TOO SOON? GARY’S BEST HARDCORE OF 2012… SO FAR

Compiling lists is the sort of bad habit that makes music journos tingly with both static electricity (dryer sheets can be pricey) and something resembling excitement. Readers, though, may groan at the mere sight of the headline above. And sure, we’re only six months into 2012 — but we can’t help ourselves. The year had a good start, and there’s a lot more 2012 hardcore to get stoked about: new Converge, Power Trip, Rival Mob, and (perhaps) Harley’s War. Though I’ve been devoting a lot of attention to 7″ singles, I’ve intentionally left them off this list, because I like to keep things neat and organized in little boxes online.

So without further babbling, let’s get to masturbating listing!

• The Boston Strangler Primitive (Fun With Smack)
• Ceremony Zoo (Matador)
• Creem Creem (Deranged/Katorga Works)
• Expire Pendulum Swings (Bridge Nine)
• Lionheart Undisputed (Mediaskare)
• The Love Below Every Tongue Shall Caress (A389)
• Narrows Painted (Deathwish)
• Off! Off! (Vice)
• Pick Your Side Let Me Show You How Democracy Works (A389)
• Rise And Fall Faith (Deathwish)
• Sai Nam Crush (Reaper)
• Sickoids Sickoids (Residue)
• Slices Still Cruising (Iron Lung)
• Tragedy Darker Days Ahead (Tragedy)
• When Tigers Fight Death Songs (Closed Casket)

-GS