Pacific Northwest hardcore band PUNITIVE DAMAGE has announced the release of their new EP, Hate Training, set for October 25 via Convulse Records. This EP follows their 2022 debut album This Is The Blackout and sees the band pushing their furious sound even further, delivering sharp riffs and powerful lyrics that address pressing socio-political issues.
The EP’s title track, Hate Training, captures the band’s frustration with systemic cycles of hatred and oppression.
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Vocalist Jerkova explains, “Time after time after time, we fall for the hate training served to us.” She draws parallels between various historical atrocities, from the genocide of Indigenous peoples in the Americas to the War on Terror. Through their aggressive sound, PUNITIVE DAMAGE demands that listeners confront these cycles of violence and manipulation.
Hate Training was recorded by Jesse Gander (Japandroids, Brutus, Subhumans) and mixed by Taylor Young (Drain, Militarie Gun, God’s Hate). Alongside Jerkova, the band includes guitarists Czecho and Teejer1, drummer Alejandro, and bassist Kermit.
The EP’s tracks, such as Baptism of Fire and Blight of Apathy, are blistering bursts of energy that reflect the band’s fierce dedication to their message. “I loathed just the general helplessness I felt,” says Jerkova, describing the rage that fueled the writing process.
One standout track, All or Nothing, features guest vocals from Jess Nyx of Mortality Rate and World of Pleasure. In just 55 seconds, the song critiques selective compassion and calls for a free Palestine without compromise. “It’s my criticism of the duplicitousness of humanity and compassion,” Jerkova says.
Hate Training tackles themes of dehumanization and the failure to learn from history.
The song Plaster Saints reflects Czecho’s personal connection to these issues. “My father was born during WWII under Nazi occupation,” he explains, noting how his family’s experience with repression and forced displacement informs his perspective.
The EP will be available for preorder through Convulse Records, and the band has shared the single Baptism of Fire ahead of the release.
PUNITIVE DAMAGE is also embarking on a North American tour this fall, kicking off with a show in Vancouver on October 8.
Upcoming Shows:
10/08 Vancouver, BC @ Bullys Studios
10/22 Baltimore MD @ Holy Frijoles
10/23 Roanoke, VA @ VFW 1264
10/24 Charlotte, NC @ Milestone Club
10/25 Chattanooga, TN @ Dragons Roast
10/27 Gainesville, FL @ THE FEST
10/28 Birmingham, AL @ Firehouse
10/29 New Orleans, LA @ Holy Diver
10/30 Hattiesburg, MS @ TBA
10/31 Dallas, TX @ Cheapsteaks
11/15 Tulsa, OK @ Flyover Fest Pre-show
