.Haram

In the late ’90s and early ’00s, discerning hardcore fans had the pleasure of seeing both Pg. 99 and Majority Rule invade 924 Gilman, the mosh pits spreading into full-blown black-clad seas with tidal waves of kicked-up dirt. Fans of both bands should now warm to the latest name in pure East Coast hardcore: Haram. The DC-based outfit’s sonic dissonance and atonal noise are definitely familiar, but Haram twists that style into a tight, cohesive pop antistructure that suggests something entirely different. The similarities to Drive Like Jehu and any number of Ian Svevonius’ projects are obvious, yet you can also hear the progressive staccato hooks of Sonic Youth. Recently, Haram even added former City of Caterpillar luminary Jeff Kane to the lineup; wondering where all your favorite screamy hardcore bands have gone? They’ve all migrated to this new project, just waiting for you to catch up.