I recently saw IRON LUNG perform for the second time in my life, and they blew my mind. Not because they are one of the sickest Powerviolence bands to ever do it, but because they are more than just a band. To me, they are a representation of everything we love about standing on the DIY business we all respect! While watching them perform, my mind started to think, why is this band so powerful? I realized it’s all the layers of radness that make up their songs. I don’t why, but I started to think about bands like Sonic Youth, Saccharine, Trust, Rudimentary Peni, Sun Ra, or even the Minutemen.
IRON LUNG turns out some of the heaviest riffs that the Underground has ever heard. What was evident to me is that both Jon and Jensen’s musical inspiration is deeper than the genre they create within. For me, this fact was very uplifting on many different levels. I also realized the creative energy that sets them apart for many bands is Jensen’s dry humor and commentary between songs. His words had me thinking about life from different points of view while making me laugh, and that in turn killed any self doubt that was floating around my brain. I also respect how this band brings together many different tribes that exist In the underground.
There is no way to watch IRON LUNG perform and not be moved by it in some way. This band does not do it for fame or glory. For over two decades they have kicked out insanely passionate Powerviolence jams for the love of the art form and the global DIY community! To both Jon and Jensen, I want to say thank you for manifesting art that is gnarly AF and takes a stand against lameness on any level. And Iron Lung Records is one of my favorite labels every because it releases music that matters! Today CVLT Nation celebrates IRON LUNG with this in-depth video essay that spans most of their career!
Iron Lung – Live 2002 Los Angeles
Iron Lung 2003 Berkeley
Iron Lung 2005 Berkeley
IRON LUNG Cold Storage I
Iron Lung 2006 Seattle
IRON LUNG White Glove Test
Iron Lung at Best Friends Day 2011
IRON LUNG @ Thunderbird Coffee — 29 May 2010 | Jack Barfield
IRON LUNG .2012 Toronto
Iron Lung Santa Ana CA 2013
Iron Lung – Philly 2014
IRON LUNG Savagery
Iron Lung Tokyo Japan 2014
Iron Lung Brooklyn 2022
Iron Lung @ Brick’s Rock Bar 6/14/24
