The Kings of Punk

Not the episode we planned on, and we apologize if it's not the one you deserve. But we think it's great! ERIC (@rickpreen on Instagram) from soon-to-debut band JAKE RAZOR & HIS ECLECTIC BLEND (and many previous Rochester bands) joins us along with surprise returning guest CONNER (@exhilirating_excess on Instagram). Conner previously lobbed some hot takes during our MARCH MAYHEM: PUSHEAD's TOP...

We're giving you something outside of our wheelhouse this week. We discussed atrocities carried out in the USA during the past few weeks and shared our thoughts. It means a lot to us that our podcast (apparently) benefits you all in some small way, and we hope this episode isn't an exception. We apologize if we said anything terrible and stupid. oh and don't worry, we didn't venture 100% outside o...

Part two of METALCORE MAY features KOPPOD's friend Tony, a Western/Central NY hardcore fixture who attended HELLFEST 2000. He also owned the Trustkill Records DVD about it. No history of metalcore would suffice without at least a mention of HELLFEST 2000. We discuss the contents of that seminal DVD and Tony provides insight regarding the vibe and events surrounding HELLFEST 2000. This episode will...

The KOPPOD hosts venture into uncharted territory, recording their very first on-the-road episode from a Kentucky Holiday Inn. The goal of this venture? They went to see DANZIG perform in Cincinnati over the weekend, and they wanted to provide you with a fresh episode this week regardless. Jake's lady (and Glenn fanatic) Darby accompanied them on this journey. In the second half of this episode, s...

"Please allow me to introduce myself/I'm a man of wealth and taste..." The man in question in MIKE DIKK, and that's what he said to the KOPPOD cohosts, before recording this episode, probably. His taste includes a predilection for 90s Metalcore, a subgenre unexplored by the KOPPOD troika. His wealth? It would come from his excellent podcast FIRST SEVEN-INCH CLUB, if they had a Patreon, which they...

Tyler Hammer, Jake Razor, and Gary "U.S." Bombs provide a lackadaisical look at Record Store Day 2022 and its special edition releases. Is there anything worth buying at RSD this year? What is the point of this little RSD shindig? In this week's episode, the KOPPOD cohosts kinda sorta answer those questions. HOT TAKE HOTLINE: 585-348-8203 KINGS OF PUNK Website: https://kingsofpunk.com/ Instagram:...

In this episode the KINGS chat with Western NY mainstay Jared Johnson. Jared runs the SORE EAR COLLECTIVE label and plays guitar in the band ONLY SHALLOW. Jared's put in a lot of work through variety of different projects, and he knows his shit when it comes to punk/subculture. This KOPPOD discussion covers punk origin stories, small town show promotion, MySpace, and plenty more. Give it a listen,...

The KINGS are back with another music heavy episode. This time discussing metal albums that punk and hardcore fans would and should enjoy ranging from NWOBHM to Brazilian black metal. Before they do that, they discuss the world that is modern day music journalism, and why its the worst. Some possibly controversial takes, but you should be used to that now. If you have your own hot take, call us at...

The KOPPOD troika kick back and relax in the wake of MARCH MAYHEM. Whilst chilling, they listen to VEIN.FM and react to their latest release. VEIN.FM found themselves embroiled in controversy for about two days last month. The troika discusses said controversy. After that, your hosts listen to a bunch of music sent to them by bands who requested a KOPPOD review. These bootleg DEMOLISTEN episodes w...

Two game-changing monsters of the underground, neck-to-neck in our annual MARCH MAYHEM tournament bracket. The KOPPOD troika argued and deliberated through Pushead's entire Unofficial Top 100 of the 80s and two records stood alone at March's close:  #25 NEGATIVE APPROACH 'Negative Approach' 7" vs. #11 G.I.S.M. 'Detestation' 12" These records speak for themselves, but if you're reading this th...

In the wake of ROUND 4, the second-to-last installment of 2022's MARCH MAYHEM tournament arrives. Some crucial guest judges weighed in but it's time for the KOPPOD troika to assess the Quarter-Finalists before moving onto Semi-Finals; one episode, two rounds. Below are the records entering the Quarter-Finals, with PUSHEAD's rankings included: #97 THE ACCUSED 'Martha Splatterhead' EP vs. #25 NEGATI...

The Kings once again recruit some friends in order to dissect, diagnose and determine who will be crowned victor in this years March Mayhem. They are joined by none other than past guest/bandmate Cougar who sings for Leaking Head and former OG Leaking Head drummer/Long time friend Conner, both bringing years of hardcore, punk, and underground music experience to this thrilling discussion. Will the...

The cream rose in Round 2 but there's still a shit-load of records left. For Round 3 of this year's MARCH MAYHEM, we enlisted a pair of guest panelists: Nate and Grey from the DEMOLISTEN podcast. These two analysts bear years of experience dissecting punk and hardcore releases, equipped with a disregard for frivolities and no filter to be found. Keep letting us know what you think of this tourname...

PART 2 of 2: The KINGS continue with their March Mayhem series hitting the next round of match ups which now include the top 28 records of the Puszone 100 list that got a first round buy! Some tough choices as they compare and contrast some of the most classic punk and hardcore records of the 80s. Who will win? Stay tuned PUSZONE UNOFFICIAL TOP 100: http://www.pusfan.com/pusz.htm Round 2 Playlist:...

The KINGS continue with their March Mayhem series hitting the next round of match ups which now include the top 28 records of the Puszone 100 list that got a first round buy! Some tough choices as they compare and contrast some of the most classic punk and hardcore records of the 80s. Who will win? Stay tuned PUSZONE UNOFFICIAL TOP 100: http://www.pusfan.com/pusz.htm Round 2 Playlist:  KINGS...

THE KINGS continue their second annual MARCH MAYHEM tournament bracket. This year they work their way through Pushead's Unofficial Top 100 of the 80s. This list, compiled and published in 1990, constituted the bulk of Pushead's final "Puszone" column in Thrasher Magazine. The top 28 records got a first round buy. In this qualifying round, the KOPPOD hosts embarked upon a mission fit only for punk...

THE KINGS kick off their second annual MARCH MAYHEM tournament bracket. This year they work their way through Pushead's Unofficial Top 100 of the 80s. This list, compiled and published in 1990, constituted the bulk of Pushead's final "Puszone" column in Thrasher Magazine.  The top 28 records got a first round buy. In this qualifying round, the KOPPOD hosts embarked upon a mission fit only for...

The boys discuss the artist known as Pushead and his influence on punk and hardcore culture, his artistic endeavors and a look at the Puszone Top 100 of the 80s list.  KINGS OF PUNK Website: https://kingsofpunk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koppodofficial/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kingsofpunkpod/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPj6iMRyW0GAJnxv9i7TAdQ Syrup Hea...

The boys dive into some reunion records from beloved NYHC acts Urban Waste, Agnostic Front, and Sheer Terror discussing Recycled, Somethings Gotta Give, and Standing Up For Falling Down respectively. Some interesting discoveries and discussion on this one and a lot of Rick Ta Life imitating. KINGS OF PUNK Website: https://kingsofpunk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koppodofficial/?h...

The boys continue their theme of NYHC by watching the documentary of the same name filmed in 1995 by Frank Pavich. They talk about the bands involved in the film (25 ta Life, VOD, Madball, etc.), the people and environment of NYHC that makes it unique, the financial burdens musicians face, and what it means to be HARD CORE. INGS OF PUNK Website: https://kingsofpunk.com/ Instagram: https://www.inst...

Jake and Tyler host a low-key two-man episode, diggin' into the digital mailbag and responding to listeners' feedback and questions. In the process they muse about how Brandon and Taylor Swift ruined vinyl, and how Tyler refuses to ever get into jazz music. Keep the questions and comments coming! Thanks to everyone who's shared their thoughts thus far. KINGS OF PUNK Website: https://kingsofpunk.co...

THE KINGS chat about the recent FED ASH gig here in Rochester and offer some constructive critique to young artists who aren't FED ASH and who play folk punk. They then review a recent release by IXIAS and an upcoming 4-way split LP featuring FED ASH, GOD'S AMERICA, BEGGIN' FOR OXYS, and REEKING CROSS. If you'd like the royal verdict on your release or any new release, feel free to drop the lads a...

The boys talk about a few things on their mind including a Youtube channel, how shows should run, and a story about how Tyler trolled a local band.  KINGS OF PUNK Website: https://kingsofpunk.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koppodofficial/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kingsofpunkpod/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPj6iMRyW0GAJnxv9i7TAdQ Syrup Head Recordings: https://sy...

The Iron Age is upon us. And as Kalki approaches, the time arrives for a KINGS OF PUNK deep dive on CRO-MAGS. This episode necessitated analysis of both their individual biographies and collective discography. Hot takes, comin' your way!! You're gonna have to give a listen someday. Organize your podcast library and figure it out; or you'll remain in a Mode Of Ignorance.  KINGS OF PUNK Website...

The KINGS look back on both their own creative pursuits during 2021, and some music from 2021 that struck their fancy. An episode of serenity and brevity to cap off this past year. How'd the KINGS do this year? Contact them on any of the platforms below, and let 'em know what you'd like to hear in 2022.  Below we have also linked a playlist containing some of the KOP hosts' favorite 2021 trac...