'Murican Nightmare

Seriously, one of the best hardcore bands ever. Let's not pretend like this is even a debate. It's funny, as people tend to shit on Give up the Ghost (American Nightmare, once they had to change their name after Background Music was released) but I honestly thought that We're Down 'Til We're Underground was incredible. I'm not talking about an LP today though, today it is all about that self titled 7'' 

This was released by Bridge 9, and is considered a massive high point in both the label and band's respective catalogue. Plus, the packaging here is so on point and it looks incredible. This is from the 3rd press (/900) to my knowledge, and I probably will never pursue a full collection of this record. The first two presses, as amazing as they look (some have some really cool tour exclusive colours and packaging) are way too expensive to buy unless you were around at the time to at least grab a few variants. I would essentially be starting from scratch, but I was about seven years old when this came out. I'm more than happy with this copy right here. 

Back cover and B-side. 

First super cool thing about this 7''. The top photo shows the band name, and this is where it's from. It's a belly band that fits around the record. 

Back of the belly band showing the track list. I wouldn't imagine many labels at the time were doing stuff like this. But at the time, I don't think may labels could touch Bridge 9 either. Seriously, if you're around my age (do the maths) and not too familiar with hardcore, have a look at what this label was up to back then. They're still kicking it fairly solid now. 

Once the belly band is removed, the sleeve opens up and you get some more art and lyrics/ thank you's etc. The lyrical content here is so dark, emotive, and the sound was a complete game changer. It still sounds super fresh today, and most modern hardcore doesn't even come close. 

I do have another variant of this mind. This was the fourth and final press of this record. I believe this was /600 and obviously comes with some very different artwork to the 3rd press. I picked these up from the same seller in one go. It looks like the vinyl is from the same 3rd press, making a total of 1500, but the cover apparently counts it to a separate press. The 'Marching Band' art was designed by Linas Garsys, who did a bunch of design work for American Nightmare shirts/ flyers etc. He may even have drawn the iconic 'Angel' AN logo. Either way, he ran Malfunction Records too, who put out the American Nightmare demo. 

Back cover, B Side labels and track-list. Nothing much to say about this I guess, it's a great design and remarkably different from the previous press. But seriously, this record is a collector's dream, if you have the income for it. My copies of this are kind of entry level, and i'm sure there are dudes out there with a way better collection of this 7''. But i'll let you do the hunting if you are so inclined. I romanticise this era of hardcore way too much. But I truly believe that this would have been just as exciting to be a part of as early 80's DC. Truly an innovative and progressive time for hardcore. Ahhh, what it is to be young. If any UK dudes are emptying their collection of American Nightmare/ early 2000's hardcore; my knowledge is way bigger than my physical representation on the subject. Hit me up. 

I have a great story on how I was introduced to this band, and how my eyes were essentially opened up to hardcore. But that's a story for another time. 

Thanks for reading