The Dogs of Hope" Charity Comp Featuring KsE, Snapcase, Deadguy, Walter Schreifels, + More to Benefit Alabama Shelter

ALTERNATIVE + METALCORE A-LISTERS UNITE FOR THE DOGS OF HOPE— A COMPILATION ALBUM TO RAISE FUNDS FOR NO-KILL ANIMAL SHELTER IN RURAL ALABAMA

"This isn't about changing the whole world,” says Tom Bejgrowicz, who began volunteering at RCAS in 2020. "It's about changing a world—one animal at a time."

For every one of us who have asserted that "dogs are man's/human's best friend," Iodine Recordings and Tom Bejgrowicz (who has worked with The Beastie Boys, Quicksand, and Johnny Cash) have corralled some of the finest names in the alternative, hardcore, and metal scenes to put their money where their mouths are.

Complete with 14 (13 of them exclusive) tracks from Snapcase, Walter Schreifels (Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits), Alex Skolnick (Testament), Killswitch Engage, Jeromes Dream, Death Ray Vision, Orange 9MM, Deadguy, Lybica, Roman Candle, Drought, Enforced, and Taken, this is a tribute like none other. Slated for release on August 8, this summer is officially going to the dogs. 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE DOGS OF HOPE HERE

Listen to "Pigs on the Wing (Part 1)" by Schreifels below:

With a cover designed by Jeremy Dean (Green Day, The Rolling Stones, The Bronx) and the project mastered by the legendary Jack Shirley (Deafhaven, Joyce Manor, Quicksand), The Dogs Of Hope is a sonic love letter to the canines that roam the streets of Randolph County in Alabama. Their slobbery smiles of trust have emboldened some of the greatest musicians to put pen to paper to share songs for some of the most deserving four-legged friends around.

A living and breathing symbol of the indie community's love for community care, 100% of the sales both digitally and physically from The Dogs Of Hope will be going directly to the Randolph County Animal Shelter (RCAS), nestled in rural Wedowee, Alabama.

This no-kill, privately run facility has to date saved thousands of animal's lives, all despite their lack of public funding or support from the county.

Operating with a small staff at a completely full capacity since 2021, the Randolph County Animal Shelter is a beacon of hope in a region that features no spay/neuter programs. Committed to providing life-changing services for the animals of Wedowee, we can now all be a part of making this ever-changing world a better place to live in by supporting and listening to artists who are already the favorites of millions.

FOR MORE INFO ON ALL OF THE BANDS: 
WALTER SCHREIFELS | ALEX SKOLNICK | KILLSWITCH ENGAGE | SNAPCASE | JEROMES DREAM | DEATH RAY VISION | ORANGE 9MM | DEADGUY | LYBICA | ROMAN CANDLE | DROUGHT | ENFORCED | TAKEN

Drought Announce Album New Album "Souvenir" + Share "We're the Flora" (Feat. Pat Flynn of Fiddlehead + Have Heart)"

While many hardcore bands focus their fury outward, Drought turn inward — channeling personal struggle to chart a different path.

Formed in 2022, the Bay Area band —guitarists Eric Nakano and RJ Rabe, drummer Ray Avila, and vocalist Viggy Ram — found common ground in shared influences like Pianos Become the Teeth, mewithoutYou, and Title Fight to overcome personal hardships and isolation. After recording a three-song EP in 2022, Drought brought their emotionally charged live shows to stages alongside Jeromes Dream and vs self before catching the attention of Iodine Recordings.

Now, Drought return with Souvenir, recorded to tape by Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Gouge Away) at Atomic Garden Studios.

The result? Souvenir sounds less like a debut and more like an established act.

It arrives July 18. Pre-order it here.

They share "We're the Flora," featuring Pat Flynn of Fiddlehead and Have Heart. Listen below.

It boasts the powerful lyric sentiment — "They say all flowers in time bend toward the sun, so when I find the light, what will I become?"

"These lyrics were inspired by a visit to a bouquet art exhibit," says Viggy Ram. "All of these flowers and plants had been clipped and fashioned into these beautiful structures — giving them a second life as something new. And I think of our relationships with our parents and families. Generational trauma sometimes cuts us off from our histories and identities, but this can also be an opportunity to grow and blossom."

Regarding the guest vocal from Flynn, he says, "It was especially fitting to have Pat from Fiddlehead and Have Heart graciously guest, since he's often written about similar experiences. It felt like a comforting sentiment from a mentor or teacher, especially considering his influence on our band."

These 13 songs on Souvenir channel moods and emotion with conviction, shaped by years of perspective. Additional guest vocals from Eric Butler (Mom Jeans) and Alex Rudenshiold (Infant Island) lend further weight to Souvenir, weaving with the band's dynamic arrangements and situating the record firmly in the evolving world of post-hardcore and emo. Against a background of balanced melody and dissonance, Viggy Ram's lyricism is as introspective as it is existential.

Drought will play shows this summer and fall, including New Friends Fest, Your Renaissance Fest, and Fest 23 in Gainesville. Dates to be announced soon, so stay tuned.

DROUGHT LIVE:
5/2 — San Francisco, CA — Thee Parkside w/ Cancer Bats, Strawberry Girls
5/24 — Los Angeles, CA — Your Renaissance Fest w/ Portraits of Past, the Spirit of Versailles
8/2 — Toronto, ON Canada — New Friends Fest w/ Beau Navire, Rolo Tomassi, the Saddest Landscape
10/23 —  Tampa, FL— Brass Mug w/ Signals Midwest, Audio Karate
10/24 — Gainesville, FL — FEST 

DROUGHT ARE:
Viggy Ram — Vocals 
Ray Avila — Drums
RJ Rabe — Guitar
Eric Nakano — Guitar

Iodine to Release Bloodhorse's Long-Awaited Sophomore Album "A Malign Star" + Band Shares Title Track

Iodine Recordings is pleased to announce it will release A Malign Star, the long-awaited sophomore LP from Boston's Bloodhorse. The vinyl arrives on May 30. Pre-order it here. 

The record was produced by Alex Garcia-Rivera at Mystic Valley Studios (Vundabar, American Nightmare, 108) and is the long-awaited follow-up to 2009's critically acclaimed Horizoner album, which was released by Translation Loss.

The band is a who's who, featuring members of iconic Massachusetts bands American Nightmare, The Red Chord, and All Pigs Must Die.

A Malign Star is a reckoning — a raw, relentless journey through doubt, defiance, and the eerie spaces in between. From crushing riffs that pay tribute to self-destruction to compositions steeped in imperial dread, each track carves out its own space in the chaos. There's a biting critique of pettiness and alienation, an eerie drift through half-waking nightmares, and a full-throttle push to the brink of speed and control. If you like it fast, dark, and just a little self-aware of its own doom, then you're in the right place.

The band has also shared the title track. Listen below.

"The title is cribbed from a quote from Robespierre describing Paris as being held under a malign star. The idea for this song was to capture a sense of majestic, imperial foreboding," the band says.

Bloodhorse plan to tour in support of the record, as well!

BLOODHORSE ARE:
Alex Garcia-Rivera — Drums
Matt Woods — Bass + Vocals

Iodine Recordings + Label Partners With Big Wheel

In other Iodine news, the label is beyond excited to announce that Boston's Big Wheel Recreation will be joining the team. The iconic independent record label started in Boston in 1994 by Rama Mayo, and went on to release. some of the most highly influential punk, hardcore, and indie albums ever. Bands such as Jimmy Eat World, Jejune, Fastbreak, Piebald, At The Drive In, Hot Rod Circuit, Ten Yard Fight, Braid, and many more called Big Wheel Home. 

Big Wheel Recreation ia partnering with Iodine Recordings in 2025 with plans to remaster and reissue many BWR releases, both digitally and on limited vinyl pressings. Over the next few years, Iodine will dig into the extensive Big Wheel archives and fans can expect to see much of the Big Wheel catalog available again for the first time in decades. 

For the team at Iodine, this is very much a "full circle" moment, as Big Wheel was a big influence on why the powers-that-be started a record label. And in the early days of Iodine, Big Wheel taught the team a lot of what it needed to know to run a successful label. To come back almost 25 years later and have the chance to work together on a massive archival project is a very special thing for all involved.

"I had no idea how important these records were going to become while we were making them," says  BWR owner Rama.

And now, this partnership will allow these important records to live on and resonate with a new crop of music fans.

Fastbreak's "Fast Cars, Fast Women" Is Back On Vinyl, Thanks to Iodine Recordings + Label Partners With Big Wheel

In the late '90s, no one carried the torch for Youth Crew hardcore like Fastbreak.

Formed in 1994, the Connecticut band quickly made a name for themselves in the New England area, thanks to their explosive approach to fast-paced hardcore music and unrelenting positivity. Their sound was a true successor to the upbeat style of bands like Gorilla Biscuits and Youth of Today. Their energy made them a staple in Connecticut hardcore, as they became a fixture playing alongside bands like H2O, Bane, Ten Yard Fight, Right Brigade, and more.

Despite their significant impact on the hardcore scene, Fastbreak's recordings had long been out of print and unavailable on streaming services. This is why Iodine Recordings is proud to re-release Fastbreak's seminal debut album, Fast Cars, Fast Women. It'll be available on vinyl for the first time in 26 years! Collectors, rejoice!

It is available digitally today. The physical arrives on March 28. Pre-order it here.

While we have you, watch the video for "120 Bucks" below.

The song is the lead-off track from the album and is a one-minute ripper of fast, aggressive yet melodic hardcore. From the first note until the galloping outro, each band member is going all out.

"No, you haven't convinced me yet" implores the singer to a target of impassioned disappointment. A former friend, family member, or flame? Providing that we've all felt a similar betrayal, here's 60 vital seconds of fevered hardcore to scream along with!

Originally released in 1998, every idea, riff, and rhythm on the record feels as fresh as ever. Songs like "Said and Done" and "Places Trades" are bursting with pure exuberance and energy. In a time when bands were getting darker and gloomier, Fastbreak was a breath of fresh air, bringing a more inviting energy to the genre.

Fastbreak's ideas were extremely ahead of their time, predicting the future fusion of hardcore and pop-punk that would go on to take over the world. Their influence can be heard in countless bands that followed, blending the raw energy of hardcore with the immediacy of a positive attitude and approach. It’s a painfully underrated record, but thankfully, listeners now have a chance to realize just what was going on.

Fastbreak's Fast Cars, Fast Women features Patrick Rorick on vocals, Steven Pica and Neal St. Clair on guitar, Don Raymond on bass, and Luke Garro on drums. The album was produced by Dean Baltulonis and mastered at Metropolis Studios.

The release includes bonus tracks from Ten Yard Fight split 7" and Salad Days Demos. The expanded deluxe gatefold packaging displays dozens of never-seen photographs, as well as retrospective Essays from Rama Mayo of Big Wheel Recreation and Chris Wrenn of Bridge Nine Records

It was remastered by Jamal Ruhe (Guided By Voices, Death, Misfits).

As diehard scenesters know, members of Fastbreak went on to perform in In My Eyes, Piebald, and Right Brigade. 

FASTBREAK WERE:
Neal St. Clair — Guitar
Luke Garro — Drums
Don Raymond — Bass
Steven Pica — Guitar
Patrick Rorick — Vocals

Dead Bars to Release "All Dead Bars Go to Heaven" 3/21 + Share "Give the Metalhead a Hug" Video

Seattle's DEAD BARS — John Maiello, C.J. Frederick, Jon Oddo, Elliot Thordarson, and Rosie Gonce — were described by Razorcake as a band that "makes something impossible to duplicate look so simple and attainable." #Truth

For over a decade the band, founded and led by Maiello, has been belting out life-affirming hard rock with the same gift for the craft as acts like Japandroids, White Reaper, and Fucked Up. Since then, they've earned both national accolades and a reputation as a local institution, the band you're likely to see sweating it up onstage any given night.

Their newest record, All Dead Bars Go To Heaven, reminds us that there's "arguably no better Seattle band," according to The Seattle Times. It arrives on March 21 via Iodine Recorings. Pre-order it here or here.

The album boasts 10 hook-laden heavy hitters, from rousing opener "I Wanna Be A Ghost" to anthemic closer "Be Me." It also comprises a new chapter: a reintroduction to a new generation ready to escape the grind, as well as a reminder to the previous one of their potency. The emphasis is on heaven: a place of eternal reward for a life lived virtuously, regardless of the love or loss that once defined it. When the band cries "Dead Bars Forever," they mean it.

Today, Dead Bars share the video for "Give the Metalhead a Hug." Watch it below.

"I was listening to a lot of grindcore and Chumbawamba when I wrote this song," says Maiello. "I grew my hair long. I worked at a metal venue/bar in Seattle. The metalheads were nice to me. The metalheads supported each other. This song is a reflection on the act of kindness, believing in your fellow humans, and finding community in an unlikely place."

Grindcore and... Chumbawamba? Amen to that!

Additionally, fans can listen to the Dead Bars x KEXP takeover on Saturday, January 18 from 10-11pm PT. The band will sit in studio, spin some tracks, and talk with Dr. West on "Sonic Reducer Punk Show." Tune in at KEXP.org.

DEAD BARS LIVE SHOWS:
2/4 — Captain Black's — Seattle, WA (With Shame Banger)
2/6 — Ivy Room — Albany, CA (With Boss Martians)
2/7 — Sardine — San Pedro, CA (With Boss Martians)
2/8 — Redwood Bar — Los Angeles, CA (With Boss Martians)
2/9 — Til Two Club — San Diego, CA (With Boss Martians)
2/21 — Lanalous — Vancouver, BC (With Boss Martians)

Iodine Recordings to Reissue Six Going on Seven's Classic "Heartbreak's Got Backbeat"

Heartbreak's Got Backbeat is the sophomore album from Boston-based indie rock/emo band Six Going On Seven. It's long been out of print — for 25 years.

Until now, courtesy of your friends at Iodine Recordings, the label which continues to re-introduce beloved and hard-to-find titles on vinyl to a diehards as well as a new generation of fans. The label remains a caretaker of fan favorites from the early '00s, and before and after.

The album is now available digitally, while the physical release of Heartbreak's Got Backbeat arrives on February 5 of next year. Get it here. 

Often referred to as a "band's band," Six Going on Seven came up alongside many of the household names that set the tone for the era: Jimmy Eat World, Hot Water Music, and The Get Up Kids.

6GO7 sharied the stage with the aforementioned band and many others. Originally released on Some Records in 1999 and produced by Brian McTernan at Salad Days Studio (Hot Water Music, Cave In), the album is being presented on a limited-edition vinyl pressing with all new artwork and remastered by Jack Shirley (Quicksand, Joyce Manor) at The Atomic Garden.

"'Let's take the long way 'round, turn right here. Go down this hill we can leave the car at Cathedral Park Pier...,'" so begins the first track of our second record. This, an homage to roots in St. Johns (Portland, OR) and more specifically, my childhood home, first love and the push/pull of moving on and paying tribute to the things that shape us," says vocalist/bassist Joshua English. "It's a perfect representation of what we were/are/will be as a trio, 3:05 of bass/drums/guitar and nostalgia..."

SIX GOING ON SEVEN WERE:
Joshua English — Vocals + Bass
James Bransford — Guitar
Will Bartlett — Drums

Iodine Recordings to Release Piebald's "We Are the Only Friends We Have"

If you were to look up the word "piebald" in the dictionary, you'd learn that it means "having irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white." 

But if you were to ask any of their loyal fans, they's probably refer to "Piebald" as one of their favorite bands of all time — a hard-to-describe, genre-less, energetic four-piece known for their raw, matter-of-fact lyrics, infectious hooks, fun live shows, and their penchant for doing everything on their own terms.

And this year, Piebald turns 30!

Now on vinyl for the first time in over 20 years, Piebald's We Are The Only Friends We Have has earned its place as one of the most notable and iconic emo albums of the era. It has been completely remastered for vinyl by Jack Shirley (Joyce Manor, Quicksand) with completely reconstructed artwork created from negatives of the original photo shoot, and includes a retrospective essay written by the band. The album was originally produced by Paul Q. Kolderie (Radiohead, Pixies, Dinosaur Jr). 

The re-issue will also have a limited deluxe edition double LP, which includes 12 bonus tracks (B-sides, demos, covers) in an expanded gatefold package. It will also be available digitally on all streaming platforms.

Get the re-release here via Iodine Recordings.

And watch the video for "American Hearts" while you're at it , below.

Piebald were founded in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1994 by Travis Shettel(vocals/guitar/keys) and Aaron Stuart (guitar/vocals). Through Andover High School friends and siblings, Jon Sullivan (drums) and Andrew Bonner (bass) were added to complete the original lineup. In a time before cell phones, Spotify, or even Napster, Piebald became an integral part of the same indie, post-hardcore music scene of the Merrimack Valley that birthed musical monsters Cave-In and Converge.

On February 19, 2002, Piebald released their critically acclaimed third album, We Are the Only Friends We Have. Now joined by Luke Garro on drums, the band embarked on the most thrilling stage of its career. National radio airplay of singles "American Hearts" and "Just a Simple Plan," and tours with the likes of Minus the Bear, Glassjaw, Hey Mercedes, RX Bandits, Saves the Day, and New Found Glory led to more mainstream success and helped birth a cult following.

Piebald became recognized as "one of the most dependably fun bands of the late '90s/early '00s emo touring circuit," and "kings of sing-alongs," led by Shettel, who "crafted lyrics that could weave between intensely autobiographical, sociopolitical, and sarcastic."

The band initially called it quits in 2008, but reformed in 2016 to celebrate the digital re-release of their catalog, and haven't looked back. Since their reformation, Piebald have toured with Dashboard Confessional, The Movielife, and Weakened Friends, reinstated their annual holiday shows, and graced the stages of festivals such as Boston Calling, Riot Fest, Furnace Fest, and Wrecking Ball.

Now, Piebald has teamed up with Iodine Recordings to remaster, repackage, and re-release their long out-of-print catalog, and there has even been talk of new music.

The impact of Piebald on the alternative music scene is undeniable, and their legacy continues to inspire a new generation of musicians and fans.

A toast to 30 years of Piebald!

Iodine Recordings to Release 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Further Seems Forever's Classic "Hide Nothing"

HIDE NOTHING, the classic emo x indie-rock album from Florida's Further Seems Forever, is back in print for the first time in 20 years. Get it here.

Featuring the late Jon Bunch on vocals, this beloved album was released by the equally beloved band in 2004.

It has been repackaged with updated artwork and remastered with a deluxe gatefold jacket and a retrospective essay by writer Jonah Bayer about the making of the album. It includes input from the band itself and other friends, such as Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba, Tom Mullen, and James Wisner.

It will be available on vinyl from Iodine Recordings at select indie retailers. Since the album has been out of print on vinyl since the original release, it is a highly sought-after and hard-to-find classic that is a "must own" for any collector or fan.

The original was released by Tooth & Nail Records. It has been completely remastered for vinyl by Jack Shirley at The Atomic Garden and it includes three unreleased bonus tracks of acoustic recordings with Bunch.

CLASSIC LINEUP:
Jon Bunch | Vocals 
Joshua Colbert | Guitar
Derick Cordoba | Guitar
Chad Neptune | Bass
Steve Kleisath | Drums

FURTHER SEEMS FOREVER LIVE:
10/3 — Birmingham, AL — Furnace Fest
10/23 — Orlando, FL — Will's Pub
10/24 — Tampa, FL — Brass Mug
10/25 — Gainesville, FL — FEST 22

Iodine to Release Onelinedrawing "Scan Anxiety" 7"

Jonah Matranga has been making music for over 30 years. A prolific artist, he has become an enduring institution in the scene with a devoted fan base, rich lineage, and varied career that has straddled the line between the underground and mainstream. His work is so far-reaching that it has been lauded far and wide, from Pitchfork to EW, and lots of everything in between!

Matranga has always written from the heart and performed in an intimate way that can't be replicated. This is most apparent in his solo yet collaborative project Onelinedrawing. 

Iodine Recordings will release the Onelinedrawing "Scan Anxiety" 7" physically on October 11. It will be available digitally upon pre-save/pre-order, which can be done here. It features the original track "Scan Anxiety" and a cover of Phoebe Bridgers' "Chinese Satellite." As OLD fans know, you can expect the unexpected when it comes to Matranga's covers, as he has offered his take on songs by The Sugarcubes, 7 Seconds, Jawbox, and more over the years. 

Watch the "Scan Anxiety" video below.

Overall, Matranga says, "'Scan Anxiety' was written for someone in a desperate situation. I don't know what 'Chinese Satellites' was written about, but it feels similar somehow. If these songs find you feeling overwhelmed and help you through to a more serene place, that's what they were meant to do."

He further explained his MO for pairing these songs on the 7", saying, "I've loved making unique recordings for decades now, and that's how 'Scan Anxiety' started. Some people were putting together a collection of songs for their friend who was going through cancer, and they asked me to be part of it... I just fell in love with the song, and wanted it in the world one way or another. Even though it was written about someone else's story, it became really personal for me. 'Chinese Satellite' started as a unique recording too, it's just a gorgeous tune with a haunting lyric. I'll sing any song like that forever, whether I wrote it or not. I hope that Phoebe, Conor, and Marshall dig it."

TOUR DATES:
10/17 — Holy Frijoles — Baltimore MD
10/18 — Avenue Coffee — Lock Haven PA
10/19 — Bull House —  Mechanicsburg PA
10/20 — Leonard House — Southbury CT

Iodine Recordings to Release 20th Anniversary Edition of Audio Karate's "Lady Melody"

Iodine Recordings is proud to present the 20th anniversary edition of AUDIO KARATE's landmark LADY MELODY on limited colored vinyl.

This deluxe edition of the classic California punk record has been completely remastered for vinyl by Jason Livermore at Blasting Room Studios and includes all new artwork and a retrospective by the band and Bill Stevenson (Descendents, ALL).

Get it here.

Listen to "Jesus Is Alive and Well (And Living in Mexico)" Below.

In 2001, four Mexican American kids from the suburbs of East L.A. came together to form Audio Karate, their unique mix of melodic, emotional punk rock made it difficult to place them in any one genre but it also garnered a legion of fans. Their knack for writing infectiously catchy songs with deeply personal lyrics caught the attention of Kung Fu Records, who signed them in 2001 alongside bands like Blink-182 and Tsunami Bomb.

Audio Karate spent the early 2000s touring heavily and sharing stages with bands like NOFX, The Ataris, and Face to Face, among many Vans Warped Tour appearances. Their first studio album Space Camp was met with much acclaim from critics and fans and featured frequently on MTV and Fuse TV. 

Their follow up album Lady Melody was produced by Bill Stevenson of The Descendents and straddled pop-punk convention and technical oddity, with unique key changes and riffs that seemed to sound "wrong," while sounding gloriously right. Even Stevenson wondered how they did it, marveling at times during their recording sessions: "Technically, this shouldn't work."

Stevenson says, "Lady Melody will always mark a special point in time for me. We had so much fun together during the pre-production, and then during the recording! I love this band so much, and it has been such a great pleasure getting to know each of them. 'Jesus Is Alive and Well (And Living in Mexico)' is one of my favorite songs to have ever produced."

Candy Hearts To Release "You Could Be Anyone (Rarities 2010-2016) + Share "Anything"

Candy Hearts were a New Jersey-based pop punk band formed at the tail end of the '00s and fronted by singer-songwriter Mariel Loveland. Best described as empathetic tragedies channeled through '90s alternative-soaked pop-rock, Candy Hearts did downtrodden and heavily introspective sentiments with bubbly, hook-filled inclinations like no other. 

Their sophomore LP All The Ways You Let Me Down was produced by Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) and ranked by Billboard as one of the best pop albums of 2014.

Although they toured with pop punk heavyweights like Set It Off, Real Friends, and The Story So Far, as well as some stints on Vans Warped Tour, Candy Hearts have always aimed for "Taylor Swift meets The Breeders."

You Could Be Anyone (Rarities 2010-2016) is a collection of B-sides and rarities from 2010-2016, marking the 10-year anniversary of All The Ways You Let Me Down. Mastered By Jack Shirley at The Atomic Garden, You Could Be Anyone is limited to 100 cassettes in purple tint. It will be available digitally, as well. Get it here.

The band has shared the lyric video for the dreamy track "Anything." Watch it below.

"Unrequited love is a true classic. It's on the Greatest Hits of human experiences," the band says. "'Anything' explores that through the lens of your first real crush. It's that all-consuming feeling where you know you're young, you know your whole life is ahead of you, you know there's so much you haven't experienced, but the only thing you want is to be liked by the one person who won't give you the time of day. It's definitely a song for anyone who grew up in the suburbs and spent teenage nights loitering in the diner."

 Although a decade has passed, the message is still as clear and honest as possible to both fans and themselves. "I've always wanted this band to be completely true to ourselves," Loveland says, "That's just what our band has always been about."

Candy Hearts will be reuniting for the 10th anniversary of their album All The Ways You Let Me Down at Fest 22 in Gainesville this October.

Teardrops Announce Digital EP, Share "In My Sleep" Video — WATCH

TEARDROPS will release their five-song, digital EP Something to Cry About on July 26 via Iodine Recordings. Pre-save it here.

Today, the band has shared the video for "In My Sleep." It's a gloriously noisy and memorable post-punk jam if there ever was one. If you dig Soft Kill and METZ, you will dig TEARDROPS.

Watch the video Below.

"The worst dreams of my life showed up when our kids started walking and talking," the band's Jebb Riley says. "Dreams more vivid, detailed, and horrifying than any I'd ever experienced. I'd wake up in tears, not sure what was real and what my brain made up."

He continues, "In these situations, I was realizing the immense agony I'd caused for others; feeling their pain and witnessing their sorrow. Able to do nothing but soak in the spotlight of being the one responsible. I think it was my brain saying, 'Listen, don't mess these kids up. Actions have consequences.' Grim subject matter, hidden in a beautiful melody."

He continues, "It was the first thing [guitarist] Joe Thomas brought to the table when we invited him in. I like the idea of dark lyrics hiding out in a catchy or pretty tune. Just like the worst scenario of your life hidden beneath the veil of what you expect to be a peaceful night's sleep."

TEARDROPS are a group of four friends who like hanging out and writing songs. Each member has been in other bands, but right now we are talking about this band. TEARDROPS started in 2020 because the time was right. Sorry you are just now finding out about it. The five songs on Something to Cry About are a lead glass window into human experiences including but not limited to: beauty, confusion, joy (presence of and lack of), manipulation, epiphany, longing, regret, abject terror, liberation, helplessness, and the many faces of love. Things that make you cry. If you are human, this might resonate with you. The music sounds like TEARDROPS. TEARDROPS recorded these songs in a basement by themselves and did their best to make it sound good. Zachary Rippy handled mixing and made it sound professional. Brad Boatright mastered it so that it is properly loud. TEARDROPS will be playing shows. Bring earplugs. And tissues. 

BTW, members of TEARDROPS cut their teeth in Doomriders, There Were Wires, Sexless Marriage, and Purity's Failure.

TEARDROPS ARE:
Jebb Riley — Guitar/Vox/Lyrics
Joseph Thomas — Guitar
Earl Brown — Bass
Chris Bevilacqua — Drums

Iodine Recordings to Release Hassan I Sabbah's "Untitled" + It's a Definitive Document of the Long-Lost Band

UNTITLED IS THE DEFINING DOCUMENT OF THE LONG-LOST YET MUCH-LOVED BAND, WHICH WAS ACTIVE FROM 1999 THROUGH 2000 

Collectors, scene kids, and lovers of the rarest of the rare — it's time to rejoice.

Hassan I Sabbah were a short lived, yet legendary, emo-violence band that originated during a chance meeting of its core members in 1999 in Boston, who shared a love for bands like Heroin and Mohinder. Featuring members of Puritan, Prevail, and Forcefedglass, to name a few, the band started when Fall of Leningrad bassist Ryan Daniels met Tommy Davis. The lineup was rounded out by drummer Mike Justain and then 16-year-old Forcefedglass guitarist Zac Davis, eventually coming to rest with Chad Pfeiffer of Puritan on vocals. 

Existing for less than a year, Hassan I Sabbah canceled, or vanished, from more shows than they actually played and ended without ever releasing a full album — yet the ink they left in the ledger of New England Hardcore persists.

They found their way to many basements and VFW halls coming up alongside and playing with genre defining bands such as Orchid, Jeromes Dream, American Nightmare, Saetia, and PG.99. There were more stories and tales of the band's shows than there were recorded songs. Their influence and live performances were chaotic, powerful and the stuff of messageboard lore.

After disappearing at the end of 2000, some members would go on to play in bands such as Unearth, The Red Chord, and Madball. 

Iodine Recordings will release Untitled on September 13. Pre-save it here.

Listen to "Not So In Tune With Shells" below.

"'Not So In Tune With Shells' is a reflection on memories of childhood and the tour, finding a moment of beauty and night of sleep in insomnia haze, 'the feel of laying one's head down to rest in the forest, or outside of life's hustle and bustle," the band shares.

Go ahead and crank it — it's a slab of noisy, dissonant post-hardcore that leaves a mark — as only a short-lived but fondly remember band like this can.

Untitled serves as the lovingly assembled and defining document of Hassan I Sabbah, archiving all of the known recordings, photographs, and show posters, which took years to find and collect. This complete discography includes their self-titled EP produced by Kurt Ballou (Converge) at God City Studio, the split with Usurp Synapse, their track from Ghost in the Gears (Iodine Compilation), and a demo recording of "Not So In Tune With Shells." The first four tracks were also remixed and remastered by Jack Shirley at The Atomic Garden (Deafheaven, Loma Prieta). The release is complete with a 12-page retrospective zine with thoughts and reflections from the band on their short history and is accompanied by photographs and poster art.

Although they were only active from October 1999 through August of 2000, the legacy of Hassan I Sabbah is a lasting one.

Love Letter Announce "Everyone Wants Something Beautiful" Out 6/28 Via Iodine + Share New Single

New England's Love Letter — formerly known as Death Of A Nation and featuring Andrew Reitz (drums); Matthew Spence  (guitar); Dave Alcan (bass); Quinn Murphy (vocals), and Jay Maas (guitars, backing vocals) — are pleased to announce their debut album Everyone Wants Something Beautiful. The album arrives on June 28 via Iodine Recordings. Pre-order it here.

Murphy was formerly of Verse, while Mass and Reitz were founding members of Defeater. Maas has also enjoyed an established career as a producer, and has worked with acts like Bane, Title Fight, Counterparts, and more. 

Today, the band has shared the new single "Misanthropic Holiday or Vacation." Listen here. 

The track sounds like both a warning and indictment, exploring ways we are expected to deal with the human condition in modern society. It seems to blur the lines of perseverance and begrudged surrender, crescendoing into a cathartic release that makes one feel both possessed and furious. It's hard to stay sitting by the the time the final notes fade out.

"'Misanthropic Holiday or Vacation' is about the confusing and (at times) humiliating experiences I've had navigating my mental health," shares Murphy about the songs powerful and intimately relatable subject matter.. "Specifically, the quest for the right diagnosis(es) and proper medication/therapist with limited resources/understanding of the mental health care system when you have little to no income. Realizing the collateral damage and emotional pain I've caused others from ignoring my own trauma for years weighed heavily and still does."

They continue, "I have countless regrets and wake up everyday with a wave of shame washing over me, something that I still feel like I deserve regardless of how much work I've put in or how many times I'm told the goal is to let it go and love myself. I feel for anyone who grew up in an abusive, poverty-stricken environment that has had to face themselves, their trauma, and the trauma that typically gets regifted and passed onto others. At times it seems impossible to escape and statistically it is for a lot of folks."

ABOUT LOVE LETTER:
New England has always served as a breeding ground for some of the most passionate and heartfelt voices in hardcore. Featuring members of Verse and Defeater, Love Letter are the latest powerhouse to join this esteemed lineage.
 
Everyone Wants Something Beautiful is an open window into insecurity and self-awareness. It is a deep-dive into generational trauma, its different forms, and the ways it can be projected onto others. We share a commitment to crafting music that is honest and powerful, and that reflects our friendships, views, and shared musical journey over two decades. We believe every note and word must carry meaning and purpose. The musical vision for this record was to create a compelling backdrop for captivating and emotional storytelling. It’s honest, mature, and carries deep personal meaning for each member.
 
Guitarist Jay Maas (Defeater) has also produced countless records for other bands at Getaway Recordings in Massachusetts, including Bane, Counterparts, Title Fight, and more. After being behind the scenes on so many quintessential records, Maas is back at the helm. "Having produced records for two decades now, I've had the chance to work with thousands of artists, I'm grateful that this was my opportunity to pull together some of my favorite people who also happen to be extremely talented musicians."
 
Maas tapped fellow founding member of Defeater — Andrew Reitz — to play drums along with guitarist Matthew Spence and fellow engineer and bassist Dave Alcan. The result is high-octane instrumentation paired with the poignant yet biting lyrics and vocals of Quinn Murphy (of Verse).

There's a notable freedom in the band’s songwriting, and their desire to push the limits of where heartfelt, emotive and heavy music can go is apparent with every note and word. Matched by a charged live show, Love Letter are sure to turn heads of fans of hardcore, post-hardcore, screamo, and beyond. Everyone Wants Something Beautiful is available for pre-order now.

Iodine to Release Drought's Debut "EP" This June

"With a sonic palette pulling from both classic screamo and post-hardcore, Drought are clearly aiming to capture a certain spirit." — No Echo

DROUGHT believe a better world is possible.

The Bay Area band pulls inspiration from their personal lives and the spaces the members inhabit, harkening back to the intimate DIY spaces where communities are built and confessional songwriting meets crowds that take part in their emotional catharsis. Their spirited performances have fostered new fans across the West Coast.

This quintet of hardcore veterans formed in 2022, pulling from their diverse musical influences and ethnic identities to push a familiar sound in new directions. Although some members spent over a decade away from music, they were magnetically drawn back in!

Their debut, the 3-song EP, recorded with Ryan Ellery (Mom Jeans, Self Defense Family), was issued digitally. Now, it will be released in physical form for the first time ever on June 14 via Iodine Recordings. It will be limited to 300 copies. Pre-order EP here. 

LISTEN HERE

"This EP is an ode to transformation and growth," the band shares. "None of us are the traditional preachy or dogmatic hardcore kids — we've had our own inner demons. So we wrote these songs for our younger selves. To let us know it's okay to be imperfect. And that the promise of a safer, more inclusive DIY scene is only possible if we can reflect, grow, and change. A better world is possible and it begins at home."

EP explores the struggles of loss and the rites of adulthood in increasingly precarious times. The band wrote "Oh Javelin," for instance, while guitarist RJ Rabe was battling cancer and drummer Ray Avila's father was ill, grappling with the existential question of how we spend our short lives. 

Upon digital release in 2023, the three-track EP turned more than a few heads with its familiar-yet-wholly-new stylings perfect for fans of bands like Touché Amoré, Piano Becomes the Teeth, and mewithoutYou. 

"When I was young, nothing felt more comforting than playing a record, poring over the liner notes and feeling less alone," says vocalist Viggy Ram. "And while releasing it digitally was exciting, it felt fleeting. When someone gets a record or goes to a show, you're actually giving your art to them—the ephemeral becomes real. With this vinyl release, we hope these songs keep you company when you need them to."

DROUGHT ARE:
Viggy Ram — Vocals 
Ray Avila — Drums
RJ Rabe — Guitar
Eric Nakano — Guitar
Dev Bleyle — Bass

Her Head's On Fire Announce "Strange Desires" + Share "Why Are We Alone" Video

ALBUM ARRIVES JULY 19 VIA IODINE RECORDINGS

BAND SHARES "WHY ARE WE ALONE" VIDEO

TOURING + FESTIVAL APPEARANCES PLANNED THROUGH THE YEAR!

HER HEAD'S ON FIRE, featuring members of beloved bands such as Saves the Day, Garrison, Small Brown Bike, and The Bomb, are back!

The band, comprised of singerSid Jagger, guitarist Jeff Dean, bassist Rodrigo Palma, and drummerJeff Gensterblum — is proud to announce its second albumStrange Desires. It arrives on July 19 viaIodine Recordings. The album is available for pre-orderhere. 

Today, the band has shared the video for the gritty and anthemic first single "Why Are We Alone." Watch it below. 

"'Why Are We Alone' was the first song Jeff Dean (guitarist) sent me for the new album," says Jagger. "He had just thrown down these chords that worked so well together so quickly, and emailed me a file of it. I sent it back to him written and recorded in about 45 minutes. Some songs just come together that way, you just hit a sort of 'hive mind' with your bandmates and the sounds all fall right into place. A simple straight forward song that captures some immediacy and desperation for honesty and closure. Is it about a broken relationship, is it about the lack of existence of a god, or is it a desperate love letter to addiction? All we know is we are all we have, so hold on tight, my brothers and sisters."

Regarding the album as a whole, Jagger states, "While the first album was the band getting to know each other's musical tendencies, I believe the new album is a crystallization of our shared vision, brought into focus by John Agnello's expert mixing. The guitars are still ferocious, but the rhythm section finds better footing, with almost Fugazi leanings. These are the most realized melodies I have been able to write thus far, but most of these songs were written within about 10 minutes. The band's existence has always been somewhat effortless. I hope that can be heard here. It's loud, fun, and cathartic."

TOUR DATES:
5/16 — Boston, MA  —  Deepcuts w/ Ways Away
5/17 — Providence RI  —  Wes' Rib House
5/18 — Montreal, CAN  —  Pouzza Fest 
5/20 — Saratoga Springs, NY  —  Desperate Annie's
5/21 — NYC, NY  —  Heaven Can Wait w/ Kali Masi
5/22 — Brooklyn, NY  —  Gold Sounds w/ Kali Masi

ABOUT HER HEAD'S ON FIRE:

"Strangeness is a necessary ingredient in beauty." — French Poet, Charles Baudelaire.

Her Head’s On Fire is a fierce quartet with an impressive pedigree (Garrison, Small Brown Bike, The Bomb, and Saves the Day) serving up heart-seeking post-hardcore and emotive rock with enlivening riffs and melodies. The indie rock supergroup offers their strangeness to beauty with Strange Desires, their sophomore effort and follow-up to their debut, College Rock & Clove Cigarettes. Strange Desires deepens and expands on their first release. It has moments reminiscent of late '80s New Wave, early '90s indie, and post-hardcore peppered with poetic oddities that make the band’s music memorable. 

From the gauntlet-throw of an opener "Cuts" through the swaggering sneer of "Aren’t I the Champion" to closer "The Rain," this record is full of intentional sidewinders— smart, literate songs about the most primal feelings and experiences we share as humans. 

In some ways, this increased heft is emotional. The aforementioned track, "The Rain," is rooted in both the tragic 2021 passing of guitarist Jeff Dean's friend and Planes Mistaken for Stars vocalist/guitarist Gared O'Donnell, as well as the death of vocalist Sid Jagger's father. 

In other ways, it is sonic. Legendary producer John Agnello (Jawbox, Son Volt, Kurt Vile, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr) mixed the record, Jeff Dean recorded it, and Jason Narducy (Superchunk, Bob Mould, Sunny Day Real Estate, Foo Fighters) co-produced it along with the band. The result is a captivating indie rock wall of sound from start to finish.

HxCx Faves Stretch Arm Strong to Release New EP "The Revealing" on 5/10 + Share "Illuminating"

It's a good new day for hardcore fans, as beloved band Stretch Arm Strongannounce the brand new release, titled The Revealing. The six song, pipebomb of an EP arrives on May 10 via Iodine Recordings. Pre-save it here.

This is the first taste of new music from SAS in nearly two decades. Listen to the new single "Illuminating" below.

"We all have a brilliant light inside of us," the band states about the new track. "Our light can seem inadequate and dim in times of darkness and struggle. We may need another person to shine their light on us so that we can see a path forward. Sometimes, we can be the one to shine the light for others.
'Illuminating' was inspired by a story that was shared with us about a friend helping another friend see their own light."

The Revealing also features a guest vocal from HxCx legend — Sick of It All frontman Lou Koller.

ABOUT STRETCH ARM STRONG:
Formed in Columbia, South Carolina in 1992, Stretch Arm Strong quickly made a name for themselves in the world of hardcore with their frenetic musicianship and unflinching positivity that crossed boundaries of belief and genre. The band initially went on hiatus in 2008 but made a significant return at Furnace Fest 2021. The festival's energy was palpable, leading the band not only to reconnect with countless friends from shows over the years but also with each other, reminding them of how rewarding playing music in Stretch Arm Strong is.

It was only a matter of time before the question of coming back together to write new music would arise. Recording with Steve Evetts, who was initially slated to produce 1999's Rituals of Life, turned out to be total kismet. Their combined chemistry shines through, displaying an energy that recalls their heaviest moments as a band. "It was really refreshing to put an exclamation mark on this thing," says guitarist David Sease. "We did it the way we wanted to, had a good time, and expressed ourselves." The result of this is The Revealing, a true gem of a record and the model for what can be achieved on an EP.  

From the outset, it doesn't sound like any time has passed since Stretch Arm Strong stopped. Opening track "The Mirror" slams forward with total ferocity and youthfulness, showcasing why they're still an important part of the scene. "Still Believe Part III" follows up on previous entries with an absolute crusher, concluding with a monster of a breakdown. On "Take a Stand," Stretch Arm Strong enlists Lou Koller from Sick of It All for a killer guest spot.

With six songs clocking in at under fifteen minutes, the EP’s brevity is a testament to the lightning in a bottle Stretch Arm Strong captured by taking the stage once more. No longer being kids and now being full-fledged adults with families and worlds outside of music, the bond between Stretch Arm Strong and their love for playing is a testament to what this music means both for them and the countless listeners that have joined them throughout this time. It's a release that’s worthy of the band's exceptional discography, and a record that can only exist with a once-in-a-lifetime friendship and focus that the band has.

SAS is Chris, David, Jeremy, John and Scott.

The Iron Roses Announce Share "Soldier of Fortune" Video // Announce North America Tour

"The Iron Roses' self-titled album is more ambitious both musically and thematically than most artists choose (or even would be allowed) to go on a debut" — SPIN

"Don’t sleep on The Iron Roses self-titled album. It is a great fucking listen" — New Noise Magazine

“"..melodic punk perfection, lyrically challenging but musically letting loose. Each of the eleven tracks delivers a defiant manifesto that you can dance into the dark times to" — The Punk Site

Released on October 20, THE IRON ROSES smashed onto the punk scene with a self-titled album that set the political world ablaze. Perhaps said best in a review by SPIN, they have created a "collection of songs from people who have been around long enough to know how the world works, what they like about it and what they won't tolerate any longer."

Angst-filled, sure, but hopeful, THE IRON ROSES create music videos that invoke triumph and joy in a world where policies are forever changing. Filmed on their last show of their recent European tour and directed by Gideon Rothmann, the band presents their newest video for "Soldier of Fortune."

Nathan and Becky further explain, "It holds such an important message for so many who have felt betrayed by those they once looked up to. After the album's release, we found that this song empowered many voices who have felt unheard, and it has been an incredible challenge to those who look the other way instead of calling out problematic behavior."

If your musical curiosities have been peaked by this high-energy punk band who utilize love, brazen lyrics and elements of multiple genres to embrace change and inspire hope, then sample their other video offerings for tracks:  "Screaming For A Change," "Justify The Lies," and "Old Guard."

Never ones to settle, please join us in celebrating the second pressing of their self-titled record on two new vinyl variants, available now at this location. Time to get up and grab yourself a ticket to see these tracks live with some of the most impassioned musicians punk has to offer. 

PHOTO CREDIT:  Gideon Rothmann

The Iron Roses' upcoming Spring 2024 North American tour dates are below.

THE IRON ROSES ON TOUR:
4/12 – St Catherines, ON – Warehouse Council Hall * 
4/13 – Toronto, ON – The Concert Hall *
4/27 – Lancaster, PA – Launch 
5/01 – Vienna, VA – Jammin Java
5/02 – Brooklyn, NY – Kingsland * 
5/03 – Medford, MA – Deep Cuts *
5/04 – Providence, RI – Alchemy *
5/09  – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Roboto Project ^
5/10 – Toledo, OH – Ottawa Tavern ^
5/11 – Lansing, MI – Stoopfest ^
5/13 – Chicago, IL – Subterranean ^
5/14 – Lakewood, OH – The Foundry ^
5/15 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall ^
5/16 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Showcase ^
5/17 – Montreal, QC – Pouzza ^
5/24 – Las Vegas, NV – Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
5/25 – Las Vegas, NV – Punk Rock Bowling
* With LOWEST OF THE LOW
^With HIT LIKE A GIRL  

THE IRON ROSES ARE:
Nathan Gray (They/Them) — Vocals
Becky Fontaine (She/Her) — Vocals
Philip "Eugenius" Smith (He/Him) — Guitar + Vocals
Pedro Aida (He/Him) — Guitar + Backing Vocals
Michael Espinosa (He/Him) — Bass + Backing Vocals
Steve Cerri (He/Him) — Drums

ABOUT THE IRON ROSES:
The Iron Roses are a passionate, unique, and beautiful group of people making music that we hope will change the world. Fueled by the injustices of our current times - their songs are the kind of protest anthems that only a group of seasoned musicians could make. Still angry, still driven, and still screaming — this is a band that will never give up the fight, alongside a label that has made it a priority to provide music that is as important as it is impressive, Iodine Recordings. Yes, we can discuss their pedigree, most notably their frontperson Nathan Gray (of Boysetsfire), and their relentless touring and political activism. But none of those things matter if the songs don’t connect with the listener. And this collection of songs are going to do just that. From the opening notes of the first song the cards are on the table. The objective is clear – The Iron Roses are putting to words and music all the thoughts you’ve had these last few dark years. With the worldwide political climate leaning further and further from the left. With rights for many being limited and destroyed. With no end in sight. We need bands like The Iron Roses giving us a soundtrack to fight. Songs to pour our anger and frustration into when we sing along - just as they did when they wrote and recorded them. The beauty of seeing these six individuals singing their truth is astounding. Watching them grow from strength to strength in the last few years it is unsurprising that this record is the outcome. They, and their songs, represent such power, love, and passion — something that we need more than ever in this world today.

Iodine to Reissue Onelinedrawing "Sketchbook 1999-2001"

IODINE RECORDINGS TO RELEASE ONELINEDRAWING SKETCHBOOK 1999-2001 ON MAY 10

DIGITAL VERSION AVAILALE TODAY

"Onelinedrawing, is a diarist at heart, both in his music and in his daily life, and, man, does he ever rip his heart out and show it to you in his songs. A loose, free-roaming approach to confessional songwriting that pushes his music well beyond the normal sad singer/songwriter clichés" – PITCHFORK

Jonah Matranga has been making music for over 30 years.

A prolific artist, he has become an enduring institution in the scene with a devoted fan base, rich lineage, and varied music career. Jonah has often straddled the line between the underground and mainstream. He's worked with indie labels like Jade Tree and majors such as Atlantic, having fronted the bands FAR, NEW END ORIGINAL, and GRATITUDE.

His music has influenced bands from Deftones to Blink-182, and he was there for emo and post-hardcore giants in their earliest beginnings — taking bands such as Thursday and Dashboard Confessional on tour. Simply put, the scene cannot be separated from Jonah's art.

Jonah has always written from the heart and performed in an intimate way that few others have accomplished. From basements to massive festivals, he brings the same energy to them all: raw honesty and an ability to make every show unique and personal. This is most apparent in Jonah's solo and collaborative project ONELINEDRAWING. Jonah's solo performance has always been about connecting with fans in an intimate setting, where they often perform with only a guitar and R2D2 sidekick.

Sketchbook is the latest release from ONELINEDRAWING, featuring a collection of songs from Jonah's early solo years, 1999-2001, completely remastered for vinyl. The album features originals and renditions of the likes of 7 Seconds and Jawbox, as well as the Sense Field split honoring the late Jon Bunch(Sense Field/Further Seems Forever). The LP also includes liner notes and zine by Norman Brannon (Texas is the Reason/New End Original).

It will be released on vinyl by Iodine Recordings on May 10. Pre-order it here.

It is available digitally today.

Sketchbook exists as both a time capsule and thank you letter to fans and music itself — a combination of the period in which Jonah first embarked on his solo journey and a celebration of the vitality that music and community not only affords him but all of us.

"The stuff on Sketchbook has aged so beautifully," Jonah says. "It's sad, it's silly, it's searching. A lot of it was made in the moment, with whoever was around, without much worrying about it. Looking back, it turns out the most lasting, universal songs and recordings tend to be the most personal ones."

He even called out a fan favorite, saying, "'Better Than This' pretty much saved me when I was in my most human-hating era," Jonah recalls. "I had to reckon with the simple truth that the more time I spent being mad at people, the more time I spent being mad at myself. That 'I'm better than nothing' outro still runs through my head when I get to feeling judgmental of myself, or anyone else."