Search - Heroin :: Heroin

The Most Important Hardcore Band of the 90s

Allen Kung | New York, NY United States | 03/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Heroin was, by far, the most important hardcore band of the 90s. DIY in spirit (vocalist Matt Anderson founded the equally impressive Gravity Records), Heroin was at the center of a new hardcore sound that started in San Diego and snowballed across the country. Heroin, drawing inspiration from varied influences like Drive Like Jehu and Rites of Spring, were fueled by screaming frenetic vocals, spastic drumming, and a guitar sound that was simultaneously tonal, meandering, and flat-out noisy. Early Heroin was more pedestrian-sounding. But, their self-titled 12" LP on Gravity Records (included in this CD) finds them veering dangerously close to sounding like a sprawling mess. Tracks like "Moving Parts", and "In General" showcase Heroin at peak form -- I would describe it as chaotic, but structured bliss."

This is emo?

D. K. Malone | earth | 03/01/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In the early 90s, San Diego's scene really started to shake up, and the bands that ended up on the Gravity label had much to do with it. Heroin was arguably the first band in a line that continued on through others like Antioch Arrow and Clikitat Ikatowi. Many refer to it as "emocore". Personally, I don't hear that much of an 'emo' element in Heroin's music. I do hear a bit, but for the most part they sound like a plain ol' semi-sloppy hardcore band to me. They're not bad by any means. If nothing else, they have spirit.



If you're looking for real emo, start with the progenitors, Rites Of Spring, and end with Antioch Arrow. (AA's earlier work is still available on CD from Gravity, but their final record, Gems Of Masochism, is out of print. Do yourself a favor and find it. It's totally unique.) And do yourself an even bigger favor by ignoring anything that's come out in the last five or six years which kids claim is emo. It isn't emo, it isn't genuine, and it isn't worth your time, much less your money."

Unbelievable

joe neighbor | deland, fl United States | 07/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a collection of Heroin's pair of 7" and their 12". Talk about completely gut wrenching music, this is it...especially towards the end of their career, with the 12", we see such a tremendous evolution. What is consistant is vocals which are so passionately screamed it is breathtaking and a general sensation of sheer speed. Some of the production makes the guitars a little buried and the vocals sound distant, but it doesnt hurt it too much. Heroin is one of the best bands ive heard and holds a very special place in my mind and collection...infinitely recommended to anyone who enjoys original emo (i certainly hope you know what i mean by emo, if not, than it will probably do you more good to buy this than a previous fan of the genre) and has an interest in the amazing 90's san diego scene (angel hair, antioch arrow, clikatat ikatowi, drive like jehu...all of which equally recommended). It is important that music this effective is not forgotten."