London Calling Top 10 2011

Its that time of year again, when we try and piece together what has happened in the past year. So, we did what we could, and here goes.. introducing the top 10 things about 2011.

1. All dayer: No Redeeming Social Value at the JZE in Essen

The JZE was one of the best venues in Germany. Location was perfect (accessible from all over Europe), and the layout of the venue even more so.. When the announcement was made that it was to shut down, the entire hardcore community of Europe mourned. 17 Stitches gave us all a chance to say goodbye to the venue with a bang.. inviting one of the biggest party hardcore bands around, covering the outside area with sand and seeing it out with a bang. Best all dayer, by far.

2. New Band: Xibalba

When Beatdown Hardwear records released the Xibalba split, the hype that followed was phenomenal. With nearly every European hardcore kid linking their songs to their facebook walls, the band soon announced a European tour (which unfortunately did not hit the UK). Mixing elements of slow, sludgy metal with late 90s hardcore bands, the band create the perfect sound and are even more incredible live. Check out their video for “Cold” here and lookout for their European tour in Summer 2012.

3. All Dayer: Damage Control @ the Jamm Bar, May

Rucktion do it again with a massive line up showcasing the best bands on the label and bringing over London favourites Wisdom in Chains for a one off appearance. The best atmosphere. The best line up. We are looking forward to 2012s edition.

4. Venue of the year: 12bar

Consistantly, the Rucktion/12bar shows have been the highlight of the month with awesome line ups and awesome hangouts. Rucktion all dayers are the first saturday of every month. Go to www.rucktion.com for details

A big thanks to Rucktion record for doing this.

5. Joke of the year: How fast news travels within the hardcore scene.

Before the travelling hardcore kids from the UK had returned from Germany, they were already receiving text from America asking what had happened at Bringing Back The Glory in March. Marcel from FallBrawl got into an altercation with the members of Trapped Under Ice and it spread amongst the worldwide hardcore community like wildfire. Within hours, every TUI fan knew about it. People took sides, and TUI were told that they were no longer welcome in the ruhrpott area of Germany... Attendees of the fest should have kept quiet and seen how big the rumour got.

6. Album: Deathskulls- Real Deal 2 (Rucktion Records)

Bias aside, the Deathskulls are one of the best, and sadly most underrated hardcore bands to come out of the UK. Real Deal 2 contains 15 tracks of pure anger.Check them out here: www.myspace.com/deathskulls

7. New Band: Tirade

When you mix members of popular London hardcore bands, Ninebar and Injury Time, you know the result is going to be good.. check out their demo here.

8. Show: Knuckledusts 15th Anniversary, October, 12bar

Londons finest celebrated 15 years with a show at the 12bar in October. Both old and new faces came together for the hottest, sweatiest gig of the year. The band played both newer and old songs (including “Ill Vision”!). Keep a lookout for the DVD of the show that is to be released soon.

9. Festival: Ieperfest

This festival remains in the top 10 with highlights this year including marvellous sets from Blood For Blood, Strife, Sheer Terror (“Lady, that is NOT a burger!!”) and Xibalba. Event the rain and horrible Belgian weather couldn’t put a downer on the proceedings!

10. New Band: Incendiary

Whilst they may not be "new", Incendiary are hitting the UK early next year for the first time. The band are a mixture of old 90s tough bands like Merauder and All Out War. Absolutely incredible on record .. Have a listen on their Myspace page.

Honorable mentions go out to:

-SoSF Benefit show- When 17 Stitches cancelled Brotherhood fest, a group of hardcore dudes from essen saved the day. Salvaging what they could, they put on an outside show, complete with sand, for the travelling bands and fans. A ton of fun despite the rain!

- Death Threat at the JZE in Essen, May- One of the best hardcore bands around and one of the funnest shows.

- Grappler- Great live band. Check them out!

- Descendents being true to their word and totally redeeming themselves by putting on a free show for the car crash that was the first in London in Feb.

- Set Your Goals at the Underworld- This is the perfect venue for this band.. Hot, sweaty, awesome.

- Sick of It all- NonStop- Rerecording their classic songs, and then putting “the story so far” onto DVD? We are truly reminded why they are the best band in the world. Out now on Century Media

- Angels and Airwaves at the forum, Feb- Whilst we are well aware that they are not a hardcore band, this was the best show we attended in 2011.

- Ninebar 900: We havent had a chance to hear the new album yet but what we have heard live sounds absolutely killer.