HardLore: Stories from Tour – Episode Summary

Episode Title: The Best Album Closers of All Time
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Hosts: Colin Young (God's Hate) & Bo Lueders (Harms Way)

1. Introduction to Album Closers

In this captivating episode of HardLore: Stories from Tour, hosts Colin Young and Bo Lueders delve deep into the often-overlooked art of crafting the perfect album closer. Combining their extensive knowledge from the hardcore, punk, and metal scenes, they explore why the final track of an album holds significant weight in leaving a lasting impression on listeners.

2. The Importance of Album Closers

Bo Lueders opens the discussion by emphasizing their reverence for album structure over individual tracks or playlists:

Bo (02:00): "We're connoisseurs of album structure. We're album guys. Not song guys. We respect the structure given to us by the artist."

Both hosts lament the decline of thoughtfully placed closers in the age of streaming and playlists, asserting that the final track should encapsulate the essence of the album and leave listeners wanting more.

Colin (02:28): "Album closers were meant to be your final impression of the record. Streaming has killed the experience of music being personal."

3. The 15 Album Closer Picks

Colin and Bo proceed to unveil their meticulously curated list of 15 album closers, each accompanied by insightful commentary and personal anecdotes.

1. Primus – "The Heckler" ([00:24])

Bo highlights Primus as one of the hardest bands, noting the technical prowess in "The Heckler."

Bo (00:24): "Those who know Primus know just how hard they are."

2. Angel Dust – "Set Me Up" Closer ([07:12])

Colin praises the earworm quality of Angel Dust's closing track, citing its unique riffs and emotional weight.

Colin (07:12): "It was the punctuation on the band that I needed to get the first record. Like, this band rocks."

3. Poison Idea – "Feel the Darkness" ([09:04])

Bo champions Poison Idea's "Feel the Darkness" for its minimalistic yet powerful chorus, viewing it as a rebellious statement.

Bo (09:04): "We did it. This is an all-time band that should be required listening."

4. Misfits – "Brain Eaters" ([10:23])

Colin selects Misfits' "Brain Eaters" for its wildness and unique sound, despite its lesser-known status.

Colin (10:39): "Brain Eaters is the craziest Misfits song. It's unbelievably funny as a closer."

5. Obituary – "Turned Inside Out" ([12:03])

Bo appreciates Obituary's choice for its iconic riff and operatic drum patterns, considering it their best closer.

Bo (12:03): "That's iconic shit. That's the thing that they're most known for at this point."

6. Down – "Bury Me in Smoke" ([13:40])

Colin admires Down's epic closer for its heavy riffs and melodic transitions, marking it as a standout in their discography.

Colin (13:42): "This is the closest episode. That's already so sick. This playlist is going to go."

7. Bolt Thrower – "Those Once Loyal" ([15:31])

Bo emphasizes Bolt Thrower's "Those Once Loyal" for its melodic ambition and perfect closure to their work.

Bo (15:31): "It is the real Closer. It is in canon. The final official Bolt Thrower song."

8. Integrity – "March of the Damned" ([38:16])

Colin selects "March of the Damned" for its relentless pace and enduring influence in the hardcore genre.

Colin (38:28): "Hard as shit. Track 15. It's..."

9. Hundred Demons – "Never Surrender" ([32:53])

Bo acknowledges Hundred Demons' technical prowess with their powerful closer, despite its re-recorded status.

Bo (32:55): "That is probably the hardest song on the record."

10. Into Another – "The Other" ([48:52])

Colin praises "The Other" for its evolving riffs and perfect melodic end, solidifying it as a crowd favorite.

Colin (49:31): "It's one of the greatest hardcore EPs of all time."

11. Minor Threat – "Minor Threat" ([56:10])

Bo highlights Minor Threat's eponymous closer as a genre-defining anthem with its unwavering energy.

Bo (56:10): "This is a statement of an entire genre. It's a movement."

12. Candlemass – "A Sorcerer's Pledge" ([70:36])

Colin selects Candlemass' live track for its unique performance and the emotional weight it carries as a closer.

Colin (70:25): "The only time played in a unique way. That's how you close."

13. Slayer – "Raining Blood" ([74:24])

Bo designates Slayer's "Raining Blood" as the pinnacle of metal closers, lauding its iconic riff and atmospheric conclusion.

Bo (75:10): "It is the perfect concoction of extreme music. It has never been topped."

14. Only Living Witness – "December" ([72:11])

Colin admires "December" for its deceptively simple structure and powerful vocal performance, making it a perfect emotional closer.

Colin (72:11): "It sounds like Children of the Grave. It's a perfect closer."

15. Dying Breed – "God's Hate" ([60:21])

Bo concludes the initial list with Dying Breed's ferocious "God's Hate," celebrating its aggressive yet melodic composition.

Bo (60:11): "It's the perfect closer to this musical anomaly."

4. Transition to the Top Five

After presenting their 15 picks, Colin and Bo transition to narrowing down the list to their top five ultimate album closers. This segment intertwines their passion for the genre with personal experiences from their touring life.

5. The Top Five Album Closers

5.1 Slayer – "Raining Blood" ([74:24])

Bo passionately defends Slayer's "Raining Blood" as the greatest metal song ever, citing its unmatched riff and explosive breakdown.

Bo (75:10): "It's the perfect concoction of extreme music. It has never been topped."

5.2 Minor Threat – "Minor Threat" ([56:10])

Colin reiterates the significance of Minor Threat's closing anthem in defining the hardcore punk movement.

Colin (56:10): "It's a statement of an entire genre. It's a movement."

5.3 Into Another – "The Other" ([48:52])

Bo commends "The Other" for its dynamic structure and lasting impact on live performances.

Bo (48:52): "It is one of the greatest hardcore EPs of all time."

5.4 Only Living Witness – "December" ([72:11])

Colin highlights the emotional resonance and musical complexity of "December," making it an exemplary closer.

Colin (72:11): "It's a perfect emotional closer."

5.5 Candlemass – "A Sorcerer's Pledge" ([70:36])

Bo concludes the top five with Candlemass' live masterpiece, emphasizing its unique live rendition and enduring legacy.

Bo (70:36): "That's how you close."

6. Personal Anecdotes and Touring Stories

Interspersed throughout the episode, Colin and Bo share memorable experiences from their tours, particularly their recent trip to Belgium. They recount the camaraderie of performing in historic venues like Ypres, the challenges of international travel, and the joy of reconnecting with fans who have long supported them.

Bo (78:36): "I saw the whole thing. Beautiful place."

Colin (83:34): "Had a really cool conversation with a mosh and Thrasher of the headbangers."

These stories not only add a personal touch but also underscore the deep connection between the hosts and the music they celebrate.

7. Honorable Mentions

Before wrapping up, Colin and Bo list several tracks that, while not making the top five, deserve recognition for their excellence as album closers:

• Biohazard – "Love Denied" ([77:42])
• Dying Fetus – "Justifiable Homicide" ([77:55])
• Driven By Suffering – "Death Desire" ([77:55])
• Life of Agony – "The Stained Remains" ([78:01])

8. Conclusion

The episode culminates with Colin and Bo reflecting on the enduring significance of album closers in defining an album's legacy. They express hope that listeners will revisit these tracks and appreciate the artistry behind their placement. The hosts also hint at future episodes and tours, maintaining their commitment to celebrating hardcore, punk, and metal music.

Bo (86:50): "We hope to come back soon. No plans at the moment, but we'll let you know."

Colin (87:07): "See you next week. Bye."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Bo (02:00): "We're connoisseurs of album structure. We're album guys. Not song guys."
• Colin (07:12): "It was the punctuation on the band that I needed to get the first record."
• Bo (09:04): "This is an all-time band that should be required listening."
• Bo (75:10): "It is the perfect concoction of extreme music. It has never been topped."

This episode of HardLore: Stories from Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of what makes an album closer exceptional. Through detailed analysis, personal stories, and passionate discussions, Colin and Bo provide listeners with both appreciation and insight into the art of concluding an album with impact.