Iron Oath- Demo I

Iron Oath- Demo I

2014

Iron Oath is a straight edge hardcore punk band from Cincinnati. I am not straight edge. Doubt there was much question about that but figured I'd say it anyway. But this shit is so tight. I kind of admire straight edge kids because they're bonded by a philosophy and the whole point is to remain true to it, so "Iron Oath" is a pretty awesome name for a straightedge band, and every member in the band is straight edge and proud of it. Also, even though it's labeled a "demo" by the band, the recording of this 5 song EP is exceptional, and self recorded!

The EP opens with "Oath," a solid track which kicks off the EP nicely with a well executed (and catchy) riff, something familiar to Dustin Bingaman, a veteran in playing guitar in hardcore bands (see White Walls, Abduction). It isn't shy about it's straight edge message...

 This is a fucking oath. 

The final fucking nail. 

I remain this way for my fucking self. 

And for those I've seen struggle. 

And the track closes with Moss spitting the line "I'll take life as it comes" repeatedly. Solid opener. No weak points here in terms of performance- Dustin holds down the chops on guitar, Zach Colina is no stranger to this shit, he performs in his own group called Kinder Words, and Chad Duccilli holds down the low end well.

The lyrics are a strong point in this demo-- Moss tackles some heavy subjects, particularly in the song "Xanax," where he talks from the perspective of someone who has felt betrayed and abandoned by a close one who abuses pills. It's an angry tune (they are a hardcore band after all,) but the message is poignant, and Moss's words comes off as frustrated but sympathetic. Other topics include decrying those who make rape jokes and other insensitive jokes ("Dominated") and being uncomfortable in one's skin ("Underneath"). 

I'm a big fan of these sort of mid-tempo hardcore punk bands (see Stoic Violence/Warthog, two sonically similar groups,) and Iron Oath performs on the same level. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you're a straight edge kid who complains about their not being enough straight edge bands, just shut up and listen to these guys. Even if you're not straightedge, it's good hardcore music made by kids who mean it.

You can download this demo for free here.

Or you can order the tape from the Columbus Noise Collective here. 

Sidenote: I've played a show with these dudes and they kill it live. People go nuts for this shit so if you get a chance to go see em, do it.