Ελληνικά
The Boston hardcore scene created a tsunami of bands in the early 1980s that came and took everything by storm . Bands that stood out, such as SSD (SS Decontrol), DYS, Jerry’s Kids, The F.U.’s and my very favorite Gang Green, created and grew a movement that was to go down in history as the Boston Hardcore Movement and all the bands that were part of it belonged to the Boston Crew. SSD’s “The Kids Will Have Their Say” (1982) and DYS’s “Brotherhood” (1983) played a crucial role in defining Boston’s early sound: faster, more disciplined, and more aggressive than many other American hardcore scenes of the time (such as those in Los Angeles or Washington).
Somewhere in 1984-1985, many of these pioneering Boston bands had broken up or changed styles. SSD added more metal elements to their compositions, moving towards more metallic sounds, DYS broke up, and the scene in general was fragmented. Boston concerts became smaller and the city’s hardcore reputation diminished nationally. That’s where Slapshot came in.
Formed by Jack “Choke” Kelly (of Negative FX), Steve Risteen/Mark McKay (of Terminally Ill), and Jonathan Anastas (of Decadence and DYS), the band aimed to revive the hardcore ethos of the area, bringing back the intensity and local pride that had faded. This goal was greatly aided by the fact that they individually stood out in this particular scene. Due to the reputations of its members, the band had a relatively high-profile even before its debut. The zine writer Mike Gitter (who was also an A&R executive) wrote “Slapshot is a great live act”, before they had ever played in public. Their debut, “Back on the Map” (1986), was essentially a mission statement to put Boston “back on the map” musically and culturally. Originally released as a 12” EP by Taang! Records (although later reissued and included in various formats), it marked the start of a band with their foot on the gas, making the album an immediate reference point for themselves and the scene in general.
Sonically, the album is simple, but carries a sense of urgency. Songs like the title track “Back on the Map”, “Addiction” and “Where There’s Smoke” showcase the band’s signature combination of dynamic, mosh-ready riffs and catchy vocal hooks that easily become sing-alongs. The short, snappy songs, the careful arrangements and the choruses that make you want to raise your fist are the album’s key points. The rough production and the solid songwriting condense the virtues that hardcore fans value: immediacy, honesty, a sense of belonging. The album’s track listing varies between later editions, while in some cases of CD/LP reissues bonus cuts were added. According to a rumor, Slapshot recorded only at night to save money and completed the EP in four sessions. At the same time, their desire to record on 24 tracks (as opposed to the usual recording on 8 or 16 tracks) helped the EP sound dynamic while still being freshly recorded. What gave Back on the Map its staying power was less a studio sheen and more its clarity of purpose. Slapshot emphasized the creation of an uncompromising hardcore identity shaped by the unique social and musical climate of Boston. The album’s lyrics and mindset resonated with a local scene that valued grit, dedication, and a DIY ethic, qualities that helped the EP become a staple in local gigs and underground circles.
Historically, writers and historians of the scene point out that Slapshot (and this debut album in particular) played a crucial role and factor in defining what became known as “Boston hardcore” – a more aggressive offshoot of punk that emphasized on community as well as confrontation. While the record didn’t chart in the mainstream, its influence travelled through word of mouth, tape trading and relentless touring: formats and pressings on Taang! and later reissues kept the EP in circulation among new generations of listeners.
As Slapshot announced their retirement in late 2024, this is your last and for some of you the only chance to enjoy them perform live. So whether you have already seen them or not, do yourself a favor and come to Larissa and Thessaloniki to honor them. More specifically, in Larissa they will perform on November 10 with Overpain and Cruciate at Circus Entertainment, while in Thessaloniki they will perform a day later, on November 11 at the Eightball Club.
