This is a collection of both their "demontration" MCD and their upcoming debut EP entitled Don't Try. This was a "on the fly" kind of release. The pressing plant was backed up with orders due to the end of the year and holidays and such. So these were made to suffice anxious fans while the vinyl format of Don't Try is being pressed. Limited to 100, never to be repressed. Comes with a digital download card.

This debut is none other than a prefect example of human dysfunction meets unorthodox musical scoring. Taking notes from head-cases like Kiss It Goodbye and Bloodlet, BYLD takes that school of thought and cultivates a hardened edge all on their own. Heavy grooves intertwine with bouncy riffs. All coupled with deranged vocal patterns that paint inkblots that ask you, "what does this look like to you?". Limited to 300 pieces, encased in a 3-color silkscreen package. Comes with a silkscreened poster and digital download.

This is the debut release of socal's own Honest Abe. Originating from Riverside, CA, This youthful two-piece delivers nothing short of greatness through song. Blending almost effortlessly a brand of raw, yet emotionally powerful waves of sound. Taking notes from Neutral Milk Hotel, AA Bondy, City and Colour to Leonard Cohen. HA wraps it all together with only a cello, acoustic guitar, smokey vocals and intersecting percussion. Recorded in a live session at Earth Capital Studios in LA. This is truly gem, do not sleep on Honest Abe.

Slowly churning from an idea among like-minded music mongers to a realistic formality, this kinship between two unique outfits has finally come to fruition. Both trekking from the same school of thought, this split demonstrates how the words "chaotic" and "rhythm" can be used in the same sentence to describe such signature styles. Black Kites moves forward with their aggressive yet emotionally unhinged sound that has taken them years to cultivate. Taking no issues lightly, lyrically BK has proven to be just as harsh and cunning with words as their instrumental infrastructure. As for Convulsions, they have taken on a new forms by flexing their "Prog-Rock" muscles while retaining and perfecting their ongoing, derailing composition. This is truly a match-maid in well, heaven? Comes in a heavy full color jacket, original artwork by Harry Gould Harvey IV. Limited first press of 500 pieces. Includes a digital download.

REVIEWS
In a new feature, Total VVar wants to shine the spotlight on some of the best up and coming bands. For the first entry, who better than Rhode Island's Convulsions? Putting together a sound that mixes chaotic hardcore and a slow brooding monster, the band is a refreshing respite. Recently Convulsions did a split with Black Kites courtesy of Glorykid and Adagio 830. Here's a quick review of their side of that split:
A cover starts things off, which is something I haven't seen done too many times. "Gasoline" is a very good take on a Karate song, setting the tone for the upcoming ten minutes. It keeps the original sound but adds in their own flavor. As the track fades away, "Decompression Sickness" just attacks the listener. Excise any slow elements and replace them with a healthy dose of chaotic hardcore. Then there's a strange whistling section, which would feel really out of place elsewhere. But it works. Lyrically, it's simple but paints a great landscape - one that many can relate to. "Scrimshaw" continues with an opening riff that sounds almost Ginn-esque. Once again we're treated to a vicious hardcore number. The vocals are great and the song really hits its stride around the minute and half mark. "Marie Laveau" brings back that slower feel that "Gasoline" introduced. The guitar work brings to mind bands in the vein of Converge. It's punishing in all the right spots but then the number surprises the listener with a section of slightly slurred vocals. "Marie Laveau" closes with the heavy sound in the first half. It's a strange track, for sure, but is easily the stand out on their side of the split. "Nero And Doryphoros" keeps with that chaotic hardcore sound. This is interesting because lyrically it appears to be a conversation between Nero and Doryphoros. The guitar once again sounds great. The multiple vocals work really well and gives the recording just the right amount of depth. The closing track "Inhabitants Of 13 Mall Street" blends together everything from the first four tracks - the slow to fast moments, diverse vocal choices, and drum only sections. "Spirits still cry for me" is repeated over and over, closing out their side of the split. - Total War Blog

From time to time its nice to spotlight other blogs, bands, labels, or just people in general who are doing something of value and trying to pay back into this music that we all have taken so much from. Glory Kid Ltd. has been such a label for a very long time. With an ever increasing (and diversifying) catalog of quality releases the man behind it all, Andrew Gomez (Burn Your Life Down/Time For Change) has put himself into the things he has released- this new 12inch (split release with the equally great Adagio Records) is no exception. While I can't say that the cover artwork does a whole lot for me, it definitely catches ones attention and it doesn't stop me from looking further at the record. The music contained within though is something to stop you dead, catching you flat on your feet and unprepared. Both bands have been honing their sound for some time now, and on this record, come screaming through.

The first 5(6) songs come from Black Kites- having heard previous records of theirs, they always struck me as good, but the kind of band I really had to be in a mood for. On this record their brand of chaotic and volatile hardcore noise comes through in a way that sets them apart from the masses of noisy and screamy. With opening track Sleep Easy/Tall Tales Low Lives, the band shows that they can get right down to things and play some heavy riffs with a start and stop that gives way to just the slightest moments of a groove- conjuring a moment or two of great 90's hardcore, before going right back into what they do best. Personally, I think "Own Monster" is my favorite Black Kites track on the record. As usual with them, it beats you against the wall repeatedly with the screaming and bashing (vocally and musically) before taking a bit of a pause in the middle and showing off some very well done spoken talky-scream vocals that sound just so damned good.

Convulsions take off with the next 6 songs, starting with a cover of Karate. What a surprising cover, that will hopefully expose a new batch of people to this long gone 90's/early 00's band. The band stays very true to the original, just with a hardcore sound as opposed to indie sound of the original. Really a great cover for being able to stay with the original, but have it sound very unique. The band continues forward with five new tracks that build off of their 2010 Glory Kid release, "the Reaper's Gift." Convulsions is a heavy sounding band, but one unafraid to set itself away from the pack of both the heavy and the fast. Showing equal parts of bands like Deadguy and 108, Convulsions will sing, whistle, and beat the living shit out of you, all the while showing that they draw just as much from hardcore as they do many other genres of heavy and fast music (as well as some good post-whatever-you-want-to-call-it). Scrimshaw is proving itself to be my favorite track thus far- its fast and heavy, to the point, but not without its bits of grooving musical destruction. The record ends just as strong as it started (maybe even stronger) with Convulsions' Inhabitants of 13 Mall Street; seeming to cram every bit of what they are capable of into 4 minutes of sonic documentation. The drum solo in the middle that gives way to some ugly fucking sounding, 90's grunge influenced hardcore (and we all know grunge was really just 90's punk). - It Follows Blog

The first experience I had with Black Kites was seeing them live in a tiny basement, with a ceiling barely taller than the shortest person in the room. I had never even heard of them prior but I immediately fell in love with their unique blend of Hardcore and Screamo. They blazed through their set not missing a note, and despite there only being one guitar, Black Kites is heavier and fuller than most bands out there. Instantly after starting up the split I found myself completely satisfied with the results. Black Kites open up with Sleep Easy, a song that truly shows their range as a band. From chaotic and noisy to completely structured and heavy, Sleep Easy has just about something for everyone. Black Kites continue to relentlessly beat through their 6 songs, coming in at just shy of 9.5 minutes.

With the same amount of songs Convulsions track in about twice the time as Black Kites. Listening to this split is my first exposure to them and I have to admit that the opening track Gasoline threw me off a bit. Gasoline is filled by discordant guitar working, overlaid with off key mellow and clean vocals, creating an awkward atmosphere. Convulsions seem to lay the trap though, and I surely fell for it, because within the first moments of the second track Decompression Sickness they change their tune. The music changes from low key/laid back to upfront and brutal. Convulsions mix a lot of sludgy elements with many aspects of modern powerviolence. Driving guitars and vocals really bring out the intensity of their side. What I find so impressive about their side, is their numerous changes in tempo and vocal styling.

The bottom line is this split is not to be overlooked. Both bands showcase their ability to mesh many styles of music into one coherent sound. This split isn’t excessive in any way; it is short and to the point.

Edit: I was unaware until now that the first track by Convulsions was a cover. I am not going to change the review because I think they really made the song in a lot of ways their own, but just so you know I felt the need to correct my earlier ignorance to this fact. - Words Of Evil Blog

EP (7" vinyl)
MP3 (320 kbps)

Raindance (formally know as Outrage) has returned with four tracks delivering their most sincere, maturing brand of metallic hardcore. Reminiscent to the pinnacle works of 108, Unbroken, and Harvest. Thundering lows, chaotic layers, melodic measures wrapped with distressed vocals. Recorded at The Colosseum with Trevor Vaughan, this is a display of true excellence through execution.

REVIEWS

Raindance (FKA Outrage) is a 5-piece outfit out of the New Bedford, Ma area. Love Under The Sun is their 3 song debut ep on Glory Kid Records. Musically and lyrically, fans of Verse and Have Heart should feel at home with this record, and they bring a strikingly similar energy to their live shows. Love Under The Sun tackles the theme of love, lust and the common mistake of mixing the two up. The album is about finding a confident woman who is everything you have hoped and dreamed for, but her flaw is she is using you for her own sexual desires. You think you’re in love, but you are being played by this succubus. Overall, the stand out track is “Severed Wings and Open Wounds.” It is the heaviest track on here and one of the most well written songs in contemporary hardcore, and the cut from shouted vocals to clean, almost Bayside inspired vocals is catchy as hell. I thoroughly enjoyed this ep, and it has a real thought provoking message aimed towards how we live our lives. It seems to urge us to reevaluate our intimate relationships, and to ponder if we are truly in love with our partner, or if we are merely enjoying the physical aspects of the relationships. Love Under The Sun has something for everyone. It is heavy, it is fast, and it has well-written songs (both musically and lyrically). Kudos to Raindance and to Glory Kid for bringing us this gem. As always, support this band. Buy their shirts, buy they records, and most importantly, see them live. I promise you won’t regret it. - HC Collective Dot Com

Fresh off a name change from Outrage to Raindance, this new 7" feels like a good way for the band to establish both a new name and a new expansion of their old sound. I was a fan of the Outrage material on Panic Records, but I think they've really outdone their previous material and previous name with this new 7" titled "Love Under The Sun" on Glory Kid Records. The thing I seem to like most about Raindance is that they continue to evolve with each release, and this new 7" is certainly no exception. They've maintained the heavy tone of previous releases, which includes a nice helping of staccato breakdowns reminiscent of 90s luminaries like Harvest and Unbroken, but they've now also brought a bit more melody into the fold. That melody includes the use of clean vocals, which at one moment can be compared to early Poison The Well, and at the next sounds more on the verge of Starkweather. The standout for me is the combination of "Severed Wings and Open Hands" parts 1 and 2 on side B, which flows together very well, and leaves me wanting to hear how the band will evolve yet again for their next release. - xStuck In The Pastx Blog

In this day and age it’s hard for me to find bands with very introverted lyrics but when few come along I make sure to give them a listen. Outrage’s Love Under the Sun EP proves to be a prime example, thriving on a 90’s hardcore backbone much in the vein of Undertow, Unbroken and 108. The music and the vocals seem to collaborate and mix greatly and still make me bang my head to the amount of heaviness that each song has. The vocals are also something to note on going from harsh vocals to the occasional clean much like older 108. I also am a big fan of the lyrics which range from, “I felt my heart fall in love with the lust. Naive to my surroundings I was blinded by the idea of trust. Everyone creates just to destroy. “(Cover the Canvas) to much more Unbroken influenced prose such as, “drown in my love..With love I write. I write the end of you and me. I write the end of everything. I feel nothing i feel nothing I feel weak I fall to my knees” (Riverbed). I also am a big fan of the last two songs, Severed Wings and Open Wounds parts 1-2, which revolves around the theme of this EP which is the struggles of being in love. I would recommend this album for anyone that is a 90’s hardcore buff since these guys definitely pull of the style right. - Words Of Evil Blog

After the self release of their "Losing Everything" demo, Rhode Island's own Convulsions properly introduce themselves with their debut EP, "The Reaper's Gift." The material displays an unwavering surge of angst bounded by blind rage. This treatment is split into four equal parts coursing with a seamless blend of chaotic "math" work, coin-dropping signature changes, and sundering pedal layers reminiscent to early Botch and Dillinger Escape Plan, yet coupled with a grittier, darker, rolling undertone not unlike the Melvins. This record comes with a hand silk-screened layout. With original block-print art from the band, hand stamped center labels, and a hand type-written insert.

REVIEW

This is the debut two song 7" single from this new and proving outfit. After the recent passing of their previous notable groups, this is the posthumous result. Deriving from their natural influences of 90's emo hardcore to the even more rougher ridges of metal crossover. They blaze through tracks with a honest blend of the two, coursing with emotional and musical intensity. This is a limited one time pressing of 200 pieces. Hand screened packaging, hand stamped centers and includes a digital download with an additional two tracks from this recorded session

Finally, this is the 10" Split from these bands from San Francisco and Tijuana. On the heels of their respective full lengths, this record brings a new extended song from DWOA and 5 new songs from Maladie. This contains a full color inner sleeve and a double die-cut 10" jacket, and color vinyl

DESCRIPTION
Here it is, the last installment of the Time for Change catalog. Four remaining tracks that display a deep, raw anguish and emotion that carries throughout six years of this ragtag outfit's career. Limited to a one time pressing of 200. Hand silkscreen cover, hand typewritten insert and original hand made art from Andy Gomez IV.  This is a true testament to the group's Avant-garde approach to 90's influenced hardcore. This is goodnight. This is a split release with Death of a Modernist.

DESCRIPTION
Finally the long awaited debut full length from California's best kept secret. Residing in the lush but distant hillsides of Redding, CA. The Separation have comprised nine brand new dramatic tracks showing a true blend of sorrow, passion and angst for a world we all must endure. Blending styles of chaotic metal with the relentlessness of mid-late 90's dark fast hardcore, this album is a testament to the band's skillful style and ability to deliver a powerful and epic sound. Recorded at the Atomic Garden (Comadre, Dangers, Punch) and original album art by Adam Hunt (Graf Orlock, Zann, Sick of it All), all encased in a full color jacket. This is a limited first pressing of 500 units. 100 in Gold (pre-order edition) and 400 Clear Red.

Following up their debut release Find Your Way Out (2007) with constant shows and touring, Run with the Hunted delivers four brand new tracks with this second EP. Previous fans of RWTH will appreciate the band's leaner, stronger sound and focused intensity. They blaze through a unique and urgent record that brings to mind bands like Deadguy, Indecision and Shai Hulud. Destroy All Calendars comes on a one sided 12" LP with a hand-screened B-Side as well as a full silk-screened jacket and features original artwork by Andy Gomez IV.

/// RESTRAINED
/// THE SEPARATION
Split LP

MATRIX
GKR010

FORMAT
LP /// 12" /// DD

RELEASED
August, 2008

TRACK LIST
01. Sabot (Restrained)
02. Impermanent (Restrained)
03. Burdens to Conclude (Restrained)
04. Burning and Building (Restrained)
07. Damnation (The Separation)
08. Arise (The Separation)
09. Rust and Decay (The Separation)
10. Darkness (The Separation)

PRESSING INFORMATION
(first press)
100 on "Solid Black" vinyl
214 on "Black Smoke" vinyl
225 on "Gold Smoke" vinyl

DESCRIPTION
Finally the long awaited split of California's most outspoken, dark, pissed off political hardcore outfits of today. While playing countless local shows and touring consistently they have joined forces. Engineered and Mastered at Earth Capital Studios, this record displays both bands deriving influences from pioneers such as Left For Dead, Catharsis, Integrity and His Hero is Gone. This is their most truthful, heavy and clearest work to date. The record includes a full printed recycled paper booklet with illustrations and other writings along side lyrics and side notes, with an original concept and art by Andrew Gomez IV, this hand crafted packaging comes in a silkscreen recycled cardboard jacket.

REVIEWS
Storm Inside
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Configuring the right blend of members and close friends to fit the bill to create such a unique style that can only come from their individual track records. Featuring regulars from past GK groups (Time For Change, Restrained) and others (Cathedrals, Abandon and Deadhead) BYLD proceeds to blaze through with a surging blend of metallic hardcore. Gritty and unmercful in its own right, painfully presistant and emotionally unhinged.

DESCRIPTION
Finish Him have built a local fan base playing countless house shows and small clubs in their native Southern California, displaying a raging, pissed off style of hardcore punk that can be compared to bands like Shark Attack and Outbreak, all captured on this debut 7".

DESCRIPTION
Heavy, negative, young and in your face. All the right combinations for a exceptional band. Lockdown's debut ep proves brutal truths life and the human race as we know it in general. Calling out all the flaws and mistakes we make and having a "fuck the whole world and everyone on it" attitude will get you surely pumped.

DESCRIPTION
Pomona, CA's Time For Change embrace the mid-'90s hardcore sound in a big way, conveying a positive, straight edge message through music not unlike that of Strife, Outspoken or Trial. The 7" comes in a full-color, gatefold cover on colored vinyl.

REVIEWS
Scene Point Blank
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EP (cassette tape)
MP3 (320 kbps)

DESCRIPTION
N/A

DESCRIPTION
Originally pressed as a one time poster print to commemorate this special tour amongst friends. Two color print with hand mixed ink on 80lb cold press Bristol.