The new release from INFLUENCE, titled “Vienna Hardcore EP,” comes from a lineup deeply emnedded into their local scene — with members previously involved in bands like TimeXTrial, XDregsX, OnXPoint, and Golden X. Out through Leechpit DIY, the record stands as both a personal statement and a reflection of what’s currently happening in Vienna’s hardcore landscape. Oh, and you recognize the X’s, right?
Bassist Luis describes the moment the band emerged into. “The Vienna hardcore scene is currently as good as it has ever been,” he wrote. “In the past this city had always a problem of having many parallel scenes going on who rarely worked together. I’m not saying this problem is gone, but it got way better.”
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The mid-2010s marked what he calls an all-time low, when touring bands often skipped Vienna altogether and local shows struggled. Things began to shift when singer Miso, through his label Hardcore For The Losers, started booking shows in the city. “It took some time but his continuancy paid off and shows got better and the scene started to grow again,” Luis said. “Today we have a healthy DIY hardcore scene with a mixture of old and new kids working together.”
That collaboration culminated earlier this year with two editions of the Take A Stand Fest — “the best international DIY HC fest this city has ever seen,” as Luis put it — organized by several independent booking groups joining forces.
The spirit of cooperation has carried over to labels like Leechpit, which released “Vienna Hardcore EP.” “New bands are popping up regularly and releasing quality stuff,” Luis added. “For example check out the releases on Leechpit, a new local DIY HC label run by some young guns, who we also have chosen to release our EP.”
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He also points to Venster99 as the essential venue for anyone looking to experience Vienna’s hardcore firsthand.
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In November, the space will host “20 years of Hardcore For The Losers,” a two-day event bringing together nearly all active Vienna hardcore bands — Dice Throw, Scuffle, Compete, Alive Inside, Love Embassy, Monokay, and more — alongside INFLUENCE. “If you wanna check out Vienna hardcore this is the right time and Venster99 is the right place,” Luis said.
For a look inside that world, he recommends the XIVarchive YouTube channel, where videos from Vienna shows capture the raw character of the city’s scene. “See you in the pit,” he signed off.
“Vienna Hardcore EP” is available now via Leechpit DIY.
