Throughout the last few years I’ve been lucky enough to travel a fair bit and meet some awesome people from all over. This has given me an opportunity to get exposed to various scenes around the world. There isn’t an extreme music scene/culture that has impressed me as much as the Australian extreme music scene. It has spawned some of the coolest bands I’ve ever checked out, with the likes of Captain Cleanoff, Wolfe, Extortion, Restrictions, Inanimacy and Bastardizer.
Iron Mind, one of my favourite hardcore bands - probably ever - has released a new record this year. Based in Melbourne, Australia, they’re probably one of the best hardcore bands at home and abroad in my opinion. Their music has a lot of rhythm along with the perfect guitar and bass sound, which makes them truly stand out head and shoulders above the rest. I’m of the persuasion that pretty much anyone can relate to the lyrics and I would say the music draws a lot of influences from the NYHC style. They’ve managed to do a few releases after forming in 2006. Releases include The Sun Has Set EP, Hell Split Wide Open and a few tapes in between.
Roll on 2014 and Iron Mind has released their self-titled second full-length record via Resist Records and Flatspot Records in the US. It is pretty much perfect in every aspect. The combination of rhythms, breakdowns and build-ups is unparalleled. The guitar and bass sound is absolutely second to none, backed up by amazing drum work and vocals that round it off perfectly. The overall sound of the record is absolutely immaculate and the lyrics are intelligent, which means people can relate to it. The backup vocals just add that extra bit of aggression to the overall sound and atmosphere created by Iron Mind that will really set off any pit at any show. The change in tempo is a major factor throughout the record and the breakdowns are absolutely mind blowing. The sound really doesn’t get more distinct than Iron Mind as they rip your shit up from the word go.
There are a few tracks I could definitely relate to such as 'T.I.M.E.' and 'Rest My Case', but none more so than 'Praise', which really invoked a lot of emotions and it really does make one think. Its invoked, hatred, disgust and utter discontent with humanity and its ignorance with regards to a celestial body or a “God” as some call it.
They recently completed an Australian tour with Backtrack from New York, and if that doesn’t speak volumes about the pedigree of this hardcore band, then I’m not quite sure what will. I’ve seen a few videos and pictures from the shows and it looked like an absolute blast.
Iron Mind’s self-titled release is a juggernaut of a record that crushes everything in its path. Some excellent song writing and it is showcased through the execution. This is the kind of record that kids will look back on in years to come and say, “That record got me into hardcore” or ‘’That’s the reason we started a hardcore band”. They’re definitely up there with the heavy weights of modern hardcore and I would highly recommend this record to all hardcore enthusiasts.
