I've been on a major 90's metallic hardcore kick lately (my apologies to those who do not want to see more of this stuff posted here, 'cause I fuckin' love this shit), and in trying to go back and dig up obscure old releases I just rediscovered this gem from Canada's Strain. I actually don't really know much about this band at all other than the fact that a couple of the guys from this album's lineup went on to form the excellent emo/indie band By a Thread. Apparently Strain released a full-length and a handful of EP's on the German label Heartfirst Records in the early-90's, and then the "Here and Now" full-length (which I believe was their final release) came out on the once mighty New Age Records. I actually had this shit on cassette when it was released back in 1996, but I got rid of it at some point (don't ask me why), and now that I've finally purchased it on CD over a decade later I'm kicking myself in the ass for that grievous mistake. I mean, this stuff totally fits in with the sound that the New Age Records roster had going on back then, with loads of pounding breakdowns, gruff vocals, plunky basslines, and an absolutely fucking killer sense of tactful groove—but not without plenty of faster-paced bursts of more traditional hardcore influences. Sweet recording, too. Why the hell haven't I been busting this out on the regular for years and years now!? Great songwriting, great album. That's all there is to it. I'm damn glad I finally got off my ass and revisited this shit...
Strain "Here and Now"
Strain "Sin"
There are actually several more reasonably priced used copies of the disc at Amazon.com, but you can also grab the jams from iTunes Plus, which seriously kicks ass. I swear, I can't say enough that every god damn label should make their entire back catalog available digitally (for fair prices, mind you). I'd spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars within minutes, man...
Get It
Amazon.com (CD)
iTunes (mp3)
If anyone out there has Strain's "Our End" and/or "Repetition" CD EP's and can hook me up with high-quality mp3's, please do get in touch, 'cause they're apparently out of print and I can't seem to find copies anywhere, damnit. Thanks!
That was fast! Many thanks to everyone who helped out on that. You can also now find more excellent Strain material at the awesome Mosh Eisley blog.
Also, all of Strain's old CD EP's are in fact still available direct from Heartfirst Records, which kicks ass. I'm about to place an order right now, and I recommend getting in touch with the label if you'd like to do the same!
Comments
i would have sworn they did an ep on excursion too, but i could be wrong
12.4.2008 | By ben
Andrew, check your e-mail.
12.4.2008 | By mike
OMG there is like 10 avialable copies of this album on amazon.com for very cheap and not even the single one on eBay… fuck the capitalism!!! :)
12.4.2008 | By Carlos
I believe one of their early EP’s was on Overkill Records, which may or may not have been re-released by Heartfirst in one form or another. It’s hard to find such documentation, sadly. There REALLY needs to be an Encyclopaedia Metallum equivalent for hardcore, ha, ha!
12.4.2008 | By Andrew Aversionline
Never heard these guys back in the day. I like the music, but can’t tolerate the vocals.
12.4.2008 | By blatant
Holy fuck I love this band. Their reunion show 6 years ago was alot of fun. I have all of their old eps if you want them andrew. There is another one beside the two you mentioned.
Also the dudes from this band are in a new band with greg the singer of trial called between the earth and sky. They should be releasing an ep soon. I think you will really like it.
12.4.2008 | By metalmike
strain had 2 7"es on heartfirst records and one on overkill (and this bootleg thing).
the heartfirst 7"es + one comp track were rereleased on the repetition cd also out on heartfirst.
i will post this next on mosheisley.
chris
12.4.2008 | By chrisapproach
By a Thread has been the find of the year for me, hands down. Everything about their full-length is perfect. I’ve tracked down their other shit too. “Tomorrow’s Gone” from the split with Waterdown is an amazing song as well.
As for Strain, I actually like this kind of strained (no pun intended) “shouting”. Good stuff.
12.5.2008 | By Chris
Bought this in my period when I went in to record stores and bought everything on New Age. Love the music but the singer is awful…
12.5.2008 | By Sebastian
Totally not understanding why people are hating the vocals so much.
12.5.2008 | By Andrew Aversionline
Andrew Aversionline said:
December 4th, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
...There REALLY needs to be an Encyclopaedia Metallum equivalent for hardcore, ha, ha!
Fuckin’ A!
Don’t laugh… THAT’S an idea!
12.5.2008 | By jim fuckin winters
Hello ! I attended their shows here in Italy twice during their European Tours in 1995 and 1996 . They rocked and blown away everything , they used to play in the same place near to my city : an average space squat , only the voice mic was in the PA system amplification and the instruments played with Amps like a big live rehearsal . The Squat Walls were going to crumble and the people could’nt handle so much Acoustic Carnage and I’m not kidding !!!!!!!!! Awesome players !!!!! I never seen yet a band that deliver so much energy and power and precision through the years . The Advert of their first Euro tour shown a big Nuke Explosion ..............
12.6.2008 | By Enrico
Can’t speak for others, but to me the vocals are way forced and, well, strained. Just doesn’t mesh at all for me.
12.6.2008 | By blatant
Good Posts Awesome Site
P.S. Just a thought as I was reading over this post. Dude you never have to apologize to anyone for posting anything. If people have problems with your choices let em bleed. People come here to learn and get ideas based on your extensive musical taste. I say post whatever the fuck you want to post and the true fans of this site will stand in appreciation. Thank you for this site - it is super rad!
12.6.2008 | By Anonymous
awesome, i’ve still got this on cassette!
12.9.2008 | By ethan
Yo, it’s a shame their website at strain.vancouverhardcore.com is down. There finally seems to be some interest in the band again. Maybe I can get a mirror of the old files going on my website.
@Enrico: I was on tour with them twice. On the cover of their first 7” it’s a burning pier, not a nuclear explosion. Mushroom clowd anyway.
12.12.2008 | By Flo HeartFirst