Gudon Devil of Mediocrity EP
Hiroshima’s legendary GUDON played a major role in the storied history of Japanese hardcore punk, bridging the gap between early ’80s bands like the COMES and the EXECUTE and later acts like BASTARD and JUDGEMENT (both of whom are projects of former GUDON guitarist Zigyaku) with their fast and thrashy sound. After originally splitting in 1990, the band reformed in 2023 with a new lineup but the same intense style, laying down a new EP, Devil of Mediocrity, one year later. Featuring two new tracks and two re-recorded classics, GUDON hasn’t missed a beat and sounds as tight as ever, completely retaining the speed and ferocity of their older material. Non-stop blazing guitars and a breakneck rhythm section speed along as former bassist Guy fully delivers on vocal duties. A crucial and impressive slab from this legendary group.