Chokehold

Chokehold is a seminal Canadian hardcore band from Hamilton, Ontario, emerging in the early 1990s as a pivotal force in the vegan straight edge (VXSE) movement. Unlike many of their contemporaries who leaned toward conservative or religious 'Hardline' ideologies, Chokehold distinguished themselves through a staunchly anarchist, atheist, and pro-choice political framework.

Their sound was revolutionary for the time, incorporating heavy metallic riffing and slow, sludge-like breakdowns into a traditional hardcore template, a move that initially drew criticism from purists but eventually helped define the 90s metalcore aesthetic. Their discography, particularly 'Prison of Hope' and 'Content With Dying', is cited as a major influence on the 'Holy Terror' and modern metallic hardcore scenes. Critically, they are respected for their lyrical depth, tackling homophobia, religious hypocrisy, and animal rights with a level of nuance and aggression that remains a benchmark for the genre. They represent the bridge between the raw political punk of the 80s and the heavy, metallic soundscapes of the late 90s.