The Swarm / ForceFedGlass - The Self-Destruct EP | Connective Tissue 1999

The Swarm

(Burlington, ON, Canada)

Chris Colohan (Vocals)
Adam Bratt (Guitar)
Christian McMaster (Guitar)
Lou Oliveras (Bass)
Mike Maxymuik (Drums)

ForceFedGlass

(Richmond, VA)

Pat Masteron (Vocals)
Evan Plante (Guitar)
Justin Conlon (Bass)
Ben Koller (Drums)

Basic Info:

Release Date: 1999
Label: The Electric Human Project
Runtime: 6:29
-The Swarm: 3:30
-ForceFedGlass: 2:59
Tracks: 6
-The Swarm: 4
-ForceFedGlass: 2

At a Glance:

Metalcore, Emoviolence, Hardcore Punk, Energetic, Frantic, Punky, Technical

Points on the Timeline:

Both bands formed in the late 90s, releasing the bulk of their discographies before the turn of the century. By 2000, both artists will disband.

Shapes in the Sound:

The Swarm, tangentially related to the Screamo scene by way of guitarist Kyle Bishop, who does vocal duties for fellow Ontarians Grade, plays fairly straightforward Metalcore on here with a few traditional Punk leanings. Somewhat melodic, somewhat driving and brimming with energy and passion, their four tracks breeze through. ForceFedGlass’ two tracks are far more complex, noisier and more dynamic, playing their signature brand of blistering, technical Emoviolence with heavy, slow sections spacing out the chaos.

Threads in the Tapestry:

Although both artists would fizzle out soon after this split was released, it nonetheless catalogs these two distinct Hardcore artists from 550 miles apart at the end of their short-lived musical careers. While neither would be groundbreaking in their genre, they both remain underrated aspects of genres that would leave them behind.

Yaphet Kotto - The Killer Was in the Government Blankets | Screamo Hall of Fame Class of 1999 Nominee

Release Information:

1999
Ebullition Records
Santa Cruz, CA (NorCal)
Runtime: 33:01
Tracks: 9

Band Members:

Casey Watson (Guitar, Vocals)
Mag Delana (Guitar, Vocals)
Pat Crowley (Bass)
Scott Batiste (Drums)

At a Glance:

Screamo, Post-Hardcore, Emocore, Melodic, Energetic, Technical

Musical Analysis:

This record definitely gives off “Bay Area Screamo” vibes, though perhaps a hair older than some of the other NorCal classics. It takes the dynamic and emotional nature of Screamo, combines it with the melody, clean vocals, and riffs of late 90s Post-Hardcore, brings in a few elements of Emocore, and unveiled it to the world with this, their debut LP. There are tons of memorable riffs and strong melodies from the guitarists, seemingly the primary focus of this project, and the screamed / clean vocal combination amps the emotionality up severalfold. Some more traditional “Punky” moments come in where you can hear the blatant Emocore influence, contrasting the otherwise quite technical performance in most tracks.

Historical Analysis:

Although not the first album (or band) you’d consider when discussing the legacy of Bay Area Screamo, this seedling of a concept would continue to get fleshed out by legends like Funeral Diner and City of Caterpillar. This enigmatic Hardcore cocktail would serve as the basis for a melodic and experimental approach to the genre that this region would eventually be known for. Despite this quality and its forward-thinkingness, this record comes just shy of a proper HoF induction.

Lyrical Analysis:

Just by giving the cover of this record a brief glance, you can tell this is inherently political. These harrowing lyrics explore the relations between imperialism and religion, noting the historial revisionism that enables it, paradoxically working within a system that grinds you down and the myth of meritocracy. With violence so woven into the fabric of American life, we are all complicit in the sins of our history. Even when discussing interpersonal relationships, Yaphet Kotto can’t help but compare this to a war with no winners, each side assuring mutual destruction.

ForceFedGlass - When Backs Are Turned, Knives ARe Pulled | Screamo HAll of Fame Class of 1998 Nominee

Release Information:

1998
Pensive Recording Group
Falmouth, MA (New England)
Runtime: 18:45
Tracks: 12

Band Members:

Evan Plante (Vocals, Guitar)
Zac Davis (Bass)
Ben Koller (Drums)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Emoviolence, Mathcore, Chaotic, Technical, Dissonant, Frantic

Musical Analysis:

Instrumental proficiency, musical technicality and syncopated chaos are found in the opening minutes of this destructive album. The frantic, complex sections pass by at a blistering pace, contrasting the brutal, breakdown-heavy parts with precision Powerviolence-esque bursts. The intricate guitarwork and noisy, proficient drumming are synchronized in mayhem and deliver some heavy body blows on the listener. Tying it all together is a reckless vocalist whose voice is ripped apart with each new screamed syllable.

Historical Analysis:

ForceFedGlass’ furious LP showcases the genre's increasing propensity for musical technicality and experimentation. This is not to say Screamo and Emoviolence were simple or basic by any means, but Math Rick and Mathcore influences were becoming more popular, as demonstrated by FFG.

The seminal project turned out to be a Hardcore breeding ground; bassist Zac Davis would go on to play guitar for Hassan I Sabbath while drummer Ben Koller would have a legendary career in numerous bands, most notably as the drummer for Converge.

Lyrical Analysis:

ForceFedGlass are masters of lyrical brevity, saying a lot with a few simple words. Like many in Screamo before them, the lyrics are combative and vindictive against social ills and personal issues. The band conveys a lot of negative - your body is a prison, relationships are performative, the past buries you alive and having no hope for life, only endurance. However, mixed in with the pessimism are drastic calls for action; Revolt! Embrace the power of refusal! Wake the sleeping suburbanites! We won’t mourn your mistakes.