Power Violence

Give IRON LUNG Their Roses! Two Decades of Raw Power & Sonic Violence

Published

August 20, 2024

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!