Portland, Oregon based Fallstar takes a unique approach to the heavy music genre, delivering ambient infused hardcore on the very non-traditional label Come and Live Records. Teaming with the likes vision fueled standouts such as C&L and Veil Arms Clothing, the members of Fallstar are giving their music away while still cutting albums, hitting the road and growing a devoted fan base in the heavy music scene. As crazy as it sounds, many bands, fans and businesses want to be a part of something bigger than money alone and in doing so find a way to survive with their art and mission intact. Special thanks to Jameson Ketchum of Cadence PR for setting up this hurdcore.com interview with Fallstar bassist Bryan Ratzlaff as the band releases their debut album Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter. on Come and Live Records.

So every band looks forward to being signed by a label. At any point were you guys thinking, “Yes! We’ve finally been signed by a label – wait, they want us to do WHAT?!”
Bryan Ratzlaff – Bass: Ha Ha. Yes, there was definitely a point where that was going through our minds. But honestly we never worried much about the concept of giving out music away for free. Of course there was the question of, “How are we going to make any money and live on the road if we give our music away as a gift?” In the end we all agreed to go where God wants us, and every one of us felt a heavy push in the direction of Come&Live! If God asks us to go into an organization that asks that we give our music for free then he will make a way for us to support ourselves financially.

What about C&L made this the right fit for you?
BR: The biggest difference in C&L! is that it really isn’t a traditional record label. We learned quite a bit about the music industry and how labels work through shopping out R.R.I. And we found that most times those labels are nothing that we want to be a part of. We as individuals and as a band don’t care about making excessive amounts of money, and for the most part every label we talked to cared a whole lot. Not that wanting to make money is a bad thing, we just believe that the vision of C&L! is much more in tune to the Fallstar’s vision. We want to spread the message of Jesus, and we want to do that by playing music, from the beginning C&L has always wanted to support us in doing just that.

How do you approach the aspect of your lives where you would like to be living off of the music?
BR: I personally am just taking that step by step. I think it would be unwise to count on making enough money to live comfortably just by playing music, but I don’t believe it to be impossible. For now everything that the band makes just goes back into the band, weather it be to pay for new merch, and recording, or paying back band members, nobody is pocketing anything yet. All the guys have some alternate way of making money weather it be a regular job, or selling their blood plasma. Maybe some day Fallstar will be able to pay all of our bills but for now we are all just excited to be able to travel and play the music that we love.

Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter. are all adjectives in reference to Christ, what about these particular attributes stand out to you?
BR: These three words are really the process in which we have seen Jesus come to the aid of people who want his help. First he welcomes us back to himself with open arms, erasing all the bad things we have done and makes us clean. This part is pretty rad, there is actually a physical relief when we come back to God, like you just dropped a set of weights you didn’t know you were carrying. Then we are refined by God, as soon as we come back he starts working on us, straightening out all of the kinks and dents we have accumulated over the years. And finally “Igniter” is describing the way God’s spirit in us reacts with our souls. It is very close to the way a fire consumes a pile of wood, but instead of using us up and turning us to nothing, when God ignites souls we see men and women become something that never would have surfaced without God.

Are you Christians who make music that happens to also be Christian in tone or do you purpose to use your music as an expression of your faith?
BR: We write as an expression of our faith. People usually write about what impacts them the most, many times that will be girls, romantic relationships, politics etc. But what we have seen in Jesus blows all of those things out of the water. We have all seen how knowing God heals hurting lives and fixes broken families and we can’t help but write about that. We would be doing ourselves and everybody a disservice if we were to write about anything less.

How has music been a vehicle for growing in your personal faith?
BR: For me being in Fallstar and playing shows has been my church. The experiences that we have had with other people, and being on the road are what have grown me the most. I worry about very few things these days. I’m not scared about how I am going to make money in the future. I’m not phased when a wheel breaks off of our bus the day before we go on tour. We have had more crappy things happen to us than I can count, but God always brings us out of us in better shape than we were in before. It has been proven to us that we are taken care of.

Did you grow up in church? How/when did Christ become something personal for you?
BR: I grew up going to church. Every single Sunday for 19 years I would go, but my faith only became really my own a few years ago. I wanted to see God for myself, I had heard all about him in church and from my family, but I never really saw or felt anything that I could say was definitely God. So a while ago I decided that I needed to see him for myself. Chris speaks a lot about how each of us in the band had to find God on our own, what I did was go into my closet with all the lights off and started praying, asking God to show up. I resolved that I wasn’t going to leave that closet until I got an answer, and I got one. That is when Jesus became real for me.

Do you remember the first album/song that sucked you into the influence of heavy music?
BR: The Agony Scene – We Bury Our Dead at Dawn. When I was 13 I got a Solid State records sampler when I bought a shirt of some Tooth & Nail band that I really liked. I put the CD in and was blown away. I had never heard anything that moved me the way heavy music does. The level of energy and passion inside of heavy music got me instantly hooked.

What were the events and circumstances that lead to the formation of Fallstar?
BR: Fallstar has a crazy story. There have been more members in the band than I can count on two hands, and looking back, the chances of the current lineup being in same band together are really very low. I didn’t even play an instrument until I joined Fallstar. Jason lived in a tiny town called Monmouth 70 miles away and was told by a mutual friend to try out. Cody met a friend of ours through Craigslist and was in 2 different bands when we met him. Somehow everything worked out to where we can all play music together.

Is there any significance behind the name Fallstar?
BR: The name Fallstar comes from a story about Chris’ and my dad. A few years back he learned some pretty horrible things about his past and his family and really wanted a fresh start. So he decided that he would change his last name to disassociate himself from those things. Our last name is Ratzlaff, which if spelled backwards is essentially Fallstar, which he now goes by. We saw that as a beautiful illustration of how Jesus takes us and changes us and gives us a clean slate to start over.

Fallstar (Hardcore/Ambient – Portland, OR) is: Chris Ratzlaff – Vocals; Jason Brown – Guitar; Justin Hagg – Guitar; Cody Carrier – Drums; Bryan Ratzlaff – Bass. Their debut full length album, Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter. is available now on Come & Live Records. Keep up to date with the band via their facebook and download their album for FREE at comeandlive.com.

Applying the hurdcore.com spin to album reviews, band bios and artist interviews. Covering local metal, hip-hop and indie artists and events from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Illinois and far beyond. Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? - Jesus

Build – Destruct – Rebuild – Destroy is the current path for the members of Northern California based hardcore band, And Came Back Brutal. Garnering the attention of labels such as the Artery Foundation and working with bands the likes of Norma Jean, the young men of And Came Back Brutal continue their fight to make Bearcore a mainstay in the heavy music scene. Hurdcore.com presents this follow up with And Came Back Brutal, you can also catch the 2010 full length interview with vocalist Scott Gallagher.

One of your songs that personally means a lot to you and why? They all mean something to me. I really couldn’t pick one out of the line-up. If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is… An 808 machine and triggers. Current trend in music/scene that bugs you… Commercial ideas. Copying what is seen. Lack of originality. Current trend in your scene that you think is a positive evolution? The music has been getting noticed more, which is nice. Currently reading… Hell Blazer, John Constantine and Berserk Comic Books. Currently watching… Hellsing – Anime. Top 5 songs in your personal iPod right now? That’s a hard one, I can name 3 albums that are continually playing: a) Outcasts: Speaker Box; Atliens. b) Nicki Minaj: Mind Tape Beam Me Up Scotty. c) Impending Dooms newest CD. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? No, none at all LOL. I do like going out to listen to the opening bands and supporting them. Best memory that comes to mind from a show? Best memory was being picked up to play at the Boardwalk. We had a great turn out and got Artery’s attention. Worst memory that comes to mind from a show? Probably our earlier shows, playing for virtually nobody and close minded people who are only interested in current trend and local fad.

And Came Back Brutal (Hardcore – Sacramento, CA) is: Scott – Vox; Marc – Guitar; Peter – 7 String Leads; Will – Bass; Eric – Drums. Check the ACBB FB for music, concert dates and news.

Applying the hurdcore.com spin to album reviews, band bios and artist interviews. Covering local metal, hip-hop and indie artists and events from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Illinois and far beyond. Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? - Jesus

Fallstar’s Debut Full Length Record Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter. (Come & Live Records) Out now and available for free download at C&L! Website

(from Cadence PR – March 29, 2011) Visit www.comeandlive.com right now to download the album that’s been garnering rave reviews from all over the globe. Emerging from Portland, Oregon, Fallstar’s Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter. has been called raw, progressive and one of the best releases of 2011 so far. The band has opted to give away the album as a free gift through Come and Live! so enjoy this gift and if you feel so inclined, donate a buck or two! It’s your choice!

“A dynamic and eclectic album, Fallstar is doing something we rarely see these days in this genre; employing originality! The record easily shifts between crushing breakdowns and melodic bliss while still maintaining a consistent feel and message throughout.” –AMP Magazine

The record itself is one of the best of 2011, combining beautifully soaring vocals with breakdowns that pride themselves on precision. –Substream Music Press

“This album has earned itself a spot on the regular rotation around here. I, myself have probably listened to it 6 or 8 times this week alone, beating out releases from several major label national bands.” -Kingdomextrememag.com

“This record will surely stand out among the never ending wave of emerging artists in this genre and will once again prove that there is originality out there. Don’t expect Fallstar to be flying under the radar for much longer.” –Hopecore.com Magazine

Fallstar (Hardcore – Portland, OR) is: Chris Ratzlaff/Vocals; Justin Haag/Guitar; Bryan Ratzlaff/Bass; Jason Brown/Guitar; Cody Carrier/Drums. Fallstar’s debut full length album Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter (Come & Live Records) is available now at comeandlive.com (free download). Keep up to date with Fallstar via Facebook (www.facebook.com/fallstar777) and Twitter @fallstar777.

Hurdcore.com is open to new partnerships to promote local music. Contact us to discuss opportunities for album reviews, event promotion or content management – hurdcore@gmail.com (be specific in subject line). Keep rocking local, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – Jesus

Life is full of twists and turns, when the road narrows or throws extra bumps in the path you quickly discover the boundaries of your own ambition as well as the commitment of those around you. Skill alone is not enough to reach the top. Desire by itself will not open doors. As a band approaches the sweet spot where skill, desire and a combined resolve to weather whatever curves may come, then that band begins to climb past the low hanging fruit of convenience and begins the uphill climb of opening doors of opportunity. As the name presumably hints upon, the members of And Came Back Brutal have seen their share of personal and professional trials in the course that has brought them this far. With some serious attention from labels such as Artery, And Came Back Brutal is hard at work to prove they have the drive and talent to make a serious run at bringing some Bearcore into the heavy music scene.

You’ve Recently garnered the attention of labels such as Artery, how did you get hooked up with them and on their radar?
Scott Gallagher (Vocals): I know Artery from when my dad, who is also the manager for our band, represented my sister when she was taking pictures for a lot of local and touring bands for the label. She landed a big gig from Artery and Drop Dead Gorgeous, taking their website and CD photos for Worse Than A Fairy Tale project. We’ve stayed in contact ever since.

What has the process of showcasing for a label been like?
SG: It’s been frustrating at times cuz it’s such a hurry up and wait kind of deal. Playing at the right places with the right people watching took a long time to get us our showcase show. Our manager started working on it a year and a half before we got our first break at the showcase. At Artery’s invite, we recently opened up for the Unearth and Carnifex show and it looks like we will be doing more locally and in Nor Cal with them. During that waiting time, we had to be ready to play at a moment’s notice for any shows that would open up that would help us get our name out and hopefully draw more interest to the band. Bands have to network to build the fan base cuz at the end of the day, that’s what the label wants to see…..big turnouts at your show.

I know your dad has been one of your biggest fans, how huge is that for you to have the full backing of your family?
SG: Its been a big to have the support. Our whole family is involved in music one way or another and we all support each other. Most parents don’t see this genre of music as being anything productive or useful. I love the support and can remember telling my dad I was going to be in a band when I was 12 years old.

ACBB is your second venture birthing from a split of your previous band, did your first incarnation end on good terms?
SG: Yes and no. It was awkward but not terrible. There was not much cohesiveness there.

What did you learn from that experience and how have you kept momentum with forming a new band?
SG: I learned to deal with it as a business instead of personally period!

You’ve been tweaking your line-up, who is And Came Back Brutal and is there any significance to the name?
SG: The significance is we’ve all been a part of some bad bands and some failed experiences in life and just felt that we were ready to take back, put on a new skin and come back brutal.

You all have taken to the label of Bearcore, how did this get started?
SG: We have different types of genres within our own music, the primary genre involves death metal which generally ends on a downbeat, and death core which ends on an upbeat and the background of all of that is we have what we like to call BroMetal which usually has the same rhythmic patterns. When we see the crowd dancing to our music and following the natural rhythm moving their hands to the bobbing rhythms up and down it reminded us of a bear standing with arms up and bobbing it’s head. It was just spontaneously birthed at our 2nd or 3rd concert and stuck.

Where do you grab inspiration for your writing – what are some of your sources outside of the umbrella of hardcore?
SG: We don’t write under typical hardcore. We are inspired by hip-hop as much as we are by any other metal bands. I’m inspired by the emotion and energy of bands like The Acacia Strain, Coheed and Cambria, and The Hives. As far as lyrics, I write about the side of Christianity that we as Christians don’t like to talk about. We can be a very brutally judgmental people. I also feel like I have to write about stuff that kids think about but won’t talk about.

You recently got to go behind the scenes with Chris Penne of Coheed and Cambria, how did that come about and what was that like?
SG: My Dad met him through a project at his work. Once my dad meets someone, he tries to stay in contact with them and such was the case with Chris. He invited us to be a guest at a Coheed show in San Francisco last year. We were able to spend some time talking about the music process and what I could expect along the way. He has checked out our music and has given some feedback which is cool cuz he is on the road so much. Honestly, it was awesome to meet Chris. He’s been one of my idols since Jr High and I have to say he is one of the nicest guys you would ever get to meet.

Youve got incredible range in your vocals, going from straight guttural to serpentine without and strain, what have you found works best to prepare your voice for the strain of hardcore?
SG: Mongolian throat singing is a great exercise. It’s where this type of vocal originated. I’ve been practicing since I was twelve years old and taking it slow along the way. Too many singers blow out their voice before they even get started. I’ve tried to experiment with the different sounds and body positions that it takes to support the range. Also, I want my stage voice to sound like our recorded tracks so it stays consistent.

There are some big shows coming up and I believe you mentioned working on recording as well, what do you have in the works and what are you looking forward to in Summer of 2010?
SG: Yeah we are excited about our future. Artery has given us some direction to where they would like to see us in the spring, so we are working with them to book more shows opening up for the national bands that come through Sacramento as well as booking shows on our own. We are hoping to get picked up on a tour and who knows, maybe one of the bands reading this will dig our stuff and make us that offer.

And Came Back Brutal (Hardcore – Sacramento, CA) is: Scott – Vox; Marc – Guitar; Peter – 7 String Leads; Will – Bass; Eric – Drums. Check the ACBB Myspace for music, concert dates and news.

Hurdcore.com is open to new partnerships to promote local music. Contact us to discuss opportunities for album reviews, event promotion or content management – hurdcore@gmail.com (be specific in subject line). Keep rocking local, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – Jesus

As The Ghost Inside storms into the Northwest on the final leg of their headlining American Tour with First Blood, A Loss For Words, Deez Nuts and Hundreth before hopping the pond to tear through Europe. For those who have come away fans of what The Ghost Inside can produce with just 1 week in the studio, imagine what this band can accomplish with some experience under their belts and three times the studio session. With the recent release of their ode-to-the-road inspired full length release of Returners on Mediaskare Records, fans will again be rocked, challenged and inspired by the grit of this LA based metal quintet. Catch them Nov 7th in Boise at Mardi Gras and Nov 12th in Porltand at Branx. Special thanks to Jerry Graham of Warm Fuzzy Publicity for setting this interview up with TGI vocalist Jonathan Vigil.

Soon you are off to yet another European tour, what has surprised you the most about fans overseas?
Jonathan Vigil (Vocals): Probably their enthusiasm. Fans in Europe and Australia will line up before the show even starts, run up to the front row, and be the last ones to leave. They genuinely love overseas bands and it’s awesome.

Is there a meaning behind the name The Ghost Inside?
JV: No, we just needed a name and that was the only name out of a few hundred that just stuck with us. Haha.

I know the first song that I heard of your was “Faith Or Forgiveness,” which also happens to be your most played song on Myspace with well over 1.5 million plays. Is this your most recognizable song to date? What do you think makes this song stand out to fans?
JV: Yeah. I think it being our first real “single” and the fact that it was our first music video, that it stuck with people.

If I understand right your signing with Mediaskare began when you were still A Dying Dream, as The Ghost Inside did you resign or did Mediaskare stick with you through the transition?
JV: Mediaskare was fully behind the name change. Baron [the owner] was very enthusiastic about the new sound, and the new name. And he’s pushed us very hard since then.

“Returners” hit earlier this year, what did you learn from the process of recording, producing and releasing this album?
JV: We learned that having more time in the studio is a lot nicer haha. We only had a week to record our first record [Fury And The Fallen Ones] whereas we had a little over 3 weeks to record Returners.

In the sleeve of your album you’ve included briefs on each song which creates a much more personal perspective to the lyrics, how important is it to you that fans are able to dig in and take something positive from your music?
JV: It’s the number 1 most important thing to me. I feel like if you have the ability to reach people, that you should have something to say that people can either take with them, or a lesson they can learn to save them from harm. Inspiring people will always go a lot further than songs about violence and hatred. Plus, growing up in the hardcore/punk/metal scene, it always means so much more to me to sing along to a song and I know what it’s about. Lyrics are a big deal to me.

Obviously the band has changed literally with new members, but how has your approach to music and life evolved since the genesis of this band?
JV: I think we’ve just been able to mature over time. When you start touring, and playing full time its real fun but you learn little tricks of the trade along the way to make touring a lot easier on everyone. We are 5 very strong personalities on stage on off, so to balance that in and out of our music to create a better aesthetic for the band comes with time. And I feel like we’re at a good place musically, professionally and personally.

For your song “Through The Cracks” you mention that nothing stays the same and include, “Dear God, my world is ending. As quickly as it starts, everything is gone. And everything went wrong. I’ve spent so much time trying to live the lie.” What are the best and worst aspects of being a professional musician?
JV: The best part by far is traveling. Getting to see the world, meeting friends in every city, state or country you go to. Going to places that most people only get to dream of and not only going there, but playing for people as well. It’s an incredible experience and a great honor for us all. Worst part for me is how stagnant your personal life becomes. You always leave for tour, come back home, and see that your friends and family have progressed more and more and you are in the exact same place you were when you left. That is essentially what our album RETURNERS is all about.

The Ghost Inside (Metalcore – Los Angeles, CA) is: Johnathan Vigil – Lead Vocals; Aaron Brooks – Guitars, Backing Vocals; Zach Johnson – Guitars, Backing Vocals; KC Stockbridge – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals; Jim Riley – Bass, Backing Vocals. Their latest full length album “Returners” is available on Mediaskare Records.

Music news, reviews and interviews posted weekly at hurdcore.com. Partnering with artists, fans and venues to fan the flames of local ambition. Hurdcore supports local rock, pop, hip-hop and metal from Northwest to the Midwest. Keep reppin’ local, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. – Proverbs 14:12

Video for City of God (Hardcore – Portland, Oregon) – “Song I”. This is City Of God’s debut music video from their EP. This song will be featured on there upcoming LP.

City Of God – “Song I” music video from Shawn Shannon on Vimeo.

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. Read our full interview with City of God bass/vocalist Josh from earlier this year HERE. COG (Hardcore/Christian – Gresham, OR) is: James – Vocals; Steve – Guitar/Vocals; Zackk – Guitar/Vocals; Josh – Bass/Vocals; Mike – Drums.

This video was directed By Shawn Shannon, Filmed on location in Portland – More about COG (myspace.com/cityofgod503) more about All Made Up Films (myspace.com/allmadeupfilms)

Music news, reviews and interviews posted weekly at hurdcore.com. Partnering with artists, fans and venues to fan the flames of local ambition. Hurdcore supports local rock, pop, hip-hop and metal from Northwest to the Midwest. Keep reppin’ local, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. – Proverbs 14:12

In preparation for The After School Special Festival to be hosted by King Arthur Booking we took some time with Samuel of KAB to get at the heart of what TASSF is all about. Join King Arthur and some of the best of local metal, hardcore and progressive music from the Portland, Oregon area and beyond as they assemble at The Revolution Room in Camas, Washington on Saturday, September 25th.

Samuel, you currently sing for City Sleeps play bass for …And The Sirens Sang and are booking with King Arthur, anything else (ha ha)?
KAB Well City Asleep is pretty much dead at this point. I’ve just been reworking the songs and making them a little less Pop Punk, so its basically just me doing that now. But other then Sirens I just do solo stuff. I branch out everywhere from like, 50′s cover songs to indie stuff and I’ve done a few electronic/pop styled songs.

How do you stay fresh in your drive to push the music and in maintaining creativity?
KAB As far as keeping it new with booking I try not to book the same bands over and over again. I pretty much just cycle through a bunch of bands who seems to be doing well and mix it up. I also try to give my shows a name that kids can remember, like “The After School Special” or “The Night of The Living Dead” for the Halloween show. In my writing perspective, I just try to keep it as original as possible while staying within the same genre. I’m really into post hardcore, so you could say I’m a bit of a revivalist with that.

The After School Special Festival will be held at Revolution Coffee in Camas, WA – what makes this venue unique?
KAB The Revolution Room is sorta the “home base” per say for Sirens, and its a great friendly venue that I love. I book at Pop Culture (formerly Moxie’s) as well, but its a small venue and The Revolution Room offers the right size for a festival. Its a Christian church though, so I sometimes have problems booking certain bands due to the zero tolerance of vulgarity on and off stage. I love the venue though, and I definitely see it as a huge factor in bringing the music scene back to what it used to be.

Is this your first all day festival?
KAB This is indeed my first all day festival, but I’ve had Will Breitner [And The Sirens Sang] and Brady Johns [King Arthur Booking] helping me out a little as far as do’s and dont’s, so I feel I have a pretty good handle on it.

What inspired putting this show together?
KAB What I am going for with this show is a day where the kids can come out and listen to music and hang out with friends and have a good time and have a nice little break from the first month back in school. I pulled bands from across the board as far as genres go, with a hope that kids that tend to listen to a certain one type of music will be able to experience the other genres of the NW and hopefully come out to support those bands at other shows.

Is there a genre or theme that brings all these bands together?
KAB The general theme for this show is to basically have fun and unwind a little. You’ll find Pop Punk, Happy Hardcore, Death Metal/Deathcore and Post hardcore at this show. Its hopefully going to be a great day for the local scene.

THE AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL FESTIVAL (9/25/10) – 2PM [ALL DAY] @The Revolution Room (2008 SE 8th Ave. – Camas, WA 98607)

FEATURING SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS! Get rid of the back to school blues and come out and support some of the NW’s finest locals! Guaranteed to be an awesome time! Bands include (Hurdcore.com alumni w/ links to interviews): Proven, City Of God, Roseway, Boy Named Sue, Her Death & After, Chin Up Rocky, Mourning For Memories, Accrue, Ghosts & Monsters, If All Else Fails, Upon Departure…AND MORE!

Look for more shows from King Arthur Booking in the Camas/Vancouver/Portland area, keep up to speed on the KAB Myspace page and keep your eyes peeled for The Night of the Living Dead KAB Halloween Show October 30th @ The Revolution Room (Camas, WA)

Contact hurdcore.com – “fans supporting local music.” for opportunities to promote your band or event (hurdcore@gmail.com) album reviews, band bios, content management and more. New interviews posted every Sunday, stay in touch by friending us on myspace and joining us facebook.

Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. – Jesus

Ashylus which is an acronym for Ambition | Strength | Heart | Youth | Love | Understanding | Sacrifice which doubles as their motto while they continue to establish themselves as a presence in the hardcore/metal circles throughout Washington and Oregon. Teaming with local musical rising powers such as AAP Management and Monumental Booking, Ashylus endears themselves to local fans through their lyrical sincerity and tonal brutality. Read the full length interview with Ashylus frontman Anthony Badziong in its entirety HERE

If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is…A new PA. Current trend in music/scene that bugs you? Negativity. Current trend in music/scene that has challenged you? The fact that there are so many bands now a days, it really challenges us as musicians to write music that separates us from the rest of the bands. Currently reading…Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Currently watching…Bill Cosby. Top 5 songs in your personal iPod right now? The Conflict (The Ghost inside), Axe to Fall (Converge), Where the sun never sleeps (Stick to Your Guns), Living Proof (Molotov Solution), Misanthropy Pure (Shai Hulud). Any crazy pre-performance rituals? The Shimmy… Best memory that comes to mind from a show/tour? Crazy Crowd reaction to our lyrics and music on our EP release show. Worst memory that comes to mind from a show/tour? Having our set cut in the middle of our third song due to lack of time. When it’s all said and done, I hope I am remembered for…Putting on a great show

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

Local and national band interviews and reviews provided weekly, typically fresh interview posted every Sunday with additional content posted throughout the week fresh from hurdcore.com and our friends. From Seattle to Portland, Spokane to Eugene and Davenport through Chicago, we are expanding local outposts to cover local hardcore, metal and hip-hop bands from Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa and beyond. 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.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12

Local and national stories within the entertainment industry abound with many of the upcoming artists of today operating without class, conducting themselves with little respect for fans or for those who have come before them. The young men of We Move Mountains, through hard work and an uniquely deepening intimacy with their fans, have carved for themselves a blossoming legacy of invigorating melodic hardcore. With a blistering blend of beauty and brutality, We Move Mountains besets their fans with bowel rumbling breakdowns, blood curdling bellows and get-your-booty-moving melodically interwoven beats. Their message is sincere and overall positive as their music continues to mature with the members of the band. We Move Mountains is keeping Maple Valley classy as they build upon a solid foundation of friendship and a dragon slayers commitment to musical innovation. Hurdcore.com is glad to re-introduce We Move Mountains as they prepare to release their debut album “Brought Up In A Hurricane.”

You were selected to play the Vans Warped Tour Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands in Boise in 09 – how cool of an experience was that?
Zesty Sams (vocals) As cool as it sounds and more. Growing up (which is something we’re still doing a lot of), it was our dream to play Warped Tour. Conquering such a titan of a goal so young felt phenomenal. It’s honestly still hitting us from time to time. We’d still love to play the whole thing year after year and hope we get the opportunity!

The video for Dan Nettekoven Snakes The Win turned out all pro, what was the process and who did you work with to shoot this video?
ZS So glad you guys liked it! It was actually a project for Keller’s [Guitar/Vocals] Video Production class. Him and our good friend, Mark worked the camera. It was filmed down in South Bend at this warehouse called Terra Firma, owned by a family friend. Speaking of family, the boy and ballerinas in the video were Keller’s cousins! Then after a long day of filming, Keller spent a couple weeks editing it all and ended up with the final product! We were pretty proud of him for making a high school project look so professional.

So, I did a little digging – there is a young man by the name of Dan Nettekoven who happens to live in Maple Valley with y’all, does the song have anything to do with Dan?
ZS Oh man Jon, we were rolling on the floor for this one. Here’s the ridiculous story of Dan Nettekoven. Dan was a buddy of ours, nothing too special. Until he started getting away with all these things he definitely shouldn’t have been getting away with. In other words, this kid was snaking the win. Then we met another guy who looked just like Dan Nettekoven, who happened to be snaking the win as well. One day, working on the song (still untitled at the time), Dan was the topic of our conversation. After laughing deliriously at how silly we were, Dan Nettekoven Snakes The Win snaked the win for best song title. So I guess the point is, no, he has absolutely nothing to do with us! But now people see him at the local grocery store and are like “OMG DAN NETTEKOVEN”. He’s become quite the celebrity.

The chorus for this song belts, “Life has taught me, friends you’ll never know – and we’re all kinds of ****ed up differents” What does this mean for you personally?
ZS Well for the most part, it means exactly what it says. The lyrics in that song aren’t about one specific thing. It was one of the best rants I’ve had, a huge group of somethings I needed to get of my back. One of those things I just had to tell myself was “you’ve had a great run so far and all along the way, you’ve had people supporting you and dragging you down, but most importantly, making you who you are. Be thankful”. I am thankful, especially thankful to be friends with the guys in the band. It’s for everyone I’ve ever shared up and downs with, or even just a walk to the local market. Friends have always been there for me, and i know the best ones always will be.

Zesty handles the screaming and Keller works the sexy vox, your songs are very fluid in the transitions from breakdowns to harmonies, is the writing process for you like a blacksmith banging out a piece of metal or are you guys at such a point that once the core idea is formed everyone pretty much falls in like a 24 piece Elmo puzzle from the dollar store?
ZS People are going to enjoy the questions more than the answers for sure! haha. I wish we could say we were all blacksmiths, but the Elmo puzzle seems more fitting…no pun intended? Our songs come together as if we bought a piece at a time. Riff by riff, they slowly come together, then drums are worked in, and vocals/lyrics last. We currently have two in the works! One is untitled, and the other that is near completion is called “There She Blows…And Boy, Does She!”.

“I’m normal. I’m normal. I swear to God, I’m normal.” First of all, this song is a lie, the dudes of WMM are anything but normal – ha ha, and secondly that is what makes you great! Does this song touch on your own journey to find your spot in the game of life or more reaching out to those who are trying so hard to “fit in” (or both or neither, ha ha)?
ZS Kind of both. At school, we were always kind of the misfits/floaters, but that was okay with us. We were true to ourselves, and more than content with that. A large number of our peers, however, were sacrificing so much happiness just to fit this silly mold of “normal”. They were always working for someone else’s satisfaction. All the while, we, the people happy with our lives and who we were growing up to be, were the ones being ridiculed for being “weird/freaks”. So in the end, the line turned out to be us mocking them, i guess. Everyone does strange things, so why can’t we just accept that and have that be the norm.

Last we talked you were preparing to enter phase 2 of recording your full length, Did you complete recording for Brought Up In A Hurricane?
ZS Tracking is finished! The CD is going through it’s final phases of mixing/mastering/printing. We had the album art redone with our buddy, Christopher Moore of ZeroART, and it was a fantastic decision. His final product shattered our expectations and will be released with a layout and a new song, “Pterodactyls” very soon!

Is there a theme/message to this album?
ZS Yes there is! It’s how the album came to be renamed (used to be Violence, Violence, Violins) now that you mention it. The only thing in common with all of the songs is that each one dealt with a hardship faced by either me(zesty) or Keller. It’s not like I grew up poverty stricken and dying of hunger in war torn Africa or anything, but I did my fair share of growing up in a very small amount of time, that put me through all sorts of emotions and thoughts. I came out the other end with all of these songs, so we think the title fits perfectly!

Where can fans get a copy?
ZS BUIAH will be $10 at shows! As of right now, mail orders are looking like they’ll be possible with an extra $5 for shipping and we’ll be doing our best to get it onto iTunes!

Who did you work with on this recording and what was the experience like as you cut your first full length?
ZS Sean Green of Gun Ho Productions! He used to be in Sanctity In Silence and is a wonderful friend of ours. Listening to our songs come out in such clear quality was awesome, and there was plenty of smiling at the finished product. We can’t wait to have the shrink-wrapped copy in our hands!

How has your view of music changed (good or bad) since you started WMM?
ZS I’m pretty sure for most of us, it’s stayed the same. If anything has changed it would be that all of these bands we’re looking up to were and might still be just like us. People who love playing music and having a good time! But at the same time, we’ve become more aware of the bands that don’t really care, and play music for gold, wenches, or fame. We slay dragons because we enjoy the copper scent, the crimson shower, and the deafening roar of a freshly slain dragon!

We Move Mountains is Maple Valley, Washington hardcore from: Zesty Sams – Vocals; Keller Doom – Guitar/Vocals; Bones de Leon – Drums; Ethan Gibbons – Guitar; Nate Arthur – Bass. Join We Move Mountains and keep up to date through their social networking sites: WMM Facebook and WMM Myspace. Read hurdcore.com previous interview with We Move Mountains WMM 2009.

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

As a follow up to our full length interview with Josh of City of God, we offer this encore which continues to peel back the layers of this Portland based hardcore band. To read our hurdcore.com exclusive interview with bass and vocalist Josh link HERE. City Of God is carving their musical message upon the concrete canvases and scene savvy fans of their local scene. In their own words, “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.”

Song that personally means a lot to me… Can’t be tamed (Miley Cyrus). If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is… a cat or two. Current trend in music/scene that bugs me… closed minds. Current trend in music/scene that is positive… hardcore will never die! Currently reading… your [hurdcore.com] questions. Currently watching… The Hills (Team Spencer). Top 5 songs in my personal iPod right now… Serpant Servant by Impending Doom (Micheal); Song for the broken by Close Your Eyes (Zack); Casey Jones by Grateful Dead (Josh); A Manditory Sacrifice by Oceano (James); Bruticus by Shockwave (Andrew). Any crazy pre-performance rituals? We sacrifice a goat and pour the blood on our instruments. It’s called prayer. Best memory that comes to mind from a show/tour… There was a Christmas show with Fallstar at Noisebox. There was an awesome turnout and James was praying in the back room way before we got on to do our set. Once we rang out for the first song the entire room went nuts, we don’t recall anyone sitting still. It was so rad to worship with all those kids. Worst memory that comes to mind from a show/tour… There was one show where everyone stood in a circle like 30 feet away from us, nobody moved and it was awkward. They were probably uncomfortable with all the cameras filming us for a documentary.

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.

Local and national band interviews and reviews provided weekly, typically fresh interview posted every Sunday with additional content posted throughout the week fresh from hurdcore.com and our friends. From Seattle to Portland, Spokane to Eugene and Davenport through Chicago, we are expanding local outposts to cover local hardcore, metal and hip-hop bands from Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa and beyond. 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.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12