After a small delay, we are proud to announce the release of our first sampler! Featuring music from all corners of the Earth, the first ever WWU sampler is sure to have something for everyone who is a fan of Hardcore or Metal. Feel free to stream it below and if you really like it, download it from either the WWU Bandcamp or Mediafire!
The New Church: Life After Death/ Cold Reign/ Alcon/ Street Struck
Over the past weekend, I caught a small Hardcore show out in Grand Rapids, Michigan at a small but cool venue called The New Church. Although small, the energy was intense and the crowd was out of control. It was one of the better shows I’ve been at this year and I actually would love to go back.
Leaving at 10:30 that morning, a group of 8 of us (split up between two different vehicles) faced a long 4 and a half hour drive through Ohio and into central Michigan to reach the venue. Eventually stopping at a restaurant called Founders Brewers Company in Grand Rapids before the show as we waited for a few friends to show up. If you’re ever in the area, stop by and check this place out. I could write a whole article on this place alone.
As finally make it to the venue, I couldn’t tell where it was. From the outside, it looks abandoned: side by side brick building. The front door is covered up and it looks to be in a super sketchy part of town. The building across the street is an old day care that has long since been boarded up and left to decay. Once the door was opened to the venue though, my jaw just about hit the floor.
The New Church is small. Not much bigger longer than your average starter apartment. It isn’t much wider, either. There’s a small stage in the back big enough for some amps and a drum set and that’s really it. But that’s not what I remember the most. On the wall opposite from the entrance is some graffiti and it’s seriously the coolest thing I’ve ever seen and for some reason my stupid ass didn’t get a picture of it. The best way I could describe the image is some type of cosmic horror that’s coming to eat your brains and harvest the rest of your organs for some nefarious reason.
After a long (and I do mean long) wait, the first band went on. I couldn’t catch their name but holy shit they were great. They were like Zao mashed with Converge but with more overt Black Metal and Thrash overtones thrown in. Whoever these kids were, they had a lot of potential and over behind their music. I really hope I can see them again in the near future.
Next up was a band I recently caught at Summer of Hate called Street Struck and they were even better this time around. Plenty of head banging and head bobbing to the crushing riffs and heavy drum work. Plus, they played Little From The World from Cold As Life and if I wasn’t busy taking pictures and video of the sets, I would of lost my mind. Street Struck is a great band and I honestly believe they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the Hardcore scene, soon.
The third band is one of my favorite local bands from Cleveland: Alcon. Alcon plays some of the hardest Hardcore in the area and in Grand Rapids, they were obviously on their game. This four piece pulled no punches and no one was safe from their assault. I mean the moment their bassist, Jose, threw down his bass and went after the crowd you knew you were in for a crazy set and that was only the second song. By time they got to my personal favorite track, Not Like Me, one member of the crowd broke his hand, Jose was handed the mic from frontman Ronnie, and friend/ bartender of The Foundry Alex picked up the bass and finished the song. The floor was out of control and no one was safe no matter where they were. It was amazing to see an unknown band get this much support so far from home.
Next up was the band I’ve only heard about in passing and seen on fliers: Cold Reign. The whole night all I heard was how crazy Cold Reign is live and how the floor would be a warzone. I was a little worried truth be told. Turns out, those worries were completely warranted. I may not know much about Cold Reign but they did not disappoint and the crowd ate up every second of their set. From what I was told, this was their welcome back show and I think they got the message that they were missed from the moment of sheer carnage during their set.
Last up was the almighty Life After Death and I was beyond excited for this set. I love that band and was beyond anxious all day long for them to start playing. From the moment they started playing to the end, everyone in the crowd was singing along and having a blast. But the real treat came at the end when they did a Hatebreed cover. As soon as I heard the familiar whine from Smash Your Enemies, I knew what to expect: punches, kicks, people climbing over each other and just pure uncontrolled insanity for what seems like an eternity.
Sadly though, the show had to end at some point and this was the end. We all had to go back to the real world but not before cleaning up and heading to a small dinner to piss off the servers/ cooks and to have one last hang out before we all went our separate ways. Truth be told, I miss that day. It was the most fun I’ve had in a long time and the night went on without a single problem.
If you’re in a band or even looking for a show, check out The New Church in Grand Rapids. Between the kids in the crowd being appreciative of the music and the people running out truly caring about Hardcore, I promise you’ll have a good time.
ENDLESS WAR (Moscow Hardcore) – Russia’s finest up-and-comers!
ENDLESS WAR
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
Members:
Mike – vocals;
Alex – guitar;
Karen – guitar;
Andrew – bass;
Leonid – drums.
Endless War is a 5 Piece old-school flavored Hardcore band reppin’ Moscow Hardcore. These guys have a lot of 90’s NYHC style in them, mixed with some heavy vocals. I first heard these guys on Instagram and fell in love. Love the style and over all aggression.
I LOVE THE GUITAR RIFFS! they stand out the most. i love the whole flow of the songs. These guys have all the right pieces to take over any show in Russia! Really hope they visit the U.S. sometime!
Oh yea! they have THE SICKEST ARTIST!
GO FOLLOW THEM ON FACEBOOK RIGHT NOW!
Instagram – EWXHC
http://endlesswar.bandcamp.com/
Throwback Album of The Week: Carpathian – Isolation
In my opinion, Carpathian was one of the most important Hardcore bands of our generation and Isolation is a testament to that. Filled with more quotable lyrics and memorable beats than I care to even attempt to count, Isolation was hailed as an instant classic by many critics and fans alike, me include. Honestly I could listen to this album everyday for the rest of my life and never once get tired of it.
I remember when this album was released. Personally, I was in a rough spot of my life and I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. I’m not saying this album or band saved my life because that’s just silly to say or think, but it definitely helped hearing someone I looked up to saying exactly what I thought at the time (and still think at times).
If you’re reading this and never took the time to check out Carpathian, please start with Isolation. If this album doesn’t get your heart pumping and your voice hoarse from screaming along, you are too far gone for even me to help you.
The Party Never Stops: Catching Up With All Out Mutiny
Sept 11 Wasko’s Campground (Superior) *Northern WI Metalfest*
Sept 12 Q & Z Expo Center (Ringle) *Brickfest* w/ Emperors&Elephants
Sept 25 Polack Inn (Wausau) w/ Mad Mad Ones and Lords Of The Trident
Nov 6 DaT Bar (Merrill) w/ 20 Watt Tombstone and Micawber
M.O.R.A. (Finland Hardcore) – Raw Power from FINLAND!
M.O.R.A.
Helsinki Finland
Members
Vocals – Suvi & Ulla
Guitar – Rurik
Bass – Amel
Drums – Yaki
M.O.R.A. is a Finland 5 piece hardcore band, Traditional roots with new edges.
I want to start this out by saying, I LOVE THIS BAND! Any band fronted by 2 Female Vocalist is always a little extra intriguing. Throw in some traditional hardcore riffs and boom..”SOLD”.
Most Readers will certainly not understand the lyrics, mainly cause it’s not your language. From what i managed to read in the translations. The lyrics are as Punk-Hardcore as it gets! Lyrical topics ranging from Corrupt-Politics, Self Understanding, Depression Struggles, And some Drug Abuse.
You can feel it 100% as soon as their first track comes on. They are fierce, Powerful,Raw, and LOADED with Energy.
From these live sets I’ve seen on YOUTUBE i would love to catch them live if i ever visit Finland!
My top tracks From M.O.R.A. would have to be Nykaijan Narrit and Tanaan Tassa.
This bands deserves your attention please Support their social media links! and get their music off BandCamp!
M.O.R.A. – FACEBOOK – BAND CAMP – BIG CARTEL
COLD TIMES (PRHC) – True Puerto Rico Hardcore
COLD TIMES
Las Piedras, Puerto Rico
LABEL
Frequency Deleted Records
MEMBERS
Delwin – Vocals
Gerry – Guitar
Brandon – Guitar
Carlitos – Bass
Franky – Drums
COLD TIMES is a 5 piece heavy hardcore band, metal influenced with a negative mind set.
The music is amazing , if you like TERROR or Ringworm. check these boys out! Their music is about the negatives in life. When asked about it they replied;
” We create negative music because negativity is what surrounds us all, this is the world we live in and how we see fate. A world driven by hypocrisy and manipulation has no future.”
When they contacted us, i was blown away. I watched their LIVE set and in that moment on YouTube, i never wanted to be somewhere so bad. looks like a real good time.
I asked them, What should people expect walking into a COLD TIMES show?
“You can expect Sick Riffs , lots of Moshing and a great energy , we like to give our best performance always”
CAN’T HATE ON THAT!
Listening to their 2014 Demo is definitely worth every second. This 4 song Demo, is non stop hardcore. Some songs more metal influenced than others but my personal favorites are; “Redemption” and “Lawless By Nature“. COLD TIMES also just recorded a Split with their label mates also from P.R. ALSO expect a full length early of 2016! I am personally STOKED for new music by them! check out their 4 song Demo here –
FOR MERCH – Contact them on Facebook until they set up a Big Cartel account!
GO SHOW THEM SOME SUPPORT!!
LINKS:
Facebook
BandCamp
My Home Away From Home: The Foundry
Here in Cleveland we have quite a few venues for aspiring and touring bands to play at; the “bigger” ones being House of Blues, The Agora, The Odeon, and The Grog Shop. While these venues are great for bigger bands to play in, for a Hardcore or Punk show, they’re simply too big and impersonal. The staff most times doesn’t understand the music or why we in the crowd act why we do. So most times, the shows get shut down, people get thrown out, or the bands just won’t play there again. Thankfully though in Cleveland we have one venue that is aimed towards a more Hardcore/ Metal crowd and, thankfully, is run by a small group of friends that are involved in the local Hardcore scene. That venue being The Foundry.
Located in Lakewood on the corner of W. 117th and Detroit, The Foundry has become my home away from home over the summer. It just seems like I can’t ever escape the place but between the great food, awesome shows, and the people who work/ run the place can you really blame me? Everyone from the Bartenders to the Sound Guy are super friendly and helpful in any way they can. The two cooks whip up some of the best burgers and tacos in the Cleveland area. Hell, it’s almost like a sign proving that you made it if you look at the menu on the day of your show and you see your band name on the menu as the title of a burger or quesadilla! I can’t tell you how many band members I’ve seen just smile when they look at the menu expecting to see just a cheese burger on the menu but instead it’s The Motherfucking Alcon Burger or named after their own band.
For being a small venue, I have seen some pretty big shows here: Summer of Hate, Destroy Cleveland After Party, The Big Show all have been here. Each show played to a packed house or damn near that and each show has gone off without a hitch. Even the most infamous of the three listed, Summer of Hate, was welcomed with open arms by the working crew even at the last possible second. Even the touring line ups are greeted with open arms by not only the crew working but the fans. I will admit, not every show is a sell out and not every show is perfect, but the Foundry Family as I’ve come to call them try their hardest to either promote or look for bands that they would want to see play there.
Sure, here in Cleveland we have something some cities don’t have the luxury to have. We have a ton of venues in such a small major city but none of them could ever pull me away from my second home. If you’re in a band and you’re reading this, please contact The Foundry and tell them Chris from Worldwide Underground sent you and you want to play there. I promise you, you’ll have a blast.
KEEP UP WITH THE FOUNDRY ON FACEBOOK AND CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE
Throwback Album of The Week: The Banner – Fraility
I remember the day I got this album: I just turned 18 and my girlfriend at the time knew how much I loved this band. She went out and got me 3 albums. This, Continent from The Acacia Strain, and Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God from Blacklisted. As much as I loved the other two albums, Frailty stood out to me more. It completely blew me away with its pummeling riffs and drums and single handily started my love affair with The Banner that has endured to this day.
I know The Banner has always been a band you’ve either loved or hated but to me, The Banner is one of the best Hardcore bands out today and Frailty is testament to this. If for some reason you’ve missed this release, please stream it below and if The Banner ever is playing in your city, check them out and be prepared to be blown away by their music.
I, Devotion
Members:
Saiful – Scremas
Nazri – Vocals
Fared- Lead Guitar
Sean – Rhythm Guitar
Arif – Bass
Rory – Drums
Zahri – Keyboards/ Sampler
You know, when I decided on naming the Zine Worldwide Underground, I never once in a million years thought there really would be bands from all over the world interested in what I was doing. I’ve never been so wrong.
I, Devotion hails all the way from Singapore and plays a blistering mix of Post-Hardcore and Metalcore. Think of The Used mixed with Martyr AD. I’ll be honest, I’m normally not a fan of this style of music but these kids take a boring genre (to me at least) and make it their own. If it’s not the powerful screams being thrown at me, it’s the guitar work that’s making me go back and listen to the songs again and again and again.
I’ve been jamming out to their newest EP Our Loss, Our Hope for the last 3 days and it is beyond good. From start to finish, Our Loss, Our Hope is a jaw dropper. From the vocals to the keyboards (yes, there are keyboards), everything flows super smooth. Each song has the potential to stand on its own as a single and you can tell that these kids are very passionate and into the music they play. This 7 (!) piece band plays like a well-oiled machine and it’s an honor to be able to feature them on my site.
To the kids in I, Devotion: keep doing what you’re doing. Never give up on this dream of yours. I really hope I have the pleasure to meet you all one day.
STREAM THE NEW EP BELOW AND BE SURE TO LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK