Yearly the hardcore-metal world focuses on 11th st between 3rd and 4th avenues in NYC for the Black N’ Blue Bowl at Webster Hall (formerly the Superbowl of Hardcore). The nightly dance club transforms into a tattooed, black band t-shirted melay of flying limbs, riffs and unfortunately, increasingly receding hairlines. Big band reunions are commonplace for headliners over the last few years and this affords smaller bands the chance to play a top notch venue with blistering sound in front of lots of their friends/fans/family.
There is most certainly a scene still present as a steady stream of hugs were given/received just walking into the venue. Entering (post Rangers Game 1 NHL playoff victory) for New Jersey’s Agents of Man the pits were started early via the five pieces take on post-hardcore and by also covering NYHC legends Leeway with Eddie Sutton helping on vocals.
Sticking in the borough of Queens, Everybody Gets Hurt had the statement of the night when lead singer Rob Cullin stated “If you don’t want to get hit with a bass, or punched in the face, move to the back”. Bassist Chris Benetos spent as much time careening through the pit as he did on stage for songs like “Goon Squad”. Helped out via an intro and constant backing/growling vocals of Jessica Pimentel (Orange Is The New Black) the band had longtime fans and first timers screaming along to the anthemic “Homefront NYC” a perfect fit for this annual show.
Other acts that graced the stage were the raw as fuck Suburban Scum who certainly looked the part, the energetic thrashing Turnstile and NYHC mainstay Madball. While the crowds (and most of the acts over the years) ebb and flow, Madball has consistently packed the house and pit with songs like “Set It Off” and “Look My Way”, 2015 BNB was no different.
Two of the more intriguing bands playing were not your typical NYHC outfits as Earth Crisis from Syracuse brought their straight edge scream down from the north. Focusing on their Destroy the Machines album the band had a searing metalcore style on songs like “Forced March”. Also of note was the change on dime jazz/metal/hard-as-nails talent of Brooklyn’s Candiria who tore the house down with their set closing multi layered “Faction”, a true stand out moment.
Headlining were The Regulators a mashup between DC originators The Bad Brains(Darryl Jenifer & Dr. Know) and NYHC legends Cro-Mags (John Joseph & Mackie Jayson). Focusing strictly on Bad Brains material the group slammed through “Banned In DC”, “Right Brigade” and “Sailin’ On”. While Joseph did a proper frontman job, he had a packed house helping him along with every word. The outfit was drum tight (hopefully this is more than a one off) and the reggae tinge they possess and spiritually express provided a sonic salve to end a full day of hardcore metal.
