Alcatraz Line up: 2023

Formed in late 1980, New York hardcore progenitors Agnostic Front stormed to the forefront of the emerging New York hardcore scene in the mid-80s with their full-length debut ‘Victim in Pain’ (1984). Due to the added thrash elements introduced on subsequent albums they became a major influence on the crossover thrash scene and to date it’s still this cross-pollination that makes them a popular favourite in both hardcore and metal circles. Despite numerous line-up changes they’ve always stayed true to their roots thanks to the presence of frontman Roger Miret and guitarist Vinnie Stigma. Underscoring their undiminished songwriting skills, ‘The American Dream Died’ (2015) feels like a throwback to ‘Victim in Pain’ (1984) and ‘Cause for Alarm’ (1986) with a fresh coat of paint. The songwriting is concise (31 minutes for 14 tracks on 2019’s ‘Get Loud!’) and lyrically they continue to shake their fists at the establishment and the government as vehemently as four decades ago. Their live shows pack a serious punch and if you like to sing along you may want to remember the following lines: "From the East Coast, to the West Coast ... gotta gotta gotta go!"