The Black Heart Rebellion

Enter the Belgian hardcore scene. These guys have notably been described as a blend of the intense vocal power of Amanda Woodward and dark melodies of bands such as Mogwai, Isis, etc. Surfacing in 2004 they laid claim to hardcore when they made a, very rough, split with another Belgium band; Autumn Delay. Since then they have released three records both on vinyl and cd. One of these was a Japanese only release which is still obtainable through their MYSPACE(if your cool with paying for shipping from Japan to here hah). Next was the explosive Monologue(2008)release which, has been released on so many labels that if you can't get it its just sad(some examples:Smoke and Dust Records, Vlas Vegas Records). This album is an absolute trip in the full sense; like many other bands in their genre they use their music to create images and stories start to form and take shape. These sensations are also reflected in how they play music; visual effects and sounds. It is imagery at a beautiful dark peak. Check out monologue, I highly recommend it.

Here you can check out "Erase, Redraw Our Maps" live from the 4AD opening for Sun0))):

Split w/ Autumn Delay (2005)


Monologue (2008)

Hollow Jan

Often called Hollow January this five piece band hails from Seoul, South Korea. I JUST discovered these guys and I have to say, obtaining their music has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. They have often been compared to other asian melodramatic hardcore bands such as early Envy and Heaven In Her Arms. When I first heard them I was astounded at the similarity between them and Envy(even more astounded that Korea had a hardcore scene) I immediately picked up their newest full length called "Rough Draft in Progress" which has got to be one of the most phenomenal albums to ever come out of asia; it can be purchased here I've Come For Your Children Records. So far they've had a total of 4 albums two of which are currently unavailable in the US. One of their ep's that is not available to the US is called "Hyacinthus Orietalis of Purple" but if you go to their Myspace you can get a little taste for it. Bellow I've included a live video of the title track of the ep; watch it to see what I mean by being similar to Envy! Their Rough Draft cd is also below for dl, though I do highly recommend you grab one for yourself if you like it.

Hyacinthus Orietalis of Purple (Live)



Rough Draft In Progress (2007)