First Posted: 9/2/2013

I don’t know what has happened, but 2013 has already flown by. I don’t know if it is because I have been paying much closer attention to time thanks to having these writing responsibilities or if it is just because so much is happening, but either way, this year’s unrelenting assault of shows is still coming. I have four new events to tell you about.

Wednesday, Sept. 4 brings the opening of a brand new arts venue, The Lampost (located on the third floor of Downtown Arts in Wilkes-Barre). The first event being hosted is entitled “Creation Destruction Potential” and not only features art from Bianca Roman, Hannah Roman, CJ Fujmura, and Tina Cody, but features a live performance from Sleeping Sergeant. This new space will showcase many different types of art events, everything from music to gallery shows. Sleeping Sergeant will also be playing after the gallery hours inside Downtown Arts.

Sunday, Sept. 15, there will be a screening of the new documentary “Pennsylvania Hardcore” at the University of Scranton at 1 p.m. This film explores decades of musical history and features show footage, interviews, and personal accounts of a hardcore scene that stretches our entire state. The documentary not only covers past events like the closing of Moosic’s infamous venue Sea Seas, but discusses everything up to present day – showing the unity and importance of our scene.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Wisdom In Chains, Take Offense, Fire and Ice, Malfunction, and Alive and Well will all be playing at Nanticoke’s West Side Park. Wisdom In Chains is one of Pennsylvania’s most revered bands and will be making their first appearance in our area in quite some time. Wisdom play a style of hardcore filled with oi influence and hooks so catchy that you have no choice but to sing along.

Chula Vista’s Take Offense will also be making a return to the area. These Californians perform their take on mid ‘80s style hardcore with impressive solos and guitar work. Fire and Ice from Richmond, Va., will be returning in support of their release “Not of This Earth” on Reaper Records. Their latest offering, produced by Leeway’s AJ Novello, showcases their ability to step outside of the hardcore norm and write complicated music that flows seamlessly together with a tight rhythm section and great vocals.

Another band on Reaper Record’s roster, Malfunction from Buffalo, N.Y., will also play. Malfunction’s set will surely impress all who haven’t heard them. And finally, rounding out the show is a new local band, Alive and Well, from Scranton featuring members of Single Me Out.

Finally, on Monday, Oct. 28, there is another show at West Side Park in Nanticoke featuring Disengage, Intent, Demolition, Zoom, and Stand Clear. Disengage will be playing our first show since I embarrassingly sprained my ankle, but we will be back with a vengeance. Intent will finally have their new demo, “All or Nothing,” available. For those who missed Intent in June, you can check out a live recording online entitled “It’s Time…” recorded in Wilkes-Barre.

Demolition will be joining Intent. Their newest release on Triple B Records entitled “World Gone Mad” has already made its way to the top of all “Best of” lists. Be sure to check out “Big John’s Mosh” in person and take part in the song’s message.

Zoom will be making their NEPA debut. Zoom features members of Lion of Judah, Intent, and Give playing an intricate and aggressive style of hardcore, à la Bad Brains. A demo will be released shortly. And finally, opening up the show is Maryland’s Stand Clear. Stand Clear are a new and young band playing powerful music for their age with guidance from Zack from Intent.