All-dayers have been a time honoured tradition in hardcore and punk since the beginning. Cramming into a hall on a Sunday afternoon to watch your favourite bands is part of the romanticism that comes with the scene. Essentially, that’s what we will be doing at the end of the month when we make our way to the EMP Persistence Tour, albeit on a larger scale.
It has become a traveling festival of sorts that usually only covers mainland Europe. This year, the Persistence Tour returns to London, and the line up couldn’t be better. Depending on your taste in hardcore and punk, whether it’s thrash, metalcore, old school, or Oi, there is something for everyone.
We have put together a guide of what you can expect from the Persistence tour, along with a playlist featuring all the bands on the bill.
Mizery
Being the newest band on this stacked line up, Mizery have the unenviable task of opening up the show. On the back of their excellent 2016 album, ‘Absolute Light’, the Californian heavyweights surely will have no problem warming up the crowd. Capturing the groove of classic NYHC, Mizery put their own spin on the sound, and are one of the leading bands in the new era of hardcore.
Burn
As we should all know by now, never say never in hardcore. It came as a shock when New York legends, Burn, announced their return a few years ago, but their incendiary live show has been met with critical acclaim. The wave they have been riding also spawned a new EP, ‘From The Ashes’, which marked their first music in 15 years. Their part on the Persistence Tour will put Burn on a deserving larger stage.
Down To Nothing
If you have never seen Down To Nothing live before, then you are in for a treat. With an old school mentality and an abundance of energy, they are often exhausting just to watch. Usually only venturing to our shores for small, sweatbox shows, it will be interesting to see how they hold up on a bigger stage. With their experience, they will no doubt be right at home. Given that it’s been four years since the release of ‘Life On The James’, maybe we will be surprised with some new music during their set. Only way to find out is to make sure you are there.
Walls Of Jericho
Another one of the veteran bands on this bill, Walls Of Jericho’s blistering, metallic hardcore is known around the world. It doesn’t matter if it’s a field in Belgium, a Scout Hut in Canterbury, or a prestigious venue in London; Walls Of Jericho always manage to bring the house down. Their 2016 album, ‘No One Can Save You From Yourself’ showed the band are still as ferocious nearly twenty years after their inception. Expect plenty of breakdowns to show off your best martial arts move to, but don’t tire yourselves out, as things are just getting started.
Municipal Waste
The masters of the circle pit return to London once more, and what a bill to be part of. While they are unashamedly a thrash band, hardcore and punk is in their DNA. Even though it’s been a long time since Municipal Waste have released any new music, they still tour relentlessly and know exactly how to ignite a crowd. As intense as their music can be, there’s nothing more fun than enjoying a frantic set from the Virginia heroes, and it’s impossible to not have a smile on your face. Hopefully someone will break out a boogie board again.
Agnostic Front
What can be said about Agnostic Front that hasn’t already been said a thousand times before? Even after thirty years in the business, the New York hardcore veterans continuously deliver live, and on record. Roger Miret still knows how to command a crowd, and legendary guitarist, Vinnie Stigma, always adds some extra personality to the band. With a set that will no doubt cover old classics such as ‘Gotta Go’ and ‘For My Family’, right up to tracks from their eleventh album, ‘The American Dream Died’, Agnostic Front will show why they are the best at what they do.
Suicidal Tendencies
“All I wanted was a Pepsi, just one Pepsi,” sang Suicidal Tendencies on their classic track, ‘Institutionalized’. Who would of thought that would become one of the most iconic lines in ever written in hardcore punk? Well, it is, and it is part of the history that made this legendary band what they are today. While it hasn’t been an easy ride for Suicidal Tendencies, they always manage to come back brighter than before. 2016t saw the release of their perfectly titled album, ‘World Gone Mad’, and the addition of former Slayer drummer, Dave Lombardo. They don’t come to the UK that often these days so make the most of a set that will be fun, chaotic, and relentless at the same time.
The EMP Persistence Tour takes place at the O2 Kentish Forum on January 29th. Tickets are on sale now, and you can find out further information at the Facebook event page.