Carry On-Self Titled 7"(Teamwork Records) This is Carry On's third 7' and shows yet another progression in sound, while not as marked a change as from "stabbed in the Face" to "the Line is Drawn" this 7" is much harder and pissed-off sounding. While a Right Brigade influence is more than obvious this record still rules. All six songs are awesome, and the layout and production is great. I think that this record is just as good as "the Line is Drawn", just with a hard edge, and more mosh. If you like speedy traditional hardcore with a bit of mosh this is definetly for you.I urge anyone to check this band out live and pick up both this and "the Line is Drawn" two of the best hardcore records of the past year.

Mainstrike-No Passing Phase(Crucial Response Records) This record is the second full length from the band responsible for keeping the true spirit of hardcore alive in europe. These guys have been around since at least '95 and will no doubt outlast most bands "keeping the spirit alive" today. What you get is 10 tracks of sincere, powerful, Chain of Strength/Mouthpiece style hardcore. The foreign accent may turn some off but after a few listens it really grows on you. The production and the layout are exceptional for this album, as is the norm with Crucial Response releases, and the bonus track by "Iron Youth" holds it's own. The lyrics (at times) go beyond the typical youth crew cliches, and are written in better English than most Americans can muster up. All in all this release is definitely worth tracking down, and is a big improvement over last years "A Quest For The Answers".

Grudgematch-7"(Looking Back Records 3751 Puritan, Brunswick Hills, OH 44212) Awesome youth crew hardcore from this clevo band featuring members of Committed, and Gordon Solie Motherfuckers. These guys play speedy youth crew with a heavy helping of Orange county influences ala No For An Answer, and Uniform Choice. The vocals are very strong, with an apparent Pat Dubar influence, the playing and recording are also very good completing the package. Plus there is a song featuring Casey from committed on vocals so how can you go wrong.

Holding On- Demo 99 7" (Looking Back Records) As Minneapolis' first straight forward hardcore band in sometime these guys are really good. Although this 7" probably owes as much to ten yard fight and the second generation youth crew bands as it does to the bands from back in the day, it is still a solid first release. Their sound is late 90's style traditional hardcore, with some moshy breakdowns, and vocals reminiscient of Sick of It All, but not annoying. These kids are very dedicated, and put on a great show in Cleveland so if you haven't heard them yet definitely check them out.

Eyeball-More Days To Come(Crucial Response) Yet another "crucial" old school release here, definitely one of 99's best. Mouthpiece, Chain of Strength style hardcore here with a definite euro feel. These guys have been going strong in the european scene, and have finally decided to call it quits. What a bummer, but they can definitely be proud with what they left behind, as this CD is exceptional in every way.

What Lies Ahead-Demo '99(PO Box 216 Ridgley, MD 21660 whatliesahead@hotmail.com) This demo is the best demo I've heard in a long, long time, fast paced, melodic harcore that does not compromise its energy. The songs are all great, with good mosh parts sing alongs and all. And while it is melodic, it doesn't sound like some Saves the Day or Fastbreak hair gel hardcore garbage. This demo should be attained at all costs, and a roadtrip to see them should definitely be planned if you live anywhere near they are playing .(they cover project X). These guys give me so much hope for the MD scene, and seeing them reminds me why I got into hardcore in the first place.