The 5 Most Influential Straightedge Bands Ever- #3 Earth Crisis

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Lin

Earth Crisis

1989-2001, 2007-Present

Syracuse, NY

Roadrunner, Victory Records, Century Media

“Violence against violence, let the roundups begin

A firestorm to purify the bane that society drowns in”

-Firestorm by Earth Crisis

Earth Crisis is known for their militant straight edge and vegan views. Their song Firestorm, which promotes violence as a method of obliterating drugs lords and dealers, remains one of the most controversial songs in U.S. hardcore history. Members of Earth Crisis also played in Path of Resistance, Freya, and Isolated.

#4-Judge

#5- Chokehold

The 5 Most Influential Straightedge Bands Ever- #4 Judge

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Lin

Judge

1987-1991, 2013-

New York City, NY

Revelation Records, Schism Records

“A man made substance

That sets your mind free

I can’t believe

You’ve gone back on your words

Those drugs are gonna kill you

If I don’t get to you first”

- In My Way by Judge

Judge was formed by two Youth of Today members as a response to criticism that YoT was too militant, despite their positive message. Their intent was to create the most militant straight edge band imaginable and have admitted that provocation was an important aim for the band. Judge members have also played in Youth of Today, Bold, CIV, Glassjaw, Gorilla Biscuits, Nightmare of You, Project X, Rival Schools, Shelter, Side By Side, and Warzone.

#5- Chokehold

The 5 Most Influential Straightedge Bands Ever- #5 Chokehold

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Lin

Chokehold

1991-1997

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Grinding Edge Records, Arm’s Reach Records, Bloodlink Records, Rhythm of Sickness Records, Jawk Records

“Offer me your shit.I’ll laugh in your face

Don’t want any part of your fucking rat race

What part of NO don’t you understand?

Drinking and smoking doesn’t make you a man

So don’t tell me that shit does you good

I know you’d quit, if you only could”

-Time to Say by Chokehold

Chokehold was formed during a time when many of the other prominent vegan straight edge bands (Raid, and Vegan Reich) were taking inspiration from Hardline ideology. While these bands, who they were often compared to, opposed abortion, Chokehold remained vehemently and unapologetically pro-choice– a stance that caused a huge rift in the Hardline-dominated vegan straight edge scene of their time. Members of Chokehold also played in The Swarm, Left for Dead, The Brutal Knights, Haymaker, Our War, and Seventy-Eight Days.