Here we are, finally at the last post of 2022! This has undoubtedly been the most tiring and complicated year for us, with a lot of unexpected changes and perspectives opening up towards the future. And yet we came away with a fantastic result, 41 releases in 12 months (!!), breaking last year’s record! Quoting a friend from another label that recently visited us at the MegaRecord Fair in Den Bosch: “you guys are insane, you basically release one record a week”. In fact that’s right, almost every month of this year we’ve had at least 4-5 releases (mostly on vinyl), so it’s correct to say one x week.. And believe us, the balance of our modus operandi made up of announcement trailers, opening pre-orders and out now is very delicate because a small delay in a delivery from the pressing plant, a missing booklet or some unexpected event is enough to trigger us a nervous breakdown. However beyond this, we want to thank from the bottom of our hearts all those who believe and support our small independent label and have allowed us to get this far… we are about to reach F.O.A.D. 300!! It’s above all thanks to the help and passion of those who follow us that this gear keeps turning in an ever stronger and motivated way, and the enthusiasm of all of you that gives us the lifeblood to continue working tirelessly as hard as possible, hunting in the most remote corners of the world for the most hidden and rare recordings, and always having a schedule full of surprises and variety of genres. And it goes without saying that for 2023 we have a series of incredible smashers in the pipeline that we can’t wait to announce!

This said, back to now:  5 x December releases – ACUTE “Who wants war – Discography 1986-1989” 2xLP+CD, EYESCREAM “The end – Complete discography” LP, ASBESTOS “Loud Noise Infection” LP, MRTVI KANAL / GRČ Split LP and AUTARKIA “Gobiernate a ti mismo” LP are all out now. We have already shipped most of the pre-orders, the last batch will leave immediately after Christmas, please be patient – given the very busy period. The diehard editions of ACUTE, ASBESTOS, EYESCREAM, MRTVI KANAL / GRČ split LP are all sold out on preorder, there are quite a few black ones left too, so don’t sleep on them!

More in detail:

ACUTE “Who wants war – Discography 1986-1989” 2xLP+CD (F.O.A.D. 277)

Another obscure Japanese Hardcore gem from the past, rescued and brought back to life in a top quality edition.. It’s no secret that the FOAD team are totally crazy for Hokkaido area punk, you saw it with previous works such as Human Gas, Stali nism, Napalm, Chinpira, Shot Gun…  Hailing from Sapporo, Hokkaido, ACUTE are only known to diehard HC maniacs for their killer tracks on the hard to find “Nothing action nothing have” v.a. tape (1989). This anthology compiles their complete recordings 1986-1989 adding as bonus a CD with never-heard-before recordings from the “Nothing action, nothing have” release show at Bessie Hall, Sapporo where they shared the stage with legends such as Slang, F.U.P. and Satanic Hell Slaughter.  44 TRACKS showing the band’s evolution from their early distorted punk approach influenced by UK82 classics (Chaos UK, Disorder) to the shredding fast Japancore thrash assault of their latter phase. Freshly ripped from the band’s tapes and mastered for vinyl at Toxic Basement Studio. Gatefold jacket + two booklets (total 24 pages) including flyers, photos, lyrics as well as all the original artworks and leaflets showing their strong anti-war stance and socially engaged hardcore attitude.  Watch the trailer HERE

Solid black vinyl limited to 250 copies

–

EYESCREAM “The end – Complete discography” LP (F.O.A.D. 278)

Raging female fronted Japanese Hardcore at its finest! This short-lived revelation from Sendai has quickly gained attention with two incendiary demotapes and a 3-way LP with No No No and Keiketsu.. Here’s their complete discography for the first time on vinyl including all their studio recordings + a full live set recorded at El Puente in Yokohama..  29 TRACKS! Rapid, no frills ’80s obsessed Hardcore delivered with unmatched intensity and riffing mastery, that will totally please fans of The COMES, GAS, The EXECUTE, DISARRAY and other classics from the early days of Japanese HC.  LP with OBI strip and foldout 12″x12″ four page insert including lyrics, photos and scans of the original releases. Watch the trailer HERE

Solid black vinyl limited to 250 copies

–

ASBESTOS “Loud noise infection” LP (F.O.A.D. 285)

The return of this veteran metallic hardcore unit, detonatic ears with their thrash-fueled aggression since 1988! 10 songs, brand new studio recordings from 2022. One of the earliest Japanese HC bands to introduce crust elements in their sound combining them with a solid metal/punk edge… this new album, following their classic debut “The final solution…” (1989) recently reissued by FOAD Records and mid 90’s opus “Agonized cry” (more leaning towards Amebix/Antisect influences), keeps their banner high with viciously addictive riffs and vitriolic vocals that bring memories back to their early days. The band features Noboru “Jero” Sakuma of Abigail/Gorgon on 4-string artillery.  LP with OBI strip and insert. Watch the trailer HERE

Solid black vinyl limited to 250 copies

–

MRTVI KANAL / GRČ Split LP (F.O.A.D. 279)

“1983…: as Yugoslavia was slowly losing vital functions, its underground youth was never more creative and angry.”
Official reissue of this mythological split release originally published as a ltd. edition tape in 1983 on the cult label Galerija ŠKUC Izdaja (Laibach, Borghesia, Otroci Socializma etc.).. now for the first time on vinyl!! Two bands from the incredibly vital post-punk scene of Rijeka, one of the most intense and vital spots in the ‘80s ex-Yugoslavian underground. This release shows the slow and gloomy embryonic phase of Grč, currently celebrating their 40th year anniversary, paired with Mrtvi Kanal’s sensibilities on writing great melancholic, pop-infused post punk excellence. In the years to follow Grč consolidated their sinister fame with the incredible masterpiece “Sloboda narodu” (1987) – also reissued by FOAD years ago, one of the blackest and most hopeless expressions of negativity that whatever you may label as Dark, Death Rock or Post Punk has ever conceived… while Mrtvi Kanal recorded only a dozen of songs (the most included on this split) before they vanished in the mid 80ies. With a bitter approach towards themselves and the outside world, both bands captured the very essence of their contemporary times through the epic 12 songs included on this record, talking about freedom, desperation, hope and disappointment.  Taken from the original reels and mastered for vinyl at Toxic Basement Studio.  Includes a 12 page booklet with rare photos, flyers and scans of the 1983 tape. Made thanks to the friendly assistance of Dallas Records (Slovenia) and archival/editorial supervision from Guranje s litice (Croatia). Watch the trailer HERE

Solid black vinyl limited to 350 copies

–

AUTARKIA “Gobiernate a ti mismo” LP (F.O.A.D. 276)

Rough, ultra-crude Mexican fuzzcore punks! Formed in the late ’80s in Mexico State, AUTARKIA were mostly active from 1990 to 1994 releasing 3 tapes, one of which would become their cult full length “Punk’s al slam”, later published on CD and LP. Here’s the official reissue of their debut demo 1993 originally entitled “Sociedad autosuficiente”, recorded prior to “Punk’s al slam”. For the first time on vinyl, mastered from the band’s tapes. Absurdly raw 2-chords tupa tupa hardcore in pure latino-american tradition, recommended if you also like M.E.L.I., MASACRE 68, KAGADA DE PERRO and similar. 16 TRACKS!  Includes full colored booklet with lyrics, rare photos and flyers. Made in collaboration with Mierdas Production from Mexico. Watch the trailer HERE

Available in the following versions:

Solid black vinyl limited to 200 copies

Diehard aquamarine blue vinyl limited to 100 copies

..and also for this year we’re at the final round with the last 5 releases… we haven’t yet counted how many FOAD titles saw the light in 2022, we’ll talk about it in the next post, but one thing is sure: it’s certainly much more than than we expected – an unbelievable achievement for us, also considering the immense problems we’ve been dealing with for months, such as a change of warehouses, a major split & renewal of our team and a lot more. To conclude such a crazy period in style we have chosen a very special year-end selection.. for the umpteenth time we explore Japan and by now you should all know that FOAD Records + Japanese Hardcore is a guarantee, this time we’ll reaffirm it with the tryptich ACUTE, EYESCREAM and ASBESTOS , then we move on to another country very dear to us.. Mexico with an ultra-rough band that will delight aficionados of the most filthy and disastrous fuzz-punk, we are talking about AUTARKIA.. and last but not least, we set up the time machine to our beloved former Yugoslavia, with the reissue of a legendary cassette that dates back to 1983 and covers a rather unusual territory for those familiar with our label’s sounds: we’re entering a post punk area with dark/industrial rock hues, with the fantastic split between MRTVI KANAL and GRČ. Different and distant countries, genres and eras quite far from each other, but basically an important point in common: they’re all bands that we really love, they are part of our daily playlists, and therefore we are pleased to have them in our roster.

So to sum it all up, this month’s 5 vinyl outrages are:  ACUTE “Who wants war – Discography 1986-1989” 2xLP+CD, EYESCREAM “The end – Complete discography” LP,  ASBESTOS “Loud Noise Infection” LP, MRTVI KANAL / GRČ Split LP and AUTARKIA “Gobiernate a ti mismo” LP.  Please note: the scheduled release date is December 20th and as always we’ll try to be as quick as possible to ship everything before Xmas chaos breaks in, however, due to year-end postal slowdowns and congestion and the fact that we’re still missing a few inserts and booklets (that should be ready soon anyway), delivery times are unpredictable, so please be patient – don’t flood us with messages and everything will be set right. As usual we strongly recommend you to act fast if you want to catch the ltd. colored vinyl versions, they won’t last for long!

More in detail:

ACUTE “Who wants war – Discography 1986-1989” 2xLP+CD (F.O.A.D. 277)

Another obscure Japanese Hardcore gem from the past, rescued and brought back to life in a top quality edition.. It’s no secret that the FOAD team are totally crazy for Hokkaido area punk, you saw it with previous works such as Human Gas, Stali nism, Napalm, Chinpira, Shot Gun…  Hailing from Sapporo, Hokkaido, ACUTE are only known to diehard HC maniacs for their killer tracks on the hard to find “Nothing action nothing have” v.a. tape (1989). This anthology compiles their complete recordings 1986-1989 adding as bonus a CD with never-heard-before recordings from the “Nothing action, nothing have” release show at Bessie Hall, Sapporo where they shared the stage with legends such as Slang, F.U.P. and Satanic Hell Slaughter.  44 TRACKS showing the band’s evolution from their early distorted punk approach influenced by UK82 classics (Chaos UK, Disorder) to the shredding fast Japancore thrash assault of their latter phase. Freshly ripped from the band’s tapes and mastered for vinyl at Toxic Basement Studio. Gatefold jacket + two booklets (total 24 pages) including flyers, photos, lyrics as well as all the original artworks and leaflets showing their strong anti-war stance and socially engaged hardcore attitude.  Watch the trailer HERE

Available in the following versions:

Solid black vinyl limited to 250 copies

Diehard splatter vinyl (black and red on white) limited to 150 copies

–

EYESCREAM “The end – Complete discography” LP (F.O.A.D. 278)

Raging female fronted Japanese Hardcore at its finest! This short-lived revelation from Sendai has quickly gained attention with two incendiary demotapes and a 3-way LP with No No No and Keiketsu.. Here’s their complete discography for the first time on vinyl including all their studio recordings + a full live set recorded at El Puente in Yokohama..  29 TRACKS! Rapid, no frills ’80s obsessed Hardcore delivered with unmatched intensity and riffing mastery, that will totally please fans of The COMES, GAS, The EXECUTE, DISARRAY and other classics from the early days of Japanese HC.  LP with OBI strip and foldout 12″x12″ four page insert including lyrics, photos and scans of the original releases. Watch the trailer HERE

Available in the following versions:

Solid black vinyl limited to 250 copies

Diehard smokey vinyl (clear green mixed with black) limited to 150 copies

–

ASBESTOS “Loud noise infection” LP (F.O.A.D. 285)

The return of this veteran metallic hardcore unit, detonatic ears with their thrash-fueled aggression since 1988! 10 songs, brand new studio recordings from 2022. One of the earliest Japanese HC bands to introduce crust elements in their sound combining them with a solid metal/punk edge… this new album, following their classic debut “The final solution…” (1989) recently reissued by FOAD Records and mid 90’s opus “Agonized cry” (more leaning towards Amebix/Antisect influences), keeps their banner high with viciously addictive riffs and vitriolic vocals that bring memories back to their early days. The band features Noboru “Jero” Sakuma of Abigail/Gorgon on 4-string artillery.  LP with OBI strip and insert. Watch the trailer HERE

Available in the following versions:

Solid black vinyl limited to 250 copies

Diehard marble vinyl (dark red) limited to 150 copies

–

MRTVI KANAL / GRČ Split LP (F.O.A.D. 279)

“1983…: as Yugoslavia was slowly losing vital functions, its underground youth was never more creative and angry.”
Official reissue of this mythological split release originally published as a ltd. edition tape in 1983 on the cult label Galerija ŠKUC Izdaja (Laibach, Borghesia, Otroci Socializma etc.).. now for the first time on vinyl!! Two bands from the incredibly vital post-punk scene of Rijeka, one of the most intense and vital spots in the ‘80s ex-Yugoslavian underground. This release shows the slow and gloomy embryonic phase of Grč, currently celebrating their 40th year anniversary, paired with Mrtvi Kanal’s sensibilities on writing great melancholic, pop-infused post punk excellence. In the years to follow Grč consolidated their sinister fame with the incredible masterpiece “Sloboda narodu” (1987) – also reissued by FOAD years ago, one of the blackest and most hopeless expressions of negativity that whatever you may label as Dark, Death Rock or Post Punk has ever conceived… while Mrtvi Kanal recorded only a dozen of songs (the most included on this split) before they vanished in the mid 80ies. With a bitter approach towards themselves and the outside world, both bands captured the very essence of their contemporary times through the epic 12 songs included on this record, talking about freedom, desperation, hope and disappointment.  Taken from the original reels and mastered for vinyl at Toxic Basement Studio.  Includes a 12 page booklet with rare photos, flyers and scans of the 1983 tape. Made thanks to the friendly assistance of Dallas Records (Slovenia) and archival/editorial supervision from Guranje s litice (Croatia). Watch the trailer HERE

Available in the following versions:

Solid black vinyl limited to 350 copies

Diehard clear yellow vinyl limited to 150 copies

–

AUTARKIA “Gobiernate a ti mismo” LP (F.O.A.D. 276)

Rough, ultra-crude Mexican fuzzcore punks! Formed in the late ’80s in Mexico State, AUTARKIA were mostly active from 1990 to 1994 releasing 3 tapes, one of which would become their cult full length “Punk’s al slam”, later published on CD and LP. Here’s the official reissue of their debut demo 1993 originally entitled “Sociedad autosuficiente”, recorded prior to “Punk’s al slam”. For the first time on vinyl, mastered from the band’s tapes. Absurdly raw 2-chords tupa tupa hardcore in pure latino-american tradition, recommended if you also like M.E.L.I., MASACRE 68, KAGADA DE PERRO and similar. 16 TRACKS!  Includes full colored booklet with lyrics, rare photos and flyers. Made in collaboration with Mierdas Production from Mexico. Watch the trailer HERE

Available in the following versions:

Solid black vinyl limited to 200 copies

Diehard aquamarine blue vinyl limited to 100 copies

For the first time ever in the history of F.O.A.D. Records we are coming to the end of a preorder phase with 3 out of 4 releases completely sold out. Yes, what was announced as the “JAPANESE HARDCORE ATTACK on F.O.A.D.” consisting of ROCKY AND THE SWEDEN “City baby attacked by buds” LP, CANARIA “死灰復燃 ” LP, 惡AI意 “Backing to the battle – Demo 1997” LP and “CROON A LULLABY” 3 way LP has been all swept away by a flood of orders!

Thanks to all those who constantly support our label keeping an eye open on our works and not missing one of them, you know who you are! Japanese customers: in the next few weeks all 4 of these LP’s will be available at your main local stores dealing with Hardcore/Punk, so get ready. So the only release still in stock at the moment (less than 30 on black vinyl, act fast!) is 惡AI意 “Backing to the battle – Demo 1997” LP, here you’ll find all infos about it and the direct link to order. So see you in a few weeks for the next F.O.A.D. Records‘ bath of preorders and expect it to be once again a heavy bombardment, we want to close the year with a bang!

Last one still in stock:

惡AI意 “Backing to the battle – Demo 1997” LP  (F.O.A.D. 181)

Pure mindblowing fury! The rare debut demotape 1997 from Kitakyūshū’s most intense Hardcore unit for the first time on vinyl… A deadly clash of speed, distortion and caustic screams blended into a complete Japanese Hardcore slaughter! After recording this incredible demo the band went on putting out amazing works such as “The sound of hearts“, “Ain’t no slaves” and more, and they’re still active now keeping the flame burning with rage and strength. One sided LP with silkscreen art on the back. 24 page booklet filled with rare photos, flyers, original tape scans and lyrics. Artwork by Sugi! Click HERE for the trailer!

Black vinyl (ltd to 200 copies)

Over the years and through nearly 200 F.O.A.D. releases, there have been countries and specific areas on which we have repeatedly aimed our sights, either for a matter of taste or for certain coincidences and personal ties. It’s the case of Italy (obviously), California, ex Yugoslavia, Sweden, some parts of South America and the list goes on. But the country with whose scene we have built the most solid and lasting legacy over time it’s one and only: JAPAN! This thanks to the many friends that we have there, to the various trips we have made from South to North and of course the fact that we love their enormous musical panorama in many of its facets and mysteries. And this month is completely dedicated to this unique creative symbiosis that is solidifying over time… get ready: 4x JAPANESE HARDCORE releases is our recipe for November.

This is what we have: the brand new full length by the all-star legend ROCKY AND THE SWEDEN, called “City Baby Attacked By Buds“… in their ranks Captain Koba from Systematic Death and local heroes that have played in bands like Idora, Headless, Scumbag, Vivisick. This is their new studio album after nearly 20 years!

Then if you like traditional Japanese Hardcore close to the Burning Spirits type with those riffs and solos that make you feel like you could punch through a concrete wall, you should definitely check Okayama City’s Hardcore jewel CANARIA… when we first heard their demo we have been totally floored by its irrepressible power, so we asked them to do this LP that contains both new recordings and their incredible debut effort.

Moving much further south, we have also picked a classic band from the ominous Kyushu area… the furious Hardcore powerhouse 惡AI意 with their rare demo 1997 restored, remastered and for the first time on vinyl enriched by a stunning 24 page booklet.

And to complete this sword bloodshed we’re also adding a 3 way split called “Croon a lullaby” with 10 ferocious tracks delivered by the most raging female fronted bands of the current days:   経血 (Keiketsu), Eyescream and No No No.

So, to sum things up: ROCKY AND THE SWEDEN “City baby attacked by buds” LP, CANARIA “死灰復燃 ” LP, 惡AI意 “Backing to the battle – demo 1997” LP and “CROON A LULLABY” –  経血 (Keiketsu) / Eyescream / No No No –  3 way LP are all up for preorders and you have to be seriously fast if you want to catch the limited colored vinyl versions, they are expected to get sold out instantly!  The official release date is set for November 21, 2019.

More in detail about each release:

ROCKY AND THE SWEDEN “City baby attacked by buds” LP  (F.O.A.D. 177)

Beware, the Hardcore grass hoppers are back! The longly awaited return of this weed-fueled all star Japanese legend, nearly 20 years after their last full length… 12 new tracks of highly energetic Hardcore driven by the ballistic drumming assault of Masaaki “Koba” Sweden from SYSTEMATIC DEATH!! You know what to expect: a complete riff-machine, uncontrollable speed and a dynamitic vocal delivery.  With no doubt one of the best Japanese HC records of the last decade! LP with OBI strip and foldout insert. Click HERE for the trailer!

Available in 2 different versions:

Diehard hemp-green/orange-bud splatter vinyl (ltd to 150 copies)

Black vinyl (ltd to 250 copies)

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CANARIA “死灰復燃 ” LP  (F.O.A.D. 178)

An all-out assault of Burning Spirits Hardcore from Okayama City, Japan!! One of the most promising revelations of the last years, powerful Japanese HC with all the classic features of the genre…an incredible guitar work with blazing solos and memorable riffs, tight drumming and anger filled vocals! Members of this incredible band have also played in Padlock and in Excreteass. This LP includes brand new studio recordings and their demo 2004. If you’re into traditional Japanese HC and solid, original HC of all kinds made with heart and energy, CANARIA will definitely make your day! LP with OBI strip and insert. Click HERE for the trailer!

Available in 2 different versions:

Diehard swirl magenta vinyl (ltd to 100 copies)

Black vinyl (ltd to 200 copies)

==================

惡AI意 “Backing to the battle – Demo 1997” LP  (F.O.A.D. 181)

Pure mindblowing fury! The rare debut demotape 1997 from Kitakyūshū’s most intense Hardcore unit for the first time on vinyl… A deadly clash of speed, distortion and caustic screams blended into a complete Japanese Hardcore slaughter! After recording this incredible demo the band went on putting out amazing works such as “The sound of hearts“, “Ain’t no slaves” and more, and they’re still active now keeping the flame burning with rage and strength. One sided LP with silkscreen art on the back. 24 page booklet filled with rare photos, flyers, original tape scans and lyrics. Artwork by Sugi! Click HERE for the trailer!

Available in 2 different versions:

Diehard blue vinyl (ltd to 100 copies)

Black vinyl (ltd to 200 copies)

==================

“CROON A LULLABY” –  経血 (Keiketsu) / Eyescream / No No No –  3 way LP (F.O.A.D. 184)

3 of the most insane and powerful female-fronted Japanese Punk/HC bands of today team up for a devastating split release!
経血 (Keiketsu) alternate cathartic mid tempos with a strong ’80s Punk backbone, EYESCREAM deliver short explosive old school HC and they feature an ex member of the legendary Disarray, NO NO NO are the craziest of the team and they shred nerves with their full speed and absolutely pissed off Hardcore tornado! 10 exclusive songs, if you miss the spirit and unmatchable class of bands like The Comes, Nurse, Gas and the style of ADK Records, you’ll find it all in this record! One sided LP with OBI + insert. Silk screened art on the back. Click HERE for the trailer!

Available in 2 different versions:

Diehard red vinyl (ltd to 100 copies)

Black vinyl (ltd to 200 copies)