A Plea For Purging has long set themselves apart with brutal riffs, piercing lyrics and a humorous onslaught of creative personalities that pour through their songs, videos and merch. If you missed the complete article with Andy Atkins please CLICK HERE to link back to the hurdcore.com interview with Plea lead vocalist as they prepare to release their latest full length album The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (July 2010) on Facedown Records. In addition to the aforementioned interview we offer an encore blitz with Andy.

One of your songs that personally means a lot to you and why?
Andy Atkins (vocals): Trembling Hands. I think it sums up what The Marriage of Heaven and Hell is trying to say.

If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is…
AA: One of those pop up canopies with our name on it, so kids would see it outside a venue or fest and know they could come there for some righteous hangouts.

Is there a current trend in the music scene that bugs you?
AA: Bands that are getting huge that sound like they have been a band a week.

Current trend in music/scene that has challenged you?
AA: There are a lot of bands writing some heavy techie riffs these days. Everyone is trying to be Meshuggah. This makes it harder to write original heavy riffs.

What are you currently reading? This interview, haha and “Ten Things I Hate about Christians.” What are you currently watching? Pawn Stars and Man Vs. Food. Top 5 songs in your personal ipod right now? I just opened up my itunes and clicked on 25 most played. The top four songs were Oceana’s new EP, The Clean Hands EP. The fifth song was Blink 182’s “Josie.”

Any crazy pre-performance rituals?
AA: Nah, not really. I don’t really do anything special. Might jump around and spazz out for a minute to get my heart rate going. That’s about it. I’m all natural. haha

Best memory that comes to mind from a show/tour?
AA: Most recent, We were playing Ichthus Festival a few days ago. The stage was huge with one of those like 10 foot barriers in between the stage and the crowd. I hate those. During our last song a kid jumps the barrier, gets by security, jumps on stage and starts singing along. I motion for more kids to come, so a group of about 10 kids jump the barrier, jump on stage, and jam with us, singing along. That was punk rock. Fight the man!

Worst memory that comes to mind from a show/tour?
AA: Another fest, Sonshine Festival last year we had the biggest mess up of our career. Tons of friends and industry types standing side stage. It was quite embarrassing.

A Plea For Purging’s latest album “The Marriage of Heaven and Hell” on Facedown Records available in stores and online July 6th, 2010. Singles “Eternal Female” and “Shiver” available now through the APFP Myspace and iTunes.

A Plea For Purging (Metal/Hardcore) from Nashville, Tennesse is: Andy Atkins – Vocals; Blake Martin – Guitar; Tyler Wilson – Guitar; John Wand – Bass; Aaron Eckermann – Drums.

First Edition – Hurdcore.com Comic (let us know what you think at our HC Facebook)

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook. Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor — sick people do. I have come to call sinners to turn from their sins, not to spend my time with those who think they are already good enough. Luke 5:31,32

If Ashylus were a musical triathalon, with each of the three tonal ranges being the legs of the extended race, then Ashylus would be a seamless bike through rumbling lows, run through mid range breaks and swim through swirling highs that pierce through each song. If fans dare to participate in live performances from these Tri Cities, Washington rockers, they may want to bring protective gear as no fan will be guaranteed to escape without a proper bruising. Their name which stands for Ambition | Strength | Heart | Youth | Love | Understanding | Sacrifice serves as a certain rallying cry that has set these young men well on their way to establishing themselves as a presence in the hardcore/metal circles throughout Washington and Oregon. Rapid fire drums are complimented by consistent screams and blazing guitars which test their metal with looping solos to craft an entertainingly core-blending orchestra of brutality. Ashylus offers scene shattering depth in both their musical creativity and their lyrical sincerity, working to build a fan base that shares their drive for enjoying the moment as well as challenging the flimsiness of many truth claims.

Your songs seem to be of a more somber nature with titles such as “Will We Ever See The Light of Day” or “Unattainable,” what do you strive to communicate through the tone and content of your songs?
Anthony Badziong (Vocals) Well, First off, The song “Will We Ever See The Light of Day” was written about how a lot of bands that work very hard to display a message in their songs get overlooked by people who don’t see the meaning behind the lyrics because they don’t understand the style of vocals, we just want all the bands to be seen for what they are worth. We play our hearts out whether there are 300 kids in the venue, or 5 kids, Ultimately, we just want to have a good time and hope the kids do as well.
“Unattainable” is about how people have their own beliefs on how the human race was originated, but there are really no facts set in stone. You can believe in Christianity, evolution, or any of the other theories, but the point is, we’ll probably never know the truth, so lets just live our lives and get along with what we have.

Your title track “Enslaved By False Belief” has a message thick with political phrase, “They say we need change but what we really need is an awakening…they are the power, we are the blind.” Is this song purely fueled by disgust with the current state of American politics or is there a deeper narrative influencing these lyrics?
AB That is correct, the song is definitely fueled by disgust with the current state of American politics. The government is controlling society like drones.

Do you think we as a society are blind because we want to be?
AB We believe that most people are blind because of denial, such as the older generation, they believe the lies that they are told. People don’t want to be blind, sometimes people just want to believe that they are in good hands… even if they know they’re not.

What do you believe people should do to begin to set things right (can the blind effectively fight back)?
AB Well, were just displaying what we believe, one person can’t make a difference, but if people work together to prove what they stand for, then they can definitely make change.

The hardcore/metal scene has become more than underground but less than mainstream, as a band and on a personal level how do you fight the constant pressure to compromise or blend in?
AB We are always open to constructive criticism. If someone says we should have more leads, or more breakdowns, we will consider what they are saying, but ultimately we will always play what we feel in our hearts. If we don’t make our music the way we love it, then it simply wouldn’t be Ashylus.

So the name is spelled Ashylus but is pronounced uh-shy-lus, what is the meaning behind your name?
AB Ambition | Strength | Heart | Youth | Love | Understanding | Sacrifice.

Having started out in 2007, what have been some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome as a band over the three years of your existence?
AB We found ourselves, as musicians. That was the first part, then we realized that our personal lives had to be sacrificed in order to actually be able to get our music out there, it’s a hard process but its what we love so we will continue playing music for a long time.

What has performing music taught you about life and music that you didn’t see as clearly before?
AB Honestly, we could answer this in 1000 words, but mainly we learned that in order to achieve your goals in life, you have to make sacrifices and really be motivated by the ones you play with in order to be successful. The attitude of the band just stays positive and we try not to loose track of what we’re trying to accomplish.

You are preparing for the Metal Vaccination Tour being presented by AAP and Monumental Booking with another band Return From Exile, will this be your first tour of this magnitude?
AB Actually this will be our first tour in general, we have played a ton of shows all over the north west, but we are very excited to play in other areas including California, Nevada and Arizona.

How did you get hooked up with all the parties involved with this show?
AB Will from AAP (AAP HC Interview) has known about us since before we played our first show. A few months ago we became a part of AAP management. William has helped us a lot by getting us our endorsements and tour booked. Monumental Booking has been booking shows in Spokane and our home in the Tri-Cities for a while now. Ryan Levey, The Owner of Monumental, offered his help by booking dates and coming along as the tour manager. We’re Stoked.

What are the best and worst features of being on the road?
AB The best, Playing music with your best friends all the time. The worst, Being away from home.

If you could see the end, when you look back on what you were able to accomplish as a bunch of dudes who loved playing music, success for Ashylus would be what…?
AB The continuous growth of our fan base.

Ashylus is: Anthony Badziong – Vocals; Bijan Davari – Guitar; Aaron McKinney – Guitar; Kevin Ubiadas – Bass; Andrew Badziong – Drums. Ashylus will be on a 2010 West Coast Summer Tour from July 18th through August 2nd. Debut EP “Enslaved By False Belief” now recording. Keep up to date with recording and tour information at the Ashylus Myspace Page

Partnering with local bands, artists, venues and promoters to support local music, hurdcore.com posts fresh band interviews every Sunday as well as additional content throughout the week. Covering local bands, concerts and venues from Seattle to Portland, Medford to Spokane, Eugene to Idaho and as well as the Midwest and California. Hurdcore.com supports local music ranging from hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, indie and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook To request album reviews, band bios, interviews or to discuss advertising opportunities email us – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

A few weeks back Kyle Benecke, former vocalist for now disbanded Nodes of Ranvier (Facedown & Victory Records), shared some insights into the breaking up of Nodes as well as his personal views on life and music (see full interview w/ Kyle HERE).

One of your songs that personally means a lot to you and why?
KB ‘Archegos’ is my favorite song on ‘Defined by Struggle’. I just love how that song came together, lyrically and musically. I really love the imagery of the lyrics. The song is about Christ being our rescuer. I borrowed the idea from a sermon I heard on Christ as the forerunner or ‘Archegos’ of our faith.

Current trend in music/scene that bugs you?
KB Personally, all the guys who look like girls, that bugs me. But it has nothing to do with their personality, most of those people are very nice and I have no problem with people expressing themselves in different ways. It just bugs me a little. Too much fashion ya know?

Current trend in music/scene that has challenged you (in a good way) or you think is a positive evolution?
KB Bands like For Today and Sleeping Giant being so outspoken for Christ has been a great blessing. Its good to see more bands proclaiming their faith.

What are you currently reading? Ashamed of the Gospel by John Macarthur. What are you currently watching? The Book of Eli!!!!!! So awesome!!! Did you have any crazy pre-performance rituals? Nope. Maybe a bowel movement, but that’s about it, haha. Best memory that comes to mind from a show? Sonshine Festival in MN was awesome. What was one of your worst memories from a show? I toured with a band called ‘Saved by Grace’ years ago. When we played in Rochester, NY, it was snowing like crazy, the show got canceled and there were people smoking crack in the basement. It was bad.

Nodes of Ranvier – “Defined By Struggle” is still available from Victory Records. Be sure to check out Kyle’s Youtube page which features interviews and live recordings with bands like For Today, Impending Doom, Legend, The Ghost Inside and MORE.

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

A Thousand Angry Panthers, the recently released EP from singer Bradley Hathaway, opens with a base melody of guitar and violin that have been pleasantly paired with the folk-setto simplicity of Bradley’s voice. Hathaway has long been known for his prowess as a lyricist, having showcased his talents as a poet while touring with some of the largest names in the indie rock and hardcore scenes across the country. His non-rhyming verse wrestles to unleash a story often trapped behind the dimensional constraints of even a common language, through which Bradley craftily communicates his complex and personal journey of conviction.

Panthers utilizes periods of tonal monotony consistent with vocal trends in the folk underground as this four song EP expresses an emotic range that toys with shades of serene acoustic elegance while building towards its anthematic yet tempered finale. Hathaway as vocalist may be an acquired taste, but for those who enjoy offbeat and earnest poetry, this album takes Hathaway’s signature vocal musings and casts them to a tailored indie-folk backdrop. For those who might be quick to dismiss a poet gone folk, you might take a moment to research the roster of talent that Bradley Hathaway has shared the stage with (mewithoutYou, Blindside, The Chariot, As Cities Burn – just to name a few) and give the album a listen in its digital entirety.

“A Thousand Angry Panthers” the self-released new EP from Bradley Hathaway is available now through iTunes. Keep posted on new projects and tours via Bradley’s Myspace or inquire about reviews and/or interviews through ktcpublicity@gmail.com

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

In a mosh pit there are no two people more annoying than angry dude who thinks mosh is an excuse to beat up on the little guys or “I-can-do-it-better-than-them-guy” who has a running commentary on how much better he can sing or play than every band from As I Lay Dying to Justin Beiber. Thankfully there is a welcome contrast to these pleasure sapping abberations, those dutiful fans in cities all around the world who are putting their skills to the test and transforming themselves from bystanders to performers. City of God is a five piece collaboration of aspiring musicians rising from within the local Portland, Oregon music scene to pursue their dreams of global hardcore dominance. Imagine the ecstasy of suiting up for a show to share the stage with a personal icon, on July 12, 2010 the fine gentlemen of City of God will get such a chance when they open at the Hawthorne Theatre for hardcore innovators and longtime scene favorites, Norma Jean. Take a moment to share with hurdcore.com as we take an exclusive and intimate few moments with COG bassist Josh via the wonders of social networking.

July 12th City of God is opening for Norma Jean and In This Moment at Hawthorne Theatre in Portland, Oregon, how stoked are you for this show and how did you land this opportunity?
Josh (bass/vocals) Well for me Norma Jean was my fav band in high school. I always listened to them through class, and never thought I would get to play a show with them. As far as getting the show, Mike Thrasher asked if we would play.

Currently your songs on Myspace are only titled by Roman Numericals with the most popular being “IV”. Where do you draw inspiration for the content in your songs?
Josh Well to be honest, we just try to write how we feel, which is loud and in your face. Another factor would be that we have a message to send, in our opinion, there’s no better way to do so than by yelling at kids about it.

You have stated, “We look to the coming of the city of God as a day in which the old pains and the old struggles will melt away. We are ordinary men who love Jesus, and we all have stories to tell about His goodness. Our desire is to tell the world about this Savior, and will continue to do so until the end of our days.” How did you decide on the name City of God for your band?
Josh We find that in man’s society we’ve been attempting to create life as a utopia or perfect place. There’s no other way for that to be possible without God. The City of God is what we long for, what we work for, and what we delay. There’s a sense of irony that we are named City of God, while we live in such a godless city. So with that being said, we like to eat meat.

Do you believe that the City of God (heaven) is a literal place? If so how does anyone enter the City of God?
Josh Yes, heaven is a physical place. The only way to enter the gates of heaven would be to accept that you are flawed and totally depend on Christ as your Savior.

City of God is preparing for a tour this July with Seattle based To The Wind, how did you get hooked up with these guys and where are you planning to play along the way?
Josh Due to family issues To The Wind has dropped the tour. We have picked up a tour in mid August with Make it Reign and The Waiting Ends, both from Reno.

Are you still planning to hit Eugene?
Josh Yes we’re trying to hit up Eugene or Salem so come out and get buck nasty. (seriously)

As a band, you have been upfront about your Christian beliefs through everything from your name, lyrics and how you present yourselves, what brought you to faith in Christ?
Josh We each have our stories/testimony. The cool thing about it is that every member has different experiences both with Christ and without. Come talk to us at shows and we’re more than willing to share our stories.

From what you have seen as a fan and performer, does music have any power to change things for good?
Josh Heck yeah! It’s what god gave us to keep on going in life.

You’ve played shows with a list of who’s-who amongst local Portland area bands such as Proven and Fallstar as well as hurdcore.com alumni like And The Sirens Sang, Regiment 26 and All She Wrote. Who/what is the best advice you have received from your contemporaries in the local scene?
Josh We run the show. Ask us for advice. Hahahaha, we’re kidding. Fallstar are rad dudes, we love how blunt they are on stage about their faith. Proven is another band of dudes who’ve been in the scene longer than we have who don’t care about trends, they stick to what they believe.

The Priest fighting a Werewolf t-shirt [for City of God] designed by Joshua Andrew Belanger is about as sic as they come, what is the story behind this design?
Josh That good vs. evil ain’t pretty. It’s a brutal fight for eternity.

City of God > Hardcore/Christian > Gresham, Oregon is:
James – Vocals; Steve – Guitar/Vocals; Zackk – Guitar/Vocals; Josh – Bass/Vocals; Mike – Drums. Check out their music and tours on the COG Myspace.

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

This is an encore blitz of questions with Becoming The Archetype Drummer Duck, see the full interview from May of 2010 HERE. Becoming The Archetype’s lays the metal down in epic fashion on their latest album Dichotomy from Solidstate Records.

Any song that gives you the most trouble live?
Duck We have a new guitar player so we have actually gotten back to the nitty gritty of even the classics so they seem much easier now. There is a new song that has been getting me lately though.

If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment that I would purchase for the band is…
Duck I couldn’t even begin to tell you, food or gas gift cards.

Trend that you have noticed that you will never join?
Duck Crab Core

Currently reading Blue Like Jazz (again), listening to Between the Buried and Me/ Drake and Jay-Z and watching Lost, Friday Night Lights, Dexter.

Any crazy pre-performance rituals?
Duck Usually I eat too much and then try to stretch untill I feel better, or I work on a beat I can’t play.

When you are a diva/rockstar the three things that you will demand be in your dressing room are?
Duck Air Conditioning, Work out equipment, Guinness

Band you have shared the stage with that blew you away? Duck Extol, Demon Hunter

Top 5 songs in your personal ipod right now?
Duck This too shall be made right -Derek Webb, (album) The Great Misdirect – Between The Buried And Me, Sunshine the Werewolf – Dillinger Escape Plan, 99 Problems – Jay-Z, I’m Goin Big – Drake

Best and worst experience at a show?
Duck Man That is the toughest question yet. Best……great crowd, great energy. This could happen anywhere. Also, host homes. Those sometimes will make up for a bad show. Bad experience could also break a night. Equipment breaking or terrible injury probably wins out but I can’t really be specific.

Becoming The Archetype > Metal/Hardcore > Georgia > Solidstate Records
BTA’s third full length album with Solidstate, Dichotomy is available now wherever most records are sold – see BTA on Solidstate or BTA Myspace for more info and tour dates.

Becoming The Archetype is: Jason – Vocals/Bass; Count Seth – Guitar/Keys; Duck – Drums; Alex – Guitar. (see hurdcore.com interview w/ Count Seth of BTA)

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

With so many bands already in the scene and hundreds being added daily it becomes increasingly difficult for fans to keep track of all the changes to the hardcore landscape and for bands to distinguish themselves. A Plea For Purging has consistently found a way to keep their sound as fresh and sincere as their personalities. As though the 2009 release “Malevolence” wasn’t epic enough, Plea accompanied their hit single with perhaps the video that tops all videos via “Make Me Metal” which includes a hilariously adept parody of the carousel of trends within the hardcore scene. Fans who are fortunate enough to have been enraptured by A Plea for Purging’s lightning fast brutality have also discovered a refreshing layer of sincerity beneath the humorous surface of the member’s laid back natures. With the anticipation growing for their latest release The Marriage of Heaven and Hell on Facedown Records (7/6/10), we were able to steal a few minutes with lead singer Andy Atkins for a behind the mic session to discuss life and music.

A Plea For Purging as a name is poetic, dark and resonantly spiritual as it rolls off the tongue, what is the story behind your name?
Andy Atkins (vocals): Well, I wasn’t in the band originally so the name was around before I was. Its basically a snazzy way to say a prayer for cleansing. Funny thing is, the guys didn’t know there was a band already called A Prayer for Cleansing. I remember our 1st conversation about it when I joined the band. They had already been a band long enough to not deal with a name change though.

This year you all are working with “Scream The Prayer Tour” – for those who aren’t familiar with STP what is this and how did you get involved?
AA: Scream the Prayer is a 10 band, festival style tour that hits venues, much like Thrash and Burn or Summer Slaughter. The only difference is the line up is made of mainly “Christian bands.” We played the tour last year. It was a good time and we made a lot of friends so we decided we’d jam on it again this year.

Your Wikipedia says you have been a band since 2005, what has 5 years in the game taught you about yourselves, music and life?
AA: Man, that is a huge question. My answer could take up 10 times the bandwidth this website has, haha. I’ll keep it short. You can really trust no one, only yourself and God. And sometimes its hard to trust yourself. You wanna trust your friends but they will let you down too. Wash the naivety from your eyes. The music biz is hard and life is harder. You have to take the bitter with the sweet and keep your head up. And no matter what you are doing, at some point, the grass is gonna look greener on the other side. I always hated that saying but I truly understand it now.

Is APFP music that is fun, brutal and just happens to be Christian too or do you intend for your music to be a vehicle for something specific?
AA: These days the term Christian is thrown around real loosely in our music scene. I have realized I don’t really know what the term “Christian band” means. Here’s what I can tell you about the five of us. Personally we are followers of Christ. That will make itself evident in our music. We are just trying to be honest with ourselves and our listeners in our music. Honesty for us is whats most important.

The “Make Me Metal” video for your song “Malevolence” and your t-shirt (notably the Air Jordan and B.A. Barakus) designs are some of the funniest things currently in metal, what sort of feedback have received to your combination of humor, brutality and conviction?
AA: I think most people get it. We aren’t trying to be something we’re not. We’re just trying to jam and have a good time. We like to laugh a lot so we make humor a big part of our band. I mean look at us, we are a funny looking group of guys. I think if anything, we’ve only received negative feedback from the Christian side of the fence. We’ve played some festivals where some of the officials or just older show goers have had a problem with some of our merch. I guess they just don’t get it.

This will be your third full length release with the Facedown Records family, with the metal landscape changing almost daily, how do you stay on top and expand your sound without burning out?
AA: If you haven’t caught my carefree vibe yet then I’ll try to lay it on thick here. We seriously want to write jams that we like and that we think will be fun to play. Yeah, you want the kids to like it too but that doesn’t mean follow every music trend out these days. We try to grow with every record. I think our song writing has improved over the last three records. We are proud of this new record. I think its the record we’ve been trying to make for years.

Last year APFP covered T.I.’s song “Live Your Life,” did you get any feedback from T.I.’s camp? When is the T.I. and A Plea For Purging Tour set to launch?
AA: HAHAH no way man! I wish. We are a small blimp in the music industry. I would be highly surprised if anyone in relation to T.I had heard of the cover.

You’ve mentioned that with “Depravity” you were more honest with your lyrics and are expanding on that with your new album, what do you feel you were holding back that you have decided to communicate with greater clarity this time around?
AA: This time around we are talking about a lot heavier of a subject. The last record was really introspective, dealing with personal trials. This record is focused on the things we see around us. It has its introspective moments. We always have that mindset of – when you point at someone, you got four fingers pointed back at yourself.

With this upcoming release, “The Marriage of Heaven and Hell,” you continue your signature rapid fire brutality while early offerings such as “Eternal Female” showcase electronic elements and other variations to your sound. Is there a base theme behind the imagery, sounds and lyrics of this album?
AA: Musically this record is faster at times, heavier at times, and we have added some new tasty treats we haven’t really ever touched in previous releases, such as clean singing and a wider scale of production. Lyrically the record is a calling out of wolves in sheep’s clothing so the art work with the record really show the listener a good depiction of what we are going for lyrically.

There seem to be a lot of bands of bands that are self producing, whether to save money or keep creative control, how valuable has it been to the maturation of the band’s sound to work with good producers?
AA: I guess its all in opinion. The five of us are pretty headstrong and know what we want. We demo everything out in pre-production before we ever go into a studio with a producer. This allows us to really shape the songs into what we want them to be. The only producer we have worked with is Joey Sturgis. He just would throw ideas in here and there and we could take it or leave it. Its definitely a plus to have a 6th opinion and someone that has fresh ears listening to your tunes but I wouldn’t say its a must.

A Plea For Purging recently was picked up by El Shaddai Records to distribute in Australia, what has been your favorite tour stop outside of the USA and how has APFP been received overseas?
AA: Well, we haven’t been to Australia yet. I hope that works out soon. Out of the 14 other countries that PLEA has been to outside of the U.S. I’d say Germany is one of my favorites to play. All of our Germany shows were pretty fun. Holland totally rules too. Surprisingly we did pretty well in Europe on our first tour. We didn’t know how it’d go but kids were singing along and wearing our shirts! It was awesome. Holland had some killer stage dives too! haha.

A Plea For Purging’s latest album “The Marriage of Heaven and Hell” on Facedown Records available in stores and online July 6th, 2010. Singles “Eternal Female” and “Shiver” available now through the APFP Myspace and iTunes.

A Plea For Purging (Metal/Hardcore) from Nashville, Tennesse is: Andy Atkins – Vocals; Blake Martin – Guitar; Tyler Wilson – Guitar; John Wand – Bass; Aaron Eckermann – Drums.

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

Part of what we hope to accomplish at hurdcore.com is to inspire fans and bands to connect and participate rather than just observe the world around them. If you have a favorite band, now is your time to shine and get them a spot on the Vans Warped Tour by voting for them to play in the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands. You can vote as many times as you one but only once a day. Take a few seconds, gather your brosephs and lets get some local bands to the top of the heap!

The Top 100 vote getting bands for each venue will be eligible to win a slot to play live on the Vans Warped Tour. All 100 bands for each venue will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals comprised of our partners, Vans Warped Tour Organizers, and Ernie Ball Inc. Four bands will be chosen to perform live on the Ernie Ball Stage for each date of the 2010 Vans Warped Tour.

Check out the hurdcore.com Battle of The Bands Page – HERE

VENUE: Battle of the Bands – St. Louis, Missouri
July 5, 2010 @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

When Bears Attack (Screamo – IL)

VENUE: Battle of the Bands – George, Washington
August 14, 2010 @ Gorge Ampitheater

We Move Mountains (Screamo – WA)

VENUE: Battle of the Bands – Hillsboro, Oregon
August 15, 2010 @ The Washington County Fairgrounds

Roseway (Hardcore – Portland)

Tallboy (Hardcore/Metal – Medford)

Elenora (Screamo – Roseburg)

Swinglow (Metal – WA)

Fallstar (Screamo – Portland)

Something About Airplanes (Pop – Portland)

Aleen (Rock – Portland)

allshewrote
(Screamo – Portland)

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

VEIL ARMS CLOTHING ANNOUNCE EMINENCE CONFERENCE TO TAKE PLACE AUGUST 10th and 11th IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

(Albuquerque, New Mexico. June 21st 2010) Popular New Mexico fashion line Veil Arms Clothing will be hosting The Eminence Conference on August 10th and 11th. The conference itself is designed for aspiring musicians, photographers, graphic designers, writers, actors and entrepreneurs to join with others to learn more about their chosen art and how they can become better educated for when they feel they are ready to move on to the next level, whatever that may be. This series of workshops will teach the average young artist attending what its like to be a professional.

Veil Arms Clothing exists to motivate and encourage their young surrounding art community in hopes of inspiring those with gifts to best develop and cultivate their given talents. The workshops themselves will be taught by the likes of Matt Greiner from heavyweight metal band August Burns Red, Micah Kinard from Oh Sleeper and so much more. Lunch will be provided each day as well as several guest speakers including Colby Engstrom and Jeral Dickinson. The nights will be capped off with performances by Seabird, B. Reith and more.

Registration is currently available for this event. If you choose to register before July 15th your admittance will be FREE!

This is a great opportunity for any aspiring artist out there, no matter what your avenue, to learn, to build community and to network with like minded individuals as well as professionals.

“These kids will get direct information and one on one workshops with these artists and people that they respect, hopefully equipping them with enough knowledge to pursue their career.” –Shawn Ulmer, Veil Arms Clothing

For more information on this event please visit www.veilarms.com

Eminence Conference from eric parnell on Vimeo.

To inquire about media exposure for this event or if you’d like to schedule an interview with the owners of Veil Arms Clothing please contact: Jameson Ketchum – KTCpublicity@gmail.com – Twitter: @ketch116

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.

R.I.P. status showing up for your favorite band is never a welcome designation. As a fan you question whether this is your fault or what might have happened if they just would have called Dr. Phil, but nothing can turn back time to a place where you and your favorite band were blissfully in sync. Kyle Benecke took the helm for Sioux Falls, South Dakota based hardcore band Nodes of Ranvier in time to record and tour what would be their fourth and final album, “Defined By Struggle”. Nodes of Ranvier had long been a workhorse in the Facedown Records stable of up and coming hardcore bands, but 2006/2007 brought many new faces and a change of venue to Victory Records. Defined By Struggle showed great promise as the band seemed to continue their signature sound without any glitches while simultaneously returning to a renewed clarity in the spiritual content of their music. Much to the dismay of fans like myself, 2007 was to be marked as the end of an era for Nodes of Ranvier but we were glad to catch up with Kyle as he sheds some light on the breakup and encourages us with words of wisdom for today.

You are from Omaha, Nebraska and Nodes of Ranvier was based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, what was the timeline and process for you being introduced to the band and finding yourself taking the helm for vocal responsibilities?
Kyle Benecke I’ve known the Nodes guys forever and I was a big fan as well. They asked me to be in the band after Nick left and the rest is history. It all happened really fast.

I was stoked that the fourth album, Defined By Struggle returned to the clarity of spiritual content that was expressed in the freshmen release of Lost Senses, More Innocence. How was the final product of Defined By Struggle received by the band and the fans?
KB As a Christian, I just wrote what I’m passionate about. We had a good response to the music and lyrics. Some people liked the return to spiritual content and some didn’t, no big deal.

Nodes of Ranvier had their trademark riff fueled sound, how did you prepare your voice and how were you able to get into a flow that fit to carry through what the band had laid as a foundation while showcasing your unique vocal tone as well?
KB When I first heard the songs for that album, I was really excited to get vocals down. I felt that all the music they were writing fit my vocal style really well. Not much preparation, just got in the studio and laid down the tracks. We were all happy with the result I think.

When you joined Nodes of Ranvier there were some massive changes, vacancies at drums, bass and vocals as well as a label change from Facedown Records to Victory Records. Did you have any idea that Nodes was going to disband or did that come as a surprise to you?
KB Yeah, there were a lot of changes going on, but I just jumped at the opportunity to do a record with Nodes and Victory Records. I pretty much grew up on Victory bands (Strife, Earth Crisis, Snapcase, Buried Alive, All Out War etc…..) I didn’t know we were so close to disbanding when I joined, but I’m well aware of the fragile nature of hardcore/metal bands. It was still a great opportunity and I had a blast.

It seems a little odd that most of the members who left Nodes of Ranvier before Defined By Struggle and even those involved with the final recording went on to work in other projects (like they still wanted to do music, just not NOR), can you pinpoint what you think led to the decision to put Nodes of Ranvier on R.I.P. status?
KB I’m not positive what led to the demise of NOR, but I have some ideas. I think part of it was just internal problems and not wanting to tour. The tours that we did were pretty bad as far as turnouts go, but again, that’s the nature of this world. At one point you’re hot, and then you’re not. It can be really disappointing. But music is in our blood. We probably won’t ever stop making music or being involved with it in some shape or form.

What are you up to now and do you have any vocal prospects?
KB I’m married and have a full time job here in Omaha, NE. In my spare time I shoot (video) as many shows as I can. (Check out my youtube page if you’re interested: http://www.youtube.com/user/thebenecke) As far as musical projects go, nothing right now, but I’m hoping to get a hardcore project started one of these days. Hopefully soon.

You obviously brought a depth of spiritual content to the lyrical component of Defined By Struggle, what has been your experience with faith?
KB I was raised Lutheran, but I never really cared too much about God, church etc… I became a Christian when I was in high school. My friend shared the gospel with me and that was that. Years later, through another friend, I discovered reformed theology. My love and reverence for Christ grew enormously because of that. Learning/studying about God’s attributes was mind-blowing to me. His sovereignty, love, mercy, patience, wrath etc… Continuing to learn about all these qualities that God possesses increases my faith and causes me to love and serve Him.

The Kyle Benecke Library recommends some pretty heavy reformed tradition reading such as “The Attributes of God” by A.W. Pink as well as straight classics like “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis. Are there some key principles, thoughts or quotes that have helped shape your thinking towards life and faith?

KB Reading A.W. Pink destroyed me!!! His book, ‘The Attributes of God’, absolutely changed my perception of God in so many ways. Especially the chapter on ‘The Wrath of God’. So good! Other than that, I love most puritan stuff, Jonathan Edwards, John Owen etc….(Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is my favorite sermon of all time) Charles Spurgeon’s stuff kills me too. Basically, I like the old stuff. It’s hard to read some of it, but you get so much depth and understanding if you stick with it. Newer stuff: John Piper, John Macarthur, Tim Keller.

A great quote:

When I consider how the goodness of God is abused by the greatest part of mankind, I cannot but be of his mind that said, The greatest miracle in the world is God’s patience and bounty to an ungrateful world. If a prince hath an enemy got into one of his towns, he doth not send them in provision, but lays close siege to the place, and doth what he can to starve them. But the great God, that could wink all His enemies into destruction, bears with them, and is at daily cost to maintain them. Well may He command us to bless them that curse us, who Himself does good to the evil and unthankful. But think not, sinners, that you shall escape thus; God’s mill goes slow, but grinds small; the more admirable His patience and bounty now is, the more dreadful and unsupportable will that fury be which ariseth out of His abused goodness. Nothing smoother than the sea, yet when stirred into a tempest, nothing rageth more. Nothing so sweet as the patience and goodness of God, and nothing so terrible as His wrath when it takes fire. (Wm Gurnall, 1660).

Having been a fan of music and experienced life as a performer, how would you encourage those who want to make the most of their talents and use them to do more than just entertain?
KB I would tell them, don’t fall in love with yourself and respect others. For believers, guard your eyes, heart and mind. If you have the talent to play music, be careful and know what you’re getting into. Have fun, be honest, and don’t be afraid to say what you believe. A lot of people won’t like it and you’ll feel stupid sometimes, but that should build character over time.

Nodes of Ranvier – “Defined By Struggle” is still available from Victory Records. Be sure to check out Kyle’s Youtube page which features interviews and live recordings with bands like For Today, Impending Doom, Legend, The Ghost Inside and MORE.

For more information on local music, band interviews, concert updates and promotional content. Local bands, artists, concerts, venues, tours and events from rock, hip-hop, metal, pop, punk, hardcore, acoustic, indie, organic, progressive, funk, rap and more. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook Hurdcore is open to partnerships to promote local arts, music and entertainment as well as advertising opportunities – hurdcore@gmail.com – be specific in “subject” line.