On the Stage (7 Generations)

One thing I've always loved about hardcore is the on stage speeches inbetween songs. Improbable as it seems, hardcore kids do get educated at hardcore shows -- something that can be truly important when the person onstage has something positive and isnpirational to give. Perhaps that's also what the scene is lacking our days, people with something to say and the guts to actually say it. Therefore kids should pay attention when bands are speaking their hearts out because remember, hardcore is not just about the music and the moshing. It's so much more.

This song be 7 Generations is a good example of what I just talked about. Hardcore is a way to live, a way to learn, a way to change yourself and your surroudings!

xOur Warx: If You're Not Now... (2000)

Our War was a US band that was all about the straight edge, music-wise and of course lyric-wise. I can't verify this but I've read that the band contained members from 90s vegan sxe pioneers Chokehold (!) and bad ass fastcore giants Haymaker.

I've seen this record circulating on download blogs and judging from the cover I always thought it would be some kind of boring beatdown band. Boy was I wrong. In fact, this is probably my favorite type of hardcore: fast, brutal, catchy and obnoxious. Enjoy the full stream of this 2000 album entitled If You're Not Now... You're Dead.

New Blog!

Well... those who know me definitely know I have somewhat of an obsession with doing new stuff and starting new blogs/zines etc.

So, I have a new blog, kind of an idea that I wanted to do for a long time. It is a blog that deals with spirituality and hardcore. Yes, I know it sounds absurd. Even though I am not religious in the classic sense, spirit-filled hardcore has always been a positive influence for me and now it is time to pay some respect to it. I guess it's still a vegan straight edge blog, but in a different way. Some of you will simply hate it, but I like to take the risk regardless.

And a personal truth: I spend 11 hours of my day working in a vegan shop, so I guess sometimes I am too burned out to do a strictly vegan edge blog. I mean -- veganism is my life, but I have others things I love too. Who knows? Maybe it is time to do something new and try different things, expand. I'm not saying this blog is finished. We'll see.

Drug Free Bhakta

Drug Free Bhakta

Drug Free Bhakta

Stronger than Ever (& Path of Resistance "Against the Gale")

Wow... it often seems so easy to get caught up in the daily struggle and forget about why you're doing what you're doing. When you do something for too long, you can end up forgeting why you're doing it. For me also it's like, sometimes I almost forget I am vegan and straight edge and kind of take for granted what this commitment represents. Every day is full of work, spinning the wheel like everyone else and of course dealing with people who are neither vegan or (definitely not) straight edge. Surrounded by broken heroes and apathetic machines, yes, sometimes it is easy to forget who you are.

However I've found since long ago that the motivation to stay passionately drug free and vegan does come and go in waves. It's just how it goes. I mean, being vegan sxe is just who I am now, but it is always good be really psyched about the whole vegan sxe ideal. And the best thing is when, at some point in your everyday routine, you remember once again why you're here. And what a great thing the vegan straight edge is. I love the feeling you suddenly get when a hardcore record brings back all the motivation of  why you made your choices. When this happens, a record is not just a record anymore, but a whole idea, a whole way of life, it brings back all the reasons why you're here and why you're making the commitment.

I am too old to be excited all the time, I guess. I've seen to many people turn their backs not only to veganism and/or straight edge but also hardcore (which is supposed to be the very essence). And that's not cool. But I feel so lucky that I can touch base every now and then, and have all those records bring that awesome feeI guess the songs say it better than I do.That's what actually picks me up and throws me back in the fight again.
 ---------------------
For sure, the songs say it better than I do. Hardcore can give you the strength toovercome all the troubles and reinstate you faith! And those lyrics just sup up the way that I feel...

AGAINST THE GALE Lyrics: These are the hours where our souls are tested Their resolve weakens While the storm strengthens I won't share in their dismal fate As time passes the pressure intensifies to just give in To be swept over and down to never return again Tattered and torn Taken by the wind Frantic hands grasp to pull me under with them The waves, the rocks, the tower on the shore The light shines through the dark Steer by it and be sure against the gale Hold fast Committed for life With my skeleton crew We will last even through this night Hold fast the faithful.

(Don't) Have a Hotdog!

So many people think they can prove their manliness or look real cool by eating some ridiculous amount of hotdogs at a barbeque and generally impress others by eating all sorts of crappy meat. I just don't get it. Why is it considered cool to act ignorant and eat a lot of meat? Does it really make you a man? Especially when those people have learned about the health hazards of meat eating, the benefits of veganism for health, animals, the environment etc etc.

Like every other vegan, I have had my share of comments and pranks about being vegan. I have heard everything, even worse: I have heard the same jokes many times. But maybe it's a good idea to remind that the joke just might be on them. It's time to fight back with the facts, and let them know that the era of ignorance is starting to wither and become old!

Confessions...

So what will you do? Will you do what you can to make this world a better & more sustainable place? Help support life on this planet? The new ethic is found in the lives of people who are actually devoting their lives working for this cause. They are out there, while we sit.

Confessions of an Eco-Terrorist

Random XVX negativity (& a Drop Dead song)

I haven't posted much here during August's second half. But one thing is for sure, in my life I'm just as adamant in my convictions and dedicated to the vegan straight edge as I have ever been. It's just that the enthusiasm about writing/blogging comes and goes in circles. It just goes like that.

Sometimes I think that doing blogs and zines is nothing but a mere cultural expression in regard to the vegan xxx cause. I mean, it hardly changes anything, it hardly impresses anyone in this forsaken, cold world. The people who are into it just want to see tattoos and Iphone fucking pix taken in the mirror. XVX patches, "Liberate" patches and all that crap. Yes, I'm kind of let down with the kind of people I've met in this scene. That's why sometimes I tend to say "fuck it" and just want to hide underground. Just keep myself pure, locked in the fight for what's right. And that, I have already.

And now take 42  seconds of crusty powerviolence, you fucks!

Untitled

Girrrls in Subculture: new feminist hardcore zine!

Grrrls in Subculture is a nice and minimalist-looking feminist hardcore blog & zine that has been going since May 2012. The blog (check it here) displays a nice selection of grrrl articles as well as interviews with girls who are active in the hardcore scene (mostly by playing in bands).

I already saw some pretty interesting interviews with Wolf X Down and Whichcult while I found the Beyond Pink interview a little 'whatever'. I am also looking forward to read the articles, and I hope to be challenged or provoked in some way. Grrrrl zines are important for girls as much as they are for boys, really. Zines like this can help us deprogram the preconceived notions that we have about gender issues and about that thing called "equality" (does it exist?).

Naj One - "My Story" (& Foeknawledge DL)

I know from talking to some of you that most people who come here for music are all about the 'core. However, I want to tell you, I want to convince you even, to check some good old vegan straight edge hip hop like Naj One. He is a guy who went through homelessness, drug addiction and jail to become one of the most prolific drug free & vegan rappers in the world.

Naj One released Foeknawledge in 2005 through New Eden records. The album is filled with old school hip hop with excellent, spiritual, socially aware, vegan sXe lyrics. If you're into this type of message, Naj One must remain on your mp3 player, as he is one of the fathers of vegan sXe hip hop.

I don't think you can find to buy this record so easily. I got a download link for it though.

Maintain

It's easy to get disheartened about being vegan in a non-vegan world. As if social pressure isn't enough, sometimes it seems hard just to find the right stuff to eat, or maintain a good eating plan throughout the madnss of day-to-day life.

The trick is to structure your life around veganism, and to make it your main focus. If you really love it, that is what you got to do. Dedicate yourself to it. Don't have it as just a thing in your life. We should all try and be the best examples: be the most well-read vegans we can, the most organized in regard to our eating routines, the most thorough, strong vegans possible.

It's not that hard (it's fun!) and remember, you're saving lives, you're making a change!!!

Keep it safe,

XVX

Earth Crisis - "The Discipline" (w/ lyrics)

Let us not forget ourselves. Every now and then it's necessary to go back to the roots and remember the people who started everything.

Destroy the Machines was made in 1994. Earth Crisis is one of the most (if not the most) consistent bands in spreading the vegan straight edge message. The hardcore scene and the people into veganism and straight edge should never forget this band's input and give it the respect it deserves.

"The Discipline" lyrics:

Straight edge - the discipline. The key to self liberation is abstinence from the destructive escapism of intoxication. I separate from the poison - a mindlessness I've always abhored. Usage will only increase the pain, a truth I constantly see ignored. The pollutants that kill the body breed apathy within the mind. The substances that once brought release in the end will always confine. From drug-clouded lungs and veins motivation dissipates. Imprisoned within addiction,abuse increases until death overtakes. Enslaved by concupiscence, promiscuity leads to despair. Victims used and abandoned by liars who professed to care. Self-exiled from their insanity. Striving to attain higher levels of purity. The beauty in life is mine to know. Amidst the ruin I survive. I've got to stay free. Damage everywhere - infections at every turn. Through my refusal to partake I saved myself. Abstinence was the beginning. What's important is what's done with the freedom step bystep I overcome. Alone I climb the staircase to edification.

Animal Ethics: Waking up to the Voice of Reason

Just pause and think about it.

This Time *We* Win: Greenhill Farm Closed

Grenhill was an Italian dog-breeding farm which sold animals for vivisection. Innocent beagles would grow up under extremely harsh conditions, only to be sold to laboratories and have their lives ended under the knife of science.

Greenhill farm was not able to silence the voices of contempt and finally backed down due to the pressure of people, animal activist raids, protests and petitions signed throughout the last years. 2,500 beagles were freed in a large-scale raid carried out by local law officials and protestors together.

The examples have been set. Now it's time to take the fight worldwide!

Random Europe pix

Some pictures from touring around Europe, living the vegan edge lifestyle and enjoying life..!

Coffee in Budapest, Hungary

Practice room in Wiener Neudsadt (Austria)

Squat wall in Gtaz, Austria

Cheeseless pizza in Zagreb, Croatia

Squat art in Zagreb

Looking for vegan food on some truck stop in Hungary

Vegan ice x cream at Fluff fest (Chech Rep.)

XVX on the go

I am going on tour for 10 days, so catch you all later! I am excited to bring it again vegan and freaky style as soon as I get back. The struggle goes on....

You can also check my nerdy tumblr site: http://attritionbeginsxvx.tumblr.com/, where I might be updating from my phone. But more probably I will forget (or won't be able to).

Keep it safe,

XVX

Naj-One - "New Dawn Breaking"

A quality message of vegan militancy from mr Naj-One!! Sometimes you just got to say things clearly. 

This pain we created will effect all of us

Vegan X Protein

found this from http://liberateanimals.tumblr.com/

What is protein? It is a family of amino acid molecules your body needs for the growth, maintenance and repair of all cells; is a major component of all muscles, tissues and organs; is vital for the metabolism, digestion and the transportation of nutrients and oxygen in the blood; it is necessary for the production of antibodies which fight against infection and illnesses; and is the main nutrient that keeps our hair shiny and healthy, our nails strong, our skin fresh and glowing and our bodies strong and healthy.

There are two types of proteins, complete and incomplete proteins. “Complete” proteins have all 8 essential amino acids and tend to come from animal sources of protein such as meat, dairy products, eggs, fish, shellfish and poultry. ”Incomplete” proteins are usually lacking in one or more of the essential amino acids and come from plant sources like fruits, vegetables, pulses, grains and nuts.

There are several advantages to eating plant protein:

• Plant protein does not contain any cholesterol or saturated fats.
• Plant protein is rich in antioxidants, calcium, zinc, and other minerals and vitamins.
• Plant protein is high in fibre.

“It is very easy for a vegan diet to meet the recommendations for protein, as long as calorie intake is adequate. Strict protein combining is not necessary; it is more important to eat a varied diet throughout the day.” – Reed Mangels, Ph.D., R.D.; Vegetarian Resource Group, VRG.org

Everyday-Life Advice for the Vegan Edge Kidd

I found this on tumblr (this guy's tumblr) and I thought it's a good idea to repost it here, as a bit of an advice for the kids who are toughing it out, having to work long hours at an office etc.

I do not work at an office anymore (thank God for that), but if you do, you should take care of yourself properly before having all your energy drained away! And this should only be a temporary solution while you plan how you'll get out of the shit desk job :)

Just veganize everything that is not already vegan in the following article!

6 a.m.: Waking Up

Tried and true: Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier than you actually need to wake up, so you can rise gradually and mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Expert tip: Go to sleep with your blinds at least halfway open: When the sun flows in, your brain will slow its melatonin production and start generating adrenaline, so you’ll be half-awake by the time your alarm goes off.

7 a.m.: Before Your Commute

Tried and true: Have a small breakfast to kick-start your metabolism.

Expert tip: Even something as simple as string cheese with an apple and roasted nuts will help you stay energized—protein and calcium are key.

8 a.m.: On the Way In

Tried and true: Living close to the office might help perk you up. Researchers say commuting contributes to stress, exhaustion, and days missed from work.

Expert tip: If the commute’s unavoidable, simple mental exercises can help cut through the tension: You can meditate whether you’re sitting or standing on a bus or train, and you can take advantage of pauses while driving by practicing mindfulness.

9 a.m.: Take a moment to get organized

Tried and true: A cluttered desk can cause stress, but it’s not exactly easy to find the time to clean one up. The early morning, before tasks pile up and meetings come together, actually makes a great time to do so.

Expert tip: Before you launch into your inbox, take a minute or two—five, even—to collect yourself and your papers. Sort through what’s essential and recycle everything that’s not. Some say that the trick to staying focused is to do all of this while standing.

10 a.m.: Time for coffee?

Tried and true: One professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School calls coffee a “lifesaving miracle drug”, but when it comes to its ability to wake you up, a lot can depend on your habits. Too much coffee can lead to stress and even quirks in perception, so resist the urge to double down in one morning.

Expert tip: If you’ve held out, 10 a.m. could be a good time to have a cup: since caffeine takes about 45 minutes to fully absorb, you’ll be covered for a good chunk of the morning, and you won’t have wasted any of your buzz before work’s really underway.

11 a.m.: Skip the snack 

Tried and true: Mid-morning munchies happen, but they may not do a whole lot to boost your energy level. Plus, a recent study suggests that they can obstruct weight loss.

Expert tip: Eating a snack shortly after breakfast probably isn’t necessary depending on the timing of your lunch — one registered dietitian at SHAPE calls it “mindless eating” that isn’t based on hunger. She suggests keeping at least three, and no more than five, hours between meals, so keep your schedule in mind as the morning goes on and your stomach starts to growl. 

12 - 1 p.m.: Lunch

Tried and true: Eat away from your desk if at all possible to avoid a variety of health concerns, including serious bacteria. Nothing will sap energy like getting sick and staying in your chair all day.

Expert tip: Try to take a 20-minute walk after lunch to boost your levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, all of which will give you more energy when you return to work.

2 p.m.: Sneak a nap in

Tried and true: The prospect might sound a bit nutty, but consider this: Getting a little shuteye doesn’t have to take much longer than a bathroom break or brewing a new pot of coffee.

Expert tip: According to Prevention, a mere 10 minute rest at 2 o’clock will boost your energy for the rest of the day. It’s certainly worth a shot if you have a good spot available to you—try your car if there isn’t vacancy in the office.

3 p.m.: Check on your eyes

Tried and true: Your eyes can get tired, too, which can make you feel bogged down. Try to stand up and take water breaks throughout the day to stay refreshed.

Expert tip: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look at something 20 feet away from your monitor for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

4 p.m.: The home stretch!

Tried and true: There are several easy stretches you can do quickly at your desk, all of which can help you refocus on work. Men’s Health offers seven, most of which can be done without leaving your chair.

Expert tip: Try an exercise like the upper cervical spine flex every time you click “reply.”

5 p.m.: Wind down

Tried and true: It’s not always possible to leave right when the clock strikes 5—or 6, or whatever the end of your 8-hour workday might be—but try to get as close as possible. According to one study, working overtime can take a toll on your ticker, leading to serious health problems down the line.

Expert tip: Don’t rush out of the door. Instead, make sure you wind down properly: doing so will keep your energy up and spirits lifted as you head home. Have a chat with co-workers or watch a funny video before packing up.

5 - 6 p.m.: On the way home
Tried and true: This is a good time to rock out. If you’re a music lover who’s spent all day in relative silence, take the opportunity to pump up the volume a bit and unwind.

Expert tip: It’s just as important to practice mindfulness during your evening commute as it was in the morning—think of it as an opportunity to check back in with yourself and bring the day full circle. Plus, focusing on what’s going on internally can help calm you down in the often stressful rush to get home.

9 p.m.: Before bed

Tried and true: To ensure another energized 9-5, you’ll want to squeeze the most out of your nighttime shuteye. There’s more to it than shooting for eight hours of rest, though. Avoid bright screens—computers, smartphones, and TV—before you go to bed.

Expert tip: Try a hot bath 30 minutes in advance, and keep a cup of water at your bedside: If you wake up feeling hot, lowering your body temperature will help you get back to sleep

Vivisect... the Bastards!

Anyone fond of anarcho-punk? Or maybe anarcho-metal?

I am sure this band isn't straight edge by no means, but if you have a demo titled Vivisect the Bastards, well goddamn... You deserve a mention and some thumbs up!

Vivisect is from Houston, US, and they have put out 2 demos of awesome, vegan anarcho metal. No d-beat here, just (Profane Existence type) punk/metal for your pleasure!!!

The 2nd demo feature here has an awesome title once again: This Ain't Peace Punk, We Mean War. The vocals are harder and the production dirtier than before!

This band makes me think of fun times spent in squats, biking, reading cheaply-printed zines and that whole sort of thing (even though the anarcho-punk is not where I personally belong)!

No One Is Innocent

Some metallic old school hardcore from the pioneers of the vegan straight edge lifestyle... in order to return to the basics and not forget who we are or where we came from!

And the message still is... no one is innocent!

 

No One Is Innocent Lyrics: No one is innocent we all commit crimes, if you're not guilty in their eyes, you're guilty in mine. There are only two sides and a line that divides, if you stand in the middle you're not on my side. No such thing as an innocent passerby you're the enemy if you turn a blind eye. Not taking a stand while others die complicity your crime you will be tried. Too bad if that's cold there's not time to be nice ain't playing a game it's a war which we fight. In defense of earth's future and all forms of life, against those in the way all is justified. And for what I believe I'm willing to die to free those enslaved I'll take a life. Won't shed a tear, I know I am right, and if I am caught, I'll pay the price cos there's no excuse for letting things slide, in the actions of others or in your own life. If you don't stand firm on the side of right you're nothing but a waste of life so you'd better choose a fucking side and not be sitting in the middle when the bullets start to fly. If you don't make a choice it could mean your life for if you're not on my side you're a target in my eyes.

The Fourth X (!?)

Poison X Planet sport four Xs on this cover. Hmmm... What could it stand for?  I can't figure it out.

Just kidding. I made this outrageous remark in order to say something that should be obvious: have some freedom while doing your xVx thing, and have the guts to do it in your own personal way.

Enjoy good straight edge powerviolence and go vegan!

 

Morrissey Knows

Chill Out Bro

This is perhaps one of the most productive but also most stressful periods in my life.

In about two weeks we are finally opening our vegan shop with my girlfriend, which is awesome, but I am so stressed about everything going right. And of course I am also busy with preparing for our record release party/show, and getting ready to leave on tour in about 20 days. It's just crazy.

So what can be the antidote to all this hyper-activity and instability? Well, just take things easy and let them roll. I am so glad I have this straight edge attitude on this; just look forward, look ahead, plan and be safe.

When I have free time, waiting for everything to come together, all I pretty much do is get busy with hardcore. Which is how I like it. Just write on my blogs, listen to new music, do the new Straight Edge Greece thing on tumblr (along with Nick from xFNx), and of course spend time with my girlfriend, cat, friends and family.

What else is there to do? Smoke weed? Fuck no! Stay safe everyone!!! XXX

Make the Effort - "Big Jock's Victory" Demo (2012)

Today I will present you with a real straight edge gem freshly created in 2012: Make the Effort from Glasgow, Scotland.

I have to say right now that I immediately fell in love with the artwork as soon as I saw this. Fucking A right! That mr. potato guy with the Nikes... quality stuff! However I didn't expect to hear this dirty, awesome, underproduced straight edge hardcore, which makes Youth of Today's early albums sound polished. The vocals are rough, the production is shit, and I freakin' love it!!! If you know me, you know I like stuff like this exactly: straight edge music with a positive message and that loveable dirty sound!

You want mosh parts? Check. You want the half minute intro? Check. Want to press play again? You bet!

Straight Edge Greece - New Edge Website!

I am super glad to let you know that me and a few friends have come together to make a new, purely straight edge site! This new effort has the intention to reinforce straight edge as a positive alternative lifestyle in our country (Greece), and of course anywhere else people want to hear us out.

Our "crew" (basically a bunch of friends and bandmates) decided that straight edge is severly under-represented in Greece, and we chose to combine our efforts in order to give the movement an extra boost here. We upload songs, images, news, flyers, show posters and all kinds of other media that are edge-related. So... check the site out, follow, suggest, share, do-whatever-it-is on your social media and support our cause to keep straight edge... clean!

1 Year of Athens VSXE Blog

I just realized that this blog has been running for a bit more than a year. A whole year! In this time, I got negatively criticized, laughed at, discredited, had some posts stolen and presented as another person's, but also got some nice remarks from people all around the world. The blog hits have been pretty good too. I just feel a bit psyched because this blog marks many of my everyday battles in life, and how I've been relying on veganism & the straight edge for strength and inspiration. It's a wild ride.

So yes, we should celebrate for our choices and for sticking to them. Since I'm in this all mushy mood, I guess I should post something relevant. Title Fight might not carry the straight edge tag necessarily, but from what I know they are made up from edge members. I mean... whatever!

Upward - "Pushed Aside" demo

Do you know what time it is? It is time to get positive up in here. Veganism, positive hardcore and clear thinking is what's up!

Upward is a melodic but unpolished (yeah!) youth crew hardcore band from Italy. They are active as we speak and they have new stuff out in 2012, which you can check below. Stream it or download it like it ain't no thing! But make sure to support the bands when you can. Also check 'em on this SXE Italian blog: Set Me Free

Oh yeah.. Enjoy youth crew straight edge lifestyle!

Gone But Not Forgotten - "Seattle Crew"

Classic angry youth crew band, late 00s time, with a 7" on straight edge label supreme, React!. I am not only in love with this particular type of music, but I am also in love with these black & white, hoodie-related, old school youth crew covers. This band also has an awesome name.

 

I usually don't put up download links, but since I download a lot of stuff myself, I guess it is kind of hypocritical not to. It's not like the labels lose big money by the people who search and download from blogs like this. Enjoy youth crew hardcore!

Seattle Crew Demo

Make Seitan!

OK so for a while now, all I've been doing on this blog is upload favorite and essential vegan/edge hardcore music. This far fetched goal of mine to make a complete vegan edge music archive is fun and everything, but today I felt like delving a little into food territory.

Seitan is one of the cool vegan substitutes for meat. It is yummy and nutritious. It is generally available in most organic and healthfood shops in ready made form, but it's also easy to make your own. I personally think it's ok to eat packaged fake meats once or twice a week, but it's way better, cheaper and healthier to make your own burgers, seitan etc. You didn't enter veganism with passion in order to eat pre-packaged stuff every day.

Check out the following video and start making you own foods, sucka!

Slavearc - "Vanquish"

Slavearc was a late 90s vegan edge death metal band from the UK. Vanquish is their 1998 ep (their discography contains a demo and another ep). The band could be described as militant vegan straight edge, with its hardline message aided by a profoundly brutal sound. Slavearc members have since been active in bands like xCanaanx, Kurohata, Cracked Cop Skulls a.o.

These were really the times... Vegan edge metal, a heavy hardline message, and dressing like you're a hip hop hoodlum :)

Vegan Reich - Jihad

Vegan Reich has surely stayed as the most notorious vegan straight edge bands in the movement's history. The band progressed from its early anarcho-punk sound to straight up metallic thrashcore throughout their sparse and hard to find discography. They are known for introducing the term hardline in the straight edge/vegan hardcore scene. This song is from the Jihad 3-song ep, released in 1999. The actual cover for this release is the green one with the arabic text seen above (sorry for the shitty pic). I guess this denotes the Muslim course that Vegan Reich's Sean Mutaqi was to follow in the years to come.

The Spirit of Youth

... it's what we still carry on with, untouched by their BS!!! XXX

Snapcase - "Lookinglasself"

Snapcase was one of the more successful (along with Earth Crisis and Strife) vegan straight edge bands of the 90s metallic hardcore movement. Lookinglasself was their first album, released by Victory Records.

INCARNATION LYRICS (a must read): incarnation, bring it to life bring it to life my body the soul the soul, the spirit, the essence of life now absent in our consciousness in this world, death just exists I know that we can live today but tomorrow's more important the future looks despondent don't mean it's hopeless carpe diem is great, with focus in duration it's time to live again, incarnation associate the masses in a world that's worth existence endure the pain, universalize the message we've got to kill the fear that halts us in relations it's time to live again, incarnation it's time to live in a world worth living a sense of hope a sense of feeling recognise death, life is celebration start today, incarnation 

Not All There Is

Big fat Nike's is not all there is to this precious cause. We all love that shit, but we need to wake up to the fact: Activism > Aesthetics.

Soulstice - Daze the Earth

Classic (albeit lesser recognized) metallic vegan edge hardcore from the early 90s. This Syracuse band featured members of Green Rage. Song taken from their hard to find full length on Lifeforce Records.

Heaven Shall Burn - Antigone (Full Length)

Note: I've noticed that a lot of people come here looking for the downooad link, while my intention was to include HSB in my vegan straight edge music archive. The reason I haven't uploaded the album is I don't haven't found a download link myself! I'll try to do so soon! XVX

Released in 2004, Antigone is the 3rd full-length album by the German vegan (and mostly straight edge) metal institution called Heaven Shall Burn. The album was released on CD by Century Media and on LP by Lifeforce.

VOICE OF THE VOICLESS Lyrics: See them die! They Die! A rain of blood should cover our world Stench and decay should be the only thing we sense But hidden in the dark and erased from our heads Barbarity and slaughter are everywhere A contemptible ethic, a relict For the weakest of the weak For the lowest of the low My voice for the voiceless My fists for the innocent the innocent the innocent Voice of the voiceless Voice of the voiceless On the edge of a new age this is still our dogma For the weakest of the weak For the lowest of the low My voice for the voiceless My fists for the innocent the innocent No grave for millions - tortured creatures, But a common grave for our morals This slaughter - an ethic I deny See them die! They die! An archaic way of thinking, so monstrous and absurd For the weakest of the weak For the lowest of the low My voice for the voiceless My fists for the innocent

Path of Resistance - Who Dares Wins (Full Length)

Path of Resistance is an all-vegan straight edge project featuring members of Earth Crisis, Unholy and (tattoo artist) DxJx Rose. Their 1997 Who Dares Wins debut on Victory Records is a display of some of the best 90s hardcore, lyrically stressing the importance of the straight edge message. A real legendary record!

Nueva Etica - new DVD out soon!

Nueva Etica is a legendary vegan straight edge band from Argentina, and a core representative of the entire South American hardcore scene. Also known as the "South American Mosh Machine", NxE have been spreading their message about drug-free living and animal rights through a brutal and intense medium. Militant yes, but in a positive way, NxE is a band that has a lot to offer and is not afraid to speak out. A while back, I did an interview with Nueva Etica for Take Your Shot fanzine, and judging from their attitude, I have nothing but the best to say for these guys...

Here is the teaser for the band's upcoming DVD. Even if you don't speak Spanish (like me), you can see that NxE is causing a lot of havoc, pummeling audiences with their mosh hardcore around the world... This is the vegan straight edge way of life, all about power, energy, focus, determination. Live it & love it!

Also check Seven Eight Life's official site and bandcamp. It's the record label that issues Nueva Etica releases, as well as other South American (vegan straight edge) hardcore and metal.

Won't Wash the X From My Hands

The edge is always questioned; that's just something every edge kid knows.

Today I hung out with an old friend; we talked about our current lives and talked about our problems and hardships. He said that he waits for the time I will change my mind and celebrate the old ways with a drink, just like it used to be.

I hope and believe from the depths of my heart, that this time will never come again. Straight Edge, baby!

One Constant

In this life, everyone needs a constant to hang on to and to use as a base and a source of strength. It can be family, friends, religion, material gratification, or even all of those things combined. More or less, most people chose the above. But strength can also come from a philospophy and a way of life. In a life where everything changes and you don't even know whether this very day is going to be your last, I am so glad I have found sraight edge to depend on. As the days, events and memories pile on, it feels awesome to have dealt with all in a sincere and unprejuidced way, with no crutches whatsoever. Shit happens of course, and not every day is filled with success, but I know I have straight edge to rely on: a bedrock of sober thought that guides the light through the dark tunnel that we call life...

Thank god for Casey Jones, representing straight edge hard in the 2010s... "I am these words so fuck you!"

Universally Brainwashed: A Fact

Every person living in the western world is formed under the great pressures of constant institutionalization and brainwashing. But, like all good brainwashing, it is so that the very fact escapes us. It is so embedded in our characters that we don't notice. It's finally up to each individual to search inside themselves, find and uproot the preconceived notions about the world, theirselves and how they should act (from social behavior to eating habits and sexual orientation). All we know, we've been tought. How long can our thoughts go against our natural self, our feelings? De-program!

Outlast - NJ Straight Edge Hardcore

 The positivity and intensity of straight edge hardcore... nothing in the world can beat it for me. Sometimes I am so perplexed by life I don't can't even begin explain stuff to suss out if I am positive or negative, if I am a good or a bad person. But this music surely speaks to me and surely makes my life seem better. It fills me with strength, energy and hope.

Outlast, New Jersey Hardcore... I am at the other side of the world but this music is for me and my friends and every kid. It speaks in volumes. I just wish that one day I will be able to give straight edge something in return.

Straight Edge is RnR

In a world where drinking, smoking and acting like wannabe rockstars is the norm, straight edge IS the rebellion. Some 31 years after its inception, you still can't beat this way of life... You still hate it and you can't really tell why. Maybe because you can't be it. It's all about the black sheep who gets ahead. We kept the good and we threw away the bad. Straight edge is rock n roll.