Combatwoundedveteran / Orchid - Split 6” | Connective Tissue 1999

Combatwoundedveteran

(Tampa, FL)

Christopher Norris (Vocals)
Dan Raade (Guitar)
Bill (Guitar)
Dan Ponch (Bass, Vocals)
Mark Muenchinger (Drums)

Orchid

(Amherst, MA)

Jayson Green (Vocals)
Will Killingsworth (Guitar)
Brad Wallace (Bass)
Jeff Salane (Drums)

Basic Info:

Release Date: 1999
Label: Clean Plate Records
Runtime: 5:03
-Combatwoundedveteran: 2:53
-Orchid: 2:10
Tracks: 7
-Combatwoundedveteran: 5
-Orchid: 2

At a Glance:

Emoviolence, Grindcore, Screamo, Noisy, Chaotic, Frantic

Points on the Timeline:

These two Emoviolence legends were both peaking in 1999, with CVW and Orchid delivering Hall of Fame-worthy LPs, shaping the genre in their drastically different images. For Combatwoundedveteran, this year would be the absolute pinnacle of their careers, releasing their celebrated LP, this split with fellow seminal Emoviolence act Orchid and one more insane split with Scrotum Grinder.

Meanwhile, Orchid’s unbeatable run of releases would only start here; Dance Tonight! was in the works for next year, along with the legendary Skull Split with Jeromes Dream and a swan song in 2002. By 2003, both artists would disband, leaving immense legacies behind.

Shapes in the Sound:

This split moves a blistering pace, squeezing in seven songs in five minutes! CVW’s side is an absolute wall of sound from the frenetic instrumentation and manic screaming. The guitar is all-encompassing and the drums seem to suck the air out of whatever’s left. It’s very devastating and boisterous, even when not playing full-on Grindy Emoviolence.

Orchid’s sound has evolved from their last EP with Pig Destroyer, resembling Chaos Is Me in sound and production without the warm guitars. The format is much more dynamic, with just two songs totaling two minutes, and with the sudden tempo, aggression and volume shifts, it really does begin to embody chaos.

Threads in the Tapestry:

While this split isn’t the most well-known split from either artist, it demonstrates two influential Emoviolence acts coming together from one part of the East Coast to another during their primes and just absolutely tearing it up. The genre had been fleshed out for years prior, but this showcase just showcases the strength of its heavy-hitters.

Reversal of Man - This Is Medicine | Screamo Hall of Fame Class of 1999 Nominee

Release Information:

8/9/1999
Ebullition Records
Tampa. FL (Southeast)
Runtime: 18:41
Tracks: 16

Band Members:

Matt Coplon (Vocals)
Dan Radde (Guitar, Vocals)
Jason Crittenden (Guitar)
Jeff Howe (Bass, Vocals)
John Wiley (Drums)

At a Glance:

Emoviolence, Raw, Dark, Dissonant, Frenetic

Musical Analysis:

This record encapsulates suffering unlike anything before it, utilizing dynamic aggression, dissonant guitar and boisterous drumming. Most songs have only two gears: quieter, intense and dissonant sections that build the music up, and the most frantic and dissonant bursts of anger and chaos. Wrapping this gnarly package up are sinister screamed vocals, headed by Matt Coplon.

The entire listen breezes through in large part due to this album's impeccable sense of flow and kineticism; each track emanates with danger in equal measure to the energy put in, and, combined with the songs seamlessly bridging together, gives a small measure of accessibility to an otherwise unholy package.

Historical Analysis:

This release solidified Reversal of Man as one of the great Emoviolence artists of the 90s. Its influence on the local scene and beyond, and the extraordinarily high musical standards they set, are still revered to this day.

This EP also demonstrates a different aspect of the genre than fellow Tampanians Combatwoundedveteran, eschewing Grindcore in favor of dissonance and dynamism. While you can argue which is the better album, This Is Medicine seems to have slid more into obscurity, possibly a cult classic or hidden gem. By my own admittedly arbitrary standards, I have to leave this one out of the Hall and it makes me sad.

Lyrical Analysis:

Matt Coplon’s brevity and directness are at the core of his lyricism, aiming at political and social injustices with decided rage and worldly allusions and references. The primary antagonist of this album is the corrosive power of fascism and capitalism. We see how, in the calculus of power, human life is disposable, war is theft, justice is selective, morality justifies violence, and technology tightens like a noose around society’s neck. Personal issues like guilt over failing relationships and the grief of untimely death rear their ugly heads in this mess as well, while other systems and communities are thrown strays: the news is indoctrination, not information; the Punk scene has fallen to branding over rebellion; the absence of personal connection powers the deadly machine of consumerism. These are not the most original lyrical topics in this scene, but they’re executed succinctly and in line with the amazing instrumentals.

I Have Dreams - Three Days ‘Til Christmas | Screamo Hall of Fame Class of 1999 Nominee

Release Information:

1999
Independent
Tallahassee, FL (Southeast)
Runtime: 15:53
Tracks: 5

Band Members:

Allen Compton (Vocals)
Mike Peters (Vocals)
Mike Hanson (Guitar)
Ben Seals (Bass)
Clayton Rychlik (Drums)

At a Glance:

Screamo, Metalcore, Midwest Emo, Dynamic, Energetic, Melodic

Musical Analysis:

Taking the bones of Screamo with emotionally intense screamed vocals and dynamic song structures, I Have Dreams concocted a formula all their own with plenty of chugging Metalcore riffage and the melodic sensibilities of Midwest Emo. Many of the songs swing jarringly between driving, intense sections, brutal breakdowns and clean, slightly cheesy concentrations of vocal and guitar melody. The entire record is gently wrapped in immutable youthful energy and raw, confessional emotional outpouring.

Historical Analysis:

The core of this band came together a year earlier, releasing a demo under the name New Ethic. Tragically, one of their guitarists would die young, leading to the formation of I Have Dreams and their sole release in 1999. This record serves as a tribute to their fallen friend, carrying on his musical legacy and allowing the young band members to express their deepest and saddest sentiments, the true basis of many great Emo artists.

Although a beloved cult classic now, it really took the Zoomers to bring this out of obscurity. While one of the best and most heartfelt releases of the entire 90s in Screamo, this one will be remembered as a hidden gem, not a Hall of Fame tour-de-force.

Lyrical Analysis:

With the aforementioned passing of this band’s former friend, the entire project revolved around their shared grief. After all, each band member was quite young during their time as I Have Dreams and DIY Hardcore was their outlet. Much like grief, the EP struggles as an emotional tide between bitter pain and joyous reverie. Grieving communally has allowed for healing, but the loss of their friend destroyed the future they all had together. The lifelong friendship has permanently shaped them as individuals, but the pain of grief leads to forgetting his face. Ultimately, the gratitude they have for him as a special part of their lives transcends the grief over losing their loved one. Grief strengthens love and vice versa.

Despite utilizing some truly playful screaming and cheesy clean vocals, the emotional vulnerability and rawness of the lyrics lead to well-earned catharsis. These are possibly the most personal lyrics on a release that we’ve covered yet.

Combatwoundedveteran - I KNow a Girl Who Develops Crime Scene Photos | Screamo HAll of Fame Class of 1999 Inductee

Release Information:

7/1/1998
No Idea. Records
Tampa, FL (Southeast)
Runtime: 19:09
Tracks: 19

Band Members:

Christopher Norris (Vocals)
Dan Raade (Guitar)
Bill (Guitar)
Dan Ponch (Bass, Vocals)
Mark Muenchinger (Drums)

At a Glance:

Emoviolence, Grindcore, Noisy, Manic, Aggressive, Sassy, Suffocating

Musical Analysis:

CWV delivers a noisy and oppressive Emoviolence album with this, their sole full-length effort. The Grindcore and Powerviolence influences are more prominent than ever with the distorted, metallic guitar riffs and chugs operating at a near-incomprehensible level, matching the suffocating and cacophonous drum performance. Tying the whole package together is the personality-and-brutality-driven vocals of Chris Norris (with backup from Dan), bringing the entire concoction to a fever pitch.

The only reprieve you get while listening to this record are the various samples that bridge some of the tracks together. Even then, most of these samples are strong political statements (or something silly to the same effect).

Historical Analysis:

This album is infamous for how deranged and stifling it is, integrating the heaviest of late 90s Hardcore and bashing it against their own fiery brand of Emoviolence. This release contrasts with Orchid’s 1999 classic Chaos Is Me on the production side, favoring the heaviness and sharpness of their distortion while Orchid’s wall of sound possesses a warmer tone. Both of these albums would be seminal for Emoviolence’s success in 1999 and beyond, but Grindcore would soon fall out of favor as a mixer. Because of this, even today, this is one of the heaviest and most insane Emoviolence records ever released.

Lyrical Analysis:

Confrontational, absurdist, self-deprecating and violent don’t even begin to describe the many, many lyrics on this album. Christopher Norris takes aim at everybody and everything; a constant thread is late-stage Capitalism, its dehumanizing nature, the manufacturing of desires, the destruction of authenticity, its pervasive control over all systems in life, human bodies being treated like machines, and modern Manifest Destiny. The Punk scene is also a common victim, as their lyrics spout about toxic masculinity in the scene and the anesthetic nature of mainstream art.

However, among the grotesque body horror imagery and biting metaphors lie messages of hope: even if civility is a lie, heroism is a joke, perfection is a lie and failure is guaranteed, in a world built for control, what they call weakness is your true strength. Use it to end cyclical violence, religious indoctrination and even destroy yourself - and everything you believed up to this point.

Reversal of Man - Revolution Summer | Screamo Hall of Fame Class of 1998 Nominee

Release Information:

1998
Schematics Records
Tampa, FL (Southwest)
Runtime: 17:12
Tracks: 7

Band Members:

Matt Coplon (Vocals)
Jasen Weitekamp (Guitar)
Jason Crittenden (Guitar)
Jeff Howe (Bass, Vocals)
John Willey (Drums)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Screamo, Emoviolence, Hardcore Punk, Manic, Dissonant, Noisy, Intense

Musical Analysis:

This album is a musical gut punch that rarely relents and always keeps you guessing with sudden tempo changes and dynamic volume switches. The dissonant guitar tones perfectly encapsulate the feelings of desperation and unease while the drummer hammers home the immediacy. The bass is refreshingly well-mixed and adds a powerful undercurrent to the songs. The vocals are brimming with passion and reach unhinged levels of depravity during the most chaotic and cathartic moments on this release.

Historical Analysis:

This EP represents the growth of both Reversal of Man and Emoviolence in the last few years; having solidified the lineup for this release a year prior on a split with Enemy Soil, they expanded on that sound with faster and harsher conviction. However, the dynamism found here further shaped Emoviolence away from the more chaotic and grindy stuff. However good this is, Emoviolence was on the cusp of breaking out and this EP remains a hidden gem on the shores of the Hall.

Lyrical Analysis:

*Note that because this is an old release in the grand scheme of Screamo history, I cannot locate lyrics for about half of these songs. I’ll be basing my analysis on the available lyrics*

Lyrically, this record has a simple and direct message: they love the scene, but the scene is dying. Titling the album Revolution Summer invokes the very beginning of Emo in 1985, with Punk’s ethos firmly intact. However, 13 years on from Rites of Spring, The Hated and Gray Matter, Punk has started falling into corruption and hypocrisy. Relationships are futile, nostalgia is a lie and the scene has been betrayed by those who embody the opposite of their message. The only salvation we have is to remember our humanity.

Combatwoundedveteran - What Flavor Is Your Death Squad Leader? | Screamo Hall of FAme Class of 1998 Nominee

Release Information:

1998
Schematics Records
Tampa, FL (Southeast)
Runtime: 7:13
Tracks: 10

Band Members:

Christopher Norris (Vocals)
Davy Bartlett (Guitar, Vocals)
Dan Ponch (Bass, Vocals)
Mark Muenchinger (Drums)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Emoviolence, Grindcore, Frantic, Noisy, Chaotic, Dissonant

Musical Analysis:

With such a brief runtime and several tracks clocking in at under 30 seconds, the band utilizes immediacy to its fullest extent. Plentiful with noisy guitar feedback, blast beats, grotesque screaming from multiple vocalists and extremely heavy metallic guitar tones, the band throws caution to the wind and blends the quickest, most intense three seconds of explosive music with chaotic, formless sections of noise.

Historical Analysis:

With cleaner production than their 1996 EP, this ups the ante that the 11 Song 7” started, featuring some of the most brutal and punishing Emoviolence put to record yet. However, the band was still on the cusp of their biggest year by far with two excellent EPs under their belt.

Lyrical Analysis:

Once again, Combatwoundedveteran’s scathing take on Capitalism, Colonialism and overall Western culture produces genius, sardonic and quick lyrics. With topics like war as entertainment, violence as censorship and rebellion as commodification, you’d be hard-pressed to think the band ever had a positive thought. Still, the band presses on with even more daring subjects like how colonialist logic is self-destructive, how pain and suffering are used for profit, the choices we have in Captialism are illusory. These are among the most biting sociopolitical lyrics in the history of the genre to this point.

Enemy Soil / Reversal of Man | Connective Tissue 1997

Enemy Soil

(Sterling, VA)

J.R. Hayes (Vocals)
Richard Johnson (Guitar, Vocals)
Russ Mason (Bass, Vocals)
Brian Harvey (Drums)

Reversal of Man

(Tampa, FL)

Matt Coplon (Vocals)
Jasen Weitekamp (Guitar)
Jason Crittenden (Guitar)
Jeff Howe (Bass)
John Wiley (Drums)

Basic Info:

Release Date: 1997
Label: Fist Held High Records
Runtime: 9:21
-Enemy Soil: 4:38
-Reversal of Man: 4:43
Tracks: 5
-Enemy Soil: 3
-Reversal of Man: 2

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Grindcore, Screamo, Emoviolence, Dissonant, Frantic

Points on the Timeline:

Prolific Grindcore stalwarts Enemy Soil were in the midst of a career-defining year in 1997. This release was one of four splits, one EP and one live EP to come out, almost doubling the previous five years of recorded material unleashed unto the world. However, they’d only be releasing music for a couple more years following this. Regardless, this was their first (and not only) sideswipe into the world of Screamo. Reversal of Man continued their relentless onslaught of releases, with this being their seventh in three years. Their very best work had yet to arrive, however.

Shapes in the Sound:

Enemy Soil's half of the split begins with a ruckus; heavy, deep guitar tones introduce us to the ways of Grindcore while the drums drift into a series of blast beats. The singer carelessly throws his screams around for maximum brutality. Seriously, these songs are sort of insane. Reversal of Man keeps things relatively even-keeled, utilizing a slower Screamo sound often to contrast the bursts of Emoviolence. RoM play with melody on here quite a bit for how aggressive and emotionally intense their songs are.

Threads in the Tapestry:

Although Grindcore wouldn't be the definitive influence on Screamo's development, the Emoviolence boom of the late 90s can undoubtedly give some credit to this subgenre for its speed, ferocity and generally chaotic aesthetic. And, much like how mixed old Hardcore show bills used to be, this split represents the unadulterated mayhem of both Grind and Emoviolence as subsects of Hardcore.

Reversal of Man / Holocron| Connective Tissue 1996

Reversal of Man

(Tampa, FL)

Matt Coplon (Vocals)
Jasen Weitekamp (Guitar)
Jason Crittenden (Guitar)
Jeff Howe (Bass, Vocals)
John Willey (Drums)

Holocron

(Canada)

Ryan Elinsky
Peter Shaughnessy
Ryan Woods
Tyson Howard

Basic Info:

Release Date: 1996
Label: Intention Records
Runtime: 33:28
-Reversal of Man: 19:40
-Holocron: 13:48
Tracks: 11
-Reversal of Man: 6
-Holocron: 8

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Screamo, Emoviolence, Hardcore Punk, Dissonant, Punishing

Points on the Timeline:

Holocron is a band whose entire output was released in 1996, the same year of this split. Reversal of Man put in tons of work over 1995 and 1996 to appear in numerous splits and release a couple of EPs. Foundational releases like this split would elevate Reversal of Man in step with Screamo and Emoviolence’s rise to underground prominence. Their most well-regarded works would be released in the near future.

Shapes in the Sound:

Contrasting this with their split with Puritan, Reversal of Man embraced a more deliberate pace and longer songs. Although their take on Emoviolence is still present on this album, RoM take great care in dynamically switching between intimidating, dissonant mid-tempo destruction and an all-out aural assault. Holocron’s half starts and the lower production values are immediately evident, but it’s not a knock against the music. Holocron’s music has more traditional Hardcore elements to it, though they are still achieving the Emoviolence aura.

Threads in the Tapestry:

Emoviolence was born in North America and this split exemplifies this. Floridian and Canadian talent come together from obscurity and at minimum 1,500 miles between them craft a gem worthy of Screamo canon. Although Holocron would remain a curiosity in the genre’s history, Reversal of Man’s epic warpath toward popularizing their brand of emotive Hardcore would continue and be quite fruitful as the genres grew.

Puritan / Reversal of Man | Connective Tissue 1996

Puritan:

(State College, PA)

Chad PfeifferDemian Fenton
Doug Savour
Tyler Lotz
Vijay Hariharan

Reversal of Man:

(Tampa, FL)

Matt Coplon (Vocals)
Jasen Weitekamp (Guitar)
Jason Crittenden (Guitar)
Jeff Howe (Bass, Vocals)
John Willey (Drums)

Basic Info:

Release Date: 1996
Label: King of the Monsters Records
Runtime: 34:07
-Puritan: 19:07
-Reversal of Man: 15:00
Tracks: 11
-Puritan: 5
-Reversal of Man: 6

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Screamo, Emoviolence, Noise Rock, Dissonant, Chaotic

Points on the Timeline:

At the time of release, Puritan was a brand new band with perhaps only a two-song tour demo released to their name. Reversal of Man, on the other hand, had already established themselves the year before across three releases and seven songs. Both artists would release another split this very same year.

Shapes in the Sound:

This split brings two very similar, very violence-oriented bands together, showcasing emotive hardcore’s evolution into Screamo and Emoviolence. Puritan’s punishing tracks emphasize the disparity between dissonance and melody with slower, discordant madness that changes to rapid-fire Emoviolence. By comparison, Reversal of Man is a bit more straightforward in their approach, but every bit of noisiness, dissonance, emotion and dynamism is present. Interestingly, they close their half out with the opener of their s/t EP of the same year, though I’m not sure which came out first.

Threads in the Tapestry:

With Emoviolence (and Screamo as a whole) in its infancy, these two burgeoning artists reached over 1,000 miles across the Atlantic to collaborate on this harrowing full-length split. While neither these tracks nor this split in general was revolutionary in the genre, this release further cemented genre conventions like liberal use of dissonance, quiet-loud dynamics and Powerviolence-like tempo switches.

Combatwoundedveteran - 11 Song 7” | Screamo Hall of Fame Class of 1996 Nominee

Release Information:

1996
Suppose I Break Your Neck Records
Tampa, FL
Runtime: 10:16
Tracks: 11

Band Members:

Christopher Norris (Vocals)
Davey Bartlett (Guitar, Vocals)
Dan Ponch (Bass, Vocals)
Mar Muenchinger (Drums)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Emoviolence, Grindcore, Frantic, Dissonant, Chaotic

Musical Analysis:

With the average track being less than a minute, CWV attempts the most extreme version of Screamo we've heard yet. Taking the metallic nastiness of Grind and the unpredictability and dynamism of Powerviolence, CWV threads these elements together with politically charged sampled interludes and merciless guttural screeches from three different vocalists.

Historical Analysis:

This debut EP is one of the first examples of Emoviolence getting fleshed out. Although Grindcore wouldn't be the most popular mixer for this genre, its inclusion as a strong influence showcases the desire for early Emoviolence to branch away from its humble beginnings into its own plane of musical insanity.

Lyrical Analysis:

With sarcastic song titles and critical, biting lyrics, Comwbatwoundedveteran are unabashedly Hardcore in their approach to song themes. Touching on issues of consumerism, authority, conformity, toxic masculinity and toxic work culture, among others, in a straightforward and pissed-off way puts the listener right n the zeitgeist of early Screamo.

Reversal of Man - Reversal of Man | Screamo Hall of Fame Class of 1996 Nominee

Release Information:

1996
Valrico Records
Tampa, FL
Runtime: 7:15
Tracks: 4

Band Members:

Matt Coplon (Vocals)
Christopher Norris (Guitar)
Joe Camacho (Guitar)
Jason Crittenden (Bass)
John Wiley (Drums)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Screamo, Emoviolence, Ominous, Frantic, Intense, Dynamic

Musical Analysis:

On this 1996 s/t, Reversal of Man crafted three different ideas to switch between dynamically: slow, sinister and clean guitar melodies with light accompaniment, crushing, dissonant, mid-tempo Screamo that bares its fangs, and blistering, extreme, turbulent Emoviolence. Does this formula simplify the actual music found on here? Yes, but putting this together with a keen sense of songwriting, harrowing high-pitched screams and endless passion transforms this from formulaic to trailblazing.

Historical Analysis:

Reversal of Man pushed forth with their blistering take on Screamo, emerging as one of the early trendsetters of the Emoviolence movement, even before it had a name. Taking spastic elements of Powerviolence and combining them with the emerging and dynamic force of Screamo was quite novel, even if several bands around the US were also pushing similar boundaries.

Lyrical Analysis:

*Note that because this is an old, DIY and relatively minor release in the grand scheme of Emo and Screamo history, I cannot locate lyrics for any of these songs. If lyrics can be dug out, I will reevaluate the lyrical analysis.*