Rome, Italy's capital city, summer 1996: some friends, who have been active in the local hardcore scene since its beginning in the late eighties, decided that it was about time to make a conscious effort at trying to raise the quality and political awareness of the local scene. Inspired by bands like Raid, Vegan Reich and Earth Crisis, these long time scenesters decided that the time had come to provide the Eternal City with its own 100% Vegan Straight Edge band, Purification was born.
During their 10 years career the band toured and released records all over the world (USA, Japan, Brazil and Europe) carving their name into the history of the vegan sxe movement, and inspiring the sound and the attitude of generations to follow!
After 6 years of silence the band decided that the time was right for a comeback, with a brand new line- up, new songs and will release the re-issue of their latest record "Banging The Drums Of War" (originally out on Uprising Records) featuring 2 new bonus tracks on PEE RECORDS July 16th 2010.
Here's what the band stated about the comeback:
Purification always meant militant vegan straight edge. And in this lack of bands carrying the ideology nowadays we found the main reason to bring Purification back to life. As the spirit of the message always overwhelms the mere members of the band, we still believe that it makes sense to play and tour again even if with a major change in the line-up.
A new era in Purification history has begun carrying the same passionate spirit that made the band appreciated worldwide, that gave us wonderful memories and we are sure will give us wonderful times again.
While some people would think we are doing a mistake, or that we are doing it for the money (what money by the way), or that hate us for some reason...well, we hope you change your mind.
We are deeply connected to this reality and we still have the power to change it for the better. We believe that spreading the Vegan Edge message through the band is a powerful weapon that we have to use.
We particularly believe a new horizon is to be seen and hopefully we will accomplish something more with the comeback of Purification.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” - Martin Luther King

PURIFICATION are:
Andrea "Monster" Campanelli | Emiliano "Frusinate" De Santis | Matteo "Cumenda" Ferrari

RELEASES:
Banging The Drums Of War

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
myspace.com | facebook.com

MEDIA:
High Res CD Cover Art | High Res Band Logo

REVIEWS:
PEE #46
PURIFICATION - Banging The Drums Of War
I must admit, I was a little surprised hearing that Pee Records was releasing this CD here down-under. It is without a doubt, one of the heavier, if not the heaviest Pee Records release to date. Originally forming way back in 1996, this Italian band is true to their hardcore roots and 100% vegan, straight edge beliefs. Within ten years the band toured internationally and gained a dedicated and respectful following. Now after 6 silent years, Purification are back with a new line-up and ‘Banging The Drums Of War’ is a re-issue of their 2003 recording, released this time around featuring 2 new bonus tracks. Beginning with the opening track ‘Fight To Survive’, immediately you are drawn to the intense metalcore and heavier hardcore elements this band produces. There are plenty of distinctive hardcore and metal influenced riffs, pummelling drum beats, moderate tempos, subtle melodics and coarse hardcore vocals. Track 2 ‘Living In An Age Of Mass Extinction’ is much more of the same, and reminded me of the likes of Earth Crisis and Freya with its pummelling intro and prominent hardcore rhythms. This track eventually picks up pace and finishes strongly. In ending, it flows straight into track 3 ‘Reinforced’ carrying a similar riff in its intro. Track 5 ‘Afraid Of This World’ begins gradually with an orchestral intro and brutally bursts into a blistering metalcore opening verse and featuring the distinctive guest vocals of Karl Buechner (Earth Crisis, Freya). This is by far the standout track for me, with its intensity and diverse structure. What is prominent and evident on this release is a definite metal influence. There are many times throughout this CD where one can be reminded of early Slayer and there are some great metal melodies, especially featured in the track ‘Ordinary Life In An Occupied Land’, which again has more to offer than just a substandard metalcore track. The bonus tracks on this release show a glimpse of progressiveness and maturity, with more diversity in their sound and ambience in their style, similar to that of Bleeding Through. Recording-wise however, these two tracks are not as strong as the previous tracks and seem to lack a little punch, but musically, there is so much more on offer. Lyrically, Purification is as intimidating and confronting as they are musically and these tracks read like epic stories. All of this is packaged in a nice little digipack and looks pretty damn good. Fans of Samsara, Against, Earth Crisis, Hatebreed, Slayer and those alike will love this.
Rating: 90
Review By: John MEANtime