Philadelphia’s deep-rooted rock scene is outlined extra in angle than sound — and metallic hardcore punks Skullpresser (comprising members of Model Pussy, the Marvel Years, and different native bands) carry that torch ahead. Fashioned in 2022, the group — rounded out by Jared Birdeye (vocals), Colins “Bear” Regisford (bass), Michael Kennedy (drums), Sam Tropio (guitar), and Dan Zimmerman (guitar) — reside as much as their identify by penning quick, ripping, and, in the end, common songs about battle beneath capitalistic oppression and being failed by political leaders, all whereas sounding in contrast to every other band of their metropolis. That’s sharply mirrored on their newest EP, Positions of Energy (out Sept. 6 through Born Losers), which pushes their sound — and message — to even steeper heights. Its 5 songs are simply as scorching as you’d anticipate, that includes knowledgeable critiques of the U.S. two-party political system and soul-sucking 9-to-5s. “The goal of this document was to create our most unrelenting and punishing music so far, delivering a forceful message in regards to the struggles and oppression inflicted by the powers that be,” they are saying, inciting the necessity for extra resistance, free thought, and training.
Learn extra: 20 bands that formed hardcore’s evolution
Beneath, every member picked a few songs that influenced them whereas making their heavy new EP.
Converge – “No Heroes”
Converge at all times comes by way of with the completely chaotic, hammering riffs that really feel like I’m going 100 MPH right into a wall, however in some way maintaining construction and massive dynamic adjustments. —Dan Zimmerman
Chat Pile – “Why”
I really like this band. The vocals and lyrics are haunting and chilling at factors. Listening to them is like watching a horror film about actuality. I used to be listening to them a ton after we have been penning this EP. —Jared Birdeye
Depeche Mode – “In Your Room”
Depeche Mode channels darkness and depravity higher than nearly anybody. Additionally they discover melody inside the sweat and filth. This tune hits extraordinarily onerous when the bass kicks in. Premium automotive head-banging music. —Sam Tropio
Soul Glo – “GODBLESSYALLREALGOOD”
“These bitch-ass n*ggas don’t give a fuck” — what extra does one have to say when dwelling in a rustic stuffed with soulless capitalists who simply need you at your lowest and income? Soul Glo are really gems to the heavy music/Philly scene, and with songs like this, you consider your artwork and the impact it has on your self. —Colins “Bear” Regisford
Foxing – “Hell 99”
The tune has a rage and desperation that jogs my memory of what we have been going for on this EP. The lyric “Is that this all that there’s/Fuck fuck fuck” actually captures it. —Michael Kennedy
The Hope Conspiracy – “Deadtown Nothing”
A tune that at all times caught with me for its easy, head-banging vitality. Memorable lyrics that finish with an enormous halftime, hard-hitting finish. —Dan Zimmerman
Cursed – “The Void”
Cursed has been an affect on me musically and lyrically for nearly twenty years now. The lyrics in “The Void” inform a narrative that I believe touches on the identical themes as “Born to Please” and have at all times resonated with me. —Jared Birdeye
Turmoil – “The Self-discipline of Self Loathing”
My North Star. This tune and truthfully the album as a complete are one thing I constantly return to. It’s unrelentingly punishing and deserves extra recognition. —Sam Tropio
Younger Thug – “Homie” (feat. Meek Mill)
Should you hearken to this lovely piece of music and notice the timing of the bass and the horns: It’s a breakdown. Younger Thug enters the tune with a deep growl that leaves you shook, and the eerie organ keys sound just like the wildest steel guitar line. Yow will discover the heaviness in something. I’d say this is without doubt one of the heaviest rap songs ever. —Colins “Bear” Regisford
Impartial Milk Resort – “Holland, 1945”
The tune has all of it — lyrics in regards to the wastefulness and chaos of violence and the great thing about being alive. It’s not a hardcore tune, nevertheless it offers me the identical feeling. —Michael Kennedy
