Rise Records and celebrated Boston hardcore quartet American Nightmare recently announce the band’s forthcoming self-titled full-length album. Being released on Friday, 16th February, American Nightmare represents the band’s rise from the ashes, expanding their legacy and reestablishing the band as titans of the genre in the process. The enigmatic act may have only released two full-length albums since forming nearly two decades ago but after temporarily losing their name, changing members and breaking up, the band has returned with a dark hardcore record that pays homage to groups who have always influenced its sound ranging from Negative Approach, SSD, and The Cro-Mags to those extending beyond the realm of hardcore such as Joy Division and Siouxsie And The Banshees. Check out the first track from the album, The World Is Blue.
Recorded in Boston, MA at Mystic Valley Recording Studio by drummer Alex Garcia-Rivera, American Nightmare features vocalist Wes Eishold, bassist Josh Holden, guitarist Brian Masek and Garcia-Rivera who were all part of the last original lineup of the band that disbanded in 2004 (and somehow American Nightmare even got their highly prized band name back after temporarily changing their name to Give Up The Ghost). The album also signifies the first truly collaborative record the band has written with all members contributing to its creation.
Eishold has had success with acts like Cold Cave and Some Girls, however, the vocalist confesses is an interview below that ‘No matter what project I was or am playing in I meet people who connect with AN.’
Check out The World Is Blue below!
Currently living in Los Angeles, we managed to catch up with Eisold as he talked about the upcoming album and more!
How pumped are you for the release of your self-titled album?
We’re ready for the release and to bring it to life live. It’s the hardcore album I always wanted to make.
What is your favourite track from the release?
I like them all but I have a soft spot for Flowers Under Siege. It’s the first hardcore song I wrote the music for. On a ukulele.
How has the release of The World Is Blue been so far?
I don’t pay attention. To me it’s a perfect vicious and poetic anthem. It surpasses my expectations from us. That’s most important.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Sonny Sharrock.
During those years where you broke up, did the band always have a big part in your lives?
Always. I don’t feel different in or out of this band. It’s just an extension of the every day. No matter what project I was or am playing in I meet people who connect with AN.
What was the first gig you attended?
Swirlies and the Lilys. 1993.