Threatening Society 'Zine

LOOKING BACK: This has gotta be one of the first BOLD interviews ever. -- Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #4, circa 1987]

BOLD (formerly CRIPPLED YOUTH) are a great young hardcore band causing quite a stir in the straight-edge scene. Here's an interview with their lead finger, Matt.

TS: What it your current lineup (names, ages, instruments)? MATT: Matt/vocals, Drew/drums, Tim/bass, and John/guitar. We're all 15, except Tim is 16.

TS: How long has the band been together?
MATT: About 20 months.

TS: Why the name change (from CRIPPLED YOUTH to BOLD)?
MATT: Because we feel it is more original as well as sums up our outlook – we speak from the heart.

Continue reading "BOLD" »

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[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

PHILLY SCENE REPORT

Philly's best hardcore band, RUIN, has released the follow up to their successful debut. The new album, “Fiat Lux” (Meta Meta Records) is another great album. FLAG OF DEMOCRACY has just released their debut LP, “Shatter Your Day" (Buy Our Records), that translates their raw energy onto vinyl well.

Philadelphia's “kings of speed and thrash” (as the sticker on the album claims), ANVIL BITCH, has released their debut LP, “Rise to Offend" (New Renaissance). ANVIL BITCH is great live, but this album didn't live up to my high expectations for their debut LP. The production is poor, but the songs are good, and that's what keeps this album out of my trash can. Still, you gotta see them live.

Continue reading "Scene Report" »

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LOOKING BACK: Incredible band. If only for responding to these HORRIFFIC questions. If there's a single thing I wish I could do over is to go back and ask pretty much every single band we interview and pose some real questions. Like AOD. I mean, these guys were fairly well-known, and I'm asking them generic shit like "Who's in the band?" But what made this 'zine kinda neat is that the bands were always pretty cool so that at least one of their responses had a neat piece of information or something clever. AOD rolled with the shitty questions in this mail-questions-and-get-answers-mailed-back interview, providing some genuinely funny responses. -- Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

ADRENALIN O.D. is a well known punk band from the depths of New Jersey. They have gained recognition from their two LPs which are classics of 'fuzzy* thrash. They are also some of the funniest guys you'd ever want to meet. Mickey talked with all the guys from A.O.D.

TS: First of all, can you give me a little bit of band history?
AOD: We formed in '77 under the assumed name of the SEX PISTOLS. We changed it after about 3 years.

Continue reading "ADRENALIN OD" »

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[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

THUNDER'S WRATH is an exciting young thrash band in the Philly scene. They have great talent and potential, and have been showing people their power at local shows. Sean had a chance to talk to the dudes from THUNDER'S WRATH at a party after a recent show.

Joe Daverso, 18, vocals; Scott Etkin, 18, guitar; Mike Margiotta, 20, guitar; Sai Drake, 18, bass; Mike Weiss, 15, drums.

TS: How long has the band been together? How did it first form?
JD: About 6 months ago we got together because we all knew each other from school. Mike M. and Scott played together before that.

TS: Is this the first band for all of you?
JD: Mike, our drummer, sat in for SNEAK ATTACK in Atlantic City. I was playing some guitar for PEER PRESHURE. Scott, Sei, and Mike jammed alot.

Continue reading "THUNDER'S WRATH" »

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[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

Speed metal with a dash of hardcore - POWERMAD is coming at ya!

TS: What is band line-up?
PR: POWERMAD is Joel Dubay, 22, guitar, lead vocals; Jeff Litke, 21, bass, backing vocals; Adrian Liberty, 21, drums; Bill Hill, 25, guitar, backing vocals. The band has recently parted company with Bill Hill.

TS: What has the band been doing lately?
JD: He have recently recorded a 3-song demo entitled “Absolute Power". We are currently auditioning guitar players (anyone interested can send a demo to the address below).

TS: What bands have influenced you or do you listen to?
JDEL: Anything musical, guitar-wise, Scott Ian (ANTHRAX); vocal-wise, Tommy Araya and Rob Halford.
JEFF: I don't like that question 'cuz I don't care.
ADRIAN: I like tunes that are fast and tight. I make it a point to listen to music where the people can play well.

Continue reading "POWERMAD" »

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[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER is a great young crossover band, hailing froe Santa Monica, California. Their debut LP, “Convicted”, is lightning-fast yet very ordinal and complex. It earned them the respect they deserve. They are now preparing to release their follow up album, "Money Talks". Recently, Tony spoke with their drummer, Scott.

TS: What's your line-up?
SC: Bill (17), vocals; Rob (17), bass, vocals; Les (I8), guitar; and myself (17), drums.

TS: First off, any special or secret meaning to the name CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER?
SC: It means whatever you want it to mean.

Continue reading "CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER" »

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LOOKING BACK: I loved this band, as evidenced by the fawning mentions of them across the issues. I sent them a list of questions, and they recorded the answers on their drive down to DC to record at Inner Ear. I thought that was kinda cool. In any case, the band members were all really nice to us as well. If anyone has their demo and can make me a copy, please contact me!!! -- Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

LEGITIMATE REASON is a fairly new Philly band that have taken our scene by storm. They're very popular, and for a good reason: they've got lots of talent, and they're getting better. They're also incredibly nice guys. This interview was done while they were on their way to Washington. The interview is very long, but I (Mickey) felt that it shouldn't be edited, as they are very well-spoken and their ideas and views are worth listening to. At the end, you will see a comment about their not being straight¬edge, and hoping that I wouldn't hold it against them. I knew two of their members were S.E, so I assumed that it was a S.E. band.

TS: What is your line up?
JOE: I'm Joe, I’m the singer and I’m 21 years old.
GRA: I'm Grant, I am 18 years old. 1 am the drummer.
JON: Hi! I'm John, I'm 18, I'm R. guitar.
VIN: Why do you say “R. guitar”?
JON: Rhythm guitar!
VIN: Why didn't you say that?
DAN: I'm Dan and I play bass.
VIN: Vince, uh, age 20, uh, lead guitar.

TS: How did you get together? ,
GRA: Me, Joe, Dan, and John were all on South Street. We ran into some girls. And Vince, the guitarist, was with the girls. So, uh, we were hitting on these babes and, uh, we found out that Vince played the guitar, and we all wanted to play the same music, and we were all pretty inexperienced. Me and Vince decided to get together at his house. So we assembled at his house with a drumset I borrowed, and Vince already had a guitar. And that was about it. John came in during November. We wanted to get dual guitar sounds, a thicker sound.
JOE: We taught John how to play guitar, so now he plays guitar with us.
VIN: Alot of our old songs were written for one guitar and in alot of our new stuff, you can tell it has two guitars. It's a lot better - stronger. It's kind of like that IRON MAIDEN feel.

Continue reading "LEGITIMATE REASON" »

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[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

Interview with Glenn Wallis, rythym guitarist, RUIN.

TS: What is the current lineup?
GW: Vosco - vocals (28)
Paul Della Pelle - druas (22)
Damon Wallis - lead guitar (25)
Cordy Swope - bass guitar (24)
Glenn Wallis - rythym guitar (28)

TS: What has RUIN been doing lately?
GW: We've been playing out more than we ever have. November and December we toured the midwest and west coast. We just returned from a short tour of New England. Recently we've played in Providence, RI, Baltimore, D.C., Newark, D.E., and the Trocadero in Philadelphia.

Continue reading "RUIN" »

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[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

PEER PRESHURE is one of the young, talented bands trying to make a name for themselves in the Philly scene. Despite the setback caused by the problems with their lead singer, they are making steady progress and are on their way to achieving success. Sean and Tony caught up with them after a recent Philly show.

PEER PRESHURE are Paul MacGregor, 19, guitar; Abbe Forman, 26, bass; Patrick D., 18, drum; Kevin Dougherty, 17, guitar

TS: How long have you been together?
PP: About a month and a half now.

TS: How did you first get together?
PD: Kevin and I started the band, and we gathered the others up to do shows.

Continue reading "PEER PRESHURE" »

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LOOKING BACK: I tried out for EAB once. The band wasn't thrilled with their existing singer -- a little skinhead named Steve. They liked my performance, impressed by my ability to sing to the rhythm of the music -- less of a compliment to me, certainly, than a ding on Steve. But, alas, it was the summer before college, and although it was a VERY difficult decision to make (EAB or college... EAB or college), I had to tell them I was not interested. In any case, Scott Helig, the drummer of EAB, played a very influential role for Tony and I in terms of starting this fanzine in the first place (as he himselfs was the publish magnate behind Total Thrash fanzine). Scott was also the Malcolm McLauren to me and Tony's never-off-the-ground punk band FLAG OF HATE. This interview was done like 13 year old girls -- I wrote Scott a list of questions in class, handed it to him in the hallway. He returned the questions later that day. BFF!!! -- Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

EAB (Epileptic Albino Bullfrogs) is a hot new band from the great Northeast Philadelphia. They've played a few shows, and will be headlining their first show in late March. I can only describe their MUSIC as thrash, but they're different from other bands in that their lyrics are really good; sometimes serious, cometimes tongue-in-cheek. And there is great variety in their songs. The following interview was done with EABs drummer, Scott Helig, who is a good friend of mine and Tony's.

TS: What is your line-up?
SH: Steve Spagnola - vocals (15), Bob Belcher - guitar (I6), Rob Lipschutz - bass (16), Scott Helig - drums (16)

TS: OK. Basic questions first. How long have you been around? How did you get together?
SH: We've been around since July '86. We met at a DRI show and I was asked to try out and was accepted. A month later we acquired Steve.

TS: The name EAB is one of the crazier names I've heard. How seriously do you take your ausic?
SH: We take ourselves seriously, but not overly serious.

Continue reading "EPILEPTIC ALBINO BULLFROGS" »

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[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

Interview with Woody Weatherman.

TS: What is the current band lineup?
WW: Reed plays the druas, Mike plays bass, Bob sings and I play guitar.

TS: What has the band been doing lately?
WW: We just got home from a short tour out West. We just released a new 12" too. We're doing material now for a full album.

Continue reading "CORROSION OF CONFORMITY" »

Posted by Editor at 09:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

By Tony

Why do so many people have this fear or nate of metal? I like a lot of hardcore, but I also love the metallic sounds of WHIPLASH, SLAYER, ANTHRAX, and even IRON MAIDEN. A lot of my hardcore buddies rag on metal. They call the lyrics 'stupid". Some idiots even think that every metal band sacrifices a goat at each show, Now, despite the current crossover of the two musics, the lyrics are generally different. Hardcore tends to focus on topics that they deem socially relevant, while metal lyrics are less "important". Is it because metallers don't care? Is it because they are too doped out to know what's going on? Or does their long hair affect their brain? NO!!!!!!!!!!!! The answer is that most metal bands view music as a form of entertainment. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with conveying a message, but there's also nothing wrong with listening to a song just for FUN.

Continue reading "GREY MATTER: Anti-Metal Attitude" »

Posted by Editor at 09:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #4, circa 1987]

By Mickey

I don't do drugs. I don't drink. I don't smoke.

So why am I so critical of the Straight Edge Movement?

I really agree with the positive attitude and respecting your body, but I just can't see myself shaving my head and drawing "X"s on my hands. I think it's a personal thing, a choice someone has made for themself, not something that should be paraded around, announcing to the world how you live.

Continue reading "GREY MATTER: Straight On Or Straight Off?" »

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[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

By Mickey

For years now I've been trying to decipher the reason for the incredible popularity of T.V.'s teen dance shows. Is it the music? Is it the latest dance steps? Or is it the viewers' quest for the age-old question of how such mousse and hair-spray a person can possibly wear under hot spot lights without combusting?

Just turn on the TV any weekday at 4:00 and you'll see what I mean - dance shows that make soap operas look like they should be on Channel 12 (PBS). Is this the image that adults have of the youth of today? Do they think that kids have nothing better to do than race to the TV studios right after school with their pasted-on smiles and latest fashions, ignoring extra-curricular activities, now so vital for acceptance into many colleges?

Continue reading "GREY MATTER: Dancin' On Ignorance" »

Posted by Editor at 08:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

What's this? A DK album that I like? Impossible, and yet it happened. Yes, that's right, "'Bedtime for Democracy" is a GREAT album. Mickey used to give me tapes of their old stuff and I never could get into it, but now they are slightly "thrashier" and this album rips! "One Way Ticket to Pluto", "Cesspools in Eden" and "Chickenshit Conformist" are among the better tracks (of a whopping 21)! Being basically a metal-monger, it takes a good hardcore band to tickle my fancy (among other things) and the DKs have hit it with their new album.

Posted by Editor at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

Good thrash from this West German outfit (formerly SAMHAIN). Nine good tracks with frenzied solo-ing and above average vocals. A bit too cliche in some places but overall, a good album. Combat Noise has another winner.

Posted by Editor at 08:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

Straight-edge thrash? Whatever it is, it's great! 16 incredible tracks played with ferocious intensity. "Grey world", "Johnny", "Warfear" and the title track are among the best songs (although every song on this LP is good). Since this album, I heard that the band has separated, and some members have formed CONDEMNED ATTITUDE while the others continue A.A. with a slightly different lineup.

Posted by Editor at 08:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

The lords of black metal are back with a vicous speed metal attack. "Angel of Death", "Raining Blood", and 6 other tracks rip through your brain. Pick up this album and thrash, thrash, thrash!

Posted by Editor at 08:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

What an album!!! A must buy for thrashers and 'core fans alike. Buy it now (if you're that hermit in Guam who doesn't have a copy yet.)

Posted by Editor at 08:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

This LP is great! Scott "NOT" Ian and the gang have done it again. It's much heavier than "Spreading the Disease" but it keeps their melodic sound. "I Am the Law", "Imitation of Life", and the title track are among the best cuts. Buy this one or be "Caught In A Mosh"!

Posted by Editor at 08:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

Everybody is wondering "Did they go metal?" Well, there are only I2 songs (instead of the usual 20+) and must of them run around the three minute mark (not since "Argument Then War"). But their sound really hasn't changed that much. They still crank it up pretty fast, just now there is more music to each song. "Decisions" and "Five Year Plan" are by far the best tracks. A good album though not as good as the classic 'Dealing With It". D.R.I won't lose much of its followig IF their old fans aren't put off by the "metal" packaging.

Posted by Editor at 08:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

The long awaited follow-up to their highly successful debut album shows us a very polished band. The first track, "Suicidal Maniac' is a fast burner (the best song on the album) with vocalist Mike Muir often sounding like a refined Roger miret of AGNOSTIC FRONT. The title track is a pseudo-rap that seems to be trying to start a fad. Aside froa 'War Inside My Head" and "Cyco" the rest of the tracks sound like new wave tunes with a slightly heavy edge and Mike trying to do his best Ray Davies imitation. All in all, this album isn't that bad - just don't expect the same "cycos" from the classic first LP.

Posted by Editor at 08:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

LOOKING BACK: I was a HUUUUGE BEASTIES fan. I have no idea why I slammed them in this interview. I guess the standard they're-too-popular-for-me-to-still-like-them thinking applied. They were pretty retardarded at the time -- not the gentle Bhuddist PC hippies they've become. This show was the first time I ever heard of / saw PUBLIC ENEMY, and their powerful onstage theatrics remain emblazoned into my memory to this day. Note the multiple references to my cutting school to score tickets... was I punk rawk or what? Also note the truly dated adjectives "def-ist" and "b-boy". -- Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

BEASTIE BOYS / MURPHY'S LAW / PUBLIC ENEMY
April 7, 1987 The Spectrum by Mickey

OK. I admit it. I cut school to get these tickets (sorry Mom!). Noqw I'm not so sure if it was worth it cause I'm sick of the BEASTIE BOYS.

The sold out Spectrum went crazy when the opening act, PUBLIC ENEMY, came out. These guys were really great. First off, two uniformed gentlemen with mirrored sunglasses marched on stage and positioned themselves on either side of the mixers. They pulled out fake Uzi macnine guns, which smoked, and just stood at attention, never moving throughout the whole set. Then, another uniformed guy marched out on stage during an air-raid siren's screech. He faced the audience, made a speach, and then PUBLIC ENEMY took the stage. Dressed in designer sweatsuits and stopwatches, they kicked out some of the defist, hardest raps I've heard yet. Total b-boys. They blew me away.

Continue reading "BEASTIE BOYS / MURPHY'S LAW / PUBLIC ENEMY" »

Posted by Editor at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1986]

This is the much-awaited DOGGY ROCK, with ex-D.S. members Brad and Lou, teamed up with ex-DESCENDENT Doug Carrion and ex-MINOR THREAT guitarist Brian Baker. With such a strong lineup, I expected much more. But it’s a rap record. That’s not so bad in itself, but it’s the fact that such talented musicians shouldn’t be wasting their time on such trendy stuff. Thank God, Brian Baker quit and went back to DAG NASTY, where he can show his true abilities. Now the question remains: Will the rest of these truly talented dudes leave too, and use their talents? (NATIONAL TRUST RECORDS)

Posted by Editor at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

Two older songs, “War for Peace” and “The Struggle Within” are chopped up and irritatingly remixed. The second side is b.s. dance music. What a shame – these guys have put out some decent stuff, and it’s all come down to this.

Posted by Editor at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

These guys haven’t been playing long, but the Philly scene has taken a quick liking to them. It’s easy to see why. They have a sound like the old 7 SECONDS (before “New Wind”), but they are more varied, in that they delve into reggae and more melodious sounds. Not very well-produced, but for a first try, it sounds very good. Powerful, with catchy tunes and powerful lyrics.

Posted by Editor at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

OK, I know. This album is sort of old, but I never got a chance to hear what the big deal was. Now I can, and I am quite impressed. They are very talented and this is easily seen on this release. The music is very good – both diversified and complicated (both of which I feel signify a talented band). A matured UNITY. But the lyrics are what impress me the most. U.C. isn’t the typical straight-edge band. They aren’t spiteful, and give support to those pressured, and justify their attitudes very eloquently. They also have some songs that could definitely be considered poetry – very beautiful. Get this LP! (WISHINGWELL RECORD)

Posted by Editor at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

When the original DOGGY STYLE broke up and Brad X and Lou Gaez left to form DOGGY ROCK, they re-formed with an added guitarist and a new drummer and singer. And with this change, they’ve improved dramatically. After taking a close look at their first album, which I enjoyed very much, it seemed very limited and restricted, both musically and lyrically. Just melodious thrash. But on “Doggy Style II”, they seem to ignore their whole past, and appear with a new style. They are much more mature, and it shows. They delve into slower, more melodic, but still powerful music. Each tune is very original, different from the next, which makes it an album which one is not easily bored with. I admire their willingness to be adventurous and not stick to the same limiting three chords. 18 long tracks too. What a bargain! (FLIPSIDE RECORDS)

Posted by Editor at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

YOUTH OF TODAY’s EP “Can’t Close My Eyes” (Positive Force Records) was a very strong release – every track was great musically, and the vocals were top-notch. It seemed that a comparable follow-up would be unlikely, but they managed to match their effort on the EP, and for the most part, surpass it. YOUTH OF TODAY has the heavy, thick New York hardcore sound (dual guitars, strong bass), but unlike bands like AGNOSTIC FRONT and the CRUMBSUCKERS, the heavy metal tinge is missing, but not missed. They have a sound all their own, which is difficult to describe or cocmpare. The energy that they emit live transfers well in the studio, as seen on such great tracks as “Make a Change”, “Stabbed in the Back”, and “Positive Outlook”, but each track is strong both musically and lyrically. The lyrics, dealing with personal topics, come across incredibly well, what with the fantastic job done by Ray of Today, who may be the best hardcore singer I have heard yet. Beautiful packaging, excellent production, and a fine performance throughout make “Break Down the Walls” the best release so far in 1987. (WISHINGWELL RECORDS)

Posted by Editor at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

A 2-song studio effort by Ian MacKaye and fellow MINOR THREAT Jeff Nelson. This one-shot deal shows that power doesn’t always come from raging guitars, pounding drums, and screaming voices. Good, inspired lyrics and fine music (with Ian on guitar and bass – not since the TEEN IDLES days?) fit hand-in-hand to place this well-produced 7” high on my list. Too bad we probably won’t hear anything else from EGGHUNT. Ian told me that his desire to play music still runs strong, and his new band is taking form, and hopefully by this summer, we’ll hear from them. (DISCHORD RECORDS)

Posted by Editor at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

OK, so this album’s a little old, but I cannot stress show good it is. Whatever ignorant jerks announce, all-knowingly, “hardcore has not talent” should be forced to listen to this band. With ex-MINOR THREAT Brian Baker and DAG NASTY being a DC band, I expected a lot, and received it. And much more. Very diversified, hard-hitting music, which great, depressing personal lyrics which, unfortunately, I can relate to all too easily. Ten great tracks come together to make “Can I Say” a must for any hardcore fan. A visually beautiful album also. (DISCHORD RECORDS)

Posted by Editor at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally Published: Issue #1, circa 1986]

7 SECONDS – “Praise” EP
As Kevin Seconds moves his band to a more mainstream style, his songwriting talents and lyrical style mature greatly. Heavily influenced by U2, many would consider this a sell-out. But I feel it is a natural progression for a band like 7 SECONDS. It has a definite post-punk feeling which comes across successfully. A definite improvement over “New Wind”, in which all the songs seem to be detached from each other. But I’m warning you: “The Crew” has grown up. (POSITIVE FORCE)

Posted by Editor at 01:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally Published: Issue #1, circa 1986]

Interview with Woody Weatherman

TS: What is the current band lineup?
WW: Reed plays the rums, Mike plays bass, Bob sings, and I play guitar.

TS: What has the band been doing lately?
WW: We just got home from a short tour out West. We just released a new 12” too. We’re doing material for a full album.

TS: What bands have influenced you or do you listen to?
WW: There are too many to list, really. I’m into old SABBATH and DEEP PURPLE, and older punk bands like DICKIES, BUZZCOCKS, and the RAMONES.

Continue reading "CORROSION OF CONFORMITY" »

Posted by Editor at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

LOOKING BACK: Don't remember all that much about this show. Except that Woody Weatherman put on a STUNNING performance. I have no idea what the hell I was talking about when describing HONOR ROLE. And this review provides yet another example of my love affair with LEGITIMATE REASON, chronicled throughout the entire run of Threatening Society. -- Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

COC / HONOR ROLE / HOMO PICNIC / LEGITIMATE REASON
April 18, 1987 Club Pizazz by Mickey

The previous (and first) time I ever went to see COC, I got arrested for violation of curfew (a B.S. law, but I won't get into that right now), and was hauled downtown before they came onstage. That was November '85. So, I figured it was necessary to see them this time.

Tony and I arrived just in tiae to see LEGITIMATE REASON'S set. They sounded great! Each instrument sounded very crisp, and the vocals kicked ass! My only criticism was that there was a measurable lack of energy on the part of LEGITIMATE REASON, though I realize it must be difficult to get psyched when the place isn't full yet. But musically, they're getting very tight, and are becoming a force to be reckoned within the Philly scene.

Continue reading "CORROSION OF CONFORMITY / HONOR ROLE / HOMO PICNIC / LEGITIMATE REASON" »

Posted by Editor at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

LOOKING BACK: Can't remember much of this show, details-wise... First time I saw PAGAN BABIES, who ended up making a semi-name for themselves. FOD is STILL out playing shows in the area (god bless 'em!). And AOD are still one of the most underrated 80s punk bands. -- Mickey

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

THE STUPIDS / ADRENALIN O.D. / LUDICHRIST / F.O.D. / PABAN BABIES

Dec. 28, 1986 , Club Pizzaz, Phi la., Pa.
by Mickey

What should have been one of the best shows in Philly in the past year turned out ot be a big disappointment : 2 bands cancelled.

We arrived to catch the tail end of PAGAN BABIES. They were really good, with a slightly metal sound and great songs. Though we couldn't find out much about them but we think that they are from Philly. With a powerful, energetic lead singer, PAGAN BABIES ripped through their last two songs with a raw power and intensity that is missing from all too many bands today. Look for them to be big someday, and remember, you heard it here first!

Continue reading "THE STUPIDS / ADRENALIN O.D. / LUDICHRIST / F.O.D. / PABAN BABIES" »

Posted by Editor at 07:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

EPILEPTIC ALBINO BULLFROGS / PEER PRESHURE / THUNDER'S WRATH / ANY THREE INITIALS
March 29, 1987, Philly Cookbook by Tony

The first thrash/hardcore show at this place showcased some of Philly's best young talent. The place was small (about 75 people crowded the joint) but the sound system was great and the young talent here was impressive.

ANY THREE INITIALS took the stage first to do their set of slow, rhythmic punk. I didn't really like this band, but I give them credit for having the guts to get on stage. But, their three chord songs were boring. Maybe with a little more work...

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Posted by Editor at 07:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[Originally published: Issue #1, circa 1987]

THE DEAD MILKMEN / FLAG OF DEMOCRACY / RUIN / ELECTRIC LOVE MUFFIN

March 1, 1987 The Trocadero by Tony

The Troc's first hardcore show and hopefully not the last.

Despite the weighty $8 door price and no ins-and-outs, the place is a big venue with great lighting and sound system. But the no stage diving "rule" has got to go!

These established Philly bands are all gaining recognition across the nation, but they still take the time to play shows for their "first" audience.

Continue reading "THE DEAD MILKMEN / FLAG OF DEMOCRACY / RUIN / ELECTRIC LOVE MUFFIN" »

Posted by Editor at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)