3.21.07
Preorder the new Achilles
Spring is here and so is "Hospice", the new Achilles full-length! You can pre-order the record right here! It officially comes out May 8th, but we ought to have them back here and ready to ship by mid-April. Additionally, we're offering a special pre-order deal where you can get the cd, as well as one of two new Hex t-shirt designs, and a copy of the newest (and final) issue of Hanging Like a Hex for $21 (in the U.S.). Make sure you specify which shirt and what size you wear! There's Small, Medium, and Large and they are all American made, sweatshop-free!
Hanging Like a Hex #18 is the last issue of this long running zine and it has taken nearly 4 years to get together. Comepletly ad-free, of unusual size (6.5"x11"), and featuring articles on the mental health industry, stories about working in the mental health field, comics, interviews with Cursed and Paint It Black, and my 100 favorite records ever. It's pretty rad. To top it off it has a cool cover drawn by Mr. Mark Price.
The new shirt designs feature an old design redone. It's the Bad Brains ROIR cover, except with a Syracuse twist on a black t-shirt.
The other is Lee Harvey Oswald getting a musically poisonous injection in the ear from the Crusher on the front, and a delightfully distasteful picture on the back. What was I thinking when I made this? I really have no fucking clue. It just seemed cool at the time. This one is on white.
So there ya go. Order away!
SHIRT 1:
SHIRT 2:
HEX #18:
3.10.07
Achilles:Hospice, Hex#18, Ed Gein:Judas Goats... vinyl
Hi! It's busy as hell here getting all the Spring releases/projects in order. As you probably noticed on the splash page that is the cover of the new Achilles cd. The 'official' release date is May 8th, but it says available in April because that's when they'll actually be back from the press and ready for pre-order.
Also, Hanging Like a Hex #18 is nearly finished and ready for printing. The cover has been sent out, now just to polish up the insides and get that out. There will be a couple new Hex shirt designs available real soon too. Keep an eye peeled for those.
And as for the Ed Gein, "Judas Goats..." vinyl, artist Jeremy Forson (Bafabegiya, Blues, etc) is working on the new design and ought to have it wrapped up in a couple weeks where it can then be pressed.
All these projects will be available for pre-order in April and I'm going to be putting together some special package deals where you can order some or all of these new items for a discounted price.
It's going to be a crazy Spring over here, so keep checking back for more info.
Also, in the tours section check out all the stuff Engineer will be up to in the next couple of months. They will be out with Tides for a couple weeks in April, then a week with American Heritage, and in July they'll be out with the one and only Coliseum. Good for them!
2.12.07
A bunch of new stuff
coming this spring
Hey! It's been awhile. But there's a good reason- I've been busy as all get out preparing new stuff that will be coming out in the Spring. So sit down (if you aren't already) and check out all this new stuff:
- First and foremost, Achilles new full-length, "Hospice" is done! The artwork is almost completed, and mastering occurs first week of March. The official release date is May 8th, but I'll have them up for pre-order probably by the end of March. Seriously, this record is awesome. The band has grown so much and these new songs simply show how much ass they have yet to kick in the hardcore arena.
- Secondly, the vinyl for "Judas Goats and Dieseleaters" by Ed Gein is going to actually come out! No shit! The main issue with this record was all the difficulty we'd been having getting the artist responsible to actually finish the art. So after a year of waiting that guy got kicked to the curb and the talented Jeremy Forson has stepped up to the plate to slap together a great design. If you're not familiar with his work he has done recent records for Blues and Bafabegiya. You can view his art at www.jeremyforson.com. If all goes well this ought to be seeing the light of day about the same time as the Achilles record. No official date just yet though.
- Third, this is a big one too... there is actually going to be a Hanging Like a Hex issue #18. Yes, after three + years it will be out. I'm currently in the process of editing out the crap, adding new and exciting content, and even some illustrations. This will be the final issue though, no doubt about that. Once again, May is looking like the time for this guy.
- And, a little later, perhaps the Summer, it looks like Hex is going to release the final outpput of the late, great Playing Enemy. I'd been talking to these chaps since last Summer, trying to get something together for them. Then they went and called it quits. But before all this they were able to record a handful of new songs (which are really dmn good by the way) and this is what we'll end up releasing for them. We have to figure out some mastering job for them, a neat little package, and an exact time/deadline for this. But I'm excited to let the cat out of the bag about it.
- I'm also in the process of making a couple t-shirts (one old design and one new one) for the label that ought to be pretty snappy, as well as some new stickers that will go out with all orders. Yes, it's going to be a hugely productive year here with all sorts of neat projects... if you could see my thumbs they'd be pointed at my head showing just who is excited. Me. That's who.
OK, also... there are brand new reviews up! I wanted to write up a few more but then I realized there were already almost 40 written, so best to just keep it at that. Plus, it's been awhile since new reviews went up, so go check those out. I gotta admit, I wasn't too into a lot of the stuff I got. But who am I to complain? I get free records to listen to. But hey, my opinion is important. Zozobra, The Helm, 7000 Dying Rats, Capital, a bunch of literary stuff from the Microcosm crew, Die Hoffnung, Titan, Pusher, Monolith, Aereogramme, and plenty more go under the microscope this time around.
And totally finally, some Hex-related sort of news for you folks:
-Engineer are currently recording their new full length (and first for BMA) called "The Dregs" right here in Syracuse at the always swanky Moresound Studio... so far nothing short of incredible.
-Jesse from Ed Gein not only moved into my house and is a fine cook, but he is now part owner of the excellent Recess Coffee Shop in the Westcott neighborhood of Syracuse. The place rules and if you're ever in the area I highly recommend checking it out. Visit their MySpace for details: www.myspace.com/recesscoffee
- Mr. Rob Antonucci, guitarist extrordinaire of Achilles and the missus are expecting the release of not only their new record, but of their baby daughter, Harper Elizabeth Antonucci, into the world. A tentative release date of mid-April is expected. Wish them the best!
- Congratulations to Anthony and Katie Tornabene, who had their first (twins!) a few weeks ago! Anthony and Aiden Tornebene are already Yankees fans from what I hear. Papa Tony was my former bandmate in The Funeral and we were awesome. He currently drums for the father-infested My Way.
And that's a wrap! Whew!
1.4.07
Top 10 Albums from '06
Happy New Year people! So far the year has already been pretty crazy, but
let's not look to the future OK? The past is always better anyway. So with
that I thought it would be kind of cool to get some Top 10 lists from
current and former Hex Records alumnus. Check them out:
RORY VAN GROL
Vocals, Achilles and How We Are/ Knows a thing or two 'bout a thing or two
Mastodon- Blood Mountain
Engineer- Reproach
Have Heart- Things We Carry
Capital- Signal Corps
Polar Bear Club- The Redder The Better
Another Breath- Mill City
Gnarls Barkley- St. Elsewhere
Jose Gonzalez- Veneer
Mono- You Are There
The Evens- Get Evens
CHRIS BROWNE
Drums, Achilles/ guitar, Polar Bear Club/ eater of little children
Damiera - M(us)ic
The Draft - In A Million Pieces
Converge - No Heroes
Death Cab For Cutie - Plans
Heavens - Patent Pending
John Mayer - Continuum
How We Are - To Teach a Hundred
Engineer - Reproach
Brand New - The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me
Deftones - Saturday Night Wrist
Honorable Mentions: Saves The Day - Sound The Alarm, Fifth Hour Hero - Not Revenge...Just a Vicious Crush, Lucero - Rebels, Rogues, & Sworn Brothers
RYAN GORHAM
Guitar, Engineer/ All this time I thought his name was 'cool dude'
Old Man Gloom - Seminar III: Zozobra LP (Magic Bullet)
Cursed - Blackout at Sunrise (Goodfellow Records)
Young Widows - Settle Down City (Jade Tree)
These Arms Are Snakes - Easter (Jade Tree)
Deftones - Saturday Night Wrist (Warner Bros.)
Mastodon - Blood Mountain (Reprise)
Converge - No Heroes (Epitaph)
Eagles Of Death Metal - Death By Sexy (Downtown)
Thom Yorke - The Eraser (XL)
Botch - CD/DVD (Hydra Head)
BRAD GORHAM
Bass, Engineer/ AKA Kovacs
jesu - silver
thom yorke - eraser
these arms are snakes - easter
converge - no heroes
young widows - settle down city
isis - in the absence of truth
cult of luna - somewhere along the highway
battle of mice - a day of nights
red sparowes - every red heart shines toward the red sun
tragedy - nerve damage
TIM LEO
guitar, The Minor Times/ Relapse design slave
Melvins/ Big Business
The Blackfire Revelation (I don't think it was actually released but i
got a demo this past spring and I haven't stopped listening to it)
Engineer
Gunna Vahm
Haram
Jesu
KEN Mode
Celebrity Murders
Knut
Young Widows
I also really liked black cobra / black elk / intronaut / tragedy / mouth of the architect / converge / thom yorke / kylesa / tv on the radio / skitsystem (did that come out in 06?)
BRIAN MEDLIN
Drums, The Minor Times/ octopus arms
Thom Yorke - The Eraser
The Bronx - The Bronx II
Sparta - Threes
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Show Your Bones
And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead - So Divided
The Deftones - Saturday Night Wrist
Amy Millan - Honey From the Tombs
The Roots - Game Theory
Young Widows - Settle Down City
Beck - The Information
honorable mentions go to: jet, converge, the raconteurs, engineer, cat power, the strokes, regina spektor, and ken mode
BOB SWIFT
Vokills, The Helm/ Cheats on top lists
My Top Eleven Releases of 2006:
Black SS - Foreign Object
Rocky Votolato - Makers
Betrayed - Substance
No Idols - Low (Swing the pyramid hands)
How We Are/Black SS - Split
Thom Yorke - The Eraser
Tragedy - Nerve Damage
Monolith - Demo
Avail - Dixie
Avail - 4AM Friday
Avail - Over the James
SEAN PATRICK RHORER
Invisible Youth PR guy/ Likes the label and loves life
Have Heart "The Things We Carry"
Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins "Rabbit Furcoat"
Belle & Sebastian "The Life Pursuit"
Old Crow Medicine Show "Big Iron World"
Government Warning "No Moderation"
Fucked Up "Hidden World"
mewithoutYou "Brother, Sister"
Neko Case "Fox Confessor Brings The Flood"
Robot Whales "Vehicle"
Off With Their Heads "Hospitals"
ERIC HAAG
Web guy - No time for music anymore
beck - the information
the shins - wincing the night away (leaked)
thom yorke - the eraser
the roots - game theory
the raconteurs - broken boy soldiers
brian eno/david byrne - my life in the bush of ghosts (reissue)
modeselektor - hello mom
dangerdoom - the mouse and the mask
gnarls barkley - st elsewhere
cat power - the greatest
RYAN HEX
Big cheese/ Cold-blooded sonovabitch
Fucked Up, "Hidden World" (Jade Tree)
Channels, "Waiting For the Next End Of the World" (Dischord)
Mandate Of Heaven, "Hun In the Sun" (self-released)
End Of a Year, "Sincerely" (Revelation)
Engineer, "Reproach" (Hex)
Young Widows, "Settle Down City" (Jade Tree)
Thoughts Of Ionesco, "The Scar Is Our Watermark" (Seventh Rule)
Polar Bear Club, "The Redder the Better" (get it from them)
Chavez, "Better Days Will Haunt You" (Matador)
All the travelling I did this year minus a job
12.27.06
A number of records, cd's, and DVD's have been reviewed for your eyes only... yes, all of you. These opinions will make you pull cash from your wallet in a buying frenzy, or snub your nose in disgust, and hopefully make you laugh (or cry) a bit too. Stuff from How We Are, Chavez, Towers, Black Elk, Lion Of Judah, Mission Of Burma, The Pixies, Pinebender, Botch, Drugs Of Faith, and plenty more go under the microscope.
ALSO, I'm distributing the wonderful full-length from Rochester's most polite gentlemen, How We Are. Ask me how it can be yours (becase it's not in the catalog section as of yet...)
12.12.06
News on the Achilles front: The Rochester rockers have set the title of their new record as "Hospice". They will begin recording the first week of January at Skylight Studios (The Minor Times, Zolof, Passion, etc) outside of Philly with engineer Vince Ratti. The record will consist of between 10 and 12 songs and ought to be out in the Spring. Stay tuned for more details!
11.3.06
I have a limited quantity of the Ed Gein, "It's a Shame + demo" 12"s that came out on Shock Value Records just recently. So go to the catalog and order it!
10.29.06
Hey all, for those interested the vinyl of Ed Gein's "It's a Shame + demo" has been repressed in a really fucking awesome package, care of the fine folks at Shock Value Records. I should have some here for sale within another week or two and I'll get it set up so you can order them from this site... just as soon as I get them.
In other vinyl news, the long-awaited vinyl for No Idols, "Low (Swing the Pyramid Hands)" is finally coming to fruition! Everything was sent of to the presses a couple days ago so it ought to be all finished and back in a few weeks. This one is being pressed by the eternally rad Teenage Disco Bloodbath Records out of Boston. Again, I'll have some for sale here and they will all be on crazy colored vinyl.
In other No Idols news we'll be going into the studio in a few weeks to record 5 new songs. They're fucking raging, that's all I can say... tuned lower and played faster. Once it is finished there will no doubt be a track or two to check out on their MySpace page. Also, expect them to be playing out again really soon.
Finally, new reviews are up! Find out what's hot and what's not... or what's good and what's crap in my ultra-humble opinion. The new goods from Mandate Of Heaven, We the People, How We Are, Versoma, Graf Orlock, The Assailant, The Evens, Bloodlined Caligraphy, Cretin, Passion, Scream! Hello, and the Bad Brains DVD, and a bunch of other stuff undergo microscopic inspection to reveal fascinating useless factoids! Get amazed!
9.18.06
There are a couple new items in the catalog to check out. The first is for the aforementioned new issue of Return (and also the last). This sucker is still 1/4 sized, but it's a whopping 140 pages of travel adventure. All hand-made, stamped and contructed covers... it's pretty snappy. I'm selling them as cheap as I can (with the postage included). So there's that.
Also new in the catalog is the last recording by my old band The Funeral. A number of people have asked about this as it was a limited pressing sold at our last show and not too much since then. Well, I figure now is as good a time as any to sell it here again because, one, I made some more. And two, The Funeral will be playing a one-time only reunion for shits and giggles at the annual Syracuse Halloween Bash, being held on Sunday, October 29th at the Westcott Community Center with friends Black Sheep Squadron, Achilles, I Object, and maybe the Geiners (we'll see about that one though).
Anyways, if you never heard and you want a piece of Syracuse history, as well as a massive dose of crazy hardcore please check this out.
9.10.06
Hey all! I've been pretty busy with a bunch of stuff, but not so much on the label end.
So here's some quick updates on things.
First off, as many have probably already known, Engineer is now on Black Market Activities. We've known for quite awhile, but the 'official' announcement was just made. Here's the official statement:
"Black Market Activities has officially signed Syracuse outfit, Engineer. The group has previously released material with Hex Records and Four Leaf Recordings. This winter Engineer will enter More Sound Studios with producer Jocko Randall (Ed Gein) to record a new full-length, tentatively slated for a spring 2007 release."
Good for them! Best of luck too and all that.
No Idols has finally found a new second guitarist and have been writing a bunch of new material. The new stuff is tuned lower and sounds quite a bit more menacing. They will be recording a new ep in November... any interested parties that are looking to release this are more than welcome to check it out. Hex may or may not release the ep... I guess we'll see what seems best for everyone! Expect them to resume playing shows again in the near future.
Because of this though (teaching the new guy stuff), as well as Engineer laying low to write their next full-length the proposed tour with both bands ( as well as Ed Gein, who are on a different tour) will not be happening.
Achilles are also writing a new full-length, definitely coming out on Hex next Spring. They'll be playing around here and there and are definitely confirmed to play the Syracuse Halloween Bash this year on Sunday, October 29th. It should be monumental.
In other news, I've finished another issue of Return. It's incredibly longer than the last one and has taken me the bulk of the Summer to write and lay out. Unlike the last issue (which can be viewed in it's entirity in the 'zine' section of this site) I will not be adding it to the site because it's 140 pages long and I don't want to torture Eric, the kind web guy, into committing his life towards putting that up. Therefore, if you like travel adventure zines you can send me a couple bucks and I'll gladly send an issue out to you. I'll probably put an order thing up here for it soon.
New reviews ought to be up very soon as well.
I think that's it for right now. More news to follow soon. We the People rules.
8.22.06
Hey all, just a notice that the Inkling, "Miscommunication" cdep is now sold out! Whoh, it only took like 5 years! But fear not, if you are still interested in picking up this gem the fine folks at Lumberjack/Mordam and Interpunk both have a small quantity left.
And if you're the desperate vinyl collector type there are still plenty of copies of the 7" version of this ep. It's only two songs from the ep, but I tend to think they are the best ones. So if you want it go to the catalog section and check it out.
Additionally, No Idols is still in the process of finding a new second guitarist. If you got the stones, are looking to tour, and rock a mean riff get in touch via the Hex address (hanginghex@hotmail.com). We are somewhat of gearheads too, so preferences are on tubed equipment (no solid state stuff if possible) and/or vintage cabs/heads. Thanks.
7.21.06
Hey all, Achilles just returned from their first European journey and it went great. They made new friends and turned a lot of heads over there. Good for them! Now that they are home they're going to finish up the writing for their next full length, which ought to surface on Hex Records tentatively around the Spring time of 2007. That leaves you all plenty of time to pick up "The Dark Horse" if you don't already have it! I think the guys brought back some vinyl copies of "The Dark Horse" (which appears as a split 12" with Europe's 7 Bowls Of Wrath) that came out on Bloom-Explode Records.
Speaking of vinyl, plans continue for the vinyl release of No Idols, "Low...", which will be handled by TBD Records in Boston. They rule. The tentative release date for that is in October. Around the same time "Repraoch", by Engineer ought to be out on vinyl as well. I ought to have copies of all three to sell, but don't ask me when. I'll let you know.
There are also a bunch of new reviews up... about 31 to be exact. New Outbreak, Attitude, The 101, Thoughts Of ionesco, Robots and Empire, Pressure, Skinless, Envy, Quills, The First Step, Zao, and a couple of books too! Go check 'em out.
6.23.06
Here's some news for ya... No Idols are embarking on a weekend, um, today with good friends We the People and Bad Cops. It's NYC today and Boston on Sunday... maybe something in-between will pop up too.
-The Helm's full-length, "Grim Harvest" will be out in September via Indecision Records. It slays. For now satiate your need for crust at their myspace page (myspace.com/thexhelm) where they have a new song up.
-This fall Ed Gein, Engineer, and No Idols will all be on tour together as quite possibly the most dangerous group of touring bands... ever. It will be a monumental tour indeed. No dates are set in stone yet, but it looks to be about the majority of October tentatively. The territory to be covered is also tentative, but we figure it will be most of the U.S.
-I'm currently finishing up the writing for Return #2. It will be about my West Coast travels after No Idols tour from February-April of this year. It will probably be the only other issue of this zine I do and if anyone wants a copy once it's done let me know. They'll once again be hand-written and hand-assembled. For now, go to the zine section and read the first issue in it's entirety.
-Achilles will probably be in Europe once you read this. Wish 'em luck. If you're in Europe you'd better go see them. Once they get home they'll be playing some weekends and get down to the writing of their next full-length. The new songs they have thus far are nothing short of awesome.
-Engineer will be doing weekends throughout the Summer, so go to their page (www.engineermusic.com) for all the latest updates. There will also be a pretty big announcement about them pretty soon that is really good news for them... check back about that.
-Finally, a repress of Ed Gein's "It's a Shame..." is once again available. Nothing different or new with it. But some people have been having trouble finding it. Well, fear not, it is available once again.
-And two more things real quick: buy some records on the ordering page and listen to Giants Chair right now.
6.6.06
Ahhhhhh! All hail the dark something or other on this darkest of dark days... oh, wait... it's really nice outside. Cooped up at a computer for too long I guess, I need to ride a bike.
Disregard that and check this out- new reviews are up. So check out a whopping 41 reviews I've compiled this time from the likes of Year Future, Black SS, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, The Wayward, Defcon 4, Tides, You Idiot zine, some new Microcosm stuff, Polar Bear Club, My Way, Black Mast, Saviours, Verse, Balboa, Rainer Maria, and lots more... I need to slow down.
ALSO, before you check those out go immediately to www.atbothendsmagazine.com and order the brand-spanking new issue. Not only is it one of the best print zines still going in hardcore, but this new issue is full of Hex-related stuff like yours truly making a sick mix tape, great reviews of the new No Idols and Engineer discs, tour necessities featuring Engineer and No Idols dudes (as well as some other noteable bro's with funny answers), and also cool interviews with Playing Enemy, Killing the Dream, a Champion retrospective, Undying, and more. You can't go wrong.
5.25.06
Check out the tours section because The Helm are finally getting off their asses, out of their dead end jobs, and going on a West Coast tour... granted, it's only for a week and a half, but that doesn't matter. They are bringing you the heavy, the least you can do is show up and go deaf.
Also, keep checking in because it looks like I'm going to have a pretty sweet announcement soon about releasing the next record for a pretty sweet band. No guarantees, but it looks pretty likely.
5.17.06
The Cursed 7" is now sold out of it's one-time pressing. Well, that's not entirely true. If you still want it Lumberjack has a handful of copies left. But over here at the Hexquarters we are fresh out. So don't order it anymore!
Additionally, for those still seeking the Ed Gein, "It's a Shame..." cdep, and have been having trouble finding it that is also sold out for the moment. But there will be repress in the next month, so it will be back in stores, in stock, and on the road with the Geiners. So hang tight.
Unsane rules FYI....
5.10.06
The Helm are playing a couple of awesome shows this weekend, so if you live in the Northwest you have no reason not to catch these gigs with the one and only Victims. Check the shows page for more info.
They also finished up their debut full-length for Indecision Records this week, so expect that out in a few months. Rome Plow Records will be handling the vinyl.
5.6.06
So the folks at PETA 2 are doing a No Idols cd giveaway! Yes, this is true. It seems a little weird to me as well, but hey, it seems like a fun idea. If you check out the blog under the heading, 'maybe I can turn enough heads to make a difference' at myspace.com/peta2 and give your reasons why you should get a free No Idols cd they will pick the best three.
I just saw this today and so far there are some pretty interesting responses to say the least... so get over there and top it!
5.01.06
More reviews have been put up! There's a shitload of them this time... Big Business, The Spirit That Guides Us, Iron Age, Oxbow, Path Of Resistance, Haram, Racebannon, Champion, some zines and stuff too!
4.20.06
Oh shit, pack the bong! Or, in my case, don't! In all seriousness, I have some new show dates to announce. At the end of the month No Idols will be doing a short run with their bestest buddies in Burial Year, so go check these shows out if you live nearby. Also, I have the tentative routing for Achilles Summer European tour (the first Hex band to make it overseas! Woo-hoo!). Additionally, a few new dates for Engineer too. So go to the tours section to see these.
4.16.06
So after all the travelling I did over the Winter I thought it would be cool to document it somehow. And seeing how I now don't have a job and a lot of free time I made a little zine about my adventures. It's a hand-made, hand-written affair I call Return. It's quarter-size with a stenciled cover and I made about 50 of them and gave them away. The first installment is about the No Idols tour. Since I didn't make that many it's now up on the site in it's entirety, as it appears in print (or photocopied), for you to check out at your leisure. Enjoy!
Also, in other news, if you like metal mags check out Achilles interviewed in the new Terrorizer this month, as well as Engineer getting interviewed in the latest Decibel. Thanks to both those mags for having good taste in music! Additionally, look for some Hex-related write-up's in the next issue of At Both Ends (an awesome Vancouver-based zine), which should be out within another month.
Finally, some sweet tour news should be emerging in the coming weeks, so keep your ear to the ground and your eyes on this site.
"Path Of Resistance, straightedge justice!"... get psyched.
4.1.06
Hex Records is on MySpace now! This is no April Fool's joke either. But if you're curious, and you want to be friendly, and want to hear some music and what-not, than check out
http://www.myspace.com/hanginghex
That is all.
3.28.06
Wasting no time getting down to business, the first new batch of reviews are up. Expect another batch much sooner than a month, as well as a pretty kick-ass account of my travels. New reviews of Black Sheep Squadron, Cearo, Magrudergrind, Ultra Dolphins, Draw Blood, Pink Razors, Ironbound NYC, Rise and Fall, Goblin Cock, No Roses, and more! With pictures now too! Woo hoo!
3.23.06
Hello! I'm back from my West Coast excursion and it's still Winter in Central NY to my dismay. But it's good to be back regardless. There are a few orders that came in while I was away that I wasn't able to get to, but they have all been sent out this morning so you ought to be receiving them in a few days. Sorry for the wait.
Regardless, there is a lot of stuff in the works (I can't get away from things totally even while I'm away!) that I will post up here pretty soon. Additionally, I'll probably put up some big article/pictures and so forth about tour and vacation/trip stuff to in the next week or so, so keep looking for that.
And, finally, feel free to order stuff as it will definitely go out right away now that I am unemployed, home, and have a lot of free time... sweet.
1.31.06
Well, I'm back from the No Idols tour. We had a lot of fun, played a lot of places, made some new friends, and drove way, way too many miles. Thanks to all the awesome people and bands who helped us out along the way.
We'll be back on the road at the end of April for a brief tour with Burial year, and a few dates with Achilles before we gear up for a summer excursion which I'lll get the details out when it gets confirmed.
In other news, "Reproach" is out! All pre-orders for Engineer's debut full -length have been sent and the reports are already coming back that it is nothing short of awesome. The dudes have just set out on their first tour in support of the record so check them out if they are coming near you (go to www.engineermusic.com for exact dates).
Also, check the newest issue of Decibel when it hits stands (it has the guy from In Flames on the cover) where you will not only find great reviews of Achilles "The Dark Horse" and Engineer's "Reproach", but a nice article on the Achilles fellas. Thanks Decibel!
People have been asking about the vinyl for "Judas Goats and Diseleaters", by Ed Gein. All I can say is, 'I don't know'. Sometime before the end of the year. Still waiting on artwork corrections. But the day things start to coalesce you'd better believe there will be info up here about it.
One last thing- this will probably be the last update for a couple months. I'm taking off for the West Coast until the end of March with my wonderful lady accompanying me (by the way, if you received a package from Hex in the last month you have her to thank as she dilligently processed all the mailorder while I was on tour... she's a keeper alright). So while I'm gone feel free to continue ordering stuff as I have other folks present to help out with things, or for speedy, reliable service right away go over to www.lumberjack-online.com and order records from them, as they always have Hex stuff in stock.
Once Spring kicks in expect some news about future records and releases as some ideas have been kicking around in the old duders head.
And if you live on te West Coast and want to hang out drop a line.
Go listen to Bullets In... they rule.
12.16.05
Alright, new reviews are up. These will probably be the last batch I put up for the next 3 months or since I will be out of town, on tour, travelling and so forth to escape the wretched Syracuse, NY weather. And while out of town I can't really review records. Maybe that makes you wonder as well, 'how's he gonna send us our orders that we pay for?!' Don't worry, I have assistants to take care of that stuff while I'm gone... it might just take a few days longer than usual.
Anyways, look for my opinions on Kayo Dot, Coliseum/Doomriders, Fall River, Harbor, Milemarker, How We Are, Bitter Tongues, Ruiner, Unearth, and many more.
12.14.05
As the year draws to an end it's about frickin' time I put up the pre-order stuff for the No Idols and Engineer cd's. 'Where's the Ed Gein vinyl' you say? I say 'held up in artwork limbo'. It will be out when it's out. So in the meantime, for the love of all that's good and wholesome get these cd's now! They ought to be ripe for sending out right around X-Mas.
Also, tentative dates are up for Engineer's Winter tour. Check 'em out, then go check the band out.
A new and finalized schedule for the No Idols Winter tour ought to be up shortly.
Kill for Satan. Or just make some random threats to passerbyers on the street... it's almost the same thing.
11.28.05
I hope everyone had a good tofurky day... and if you were eating real turkey may you forever rot in hell. Just kidding... OK, only sort of kidding.
Regardless, The Helm 7" is OUT! Pre-orders were sent out last week, so for all you awesome folks who bought one expect great things in your mailbox in the next couple of days.
Lumberjack will have these gems for sale on their site in the next few weeks. But in the meantime you can get them directly from Hex Records, as well as the band, if you live the Seattle/Northwest area. It came out pretty damn nice I must say.
Now here's the lowdown on all the other projects:
The Ed Gein vinyl is... fuck, I don't know what stage it's at. The art has been held up forever, so that's what's keeping this one from getting out to you. But they are on tour for the rest of the year so see them in your town.
The No Idols record is in the bag. Recording went great, the songs are heavy, booking for the January tour is slowly but surely being realized (please check the dates and help if you can!), and the record ought to be out in time. It will be sent off to the press this week.
The Engineer full-length is in a final mix down and ought to be in my grubby hands this week. This one also ought to be off to the press this week and out on schedule. They're going to get down to some serious touring after January, so be on the lookout. Until then it's all weekends for these guys. Finally, there will most likely be a Syracuse New Year's sorta-Eve type show happening on Dec. 30th as a record release show for No Idols and Engineer (as we ought to have the records back by then), as well as a No Idols tour send off. I'll put up more information as it rolls in.
11.13.05
Hey everyone, The Helm 7" is now up for pre-order. Get it before it's officially 'on the street' (which really doesn't make sense because I'd rather see it on record players than on the pavement). A kick-ass package, 6 songs of utterly dirty, ugly, and furious hardcore crust on a slab of vinyl. There's plenty of fun colors as well so order now (in the catalog section) and get yours right away!
Additionally, some updates... the Ed Gein vinyl for 'Judas Goats and Dieseleaters' is being held up because of artwork. I want this out probably more than you do, but I have no clue when it will be finished. The test presses sound great, I'll tell ya that much. So I'm holding back on putting this out for pre-order at the moment because of that.
The Engineer full-length is going through one final mix-down and then being sent to the presses. January 10th is the release date.
No Idols begin recording their full length in a couple weeks. The national tour is coming along smoothly, but there are a bunch of dates still open, so check the dates further down if you can and want to help out! "Low" will be released on January 10th.
Also up are a ton of new reviews from the likes of With Honor, Between the Buried and Me, Ed Gein, Cave-In, Celebrity Murders, Sybris, Lords, Hella, Marigold, Most Precious Blood, Turmoil, With Resistance, Terror, and more.
Man, so much news, so little time!
That is all.
10.21.05
No Idols is starting to set up their Winter tour for January '06. Here are the tentative dates. If anyone out there can help out with any of these dates get in touch! Contact hanginghex@hotmail.com
In related news, we are going into Moresound Studio here in Syracuse from Nov. 18-20, and a couple more dates a week afterwards to record our debut full-length. Look fir it to be out in time for tour.
Here are those dates:
Mon., 1.2.06- Philly
Tues., 1.3.06- Jersey
Wed., 1.4.06- Baltimore
Thurs., 1.5.06- DC
Fri., 1.6.06- Richmond, VA
Sat. 1.7.06- Atlanta
Sun. 1.8.06- FL
Mon. 1.9.06- Austin, TX
Tues. 1.10.06- Albuquerque, NM
Wed. 1.11.06- Phoenix, AZ
Thurs. 1.12.06- LA
Fri. 1.13.06- San Francisco
Sat. 1.14.06- Portland
Sun. 1.15.06- Seattle
Mon. 1.16.06- Olympia
Tues., 1.17.06- Reno, NV
Wed., 1.18.06- Sacramento, CA
Thurs., 1.19.06- Anaheim, CA
Fri., 1.20.06- San Diego
Sat., 1.21.06- Houston, TX
Sun., 1.22.06- Texas?
Mon., 1.23.06- St. Louis
Tues., 1.24.06- Indianapolis?
Wed., 1.25.06- Louisville
Thurs., 1.26.06- Cincinnati
Fri., 1.27.06- Columbus, OH
Sat., 1.28.06- Rochester, NY
Sun. 1.29.06- Syracuse
10.17.05
The Engineer recording is in the bag and is going through the final mastering process. Man, it's fucking killer. Hope and prey that whatever town you live in isn't leveled from the sheer force of this thing when it comes out. January 10th is the date. Mark your calendars.
Also, No Idols will be recording their debut full-length in mid-November at local fortress of sound manipulation, Moresound Studio, with our constant bro Jocko at the commands. Again, January 10th is the release date. Mark it dude.
Speaking of both these bands, check the tours page for some new show dates.
Expect some new MP3 action soon from The Helm, Ed Gein, Engineer, and, eventually, No Idols too.
Are we not men? We are Devo.
9.20.05
Alright, as promised, a ton of new reviews are up for you all to check out. Go to the zine section, and from there a link for reviews is available. Check out the latest books, DVDs, vinyl, and cd's from the likes of Drowningman, Khanate, Playing Enemy, Dead Hearts, Black Cross, Some Girls, Breather Resist, DEVO, DIY Guide, Doris, Municipal Waste, Burn To Shine, Ion Dissonance, The Ringers, and tons more. You'll thank me (or hate me) later.
9.19.05
Wow, it's been awhile since there has been anything added to this site. But I have been in the midst of moving and now the new Hexquarters is up and running. And I must say, it's a pretty sweet set-up. If you ever want to drop by just drop a line and I'll give you the nickel tour!
On the news front here's the latest- Engineer have set the title to the full-length. It will be called "Reproach" and is expected to be on the streets January 10, 2006. They leave for Louisville a week from today to record it.
The vinyl version of "Judas Goats and Dieseleaters", the new Ed Gein full length, is at the pressing plant as we speak. November will be the month of the Gein as it is unleashed upon the public.
No Idols are looking to book a US tour for January as well. The tentative plan is to go South down the coast, across the South and Southwest, up the West Coast, back down it, across again, and up North. This is pretty much because we want to avoid the misery of Winter as much as possible and go where it's warm(er). If you are interested in having us in your town contact hanginghex@hotmail.com A tentative itinerary will be posted up soon.
Expect a slew of new reviews up sometime within the next week as well. In the meantime go to the tours section and see who's playing where, when, soon.
Read "Building Stuff and Doing Things: A DIY Guide To Just About Everything" from Microcosm Publishing. Probably one of the most useful books ever. Over and out.
8.23.05
I just wanted to let everyone in on the fact that Hexquarters central is moving. Yes, I'm moving up in the world, just like the Jeffersons (minus Wheezie). From apartment life to house life (still renting though) in a swank neighborhood the label is hardly paying the bills... it's more of a lateral move if anything.
Regardless, if you happen to be ordering anything, online or snail mail, it might be a little more of a wait than usual as I'm quite busy bringing boxes up and down stairs for the next few days.
There is no address change as all of you accustomed to the Maple Ln., N. Syracuse location can keep sending mail there forever pretty much. But if anyone had the shipping address of Mooney Ave., now is the time to change it. Get in touch with me if you want or need the new shipping address. That's all for now.
I saw 108 and Turmoil over the weekend and you didn't. And you know what... they both were fucking unbelievable.
8.9.05
Once again there are new reviews up in the zine/reviews section. I know in terms of the zine stuff there really isn't too much going on there, and hasn't been for some time. But that will change soon with new content coming in the near future. Keep your peers peeled and your mouse a clickin' (that was just awful).
In the meantime, check out over 30 new reviews of cd's, records, zines, and DVD's from the likes of Modern Life Is War, Mandate Of Heaven, Anodyne, Go It Alone, Cipher, Black Army Jacket, and Animosity, just to name a few.
8.5.05
Alright, so I'm not releasing the CD version (leave that to the pros over at Black Market Activities), but the vinyl version of the just-recorded-and-sick-as-fuck full-length from Ed Gein will be pressed by Hex Records and it will be awesome. Titled, "Judas Goats and Dieseleaters" expect nothing short of complete brutality. Expect this to drop in November. The vinyl will have some alternate artwork courtesy of man-of-the-hour Paul Romano serving up some nice visuals and, of course, fancy-ass vinyl to boot. While you're waiting check out Ed Gein on the road playing a bunch of the new material alongside tour partners Curl Up and Die (Revelation) and Animosity (BMA). Tour dates are in the tour section. Also, new show dates posted for Achilles and No Idols (who, by the way, are now MySpace scum. Add them at www.myspace.com/noidols). Check 'em out.
In non-music news, it's a very sad time for women of the world... after years of opportunity it's my duty to report that Achilles guitarist Rob Antonucci has finally tied the knot. Sorry ladies. Our man is getting hitched on Saturday, August 6th to his lovely fiancée Mandi Heaviside. Congratulations buddy and may you produce artistically-inclined, KISS-lovin' offspring in the near future. Expect pictures soon. The Achilles boys will be taking most of the rest of the summer off so these two can revel in marital bliss. In the meantime, go listen to the Mandate Of Heaven... best frickin' band no one's heard of (www.neon-witch.com)
8.9.05
Once again there are new reviews up in the zine/reviews section. I know in terms of the zine stuff there really isn't too much going on there, and hasn't been for some time. But that will change soon with new content coming in the near future. Keep your peers peeled and your mouse a clickin' (that was just awful).
In the meantime, check out over 30 new reviews of cd's, records, zines, and DVD's from the likes of Modern Life Is War, Mandate Of Heaven, Anodyne, Go It Alone, Cipher, Black Army Jacket, and Animosity, just to name a few.
8.5.05
Alright, so I'm not releasing the CD version (leave that to the pros over at Black Market Activities), but the vinyl version of the just-recorded-and-sick-as-fuck full-length from Ed Gein will be pressed by Hex Records and it will be awesome. Titled, "Judas Goats and Dieseleaters" expect nothing short of complete brutality. Expect this to drop in November. The vinyl will have some alternate artwork courtesy of man-of-the-hour Paul Romano serving up some nice visuals and, of course, fancy-ass vinyl to boot. While you're waiting check out Ed Gein on the road playing a bunch of the new material alongside tour partners Curl Up and Die (Revelation) and Animosity (BMA). Tour dates are in the tour section. Also, new show dates posted for Achilles and No Idols (who, by the way, are now MySpace scum. Add them at www.myspace.com/noidols). Check 'em out.
In non-music news, it's a very sad time for women of the world... after years of opportunity it's my duty to report that Achilles guitarist Rob Antonucci has finally tied the knot. Sorry ladies. Our man is getting hitched on Saturday, August 6th to his lovely fiancée Mandi Heaviside. Congratulations buddy and may you produce artistically-inclined, KISS-lovin' offspring in the near future. Expect pictures soon. The Achilles boys will be taking most of the rest of the summer off so these two can revel in marital bliss. In the meantime, go listen to the Mandate Of Heaven... best frickin' band no one's heard of (www.neon-witch.com).
7.19.05
A whole crapload of news here for you folks that I am very excited about! First, there are two new bands added to the Hex Records roster!
The Helm hail from Seattle and in their short time as a band have managed to turn that town's collective head in a 'what the fuck was that ungodly noise?!' sort of shock, not unlike a car accident through your living room wall, or a plane crash-landing in the middle of a downtown intersection at rush hour. Comprised of ex-members of the legendary Undertow (one of my all-time favorite hardcore bands!), Champion, Left With Nothing, and some guy from Syracuse they will unleash their debut 7-song 7" (their demo, plus new tracks) before recording a full length with CA mainstay Indecision Records. For fans of Cursed, His Hero Is Gone, Tragedy, and the like. This should be out by the end of the year.
No Idols are a young (plus this old guy) band from Syracuse. Having already dropped a seven inch on Grave Mistake Records (www.gravemistakerecords.com) their sound has quickly evolved from an amalgamation of Black Cross- style raw power and Suicide File rock to something much bigger, louder, faster, and some other adjectives that lean towards the slightly experimental. Hopefully we'll do our full-length in the Fall and get it out by the new year because we intend to tour after the New Year all over the damn country. So be on the lookout!
As for the other projects coming your way before the end of the year (I really have no idea how I am going to manage all this, but somehow it always works out in the end) there are a couple updates:
Ed Gein are currently in Louisville with Chris Owens recording their debut full-length for Black Market Activities. Hex Records will be releasing the vinyl version of this soon-to-be milestone of heavy music. I've heard all these songs in the practice room and man, it's going to fuck you up. Expect a lot of development from this already efficient grind/hardcore unit. The tentative release date for this is Nov. 8th or the 22nd. You'll know more when I do.
Engineer will be headed down to (you guessed it) Louisville to record their debut full length on September 25- Oct. 1st. It's going to be massive. I've heard some rough demos and I can't wait! No title as of yet, but expect to be damaged like Henry Rollins punching a mirror with the visage of Coalesce lurking behind the glass. I have no idea what that means, but it can only amount to something brutal. This out to see the light of day by the end of the year as well.
So, holy shit, that's a lot of stuff to release! But we'll make it happen here one way or another. And I already have something lined up for next year which will make you soil your unionsuit... but I'll keep a lid on it for now. It will be good stuff.
7.6.05
The Ed Gein vinyl is now in! Our friends over at Shock Value Records have pressed up a 12" version of "It's a Shame...", along with the out-of-print 3-song ep (that you folks are always asking me about!) with brand-spanking new artwork. I have a limited number of these to distro so go to the catalog section and pick one up!
Also, there are a slew of new cd and DVD reviews up as well for you to heed my judgement call upon, damnit. Go check out the latest from Bane, Red Knife Lottery, Ruiner, This Is Why, The Last Season, Bear Vs Shark, Public Enemy, Sheer Terror, Darkest Hour, Gospels, Burial Year, Amateur Party, To Kill, and plenty more!
Finally, I caved in... I'll be going to Hellfest this year. How can I pass up Public Enemy and 108? Outspoken? Sick Of It All? Especially when yours truly will use a press pass and check the thing out free of charge. Haha. Expect rantings and blurbs.
7.4.05
Sorry to anyone who was looking forward to it, but Achilles had to cancel the remainder of their tour and come home as of yesterday due to a family emergency. They are sorry for anyone who was looking forward to seeing them, but they will make up the dates in the Fall.
6.20.05
Here are the final dates for the Achilles/ Engineer summer tour. Go see them in your town! Dates with * next to them indicate shows that Engineer are on.
*June 25th- Burlington, VT
*June 26th- Boston, MA
*June 27th- New York, NY
*June 28th- Brick, NJ
*June 29th- Baltimore, MD
*June 30th- Richmond, VA
*July 1st- Wilmington, NC
*July 2nd- HELP
*July 3rd- Louisville, KY
*July 4th- OFF
*July 5th- Lexington, KY
*July 6th- HELP
July 7th- Memphis, TN
July 8th- Little Rock, AK (?)
July 9th- St. Louis, MO
July 10th- Chicago, IL
July 11th- HELP
July 12th- HELP/ Cincinnati, OH (?)
July 13th- Kent, OH
July 14th- Rochester, NY
6.14.05
It's with great sadness that I report that good friend Shaun Luu lost his long battle with cancer late last week. He fought for over 2 years and had his up's and down's along the way. But his suffering has finally ended and he is free from pain. He never showed any signs of giving up and, quite literally, laughed in the face of death. He showed a determination and courage rarely seen, and made sure to live life to the fullest in the short time he had. Shaun was a long time supporter of my efforts and of the Syracuse scene in general between his involvement and music, and for that I thank him. My only regret is for those of you reading this who did not have the chance to share in this person's life for that is the true loss. May you rest in peace friend.
5.31.05
ACHILLES HAS RECORD RELEASE SHOW(S
ED GEIN BEGINS RECORDING NEW RECOR
ENGINEER HAS BENEFIT FOR... THEMSELVES
NEW REVIEWS UP
So Achilles celebrated the release of their full-length with two release shows- one in Rochester and one in Syracuse, and both with fellow full-length releaseers (is that a word?) Marathon. Both went over awesome and the band's had a blast. If you haven't checked it out already get "The Dark Horse" by ordering it from here or at Lumberjack (www.lumberjack-online.com).
Ed Gein began some preliminary tracking for their new full length. They headed down to Louisville to test out some material and recorded two new songs while there. So far things sound awesome. They're looking to officially lay things down in late summer and release the record in the Fall. Black Market Activities will be handling the cd, while Hex will be doing the vinyl.
The Engineer guys needed a new transmission. They didn't have much money. So what did they do? They held two benefit shows for themselves to raise some money to buy a new (used) one. The first was a house show where they battled Ed Gein back and forth, song for song, in a living room. This proved to be pretty awesome considering they fit about 50 people in there, with a room full of two bands equipment (which each band has lots of), and still played their asses off. Check the pictures for some proof.
Photos by Tim Hunt.
The second show was held the next day at a bowling alley where Engineer shared the bill with some local bands and then bowled. How much better does it get than that? Thanks to everyone who came out, had a fun time, and helped support and awesome band to keep doing what they do!
Finally, check some reviews out that just got posted. I use the written word to prop/trash some of the following: Converge, Lungfish, Kylesa, Bucket Full Of Teeth, Marathon, Medications, R.A.M.B.O., Lords, Coliseum, Takaru, Circa Survive, as well as some zines and videos as well!
5.9.05
"The Dark Horse" is now in! Pre-order it now in the ordering section because it won't be out on the streets until May 24th. That means you'll get it before a lot of other people... unless, of course, you've found it online or something, which I'm sure some smartass already did. But really, get this disc because it's fucking good.
And make sure you let the Achilles folks know how much you like the new record by checking out the record releases shows that they are sharing with our good friends Marathon, who are also celebrating their own record release (Reignition Records). Check them out here:
Saturday, May 28th, Rochester, NY: Achilles, Marathon, Engineer, more @ Monty's
Sunday, May 29th, Syracuse, NY: Achilles, Marathon, Dead Hearts, Burial Year @ Westcott Community Center
OK, now go order that cd you punks."
4.13.05
So remember when the Ed Gein, "It's a Shame..." ep and 3-song out of print ep were supposed to be pressed to 12" vinyl? Yeah, I know, it was a long time ago. But it is now out! Unfortunately, the Ed Gein guys are the only ones with copies. There has been some delays in getting the covers done, but they will be done soon. You can pre-order a copy through www.travestydistro.com. They have all the vinyl, but only a few of the covers at the moment. Ed Gein have about maybe 50 copies with covers in their possession, and I will soon have some as well. Keep checking in the next few weeks as they will be for sale on this site.
Also, Engineer and Achilles have a few shows coming up, most of them together.
They will be hitting Philadelphia together on Saturday, April 30th with Passion, Requiem, and Fall River (PS- if anyone going to this happens to be headed to DC afterwards get at me... I'm want to get down there if possible!) Then Sunday, May 1st they head to Harrisburg, PA.
At the end of May Achilles will also be playing 2 separate record release shows with our good friends in Marathon, who also have a new record (on Reignition, www.reignition.com) coming out the same day.
Here are the record release shows:
Saturday, May 28th in Rochester, NY: Achilles, Marathon, Engineer, and more
Sunday, May 29th in Syracuse, NY: Achilles, Marathon, Dead Hearts, Burial Year
So check them both out!
That is all for now.
Damnation AD will always be better than your band.
4.3.05
Hey folks, if you haven't seen "Sin City" yet you're a damn fool. By far the best movie adaptation of a comic ever made... and I know, I'm a Frank Miller nut!
Aside from that, go to the reviews section (ya know, under 'zine') and see the latest of what's hot and what's left to rot. Reviews on records from the likes of Haram, Todd, Scouts Honor, Mi Amore, Ruiner, Tansistor Transistor High On Fire, Cable, the Evans, Cable, French Toast, and more.
ALSO, if you are a drummer of fine quality drop the boys in Charge a line (www.chargeband.com). They're an excellent band and are looking to get someone behind the traps to fill the empty spot.
3.23.05
Back from some extended travelling I return bearing gifts! Go to the media section and at the top of the page you'll find a brand-spanking new Achilles song to listen to! It's called "Every Hour Wounds, The Last One Kills" It's the first track off of "The Dark Horse", hitting the street on May 24th. Damn, it's good. See them this Friday (3.25.05) with Hex labelmates Engineer at the Spring Break-Out Fest in Fulton, NY. There will be plenty of great bands there so go and tell them you want a pirated copy of the new full-length. You will, of course, be denied.
Richmond, VA... you rock.
3.3.05
Hi folks! The Achilles dudes will be on the road real soon for a variety of treacherous undertakings. First, this weekend, they head back to Louisville to put the finishing touches on "The Dark Horse" before it is sent to the presses and eventually consumed by the masses. Look for this monster to rear it's ugly head on May 24th. mark your calendars. Then, near the end of March they will head out on a small tour to promote the split between them and Engineer. Remember that? You better. It's fucking good. Look for dates in the tours section. They still need a little assistance so if you can help them out drop them a line at achillesband@yahoo.com
Finally, a little news on myself, and in particular, ordering. I will be out on tour next week with my band, No Idols. We will be gone from March 11-16. So if you order anything between then, or have any questions in dire need of answering it might be a little bit before I get to you. Just take note of that. And while we're at it, why don't you just go to our shows and see us! We'll be out with Ruiner and we both will do our best to kick you in the heiney. Here are the dates:
March 11th- Holbrook, NY @ Free Space w/ Celebrity Murders
March 12th- New Brunswick, NJ @ 120 Hamilton St.
March 13th- Virginia Beach, VA @ Shooter
March 14th- Richmond, VA ?... help?
March 15th- Fredericksburg, VA @ Attitudz w/ Iron Boots
March 16th- Lemoyne, PA @ some place w/ Marathon, Fire When Ready
Come see us.
Check out Todd (www.southern.com). They're good and noisey.
OK, bye.
2.16.05
Hey, the Achilles/Engineer split 2xcd officially came out yesterday. What are you waiting for? Get it! Also, yet more reviews have been posted under the 'zine' section. This time I took at stab at some 35 releases including Black SS, Big Business, The 101, Open Hand, Seemless, Roh Delikat, The Grey, Cursed, Slapshot, the Unholy, The Assault City comp. and a whole bunch of crap too! Take a gander for yourself!
2.10.05
Here is the cover art for the Achilles full length, "The Dark Horse". It's fucking sweet isn't it? The boys will go back to Louisville in March to finish up the recording and it will be out on May 24th. They will be touring in March for a bit to support the split between them and Engineer, and will go out again in June for the full length! Get the Big Business cd. It rules.
1.28.05
Just a couple more news bits on the distribution front- Europeans and especially those living in the UK, Shellshock should now have Hex titles in stock over there. So check in with those crazy cats on that side of the pond for all the latest stuff. Hell, maybe someday some Hex Records bands will make it over to Europe! Also, and this is weird for an old renaissance guy like myself, but you can get Hex titles through various download sites like iTunes. Through my distributor Lumberjack they have put these titles online for your 'don't-leave-home' consumption needs. So if you're they type who doesn't believe in pirating and doesn't like artwork to get in the way of good music than feel free to get these titles off of any of the well-known sites that sell you the songs tune by tune. Of course, I prefer to buy my records the old-fashioned way. But far be it from me to dictate how one goes about getting their music fix. Go and check it out for yourself. Look for the Minor Times in the new issue of Revolver sporting new threads of all their favorite nu-metal friends! Haha... it's adorable.
1.25.04
OK, so I got a few e-mails about 'where's the Engineer/Achilles split?' After all, it is up all over the place as coming out today. Well, the thing is, it IS out. Engineer had them with them for their cross-country tour, which they just got back from in one piece. And I have them, available for mailorder. And Lumberjack has them too. But Lumberjack can't start selling them until February 15th. So the 'street date' got pushed back a couple weeks due to some shipping deadlines being missed. Oops. But rest assured, it is out and around and if you can't wait one minute longer than please feel free to pick one up off of this site, or from the Engineer or Achilles dudes if you catch them on the street- please, shake them down for one too because it's funny to imagine Auclair being cornered in an alley by some skeevy punkers looking for a music fix- or see them at a show. In other news, a bunch of reviews were put up a couple weeks ago for the likes of Verse, Tantrum, Failure's Union, Hand Of Glory, and a couple DVD's too... hell, I can't remember that far back... just check them out. That's it for now. Kerosene 454 was one of the best bands ever.
12.28.04
With the onset of 2005 comes probably the near destruction of the world because the Achilles/Engineer split is now out. Go to the ordering section and snatch it up.... like, right now. Lumberjack will have it in a few weeks, and Engineer is currently driving across the country and shoving it down the masses throats. I mean, you heard about those tidal waves in Asia right? I heard the Achilles side was playing in the epicenter of the quake... now you tell me what caused all that damage.... In related news, Achilles is holed up in Louisville right now recording "The Dark Horse", their debut full-length for Hex Records. It will come out in May
12.12.04
The Achilles/Engineer split is at the press as we speak, things are coming along smoothly, the end of the world is near. This monsterous offering will be dropping after the New Year, and to prove how serious I am when I mention the power of this thing just see for yourself when Engineer tours the whole country from Christmas to the end of January in support of this sonic achievement. They will pair up with another incredible band from Syracuse- Another Breath (Rivalry Records- www.rivalryrecords.com) to show this country what our town is made of. Two very different bands, but both excellent examples of why I am happy to call this scene home, despite our horrid weather. Check the tours page to catch them in a town near you. Also after Christmas our boys in Achilles will be heading to the sunny town of Louisville, Kentucky to record their full-length, "The Dark Horse" with Chris Owen of the almighty Lords of Louisville and Evan Patterson (of Breather Resist and Black Cross) producing. Yes, I realize that their split is just coming out... what can I say, the guys are in a hurry. Look for that around May-ish. A whole slew of propaganda for the split will be encrouching upon this site very soon including MP3's, banners, and a little Quicktime dealy I like to call 'The End Of the World'... so keep checking. Squeeze is hot soup... and Karp rules everything around me.
11.18.04
This just in... Hex Records has another awesome distributor! While Lumberjack holds down the world at large for my releases, Shellshock will be taking the reigns for the UK. These kids have been at it for a long time and distribute other great labels on their lovely island. Starting with the Cursed 7" and picking up steam once the Achilles/Engineer split is out, Shellshock will have the goods you are looking for when overseas mailorder becomes a pain in the ass. So check them out if you haven't already- www.shellshock.co.uk
11.11.04
Alright, now that No Idols is back from our short tour with Takaru it's time to get back to business. We had a lot of fun with those bearded jokers and look to hook up with them again sometime in the future. As for Hex stuff the Cursed 7" is going fast! Lumberjack sold about 500 in the first week, so that obviously makes this guy happy. But seeing as it is a limited edition pressing I'd get yours quickly before they are all gone. Either get it direct from this site, or check Lumberjack. Also, I guess the word is out and around everywhere but this site, but let's make it official. Rochester's own Achilles are definitely part of Hex Records now. The split with Engineer has a street date of January 25, 2005 and their full-length, "The Dark Horse" will be out next summer. But the boys are hardly resting on their laurels (or, 'just a-chillin'... man, that's funny stuff) until that time. They are heading to Louisville to record the full-length right after X-Mas with Chris Owens of the almighty Lords and filling up most weekends for the foreseeable future with shows all over the place. Check their site www.achillesband.cjb.net for all the up-to-date shenanigans. So give them some love. Finally, I have a bunch of new reviews up so check them: Agnostic Front, Jesu, Medications, Ted Leo, Routineers, Suicide Note, Bars, Kreator, Hopesfall, Until the End, Shikari, and a bunch more. That's it for now. Bananas.
10.29.04
Happy early Halloween everyone. Just wanted to let everyone know that the repress of Ed Gein, "It's a Shame..." is here. So that means it will be back in stores and you will all be able to get your hands on it if you didn't get it from the band themselves as they make one trek after another across the nation. The cd is basically the same as the last pressing except instead of there being an insert an extra panel was added on to the digipack with the lyrics. It looks nicer, believe me. It sounds the same though. Also, if you order anything from me this week or next you might have to wait a bit. I'll be sending out any weekend orders I get on Monday, but for the whole week after that I'll be on tour with my band, No Idols, and we'll be with San Fran's own Takaru (www.takaru.com) so come see us if you are in the area. I'll be bringing the Hex Records catalog on the road as well. And if worse comes to worse, I'll be raising holy hell in the streets next week if the wrong man gets elected... can you dig it?
10.25.04
Hey all, the Ed Gein repress ships today so for all the stores and distros that have been waiting for it check with lumberjack as they ought to have it in a couple days. It's the same music but with some slightly different artwork. Either way, it's back in stock and just in time as the boys are on an incredibly long touring trek. See the tours page for more on that. In other news, the Cursed 7" is going fast! Thanks to all the folks who pre-ordered and all of you who continue to order up this awesome piece of wax. All the clear copies are out (though Cursed may have a few of their own left), but the other colors are still here for you collector nerds. Finally, the Engineer/Achilles split is almost ready to go to press. Engineer is just finishing up in the studio and all I have to say is that it sounds massive... heavier than anything they've done before. Prepare to be floored by this. The official drop date for this release is going to be January 26th. Mark your calenders. That is all. Coliseum rules, get their disc/lp.
10.7.04
The Cursed 7"s came in yesterday and a few orders went out today. The rest of the pre-orders will go out tomorrow and Saturday. From here on out it's just regular orders, but you will all still get colored vinyl as I have a bunch left. Most of the clear vinyl is already gone though. Lumberjack will be selling them starting October 26th so make sure to check in with them for your larger orders or whatever. They rock. So thank you everyone who pre-ordered records... I'm sure you'll greatly enjoy what you get. Also, most of you (like people in the US) will find some bonus goodies in your order because... well.. I think $5 is a lot to charge for a 7", even if shipping costs suck. So enjoy!
10.4.04
All right all you pre-order nerds... the Cursed 7" will be back to me on Thursday, 10.7.04. That means all you colored vinyl junkies will have your orders shipped on Friday! So next week look in the 'ol mailbox because there will be treats abound. You can obviously still pre-order until I get them... and continue to order afterwards. Thank you to everyone who has ordered thus far. I still will have plenty left, though I can't guraruntee the clear vinyl by week's end. But all the vinyl I have is colored vinyl, and if you catch Cursed on the road (of which they'll be doing a couple weeks in Canada with Darkest Hour) starting next week they'll have colored vinyl as well. The rest of the records are at Lumberjack so give them a holla to pick up this awesome pice of wax. In other news, the Achilles/Engineer split is coming along nicely. The Achilles stuff has been recorded forever and Engineer are going in the lay waste to Indie Audio Studio on October 21st and 22nd to contribute their end of this split release. To see the cover artwork check out www.achillesband.cjb.net. Look for this release to be out right around New Years. Also, Ed Gein, "It's a Shame..." is at the press right now undergoing it's second pressing. There will be new artwork (no insert, instead an extra panel on the digipack), so check that out in a few weeks. I know a bunch of people have been asking for it so be patient! While the boys are on tour there will be a special tour pressing of the vinyl of this release, which also includes the out-of-print first ep, offered up by the fine folks at Travesty Distro. Be on the look out as this will be pretty rare. Finally, a bunch of new reviews have been posted in the reviews section (about 20 in all) from the likes of Building On Fire, Fear Before the March Of Flames, Outbreak, Codeseven, Malady, Before Today, Air Conditioning, Heaven Shall Burn, just to name a few. Most of them are bad... but ya know, I'm just doing my job. Word up. Go listen to Chisel, they rock(ed).
9.20.04
A ton of new reviews have been posted so read the jerkface opinions regarding the likes of these sorry peddlers of the 'punk rock' (note sarcasm): Dillinger Escape Plan, Breather Resist, A Day In Black and White, The Minor Times, Year Future, Drowningman, Daggers Rule, Old Man Gloom, the Melvins, Q And Not U, True If Destroyed, and plenty more....
9.14.04
OK, so start pre-ordering the Cursed seven inch... like now. I can finally give a good estimate of when it will ship and I think that will be around the first week of October. The vinyl gets pressed on 9.20.04 and the artwork is being printed as you read this. So go to the ordering section and do it up. Why are you still reading?
8.29.04
Check the tours section to see the insane amount of touring ed gein will be undertaking in the next 3 months or so. Yes, they will tour that whole time.
7.20.04
Ed gein have hit the road again and are in the midst of touring with Psyopus. Then, in september, they will tour with the mighty Anodyne. And there is plenty more to come after that. In the meantime, check the tour listings to see if they are coming to your town (they probably are). Look for some news on new releases and upcoming ones in the next couple of weeks. Good stuff ahead.
7.5.04
Hey kids, the Cursed 7" will be ready for pre-order in about 2 weeks. I want to make sure I know when I'm going to get them back from the press before I start telling people they can buy them. So keep an eye open. The new Minor Times cd, 'Making Enemies" can be streamed in it's entirity from their website- theminortimes.com I am seriously envious of Level Plane for putting this out because it simply crushes. See them jocking it everywhere this summer when they go on tour. There are a bunch of new reviews up, this time of DVD and vinyl releases...a little clash of the old and new in the technology realm. Check them out.
6.22.04
Howdy all... it's fucking late and I'm tired as hell. But I am privy to some great news and that is ENGINEER's summer tour with the mighty Achilles (ex- Building On Fire, Standfast, and Breaking Project). Check the tour page for all shows and go to as many of them as you can because both bands simply destroy!
6.16.04
New reviews posted by a guy who is short on words and high on attitude, introducing the Short Angry Pissed Off Guy Reviews. Reviewed this time: Misery Signals, Razor Crusade, the Good Fight, Sex maniacs, Another Breath, Coalesce, In Control, Artimus Pyle, Slumlords, Northside Kings, Sad State Of Affairs, and many more.
In other news, the Cursed 7" is done and the artwork is about done and the whole thing will be shipped off to the presses in about 2 weeks or less. Hot shit folks, get down.
6.3.04
Word from the Cursed camp... they are going into the studio this weekend to record the 7" for Hex Records! There will be a blazing new song and a Stooges cover. Get psyched. This monstrosity of sound (and most will concur, power) will be unleashed upon the public around the end of July or early August. Stay tuned for more details.
In other news, The Minor Times have finished recording their full-length debut "Making Enemies" for Level Plane Records. we're proud of the boys and wish them the best! They will tour the country with Anodyne in August and September. This just in.... Charge are awesome, get their record.
5.5.04
The Ed Gein ep, "It's a Shame.." will finally be put to wax this Summer, courtesy of Shock Value Records/Travesty Distro ww.shockvaluerecords, www.travestydistro.com). It will be a 12" onsisting of the "It's a Shame..." ep, and the out-of-print three song cd which a lot of you are always searching for. There will be new artwork and a limited pressing, some of which Hex Records will have on the site, and the Gein, of course, will be carrying around on the road with them. But Shock Value will be handling the vinyl duties, so check in with them and look for a tentative release in july. Also, for you kids who like the fast hardcore, Hex Records is now carrying the Coastal Flooding comp. 7" put out by our good friends over at Endwell Records. The comp contains new songs from Champion, Find Him and Kill Him, Miracle Mile, Allegience, Blue Monday, and Where Eagles Dare. E-mail for more info on this if'n you're interested. It's a nice piece of vinyl and it comes in blue. Check it. Until next time, listen to EPMD and post on the messege board or something... it's there to talk shit.
We will now be distributing for a limited time the National Acrobat discography, "TNA: The Complete Recordings" (Initial Records). This amazing discography covers everything the band ever recorded, including the Hex Records 7", and some unreleased material as well. TNA set the stage for the formation of Black Cross, Breather Resist, Lords, and Coliseum, to name a few. Their influential style was unprecedented, and their live show incredible. Check the catalog for more on this release.
4.7.04
A whole shitload of new reviews for ass records are now up. Invstigate, laugh, cry, throw rotton tomatoes.
3.29.04
Reviews added under zine section. These are reviews that do not appear in the zine, but I trashed a bunch of cd's anyway (not really).
3.16.04
We now have the Engineer ep, "Suffocation Of the Artisan" here for distro!4 Leaf recordings just dropped the ep, with their full-length to follow at the end of the year on Hex. This 10 minute, 5 song introduction to heaviness will be sure to blow heads clean off with their combination of bute hardcore strength, gutteral vocals, and Kiss It Goodbye-styled noise and approach. get it from the mailorder for $6. We'll put up something official soon enough. Also, unless you've been living under a rock, both Ed Gein and the Minor Times have solidified record deals! I couldn't be happier for them as the Gein are doing their full-length with Black market Activities and the Times are dropping theirs with Level Plane. Both bands will still be involved with Hex Records on one level or another and I wish them the best of luck! Right on.
3.15.04
Happy 315 Day for all you Syracuse nuts. Extra points if you have a Syracuse Pride tattoo.
2.10.04
Hey everyone, there is a new distro to be added to the ranks of the smart ones who carry Hex Records stuff. They're called radioEatRadio and are based out of Virginia. Check out their site (their new and growing so be patient) at www.radioeatradio.com They are currently carrying most Hex Records titles.
There is also some news on the Cursed seven inch. The boys will be touring the West Coast in March and do some shows in April, after which they will record the Hex Records 7". Right now I'm looking at a Summer release for this.
Update on the Gein: they have gotten most of their stuff back, minus some personal items, Aaron's bass guitar, one of his cabinets, and $2,000 in merch money. Everything else has been recovered at this point.
If you are in Syracuse on Friday, February 13th come to the Westcott Community Center (826 Euclid Ave.) at 9PM for a benefit show for the guys to help them out.