October 17, 1999, saw the birth of a tradition that would stand tall against mainstream indulgence—Edge Day. Celebrated by those who carry the straight edge ethos with pride, it’s a reminder of rebellion against the self-destructive trends of punk and hardcore. But Edge Day is more than a date; it’s a living, breathing testament to the strength of those who reject excess. This year, Tim Rule—of Forward To Eden and Bound By Modern Age Records fame—compiled a list of the top straight edge releases, reflecting on a year that’s left its mark on the hardcore and metal scenes alike.
Whether you’re celebrating Edge Day in Boston, Gothenburg, or São Paulo, there’s no shortage of metallic hardcore, 90s metalcore and straight up hardcore punk releases to soundtrack the rebellion and better paths of life.
“A fantastic year for straight edge metal and hardcore so far.” – admits Tim. “Some releases I had been waiting for for a long time and some surprise drops that blew me away. In fact its been so good, that I couldn’t even decide on a true number 1, so we have a tie here. Also, sorry if I forgot about your favorite release. Be sure to let me know about it in the comments via our social media channels!”
xEDENISGONEx – PAIN LP
The third full-length by this prolific, self-proclaimed “blackened edge-metalcore” outfit. Continuing their fury of true late 90s style metalcore (the one with little to no “core” elements present) in an even more refined and melodic, almost symphonic way. Imagine the bastard child of Heaven Shall Burn and Emperor.
We start off with an atmospheric, theatrical synth & piano arrangement, which slowly distorts into shredding tremolo guitars and agonized screams. Down-tuned chuggs go hand in hand with chaotic, disharmonic breaks and beautiful melodies. Topped off with “personal” lyrics, you can literally feel the emotions in the music. Truly a piece of art on its own.
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The artist still remains within the shadows of anonymity for the time being – so I guess my only penalty point with is, that I won’t be able to see them live and get punched in the face to these riffs anytime soon, haha… However, Bound By Modern Age Records (GER) is taking care of the physical release and there will be a fantastic vinyl version out really soon!
Cleansing – Throne of Misery LP
The long awaited debut full-length by one of my personal favorites, finlands hardest and one of the last remaining true edge-metal acts of europe. After 2 phenomenal EPs over the span of 5 years, this is truly a huge step up from the metallic straight edge hardcore/metalcore I already loved and cherished. The Vocals sound super heavy and the riffs are even more brutal – I still vividly remember the first time I heard this.
I instantly ripped off my shirt, went down to the gym and benchpressed ALL the weights they had. You DON’T wanna meet me in the pit when xCLEANSINGx start playing! But besides all the heavyness, they still found room for some melodies and great straight edge singalong parts. A feat not many are capable of without compromising their own sound. This works perfectly as a full album though.
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Truly one for the ages…. and I am 100% certain that I would also be saying that, if it wasn’t me who is releasing it, haha – Vinyl Version now available from Bound By Modern Age. CDs from Force of Reckoning (USA) & Tapes from Medusa’s Lair (Spain).
Balmora / Since My Beloved – Split LP
Without question the 90s style Metalcore / Edge-Metal Split of the decade. Balmora deliver 3 tracks of super heavy, yet melodic fury, which could easilly be mistaken for a new Prayer For Cleansing EP.
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Superb Vocals with seemingly no limit in highs or lows – even the sung parts are really decent – acompanied by your favorite late 90s/early 00s riffs; all packed up in a great production that leaves nothing to be desired. Since My Beloved pick up that energy and turn out to be the perfect split partner. Imagine Undying with a hint of early Screamo/Emocore (Silverstein, FftL, etc.)
Although this makes for a great epitaph, its really sad that these – by far their best output – are their farewell songs. We can only hope that there will be many new projects coming from these young guys. 4ephyra has released this digital with no information about physical formats.
Clear X Cut – Age of Grief LP
The third full-length of this prolific vegan straight edge metalcore band comes with yet another big line-up change. But as they said right from the start: Clear X Cut is not about the individuals behind it. It’s merely a vehicle for a message.
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A very well executed and pleasent to listen to vehicle though that is. However: Matthias (King Apathy, Heretoir, etc.), their main songwriter left/moved on and gave the hat to their new vocalist, Gabbo (Implore, Horns of Resistance, etc.), which is a noticable change you can’t deny. The music still mainly follows the same patterns of atmospheric, melodic Metalcore with some post-black influence.
Also this is one of the unfortunately becoming increasingly rare exceptions, where the amazing lyrics are just as important (to me) as the music. “I scream for eternal justice to end all lies. I believe in total freedom for all life.” The physical release is handled by Lifeforce Records.
Point Of No Return – The Language of Refusal LP
The fulminant return of these OG 90s vegan straight edge legends from Sao Paulo. Comebacks are on vogue. Many 90s/00s bands seem to be making comebacks lately. In most cases though a majority of their members don’t even stand behind their old lyrics anymore and most likely the sound changed as well… not the case with this one though!
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Still Vegan, still Straight Edge and still playing super energetic metallic 90s style hardcore/metalcore, which reminds a lot of bands like Path of Resistance. 7 years in the making, you can absolutely hear that this was/is a labour of love. Physicals available from Indecision Records (USA) & Refuse (Europe).
Winter’s Woe – …in Death’s Gloom EP
The first sign of life from this outfit and I literally don’t know anything else about them. A complete chance find and I LOVE everything about this. Black Metal tremolo guitars, chugging chainsaw riffs, harmonic melodies, breakdowns, this EP has it all.
It’s so 90s that even the production is a perfect match. Early As I Lay Dying meets Unearth under the banner of Vegan fucking Straight Edge! My only merit point is that it’s only 4 songs and that there is no physical release (at least for now I guess?) Let’s change that please, haha
Invictus – Despair LP
True oldschool Death Metal from the heart of edge-metal; the former capitol of Eurocore, Belgium. Now they stand as the last remaining memento… and its no coincidence that this sounds like a long lost Liar or Deformity album, the members of Invictus have been around for quite a while and shared the stage with many names in the scene.
No re-invention of the wheel here, but well executed (early) Death worship under the banner of the Straight Edge? I’ll gladly take that over any modern whatever-core! The physical release is in equal shares handled by Genet Records (Be), In My Heart Empire (Es), x24x Edgewear (Be) & Bound By Modern Age (Ger).
Instinctive – Take Your Life Back EP
One of the most exciting demos/new EPs this year comes from Italy. True straight edge 90s Metalcore in the vein of bands like Morning Again, Arkangel, etc. played by (ex-)Members of bands like Destroy Babylon & Reprisal.
Lots of dance/mosh parts and singalongs. Already played shows in all parts of europe this year and just posted that they’ll be in the writing/recording lair really soon – I expect nothing but great things from these guys! The Coming Strife (UK) & Force of Reckoning (USA) are handling the physical release.
True X Feeling – …Of Flesh And Steel LP
If you think the name is a posi-hardcore refference, you forget that hate is a feeling as well! From the first riff, this shouts “I’ll put your head through a conrete wall if you even so much as think about breaking edge”!
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Super heavy metallic beatdown hardcore/metalcore from Bulgaria. Some songs are almost Death Metal, haha… huge diy hc4hc attitude on this as well. Bunch of guests on the recordings, plus a co-release for physicals between the band themselves & Bound By Modern Age (Ger). All formats available.
Divine Right – Salvation Ends EP
Straight Edge 90s style metalcore on New Age Records. What more do I need to say? “From this path I will not stray. The X has yet to fade – straight edge!” Doesn’t get heavier than this. All formats available and this exactly sounds (and looks) like it could’ve been released in said labels early days!
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Chugging hardcore riffs and singalong parts go hand in hand with tremolo guitars and distorted screams.
Stressed – Carnivore EP
The heaviest metallic hardcore with a strong message you’ll hear this year comes right from Australia. Animal liberation by any means necessary, with a fucking X on the hand! 4 short, but strong and energetic tunes, fueled with political rage.
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Check this out and then shove it in the face of a meat eater or edge-breaker! Co-release between Life.Lair.Regret (Australia) & Bound By Modern Age (Ger).
Honorable mentions: two of my own releases, which I can impossibly objectively rate myself, but still want to promote.
Forward To Eden – War Still Rages… (A Retrospective in Four Parts) LP
The third full-length album by the infamous vegan straight edge 90s style metalcore solo-project. Originally released as a series of four interrelated EPs over the course of a half year, this CD Version combines all tracks with lots of additional information.
This concept album voyages to past decades and therefore features many cover songs from lesser known, but influential artists, songs written for other bands/projects by the artist (Tim Rule) and songs (partly) written years ago, so its a bit of a wild mix I guess… CDs available from Bound By Modern Age (Ger).
The Rule – Kill For The Straight Edge EP
The new EP by the notorious Edge Metal solo-project. Seemlessly fusing 80’s style Heavy Metal with Synthwave and classic Straight Edge Hardcore. Cover artwork, as always, by the talented Simon Erl – just look at it and know that this is what The Straight Edge will get you. UGH!
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A special 7″ Vinyl Version is available from Bound By Modern Age (Ger)
