G.G. Allin passed away almost twenty years ago so it is somewhat hard to believe that like-minded NC “destructo rock” band (and one-time G.G. Allin backing band) ANTiSEEN hasn’t imploded. I’ve read about some crazy-violent ANTiSEEN shows that have been fueled by vocalist Jeff Clayton cutting himself – both with his ‘trademark’ barbed wire bat and handy beer bottles. Clayton’s forehead is apparently all scar tissue at this point so he no longer feels the pain of his nightly assaults.

Formed in 1983, ANTiSEEN has spent the last thirty years thundering on with their Lynyrd Skynyrd-meets-80’s hardcore attack and their politically incorrect view of the world. The band has dozens of releases under their belt and their latest one, New Blood, came out in June on Switchlight Records. This time out - core members Jeff Clayton (Vocals) and Joe Young (guitar) are joined by Jon Bowman (bass) and Phil Keller (drums) and the thirteen tracks on New Blood compile the band’s singles from 2008 – 2011 along with a couple of new tracks.

The majority of tracks on this new disc follow in the band’s long-established scuzzy, groove-oriented, southern punk sound. Some of the standouts are “Reconstruction” – a Southerner’s view on the post-reconstruction South, “The Mysterious Green Mist” and the grinding blues of “Sweet Blood Call”.



There are also a couple very strong cover songs – The Ramones’ “Chainsaw”, The Sonics’ “The Witch” and the traditional bluegrass number “Black Eyed Suzie” (which features Joe Buck from Hank 3’s band). There is also a live version of the band’s post 9-11 military anthem “Pledge Allegiance to the Bomb” which runs into “Death Train Comin’”.

(Note: this isn’t the version on New Blood but is very close)


The CD is limited to 1,000 copies and the LP version is limited to 500 hand-numbered copies, on orange colored vinyl, and includes free download code.

One reviewer described ANTiSEEN as “critically reviled but deeply loved by its niche audience”. For anyone who wants to get in on the action, here are ANTiSEEN’s upcoming tour dates:
Aug. 31 – Broadway’s, Asheville, NC
Sept. 01 – Muddy Roots Fest., June Bug Ranch, Cookeville, TN
Sept. 22 – Slim’s, Raleigh, NC
Oct. 05 – The Highlander, Atlanta, GA
Oct. 06 – JJ’s Bohemia, Chattanooga, TN

Links:
ANTiSEEN