Be At The Show

Terror

Grantski Records. Augusta, GA. 5•13•2024

Seeing Terror last year at NBT with Erin felt like a culmination and a step up for us in so many ways. That was our first time archiving a legendary institutional hardcore band like them, and the show delivered in every way imaginable. Getting to see them this year at home was the next chapter in the story. It represented not only the progression of our work as an artistic duo but the growth of our local scene and community. Hardcore before anything else is about that communal aspect, and I was unbelievably proud to see that come to a needlepoint during Terror's set. To be truthful about the matter, the set wasn't that much different from when we saw them at NBT. It was all the things you'd expect. It was loud, it was fast, and it was chaotic. People dove and danced the entire time, and Scott screamed his lungs out for more and more. But what felt different was being able to look around the room and reflect upon all of the relationships, connections, and fleeting memories I have been able to share with these people that surrounded me. A year ago I was just getting involved in our local music scene, and in turn was just starting to meet and get to know all the various characters. At that time I would have looked around the room and seen strangers and acquaintances, but now I can look and see an ever growing room full of friends. I am lucky to be a piece of that tapestry. That is what local music and specifically hardcore represents to me. If you are reading this and are nervous or unsure about coming out to a show, please take this as a sign to step out with us. You just might see and experience something beautiful.

These took forever to finish but we ball. Heavy show at the store this Thursday the 13th. Pull up. Love you guys.

End It

Grantski Records. Augusta, GA. 5•13•2024

A few years ago I began diving into the world of hardcore and heavy music more. I had dabbled in these waters for years, but had never swam them in earnest. In the midst of this period of discovery I caught wind of a then newly released album by End It. It was Unpleasant Living, which would go on to be one of my favorite projects of the year, and a wonderful building block in my music listening. Getting to see them at the store felt like a full circle moment in this regard, with one of the first bands in this style I would've honestly called myself a fan of coming to my home venue. Their set lit up the room like a bolt of lightning. As soon as they began people began diving off the stage, and this would not stop for the entirety of the set. If Brass Tongue was where the evening began to ramp up, End It was where it exploded into the full on melee it was careening towards. Dives, pile ups, and violent pitting as always would be the standard. But, what pleased me the most was the way their set and rhetoric made me feel internally. The band's music represents the perfect level of pi**ed off dissatisfaction and contempt for the world around you. End It distills the experience of our late capitalist hellscape into the perfect misanthropic sonic beratement. I do not feel happy at the End It show. I would not say I am having fun at the End It show. I would say I am experiencing a violent catharsis of all of the suppressed anger the world around us manages to fester every day. Listen to End It. Terror was up next.

Brass Tongue

Grantski Records. Augusta, GA. 5•13•2024

I first became aware of Brass Tongue at the last terror show where I witnessed a young man fly through the air like a bullet wearing their shirt. As he soared into the hands and heads of the audience, the light hit his body perfectly, gorgeously illuminating their logo emblazoned across his chest. I would listen to their 2023 EP soon after and enjoy it immensely, but above all else, every time someone mentioned their name in the months since then, frames of that scenic vista would flash through my mind. Images of people clawing and screaming while being poured atop the bodies of their fellow audience members were inextricably conjoined with their name. Little did I know that would be the perfect image to forever connect the band. Brass Tongue's burning guitars, anthemic lead vocals, and grooving percussion provide the perfect soundtrack to young people flinging themselves through the air. I cannot stress enough the amount of groove and bounce that this band imbues their music with. Every time I would look around the room at my fellow audience members I would only see smiles and enthralled faces as we clawed for the mic and piled atop one another. They manage to strike a perfect balance between furious angst and carefree naivety. Brass Tongue is simply put, is pure fun. Go see them next time they are on a bill near you. It is sure to be a highlight of the evening. As I noted before. This is when the dives really began to really ramp up. But Brass Tongue had nothing on what would come after.

Backslide

Grantski Records. Augusta, GA. 5•13•2024

After Beshiba got the room warm, it was time for our hometown heroes to ramp up the tension in the air. This was our fourth time getting to archive Backslide, with the last time we saw them being with Terror at NBT last year. That show had proven to be my favorite time seeing them due to the always ruthless vigor of their set, combined with the magnitude and energy of the circumstances. Somehow they managed to top this show when they played at the store as a last minute addition recently. The aggression, violence, and community of that night blew every other time seeing them out of the water. This is precisely the way their set on the thirteenth would go. As always Backslide supplied us with chunky heavy metalcore grooves topped with discordant gnarly guitars. You don't need me to describe how heavy and high energy Backslide is, they always manage to catapult whatever bill they are on into the next tier of belligerence as soon as they take the stage. During this set they would debut a new track for us, presumably from their forthcoming EP. This track would prove to be one of the heaviest and most hard hitting of the night. Everyone in tune with heavy music in the southeast needs to have eyes on this band when their new EP drops, it is sure to be headbusting and ferocious. This set was exactly what I had hoped it would be. I kicked someone I never met in the gut, Nate kicked me in the face as he dove off the stage, and I was nearly piled onto the floor by the force of Cole catapulting himself into the sides of the crowd. Pay attention to Backslide. Augusta heavy music wouldn't be as bright without them.

Beshiba

Grantski Records. Augusta, GA. 5•13•2024

We were sad to do it, but with conflicting work schedules and mounting personnel needs, Erin and I had to take a short break from BATS. When this show came around we both knew we had no choice but to don the cowl once more and get back to the grind. Erin and I got to archive Beshiba once last year when they opened for Wielded Steel, but sadly that show was plagued with technical difficulties for the band which caused them to have to cut their set short. Luckily this evening would not be affected by such issues. Beshiba delivered exactly what you would expect them to deliver, hard hitting metalcore anthems laced with all the bounce, energy and ferocity. Their set was just as great as the first time. The crowd was a bit docile at first, but every show must start somewhere and Beshiba did an excellent job at setting the tone for the evening and getting everyone heart pounding. At one point I looked across the room to see Erin perched up on the side of the stage photographing the band, and at that same moment she looked back at me with a shining grin across her face. I couldn't help but be overcome with the feeling that as usual, I was exactly where I should be. I had missed this harmonious ritual that I am lucky enough to partake in with my dear friend. Listen to Beshiba if you know what's good for you. The evening would only ramp up from here.

Happy to be back. Hopefully we can attend more stuff together in the near future. We love you guys.

PWE: Sweetheart Slam

Savannah River Brewing Co. Augusta, GA. 2•1•2024

I left work just past six with plans to meet Erin at the brewery, grab a beer, and enjoy the show, but as I pulled up to SRBC I was floored to see the parking lot completely packed out and cars lining the street on all sides. After driving almost three blocks to find a spot I made the hike back, now full of excitement for what was to come. As I entered the building I was immediately greeted by a sea of fans all brimming with anticipation for the upcoming show. Taps were flowing, food was being wolfed down, and smiles were strapped on every face I could see. As the show began I was surprisingly greeted by the arrival of a familiar face. A friend from my high school years walked through the back curtain and boastfully walked to the ring for the opening match. Getting to see him in front of an electric crowd in a compelling physical matchup filled my heart with joy. It pleased me to cross his path again, this time with us both coincidentally pursuing our own artistic endeavors. The whole evening was perfectly paced, with matches being broken up by short breaks, just long enough to take a p**s or grab another beer for a friend. Erin was able to post herself right up at the front, constantly looking back at me with a gleaming smile and huge thumbs up. The main event was a 4-way bout between Sean Legacy, Cody Fluffman, Drew Adler, and Marcus Menos to determine who would a #1 contender spot for the first ever SRNC Championship. After a match with comedy, brawling into the crowd, a run in from a canadian masked menace, and some final moments ripe with drama and sweat, Drew Adler pinned Cody Fluffman to secure his chance to grab the SRBC Championship. Get your tickets for Clover Clash on March 14th while they are available. PWE is bringing something fun and enthralling your way every month for the rest of 2024.

Everyone seems to be enjoying the zine. We still have some available at the store if you haven't picked one up yet! Much love. Phoenix Wrestling Experience

IWE: IWE VS HIERARCHY

American Legion. Augusta, GA. 1•13•2024

While speaking to our new friend John at Dead Media, Erin and I received a hot tip about a wrestling show going on that night. We were told of a cage match and several other extravagances to be enjoyed. Seeing as Erin and I had been talking about covering wrestling shows for some time, we decided there was no time like the present to begin our new venture. As we arrived we instantly knew we were in for a good time, with wide eyed kids and beer bellied good ol boys as far as the eye could see, wrasslin’ was in the air. As the show began I found myself feeling more excited than I had been in a long time. I hadn't been to a live wrestling show since I was 11, but soon all those nostalgic feelings enveloped me. A high energy opening match full of loud kicks and dives to outside got the blood pumping early. The gorgeous show off heels Exotic Youth stole the show with their garrish looks and s**t eating grins. Lindsay Snow and Dani Jordyn competed for the women's championship, only to end the bout with a tease towards a future hardcore match. White Mike captured the vacant IWE Championship in a fantastic 4-way bout. The final match of the night was a huge blow off cage match, pitting two teams of 6 men against one another. When it was all said and done, the heels had conquered the faces. As they beat down the heroes, cursing obscenity at the angered fans in attendance, I was reminded of my late grandmother who I used to go to shows with. All around me old ladies and men were screaming back at the heels, clearly fully immersed in the performance. Nobody believes in wrestling more than women over 60, and the voracious granny's at the American Legion that night reaffirmed that fact to me. This show was a beautiful reintroduction to live wrestling for me, and an even better first show for Erin.

These took forever to post because we wanted to get the zine put out first. We hope you guys are enjoying it and the new subject matter we have to cover. Another wrestling show is in the pipeline but don't worry, music will still be coming. Let us know if you like the new stuff! Love y'all. IWE Pro-wrestling Sean Legacy Cody Fluffman

The Be At The Show Zine is finally here. This zine is a year in review of some of our favorite shows and bands we have seen so far. Pick up your copy today exclusively at Grantski Records. As always thank you for all your continuous support! Grantski Records

NO CURE

Grantski Records. Augusta, GA. 11•25•2023

It was just past 9 when No Cure began their set. What would follow would be chaotic, cathartic, completely invigorating. Erin perched herself up on the side of the stage to my right, with her camera in hand and a smile on her face. I perched myself at the front of the stage. For shows like this I always wanted to be right up front screaming lyrics right alongside the rest of my fellow audience members. As soon as the band began playing the room erupted. The frontman would hold the audience in the palm of his hand, commanding this maelstrom of violence with razor like precision. He would pound back and forth across the stage, leaving mud holes stomped into the stage wherever he went. The thick metallic hardcore sound of this band smashed its way into my brain, filling me and everyone around me up to the brim. This set had everything you'd want for the last ride of the year. Claire cartwheeled off the stage into everyone up front. Brooks jumped off the stage and flailed around as I held him aloft. We told some old dude to pound pavement when he expressed that he wasn't happy with the fun we were having. No cure in so many ways felt like a culmination of everything we've been working on this year. For one year I have been meeting new people and making new friends in our local heavy music scene. For one year I have been going to shows with my best friend and getting to watch her photography progress. For one year I have been getting to see people respond to our work. I am grateful for this love we have received, I am grateful for my friends old and new, and I am grateful for Augusta hardcore. I can only hope these beautiful things will continue thriving next year.

We are finishing up work on a zine. It will be a collection of some of our favorite photos and sets from the year. We can't wait to show you guys. We love you.

Morbid Visionz

Grantski Records. Augusta, GA. 11•25•2023

Morbid Visionz took to the stage around 8:45. After being run through the fire of Primitive Rage I was in great need of a moment of solace and some rest. Unfortunately Morbid Visionz did not plan on giving it to me. What they did provide me was a dose of chasmic doomy death that gave me a moment of respite but still bashed me over the head with its dominance. This was the kind of chunky metal that makes you feel as if the ground beneath your very feet is only moments away from swelling upward and cracking at its precipice. This band brought nothing but grime and dirt to their performance. At times their sound would soar with anthemic guitar leads and driving drums, and at other times it would drag the audience through the mud with slow chugging riffs and deliberate loud shots of percussion. If this band had anything in their sound and aesthetic it was power. Every piece of sound they produced was so full of muscle and vigor. This band's sounds like it has been in the gym for months on end, lifting weight and pounding Bang until its bones have begun to crack. The frontman of the band tied this all together, spitting the words and snarling his face up behind the microphone. Morbid Visionz managed to simultaneously slow the pace of the evening down a bit, while retaining all of the rage and carnality that had been previously cultivated. From this point onward though nothing would be slowed down. The show was careening toward a break neck endpoint, and nobody had any intent on stopping it.

Tomorrow is No Cure. We have had such a fun year. We can't wait for the next one.

Primitive Rage

Grantski Records. Augusta, GA. 11•25•2023

There are sets that leave you feeling a certain way. There are performances that you get to attend that leave an indelible mark on you, and leave you thinking for days, weeks, or months. Whenever I find myself fortunate enough to bear witness to a set like this, I do my best to internalize it and not allow its grace to escape me. That is what I have been trying to do with Primitive Rage for the past couple weeks. Primitive Rage is a bone breaking 4-piece based out of Springfield, Missouri. Putting their performance and sound into words seems futile. They are a horrific blend of grind, powerviolence, and noisecore. It is no secret to our readers or my friends that I love all things noisy and obtuse, but they blend all of these elements together with the manic movement and rasped vocals of their front person in a way that not many do. They seem less intent on entertaining and more intent on creating an alarmingly forward miasma of all things extreme, both in terms of sound and emotion. Their hair obscured their face, giving them the feeling of a haunting specter, tasked only with sending this grinding pounding sound into our ears. If you want to feel enlivened, seen, and distressed, this band is for you. I have been listening to Enemies Left To Crush on repeat ever since the show. When I meditate upon those words, “enemies left to crush,” I am plagued by images of people old and new I have encountered in this life. People that have made me feel small and useless. People that have made those I love feel small and useless. People that have purposefully or inadvertently made people like me feel as if they don't have a home in this world. When I reflect upon these people I am reminded of the simple mantra the band left me with. “I can't wait to watch you fu***ng die.” Primitive Rage was my favorite act of the night hands down and one of my favorite acts of the last several months. I won't soon forget the feeling that they left me with. I won't allow them to leave my mind.