UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE HARDCORE THAT CAN’T BE STOPPED
It probably seems like I’m always hating on the current generation of little kids who jock 90s bands, and I guess I am (because I’m old as fuck and that’s what old hardcore guys do). But I don’t want to be a hater, so instead of getting butthurt about kids showing off the X Swatch they got off eBay, I’m going to talk about one of my all-time favorite 90s hardcore bands DOWNSET.
It’s pretty common when my friends and I are wasted for us to spontaneously fingerpoint and say “Anger! Hostility towards the opposition!” Also, note Rey repping SSD and Unbroken shirts.
Downset essentially started as Social Justice, a San Fernando valley band who played classic late-80s hardcore that Tumblrsluts would jizz over if it was played by dorky white kids from Boston and came out in 2011 on B9.
That’s right, HARDCORE. I have no idea why they get labeled as “rap metal” or even worse nu-metal, because they are a pure-bred hardcore band who came up in the same scene as legends like Inside Out, Unbroken, Insted, and Chain of Strength. That said, they were among the first to mix rap with moshable hardcore, and IMO definitely the first to get it right. For someone like me who grew up on pretty much equal parts rap, punk, and metal, hearing a band who put them all together so well was completely mindblowing, especially back then when that kind of genre-mixing was unheard of.
If this video doesn’t make you want to mosh your balls off, write your name on someone else’s shit, and punch a cop in the face, you are dead to me!!
Like a lot of other kids, I was into anything that involved breaking rules, which included skateboarding, metal/hardcore, and graffiti. At the time it was pretty rare for anybody to be into both hardcore and graffiti, although there were some West Coast bands like Phobia, Gehenna, Spazz, Dystopia, and Despise You all had graffiti writers in their ranks (see also the matrix inscription on the Dystopia/Skaven 12″ which reads “MONUMENTAL TAGGER METAL“). In fact, I first heard about Downset from an interview in the legendary graffiti magazine Can Control, around 1993 when their first 7″ came out (“Anger” b/w “Ritual”).
CBS was without a doubt the most influential crew of the early/mid 90s, and I jocked them as hard as possible in high school. Fun fact: a former member of Phobia was in CBS!
“Pocket Full Of Fat Caps” takes me right back to 10th grade, stealing Mean Streaks and scribing bus stop windows. I really wish they would have made a video for this song, it would have been so cool to get footage of kids catching bus tags, MEAR doing a wall, etc. Also, sick SICK breakdown at 1:40 — YOU’RE MOSHING!
Their music was awesome enough on its own, but I really fell in love with Downset because they were the purest possible product of crossing the Southern California graffiti and hardcore scenes, with members representing legendary crews UTI, THC, and CBS. For someone like me who grew up fully immersed in both graffiti and hardcore of that era, it’s hard to find a band that does a better job of capturing what the West Coast was like in the 90s for pissed off kids like me. AND they had smart lyrics about self-improvement, being mad, and other stuff that hit home with me– it’s pretty much like you took everything I liked, put it in a blender, and pressed it onto vinyl.
Cheesy but accurate segment on tagbangers from ’93 or so — it sounds ridiculous in retrospect, but you could definitely get shot over graffiti back then in Southern California. I still fucking love that classic tagbanger style though :(
In this photo they are all “Sup, we’re too busy thinking about important social issues to pay attention to the camera.” Also, u mirin dat STATUE shirt? The lowercase serif font means they had hella deep, very emotional lyrics.
Speaking of graffiti, to understand Downset you really need to understand the context in which they came up. Back in the 90s, the graffiti scene was no fucking joke. There was a huge influx of what we called tagbangers — crazy kids who were basically gangsters who also tagged and scared the shit out of everybody, graffiti writers and citizens alike. The whole West Coast was pretty wild, but Southern California was by far the sketchiest when it came to graffiti. If you lived there in the early to mid-90s, you know what I mean: all the freeways were absolutely covered in graffiti, and people like CHAKA and OILER were pretty close to household names.
Although people call Downset a “rap metal” band, their roots were obviously in the hardcore scene as you can see from this flyer. Also, LOL @ fucking FYP playing with Strife!
One of my favorite shows of all time was Downset with VOD and Earth Crisis, I believe in 1996. I think Crown of Thornz opened, which made that basically the most ridiculously amazing 90s hardcore lineup imaginable, but it got even better: I got to interview Rey and Ares for my dumb fanzine! As an 18 year-old hardcore/graffiti fanboy it was a dream come true and I pretty much had to try as hard as I could not to jizz in my pants. They were both super, super nice and answered all my dumb questions, so big ups to them for making my day! You can check out some of the interview here.
This picture = the fucking definition of 90s Southern California fat cap tags. So tight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyeMo2A74Es
While I’m on the subject of old LA hardcore bands who had deep roots in graffiti, don’t sleep on EXCEL (featuring REVS of the legendary crew KSN)
Musically, Downset were way, way ahead of their time and peers, playing a very tight, syncopated style of metalcore that sounded completely unique at the time (in particular the drumming, which I love). Maybe it’s my old man, rose-colored glasses, but if you ask me, they still sound very fresh, original and relevant nearly fifteen years later — something you can say about very, very few bands from the mid 90s. They got a lot of comparisons to Rage Against The Machine, but only from people who don’t know what they’re talking about — to anybody with functioning ears and a little knowledge, they were worlds apart. Downset did this style years before RATM and were always way heavier, tighter, and more legit than RATM.
Their first two albums are especially great, but all their records are keepers. IMO some of their best songs are on “Universal,” from 2004.
I could literally write a whole book about the whole 90s West Coast graffiti/hardcore/skateboarding scene, but for now I will just let you digest how sweet Downset are. I have no idea why the “90s hardcore worship crew” and tr00 hxc kids don’t talk about these guys more often- I can only guess that it’s because the band might not totally click with you if you’re not from the West Coast, but who knows.
If you’re a fan, clear out a few hours from your schedule and check out their official site. It’s got a TON of content including detailed show listings, discography and history, and follow Downset and Krasp on Twitter– tell them SYWH sent you!
U moshing???? Why don’t Tumblrbros jock Downset like they should? Why the fuck would anyone call them nu-metal?? Which timebomb will be the first to blast, 310, 213 or 818???
fantastic post! oldfag=====>oldfag brofist!
downset is actually what got me into graffiti. growing up in the midwest i wasnt as exposed to that shit like those on the coasts. and in the mid 90s really the only band i can think of making records about graff was downset (perhaps the artifacts too). was never a serious writer but def laid down my share of tags/throw-ups, and def followed tons of graff cats into their fine arts phases from the late 90s into the 2000s. awesome.
and +1 re the ratm comparison. makes me want to punch people.
i also love the social/political content of the lyrics. i def hated fucking cops and racism and poverty too (but perhaps not quite as existentially as some…). and best of all, they dont come off super preachy (and often dumb/ignorant) like in tons of hc/punk bands. it doesnt sound like some corny, white college-attending armchair intellectual shouting lefty-dogma at me (that i proly already agree with- no thanks to them!!). its just bros droppin knowledge on the youngsters in awesomely packaged awesomeness.
also, when i saw em in Det with ec and either merauder of crown of thorns in ’96 they lost their pager and had to come back to the stage and explain the suckiness of their sans-pager tour situation. bet that doesn’t happen anymore.
“best of all, they dont come off super preachy (and often dumb/ignorant) like in tons of hc/punk bands”
really good point– i have very very little patience for ‘political’ lyrics these days (via being around idiot punk rockers for over two decades), but i still love Downset’s lyrics.
tagging is uber fucking gay. why is hardcore so ghetto loving and shit.
The funny part is that nobody hates graffiti more than graffiti writers themselves.
HOLY FUCKING SHIT… This is like the best Thing I have ever heard. Its like the day I got my first real skateboard, threw up my first tag and went to my first hardcore show all had sex. Why have I never heard of theses guys til now?~!?! Great post!
Great piece.
“They got a lot of comparisons to Rage Against The Machine, but only from people who don’t know what they’re talking about — to anybody with functioning ears and a little knowledge, they were worlds apart. Downset did this style years before RATM and were always way heavier, tighter, and more legit than RATM.”
Rage had already blown up when downset was getting ready to release their first record. Rey and co were aware of the likely comparisons and prolly expected claims they were riding rage’s coattails. I got the cassette demo they were giving away (Our Suffocation, which was also the 7″ title I think but no idea if lyrics the same cause records, whatever) from Rey at Milwaukee Metalfest where they played and Slayer headlined (prolly best show evar — also played: Biohazard Murphy’s Law, Wargasm, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Bolthrower, etc.). Anyway, that version of Anger had lyrics obviously directed at rage and zak, which were changed for the album version (tho it still is obv who they’re talking about). It went:
“But who’s the real motherfucker though,
and what does Rage know about motherfucking South Central?
Zak, what you know about a set or a sign?
Fake motherfucker? Never ever seen a nine.”
Rey never beat down zak like he was lord ezec or some shit, unfortunately.
I still have the tape but it is shit quality, if anyone has a electronic version of that demo with those lyrics I’d be very grateful for a hookup.
This band really makes me think of LA in the best possible way, thanks for sharing dude! Also, I think there needs to be a post about Dystopia here or on MS in the near future.
I cant start posting about bands like that, it will attract too many record collecters, nerds and NFCers :(
Ah this is very true. That’s a shame because once you realize how hilarious their lyrics are you get to appreciate the depressing mosh all that much more!
Whats a dystopia? *ebay orders entire discog + bootleg live cassettes*
hahah calling tags scribes lol
Lol @ making yourself look like an asshole who obviously doesnt know what scribing is
A scribe is a tool you use to scratch glass and shit, or the tag it produces. A tag is a… tag..
haha D this must be your most passionate post ever, i can picture tears falling on your keyboard as you typed this, plus, mighty lulz for the Statue logo in serif font thing
What can I say, I get very passionate about TAGGER METAL!!
And that Statue shirt was a total blast from the past, it’s easily been 10+ years since I remembered that band existed!
Will forever rock Do We Speak a Dead Language…
I definitely broke a light bedroom moshing to that record when I was 16
Great post.
I love Downset. This post reminded me how much I love them, and I have a new Monday morning soundtrack.
They played Ozzfest with VOD back in 1997 which is hilarious. It was awesome to be able to see VOD, Downset and Pantera all in one day.
I have no idea why the “90s hardcore worship crew” and tr00 hxc kids don’t talk about these guys more often- I can only guess that it’s because the band might not totally click with you if you’re not from the West Coast, but who knows.
Ya – think that nails it. I remember someone giving me the downset (song) promo CD because they couldn’t stand it. Just don’t think this kind of stuff penetrated into the East Coast, home of tr00 HXC ;-)
I’m from the East Coast, but I could be the odd man out here.
I remember a lot of people in DC repping Downset. The DC hardcore scene could get pretty thugged out though depending on the week/line up of the show.
We didn’t listen to a lot of west coast stuff in my little NYHC crew but we most definitely rocked Downset.
Against the Spirits is an awesome song for carmoshing.
Didn’t really dig Downset, but that Excel song was fucking awesome. That 90′s tagger video was interesting. LOL at the term “tag-banger”.
These guys are ok. I didn’t even realize they were still making music in 2004.
Downset headlined the first hardcore show i ever went to, in ’95 i believe. It might have been the same tour mentioned. It was a great line up: crown of thorns, maximum penalty, damnation ad, and earth crisis. It forever changed my life.
oh shit word! i think i saw that same tour.
damnation ad was fucking sick.
First picture, far right, those pants.
Hey cut me some slack!! I was 17!! LOL!!
Memories memories memories….I live 80 miles away from LA and that tagger shit was crakin…(due in part to yours truly) but I never ran into people like myself that were into all these anti society activities. I played in metal bands, rapped in a hip hop groups, and did plenty of property damage. This post makes me feel not so forever alone.
SICK write up my man!!
Thanks dude, glad you liked it!
I love downset and i agree with most content of this post
But please stop changing history, when downset played there first show ever RATM was already all over the world with their first album.
First downset show: june 1993
Ratm album: Released November 6, 1992
So by the time downset played there first show everybody in the world already knew RATM
To be clear, I meant that they pioneered the style with Social Justice, but yes RATM were first
Very well said,couldnt agree with you more….. Rey was the 4th vocalist or messenger of Social Justice…. He was the perfect fit with his vocal tone and messages…
Nice to see so much love from the fans I miss the practice shed in the backyard in Sylmar… the music that was created in that little shed was amazing…. my favorite Downset song is My American Prayer the words just smack you in the face and seem to be coming true these days .. I miss the days when the crowd would erupt when Breed the Killer would start to play in the Venue..priceless (;
Love Downset especially Check your People… not many people have the true intensity and passion the singer does on album….
I guess people called them rap metal cause a few dudes were OTW and a few raps here and there…
Awesome Post
Breed the killer is a nasty song! The whole first album is classic. “Holding Hands” is so damn angry its amazing! I think they really had some awesome riffs and excellent intelligent lyrics. Shame about every other rap/metal band that followed them….
I saw Downset once at the Roxy in Long Island and they destroyed. They did “Burning Fight” by Inside out!
Are you even allowed to post Excel here? Via them being as much thrash metal as they are hardcore. That Social Justice song was effin great though, love those fast, short, old school hardcore songs.
yeah, i went out on a limb with that, but NO FUCKS GIVEN because Excel are sweet
Indeed they are. Fun fact-Metallica’s Enter Sandman was actually ripped off from an Excel song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqMYZ3uqjqk&feature=related Not necessarily ripped off, but eerily similar.
Never heard Downset before now. I agree that they are great and also that Rage Against The Machine suck dick but I am somewhat confused about why it is unacceptable to compare the two. They are VERY similar
to me downset sounds like HC w/ a sick MC and ratm sounds like angry hate-fucl pron music
*hate-fuck
I was lucky to see Downset twice in the 90s. First time around was supporting Biohazard and Dog Eat Dog. I’d read articles about the gang links and tagging but it was Biohazard who made the dumb references to ‘repping your crew’ and going ‘toe to toe’ with your enemies??? For fucks sake this was a metal bar in a quiet northern town in the UK. Anyway, Downset came back a year later with Dog Eat Dog (and Mary Beats Jane) and in between songs both bands just took the piss out of Biohazard, who apparently just insisted on projecting themselves as quasi-gangsters morning, noon and night. Highlight of the night was Downset joining Dog Eat Dog on stage to play Street Justice by the cro-mags because Parris Mayhew was playing with Dog Eat Dog at the time.
I was never into Downset, but friends of mine were, and I grew up in NY. I went to one of their shows once (w/ Earth Crisis and Crown of Thornz in NYC) but to be honest I think I left before they played so I could catch the train home.
“At the time it was pretty rare for anybody to be into both hardcore and graffiti, although there were some West Coast bands like Phobia, Gehenna, Spazz, Dystopia, and Despise You all had graffiti writers in their ranks (see also the matrix inscription on the Dystopia/Skaven 12″ which reads “MONUMENTAL TAGGER METAL“).”
What about DMS man? you know the started out in the late 80′s as skins and writers would const
(Sorry i screwed up) as i was saying,
skins and writers would constantly bump into each other in the street. They were lots of writers in the NYHC scene, i mean Ezec, MQ and all…
the whole DMS scene was awesome for the reasons you mentioned, but was totally different than the “tagger metal” thing
oh yeah sorry, i finally get it.
Props for the article btw, i only knew em by name but now i know Downset kicks butt.
I don’t understand why the graff scene isn’t more hardcore, punk or even metal. i mean when you put a fat cap (or worse, an astro) on a can, it’s because you want to fùcking destroy that wall.
maybe it’s only the people I know, but from what I can tell the majority of writers these days are white punk/hc/skater kids…
great band. great post.
this was the perfect shit for me when i was in high school trying to break out of the wigger phase i rocked in jr high. they were rapping!!
d you never disappoint.
Sick post D.! Really enjoyin’ downset! Been binging on em since this post. Keep up the good work sir!
My first “hardcore” show was seeing Downset, Biohazard and V.O.D. in ’97. 9:30 club, in DC… i was 15.
I will never EVER forget Downset opening with ‘Anger’. Singer bro comes out and is all: “Anger…” pause for what seems like for ever “…hostility toward the opposition”. Again… “Anger…” longasspause “…hostility toward the opposition”. Then the bass starts up… and everyone starts doing this like full body forward and back head and shoulder-bob. This goes on, for like 3 minutes as the rest of the band comes in… it gets more and more intense as the other instruments join in… and STOP…everyone rushes the stage in a huge pile-on… and then… “AAAAANGAAAARRRRRR”!
I dunno man, i catch shit from people when they see Downset discs in my CD collections or on my iTunes… but it’s that exact moment from that first hardcore show that’ll stay with me forever. I still have the colored Biohazard vinyl of “State of the World Address” i got at that show…
I like Downset a lot. me and my friends listened (and still listen) to a lot of those bands that should have gone further… we would listen to grind, hardcore, NW hip hop like black anger movement, etc. when we would go out tagging. now we’re in our thirties. you lived in Seattle… you remember 4DC?
DIRTY DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP
I’ve known Ego for a million years, met a bunch of the dudes like Werl, Pacer, Menes, etc but don’t really know them
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Greatings from russian downset fans :)
thanks for awesome post
I get made fun of by my friends for liking Downset, shits weak. But seriously, how good is Holding Hands.
I rarely ever write on these things, but your site genuinely cracks me up. And then I see you have Downset on here. Unreal! They were one of my faves too, in fact I was at the show from the flyer you posted. I also remember seeing Korn open up FOR Downset back in the day.
Memories for sure. Much appreciated from this ’90s hxc kid.
Thx!
lol downset…yeaaaaah!!! i listened to them all the time and didnt even know something like “hardcore” existed!
like limp bizkt but waaaaaay more serious XD!!
hate me :p
I saw these guys twice, one was direct support to Soulfly in 2000 and the other was a sad moment.
They OPENED the side stage at a Linkin Park run festival, at one point the singer said “raise your hands if youve seen us before”…………………………I was the only person.