CRUCIAL CHANGE - "SO IT BEGINS" (American Oi! on the Warpath, Legion 33 are back.) *** Album of the year!!! ***

CRUCIAL CHANGE 

- 

"SO IT BEGINS"

Hey folks, finally something really valuable is coming up here again. This month was so far pretty silent, I know, but that's due to the fact that the real life crossed right through my plans again and again the last days and weeks... the old story of work and real life duties, again and again, you all know... so enough of the introducing small talking right here and now, instead of this back to the topic and this is nothing else than my review on the current, new, and this year's CRUCIAL CHANGE release that carries the title "SO IT BEGINS" and that was released a few months ago - and this after, if you ask me, far too many years of waiting for it... but anyhow, it's finally out and that's all what matters in the end. It is released on vinyl by "THIS MEANS WAR" records and on CD by "CROWD CONTROL MEDIA" records, and the LP version is also released as a special edition with a very different (but also very great) Pagan/Viking style artwork. I own the regular LP version (as you can see above) and also the CD version and I will review here and now both, one after the other. Before you now ask why just let me say that the CD version also contains their great "MOURNING IN AMERICA" EP that's also released on vinyl and that was released more or less shortly after their "SO IT BEGINS" album, so you see, it makes sense to review both releases instead of just mentioning the two different release formats. 

Ah, and now to something very important before we finally come to review the album: A big THANKS goes out to Tyler/CRUCIAL CHANGE for sending me the CD, fucking GREAT of YOU man, so THX VERY MUCH for it!!! 

Okay, and now with this said finally straight into the action, here we go!!!

"SO IT BEGINS - The fight for your nation, the fight to save your land.

 SO IT BEGINS - The battle lines are drawn, all factions make their stand.

 SO IT BEGINS - The lies and the violence have come home to roost.

SO IT BEGINS!

 SO IT BEGINS - We're gonna make them pay for all the things they've done.

 SO IT BEGINS - Standing side by side, our hearts they beat as one.

 SO IT BEGINS - No longer do we sleep, the people have awoke.

SO IT BEGINS!

 SO IT BEGINS - Destiny's the reason, the tyrants set the stage.

 SO IT BEGINS - Betrayed our people, feel our hearts of rage.

 SO IT BEGINS - The night begins to fade, Old Glory to the sky.

SO IT BEGINS!

STANDING TO DEFEND!"

(CRUCIAL CHANGE - "SO IT BEGINS")



CRUCIAL CHANGE - "SO IT BEGINS"

CRUCIAL CHANGE - "SO IT BEGINS"

("THIS MEANS WAR" Records; LP - limited red vinyl edition):

Waited by far too long for it, I mean it has been five damn long years since their great last album "33" was released, back then still via the german label "DIM RECORDS", and even I know that life is life and also that all costs money, I know, but man, damn it, I mean five damn years... I even doubted for a while that CRUCIAL CHANGE would be still around, hahaha ;-) , so you now may have a pretty good impression of how curious I was to finally see this album being released and I bought it direct and promptly... and what shall I say... five years are a long time and people who live a real life can change drastically in five years... and when this guys play in bands it's only normal or natural when also this bands then change... and so when I first saw the artwork and the band pictures of the new album I was pretty surprised... The album cover is a sort of a tribute or homage to the iconic N.W.A., the founding fathers of what is known since then as Gangsta Rap, and bandpictures that show the sympathic and authentic guys of CRUCIAL CHANGE wearing Baseball caps, sunglasses, in parts ''full beard'', and casual streetwear as well as sitting on cool Hot Rod or maybe better Lowrider styled cars, and no Boots & Braces, no Skinhead Way of Life or Oi! Band shirts, no Harrington jackets of "our" beloved brands, no tattoos, no shaved heads crop no. # one, and also no waving flags or anything like this. My first impression or thought was like: "Man, what's going on?" But keep in mind that five years are a pretty long distance to walk, hm, and in my individual case keep in mind that I by myself went through sort of strong and certain changes over the last five or six years, and so it was no shock moment, but a moment that made me even more curious, curious for the songs, the music, as well as the lyrics and the message, curious about/for the complete album, and so heavily excited I used to put the needle down and the LP started to spin for the first time... and then it happened right from the first notes, the damn album conquered me all the way and this in a by far more than "only" dominant way. So, one step after the other and so now first to the most important part of it: The songs and the music.

CRUCIAL CHANGE - "RIGHTEOUS HAND"

(I.) The songs, the music: Keepin' the pretty massive changes in the artwork and bandpictures in mind I can calm every CRUCIAL CHANGE fan's mood down, because they definitely worked no Gangsta Rap influences into their music ;-) and also they did not moved into any sort of Hardcore styled direction, no, they sticked true to their approach - even they definitely improved and cultivated their style and music in a massive way, and they also enriched it with some nice little but strong fresh ideas like great new rhythm structures and nice varying surprises in the pace architecture of the songs, as well as a even more harder and heavier harsh punch right and straight into your face, even heavier and even harder that before. And also I truly love to hear CRUCIAL CHANGE playing a style of (American) Oi! music that's also on the musical level free of/from any well-known Oi! clichés. No ongoing Oi! Oi! Oi! chantings, no sweet Streetpunk flirtings, no copying of any old ones and what they've done thrity years ago, no annoying over-used sing-a-longs for the cheap entertainment of the listeners, no hand clapping, no on and on singing never ending crew back up chantings, no gruff and grim cookeymonster growling and shouting vocals as lead singing, no anyhow done musical flirtings with the "Spirit of 1969" or anything like this, no, expect nothing of this to happen here - and even also today I surely very often still do love this mentioned clichés when they are done good and fresh (and often they are done so, but even more often they are done in a terrible annoying way every little while because you can easily disguise a lack of talent and creativity with using them on and on again and the drunken crowd cheers up to it, so why change it... yes, exactly because of this...), I definitely love it even more when I hear and see a band with the guts, the class, the skills, the attitude, and the character to change and walk their won ways and not caring for such stereotypes and instead of this doing their very own thing, and CRUCIAL CHANGE have all what it takes to walk their own way, and they know it and even more they know how to do it - and so, yes, they definitely do it. So expect dustdry played facecracking and bonesmashing forceful heavy guitars that drive the songs in a mercyless and hard way forward and yet still working great anthemic and hymnal approaches and arrangements into the songs and that offer beside the really heavy and in a great organic and natural way damn hard riffs great catchy melody and lead lines as well as also some outstanding effective and powerful solo lines that enrich the songs heavily and make them all really round and complete - and really HUGE. Beside the guitars the bass playing is in a very strong shining way present and sort of dominant and making the songs really broad and even more heavier, and this also in a pretty earthy and natural and also nicely dirty way, and I love especially that the bass is played in such a forceful way and that you are easily aware of it over all the distance of the songs and the whole album. The drums then march and stomp massively forward, backing the music perfectly up and giving them the final punch to become real smashers that take any- and everything but hell no definitely no prisoners, and I truly like it very much that the drums are done very limber, I mean they are very powerful and totally tight and precise in time but all without being in an impelled or pressured way intrusive facile heavy, and that's just damn great, point and fact. And above all there are Tyler's vocals, one of the strongest, hardest and yet really sung and so also totally charismatic and also damn aggressive lead singing voices that you can only find and Tyler with his vocals is really giving it all the crown, ah, and of course some or better surely a lot of smart and clever placed and timed loud and proud crew back ups beefing it all up in a great and massive way. This is hard smashing, rough'n'tough, sharp aiming'n'shooting, heavy hitting, harsh stomping, and just sheer force- and powerful American made Brickwall Oi! of the highest class and without any clichés but instead of this with a own heart and soul, character and identity, and of an incredible high class of quality. And it is also especially the heart and the soul that gives this album, this songs and music the fresh and far out breath of life that streaks through the songs and finally really brings them to life. To compare CRUCIAL CHANGE with any other bands makes no real sense this day anymore to me but just let me say that if you are (also) into bands like for example the YOUTH DEFENSE LEAGUE, maybe some RED, WHITE & BLUE, and also BEST DEFENSE and can imagine a band doing some style more or less close to the mentioned great ones of old but this in a very self-contained stand alone way and also in a very fresh and in a all positive meant modern way than make sure to check CRUCIAL CHANGE and their new album out, just in case you maybe haven't done so already. This is just totally fantastic stuff, period. And now the next important things: The lyrics and the message.

CRUCIAL CHANGE - "AMERICAN HEART"

(II.) The lyrics, the message: And here the drastic changes that the artwork already announces come through even clearer than in the music. But also here one step after the other. It's not like they changed their personality or character, no, they stayed true, and also sticked true to their lyrical approach. But their lyrics are done on an even higher level of quality than before, and are even more thoughtful than before, and also even more critical, gladiatorial and battle-scarred, and also more political than before, very outspoken and upright, Working Class, patriotic and at the same time also straight right up anti-racist and anti-fascist, and this even more outspoken direct than on earlier albums. Also critical on the religion of Islam and all the fucked up fascist excesses we all can see and experience of it, which means the Islam, worldwide, and this gives them even more points in my book, because not many bands would have the guts to do that, and even less bands would or anyhow could do this on such a skilled and thoughtful level like CRUCIAL CHANGE do it, without any use and abuse of bullshit right wing stereotypes or clichés of "critizing" Islam, and this is just perfect. Beside their political and critical lyrics we get also again a very strong Paganism/Odinism song, the phenomenal "THE WANDERER" (music-wise and lyric-wise one of my total favorites on "SO IT BEGINS"), but then... no, you will find no Skinhead anthems, Oi! Oi! Oi! hymns, no fuck politics, Crucified Skinhead, or what the hell else ever songs and lyrics... instead of this we "just" get "YOUTH": Sort of nostalgic review on the short cropped days of youth and at the same time also a big middle finger right and straight into the face of what has become out of Skinhead and Oi! in the largest parts of the scene over the years right up to the present day, it's sort of a desolate and frustrated swan song on the Skinhead'n'Oi! scenery of today and the state it's in, as well as a nostalgic view on the innocent naive days of youth, and a proud and self-contained outlook for the future and view on the own current person without carrying any banners and without wearing or needing any labels to define yourself anymore. And this makes "YOUTH" to just a phenomenal song (also music-wise), and the perfect proof of how far CRUCIAL CHANGE moved on over the distance of the last passed five years, because it's a song that would have been unthinkable of five years ago, and so it's a very fine and perfect example of CRUCIAL CHANGE in 2014 - and maybe also an important roadmark on the road into the future of the band, we will see. So, okay, and now finally to what came off too short so far: "All the rest".

CRUCIAL CHANGE - "YOUTH"

(III.) "All the rest": The album "SO IT BEGINS" comes in a great organic, earthy, natural, dirty, and yet very heavy and powerful production sound that's a perfect match to/with the music/songs, and the artwork then not only sticks out for an Oi! album and Oi! band but it is also just a true beauty because it simple rocks and is also really fresh air. If you want to know what are my personal favorites, okay, then let me first say that... every damn single song is purest platinum, period... but if you want to know which songs personally for me shine even a little bit brighter and stronger than let me say that you from my point of view best start to discover "SO IT BEGINS" with the title track "SO IT BEGINS" itself as well as "LAND OF MY FATHERS", "AMERICAN HEART", "OUR STAKE", "THE WANDERER", "YOUTH", and "RIGHTEOUS HAND", and make sure to play it loud and to have enough room to start your one man pit in your living room.

All in all this is an album that demolishes my rating scala because I would have to give it sort of 12 out of 10 points if not 15 out of 10 points to be just to it. But after this is not how things with a rating scale work I will just add a * to the rating to demonstrate the phenomenal class of "SO IT BEGINS" and the stand-alone place and character that it holds for me, without a single doubt, point and fact. And that also on a personal level, because as far as I love their fantastic music also their lyrics speak from deep down out of my heart and soul with expressing many (political and critical) views that come as close to mine as it is only possible for a band outta there and also especially their song "YOUTH" describes in a sort of perfect way my own development and how I see "things" today and how I saw this "things" once... it's a surprisingly great matching lyrical expression of my own development as a person over the last five or six years or so, and this only makes me hail them even more. So, okay, I think for now I really said enough so and so right here and now and before I will do my review on the CD version of "SO IT BEGINS" as well I will now give you my rating on it and just let me point out one more thing straight and direct and outspoken again: 2014 saw really incredible many just amazing albums of so many different fantastic bands and of so many different kinds of music out there, but this little one here, this stand-alone awesome masterpiece titled "SO IT BEGINS" of the almighty CRUCIAL CHANGE really is, and so much I can tell already here and now also with still having some weeks to go before 2014 will be done, nothing else than my album of the year, and I will close this lines here and now with saying: THE LEGION STANDING PROUD. HAIL VICTORY! ALL HAIL CRUCIAL CHANGE! Cheers & Oi! Oi! Oi! /// Andy

(Rating: 10* of 10 points)

(Award: MANSLAUGHTER THUG LIFE album of the year 2014.)

Pagan shirt of "SO IT BEGINS".

CRUCIAL CHANGE - "OUR STAKE"

And now here comes my review on the CD release of "SO IT BEGINS":

CRUCIAL CHANGE - "SO IT BEGINS" & "MOURNING IN AMERICA"

("CROWD CONTROL MEDIA" Records; CD):

So here's now the CD version of "SO IT BEGINS", waiting to be finally reviewed as well, okay, and so here we go, reviewing it, too, especially because the CD version of the albums contains also the pretty much brand new three track EP "MOURNING IN AMERICA", and that's by far reason enough to do a proper review on it alone, no matter if the LP version was already reviewed or not, and so, again, here we go one more time. On this little silver shining disc we find the whole album that we find also on the vinyl plus the three mentioned single tracks. So what shall I say or write here and now more to or about the album that I haven't already said respectively written above. This is my personal album of or for 2014 due to the fact that it is packed up full completly with killer songs and killer music as well as it is enriched by really great lyrics and it is coming in one hell of an atrtwork'n'production sound package, all on a level simply not reached by others and it is also from my personal point of view their by far best material to date, and also (like above already said) also this albums means hell a lot to me on a, hm, okay, let us say on a personal level (simply because I can't describe it any better, but I think you get what I am saying), so expect to find all the ripping and ruling killer tunes from start to finish, the demolishing powerful guitars that also shine with great leads and melody lines, the overwhelming great lead vocals, the beefy and bulky crew back up chants, the forceful and very present bass playing, and the harsh stomping battle drums, and also expect all the hymns from start to finish, from "SO IT BEGINS" and "LAND OF MY FATHERS" over "AMERICAN HEART" and "THE WANDERER" to "YOUTH" and "RIGHTEOUS HAND", and also be sure to enjoy the great artwork, that even was slightly overworked so that it even looks a little bit more cool than the LP original, and be also sure to enjoy also the first class production sound, that's a hard and yet very earthy perfect match to/with the music. Yes, be sure to get all this. (And after I've wrote about it all already right above I won't go in it here and now anymore.) But be sure to also get even more, and here comes the "MOURNING IN AMERICA" three track vinyl single into play that is featured as a bonus here on this disc, so that you get the three brandnew tracks "MOURNING IN AMERICA", "THIS FORCE", and "WHO LAUGHS LAST?" on here added to the tracks of the "SO IT BEGINS" album. While the album was (at least over here in Germany) released some time around April or May the single was for all what I know (or think to know) released by the end of this summer respectively the beginning of autumn, so just some few short months ago from now, and so this three new songs are what you may can easily call brandnew tracks. And this brandnew tracks really know how to shine like the whole new album, maybe even a little bit more (even this seems to be not that possible after all, and this seperates the greatest from "just" great bands), and this due to the even more dominant and present really singing lead guitar lines that cultivate the songs even more and give them an even more hymnal or anthemic approach, and what I really like or better love is how great it's all arranged, because the leads really interact in a perfect match way with the great lead singing and the lead vocal lines, so that the new songs truly really, really shine even a bit brighter than their songs on their full length already did. I would love to see them go on in this direction (of the album as well as of the single and with that strong focus on the leads and the guitar work in general) in the future of their existence as the band CRUCIAL CHANGE (and hopefully it will be a ongoing long running future). Beside this they sticked with and stayed true to their style and approach of music like above described, and all hail them for doing so. Lyricwise the three new tracks are even more outspoken political on a very high level of class and quality, very reflected and thoughtful without any dumb and stupid brainwashed as well as brainwashing stereotypes and clichés and prejudices, instead of this really quality lyric(s), and that's something that I also really love, their lyrics simply give me so much, and that they somehow seem to see things in very similar lights than I do see many things make their lyrics to really speak-outs right from deep down out of my heart, and personally that's just even more great. But also if you not share their views, because I mean why should you (everyone has his/her own experiences and so on, and so views can and do differ a lot, and that's just totally right and fine with me, life would be boring if this would be different and we all would be "equal" in a totally assimilated, unwanted, and boring way and sense), I am very sure that you will appreciate a band delivering lyrics of that outspoken kind on such a first calss, thoughtful, reflected, and also authentic level. Perfect, period. After all I think finally I've said so far really every- and anything what I had to say about "SO IT BEGINS" and so with this words I will now come to the final lines of this (very, very long) review article and will be finally coming to the close of it. This here simply and definitely and without a doubt is my album of/for 2014, and even 2014 saw many great bands and artists coming up with their new albums and most of this new albums were damn great and amazing records this very one here shines clearly above them all, and the "MOURNING IN AMERICA" single added up to the "SO IT BEGINS" album takes away nothing from it, hell no, instead of this the total opposite is the case, if anything. So my rating definitely remains, and my final words: Don't miss out on it, you would regret it badly. CRUCIAL CHANGE are really one of the few very damn best bands around, and this not only of and in American Oi! in particular or Oi! in general, nah, they are one of the few very damn best and greatest bands around no matter out of what particular genre of music, and I can not highly recommend this fantastic new album full of timeless highest quality (American Oi!) music enough, so come on and go out and get it as soon as possible if you still shouldn't have it already. Definitely (very) soon to be classic album!!! ALL HAIL CRUCIAL CHANGE!!! Cheers & Oi! Oi! Oi! /// Andy
(Rating: 10* of 10 points)
(Award: MANSLAUGHTER THUG LIFE album of the year 2014.)

CRUCIAL CHANGE - "MOURNING IN AMERICA"

CRUCIAL CHANGE - "INTO THE FIRE"

(Band contact I:  https://www.facebook.com/crucialchange04?fref=ts)

(Band contact II:  http://crucialchange.bigcartel.com/)

(Label contact I: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ThisMeansWar-Records/163716930355776?fref=ts)

(Label conatct II: https://www.facebook.com/crowdcontrolmedia?fref=ts)

 

 

(Note: Seems like Blogger is refusing to do what I say and want it to do, but okay, it's an old story, we're used to it, so just open a new tab, and then copy the links above into your browser headline and then just go there and support the band and the labels.)

CRUCIAL CHANGE - "LEGION 33"

You are born free! The light of your nation, to fight's your destiny! You know the price, how many paid the cost! You won't stand to see: Your nation lost!

Hey guys,

finally here it is and I can't tell ya how proud I am to present this interview to you!!! You want to know of what interview I'm talking right now? It's about this one here, with the fantastic and outshining American Oi! band of the name of CRUCIAL CHANGE from Seattle. I asked Ryan of CRUCIAL CHANGE and the "THE SPIRIT OF YESTERDAY" blog if a CRUCIAL CHANGE interview would be possible, and he said yes, of course, alright. Then Tyler get in contact with me and up and going the interview had been. Now it took a little bit longer than planned to put it online, to be honest it should have been online for two weeks now, but I just didn't managed to get it done due to a huge lack of free time. Sorry guys, but now things are standing better. So, yes, I'm fuckin' happy and damn proud that I now can present this interview to you, 'cause CRUCIAL CHANGE are one of my absolutely favorite bands!!! Great music, 100% authentic and sympathic attitude, a real and forceful mentality, brilliant lyrics and messages, and really with every and each single song they have something important to tell to us and that's just fantastic and really a rarity these days. They took me by storm with their precursor record "AMERICAN MADE", and their current "33" release is also just awesome!!! So, yeahr, here it comes, a great interview with a great band, read it and then check them out and support the 'LEGION 33'!!! A really big THANX A LOT goes out to Tyler for putting so much time and effort in it, great work mate, keep in touch!!! I won't tell ya anymore about it, 'cause that's something Tyler himself can and will do so much better with this interview than I ever could. And now comes the interview for ya, enjoy it!!!

*** AMERICAN Oi! from Seattle ***

CRUCIAL CHANGE

*** Show no fear to the horrors of night, drug pushers and pimps: Waste of life! Bleed my city fill my people with fear, but I take a stand you're not welcome here! ***

01.) Hey guys, THANX a lot for doing this interview. After your two great longplayers "AMERICAN MADE" and "33" it's really a pleasure and a honour for me to get the chance to do it!!! So first of all, how are things these days in the camp of the 'LEGION 33'?!?

Thanks for the interview Andy. Things are good in the 'LEGION 33' camp, very busy. We are currently releasing "33" on vinyl through "Oi! AIN'T RED RECORDS" out of Germany and the French label "MALTKROSS" released "33" on limited edition tape with new cover artwork. As far as recording goes, we have a new album ready to go (That sounds fuckin' great! - Manslaughter Andy) and will be hitting the studio in the next couple of months. Look for a new release in early 2011.

02.) Hm, did I get a wrong impression, or are you nowadays just only a two piece band?!? Seems like in Seattle the local scene is not that full of reliable guys who can play an instrument. A wrong impression?!? Where's your drum player gone?!? Ah, and most important, please introduce yourself to the readers and me, so that we all know who's got the word right now!!!

This is Tyler Busik (vocals/guitar) for CRUCIAL CHANGE. We are currently back to a three piece band, but had a period for a few months when we were in between drummers. Our studio material featured Scott Michael on drums and now Brett Carroll has joined CRUCIAL CHANGE. We are very excited with this current line-up which consists of myself, Ryan Gillespie on bass and Brett on drums. Seattle has many reliable musicians, but not too many that would be interested in playing in CRUCIAL CHANGE, haha.

03.) You are around for quite a while already, so just give us a little insight view in the life and the history of the band CRUCIAL CHANGE, right from the beginning up to the present day. And tell us something about the motivation why you’ve founded the band once, and did anything change to the present day?!?

I formed CRUCIAL CHANGE in 2004 and self released some material called "SHUTDOWN".  At this time the lineup consisted of myself, Ramon Alvine on bass and Tamon Fujimi on drums.  Tamon was a great drummer, but was here as a student from Japan and could no longer stay in Seattle.  I have since lost touch with him and Ramon left the band not long after.  When I first formed CRUCIAL CHANGE our music was very much influenced by Old School Hardcore like the CRO-MAGS and AGNOSTIC FRONT.  That was the music that was popular to young skinheads in my area.  It was not until later that I fell in love with the European Oi! bands, and our sound has really reflected this from that day on.  In 2006 Stephie Reckless joined us on Bass and Brandon Thibeaut on drums.  With this lineup "AMERICAN MADE" was released on "DIM RECORDS" in 2006.  I also released this on limited edition cd through my label "NUKE AND PAVE RECORDS".  Stephie was not able to travel with us when we toured the West Coast with UK band CRASHED OUT, so Ryan Gillespie stepped in on bass.  I had taught Ryan years ago to play and we had always been best friends.  After the tour Stephie and Brandon left the band and Ryan and Sam Cook from the Seattle punk band Oi! CONTROL joined us on drums.  We played many shows with this lineup and shared the stage with acts like MURPHY'S LAW, THE TEMPLARS and IRON CROSS.  It was around this time that I began to become disillusioned with the Seattle Skinhead scene.  The politically correct side of the scene had become so out of control that violence was a constant presence at every show.  I began to find myself at odds with this ideology of making everyone you did not know an enemy of the scene and soon no one wanted anything to do with CRUCIAL CHANGE including many of the Skins in Seattle.  Things really came to a head when we brought IRON CROSS out for a Seattle show and it turned into a near riot when we took the stage.  Since then we have gained many new fans to our following and our true friends have stuck with us.  I could go into much more detail about the scene and it's issues, but that would be pages, haha.

04.)  You are from Seattle… damn, I know of really no other Oi! or Skinhead or at least Hardcore band from there, haha;-). So, it would be great if you could give the readers and me a little introduction to your local/regional scene up there!!! Ah, when I think of Seattle when it comes to music I just have to think about this whole Grunge hype crap, haha;-). Did you ever listened to it?!? I mean, it made Seattle famous worldwide!!! And how often had you been visiting the grave of Kurt Cobain over the years;-)?!?

You are very right about Seattle.  There have been other bands who have used the Skinhead image from this area like THE BUTCHERS, who featured Carl Templar on guitar but that was more of a side project and had a very rock and roll sound.  There are currently Oi! bands around Seattle, but I use that term loosely.  These acts embrace more of the 'Street Rock' thing and shy away from making proud American Skinhead music.  That has always been our niche and we are proud of this.  These bands are only interested in talking of drinking, fighting and pretending they like soccer or football.  Grunge certainly was a huge presence in Seattle and I would be lying if I said I never listened to some of those acts as a young kid.  ALICE IN CHAINS, NIRVANA, etc. were everywhere and that is what everyone listened to. (And yes, to be honest, it wasn't the worst music at all and it hadn't been the worst bands at all. - Manslaughter Andy) Today Seattle is filled with shitty Indie/Emo music that is down right terrible.  Grunge was not the best, but much better than this total shit. (That's true! - Manslaughter Andy)  I have actually never visited the grave of Kurt Cobain, but it is just a few miles from my house.

05.) At a later point of this interview we will come back and talk a little bit more intense of the Seattle scene, but later. What I would like to know: Am I wrong, or is your band named after an old CRO-MAGS vers?!?

You are very right Andy, I named CRUCIAL CHANGE after the CRO-MAGS song "HARD TIMES":  "It's time we gotta make a Crucial Change!"

06.) You guys are through and through real Skinheads, and so I think I am asking the right band how it is to grow up as a Skinhead in the States?!? How and when did you first came in contact with the world of short hair, heavy boots, and hard stomping music, and how was your socialization as a Skinhead in the subculture of the scene as well as in the mainstream culture of society, and what has changed?!?

I first came into contact with the Skinhead scene years ago after getting into Hardcore/Punk music.  I was a kid listening to Punk Rock and gradually discovered acts like the CRO-MAGS, AGNOSTIC FRONT, SLAPSHOT, YOUTH DEFENSE LEAGUE, etc. and found that this musical outlook suited me far better than other genres of Punk.  That is how things were in the States and the scene in Seattle was fairly small, but at this time was somewhat unified.  I began going to shows and hanging out with many of the older Skins in Seattle that had been here since the 80's and it was great for a time.  Since there were no Skin bands in Seattle we would go to Punk shows when bands came through and were always a presence.  In America the perception of Skinhead culture is much the same as in other parts of the world, but the mainstream society here seems to even be more biased against it.  The United States has a smaller Skinhead scene compared to many countries in Europe and the general public almost exclusively sees you as some type of Nazi or Racist. 

07.)  What bands had influenced you the most back in the days to grab a guitar or a bass or a microphone and start hammering out your own music?!? And what would you say, are this primary influences and inspirations still important to you, or what are nowadays more important influences and inspirations to you?!?

As I said previously the first bands that really inspired us were East Coast Hardcore bands and Old School Punk bands like THE MISFITS, etc.  By the time we started seriously playing I fell in love with Oi! bands like BLITZ, ANGELIC UPSTARTS and later many German acts like ENDSTUFE and BÖHSE ONKELZ and classic French bands like BRUTAL COMBAT and EVIL SKINS.  These bands had a huge impact on us and helped form the CRUCIAL CHANGE sound to this day, surpassing the Hardcore acts that first gave us our influence.

08.) Hm, after you seem to be currently just an two piece band, how do we have to imagine your rehearsal sessions, how do you write songs, and is it maybe a problem that you do have currently no consistent drummer, or how do we have to imagine it?!?

Well, Ryan and myself practice on a regular basis and now more often with our new drummer Brett.  It is not bad to practice as a two-piece though, because I can play drums and Ryan can play guitar.  We jam out new songs and simply are missing the bass, haha.  We know how each other plays since we grew up learning instruments together.

09.) You are playing a very hard stomping pure brickwall style of American Oi!, I think with a lot of good old great American Oi! spirit in it, but also coming with a lot of british and also german Oi! and Skinhead Rock influences in it. I’ve described you in my review of your “33” record as a very stand-alone and just great mixture out of CONDEMNED 84, the YOUTH DEFENSE LEAGUE, RED, WHITE & BLUE, the early BÖHSE ONKELZ (and also to name ENDSTUFE), as well as of some very few old school Skinhead Hardcore the CRO-MAGS style. If you can’t live with it, then now you’ve the chance to set things straight and correct, haha;-)!!! Where and what would you say had been and are the main cornerstones of your music?!?

I could not have said it better myself man.  We definitely gain a lot of our sound from Old School hard German acts like BÖHSE ONKELZ and ENDSTUFE as well as having an unmistakably American Sound influenced by the likes of YOUTH DEFENSE LEAGUE, STARS & STRIPES and definitely classic Brit acts like both C84s.  I have always tended to like more melodic Oi! acts who still kept a hard sound.  That is why many of the German acts were so appealing to us.  Their music was catchy Punk Rock, but at the same time with powerful distorted guitars that were very reminiscent of the Hardcore acts we grew up with.

10.) So, now we're coming to your records. Three or four short questions to your “AMERICAN MADE” release, and then we will be coming to your current release, the great “33” album!!! So, now to the “AMERICAN MADE” record first: Two of my favorite songs on it are “SOLDIER” and “PEACE”, great tracks, no matter if you take the lyrics or the music. So now a little bit more precise to the lyrics. “SOLDIER” is drawing a very dark picture, as well as of the brutal reality of war, as of course and especially of the situation of society at home, when you sing “BOMBED OUT BUILDINGS AND BURNING CARS / DON’T LOOK MUCH DIFFERENT THAN HIS HOME”. Very drastic words, so tell us something about how does look the home of the american soldiers right now today after the ‘big change’ of the presidency of Obama!!!

When I wrote the song "SOLDIER" the American government had really began to amp up the efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan and things were becoming very tragic.  We are a patriotic band, but never supported these wars.  I believe America should build a stronger nation by staying out of unnecessary foreign conflicts.  Referring to the line you mentioned in "SOLDIER" the armed forces in the US are predominately made of the poorest members of our society.  They have been kicked around and abused by the upper class of this country, who has the interest in these wars, and some of the lands they fight in do not look much different than some of America's poorest neighborhoods.  So many problems in our nation are issues of class and that has always been an American story.  As a working person in this nation you can't find adequate housing, education or health care, but you most certainly can go get your head blown off by some Muslim in a land we have no business being in.  As for Obama, nothing has changed.  He is just another out of touch politician who thinks he knows what is best for the people of this nation.  We are still bogged down in wars and our economy is worse than ever.  Whether the president is a 'liberal' or 'conservative' the outcome for the common man is always the same.  Not until the working people of this country take control of this system, will we ever see real change.

11.) Next song is “PEACE”, just great, and I love especially the vers “IF THE USA FALLS / OUR WORLD WILL CEASE / IF HITLER CAME KNOCKING / YOU’D SAY PEACE”, just great and damn true, no matter if you take the history of the 20^th Century or the present days!!! So first I would really like to know your opinion of this whole stupid, defaming and ridiculous anti-Americanism that’s going on in the world today, even the tempers seem to be cooled down a bit with Obama became the commander in chief. And second, I’ve read that you got problems with being defamed as an NS Rock band or something like that in your local/regional scene, I mean, how stupid can it all get with you being defamed as this, can’t these guys not hear you singing these words or at least read them?!?

Anti-Americanism is a very prominent factor in our world, you are very right.  A lot of it stems from people in our nation and how they represent it, as the song 'Peace' states.  You have citizens in this country saying that the US is fascist and persecutes Muslims and liberalism.  America is made out to be the capitalist monster of the world, but it is not the source of all it's problems.  People in Europe and the U.S. need to understand that if the free nations like American and Western Europe fall, we would live in a very different and terrifying world.  With countries like China and the rising influence of Islam in the world, freedom has never been more threatened.  For all America's problems, it still is the main force that stabilizes this whole mess and that is fading quickly.  Our leaders are outsourcing jobs and industry to China at an alarming rate and the whole idea of an "AMERICAN MADE" workforce is a thing of the past.  We are a country of consumers now, much as the countries of Europe are. (For what I can say, Europe as a whole, and especially Germany is nothing more than a 'culture' of consumers, sad but true! - Manslaughter Andy)  Our lands need to take control of our own destiny, before it is too late.  As far as us being labeled an NS band in this city, it is a load of shit.  The politically correct side of this scene is so busy looking for an enemy to fight that they will point fingers and spread rumors about anything.  There has never been a large Nazi scene in Seattle and simply because we refused to fly a certain banner or support violence at shows we are fascist, haha.  The funny thing is, many of these Seattle Skins know that I come from a multi-racial family (my adopted brother is black) but that doesn't stop them from wanting an enemy.  Thinking for yourself is a crime today and definitely in this scene.  We have reached the point where we don't care what these small minded people think and I'd rather embrace their hostilities than explain myself.  You are not allowed to be proud of your heritage, and certainly not show ancient symbols like Thor's Hammer etc, oh no!

12.) Also a giant larger than life anthem is the title track “AMERICAN MADE”, patriotic and class pride through and through!!! How are things when it’s coming to “MAKE IT WHAT IT’S MEANT TO BE / FREEDOM FOR YOU, FREEDOM FOR ME”?!?

On "AMERICAN MADE" this line means that all working Americans must fight for freedom, very much in the old Woody Guthrie spirit.  Freedom is a long held value in this country, but when you take a closer look, not everyone is free.  Our people give everything to this land and we deserve to have a job, home and food.  Freedom should not be a privilege for the chosen few, but for all citizens.

13.) Last question about your “AMERICAN MADE”: There’s a strong “ROMPER STOMPER” spirit to it, not at least because of the short Intro. Hm, and I think the CD version, that was released before the LP via “DIM RECORDS” came out, also used to have a “ROMPER STOMPER” style cover artwork. Why did it not make it on the cover of the LP version?!? (By the way, also the LP artwork looks great, only to point that out.)

We were always fans of the "ROMPER STOMPER" movie and it is one of those little things you embrace as a Skinhead.  You have all these Hollywood types trying to make movies about Skinheads, so we just made it our own.  That movie has great imagery and we wanted to incorporate that.  We wanted to use a different cover for the LP, because it was a first release on "DIM RECORDS" and we wanted to bring something completely new to the table.  I still like the "ROMPER STOMPER" cover very much, and it is just another part of CRUCIAL CHANGE history.  I may use it in the future for a release, you never know, haha.

14.) Your both releases did came out on the german label “DIM RECORDS” (okay, beside the CD version of the “AMERICAN MADE” record), how did the contact come together?!? And are you (still) satisfied with the work that “DIM RECORDS” are doing, or are you playing with the thought to release your third record on another record label?!?

I had always been a fan of "DIM RECORDS" and owned quite a few releases from this label.  I wrote to Uhl, owner of "DIM RECORDS", one day and said how I appreciated his work and he liked our band very much!  I would definitely like to release our third album on "DIM RECORDS", because we have a great relationship with them.  They are good people and always do right by us.  We do release material on other labels as well.  Currently we are releasing "33" on vinyl through "Oi! AIN'T RED RECORDS" out of Germany and a "33" tape on "MALTKROSS" from France. 

15.) Now directly onwards to your great current “33” release: That’s really a great smasher!!! And what I think is just great that’s the fact that every song of you carries really a true and real and it’s very own message. Great!!! One message I think it’s really sad that it is not so often heard of Skinhead and/or Oi! bands anymore, and that is your strong anti-drug-message, that you do spread with your anthem “SOCIETY’S SHAME” and also with your incredible good and larger than life Skinhead/Bootboy Way of Life anthem “SKIN”. Thumbs up!!! Good to see, that you also see the importance of that topic, but I would like to know if it’s just a ‘common standpoint’ of you or had there been any special things happen that causes you to write the lyrics and speak this clear and drastic words to spread the message?!?

Yes, we have a very strong anti-drug message and I do find it sad that not enough Skin bands address this topic today.  I have always despised drugs and stayed away from them.  I would definitely say that personal experiences have formed this viewpoint.  I have lost a person very close to me to drugs and even had family members struggle with them throughout my childhood.  The people that prey on others through the selling of drugs are the lowest form of scum and they destroy lives of the users and also that of the families.

16.) Beside that we do also get a lot of songs that carry really a strong patriotic message as well as a lot of class pride!!! And I don’t know if you like to hear it, but I think such a strong Working Class anthem, dealing that heavily and that damn good with the politics trying to bring down and ruin the Working Class, like your great track “N.A.U.” nearly every self proclaimed Working Class fighters communist band would wish to write once in a lifetime. And yes, that shall be a huge compliment for you!!! Class Pride and Patriotism really go hand in hand when it comes to your music, and for that thumbs up!!! What do you think, after the global fiscal crisis, did things change or are the U.S.A. still on the way to becoming a “THIRD WORLD STATE”?!? (By the way, that’s a problem of nearly every democratic state of the west, if you ask me.)

Thanks, you are very right that class pride and patriotism go hand in hand with us.  After the financial meltdown, we are more on our way to a third world state than ever.  The economic breakdown we all witnessed in American and Europe is simply the unbridled capitalism of the rich losing control and collapsing the very institutions they created.  "N.A.U." addressed the idea that many economists the the United States have been fighting for, the creation of a North American Union.  This would consist of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico joining as shared countries, very similar to the EU.  Capitalists love this idea, because by joining our nation with Mexico there would be no problem with illegal immigration or the outsourcing of jobs, because all the poor of Mexico would belong to the U.S. and nothing would stop our upper class from using their cheap labor.  This would be the final blow to the American working class and it is a very real possibility.  I do not see much change in this nation after the fiscal crisis, simply more of the same.  Our government bailed out the banks and other institutions who created this mess in the first place.  There was no bailout for the American worker, but what a surprise.

17.) Two of my very favorite songs are “PRIDE IN YOURSELF” and “PATRIOTIC PRICE”!!! So damn great, I can’t nearly describe it!!! Is freedom becoming more and more extinct these days in the U.S.A.?!? Give us an impression of the state of your nation!!!

Freedom is on the decline in the U.S. and not just freedom in the government and economic sense, but also freedom of the mind.  In America people have become so accustomed to the status quo of politics, they are virtually numb to their condition and blindly follow.  Whether this is the massive political correctness or the denial of the immigration crisis, thinking for yourself can be a crime. (And it's totally the same over here in Germany. - Manslaughter Andy)  "PRIDE IN YOURSELF" addresses that Americans lack pride at a time when it is most necessary.  Europe seems to have the same problem, there is a mindset that one cannot be proud of their land and heritage, because of the past guilt over colonialism etc.  In the 21st century the free nations of the world are under attack, both from inside and out, and we must have pride that we are free and embrace that freedom.

18.) With your songs “WE’RE BACK” and “POLITICALLY CORRECT” you are showing the P.C. faggots crowd the big middle finger!!! That’s always a good thing!!! At least if you ask me, haha;-)!!! And that’s the question that’s bringing us back to your local/regional scene. As I got in contact with Ryan because of our blogs he meant that you don’t have that many fans in your hometown. Is your scene really that much infiltrated by this whole scumbags?!? I mean, it seems to be, but was this always the case or did anything changed over the last years?!? Ah, what’s your opinion of SHARP?!? Personally I think that it is really sad, that SHARP nowadays is usually violated by this P.C. bullshit crowd, and here in Germany you could get the impression that SHARP today equals RASH, now, after some long haired Hippies used to ran around with SHARP buttons and/or patches. It’s really sad!!!

Well, we do have quite a few fans in Seattle, but the scene has become so fractured in recent years that shows are hard to play, because of violence etc.  At one time in Seattle, things seemed to be more unified, but that quickly changed as we began to gain a larger following.  This is a problem with many Skinhead bands through the history of our movement.  Part of it is jealously and partly a disdain that we thought for ourselves.  Many Skins here choose to follow these fake 'Street Rock' bands who hijack some of the Skinhead image, but are too afraid to actually embrace it or speak of any real issues of our nation.  As for SHARP I have never considered myself one and do not feel that simply because you do not hold views of racism that you should fly this banner.  The situation you mentioned in Germany is the same here.  Kids that fly the SHARP banner are usually a bunch of commies or hippies and have never been part of any real Skin movement.  It is just a fashion phase much of the time, or a misplaced uniform to fight what they see as the evils of the world.  I am a Skinhead, that is my movement.  I also hold my own views as a human being and that is what is so overlooked nowadays.  I have a job, family, I pay taxes and I am also a Skinhead.  Our movement should not all have the same viewpoint and that is where SHARPs, Nazis and other groups that take the Skinhead image have it wrong.  If you want to be a Skin, be one, and you can still hold your own views as a person.

19.) You’re also showing a lot of paganism. For example with the mallet of Thor or the Dark Sun, as well as with your songs “TREE OF LIFE” and “WINGS OF THE RAVEN”. Even I am not believing in nordic religion and/or mythology, I really think it’s always interesting. Is it, hm, I can’t say it any better, sorry, but is it ‘true believe’ or more something like a fancy or modish style, like in this whole Metal circus?!? I could bet you have to take a lot of shit for this, this demonstration of paganism, right?!? And yes, as a Buddhist I am to a lot of people also a nerd, haha;-). Ah, by the way, do you also use to listen to Vikingrock, and what are your thoughts when it comes to this genre of music?!?

We do embrace European paganism in our music and truly it is a source of pride for us.  You are very right in the Heavy Metal world that this whole viking or pagan aspect is just fashion and to me very much carrying on the Dungeons and Dragons nerd movement.  As an American I am a mix of the many cultures of Europe and I am proud of all aspects of this heritage.  I find Nordic, Celtic and Greek mythology very intriguing and it is something that is not taught to you in a "Christian" nation.  We noticed the fact that showing any support of ancient paganism automatically implied that you were embracing racism to many in the Seattle scene.  So when we used that imagery, it was somewhat like throwing up a big middle finger to the people who had made life hard for us and also a way to show how simple minded they were.  It really proves our point about the PC age when showing a symbol like the hammer of Thor means you are a racist and why is that...because it is native to Europe.  I am sure as a Buddhist you take a lot of crap in this scene, but to each his own.  I myself am a fairly agnostic person, but I hold value in old beliefs and have respect for many religious teachings from other faiths.

20.) Who had done the great artwork of your “33” record?!? Ah, and how did your decision came to happen, to pack the whole “AMERICAN MADE” record on it for free?!? Hm, by the way, for what I know “33” is currently just being released as a CD, right?!? Will there be coming also an LP version again some day?!?

The "33" album artwork was drawn by Stephane Brousse from "Last Resort Tattoo and Piercing" in Limogues, France.  He is a really cool old school Skin who has been part of the French scene from pretty much day one.  We got the inspiration for the record from the classic EVIL SKINS artwork, which is one of my all time favorite bands.  This of course was very exciting to Stephane and he made our own version with the Demon Skin on a stone 33 rather than the EVIL SKINS Odal rune.  It was Uhl's idea from "DIM RECORDS" to include "AMERICAN MADE" free on cd, because there had been much interest from fans of the vinyl to have it on cd.  And yes, we do plan to release "33" with brand new artwork also from Stephane on "Oi! AIN'T RED RECORDS" very soon.

21.) Coming slowly to a close, now to the last two or three questions: You are also doing a cover of the BÖHSE ONKELZ classic “STOLZ”, and I like it even more than the original one!!! Great!!! German Skinhead music seems to be a big influence anyhow, so I would be interested in when and how did you come in contact with Skinhead music from Germany, and what are your favorite bands, from the past to the present?!?

I actually came in contact with German Skinhead music in a very funny way.  I was at a bar in Seattle where an old Skinhead would dj on Saturday nights.  He would play all sorts of music from old Brit acts like the 4-SKINS, Reggae and a lot of Aussie Rock like ROSE TATTOO.  One night he put on as a joke, the song "STÖRKRAFT" from the band STÖRKRAFT and I thought it was the most badass record I had heard, haha.  We went nuts in the bar and it's safe to say the other Seattle patrons were very scared!  I was aware that they were a very right wing band at one point, but I looked into their catalog and found them to be much more complex than portrayed in the scene. (And that's so damn true! Even a lot of folks from any political border usually seem to forget about it! - Manslaughter Andy)  It was then I came in contact with acts like BÖHSE ONKELZ, ENDSTUFE, VORTEX, 4 PROMILLE and FREIKORPS.  I listen to music for the music and I know some acts like FREIKORPS had quite the extreme message.  All these bands are German favorites of mine, but the three that I love the most would be ENDSTUFE, the ONKELZ and STÖRKRAFT.  I love the music of these bands for it's originality, they truly stand alone in the Skinhead scene.  My friend Jan from Germany currently is starting a band called EINEPRISEHASS and I am looking forward to following this band and possibly doing a split together.

22.)  When it comes to American Oi! music, what are your favorite bands, as well as of the old guards, and of course also of the new current breed of American Oi! bands?!? Name us your top favorite bands!!! Ah, and what are your thoughts on the American Oi! and Skinhead/Bootboy scene of yesterday as well as of today?!?

My favorite American Oi! acts would be classics like THE ANTI-HEROS, MOONSTOMP, KICKER BOYS, STORMWATCH, STARS & STRIPES and ARRESTING OFFICERS.  A current act I really enjoy is BRASSIC from California and we are in talks for some West Coast shows in the near future with them as well as a split.  The state of the American Oi! scene is very fractured with no real unification.  There are many gangs of Skins in the states that are enemies with each other, and many of them have the same politics.  There is a real gang culture in America and I don't feel this is quite the same in Europe.  The Skin look is simply hijacked as a tough guy style and an excuse for criminality.  Hopefully the scene will see brighter days in the future, but that is what we've always been, the few and the proud.  We will always be here and that is enough for us.

23.) Closing this interview, please tell us something about your future plans with CRUCIAL CHANGE!!! When will there be coming brandnew stuff from you, will we see you maybe some day live on stage over here, etc.?!?

We are currently very busy with CRUCIAL CHANGE and have finished up all the writing for a new album.  We hope to hit the studio in the next couple of months and release the album in early 2011.  We are very pleased with this new material and we think our fans will be as well.  I am extremely hopeful that in 2011 we will finally make it to Germany for some shows.  It has been a dream of mine for some time and we have many German skins that have offered to help set us up.  It is now simply a matter of getting the funds together, so I would say sooner than later!  Germany has showed us a lot of support and it would be wonderful to see your beautiful country!

24.) Guys, that’s all from me right now, once again THANX A LOT FOR THE INTERVIEW!!! Now the last words remain to you!!! Take care and keep in touch!!! All the best from Germany!!! Cheers & Oi!, Andy!!!

Thanks so much for the interview Andy and a big thanks to all the German Skins who have stuck by us and given us so much support.  All the best to our true fans and friends from the US and all lands, we play for you!  CRUCIAL CHANGE is here to stay and by no means going away.

Dear readers, that's it for now!!! You can say what you want, but this is a great interview, and Tyler is really telling how it is, in nearly all his answers you'll find a lot of truth and reality, if you just walk around with open eyes through this fucked up world!!! And damn it, I really can't tell ya how excited I am about the new CRUCIAL CHANGE record; so guys, hurry up!!! And you, the readers, check this band out and support them!!! Cheers & Oi!

(http://www.myspace.com/crucialchange)