HardLore Podcast Episode Summary: Dwid Hellion of Integrity
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Hosts: Colin Young & Bo Lueders
In this compelling episode of HardLore, hosts Colin Young and Bo Lueders sit down with Dwid Hellion, the iconic frontman and founder of the seminal hardcore band Integrity. Released on March 27, 2025, the episode delves deep into Dwid’s tumultuous journey through the hardcore, punk, and metal scenes, offering listeners an unfiltered look into the life of a legendary figure in underground music.
1. The Origin of "Dwid Hellion"
The episode kicks off with a fascinating exploration of Dwid Hellion’s unique moniker. Contrary to popular belief that his name holds occult or cultic significance, Dwid clarifies its humble beginnings rooted in teenage misadventure.
Quote:
"It was just 13-year-old drunken slurring word. [...] It wasn't some cult thing or Aleister Crowley kind of lore to it."
— Dwid Hellion [00:25]
Anecdotes reveal that the name “Dwid” emerged from a drunken attempt to say “Helion,” a term meaning troublemaker, during a youth stint with his peers in the burgeoning Louisville punk scene.
2. Early Life and Introduction to Punk
Dwid recounts his early years growing up in Indiana on a farm, eventually moving to Louisville, Kentucky at age 13. The vibrant punk and hardcore scene in Louisville, inspired by films like Suburbia, became the crucible for his musical awakening.
Quote:
"Before, I lived on a farm and they didn't have anything like punk and underground music. Louisville had a lot of bands and it was like young kids having mohawks and everything."
— Dwid Hellion [04:14]
A pivotal location was Charlie’s Pizzeria, a haven for misfits where Dwid frequented as a teenager, soaking in the raw energy of underground performances and building lifelong friendships with fellow musicians like Rat from King Horse.
3. Formation of Integrity and Early Music Experiments
The formation of Integrity was marked by serendipity and creative experimentation. Dwid and Aaron, initially roadies for the band Confront, decided to merge their talents, leading to the creation of a band with a distinct blend of hardcore and metal influences.
Quote:
"We didn't know what we were doing at all. [...] It was more like a primal scream."
— Dwid Hellion [39:42]
Their early music journey was characterized by unconventional methods, including beatboxing riffs and manipulating tape loops, which laid the foundation for Integrity’s avant-garde sound.
4. Navigating Record Labels and Artistic Control
Integrity’s relationship with the record label Victory Records was fraught with challenges. Dwid shares candid stories about unauthorized pressings of their records with altered artwork and color schemes, leading to disputes and animosity.
Quote:
"We called him up. We're like, what's up with that? [...] he was stealing from the get-go."
— Dwid Hellion [00:25]
Despite these setbacks, Integrity persisted, leveraging grassroots support and DIY ethics to maintain their artistic vision against commercial pressures.
5. Key Albums and Their Impact
Dwid delves into the creation and reception of Integrity’s landmark albums, including "Systems Overload", "Humanity is the Devil", and "To Die For". Each album reflects a phase in the band’s evolution, marked by experimental soundscapes and introspective lyrics.
Quote:
"When we made the demo, we wanted it to sound like this. We just thought, okay, we want it to sound like this."
— Dwid Hellion [39:17]
"Humanity is the Devil" remains a fan favorite for its raw intensity and thematic depth, exploring dark, philosophical concepts through a heavy, aggressive musical lens.
6. Touring Stories and European Escapades
Integrity’s tours were legendary, often fraught with chaos and unexpected adventures. Dwid recounts their infamous European tour, including being deported from the UK and their subsequent stay in Belgium, where they connected with other influential bands like Neurosis and Into Another.
Quote:
"We had to play it but we were terrified to actually play. [...] we were behaving and listened to what we were supposed to do."
— Dwid Hellion [80:11]
These experiences not only solidified Integrity’s reputation but also forged lasting friendships within the global hardcore community.
7. Creative Process and Musical Style
Dwid emphasizes the importance of experimentation in Integrity’s music. From manipulating recording equipment to incorporating dissonant elements, the band constantly pushed the boundaries of what hardcore could encompass.
Quote:
"We knew that it worked together. We knew that it worked."
— Dwid Hellion [43:24]
This relentless pursuit of innovation resulted in Integrity’s signature sound—a fusion of punk aggression, metal complexity, and industrial bleakness.
8. Personal Beliefs and Supernatural Experiences
Beyond music, Dwid shares his belief in the supernatural, recounting personal encounters with specters and phenomena that have influenced his creative output.
Quote:
"I believe natural things. I've had experiences like that."
— Dwid Hellion [150:03]
These experiences intertwine with his artistic philosophy, reinforcing the dark, introspective themes prevalent in Integrity’s work.
9. Favorite Records and Influences
When asked about his all-time favorite hardcore records, Dwid lists influential works that shaped his musical ethos, including "Midnight", "Break Down the Walls", and "Humanity is the Devil".
Quote:
"Project X Straight Edge Revenge. That's a bunch of evil songs Aaron ever wrote were on that split. It wasn't on an album."
— Dwid Hellion [153:35]
He also pays homage to visual artists like Francis Bacon and Max Ernst, whose surreal and avant-garde styles parallel Integrity’s sonic experiments.
10. Life in Europe vs. the United States
Dwid contrasts his experiences living in Europe with his upbringing in the U.S., highlighting differences in cultural support systems and societal attitudes towards creativity and entrepreneurship.
Quote:
"America does allow you to think outside the box more than Europe does."
— Dwid Hellion [166:05]
He appreciates the European approach to social support but critiques its impact on personal drive and accountability.
11. Upcoming Projects and Legacy
Looking ahead, Dwid teases upcoming releases, including new Integrity albums and splits with notable bands like Earth Crisis. His enduring passion for music and dedication to maintaining Integrity’s legacy underscores the band’s lasting influence on the hardcore scene.
Quote:
"We're making a new Integrity album right now and with Aaron and ... Igor."
— Dwid Hellion [178:24]
Conclusion
This episode of HardLore offers an intimate and comprehensive look into Dwid Hellion’s life, his role in shaping hardcore music, and the relentless pursuit of artistic integrity. Through candid storytelling and personal reflections, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth and the enduring legacy of Integrity.
Notable Quotes:
- "When you want new music to listen to you write a new Integrity record." — Bo Lueders [133:34]
- "If you didn't like it, then it'd probably be really terrible." — Dwid Hellion [133:50]
- "I've been in favor of it, but that's kind of where the direction." — Dwid Hellion [110:53]
For fans and newcomers alike, this episode is a treasure trove of hardcore history, personal anecdotes, and the unvarnished truth about one of the genre’s most influential figures.