Revolver has teamed with Dying Wish for an exclusive "clear with black smash" vinyl variant of their debut album Fragments of a Bitter Memory. It's limited to 250 copies — order yours now.
Rising Portland, Oregon metalcore crew Dying Wish are one of our favorite new acts in the game — and they haven't even released a full-length yet. We're not alone in our fandom, Dying Wish already boast a passionate grassroots fan base and support from bands including Kentucky hardcore heavyweights Knocked Loose and more.
Since their 2018 demo, Dying Wish — led by fierce singer Emma Boster — have been refining their crushing style, which combines new-school hardcore snarl and social activism with sonic elements that harken back to OG New Wave of American Heavy Metal bruisers like Killswitch Engage and Bleeding Through.
As the quintet are gearing up to drop their highly anticipated full-length record, Fragments of a Bitter Memory (due out October 1st via SharpTone Records), we caught up with Boster to get her picks for the albums that most influenced her creativity. Read the stories behind her choices below.
Bleeding Through - This Is Love, This Is Murderous (2003)
Brandan Schieppati is one of my biggest inspirations in regards to lyrics and energy. During their Hellfest 2004 set, which I watch often, his irate energy is unhinged and intoxicating. Not only does this album have one of the hardest breakdowns of all time in "Number Seven With a Bullet" — "I hope you see my face on your fucking death bed" — but it also has a tasteful amount of clean vocals and keys. No skips, all heat.
Hatebreed - Satisfaction Is the Death of Desire (1997)
I've always loved hardcore music because of the unique message and mentality. This record embodies those hardcore beliefs better than any other. Every song on this record front to back is packed with lyrics that read and sound like anthems for outcasts. Catchy and unforgettable lyrics coupled with heavy riffs written with mosh in mind make this collection of songs my favorite hardcore record of all time.
Type O Negative - October Rust (1996)
Despite usually skipping the first two tracks of this record, I will never get enough of this seventy-two-minute masterpiece. This classic record combines theatrics of a sexy gothic aesthetic with crunchy guitar tones in a brilliant way. Peter Steele has one of the most unique voices and impacts on metal and will be regarded as one of the GOATS forever. RIP.
Killing Time - Brightside (1989)
New York Hardcore has made some of the most remarkable contributions to hardcore music of all time, but this record is my personal favorite. For a hardcore record that was released over 30 years ago it sounds like it could be released in 2021 and be on everyone's album-of-the-year list.
Foundation - When the Smoke Clears (2011)
This record came out when I was 16 years old and at the time I was beginning to really get involved in the hardcore scene. I remember hearing it for the first time and really feeling moved by the music in a way that was foreign and exciting to me. I still feel that way when I listen to this record. After reading the lyrics to songs like "Never Stops Raining" and "Anthem for Redemption" I was inspired by the level of poeticism. The last decade of hardcore music was not short of successful and powerful bands but I find Foundation at the very top of my list.
