Raw Deal represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of New York Hardcore (NYHC). Formed in 1988 by former members of Breakdown (Carl Porcaro, Rich McLoughlin, and Anthony Drago) and Token Entry (Anthony Comunale), the band bridged the gap between the fast, frantic style of early 80s hardcore and the heavier, groove-oriented metallic hardcore of the 90s.
Their tenure was brief; after being signed to In Effect Records, legal threats from a UK metal band forced a name change to Killing Time. Consequently, their recorded output under the Raw Deal moniker consists primarily of influential demos that were later reissued. Their sound is characterized by tight, syncopated rhythm sections and a vocal delivery that prioritized rhythmic aggression over melody. Critically, they are viewed as architects of the 'mosh' sound, influencing peers like Sick Of It All and later acts like Madball. Their legacy is inextricably linked to the CBGB's scene, serving as a primary example of the crossover between punk ethics and metal-influenced technicality.
Shares hardcore punk, alternative metal (subgenres); aggressive, defiant, intense (moods)
Shares aggressive, defiant, intense (moods); lo_fi, live_recording (production style)
Shares hardcore punk, alternative metal (subgenres); aggressive, defiant, intense (moods)
Shares hardcore punk, alternative metal (subgenres); aggressive, defiant, intense (moods)
Shares aggressive, defiant, intense (moods); hardcore punk (subgenres)
Shares aggressive, defiant, intense (moods); lo_fi, live_recording (production style)
Shares aggressive, defiant, intense (moods); hardcore punk, alternative metal (subgenres)
Shares hardcore punk, alternative metal (subgenres); basement_show, dive_bar, urban_night (atmosphere)
Shares hardcore punk, alternative metal (subgenres); aggressive, defiant, intense (moods)
Shares hardcore punk (subgenres); aggressive, defiant, intense (moods)
Shares street-level lyrical grit, hardcore punk, explosive_bursts, alternative metal (detail)
Shares hardcore punk, raw, alternative metal, urgent (signature)
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