Search - Warzone :: Victory Years

New York Hardcore

Gogol | England | 01/03/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Cool CD a comp of Warzone stuff released on victory records. While some may just look at Warzone as typical 80s New York hardcore and in some ways they were, it was Raybeez that made them stand out from amongst the rest.



I first remember hearing Warzone many years ago with the song "As one" (unfortunatly not on this CD) on the New York Hardcore Comp and of all the bands it was Raybeez's distinct vocals that stood out. This CD however, is probably the best place to start for anyone wanting to hear Warzone one of the best 80s hardcore bands to come out of New York. Fast paced hardcore with a distinctive "Oi" influence.



Ray realy believed in what he was singing (if you cant find any old interviews with him on the net check out the book "all ages reflections on straight edge" for a good interview with him and how much the scene meant to him)



You might want to check out early Agnostic Front, Cause for Alarm, Majority of One (get the "setting the pace" CD which includes the UK released "Think about tomorrow" LP), Sticks and Stones, Libido Boyz (Hiding away LP), SNFU (first 2 albums), Rorschach, and Life's Blood (if you realy want to pay silly money on e-bay) for other classic hardcore bands of the time."

NYHC

Crucial BBQ | 04/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"DON'T FORGET YOUR ROOTS, DON'T FORGET YOUR STRUGGLE.



This is the best collection of the best classics by the legendary NYHC band Warzone. Warzone is a legend because they're among first bands to truly cross over two distinct music (Oi! and Hardcore) and blend together to make a unique sound of N.Y.H.C.. This is an important CD because it contains essential tracks from all their Victory-rec releases. Not only do they have a great Oi! element of sing-along, but also there are incredible breakdowns in almost all songs. Their songs starts as fast as you can get and then introduces you to the unexpected rhythem change, usually ushering by the bass riff. What is more, Raybeez's voice is highly distinguishable. In the year of 2006, Warzone is still alive within our hearts. Don't need to mention my favorite tracks, since all are true for. Warzone is the greatest."

No One Could Do It Better

Crucial BBQ | 04/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WarZone was the definitive NY Hardcore band from the 80s on to the Mid 90s. With RayBeez at the helm, WarZone defined what Hardcore was, and what it should always be. Its not just about loud, fast, furious sounds. Its not just about Straight Edge. Its not just about Hate and contempt for modern society. Its about the Kids, United as one, throwing away their differences and becoming a force to be recoginzed. The popular term used by Raybeez "Don't Forget the Struggle, Don't Forget the Streets" was a message to a those both old and young in the Hardcore scene, not just in New York City, but all over America. The old Skool kids, who were, by 1990 or so, getting older and moving on with their lives, were reminded by that slogan to remember who they once were, and not to forget that or to pass judgement on the new Generation of Hardcore kids. As for the young, that was a message they could take with them and recoginze for years to come, as they grew older and their scene changed with the new kids from MY generation. The circle goes on, and on, and hopefully will never end. As long as we remember bands like WarZone, Agnostic Front, Cro-Mags, etc., we never will forget. And as long as new bands like MADBALL, Hatebreed, and Sick Of It All keep it real, the message we move on to a new crowd of kids into the Hardcore way of life. RAYBEEZ (1961-1997)"