Kickback

Kickback is a seminal French hardcore band formed in 1991, widely regarded as one of the most controversial and aggressive entities in the European underground. Their sound identity is defined by a transition from traditional New York Hardcore (NYHC) influences into a bleak, nihilistic fusion of metalcore, sludge, and black metal.

Throughout their career, particularly on albums like 'Forever War' and 'Et le Diable rit avec nous', they cultivated a 'French Scum' persona characterized by extreme misanthropy, hedonism, and a total rejection of the positive 'crew' mentality common in hardcore. Their live performances became legendary for their hostility toward the audience, often resulting in physical altercations. Critically, they are respected for pushing the boundaries of the genre into uncomfortable, avant-garde territory while maintaining a crushing sonic weight. They occupy a unique cultural position as the bridge between the tough-guy aesthetics of 90s metallic hardcore and the more atmospheric, blackened hardcore movements of the 2010s.