Alright so let’s get right into this, Abraxas Reflux is an Ontario hardcore band with members who have all been in a long list of bands in the past, and their vocalist, Krista, is also in Shanked. Abraxus Reflux is Inspired by Ontario local bands like Cease and S.H.I.T., however, I’d say they give off vibes similar to that of Thirdface. Their sound is one of the most interesting fusions of metal and hardcore going right now and it just cannot be placed into a box easily, if at all. At any point during one of their tracks you can hear influences of traditional metal styles, 2000s metalcore, thrash, low growls, hardcore vocals, palm muted chugs, gang vocals, circle pit rhythms, trem picking, and panic chords. I can’t lie this shit is all over the place, but it’s a cool sound that is somehow working and very fun to listen to.

So, the first thing you’re gonna notice on this EP is the bold way they chose to start it. “Abort the Court” kicks in with one of the most rock ‘n’ roll ass riffs you’re ever gonna hear. I immediately pictured Beavis and Butthead headbanging. Then they hit ya with a high vocal that Rob Halford would be proud of. The whole 9 minutes coming up is gonna take ya for a wild ride, you literally never know what their next move is gonna be and when ya think you do, they swerve off the fuckin’ road completely. The only consistency throughout this EP is that they’ve got riffs on riffs and the guitar tones are “absolutely crushing”.

I got into the details about this Rotten EP with the band with an interview conducted through some emails to get you a better idea of the sonic tornado they’re wrecking shit with.

WHAT ARE YOUR NAMES AND ROLES IN THE BAND?

Krista: Vocals

Chase: Drums / Vocals

Felis: Bass / Backing Vocals

Al: Guitar

WHAT’S THE WRITING PROCESS LIKE FOR THIS BAND?

Al: “We come with riffs or ideas, sometimes they’re very raw and just an idea for a riff’s cadence or structure. Then we build off the couple of riffs we have that work well together and improv the missing parts until we find something that hits. Often times the best riffs aren’t what we worked on at home but something that just spontaneously happens in our rehearsal space.”

Chase: “We’ve got a try all ideas policy in place. It can be a little disruptive, and chaotic but ultimately, rewarding. It’s also difficult to produce quality tunes in a city with zero rehearsal spaces. We share a monthly space with like 6 other bands (all rad) so it’s hard when you only get 3 - 5 hours a week with which to get funky.”

“I THINK WE’RE STARTING TO FIND THE BLEND OF OUR INDIVIDUAL INFLUENCES A LITTLE BIT BETTER THIS TIME AROUND AND WE’VE STUMBLED UPON SOMETHING THAT’S UNIQUE. MY HOPE FOR THE RELEASE IS THAT IT TAKES US TO SOME NEW CITIES AND INSPIRES PEOPLE TO START NEW BANDS. THERE’S A LITTLE SCENE IN EVERY TOWN AND WE WANT TO INFECT ALL OF THEM.”

- CHASE @ABRAXAS.REFLUX

Krista: “I hope people can feel the energy and the cathartic nature of the songs and performers. Taking that home and feeling it days later. Then using that feeling to make their own art.”

HOW WAS ROTTEN RECORDED?

“Rotten was mixed by Core Bee of Tarantula Tapes and Mastered by Greg Dawson at BWC Studios in Kingston.”

WHAT LABELS ARE INVOLVED IN THE RELEASE?

“The album was released by Tarantula Tapes and the full EP dropped on October 19th.”

ANY SHOWS COMING UP?

“We’re working on some more bookings in Ontario and Quebec for the start of the new year.”

SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE BAND?

“For us it’s about the connections with more people. A tour would be fun too, though!”

ANY SHOUT OUTS OR CLOSING WORDS?

Krista: “Thanks to Jay, my mom, and Scream Cheese. To all the queer and trans folks out there, YOU GOT THIS!”

Chase: “This city needs more venues, more jam spaces, more punk houses, more DIY, more rad bands, more support for your local scene. There’s a lot of great bands here with no home, and without any places to practice, you end up with a mediocre scene, where only a handful of bands manage to flourish. It’s been very sad to see our venues vanish slowly over the last decade, and our jam space sold to a god damned mega church. Renounce your gods and worship your kitties.”

Scoop a copy of this crazy EP on a gorgeous white vinyl or a cassette from Tarantula Records while supplies last cause the artwork alone makes it worth the purchase. Props to their drummer Chase for that masterpiece, Abraxas Reflux is still evolving into something truly special and I cannot wait to hear what they cook up next. Support Ontario hardcore and your local scenes.