Toronto-based hardcore outfit IODINE has made their return with “Forever Cursed,” an EP that punctuates their place in their local scene with sharp, calculated aggression and loose, rap infused vocal style that will make you loosen up, drop your guard, and chill right into that Halloween weekend.
The five-track EP is a sonic continuation of last year’s debut. Together, these two works will eventually merge into a full-length vinyl release under the title LP1, featuring exclusive new artwork for the limited pressing.
Frontman Paul (vocals) and Shawn (guitarist) took charge of the latest updates, detailing the band’s recent activity and intentions. Bassist Jay and drummer Liam complete the pack, ready to take on upcoming shows.
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The artwork for “Forever Cursed” features a cat—a nod to the dog on the cover of their debut EP. There’s no hidden narrative behind it.
Shawn explains: “We always planned to have this project as a companion piece to the first. We just liked the way it looked in contrast to the dogs barking on the first cover. We wanted to keep the aesthetic generally the same, as they are meant to be pieced together.”
Top Hardcore releases in 2024, by IODINE:
Candy: It’s Inside You & Flipping EP
Paul: I can’t say enough good things about this band. Both of these releases rip, and I can confidently say they might be my favorite hardcore act right now. Punishing, original, and just all-out mental. I’m sure my homies are tired of me talking about them at this point.
Full of Hell: Coagulated Bliss
Paul: As always, they never disappoint. I’m not even sure how to classify them anymore, but I feel the hardcore roots are forever. This was maybe their most direct and digestible album in my opinion, and it delivered. I hold a special spot for their earlier work, but I think this is one of my favorite things they’ve done. It’s been in heavy rotation since it dropped.
Contention: Artillery from Heaven
IDIOTEQ interview HERE
Shawn: I’m a ’90s-loving punk/hardcore fan, and this record vibes with that sound so hard! Punchy drums and bass, aggressive, in-your-face vocals, and riffs for days.
Modern Life Is War: Tribulation Worksongs
Shawn: I’ve been a fan of these dudes for a long time, and I love the growth and progression in their songwriting while still staying true to their sound. It’s a tough balance, but this record nailed it from front to back.
For more picks from IODINE, check out our previous feature on best Toronto bands in punk and hardcore worth a good listen last year – HERE.
Track by track:
1. “Dead Weight”
Paul: There’s been a noticeable shift regarding transparency. Money management, scandals, and a general lack of accountability are being called out more frequently. People are fed up with being told that their government understands their struggles while politicians enjoy themselves stress-free, right in plain sight. They clearly don’t have your best interests in mind, so how much are you willing to buy what they’re selling?
Shawn: Musically, I’ve always been a fan of intro samples that lead into huge opening tracks for the first song on a record. The music I wrote for “Dead Weight” felt like a slugfest, with the fighter dropping a left hook at the end that takes the song in a completely different direction and tempo.
2. “Industry Vultures”
Paul: Anyone who makes art in any form has to deal with industry vultures. Sometimes, the people in a position to help have no connection to what you’re doing or how much it means to you; they see you as simply a commodity. It’s crazy how much a scumbag promoter can devalue what you do or make it seem like they’re doing you a favor, when you’re the one working to get bodies through the door. You work, they eat. That said, there are some truly great people out there who genuinely are in it for all the right reasons.
Shawn: I wanted a frantic guitar riff that leads into a catchy chorus; I thought Paul would have a ton of fun with this one vocally, and he delivered. It’s one of our heavier songs, and it really resonates with our fanbase.
3. “Put to Sleep”
Paul: I’ve always felt that complacency is what a lot of these 9-to-5 companies strive for in their employees. It can literally suck the life out of you. You end up going through the motions, essentially dead inside. They sell you the “team” mentality, but in reality, it’s about everyone exploiting each other to make someone else rich, while most people are just hanging on for dear life.
Shawn: “Put to Sleep” is a meat-and-potatoes punk song with influences from Ensign and Good Riddance. This is the only song where I added some dimension with a chorus-pedal washy lead I snuck into the bridge. In the future, I’d like to incorporate more tasteful soundscapes into our music.
4. “No Future for You”
Paul: I’m keeping this one close, but it’s definitely inspired by someone. For anyone who feels like they have to deal with someone who literally drains the life out of them, this one should be relatable. Fuck them.
Shawn: I wanted a fun, simple riff that’s a blast to play live. This song gives me serious Nirvana Bleach vibes. Its simplicity allows us to break up the set a bit and move around more on stage. The gang vocals have a Sex Pistols vibe that our bassist Jay and I love to rip during the set.
5. “Barrel of a Gun”
Paul: I try not to let good inspiration slip, even if it means putting some personal stuff on display. Anyone who has been through tough times can understand the weight and pressure life can bring, and I’ve always found speaking about it comes naturally to me. I’m essentially asking myself for answers and looking for reasons to keep moving, while sometimes feeling a looming sense of fear.
Shawn: I love when bands make a stretch track as the last song on a record; “Barrel of a Gun” is the closest thing to an Iodine opus we have in our catalog. A hip-hop bounce beat over drone guitars that leads into rhythmic sections, almost like chapters in a book. It’s a song that takes you on a journey, leaving you wanting more—which will come in time with our next release.
