By Jochem van der Steen
Heavystone (Dutch)
August 4th, 2025
(Originally published in Dutch, In English thanks to Google Translate)
Hey,
Last week I took it pretty easy on the shows and interviews. I did write a few reviews and visited Nerf Herder in the Altstadt.
Next week is going to be a busy one, with Alcatraz in Kortrijk on the agenda. I hope to see many of you there.
Book review: Straight Edge and Radical Sobriety (Edited by Gabriel Kuhn)
When hardcore became bigger in the 80s, something of a drug and alcohol problem emerged within the scene. The straight edge scene emerged as a countermovement. A vegetarian diet, no alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and no promiscuous sex were its mainstays. As a hardcore fan, I enjoy reading books about that scene. I’m also always interested in people’s motivations. That’s why I bought this book.
This book features interviews with various people from the straight-edge scene, from musicians to activists and more. Reading it gives you a good sense of what the scene was and is like. It also makes you think a bit. I’ve come to realize that alcohol consumption perpetuates a form of capitalism that causes more harm than just the wasted lives of alcoholics.
I found the stories about the far-reaching influence of fascism in the scene remarkable. While straight edge may sound like a very left-wing ideal to many, there’s a darker side to it that’s also highlighted here. Namely, the drive for fitness is sometimes linked to racial purity and the Übermensch theory. Nazis try to infiltrate the scene and convince people of their ideals.
After reading this, I didn’t become straight edge—I’m attached to the occasional alcoholic drink—but my worldview has certainly been enriched. I’ve gained a better understanding of the straight edge scene, but certainly also of what drives people to quit drinking. However, I’ve also seen confirmation that every ideal can have a downside. And yes, I’ve even had one less drink.
If you’re looking for a pure overview of straight-edge hardcore, this isn’t the book for you. It delves too deeply into things outside of the music itself. However, if you’re interested in social trends, it’s a pretty good read.
My work last week
Review album The Graey
Review album Ibex Angel Order
Review album ONI
Short & Heavy Reviews
Reviews that are a bit too short and concise for my other publications, but which I still don’t want to withhold from you.
Bush – I Beat Lonelinesshttps://open.spotify.com/embed/album/7ISodp9NNdfRptSMPObm0n
I still remember seeing Bush’s live footage at Pinkpop. I wanted to be Gavin Rossdale; I thought that guy was so cool. And just how cool he is, of course, after his marriage to No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani. Anyway, finally a new album from his post-grunge band. He might be the only original member left, but it all definitely sounds like Bush. It might lack the youthful power and urgency of the first albums, but Gavin’s voice still sounds just as good. Some things have been modernized with some electronic influences, but for the most part, the songs still rock enough. I didn’t come across this album in most of the metal and rock magazines I read. Not metal enough, I understand. Still, I’m a sucker for that ’90s alternative sound. My only criticism is that there isn’t really a standout track, and the songs sound quite similar. Personally, I think the title track is well-chosen; it’s the best song.
Paradise Slaves – With Hell In His Eyeshttps://open.spotify.com/embed/album/3acexfGPaiUiZu1h1G8ZMm
The vocalist’s voice already sounded familiar. Yep, it’s 36 Crazyfists’ Lindow. That cover looks like we’re dealing with black or death metal here, but no… It’s a metalcore album in the style of Killswitch Engage. And that’s not surprising, because Killswitch Engage guitarist Joel Stroetzel’s brother, Tyler, is featured here. Add to that Diecast’s Jon Kita (guitar) and Brad Horion (bass) and Pentagram drummer Ryan Manning, and you have something of a supergroup. With a touch of heavy metal, grunge, and hardcore thrown in, this is a fairly original-sounding metalcore album that sounds quite accessible.
Celestial Sanctuary – Ego Dissolutionhttps://open.spotify.com/embed/album/2te194YCteNanPaBcvjnMN
At first glance, it sounds like just a rather old-school death metal band. However, as you work through the entire album, a broader sound unfolds. Take “Breathe,” for example, where we hear gothic influences, including angelic female vocals. The instrumental “Journey To The Inner Soul,” on the other hand, sounds surprisingly proggy. You can catch them live soon, including at Dynamo Metalfest. I’ll definitely be watching.
Live tips
What cool live shows are coming up next week?
6-8-2025 013 Tilburg: Dimmu Borgir
7-8-2025 Tivoli Utrecht: King Buffalo
8-8-2025 Alcatraz Kortrijk (I’ll be there the entire festival weekend)
11-8-2025 Hall of Fame Tilburg: Pelican
Best of the web
An article about why “rats” are so popular in heavy music.
See you next week!
Via this link you will find all the places where I can be found.
