As a human exposed to politics via a Black Panther-adjacent mother, my mind was open at a very early age. As a young POC punk from the 80s, part of my political worldview was shaped by by Crass and the bands that circled their orbit during the 80s. My stance on truth and rights has never wavered, and if anything, I become even more steadfast in my beliefs as I age. Peace Punk in the 80s felt safe because of its Anti-Racist stance that made me feel seen as a Black Punk. So when I hear sick Stenchcore in 2024, I still get hyped just like in 1984. One band that is killing it right now is Seattle’s AXEFEAR and their new album PROPHETIC END which is out now via Archaic Records is all that and then some! The opening track starts with this haunting storm of empathy that becomes this passionate wall of sonic dirge — it almost feels like Apocalyptic Blues! A song like “EMBRACED IN GENOCIDE” is a vicious audio weapon aimed at those who want to uphold this fucked up shitstem that we are all living through. AXEFEAR has no fear in lacing their anthems of filth with cryptic melodic dirges that will have you headbanging for sure. PROPHETIC END reminds us that Punk is still a safe space for me and other POC. AXEFEAR, if y’all read this, just know that y’all killed it with this album — maximum Respect DUE!
Vinyl LP / Cassette Released By Archaic Records:
