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.*

Sidekick Kato - 1st Class Chump | Screamo Hall of Fame Class of 1996 Nominee

Release Information:

1996
Johann’s Face Records
Des Plaines, IL (Midwest)
Runtime: 39:33
Tracks: 10

Band Members:

Tom Anderson (Vocals)
Franky Hryniewicz (Guitar)
Xaq (Guitar)
Joe Campagna (Bass)
Jay Dean (Drums)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Midwest Emo, Screamo, Post-Hardcore, Melodic, Dynamic, Raw, Autumnal

Musical Analysis:

Sidekick Kato employs that early Post-Hardcore-influenced Midwest Emo sound, encapsulated by the first few seconds of the intro track: a loud, brazen chord progression transitions into a delicate, twinkly arpeggio with melodramatic crooning. This formula is quite reminiscent of Midwest Emo contemporaries like Texas Is The Reason, though these Illinois folks iterate even further by adding in some bold, cacophonous Screamo instrumentation and some emotionally resonant screams to the equation. I’d say the bulk of the music here leans Midwest Emo, however.

Historical Analysis:

To my knowledge, this is the very first attempt at weaving Midwest Emo with Screamo ever attempted, so kudos for that accomplishment right off the bat. Because Midwest Screamo wasn’t even an obscure subgenre of Emo yet and wouldn’t be for over a decade, this forward-thinking curiosity is an undeniable part of Screamo Canon, despite its minimal direct influence on the genre.

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.*

In/Humanity - The Nutty Antichrist | Screamo Hall of Fame Class of 1996 Nominee

Release Information:

1996
Passive Fist Records
Columbia, SC
Runtime: 20:10
Tracks: 13

Band Members:

Chris Bickel (Vocals)
Paul Swanson (Guitar)
Will Zaledeski (Bass)
Ben Roth (Drums)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Emoviolence, Powerviolence, Manic, Chaotic, Quirky, Dissonant

Musical Analysis:

Grueling distortion, breakneck tempos, angry shrieks and general musical mayhem are found all over this record. A typical song on The Nutty Antichrist is shorter than a minute, so a rapid-firing of musical ideas is often at play, particularly in the songs with blistering drums and dissonant, syncopated guitar. However, the band knows when to adjust the tempo and the intensity to fit their needs, transitioning between the two often enough to break up any monotony. Vocally, the screamer sounds as hateful as the music, though these extreme swellings of negativity are broken up by the many samples that flow between tracks and the occasional playful song here and there.

Historical Analysis:

Although the term “Emoviolence” had not yet been coined by In/Humanity, they certainly had no problem being one of the first to play it. The Nutty Antichrist is a natural evolution from their 1994 EP Gets Killed by Robots, even including the track Greener Eyes on this LP. In/Humanity doubles down on the Powerviolence influence and adds even more absurdity. The (spoiler!) political lyrics, frantic, short and dynamic songs, and overwhelming dissonance give this release an intimidating aura that many Screamo and Emoviolence bands of the future would strive toward. Despite being so early to the Emoviolence game, they had several contemporaries pushing similar boundaries simultaneously.

Lyrical Analysis:

The simple, direct, confrontational and sarcastic lyrics by Chris Bickel define this LP. Although he uses irony and inappropriate metaphors to make a lot of his points, make no mistake - the band is firmly anti-capitalist, anti-Confederate Flag, anti-right wing. These are the ethos of Hardcore that In/Humanity carries forward with fleeting moments of self-reflection - often self-derogatory. Nonetheless, there’s very little ambiguity in the lyricism - even with all of the sarcasm; strong themes about the ills of mental institutions, the bait-and-switch nature of religion and the horrors of upcoming nuclear war are all easily sussed out.