Want To Visit My Inner House?

Sincere Engineer – Bless My Psyche

Juice Newson – Suburban Soul

Needles//Pins – Self-Titled

Brain Cave – Log World

Section H8 – Welcome to the Nightmare

Fiddlehead – Between The Richness

Bands: Thanks for doing what you do.

Labels & Promoters: Thanks for helping out the bands to their thing and release their music be it physical or digital and for supporting them while trying to tour in these most uncertain times. Also, thanks for the consideration when pimping them out. I am a lucky guy for this opportunity.

Finally: Thanks to YOU (yes, you). If you are even looking at this. I struggle every year if I want to keep blogging, and honestly I figure if someone out there can take some time to log in and look, then I can at least try and do my thing.

Here’s to 2022. See y’all soon.