Montreal Hardcore Mayhem

Some of the heaviest punk music is coming out of Montreal. Hashed Out is “Mean” Jean Bélanger and Kevin Keegan on guitars, Taylor Freund on drums Alex Cartier is the voice, and Mathieu Guilbault (aka Balloo) on bass. The gang’s all ex-members of previous bands such as Barn Burner, Fifth Hour Hero, Black Ships, Bionics, Mi Amore, The Forum, Dig It Up and more – these guys bring some true elements of the original hardcore scene back into the present day.

Their self-titled EP features six songs ranging from three to the much more common minute and a half. Progression in heavy music is a must; with pop culture taking less time to make adequate music, it is left to the underground scene to produce better songs. Hashed Out does its fair share. The guys have been on constant tour for the last year. Hashed Out has made a name for their young band by getting on the bill with some of the underground’s most forward movers. Hashed Out is making a movement of better heavy music.

With some deathcore growls and impeccable punk rock timing, Hashed Out leaps into the foreground with “Spent Shell.” From an urgent start this song continues in a backward method of delivery. Usually songs build up– this one starts off bombing then subtlety declines.

“Your Holiness” is a worthwhile thrash and stomp blast beat of informal intrusion and raw delight. “To the Wolves” comes in with some booming rhythm then straight into a chaotic march “Can you feel it?” Cartier demands. Yes, yes we can! “Total Bore” is one of the shorter songs but it is far from what the title suggests. Ending the listing is “Maniac,” another hardcore beat blast. Hashed Out is something to compete with. Their weapon is absolute method in mayhem.