Strife - Rebirth!

The vegan straight edge is all about consistence; without it, we show that our stand was not solid and we also give the whole movement a bad name through being a bad example ourselves. However, the vegan straight edge is also about tolerance. Who can say how long each of us will last despite our for life pledges? Who are we to criticize the people and the bands who laid down the foundations of the vegan straight edge movement back in the day?

In my opinion, the return of Strife is one of the best things that happened to hardcore in 2012 (along with the new Bad Brains album!). It is so great to see this legend come back to life with an incredible sound. Undoubtedly, Strife was one of the three most influential vegan straight edge bands of the whole 90s hardcore scene, the other two being Earth Crisis and Snapcase. It really doesn't matter to me if Strife isn't vegan and/or straight edge anymore, because I still get that burning feeling of urgency the early records gave off; the songs in Witness a Rebirth comes straight from the heart with a message of clear-minded thinking. It is just a good hardcore record that gives us lessons in integrity, self-reliance, strength and personal reflection.

Personally, I find that Witness a Rebirth does in fact make me even more proud to be vegan & straight edge, because it expresses a positive mindset that is open to interpretation. 2013's Strife essentially stands for those same values the vegan straight edge represents. In turn, tthis reminds me that hardcore is one big family and that the bands we listen to are like our best friends, making our life just a little bit better with their message and music.

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!

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.

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 :)

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