HARDCORE SS

The plan was simple. We had a 3 days week end, and our local heroes, NEMESIS, had a show in Kagoshima, in the south of Kyushu. I've never been there, i had free time, a driver's license and i was dying to see some bands from south Kyushu. I could get a place in the van,but the fact i just released their debut 7" made me feel like i am a manager checking on my band ! ha ha !!

So here i was, 7:30 am, taking the highway bus for Fukuoka, where i had meet the band. Of course half of the band was late and instead of leaving at 9:00 am, we left at 11:00 am. What did expect, seriously ?

The driving was cool, and although we made stops every hours, we still had plenty of time, so we decided to stop in the drummer's parents house. His parents didn't see him for a year or two so they were very happy. They prepared some food for us, cold tea and welcomed us like kings. It was a very good moment. Then we hit the road again for Kagoshima. When we arrived it was very cloudy but it didn't stop me to have a walk in town. I kind of liked it. Made me think of cities like Hiroshima, or Kouchi (maybe because of the tramway). Anyway it was great to have some time like that alone. I didn't realise at first how close we were from the Sakurajima, the most active volcano in Japan. I didn't feel scared or anything, but i was amazed to see dust/ashes everywhere (even some special bags to throw away those ashes). People don't seem to live in fear, but i can't judge in one day. I'd like to go back for sure, but the more i think about it, the more this shit looks scary as hell !

However, back to the venue. I didn't know what to expect for this show. Some people showed up, were very friendly, even some friends from Kitakyushu came by train. And bands were cool. Lots of different stuffs. The first band was black metal to the bone ! That was nice to watch a little bit, but only a little bit.

CRUDIA, from Miyazaki, played next. I heard a lot about this band from my friends and always wanted to see them, always missed them. People were telling me they sound like 80's swedish raw punk...so i was really curious. Well, the show was good, but i mean really good. But maybe i was expecting too much, so i felt a little bit disapointed. Of course the 80's swedish punk influences were there, from DISARM, to ANTI CIMEX and of course CRUDE SS (where do you think their name come from ?). But they also have this noisy, fuzzy guitar sound, super agressive, which is cool, but it's a little bit like if ISTERISMO were making DISARM covers. Cool idea isn't it ? Yeah, but i was really expecting for something simple as fuck. Just pure raw punk. Don't get me wrong, that was really cool, and i definetly want to see them again, and hear more of them, on tape or anything. It was just a tiny let down...

CRUDIA VIDEO

There was another band playing after, kind of screaming emo hardcore. Not bad but not really my cup of tea. After that NEMESIS played. What can i say ? Love this band. I feel they are more and more confortable and confident on stage. Their WARHEAD/KURO influences punk hardcore is totally devastating and i am so happy to see that more and more people are into this band. Nothing to add, they are just awesome. Jesus Christ they're only 22 years old ! At their age i was far from listening/making such good music...

NEMESIS VIDEO

Last band was X-CLUSIVE. Heard about this band too, but didn't know at all. I was surprised by their sound, as i heard some crust de salon influences. Nothing raw fucking distortion aaaarrggghhhh shit here. Just modern punk hardcore, in the vein of EKKAIA, NO PARADE, etc...very good, but i started to walk like a rat in a cage with all the smoke. So i spent some time outside, re-discovering how to breathe.

Now NEMESIS should definetly hit the road for few days and kick people in the teeth. I will be glad to drive of course.

It is a good time to say that their debut 7" is out now. If you're into traditional japanese hardcore, heavily influenced by WARHEAD, NIGHTMARE, KURO, and some 80's UK crust influences too (EXTREME NOISE TERROR, etc) then you should love this band ! 4 songs of pure anger and energy. For Asia/Oceania, please contact FLOWER OF CARNAGE. For Europe contact RATBONE RECORDS and for the US contact SOLAR FUNERAL.