Following the string of quality publications and documentaries about hardcore that have been released in recent years, Brian Peterson's "Burning Fight: The Nineties Hardcore Revolution In Ethics, Politics, Spirit, And Sound" chronicles the development of the genre through the viewfinder of those who were there.
The book has been released through Revelation Records Publishing, and features commentary from over 150 participants in the hardcore scene of the 1990s "as well as oral history articles about straight edge, politics, vegetarianism". Founded in 1987, Revelation records has since made a name for itself as a staple record label in the hardcore world. Its list of alumni include endless hardcore heavyweights including Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits, Sick Of It All, Judge, and Shai Hulud to name a few. The label even released Rage Against the Machine's 1997 single for "People of the Sun" (I know right!).
The emphasis upon the predominant ethics and principles of hardcore culture in "Burning Fight" is refreshing, especially in light of other accounts of 90s hardcore. The N.Y.H.C documentary, while providing insight into the DIY work-ethic and on-stage exploits of the bands (we'll never forget No Redeeming Social Value falling over each other naked whilst playing a set), hardly did hardcore justice as a legitimate and highly potent means of expressing social and political opinion.
The book features interviews with a range of legendary bands including Integrity, Earth Crisis, 108, Mouthpiece, Texas Is The Reason and Inside Out.
"Burning Fight" is available now through the Rev HQ Webstore.
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