Fear God's video "He Forgets"

Fear God's video "He Forgets"

The Antidote - Show 55 - Metanoia, International artists

The Antidote searched the planet for some exceptional international bands to air on this week's show. Benjamin Lopez of the skate punk band, Metanoia from Temuco, Chile joined The Antidote.

We had a great conversation, discussing both their music, their ministry, and the state of punk music.


Listen to or download The Antidote with Metanoia

Collect any or all of The Antidote broadcasts at iTunes

Live stream The Antidote Wednesday's from 9 - 10 EST here.

Join The Antidote December 5th as we chat with Naph Marshall and Matt Gadeken of Photoside Cafe. We talk about their alt rock, string driven music and the relevancy of contemporary Christian music.

Metanoia - Retroceder Nunca album review

Followers of this blog and listeners to The Antidote realize that punk music is one of my favourite genres. I recently received a copy of  Retroceder Nunca by the skate punk band Metanoia. The band is comprised of  Benjamin Lopez (bass, lead vocals), Diego Rivera (lead guitar, backing vocals), Claudio Bolivar (rhythm guitar) and Cristobal Lopez (drums).  Metanoia hails from Temuco, Chile and their album Retroceder Nunca  is sung entirely in Spanish.

The band’s name Metanoia means the change in focus, mind and life brought about by Jesus. The title of the album, Retroceder Nunca, translates as "No Retreat". 

This album grabs and holds you in it's grip from beginning to end. I've been playing the album over and over and I can't get enough of it. Solid playing and the great vocals of Benjamin Lopez set this album above the norm. I wish I could provide an opinion on the lyrics, but I am sadly uni-lingual. However I can vouch for the amazing abilities of this band. Metaonia claims Dogwood and Craig's Brother as influences. Personally I find a little MxPx thrown into the mix.

Top tracks include No Me Avergüenzo, where Metonia unexpectedly jumps from the skate punk vibe into jazz during the final minute of the song. The title track "Retroceder Nunca" is the outstanding single with a catchy beat that will be sure to please.

1.  Evidente  (3:55)
2.  Retroceder Nunca  (2:56)
3.  Inútil  (3:38)
4.  Peluquero  (3:40)
5.  Día Nuevo  (4:14)
6.  Te Amo  (3:31)
7.  Este Es Tu Hogar  (3:23)
8.  Otra Dimensión  (4:13)
9.  No Me Avergüenzo  (3:51)
10.  Sin Palabras  (3:17)

Pick up the album digitally at www.thumperpunkrecords.bandcamp.com or the CD at
www.thumperpunkrecords.storenvy.com

This is a safe bet if you're unsure about purchasing. Thumper Punk Records guarantees that you will love Metanoia’s album “Retroceder Nunca” or they will refund your money on digital downloads only, plus it's only $8.

Punk for The Gospel Benefit Compilation

              

Punk for The Gospel Benefit Compilation

 Thumper Punk Records and Caustic Fallout are pleased to announce the release of the “Punk for The Gospel Benefit Compilation”, a two volume compilation featuring songs donated by 42 bands to raise money to support the work of foreign Missionaries from within the Christian punk community.  Missionary families that will be supported by this compilation are those of Dave Emmerson of The Old-timers and Aaron “Liberty” Wells of True Liberty.  Of the 42 songs, there are 19 new or previously unreleased songs, including the first song released by The Deal in 8 years, a live recording of an unreleased song from Call to Glory, and new recordings by False Idle and The WAY, among many others.

The Emmerson family was originally based in Shotts, Scotland, United Kingdom, where Dave was involved in the punk scene doing promotions and played in the band Dragged Out.  In September 2009, Dave and Vicki Emmerson answered God’s call to missionary work, and moved to Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa.  The Emmerson family has been involved with various outreach ministries including programs at the Bergendal Primary School and Allandale Prison, as well as establishing a local chapter of Christian Skaters International.  The entire family is also involved with Calvary Chapel Paarl Valley.  Dave is the lead singer for The Old-timers.

The Wells family first became active in ministry in 2005 leading young adult ministries in their church.  In 2008, Aaron and Bonnie Wells were called to be part of a church plant in Virginia. They served there for 3 years on the worship team and leading and coordination small group Bible studies.  In 2009, they felt God call them to Missions. In January 2012, Aaron and Bonnie spent a few weeks there at El Jardin Segrado in the Orosi Valley of Costa Rica, doing medical clinics, seeing over 2,000 patients and sharing the gospel with them and ministering to the children. The Wells family is now serving at another new church plant in Virginia, and is raising funds to return to Costa Rica as full-time Missionaries in January 2013. Aaron is the drummer for True Liberty. 

Volume 1 (in order of appearance) features The Old-timers, INFIRMITIES, Hippos of Doom, Dogwood, The Lonely Revolts, Flatfoot 56, Call to Glory, Platoon 1107, Grace & Thieves, Unshackled, The Hoax, Don't Get Bored, Gorilla Warfare, Government Hate Mail, Lust Control, uniSEF, The Social Threat, The Altar Billies, The Scurvies, Mason Summers, and The Shiny Darks.

Volume 2 features True Liberty, False Idle, The WAY, The Deal, Grave Robber, Jump Ship Quick, ABSOLVED, The Smiley Kids, The Kings Kids, Saint Hooligan, Praiser, Vincible, 100 Philistine Foreskins, Empty Tomb, Desiring Dead Flesh, Revolution Radio, Metanoia, Covenant, Craig’s Brother, Goodnight Wednesday, and 180 OUT.

Volumes 1 and 2 are available for purchase in CD format from the Thumper Punk Records webstore, and digital versions are available through iTunes, AmazonMP3 and the usual suspects.  All praise and glory to Him.

Thumper Punk Records www.thumperpunkrecords.com
** Shock Your Mom.  Go to Church.

          

What a deal!

Doesn't everyone love bargain shopping?  Dollar stores may be all the rage, but here is an even better deal.  ABSOLVED’s skate punk sound includes a touch of old-school punk with some youthcrew hardcore flavorings. ABSOLVED is offering a two CD set by digital download for only $10 . You'll get both ABSOLVED’s 2010 self-titled release and their current CD This One Goes To Seven.  Still not sure about picking it up?   What about a money-back guarantee?  Can life get any better?

Here's the not so fine print.

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: If you don’t like it, Thumper Punk Records will give you a refund. No questions asked. Refund offer applies only to digital downloads of this album purchased at the Thumper Punk Records website, and is subject to deduction of transaction costs (20% for Bandcamp and Paypal). Refund must be requested by the original purchaser via email to AbsolvedRefund@gmail.com within thirty days of the date of purchase. Refund is purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy for guarantee. Void where prohibited. This album is also available for digital download at iTunes, AmazonMP3, and the usual retail distribution outlets.

Get Absolved album and This One Goes to Seven EP NOW from Thumper Punk Records.

The Kings Kids, Set Sail and Seek… CD review

The Kings Kids are a Christian punk rock band out of Salinas, California. The band started in the summer of 2004 when Jason Martinez was inspired by the lack of punk bands at Spirit West Coast that year. Soon he teamed up with guitarist Josh Galvan, and the songwriting process gave fruit to more than a dozen songs that would later make up their debut album Urgency!, released in June 2008.  By that time, Lupe Gutierrez had joined on bass, and Milo Zavala came on board for the drumming duties in early 2010. After a number of changes to the line-up, The Kings Kids currently consists of Jason, Josh, Lupe, and Milo.

The Kings Kids boldly deliver a message of faith and truth while standing firmly on the musical shoulders of Rancid, Swingin' Utters, Ramones, Street Dogs and The Clash.

The Kings Kids have now released their second full length, Set Sail and Seek... Produced by Cliffy Huntington, yes the same Cliffy Huntington of Main Line Riders and Huntingtons fame.  It's a joy of listening to this band. They maintain the definitive old school punk sound that was prevalent in the '70's and '80's.  Not that I don't mind the current pop songs that are passed off as being 'punk', but The Kings Kids put out the real thing.  Christ shines through on the lyrics of the 14 tracks found on Set Sail and Seek… The numerous Scriptural references in The Kings Kids songs are treasures to be discovered.

My favourite tracks include:
- "So Much More" the lyrics snap out and are bolstered by great guitar and powerful drum bridge section on the song.

- "6 AM" is probably the catchiest song on the album.  I often find myself singing along with the chorus,  "6 AM in the morning ..."  as I drive down the highway.

- "Jim Braddock", a tribute to the "Cinderella Man", James Braddock.  A capsulation of the story of the career of the famous boxer.  It recounts the trials and difficulties Braddock had and how he rose above these challenges.  An apt analogy of our journey to and with Christ.

- "Hoisted Anchors" carries a fishing metaphor "down on the docks, fishing away for the King of the rock...raise your cross and sail away"

- "The Lighthouse", an acoustic track that is out of chracter with the rest of the album, but one that draws you into a quiet and reflective time with with Lord.

The Kings Kids, Set Sail and Seek… is earnest, raw, fun, and awesome!  Check it out at Thumper Punk Records.

Track listing:
1.  Rise Up
2.  So Much More
3.  6 a.m.
4.  Trust
5.  Unfinished Road
6.  Tomorrow Today
7.  Clean Face in a Dirty Place
8.  Skies Await
9.  The Whole Picture
10. Jim Braddock
11. Heaven's Rejoice
12. See Dad Shine
13. Hoisted Anchors
14. The Lighthouse

For true, authentic, punk check out The Kings Kids

The Old-timers to Record New Album

The Old-timers are a punk outfit from South Africa, formed by good friends Dave & Don. Dave is originally from England and moved to South Africa with his wife and kids in late 2009 as full time missionaries, working with the needy and underprivileged in prisons, on the streets, in schools and wherever else God leads them. Don is a native of South Africa and is also married with two kids, and works as a youth pastor for his church as well as running his own pie company.  Both have been involved in punk since an early age, playing in bands, promoting and running 'zines in their respective home towns. Most notably Dave played in Dragged Out with former members of The Exploited & Voice Of The Mysterons, and Don has played with a variety of musicians and was involved in multiple organizations and ‘zines who helped promote the anarcho-punk scene in Port Elizabeth in the early 90's.

The Old-timers' recording process is pretty unusual as Dave & Don live twelve hours apart.  Further complicating matters is that drumming is handled by Matt Lagusis from False Idle at the Simpul Studios in Boise, Idaho, in the United States.  Leveraging modern technology, the Dave & Don put vocals and music together, then forward it over for Matt to add the drum track, then back to South Africa for mixing and mastering.

The purpose of The Old-timers remains what it has always been – to glorify God in every song, to reach a desperate world with the good news of God's grace & love and to have a ton of fun while we're doing it!   Musical influences include GBH, Hit The Deck, Minor Threat, Officer Negative, Crass, Headnoise, Conflict, God So Loved The World and many other old school punk and early hardcore bands.  Get ready for SOLI DEO GLORIA! coming in February 2012. 

You can download a free copy of the Old-timers first album at:   http://theold-timers.bandcamp.com/

All proceeds from the sale of SOLIO DEO GLORIA! will be donated to support the Missionary work by Dave and his family at Siloam Christian Ministries (http://www.siloam.org.uk/089.htm), which provides medical aid, education and social help.  You can also donate to help support Dave’s efforts (please e-mail info@siloam.org.uk to confirm that your gift is for Project 089).  Many in the Christian punk community have come together to support “SOLIO DEO GLORIA!”, which will be released jointly by Thumper Punk Records, Veritas Vinyl and Caustic Fallout.  The Old-timers artwork was graciously contributed by Dave Besanson Originals, and digital mastering services are being provided by Lanthanum..  

Thumper Punk news

“Helpless But Not Hopeless” is the second release by Oxnard, California based band The WAY. This powerful album includes seven songs that blend their classic punk sound with an ounce of the blues and metal tinged riffs. The WAY’s music brings the Truth and the Life to everyday problems, discouraging situations, and questions about who we are. Addressing life’s gritty realities through the lens of Faith, Forgiveness and Hope, The WAY delivers an uplifting message through music influenced by Social Distortion, Rise Against and Pennywise.

“Helpless But Not Hopeless” is available for pre-order through the Thumper Punk Records website, and will be available for digital download at all the usual places in the near future. Their song “Don’t Let It Die” appeared on the Indie Vision Music compilation called Punk Never Dies, Volume 1.

Additional information about The Way can be found at http://www.myspace.comtheway805 and http://www.reverbnation.com/theway805.

Additional information about Thumper Punk Records and a link to its webstore can be found at www.thumperpunkrecords.com. CD pre-orders are $7 for shipments December 15.

Absolved to Join Thumper Punk Records

If you enjoy punk as much as I do this is good news:

Thumper Punk Records (TPR) is pleased to announce that Absolved has joined the TPR family of bands.  Absolved’s skate punk sound includes a touch of old-school punk with some youthcrew hardcore flavorings.  Built on high energy and an advanced level of musicianship not typically associated with punk rock, these old friends have crafted and melded their combined influences over the last four years.  Absolved features Jimmy Sisco on vocals and guitar, Bob Magana on guitar, Byron Brumit on bass, and Aaron Kelly on drums.  Available for pre-order now through the TPR webstore, Absolved’s first release on TPR is an EP of 7 songs called “This One Goes To Seven,” which includes their unique versions of some punk classics.  The first 100 copies of their "This One Goes To Seven" EP will include hand drawn cover artwork by members of the band, with each cover being different from the others. 

Check out Thumper Punk Records here

Unshackled - The Overcoming Years review

One simple word, "Wow", describes this July 27, 2011 release from Thumper Punk Records and Caustic Fallout. Punk music covers a huge range of styles, from bright and light pop punk to heavy, guttural, hardcore punk. Unshackled keeps a bit to the right of center in the punk spectrum. This El Paso, Texas band brings back the no-holds-barred street punk sound that was so prevalent years ago.  Raw, rough, and dirty both vocally and musically, this 17 track CD returns punk to it's historical roots.

Unshackled is comprised of Joe Straightedge (vocals), Connor Himself (Guitar-1 & Lead/Backing Shrieks & Screams), Tick St. Grave (Guitar-A & Lead/Backing Cries & Calls), Issac Espinoza (Bass & Backing Growls & Grumbles), and Eddie Trejo (Pops, Booms, Bangs & Crashes).

Contrary to the norm,  Unshackled pulls no punches in respect to their faith.  Christ takes front and center in the lyrics of The Overcoming Years. Rebellion, in both positive and negative fashion, has been the basis of punk music since day one. The plus or minus to that rebellion has been determined by the musicians lyrics.

"Jesus is Punk Rock", while a simple track lyrically, tells a profound truth.  Christ was a rebel to the religious establishment:  

Deep within the bowels,
of Punk Rock’s very soul,
beats the heart of rebellion
and raw Rock n’ Roll.
A man came to Earth,
and rebelled against His flesh.
He paid the price for Freedom,
n’ you already know the rest.
Je-sus-is-Punk Rock
He died for you!
Christian, Atheist, Jew!
He didn’t care about Religion,
All he did was just love you.
He wants us to unite.
To teach us wrong from right.
To make a stand against oppression
Shouting “PUNX UNITE!”
Je-sus-is-Punk Rock X2 

"Kingdom Times" describes the multiple masks Christians wear, but Christ knows the believers heart.

The Sacrifice was made
paid full in blood so we’d be saved.
God’s Son: the only one
And you proceeded with your fun.
you always talk it
but your words were meant to please a crowd.
you never walk it
you just idly spit room-temp aloud!
(Chorus)
What ever happened to our brotherhood,
and where have all the true saints gone?
In Kingdom Times!
And now the time has come
no place to hide, nowhere to run.
He sees you know the score
so which side are you fighting for?
If you ain't man enough
to stand up and fight hard for truth.
maybe it's time for you
to stand aside, let Fire through!
(Chorus)
What ever happened to our brotherhood,
and where have all the true saints gone?
In Kingdom Times!

The Overcoming Years Track List

1. Intro
2. You Forgot Something
3. To Those Who Know Better (Grow a Pair)
4. Strength
5. Grave Saint Life
6. Land of the Dead
7. Take Everything
8. Jesus is Punk Rock
9. Beware My Pleasure
10. Born To Lose
11. Don’t Call Me Ugly
12. Ego
13. Human Decay
14. The Cards You’re Dealt
15. Hate Moshing
16. Kingdom Times
17. Overcome

Punk fans are going to love this solid album. After multiple listenings, The Overcoming Years has continued to surprise me. The odd track may slip into a 'B side' caliber, but overall this is a great CD from newcomer band,  Unshackled.

Buy The Unshackled - The Overcoming Years here