Back catalogue: Punk/Hardcore

Review: Originally released in 1984 and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Initium would serve as the debut full-length from death-rock horror-punk outfit Samhain; the brainchild of Glenn Danzig (or Evil Elvis). Opting to disband Misfits in favour of redirecting his creative juices into a project he maintained more rigid control over, with the title even translating from Latin to English as "beginning", the LP marked a simultaneous embracing of more metallic, gothic rock and malevolent balladry, distancing itself from the Misfits' breakneck hardcore chaos. Arriving less than a full year after Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood, the transitional growing pains are evident with deep cut 'Archangel' being originally penned with Misfits bassist Jerry Only, while 'Horror Biz' is actually a re-worked version of the early Misfits single 'Horror Business'. Featuring Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar on several tracks, along with Reagan Youth bassist Al Pike making a singular appearance, four decades on Initium continues to resonate as a vital piece of punk rock/deathrock/horror-punk history with its laying of influential foundations.

Review: Currently back at full activity, and most recently releasing their latest album Il Tradimento Silenzioso (The Silent Betrayal) in 2022, Manchester punk pioneers Slaughter & The Dogs first made their name through their connections to former Joy Division manager Rob Gretton, while their opening slot for the Sex Pistols in Manchester on July 20, 1976 (the second of their two Free Tree Hall shows within two months) played a hand in expanding the city's punk movement before extending to a UK-wide phenomenon. Originally released in 1980, Bite Back served as the feral follow up to the band's quintessential 1978 debut full-length Do It Dog Style, and continued their blistering run of playfully chaotic anthems. Back on vinyl for the first time since its original pressing, this newly refurbished reissue comes with the double A-side of 'I'm The One' b/w 'One By One' as bonus tracks.

Review: Amidst the global pandemic, Dead Rebellion marked a milestone for Strung Out's 35-year journey. The album embodies a mid-tempo heaviness, prioritizing melody over speed, reflecting societal issues and personal struggles in our technology-driven world. 'Cages,' the lead single, balances melodic and heavy elements while delivering a poignant message. Dead Rebellion symbolizes the band's resilience and evolution amidst challenging times, showcasing their musical prowess and thematic depth.

Review: The upcoming eighth and final studio album by Canadian punk and metal rockers Sum 41, Heaven :x: Hell centres on the ultimate duality of their sound. Divided into two parts, the first disc, Heaven, hears a return to the pop punk cant of the band's earlier career, while the Hell-ish second disc reflects their latter-day exploration of heavy metal. Though the name references a dualistic theme, the ultimate goal is the synthesis of the two sounds, showing just how far the band have come in their nearly 30-year career. Lead single 'Landmines', which on the surface of things tends more towards the aforementioned pop punk heaven, captures this tendency, incorporating rapidfire metal fills and deathly vocal snarls.

Review: Much loved Canadian rock band SUM 41, known for their multi-platinum success, inked a new recordings deal with Rise Records for their final album, Heaven :x: Hell. The first single, 'LANDMINES,' accompanied by a video, set the stage for this highly anticipated release and soon won over fans. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the band expressed gratitude to those fans for their unwavering support throughout their 27-year journey. With over 15 million records sold globally, Billboard chart-toppers, a Grammy nomination, Juno and Kerrang! Awards, SUM 41 leaves an indelible mark on rock history, capping off their illustrious career with an album that promises to be a fitting farewell.