A Brutal Banger from the Streets of New Jersey

Alright, listen up. If you haven’t heard of Chemical-X, you’re missing out on one of the most aggressive, unapologetically raw hardcore punk bands to come out of New Jersey in a while. Their debut full-length, DAZE OF HATE, just dropped and let me tell you—this album is everything you love about East Coast hardcor/punk and then some. These guys bring the heat like they’ve been soaked in gasoline and set on fire. Cranked up to 11, no gimmicks, no frills—just straight-up shit..

In 2023, Chemical-X dropped their EP No High Hopes, No Reserves, and yeah, it had that raw, no-bullshit vibe you expect from hardcore punk. But this album? It’s like they’ve been spending nights in the basement perfecting their sound and turning their anger into the kind of anthems that make you want to smash stuff and shout “fuck you” to the world.

Twelve tracks that punch you in the gut, and you’ll be feeling the sting long after. From the minute you hit play, you’re hit with that East Coast hardcore vibe—fast, furious, and in-your-face via Phameless Records. These guys are all about the unfiltered truth and calling out the bullshit of today. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s everything you’d expect from a band that’s inspired by the likes of Black Flag, Descendents, T.S.O.L., and ALL. But it’s got that specific New Jersey bite—fierce, unpolished, and relentless.

The album kicks off with “September,” and damn, if the opening lyrics don’t just hit you in the chest. “We don’t need your validation,” they scream, and honestly? You feel that. Chemical-X isn’t here for your approval, and they’re more than happy to remind you that all your Instagram likes won’t save you from the harsh truths they’re throwing down. It’s the kind of track that’ll have you fist-pumping and yelling “fuck yeah” from the second it hits. They ain’t asking for permission to exist—they’re just here to wreck shit and speak their minds.

Then there’s “Flaming Youth,” a perfect anthem for anyone who’s had enough of the 9-to-5 grind. Clocking out late, barely giving a damn, and just living for the next cheap thrill—if you’ve ever had that “who cares, let’s burn it all down” mentality, this one’s your jam. The energy is contagious, and it’ll have you hyped up, ready to flip the bird at the man and kick back with your crew.

Their penultimate track called “Stain” is another gut punch, calling out the fake, self-righteous assholes who think they can trample everyone else just to make themselves feel better. The lyrics are savage, the delivery is tight, and the fury is palpable. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to point at someone in the crowd and say, “Yeah, this one’s for you.”

Produced by Rich Bukowski and mixed by Anthony Glavan, DAZE OF HATE sounds exactly like it should—raw, grimy, and full of grit. The sound is aggressive but polished enough to make every riff and scream hit just right. It’s definitely a love letter to the golden era of hardcore, but also a snapshot of what punk sounds like in 2000—unfiltered, loud, and pissed off.

In a scene where too many bands are playing it safe or watering things down, Chemical-X is the punch to the face that we needed. They don’t give a damn about trends or playing to the mainstream—they’re here to bring the real, the raw, and the rebellious. DAZE OF HATE is a must-listen for anyone who wants to remember what hardcore punk is all about: defiance, rage, and the will to destroy everything that stands in your way. Go grab a copy HERE.

Chemical-x members:

Adam Avila – Vocals 

J.C. Baltodano – Bass

Jaden Mangino – Guitar

Scott Mangino – Drums 

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