HardLore Episode Summary: "HardLore's Favorite Modern Breakdowns (2000-2025)"
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Hosts:
- Colin Young (Twitching Tongues & God's Hate)
- Bo Lueders (Harms Way)
Episode Overview:
In this landmark episode of HardLore, hosts Colin Young and Bo Lueders embark on their inaugural "Big List" journey, showcasing their favorite modern breakdowns in hardcore, punk, and metal music spanning from 2000 to 2025. This episode marks their first major list on the newly launched standalone Hard Lore Channel, emphasizing a return to the foundational elements that define moshable moments in heavy music.
1. Introduction to the Big List
Colin introduces the concept: celebrating breakdowns that epitomize moshability over technical prowess.
“It's so important to remember when writing these things that moshability is number one.”
[00:00-00:26]
Bo echoes the sentiment, setting the tone for a list driven by energy and crowd engagement rather than complexity.
2. Breakdown Selections
a. Hunter Demons – "His Father's Son"
Colin kicks off the list by honoring Hunter Demons as the hardest band of all time. He emphasizes the song's mosh-inducing qualities over technicality.
“You don't need to do the most technical thing in the world to write a moshable.”
[00:00-00:30]
b. King Nine – "No Dream"
Colin praises King Nine's ability to create entirely moshable moments, highlighting their consistent "box" writing style that resonates with hardcore fans.
“Their box is out of control because it's an absolute sicko.”
[03:10-04:00]
Bo appreciates the song's catchy hooks and effective use of breakdown elements that facilitate stage diving and skanking.
“It's exactly what you want out of that style of hardcore.”
[07:40-08:30]
c. First Blood – "Victim the Rambo" (Demo Version)
Bo selects First Blood for their archetypal breakdowns that perfectly fit the genre's live performance energy.
“Perfect sample, perfect placement. Perfect part for what they're doing.”
[05:03-06:00]
d. Tsunami – "Step Up"
Colin highlights Tsunami’s serious commitment to heavy music, particularly praising Mike Dirt's relentless riff execution.
“Every time I see this live, in awe. He never blinks. He never smiles.”
[06:34-07:20]
e. Cosmic Joke – "Empty Nesting Doll"
Bo chooses Cosmic Joke for their engaging breakdowns that foster a fun and rowdy mosh environment.
“That's the part that sticks in my head every time I listen.”
[08:00-09:10]
f. Irate – "Gone"
Colin regards Irate’s opening track as one of the hardest records ever, citing its intense breakdown sections that captivate listeners.
“I have to put the opening track, 'Gone,' on this list once and for all.”
[17:00-18:06]
g. Comeback Kid – "All In a Year"
Bo selects Comeback Kid for bridging punk and heavy music with breakdowns that are both melodic and aggressive.
“It was just a perfect bridge for me.”
[18:16-19:19]
h. Trapped Under Ice – "Half a Person"
Bo highlights Trapped Under Ice’s complex riffs and tempo changes that create memorable breakdowns.
“The tempo change is cued by a vocal part. It’s a cool touch.”
[45:58-46:44]
i. Never Ending Game – "God Forgives"
Colin praises Never Ending Game for their concise yet impactful breakdowns that energize any venue.
“This is my favorite Never Ending Game song to this day.”
[48:35-49:12]
j. Death Threat – "Never Again"
Colin regards Death Threat’s "Never Again" as a timeless hardcore masterpiece, blending hate and youth culture seamlessly.
“This is the singular like breakdown moment of the record.”
[51:04-52:02]
k. Disgrace – "True Enemy"
Bo selects Disgrace for their innovative use of swing and layered riffs in breakdowns, enhancing live performances.
“It's such a perfect hardcore song. Insanely underrated.”
[52:12-53:42]
l. Crowbar – "Bring It Down"
Colin honors Crowbar for their unclassifiable yet immensely heavy riffs that deliver powerful breakdowns about personal battles.
“There's nothing in the world harder than this to me.”
[60:48-69:26]
m. Lamb of God – "Now You've Got Something to Die For"
Bo appreciates Lamb of God’s strategic pre-breakdown segments that amplify the impact of their breakdowns during live shows.
“The most perfect utilization of a part to set up a part.”
[69:36-71:27]
n. Undisclosed Selections
Throughout the episode, Colin and Bo mention several other bands and songs, sharing personal stories and experiences that highlight the significance of each breakdown in live settings.
3. Top Five Picks
Colin’s Top Five:
- Hunter Demons – "His Father's Son"
- Crowbar – "Bring It Down"
- Death Threat – "Never Again"
- Trapped Under Ice – "Half a Person"
- Down Presser (from Creatures Split)
Bo’s Top Five:
- Lamb of God – "Now You've Got Something to Die For"
- Disgrace – "True Enemy"
- Most Precious Blood – "Apparition"
- No Warning – "Scratch the Skin"
- Suffer Survive – "Scratch the Skin"
Note: While both hosts have overlapping tastes, their top picks reflect distinct preferences within the hardcore spectrum, underscoring the genre's diversity.
4. Personal Anecdotes and Experiences
- Tour Stories: Colin shares memories from touring with New Lows and the profound impact of playing their intense breakdowns live.
- Live Performances: Bo recounts witnessing Never Ending Game’s "God Forgives" unleash chaos in live settings, enhancing the song’s legendary status.
- Band Interactions: Both hosts discuss interactions with band members, such as Colin’s conversations with Tsunami and First Blood, highlighting the communal spirit of the hardcore scene.
5. Key Insights and Themes
- Moshability Over Technicality: Both hosts emphasize that the essence of a great breakdown lies in its ability to incite moshing, not necessarily its technical complexity.
- Emotional Connection: The breakdowns selected often carry personal significance, representing pivotal moments in the hosts’ musical journeys.
- Evolution of Hardcore: The list showcases the evolution and diversification of hardcore music from 2000 to 2025, illustrating how breakdowns have adapted to new subgenres and audience expectations.
6. Conclusion
Colin and Bo wrap up their extensive list by celebrating the passion and dedication that drives the hardcore community. They express excitement for the future of moshable music and anticipate further contributions from emerging bands.
“We are thrilled and grateful to still be doing this show three years later now on our own channel. We’ve never been more inspired.”
[72:20-72:40]
The episode not only serves as a tribute to the hard-hitting segments that define live hardcore performances but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of the genre.
Notable Quotes:
-
“You don't need to do the most technical thing in the world to write a moshable.”
– Colin Young [00:00-00:26] -
“I became an active mosher in the area. It's absurdly hard.”
– Colin Young [10:24] -
“It was only the part before the breakdown that sparked my top pick.”
– Bo Lueders [29:48] -
“This is the hardest part by the hardest band.”
– Colin Young [09:56]
Final Thoughts:
"HardLore's Favorite Modern Breakdowns (2000-2025)" is a comprehensive dive into what makes a breakdown resonate within the hardcore scene. Through passionate discussions and personal anecdotes, Colin and Bo not only list their favorite tracks but also celebrate the communal and visceral experience that defines hardcore music.