Free Metal Detector: Black Army Jacket
Usually, we have some new free metal releases for you greedy bastards; this time, we have some old jams that just so happen to be free now.
Powerviolence as a genre has been a tantalizing beast for everyone with the slightest bit of angst in need of release since the late 1980s. Known for short, fast and brutal songs, this sub-genre is fueled by hate and socio-political strife and will surely set your mind at ease after you release a few spin kicks and haymakers. Now, doesn’t that sound like a good time? Yes? Then I have the band for you. Chances are you’ve already heard Black Army Jacket, but if you haven’t you are in for a treat. A fierce treat, that is.
Formed in NYC during 1996, Black Army Jacket made their waves within the powerviolence scene by delivering 3 years of unadulterated, grind-infused hardcore, and now their music can be yours for the low price of absolutely nothing!
NOW ISN’T THAT SOMETHING! If that doesn’t get your blood pumping and your ass moving, I don’t know what will. In fact, if it doesn’t, just leave. And don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
First up we have the band’s first release, 1996 Demo. This demo shows the band in its formative years, though they sound like a well-oiled machine at this point already. This 12 song demo is an eleven and a half minute spanning, vicious assault of drum blasts and pummeling riffs, interlaced with samples from various crime reports and movies. It is over before you know it, but it will leave your violent heart at ease.
Next, we have the band’s 1997 half of a 10″ split with Hemlock. This release shows the band as a tight-knit unit, not afraid to change things up a bit. The vocals sound more controlled and with tracks like “Paint” and “The Last Day For The Rest Of Your Life” we have an opportunity to hear the band slowed down a bit, but no less violent. “Hot Date” is a standout track for me because it is an out of place, goofy tale of a lady setting a dude on fire.
In 1999 Black Army Jacket released their only full-length album of their career, 222. This is a perfect mixture of breakneck blasts, well-executed breakdowns, humor and violence. Throughout the album, you will find yourself lost in a state of maniacal laughter, a flurry of fists and maybe even some blood. I highly recommend this release if you only have time to check out one of these. In addition to the free download you can support the band by purchasing 222 on vinyl, for the low price of eleven bucks. Yes, a piece of shiny, violence filled wax for ELEVEN DOLLARS. This also includes a poster of the newly revamped artwork and a logo patch. You will not regret this decision.
Rounding off the band’s discography is Closed Casket, a 50 song compilation that covers the rest of the band’s material not included already. Pulling from splits with Noothgrush, Spazz, Corrupted and Agathocles and an unreleased Relapse Records EP, Closed Casket ranges from a spectrum of hardcore styles. Songs like “Dantam” display a more traditional Hardcore sound while “Cup Of Many Lands” is an off-kilter, Fugazi-influenced jam. Don’t be fooled by these tracks, however; there are plenty of ragers that help solidify Black Army Jacket as a seminal powerviolence band.
Hopefully this post has informed you of some powerfully violent jams that will get you moving through your sluggish workweek and not break your wallet. That’s what I was going for at least. Be sure to like and follow Black Army Jacket on bandcamp and facebook, and tell them the Toilet sent you!
A most gracious hat tip to the one and only more beer for introducing me to this band, thanks dude!
