Chopping Block: Seattle Hardcore

Nowhere To Run is 14 tracks packed into 18 minutes of pure chaos. A true hardcore record, and easily one of my favorites that I’ve heard in years. When I was first sent the songs, I knew it would be a repeat album for me, but I never expected to fall in love with it the way I have.

Some of the first punk songs I ever learned on guitar came from bands like Suicidal Tendencies, Germs, Misfits, and the Sex Pistols. This record brought back so many memories from those early days at my dad’s house, jamming to punk records and learning riffs until my fingers hurt.

It’s honestly such a relief to hear an album this gritty in 2026. It feels like being teleported back to a basement show getting spat on by the vocalist while dodging flying feet and elbows. If you plan on seeing this album performed live, COME PREPARED. Lmao.

The guitars on this album really hit for me. I was lucky enough to see Brent Liseth (guitarist) play in his other band, Public Opinion, and even did some photography at that show. After just one set, he became one of my favorites in the scene. As mentioned earlier, I’m a huge fan of bands like Suicidal Tendencies and Germs, and this album draws heavily from both while still holding up incredibly well in today’s scene. It’s the perfect blend of influence and originality.

Each song is a short burst of bottled fury exploding right in your face, and the album as a whole is an experience that’s hard to put into words. It’s brutal, fast, chaotic, and solid as fuck. That’s the best I can do without you listening for yourself.

The emotion throughout the album is impossible to miss, especially in the lyrics. The message lands every single time. One of my favorite examples is track three, How Can I Be Sure:

“How can I be sure of anything you fucking say?How can I be sure you won’t fucking walk away?”And then: track ends.

Track two Push You Away, is another standout:

“I don’t need the comfort, I’ll cry it out.”

Every track carries its own message, with emotion on full display across the board. The vocal intensity perfectly matches the lyrics, delivering a powerful sense of catharsis that makes you feel like you can get through anything.

Antonio absolutely kills the vocals throughout the entire project. His delivery is insane and really captures that early hardcore sound, making everything feel even more explosive. Speaking of explosive; the drums are a massive part of this record’s sound. Every track is tight as hell and bursting with intensity. The bass is deep and rich as well, bouncing around and filling every space perfectly with the drums.

All the guys came through with their best work and kicked off the new year with a fucking massive hit. It was an honor to hear this record early and write this piece.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled because this isn’t all we’re doing. Huge thanks to the guys in Chopping Block, and shoutout Seattle HC!!!