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Maximum Penalty “Life & Times”

There are many definitions of “Hardcore”. These days that word has evolved into a fashion, and a bad one for that matter. “1989-was the year with the shit no doubt. Hardcore turning the streets out. We didn’t know or couldn’t see. The pain became our reality.” These are the lyrics of someone who lived what is sung and written.

Throw away the fashion, the make up, the carbon copy image of what today’s hardcore stencils into our youth’s brain and falsely represents what is true. 20 years later Maximum Penalty bring forth the truth once again, but this one shines brightest. They have lived this life & respected worldwide, that life being New York Hard Core. Like many other NY bands, the NYHC formula shows in its music.

MP have taken that formula, perfected it into their own distinct, influential identity and gives those of us still attending the old school hope with their latest effort “Life & Times”. A relentless 15 tracks of pure truth. The music on “Life & Times” will get your blood boiling, heart pumping, forehead sweating, and body moving.

Listen and smell the piss on the streets, pure locomotive style guitar riffs, choking bass lines & funky thunderous drums. Vocalist Jim Williams melodic/soulful, and at times very spiritual approach compliments the rawness and grit of this legendary band with plenty of sing alongs. Williams’ vocals are in the realm of Bad Brains, Leeway, Cro-Mags, which make this one unique, already classic hardcore records and by far the best of 2009!

Ralph Renna- Metalstorm Radio
104.9 The New Edge WZMR –FM

for more information click links

MAXIMUM PENALTY
REAPER-RECORDS

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Volbeat- "Rock The Rebel/ Metal The Devil" (Mascot records)

Sometimes it takes a while for music to catch on, even on the other side of the world. In America we have a very trendy society when it comes to current music in the hard rock spectrum, the song writing process seems to follow the same formula. That just may be the case with Volbeat, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. Volbeat was formed in 2001 after guitarist Michael Poulsen disbanded with the popular Danish metal band Dominus after a 10 year existence "Rock the Rebel/ Metal the Devil landed just a few weeks ago in my mailbox, and I was quite shocked to hear such a refreshing sound blare from the speakers. With "Rock The Rebel/ Metal The Devil" these Danish rockers bring back a sound that is filling a void that is missing in today's music scene. Volbeat claim if they were to be put in genre , it would have to be simply called "Elvis- Metal". This is true and if comparisons were to be made the bands Life of Agony, Metallica, Misfits, Pantera, Rancid, and Social Distortion would be the bells to be rung. The first track shines a bright swampy slide blues intro, leading into a melodic punk driven wrecking ball titled "The Human Instrument" winding down into a metallic heart felt ending, settting the tone of what's in store. All 11 tracks are memorable ,but especially "Mr. & Mrs. Ness". Lyrically seems to express a husband and wife's pain dealing with the loss of their daughter, which leads to the desperate mother's suicide. Every song shines brighter than the other from start to finish, each tune with an anthem like sting and at your first listen to "Rock The Rebel/Metal The Devil", you'll find yourself trying to sing along to every song. Hints of the man in black shine through on the disc too, as the song "Sad Man's Tongue" states -very heavily inspired by the true sheriff Johnny Cash. "Rock The Rebel /Metal the Devil" was recorded 2003- 2005 and released in 2007, and is still fresh to the scene. It has broke record sales in the Danish top 100 leaving behind Madonna, Eminem ,Guns n roses and a long list of others. In September 2008 Volbeat will release their third studio album "Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood" Which will hopefully bring them to the U.S. in 2009! To see this for yourself there is an double dvd out there with hours and hours of interviews videos and over 15 songs of live footage titled Volbeat "Live sold out" Go to www.volbeat.dk for more info.

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CLUTCH "FULL FATHOM FIVE" by Ralph Renna

The word clutch can be defined in many different ways. To grasp or hold tightly, something that is engaged or disengaged on a motor vehicle. Someone who is reliable in tense or critical situation. Most recently you may hear teens use the word to describe something they think is cool or exciting. In today's music industry the word clutch can be defined only one way and that is "Americas greatest rock band". Clutch formed in 1991 in Germantown Maryland and built a fan base quickly by touring constantly and in 1993 released the first full length "Transitional Speedway League" followed by a self- titled record 2 years later that landed Clutch in the mainstream. Other Clutch classics would soon follow, "Elephant Riders", "Pure Rock Fury", "Blast Tyrant", "Robot Hive/Exodus" and the latest "From Beale Street to Oblivion", all which were released on major record labels with the same uncompromising power of their predecessor's. "Jam Room", "Slow Hole to china" and "Live at the Googolplex" , "Live in Flint Michigan" were independently released in between these other major efforts. Clutch gained some radio attention with tunes like "Careful with that mic…", "Open up the border" "Immortal", "The Mob Goes Wild", and "Electric Worry". Instead of capitalizing on this and depending on radio hits and video airplay to carry the band, they just followed their instincts says Clutch vocalist Neil Fallon. "There surly was no 10 point plan, we make music we like to play, or find somewhat challenging and entertaining. When we started when I was 19 and now I'm 37, your life changes and you become a different person. I think to try to constantly re-create something from the past is kind of superficial, I would rather take a risk at doing something new, that I am interested in and fail at it, rather than regurgitate the same old song and dance". After many releases with record labels, keeping that same Clutch non conforming attitude when it came to songwriting, the band decided it was time to do their own thing with a record label. This week Clutch has released their first ever live DVD titled "Full Fathom Five" along with a CD to go along titled "Audio Field Recordings" with a record label of their own, Weathermaker music. The DVD and CD feature clutch classics recorded and filmed through out 2007-2008. "We just wanted to put out a live DVD" says Fallon and continues. "We have never have put out a DVD and it's something we have been meaning to do and will hopefully do on a regular basis. Not everyone is involved in the bootleg world and it's a way to get our live show out to a wider audience." If you search online or go to record shows you will find countless live Clutch DVD'S or live audio CD'S, which the bands is aware of. "I have bootlegs of AC/DC, I cant be mad at someone for bootlegging my music" Says Fallon. Starting out in the metal and hardcore scene, Clutch have grown into what has been said to be the "Allman Bros." of the Metal or hard rock scene, with a huge, loyal dead head type following pleasing audiences world wide. Clutch's live shows often turn into open Jams and they rarely stick to the same set list night after night and Clutch fans know this. Neil Fallon's lyrics are crowd pleasers with many references to food, history, cars and politics, these tongue and cheek words of wisdom compliment the bands Jam sound. "Sometimes a song is lyrically driven where the words doesn't make a whole lot of sense but sounds good, sometimes it the other way around where the lyrics are quite narrative" Fallon says and adds "I see lyric writing as a license to lie as you would with a science fiction novel"For now "Full Fathom Five" DVD will hold you over until the next clutch entrée is served. Clutch will be recording the new Bakerton Goup record, an instumental jam band consisting of the same members. Clutch will then head in to the studio to record a new soon to be classic album to be released in June of 2009. For more info log on to www.pro-rock.com

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Gun’s ,knives, blood soaked-nail loaded-baseball bats, all come to mind when the riot erupts. There is no time to think, so you better think fast and knuckle up to save your life. Demon’s fly at you from every direction, waiting for the perfect opportunity to swallow your soul. With every ounce of energy you still find your way out, unharmed and victorious. You have survived the battle!

In just a few years IN-TRACTION have made a name for themselves in the upstate New York’s oversaturated metal scene. Another hard working independent band, who has built a dedicated fan base in a short time by gigging any where they can. Playing straight forward, rock influenced and (Pantera) branded metal, (“BATTLEGROUND”) represents the band best to date on recording.

The production could have been a bit bigger but the songs flow into a hurricane of fist pounding power that is relentless! (I’m the Ace of spades, and I’m a big dog, creeping in the fog plotting sabotage, lonely in the captains lodge, but some ones gotta get the job done)- from the track (S.I.D). Overcoming the struggle of everyday life’s trials and tribulations. Death of loved ones, friends turned to backstabbers, distrust, or just make some sort of sense of your forsaken life. “BATTLEGROUND” is the perfect forum for IN-TRACTION to release the pent up anger and animosity they are no longer holding inside, and you will feel it!

In-Traction official website

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OUTTA HAND- “HARDCORE 2006- NO BRAINS, NO GUTS, NO HEART”
(BYSTADER FANZINE/G.R.O.S.S NATION 2006)

In the late 80’s the hardcore punk movement was not accepted by society. There were no ozzfest’s or warped tours to cash in on it either, unlike today. Chugs, wee-we–we’s, studded belts, Iron maiden shirts, and eyeliner were not required. The music had something to say. Every word sung was heartfelt and all involved were not about image or worried about what people thought of them. There were no flashy night club’s with meathead security guards or ticket master presales. A few phone calls were made and bands were asked to play. An angered youth and his permanent marker because the words photo shop were not common. It was as simple as having bands and 20-50 people cramped into a basement. Most times an American legion or VFW hall was rented a (p.a.) was brought in and there you have it…. show time! This is known as D.I.Y (do it yourself). As many different creatures crawled out from under their rocks to gather into one place. They were all there for one reason, one message, and one rebellion… Usually things got OUTTA HAND!

From the first time seen live to the second a song is blared from the cd player. The appropriately titled (HARDCORE 2006- NO BRAINS ,NO GUTS, NO HEART) has that 80’s-90’s creepy crawl, D.I.Y. style to it. (We obsess over the hip hot and new yet so much to wade through, all we care about is the next big thing, forsake your ideals for a cheap thrill). In the event that Sharon Osbourne had her people contact OUTTA HAND’S people to co-headline with AS I CRY DYING MY HAIR BLACK with special guests CHUGBOAT & THE WE-WE-WE’S, my prediction is their answer would be no. Fact is there is a garage with a cold keg, and 50 friends waiting for the band bring the glory, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. OUTTA HAND sweat, bleed, and breathe hardcore with a “Not in it to win it” attitude. They have remembered where it all started and are determined to keep that spirit alive in scene where they one of very few. One major complaint about the disc is that it ends in a little over in 8 minutes. So a 30 song follow up cd is expected!

Outta Hand official website

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MURDERER'S ROW “URBAN SHOCKER” (United Against Society 2006)

Many years have passed since the creation of Rock-n-Roll. There is and always will be a need for a new form. With that new form, the book is left wide open for re-invention. Let’s pretend that a remains of brewery existed in the heart of Troy N.Y. It has been closed down since 60s, and has been a self-proclaimed stomping ground for the homeless. The walls decorated in pictures of Babe Ruth and Bobby Meusel, Lou Gehrig and Tony Lazzeri (hint). The glass covered in cob web’s with hints of bloodstains on the woodwork. That most likely still exist from a bar fight that took place many years ago. The stench of sweat and hard work still linger in the room as if only yesterday. America’s blue collar working class were dominating these barstools. If this establishment existed in this day and age, the house band would be named Murderer’s Row

This brawling, beer fueled, punk rock, circus side show extravaganza known as Murderer’s Row have once again re-defined, reformed, and reinvented the genre with their sophomore release (Urban Shocker). No they are not referring to a horror film about the hood either, but simply is just another reference to another baseball legend. Although the name of the band has very little to do with what these bruisers are all about musically. “(we’re going out into the city tonight, to look for some excitement under the neon lights. Better keep a close eye and you better beware cus’ trouble will find you it’s in the air, we’re going out into the city tonight to start up a riot the ultimate fight) from the convincing tune (This town we own) I’d hate to see the result of those who disagree.

The lyrics are a little juvenile at times, but that’s ok when it comes to good time punk rock-n roll! All the songs from (Urban Shocker) as well as the Row’s first release (Menace to Sobriety), are all about boozing and fighting. Childhood memories of growing up in a rough, violent society and music scene. Now grown men who lace there boots the same as you do. Put their pants on one leg at a time to prepare for that day of hard work . Musically, picture AC/DC and the SEX PISTOLS knuckling up, and when the fight is over they become friends, slam a few brews and write some tunes.

Murderer’s Row have seen numerous line up changes. But main members Riley (vocals) of the legendary Troy-core monsters Stigmata, and guitar wizard Sick Nick have some heavy hitters backing them up on this release. Former Biohazard guitarist, Leo Curly and Walter Ryan, ex- Madball, Machine head, Subzero drummer. So if you are craving a punk rock , with goodtime sing-alongs and not afraid of getting a tooth knocked out, this is your bag of snacks. If your looking for peanuts and crackerjacks, this isn’t your ballgame!

Murderer's Row official website

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RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS “STADIUM ARCADIUM” (Warner Bros. 2006)

The imagination wanders into an atmospherical place of euphoria. Vision’s of Jimi Hendrix wearing a Wu-tang t shirt smiling while eating an ice cream cone on a hot summer night while attending a Black Sabbath concert. Standing next to him is a young girl who is on the verge of becoming a woman. A small child walks up to her and holding a dozen burnt roses. She denies him and is prepared to put behind the unwanted memories of a horrible childhood. Ready to let go of the past, and with a smirk is ready to accept a new life that will be filled with happiness and joy. In our lives, a certain event or the season of the year can and will be reflected upon when that one song is on the radio. This is the feeling you get when the Red Hot Chili Peppers are heard.

“Stadium Arcadium” the 24 track, don’t call it a comeback, is a musical eruption . The now considered California legends, Red Hot Chili Peppers, will delight and excite endorphins that some may not have known existed with their latest creation. The Chili Peppers last release “ (By the Way)” seemed to be a testing the waters, explored the senses and pushed the boundries of the lighter side of the band of friends. Although it was a bodacious and brilliant collection of songs, it lacked what sparked interest in all of us, when this band first exploded onto the scene in the early 80’s. “Stadium Arcadium” is everything we loved about “(The Uplift Mofo Party Plan)”, “(Mothers Milk)”, “ (Bloodsugarsexmagic)”, and “(Californication)” . All the formulas used to make them as memorable they were, seemed to have been thrown into a pot and cooked to perfection that leaves a pulchritudinous taste in your mouth. The first single is a the story of a girl first told in the Song “(Californication)” , then in the song “(By the way)”,now resonates in “(Dani California)”

The wacky “(Everyday is New years eve funkalicious attitude), is displayed in “(Hump de bump)”, “(Warlocks)”, and “(Storm in a teacup)”, which all display that Clinton-esque influence. Tracks Like “ (Readymade)” and “(She’s only 18)”, are the “remember what made the 70’s rock” , or the “make us feel good tunes”. The Anthony Kiedis’ tell all Biography “ Scar Tissue” he reveals a secret passionate love affair he had with Flea’s sister when she 18. In turn sparked anger when Flea heard this for the first time. He put the book down and his feelings aside, for he did not want it to interfere with the progress of writing and recording on the new cd. Another Great song was born. Still showing a more mature soft side of the peppers on the tracks “wet sand” and “slow cheetah”. What most admirable about this well oiled rock,hip hop funk, metal machine. . The fact that four friends, who at most times in every song are all off in their own direction, have accomplished something , a soundtrack to the summer”

Red Hot Chili Peppers official website
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RICK WHISPERS ”AWED BY THE BACKDROP" (PCM 518. 2006)

When it comes to listening to Hip Hop and Rap most of us don’t like feeling intimidated or inferior. Of course we make the occasional acception when we can’t seem to get the Public Enemy cd out of our player. As much as they seem to hate (The Man) you have to love Chuck D And Flav. KRS – One and Boogie down Productions, Run DMC, THE FAT BOYS, EPMD, N.W.A, LL COOL J, did there thing and they did it well. But this also left room for the white boys to do there thing also, the Beastie Boys, House of Pain etc. These are the jams that were dominating my teenage years, and being a metal head hardcore kid, My hip hop had to come hard and raw. Todays hip hop just don’t seem to have the heart and grit of their influences. I’m sure it’s out there I just haven’t heard it!

Rick Whispers came from a punk, hardcore skater background. True to the scene and quick to be the first to support. But deep down had a passion for hip hop. Being hardcore, in my mind isn’t about tattooed tough guys or limiting yourself to chunky guitars slamming drums and mosh pits. It’s about following your heart, bringing your struggles and passions to reality and Mr. Whispers did just that with his Albany NY style Brand of hip hop. Although (Awed By The Backdrop) In my opinion can go toe to toe with (Beasties- Check your Head) I think it could of gone without the Yeh-yahh OKAYYYS, and at times the Bass gets a little fuzzed out. But other than that I am awed (pun intended)!

The Soul and hard edge beats of (Humming in the sun) will a get a room jumping and groove you on to the early morn.. The Track (Paintbrush) has intense rhymes like- “A paintbrush and a hand that’s all thumbs, scavenger pigeons, fight over crumbs, these days everybody’s Van Gough, Paper bag lungs and a wind up soul”). I was just thinking the same thing a few months back …but Rick Whispers put my thought into words I could relate to. I couldn’t have summed it up better. That ultimately makes a good song no matter the genre. Is it real? Can I Relate? Answer is YES! The disc also features tracks with pcm 518 lifers Dezmatic and Shyste who on their own bring it hard and raw. But when combined with the sarcastic evil whine of Whispers make the potion vile and lethal. (Awed by the Backdrop) -My prediction in 10 years popping this cd in, it will still pop, and stand the test of time!

Rick Whispers Official Website

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Reviews section is up so start sending cds dvds Bios etc - Rock, Metal, HxC ,Punk, Hip Hop Acoustic!! All genres Make sure you include your website, myspace address, email and or all contact info If you would like to send posters, promo cds, stickers , pins, zines as promotional Items( give aways-NOT SOLD!) .. we can give them out at all our SAY UNCLE PRODUCTIONS events

SAY UNCLE PRODUCTIONS c/o Ralph Renna
102 Sherman Ave
Troy NY 12180 USA

Submissions will also be considered for bookings!