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Yup, 2019 is already here, but it’s time to take more dives back at some of the worthwhile records recommendations of 2018. We’ll be continuing our wrap-ups series throughout January, so stay tuned for a bunch of great recaps from our friendly artists, bands and labels! Today, we’re joined by Andrew Kline of LA hardcore legends STRIFE, WORLD BE FREE, BERTHOLD CITY and DIY label WAR Records, who gave us his top 5 albums and top 5 demos of the year. Check it out.

« ALBUMS »

Fiddlehead – Springtime and Blind

Springtime and Blind by Fiddlehead

Definitely my favorite record released this year. DC inspired hardcore from former members of Have Heart. I have had this record on repeat since it came out, and I can’t wait to hear what they do next.

Terror – Total Retaliation

Total Retaliation by Terror

Not much needs to be said about this one. Terror is probably the most consistent hardcore band of all time, and this record is one of the best from their entire recorded output.

Mindforce – Excalibur

﻿Excalibur by MINDFORCE

Classic NYHC inspired album with a heavy Leeway influence. This record has a lot of groove and melody as well as enough originality to ensure that Mindforce are not just another Leeway clone.

CULTURE ABUSE – Bay Dream

Bay Dream by CULTURE ABUSE

Fun, poppy, and dreamy post punk from everyone’s favorite party band. This record is the perfect soundtrack to summer.

Spiritual Cramp – Television

Television by SPIRITUAL CRAMP

I am a big fan of both of the EP’s, so I knew what to expect from this record. Fun Post-punk with a heavy dose of influence from The Clash, Talking Heads, and The English Beat.

« DEMOS »

Dominant Force – We Don’t Want The Last Laugh

WE DON’T WANT THE LAST LAUGH by DOMINANT FORCE

I was blown away when I discovered this demo. I didn’t (and still don’t) know much about this Florida band, but they play metal tinged classic NYHC that wouldn’t sound out of place on the “Age of Quarrel” demo.

Envision – Demo

PYC012: Demo by Envision

Another Florida band doing big things… A lot of the South Florida bands are heavily influenced by the 90’s sound, and this one is no different. I hear a heavy Abhinanda influence from the “Senseless” era, and that’s not a bad thing!

Time and Pressure – Demo 2018

Demo 2018 by Time & Pressure

Fast hardcore from St. Louis in the vein of Carry On and Count Me Out… I am looking forward to see where their next release takes them.

GO HERE to see IDIOTEQ’s full track by track feature for TIME AND PRESSURE!

Drain – 2018 Promo

Promo 2018 by DRAIN

Fun thrash influenced hardcore from Santa Cruz. Fans of Mindforce, Dead Heat, Take Offense, and Iron Reagan will not be disappointed.

Truth Cult – Truth Cult

Truth Cult ep by Truth Cult

Ian from Give/Protestor is back with another DC inspired band. Truth Cult is heavily influenced by Swiz, and is a bit more straight forward than Give. I am glad another band likes this exists since Give called it quits a few months back. I am excited to see what is next for these guys.

Top Hardcore Releases in 2018 by Andrew Kline (STRIFE, WAR Records, …)