Cripple Bastards: Your Lies in Check (Black Vinyl)

My first time in Italy I met several different groups of kids who were serious Cripple Bastards fans.  Whenever I spoke with them about New York Hardcore or anything related they were completely versed.  They knew all of the bands, songs etc. It was like I was talking to them about unreachable gods.  But, the Cripple Bastards mattered even more to them.  The more time I spent there and the more I spoke with people who were invested in the music they listened to, I realized that the luxuries that we have in America do not apply in many other places.  What we take for granted is that we can put a band together, rehearse, record and then just release a record.  Anyone can do it and it's just common knowledge.  When I spoke to the Italian kids about this, the opportunities they spoke about were all much more controlled.  The opportunity to sell something, to market something and to have a tangible product was this massive undertaking that is almost completely counter to that of creative freedom.  The concept of being an up and coming band who would release records, play shows and become rock stars or even influential in your scene, was incredibly more rare than it would be here.

Enter the Cripple Bastards, an obnoxious grindcore band from Torino, Italy.  Obnoxious to the point that this record has 69 tracks on it, one of which is in 5 parts.  Not having been exposed to these guys before understanding their impact on the scene in Italy, I think my takeaway from it is a lot different than it would have been had I not been exposed to their influence.  I cannot possibly rate this against any other grindcore of its class or purely off of musicality. 

When I hear this, I hear a defiance against their social structure and a perseverance to remain relevant despite the odds.  With them having released 7 full lengths, 28 EPs and been included on countless other compilations and assorted material, I see how they have become idols for a specific scene of young and frustrated kids and I feel their music represents that and the portion of their energy that speaks to that is what makes these guys matter in a way that transcends the composition and execution of these 69 tracks.  

Gorguts: From Wisdom to Hate (Black Repress)

Standard black repress of Gorguts: From Wisdom to Hate from 2001

I am a huge fan of old school Gorguts and in my opinion, this isn't an album of the Obscura caliber, but it is still good and unquestionably Gorguts release.

Aesino: Cristo Satanico (Double Red Vinyl) with Poster

This record was on clearance as well and I have come across it many times, but never picked it up.  Since it was cheap, I thought I would give it a shot. This is their second release from 2006. Asesino is the combination of members from Brujeria, Fear Factory, Sepultura, Sadistic Intent and Static-X.  This is a pretty impressive package with dual, heavy red vinyl in a nice gatefold sleeve and a huge poster.

Red Fang: Murder the Mountains (Mauve Splatter Vinyl) in Die Cut Cover

Finally, I have picked up a copy of Murder the Mountains by Red Fang.  Actually, my girlfriend found it for me at Sonic Boom.  I ordered a copy of this and the self titled from Easy Street and am thinking about picking up the 2nd copy anyway. This comes in such an interesting color and the artwork is really cool looking and peeks through a die cut cover.  Since Red Fang is blowing up so much since this release, I don't think having 2 copies of this would hurt.  

This color scheme is the 4th pressing and is limited to 1091 copies. 

Their videos are just awesome as well! Check out these two. 

Suffocation: Self Titled (Transparent Blue Vinyl)

Suffocation's second release after their 9 year hiatus. The self titled album picks up right where they left off.  I actually found this on clearance and it was labeled as being on black vinyl, right next to the relapse Limited Color Vinyl sticker.  The transparent blue is a bonus.

A389 #2; Harm's Way: Reality Approaches (Bubble Gum Pink Vinyl) and Isolation (Black and White Splatter Vinyl)

Two awesome records from Harm's Way here.  First is Reality Approaches on Organized Crime records.  I think the vinyl on this is pretty funny.  The music is pretty hectic and serious and the artwork is super dark and minimalist However, the vinyl on this is overly obnoxious bright pink! Shows that someone involved with this project had a sense of humor.  I love it! 

Next, is Isolation on Closed Casket.  Great, simple packaging once again and vinyl that fits the aesthetic much better and actually matches.  I can't say that I like it more than the bright pink, but its still impressive. 

 Check out how much the pattern of the vinyl varies from side to side. 

A389 Order #1- Doomriders: Black Thunder (Purple Splatter), Mother of Mercy III (Red and Black Split)

A389 had a sale on their titles as well as their distro titles and I was able to pick up a good lot of assorted records. A389 has been the place to go for new, heavy hardcore and holy terror type stuff.

Doomriders: Black Thunder

Excellent record printed on awesome purple swirl vinyl. Absolutely excellent presentation.  I always love when the coloring of the vinyl matches the cover artwork.

Another great score is the debut album III by Mother of Mercy. Apparently the artwork on here was done my E from Watain and the title is influenced by Samhain. Whats funny about this record is that it sound neither like Danzig or Black Metal.  Great looking vinyl and artwork on this.