Overthrown, a stalwart of Singapore’s hardcore scene, has returned with Existence, a four-track EP that resonates with the intensity and thoughtfulness they’ve built their name on since their inception. As we look back at our first encounter with the band in 2012, their commitment to hardcore’s ethos feels both nostalgic and strikingly current. Today, Overthrown invites us once again into their world with this new release, available digitally and as a limited 7″ vinyl on December 21, 2024.
Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Islam Falmi at Dies Irae Audio, the EP exemplifies the band’s no-frills dedication to what they deliver with this longtime project.
Jai’s artwork, capturing classic hardcore visuals with stage-diving and sing-along crowd imagery, wraps the package in a visceral reminder of the communal energy their live shows embody. Photos contributed by Dzan, Zinho, and Gary add another layer of authenticity, rooting the release firmly in the band’s rich history.
For Overthrown, Existence was a long time coming. The EP had been planned for years, and its release amidst personal commitments—family, work, and further studies—is a testament to their resilience. “We didn’t play much overseas shows but still managed to play quite a number of local shows,” the band reflects. They’re already looking ahead, planning 2025 regional tours and a full-length album slated for release on their 30th anniversary in 2026.
The local scene in Singapore has also been a cornerstone of their journey. They note its vibrancy, with more young bands emerging and local acts gaining recognition across Europe and Asia. The international attention on Southeast Asian hardcore, they remark, is a validation of the community’s passion.
Existence is a reflection of Overthrown’s belief in hardcore as more than music—it’s a lifestyle and a philosophy. The EP channels the scene’s values of community, resistance, and self-determination into every riff and lyric.
For a full breakdown of the songs, along with exclusive commentary from the band, check out the detailed track-by-track analysis below.
1. Existence
We need to constantly remind ourselves that in this hardcore punk scene it’s known for its diversity, inclusivity, and community-driven ethos. The importance of Co-existing to keep it alive, which is the purpose of it all.
Embracing diversity, welcoming people from various backgrounds, cultures, and identities.
Zero tolerance for discrimination, racism, fascism and sexism, and even among the ‘old’ and ‘new’ generations. None should be seen as exclusive/elitist. Everyone’s existence deserves the same amount of respect. And all this should also be the same in society as a whole.
It seems to me that no one ever notice
It seems to me that no one even care
So I asked myself if it’s really worth it
And the question lingers while I stay afloat
I’ll be damned if i do
I’ll be damned if I don’t
A situation that won’t change a thing
I might as well do it my way.
Make the best of it cause I’m here to stay.
Holding on strong, moving forward
Persevere and thrive. I know I’ll survive.
Keep close to my sanity
Through the path of reality
I won’t cease to exist
What’s left in me will never fade away
This is my destiny
I still believe and I’m here to stay
Determination still burning deep inside
Persevering through and through
No reason to stay away
2. Silenced
This song is about war crime and its victims. Reflecting on a persistent search for hope and renewal amidst ongoing pain and suffering. Turning a blind eye to suffering can lead to a continuation of violence and oppression. The profound struggle for recognition and change in the face of cruelty and indifference. It is therefore vital to speak out more for humanity.
Still searching still hoping
Praying for a new beginning
Still dying still crying
No mercy no remorse
In this state of cruelty
Ignorance is not bliss
In this path of resistance
Fighting for life and freedom
Their voices silenced
The devastation remains.
The silence is deafening
And the empathy is nonexistent
Still trapped in this agony
Every rights denied, no morality
Is there no more conscience
Oblivious to the sufferings
Losing faith in humanity
End this hate and insanity
Break the silence
Let their voices be heard
Let the truth unfold
Turn against the tide
Free them from the shackles of cruelty
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3. Conflict
This song is about internal struggle, realization, and the importance of self-awareness. Addressing a state of denial where individuals refuse to accept the truth, remaining trapped in delusions and ignorance. The unwillingness to confront reality, leading to confusion and conflict within oneself. Stresses on the importance of embracing challenging truths and overcoming personal obstacles to regain direction in life.
In denial, refusing to accept the truth and reality.
In delusion, false believing.Blinded by ignorance.
Can’t comprehend your expectations.
Subconscious inner state of confliction.
Devotion fading away. Never let your senses sway.
Realise realise realise. Look around see for yourself.
If your absence makes no difference. Your presence means nothing to them.
Stay within in your inner space.
Recognise your expectations. End this conflict inside you.
It’s time to wrap your mind around.
This is the reality. It can be hard but face the truth.
Embrace and overcome. Get yourself back on the right track.
4. End This Hate
This song is a call for moral urgency to address social injustice. The complacency in inclusivity and integrity. The need to confront and rectify the prevalent of hypocrisy, hatred and discrimination in the society that we live in today. This goes out to the victims of bully & abuse.
Left alone in state of disbelieve.
Shattered hopes mind filled with anxiety.
Still at lost trying hard to perceive.
What is wrong with this society.
Are we turning blind to all these convictions.
No one cares. Can’t deny this.
Normalising discrimination.No sense of inclusivity. Hypocrisy in every situation.
No sense of integrity.
Can we stop this? Can we end this?
Stop the hatred. End this hate.
