Agnostic Front: Hardcore Lessons

This is such an easy piece to write, that it could be done while being blindfolded and handcuffed. When it comes to New York Hardcore, Agnostic Front is still the band that everyone respects and admires. When we recently interviewed Ben Falgoust from Goatwhore and Soilent Green, we asked him about the bands that made him want to get on stage. The first band he mentioned was Agnostic Front. The reason? Agnostic Front are not just a band, they represent a cultural movement that has crossed musical frontiers worldwide.

When the godfather of Hardcore music Vinnie Stigma started Agnostic Front in 1980, his vision was to create a form of music that was honest and directly from the streets. Another aspect that Stigma wanted to present to the masses was the strength and the unity behind the New York City underground culture. While many only know the "poshy" side of New York, the city was a complete different place back then. The streets were very rugged, and there was a lot of violence going on. This is what gave birth to the Hardcore Punk movement, which eventually became became the musical trademark of New York City. And without the violence and the hardship, it would have never evolved the way it did.

Agnostic Front revolutionized Hardcore music when they released "Victim In Pain", and instantly became one of the pioneers of New York Hardcore. We had the chance to see their hometown show at Santos Party Town in Chinatown, as they celebrated the 25th anniversary of this legendary album. It was a family reunion, and the band proved that they got fire for years to come. We actually spoke with Stigma after their performance, and he confirmed that they are going into the studio this November to record the new Agnostic Front album with Freddy Cricien (AKA Freddy Madball) as producer. Needless to say, the streets in New York City wont be safe once they release this album. Here are some quotes taken from the interview with Stigma! ENJOY! \m/







Related links:
Official Site of Agnostic Front
Official Site of Vinny Stigma
Official Site of New York Hardcore Tattoos

IMPRINTED by Jo Schüftan (Founder of Horns Up Rocks)