Saw Haram at Oklahoma's Everything Is Not OK III festival, and have never seen a show get more fucking insane. Haram were killing it, people were literally flying all over the place, including the vocalist. But it's more than that. Haram stands out as one of the most culturally relevant and important bands in the states, challenging issues of cultural and social oppression for all marginalized peoples. Vocalist Nader also sings in Arabic and stands full force against the racism and religious phobia faced by middle eastern americans, issues that have relentlessly plagued our country and people, even before 9/11. I highly recommend reading his interviews, I challenge all to join and support them in this effort. I hope I've done an at least passable job representing them here. I also consider myself lucky to have seen them. Ariele Betterton
Afrofuturist punk from Philly that twists the hardcore sounds of '90s DC and San Diego into a seething mass of wires and roots. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 3, 2019
Brutal, battering industrial music from this Austin, TX, group rolls in like a thundercloud—pitch-black and threatening. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 8, 2016
It’s refreshing. They are a solid Punk band who’s not afraid to make people dance. Special Interest understands that PunkRock and Disco are the best lovers. The Passion Of is passionate sh*tkickers making great sounds with a spirt of genuine activism. It’s on my top 5 releases of 2020. DxNxxL