Behind Enemy Lines NYC is a committed anti-imperialist collective dedicated to confronting the American war machine from within what they term the "belly of the beast." Rejecting traditional electoral politics and managed dissent, the group focuses on turning state repression into a catalyst for further resistance. They prioritize direct action over symbolic protests, often refusing legal compromises like plea deals to expose the political motivations behind police tactics. Whether challenging the deportation infrastructure of ICE or calling out milestones in imperialism—such as the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States—the organization seeks to transform widespread disillusionment into organized, sustained disruption aimed at dismantling the infrastructure of U.S. global power and promoting social justice

Hailing from the storied radical punk scene of the Bay Area, The Furious Tits have been described as the musical lovechild of the Sex Pistols and Angel Olsen, blending raw, nihilistic energy with a haunting melodic vulnerability. Formed during the pandemic after lead singer Zoe began rage-writing lyrics in the shower, the band features a lineup of jazz kids gone rogue, including funk-machine bassist Miju, versatile drummer William, and face-melting guitarist Griz. Their music sits at the volatile intersection of queer identity and climate activism, using punk snark to tackle visceral existential threats like microplastics while demanding that the environmental movement learns to dance all night. Whether they are recording in the same studio as the Dead Kennedys or fomenting revolution from the moshpit, The Furious Tits create a high-octane "aural sex" experience that encourages their fans—affectionately known as The Push Up Bras—to laugh, cry, and organize together in the spirit of resistance.

Defying the "burn fast and fade" trajectory of the underground, Blackout Shoppers have maintained their momentum for over two decades by leaning into a genuine, brotherly bond and a refusal to overthink their genre boundaries. Their sound is a deliberate collision of West Coast speed and East Coast grit, blending the velocity of skate-punk with the heavy stomp of New York Hardcore—all while peppering their set lists with a unique mix of socio-political commentary and the occasional absurdist conspiracy theory. Led by founder and Sergeant-at-Arms Blackout Matt and vocalist Seth Amphetamines, the band prioritizes a raw, DIY ethos that favors the analog warmth of vinyl and the chaotic energy of live, guerilla-style performances over studio polish. Even as the NYC scene evolves around them, the group remains anchored by their work ethic and a shared love for the retro sounds that first sparked their passion as teens, proving that authenticity and a sense of humor are the ultimate tools for longevity in hardcore.

Hailing from Uruguay, A Small Madness is a metal outfit that specializes in turning suppressed internal friction into explosive sonic energy. Their name serves as a metaphor for the unspoken parts of the human psyche—those bottled-up emotions and hidden truths that eventually reach a breaking point and find release through their music. While their foundation is built on the raw, empathetic legacy of early-2000s nu-metal, the band has consciously evolved, shedding revivalist labels to embrace the technicality and of the modern metal scene. By opting for English lyrics, they treat language as a universal bridge to connect with a global audience, viewing their songs as a direct conversation with anyone who has ever felt marginalized or misunderstood. Fearless and visually driven, A Small Madness doesn't shy away from provocative political or religious themes; instead, they use their platform to "tear off the band-aid," aiming to provide the same sense of sanctuary and catharsis that their own musical heroes once provided for them.

Blending millennial pop-punk nostalgia with a sophisticated, modern edge, Chasing the Fall is a UK-based quartet that prioritizes raw emotional transparency and collective synergy. Comprised of Becki, Phil, Andy, and Matty, the group has evolved from their "boppy" origins into a more mature sonic territory, fearlessly integrating heavy riffs with unexpected textures like live cello and acoustic arrangements. Their recent validation on BBC Radio 1 and Kerrang! playlists signals a band hitting their stride, a growth further fueled by the professional discipline they absorbed while touring with veterans like Skindred. Whether they are exploring the vulnerable concept of finding home in their standout single "The Show" or bringing their high-impact, show-stopping energy to US audiences for the first time, the band remains anchored by a strictly democratic creative process and a heartfelt mission to create a safe, cathartic space for their global fanbase.

Hailing from the complex cultural landscape of Bogotá, Dumb Band operates as a defiant alternative to commercial fast-food music, reclaiming the word "dumb" as a badge of honor for those who refuse to fit societal molds. Deeply rooted in the revolutionary spirit of Roots Reggae and the raw honesty of Nirvana, the project treats different genres like vast, ego-free universes, often utilizing progressive technicality—think odd time signatures, drop D tunings, and mathematical patterns—to create an immersive, numerical experience. Whether they are translating lyrics across time zones for international collaborations or channeling the heavy social scars of Colombia into haunting tracks like "Death Song," their mission remains a singular, introspective one: to provide a soundtrack for rebirth and resilience in a world that often favors the predictable over the profound.

One of them is a professional chef who has appeared with Gordon Ramsay. One of them studied jazz composition at Berklee. And one of them handles dead bodies for a living.

Spitbite has been a part of the Pittsburgh scene for close to two years, and are releasing their first 7-inch today (February 13th). As a band, they are virulently anti-fascist, and dedicated to local action and community. The single was recorded in Pittsburgh, printed and pressed in Pittsburgh, and features original paintings from a Pittsburgh artist (the band adheres to a strict no-AI policy). The A-side “Final Form” is dedicated to their trans friends and family members, and has been already released digitally, The new B-side "The Bond" was inspired by reading about the California redwoods that fell to the recent wildfires, after surviving normal fires for centuries. There are also references to the indigenous American peoples, who also lived on this continent for hundreds and hundreds of years in balance with the land. They feel strongly about the effects of human-made climate change and hope that a better trajectory can be found.

Lukretia, the trans frontwoman of the Brooklyn-based witch punk band tricktheriddle, is a prolific multi-disciplinary artist whose work spans music, literature, and visual arts. Leading a queer and POC-friendly power trio active in the New York scene, she writes all the band’s music and designs its visuals—including their website—alongside managing a solo folk project and a hyperpop moniker, troubledyuth. Her creative output includes pitching fiction novels, exhibiting paintings in galleries, and recently producing the political punk track "Don 2025," which she paired with a video featuring a mix of self-filmed and sourced protest footage. Beyond her musical and digital work, she is an active model and actor with experience in short films and well-attended stage plays. Lukretia is also a dedicated music educator and advocate for underserved communities, currently teaching songwriting and guitar to students at a transfer school in East Harlem, with a teaching history stretching from East New York to the Lower East Side. As tricktheriddle prepares a Green Day cover for an upcoming tribute compilation, she is currently overseeing the band's new distribution deal and the release of their latest full-length album.

Beatallica is a unique mash-up band that originated in 2001 as an April Fool's joke for Milwaukee’s Spoof Fest. Combining the musical styles and lyrics of Metallica and The Beatles, the group evolved from a joke project into a global touring act with four studio albums, including their most recent release, Devolver (2021). The band's history is famously marked by a legal dispute where Metallica's Lars Ulrich intervened to provide legal assistance after the group received cease-and-desist letters from Sony/ATV. While known for their humorous and clever lyrical weaving, the members are a fully operational independent metal band that prides itself on human performance and "no AI" stance. Over their 25-year history, they have performed internationally, from European festivals to South Korea, while continuing to balance the project with various other musical endeavors.

Widely considered one of the most dominant figures in the history of cue sports, Allison Fisher is a dual-sport legend who transitioned from a legendary snooker career to a decade-defining run in professional 9-ball. Born in England, Fisher began playing snooker at age seven and secured her first world title by seventeen, establishing herself as one of the top snooker players in the world, ultimately winning over 80 titles. In 1995, she moved to the United States to join the Women’s Professional Billiards Association tour, where her precision and consistency led to over 50 Classic Tour titles and four WPA World 9-Ball Championships. The Duchess of Doom’s unparalleled impact on the sport was cemented by her 2009 induction into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame and her 2022 appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her service to the game.

For years, if you wanted to catch a legendary hardcore set or dive into a pit, you headed south to the five boroughs. But over the last 5 years, something has shifted. The energy is moving north, and new movement has taken over the 914. After the influential NYHC Comics, owned and operated by Deba Da Pro and Lee Farrelly, started Hardcore In The 914, with a dedicated group of local bands and punks they turned Westchester from a quiet suburb into a mandatory stop for touring bands and a breeding ground for new local talent. With acts like Murphy’s Law, Subzero and Rebelmatic anchoring recent shows, Hardcore In The 914 is quickly becoming a major player in the scene. We had a chance to sit down with the guys themselves for a wide-ranging interview about what goes into bringing hardcore up to the 914.

Capsize’s 2026 return isn't just a comeback; it's a sharpening of their sonic blade. Their upcoming EP serves as a high-contrast exploration of internal clarity amidst external chaos, blending waves of nostalgia with flashes of aggressive hope. Musically, the band is leaning further into their extremes, bridging the gap between infectious melodic hooks and crushing breakdowns specifically engineered for the catharsis of a live crowd. By enlisting producer Cody Stewart, they’ve managed to overlay a modern, polished sheen onto their signature raw emotion, proving that a sophisticated mix doesn't have to sacrifice human grit. Ultimately, this new chapter isn't a departure from their roots—it’s an expansion. The core identity of Capsize remains intact because it’s baked into their DNA; they’re simply opening a wider window into the same emotional intensity they’ve always championed.

Final Thirteen are an alt-rock/punk band from Northern Ireland, forging a sound that blends sharp hooks, bruising guitars and raw, emotionally driven intensity. Since emerging in 2024 with debut single “Why You Sacrifice Me Now,” the band have built strong momentum through releases including “Say Please Stay” and “Go,” earning international radio play and support from Kerrang! Radio, RGM and Right Chord Magazine. Renowned for high-energy live performances, Final Thirteen have toured extensively across Ireland and the UK, playing packed venues in Belfast, Dublin, London, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Now entering a bold new chapter with a revitalised lineup — AX (vocals), JD Burns (guitar), Matty G (bass) and Brendy Healy (drums) — the band are currently working on a series of exciting new releases that push their sound into heavier, sharper territory.

Our fellow Westchester natives The Jukebox Romantics have maintained nearly a two decade career by prioritizing clear communication and a core philosophy of having fun. Now operating as a four-piece ensemble, the group features AJ and James, whose technical skills have fostered creative growth and a more energetic live dynamic. Their upcoming fifth studio album, This One Looks Cool, represents a refined, introspective milestone for the band, reflecting their evolution as they balance family life with a "work smarter" approach to touring. While they view the local punk scene as a blended alternative community, they remain deeply connected to Westchester through hubs like Yonkers Brewery and the 914 collective. Despite their professional growth, the band retains its "never grow up" spirit, a sentiment Terry personally embodies through his tradition of placing a wrestling action figure on his amp to remind him to stay entertained and connected with his audience.

Doll Fest is a mission-led music and arts gathering that champions feminine energy and community solidarity while actively dismantling patriarchal norms. By reclaiming the "Doll" moniker, the festival pays tribute to the resilience and social triumphs of femme individuals across various historical movements, including the Black trans scene in New York. The event functions as a curated sanctuary where diversity is central rather than symbolic; it fosters a secure environment for BIPOC and Queer communities by setting clear boundaries against bigotry and supporting causes like the Transgender Law Center. Beyond its musical lineup of femme-fronted bands, the festival incorporates community-building efforts such as boxing classes and comedy shows to encourage active engagement. While the current political and economic climate has made securing financial sponsors more difficult, the festival continues to expand its reach, with plans to grow from its Oakland roots into an international presence in Mexico City and beyond by 2027.

Purple Lung is a high-energy doom metal outfit hailing from the Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) scene, consisting of vocalist and guitarist Toni, bassist Max, guitarist Simon, and drummer James. Transitioning from their early short-form releases to their 2026 debut full-length record, Mystic Vision, the group has evolved their collaborative songwriting process by embracing studio experimentation and spontaneous layering. Their signature sound blends the foundational weight of traditional doom and Sabbath-style bluesy riffs with the high-speed urgency and aggressive delivery of hardcore punk. Deeply influenced by the atmospheric, wooded landscapes of their home region, the band weaves fantasy-driven narratives—featuring wizards, dragons, and ancient lore—into their music. Despite the dark intensity of their riffs, the members prioritize a sense of whimsy and authenticity, aiming to share their high-energy performances with audiences across the East Coast and Midwest throughout the coming year.

Established in 2020 amidst a global pandemic, Punks Giving is an organization rooted in the belief that the punk mindset is a catalyst for shattering the status quo and creating tangible social change. Originally founded to unite the resources of the punk and hardcore communities, the organization merged with Punk Rock Saves Lives in 2023 to further its mission of "Positively Positive" living. While its partner organization focuses on mental health and bone marrow registries, Punks Giving handles direct community impact, coordinating distributions of food, clothing, hygiene products, and toys to those in need. By championing core values of compassion, community, and respect, they empower individuals to give their time and talents to build a future where the punk scene is synonymous with radical, grassroots generosity.

Panic Sets In is a Philadelphia-based band that blends infectious pop-punk hooks with metal-influenced percussion and intricate bass lines to create a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. Deeply rooted in the Philly scene, the band’s identity and lyrics are heavily influenced by the city, often exploring mature themes like modern American struggles and mental survival rather than typical tropes of young love. After a transformative hiatus and a lineup change that significantly boosted their creative productivity and morale, the group transitioned from recording in local basements to working at professional studios like Thornwall Studios. Recognized as 93.3 WMMR’s Local Shots Artist of the Month, the band is currently building momentum toward a sophomore album expected in 2026, characterized by organic collaboration and a focus on relatable bangers.