Song Of The Week: 7/26/15

Song: "Bottoms Up"

Artist: With Honor

Album: "This Is Our Revenge"

Year: 2005

Place Of Origin: New London, Connecticut

Years Active: 2002-2006



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

To me, "Bottoms Up" seems like a song where the vocalist is playing the part of heroin. It's as if the heroin is talking to himself and his scars, cuts, bruises and blood are his blanket. It really seems like it's about hitting rock bottom without much hope of getting out of his situation. His sorry state and condition is a lesson to all of what not to do. Perhaps it will help someone else but as for him, it seems like a lost cause.

WITH HONOR'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2004 - "Heart Means Everything" (Perfect Victim Records)
2005 - "This Is Our Revenge" (Victory Records)
2006 - "The Journey" (Burning Season Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF WITH HONOR:

With Honor formed as a band back in 2002, a mainstay in the hardcore punk scene in the state of Connecticut. Drawing influences from bands such as Sick Of It All, Face To Face, NOFX, Minor Threat, Strike Anywhere and Comeback Kid, With Honor set out to set their own mark on hardcore punk. In 2004, they released their debut album, "Heart Means Everything", but it was their 2005 album, "This Is Our Revenge" which is perhaps the band's definitive musical statement. The band released a music video for the track "Like Trumpets" off of that album. In 2006, the band released the compilation album, "The Journey". This album basically featured "Heart Means Everything" plus the band's self-titled EP and their songs from a split 7" with the band The Distance. Original vocalist Todd Mackey parted ways with the band in 2006, shortly after the release of "This Is Our Revenge". The band tried to continue with a few other vocalists, but ultimately decided to break up. Currently, With Honor appears to be a band that is no longer a full time venue for any of it's members. Though they have reunited for one off concerts every now and then, new material is an afterthought and there is not much of a future for With Honor. If you like bands like Ignite, Propagandhi, A Wilhelm Scream or Strike Anywhere, then you should give With Honor a listen. "This Is Our Revenge" is a solid hardcore punk album, very underrated and very underground. It's too bad that With Honor didn't get over the hump as a band because they seemed to have a lot to offer. Their music was aggressive and their lyrics were political, social and emotional at times. Solid band just couldn't cross over for any sort of sustained success.

TEN WITH HONOR SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Like Trumpets
2. Plot Two
3. The Mirror
4. With The Wind
5. Closets
6. Bridges And Gaps
7. Rethink/Return
8. You Always Said
9. Milwaukee
10. Elevens