Year in Punk

The Year in Punk is a harder creature to handle than other genres. While the term has been devalued in recent years to the point that any band with a slightly snotty attitude and crunchy guitars can be called "punk," what I'm talking about here are the fiercely independent acts that don't just sit outside the mainstream -- they gladly thumb their collective noses at the mainstream and, in fact, would like nothing more than for the mainstream to die a horrible, bloody death.

So with that in mind, here are some favorites from 2007:

Acrostix (A Chain of) Hatred

The latest Japanese band to play like Amebix, but they do it so well. It helps that the add a bit of harmony to the proceedings, and a honest intensity that you won't find from most American or European bands who ply the same style

After the Bombs Relentless Onslaught

Dark and heavy Canadian band, with female vocals, and an apocalyptic take on the world. This 5-track 12 inch throbs with anger, as do the band's earlier trio of 7"s, which make up another album's worth of excellent material.

Behind Enemy Lines One Nation Under the Iron Fist of God

Brutal and fierce political hardcore. It may sound dated in a few years, but right now this is a perfect antidote for our society's mindless malaise. The Katrina double hit of "Flooded" and "Shoot the Looters" are among the year's best songs.

Born/Dead The Final Collapse

Um. Ow. Eight-track ep that doesn't let the listener come up for air.

Double Negative The Wonderful and Frightening World of Double Negative

Over this 10 track, 20-minute collection, Double Negative does their best to bring back the spirit of Eye for an Eye-era Corrosion of Conformity. And you know what? The world needed more Eye for an Eye-era C.O.C.

Fall of Efrafa/Down to Agony split lp; Fall of Efrafa Elil

Fall of Eferfa puts the "epic" in "epic crust." The four tracks they issued this year range from 12 to 20 minutes each, full of acoustic and hard parts, defiant lyrics about religion and society; and an upfront honesty that is almost painful. Down to Agony play at a similar game, though without the same epic length. Both groups are more than worthwhile

Holokaust Into the Void of Oblivion

Sure, D-beat may appear to be played out, but the simple power of the style (a simple drum beat, one or two chords and lots of anger) still can make for excellent albums. As on this one.

Pissed Jeans Hope for Men

Sub Pop, known most for unleashing Seattle-style grunge on the world, has been a far more eccentric label than its reputation, as this noisy and angry album attests. 

Severed Head of State Power Hazard

An eight-song ep that doesn't waste any time on being nice or subtle. Instead, this is just pure punk rock, full of venom and rage. The perfect music for the election season.

Subhumans Internal Riot

I got kicked in the nose by a mad stage diver at the Subhumans show at the Triple Rock this summer. I didn't care. This album is a lot like that -- a kick in the face that I loved for every minute. It's success is even more amazing when you consider the last true Subhumans album came out during Thatcher's reign. Let's hope it won't be another two decades before the band decides to release a follow up.

Totalitar Vi Ar Eliten

Tuneful hardcore punk that is loaded with sweet, sweet hooks. And they sing in their native Swedish, which is punk rock all the way.

Warcollapse Defy!

Brutal. (Really, it was a good year for brutal -- and imagine what 2008 will need to make it tolerable). More Swedish down-tuned d-beat madness, with some slower crust to add to the fun.

Witch  Hunt Blood Red States

To continue the Subhumans story, after the gig I bought a bit of merchandise, not realizing how bad I looked (the kick had scraped my nose, so it didn't hurt, but it had bled more than a bit). One of the women in Witch Hunt looked at me with concern and asked if I was all right. Again, reflective of the band -- which combines its punk fury with a true, honest concern for the plight of the world and the people on it. 

Wolf Brigade Prey to the World

Actually not the band's best work by a long shot, but a welcome return nonetheless. The 12 tracks on the lp (including a bonus cut, take that digital lovin' folks!) stick in the mind like the best tuneful punk.