INHUMAN

THE DREAM IS NOT DEAD
Inhuman Continues to Strive Forward after 13 Years
by Jason Walsh

Mike “Inhuman” Scondotto is no stranger to the New York hardcore scene.

“This is my twentieth anniversay of hardcore in 2008,” Scondotto said. “I grew up going to see Sick of it All, Agnostic Front, Breakdown, and now I call those people my friends. It’s just come full circle for me in particular.”

He’s no stranger to festivals like the Black ‘n Blue Bowl either.

“I grew up going to the Superbowls from Rock Hotel in the late 80s, early 90s, and for the longest time, almost a ten year stretch, there were no Superbowls in New York. It’s good that they’ve come back now as the Black ‘n Blue Bowl.”

And this year, Inhuman had the opportunity to be a part of the fifteen band bill, which featured a special set where they brought long-time friend, Lou Koller of Sick of it All to the mic. Their presence at the Black ‘n Blue Bowl did not go unnoticed.

It was the summer of 1995, when Mike started Inhuman, with its dark, aggressive sound that fused elements from all the music that inspired him. It has continued to be a passion for him after well over a decade.

“Inhuman has been going for like thirteen years,” he said. “We’re serious about it, but it’s not like a job. It’s more for fun and we love doing it.”

Aside from himself and Hank Hell on bass, the band also features current members of Agnostic Front, Steve Gallo and Joseph James. Mike says their commitment to Agnostic Front doesn’t affect this project.

“The thing is we know what Agnostic Front is doing months ahead of time. Joey and Steve are the professional musicians in the band. We know their schedules and we just kind of work around it.”

Inhuman has just released their fourth full-length album and debut on the Netherlands based, I Scream Records. “Last Rites” was recorded by Dean Baltulonis, better known for his work with Sick of it All and Most Precious Blood.

“I think it’s the best album we’ve ever done,” Inhuman said. “I’m just really proud of it. It’s a really diverse kind of mix of hardcore, punk, and metal, with a dark twist that Inhuman is known for.”

“Last Rites” is undoubtedly a hardcore masterpiece that will take listeners on a twenty-year ride through all the different eras of hardcore. From straight-forward, blinding speed throw downs to timeless sounding anthems to Misfits-inspired horror punk nightmares, the album is a true walk through every variation within the historical timeline of underground music.

There is no formula. There is no genre. There is just sheer diversity, and it works.

Inhuman is putting together a European tour for the band in the fall, their first since 2003. Mike says he is excited about getting back the Old World.

“The thing about touring Europe is that there’s usually more kids at the shows for hardcore bands. The bands get paid better, they get treated better, and the touring agencies are just better for hardcore bands.”

From his past experience touring there, Mike says fans in Europe seem to have a more loyal appreciation for hardcore than in the States.

“I think there’s less of a turnover ratio in Europe with kids. It’s maybe a little less trendy and a little less like a phase. It’s more of a lifestyle for people out there and something that they’re a part not just for three or four years but for fifteen or twenty years. It’s just a different animal.”

Although, the band is signed to a label, they still maintain a D.I.Y. ethic and Mike believes that the hardcore scene is about the people who believe in it.

“If the mainstream doesn’t want to have anything to do with it I think that’s great. The mainstream isn’t what keeps it alive, it’s the people who love it that keep it alive, especially the younger kids and the older guys who live it. It’s a lifestyle and extension of their family.”

http://www.inhumanlegion.com
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