Category Archives: Integrity

Live Music: Integrity

Live Music: INTEGRITY
[Josh and his Integrity collection]
It’s no secret to anyone who knows me (Josh) that one of my all time favorite bands is Integrity. I have a large Integrity record collection (pictured).  I have an Integrity related tattoo.  Integrity’s music is the perfect blend of sick riffs, dark introspective lyrics, ridiculous legendary hardcore folklore, and cult mysticism. I even love the weird experimental industrial phase. 
 
The lineup changes have haunted Integrity just as hard as any band that has been together for over 20 years, if not harder. But if you’re the type of person who thinks that anything Integ without the Melnicks’ is bullshit, you’re just a jaded old fart or a person who wants to give off the vibe that they are. Dwid has shrouded himself and the brand with the finest musicians and it shows on newer releases like “The Blackest Curse” and “Detonate VVorlds Plague”, which compiles all of the recent 7” material on one LP. 

 
Thanks to the great people at Brass City Boss Sounds, I have the chance to see another rare Integrity performance, which is this coming Saturday, October 1st right here in Connecticut at the El N Gee (Facebook Event Page), which is the same venue they last performed at in CT back in 2005. It’s absolutely crucial that you buy an advanced ticket to this. It will sell out!
 
Some other highlights on this lineup include All Pigs Must Die who feature members of The Hope Conspiracy and Converge, Salvation (Youth Attack Records / Secret Shows) and Shoot To Kill who are probably the most criminally underrated band in the North East.
I also took this opportunity to take some new photos of my  personal Integrity collection since there have been some finds, trades, re-releases and new releases since I last have. Enjoy!
[Please note that if the record is still in the sleeve it’s on black vinyl. All doubles were omitted for the sake of being redundant.]
 
[I’m also looking to sell this for $60.]

Review: INTEGRITY – "THE BLACKEST CURSE"

INTEGRITY – “THE BLACKEST CURSE” CD/LP DEATHWISH INC 2010
(Reviewed by Josh)

For anyone who knows me, it’s no secret that Integrity is one of my
favorite bands. The hard mosh parts, blistering solos, and dark
imagery within the lyrics just totally nail it for me. I also enjoy
the bands more experimental side whether it be the mysticism of Holy
Terror, or singer Dwid Hellion’s various endeavors in noise & film. I
have an Integrity vinyl collection which has grown to be fairly large.

“The Blackest Curse” is the first full length by the band since 2003’s
“To Die For”. Initially announced for release in 2008, this was a long
time coming, but well worth the wait. Keeping in-line with the
secretive nature and dark aesthetic, the album artwork is sparse,
black & white, and comes with no liner note or lyric sheet.

The first song, “Process Of Illumination” starts off in typical Integ
fashion with a sample from a Manson Family member and seems to be
musically influenced by early 90’s Japanese hardcore bands.
“Simulacra” is dripping with so much Slayer-riffage that you get
soaked. “Before the VVorld VVas Young” is an epic track. Coupling
acoustic guitar with Dwid’s brooding apocalyptic whispers, eventually
building into a whirling thrash-filled nightmare while Dwid continues
to cast spells on your ears until it all comes collapsing in on top of
the sheer heaviness of itself. “Invocation Of The Eternally Coiling
Serpent” is another mosh-filled track that demands not to be ignored.
In fact, no tracks should be ignored or regarded as filler material.

I’ve very thankful that the production value is refreshingly dry yet
cohesive. Nothing turns me off faster to a hardcore record then
overproduction. KEEP IT GRIMY NOT GLOSSY. Hardcore is raw. Integrity
is raw. This recording showcases that.

I would say this album is most reminiscent of “Seasons In The Size Of
Days” both in feel and in structure. I hope to hear a few gems off of,
“The Blackest Curse” mixed into the set list of classic material at
the next east coast ritual.