R.A.M.B.O. Released Defy Extinction LP Via Relapse Records

Defy Extinction, the first LP from Philadelphia hardcore punk icons R.A.M.B.O. since 2006, has been let out of the cage and is out now worldwide and streaming on all platforms through Relapse Records.

R.A.M.B.O. unites drummer Jared Shavelson (The Hope Conspiracy, None More Black, Paint It Black), guitarist Andy Wheeler (Reagan Squad), bassist Bull Gervasi (Policy Of Three, Four Hundred Years), and notorious 1990s-2000s Philly scene promoter Tony Croasdale on vocals. To say that R.A.M.B.O. occupies a singular space in punk history is an understatement. During their initial run from 1999 to 2007, the band took influences from thrash, anarcho-punk, d-beat, crust, and hardcore and combined that with intelligent but very fun – and at times downright ridiculous – lyrics to create what was very much a DIY powerhouse. In those eight years they released two albums, 7″ splits with Crucial Unit and Caustic Christ, and played thousands of gigs across the country and internationally.

The guitars for Defy Extinction were recorded by Taylor Young at The Pit in Los Angeles, the drums were recorded by Kyle Black at West Alley Recordings, and the vocals and bass were primarily recorded by Steve Roche at Permanent Hearing Damage. Additionally, the album features guest synth contributions by Bahemoth, additional bass and guitars by Taylor Young, guest vocals from Nicole Enriquez, Dan Yemin, and John Baizley, group vocals by Josh Agran, Matthew Halley, John Paul Golaski, and Benjamin Kitchens, a poem recited by Johnny Takeaway, spoken word by Tykee James, field recordings by Matthew Halley, and technical support was provided by Zach Weeks and Kurt Ballou. The album was mixed by Taylor Young, mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, and completed with front cover artwork by Timbul Cahyono and back cover/insert artwork by Jacob Speis. “River Of Birds” lyrics were adapted from lyrics by Bill Thompson III used with permission and in his memory.

R.A.M.B.O.’s Defy Extinction is not a nostalgia trip, or an attempt at recapturing past glory; the band has their sights trained on the present. On these sixteen tracks of pounding, epic, crust-infused hardcore punk and beatdowns, R.A.M.B.O. is imploring you to believe in science, fight authoritarianism, and most of all Defy Extinction! Fans of Discharge, Integrity, Doom, Municipal Waste, Tragedy, Negative Approach, 9 Shocks Terror, Spazz, and D.R.I., tune in now!

R.A.M.B.O.’s Defy Extinction is out now on Relapse Records, streaming on all platforms HERE and available on LP, CD, cassette HERE.