At the back end of January I set off from Central Bedfordshire and took on a 4 and a half hour drive to make an all dayer up in the north east of england at Play, Middlesbrough.

Yes I’m a mad man for that drive, but when someone as kind as James Flear of Rhapsody Records invites you to come and see 13 bands and to see first hand the scene that is being built up in Teeside, TSHC it’s a yes.

Of course prior to going up I’d had a few conversations with Rhapsody Records relating to some of the bands coming out of TSHC scene so it was an opportunity to see all these guys live.

Rhapsody Records has been running since early 2024 out of the local Teesside area supporting artists in the hardcore scene. When I spoke to James at the back end of 2025 he had this to say:

“When this all started I didn’t expect to be committing thousands of pounds a quarter to shows consistently and have a calendar that’s booked up 6 months in advance but here we are and I absolutely wouldn’t change it. Hardcore at the end of the day without sounding too cliché has probably saved my life by giving me and my friends not only an outlet but something to work towards and dream about.

Hardcore provides a feeling that is totally unmatched by any other genre/underground scene on the planet for me, and through this label/creative outlet/whatever you want to call it I can only hope to share that with as many people as possible.

If I need hardcore then I’m sure there are other people out there that do too, and Rhapsody Records is not going away any time soon.”

So I set off at approximately 8am, up the M1 as far as I could go until I made it to York to pick up my wifes cousin before heasding off for a further hour to Play, Middlesbrough where the all dayer took place. Fortunately there was parking available on the street to the venue which was located in an industrial estate. So for anybody thinking about hitting up Play there’s your bonus!

We had made it just in time to catch the first band, Disarmed.

Being early on is never easy especially when you’re a new band on the scene but, with a decent turn out for the opening of the show Disarmed from TSHC hit it off!

Their title track from their debut EP ‘Disarmed’ hits different and the lyrics ‘Take your silver spoon, stick it up your arse’ in the track are brilliant and towards the end of their set they covered ‘Keepers of the Faith’ by Terror. This got people moving and caused the first pit of the afternoon.

I particular loved this bands debut EP which was released a few days prior, you need to check it out!

Travelling down from Newcastle, Seconds Out were next up on the bill.

Whilst most people were fighting the cravings for an afternoon snack waiting at the food vendor outside you could hear the hum of the guitars and as soon as their vocalist shouted everybody made it back in to support their set.

These younger guys hit their set and showed some proper sludge, a different sound to the openers. You could tell by their words on stage that Seconds Out really care about their local scene and want the UK to know about it.

Nothing Pure Remains formerly known as RICO launched their new sound at this all dayer and not knowing much about their original sound, all I can say is what they performed hit hard!

Frontman Jo had so much energy, screaming into the faces of the crowd and getting involved with the pit between breakdowns, swinging like a human wrecking ball. If this is a taste of whats to come for Nothing Pure Remains I’m here for it.

We are still awaiting any formal release to drop by the guys in NPR but all I can say is I’m so looking forward to hearing this shit on record! and I can’t wait to see them at another show, hopefully down south.

Next up was a suprise 15 minute set from Rhapsody Records own James Flear’s Flipside. No poster, no information just for those that turned up.

Playing fast, fun, early 2000’s quick fire style of hardcore punk and what a fun set it was.

Chaotic? Yes but, Flipside showed that they owned that stage. As soon as they opened with their intro ‘Flipside Crewwww’ I knew it was going to be a fun, two stepping occassion.

After spending some time in the studio earlier this year, Flipside are due to release their debut record imminently, so keep an eye out because I’ll definitely be letting you know when it hits!

Once Flipside finished their set there was a slight intermission before the next band came on.

We headed outside to chill for a bit before we headed out to find some food when I was approached by Cal Leach of Prozpekt where we were finally able to meet in person instead of through socials and internet memes.

We chatted for a while before Matt Smith of Human Deceit joined the conversation where we were just chatting all things scene wise and how different areas in the country work.

After that we shot of and made our way out to explore what Middlebrough had to offer…in terms of food that is.

What’s Middlebrough known for you ask? Well of course it’s a bloody parmo! There was no way I was going to leave that day without having one. James had recommended a place in the town centre to go and can I just say it was bangin’.

However, never go for a full parmo because you’d probably be in a food coma…just a warning.

Unfortunately due to our lunch endeavours we missed the beginning of Emancipation‘s set, I’ll be honest.

Emancipation travelled up from the East Mids area, and after seeing them play JoshFest last year I wanted to finish up my food as quick as I could to catch them.

Blending their metalcore sound with doomy breakdowns game Play one of the hardest pits they’ve seen that day…but there was no way I’d be jumping into that after all that food I ate.

Their vocalist was on another level when it came to getting involved on his own set and my word he got involved with every set thereafter.

Aggrieved were next on stage, and for the last and final time. Speaking to some of the guys at the show Aggrieved meant so much to the TSHC scene over the last couple of years so it was definitely something for everyone to remember.

The set was chaotic but emotional at the same time. So many people ripping the mic out of vocalist Jack’s hands and screaming lyrics back at them.

I hope they can be proud of their farewell and what they brought to the scene. Check out their stuff below to see what you’ve missed…but out of the ashes is the new beginning of Disarmed.

Prozpekt, one of the TSHC scene’s prominent bands were up next and they are one band I was excited to see play live. I’d recently spoken to vocalist Cal in the months leading up to the show and setting up a written interview.

With distinct influences from Trapped Under Ice & Backtrack (two bands I absolutely love) I knew what was in store and it was beyond enjoyable. Vocalist Cal knows how to get a crowd involved and you can tell he enjoys being on that stage, smiling and dancing himself.

They love and respect their local scene and you can see this in their track ‘Tees Valley’ shouting out their roots where they go.

Their no bullshit attitude is definitely something needed in this scene. Prozpekt recently toured the UK with French hardcore band Insurgent and are due to release their debut album through Betrayed By Life Records.

Get to know this band because their going places.

From South Wales and with the longest drive of the day came Maelstrom.

Vocalist Scott was unfortunately out of action that day so this left the four of them to push the crowd and an amazing job they did.

There was a bit of a sketchy start trying to focus on playing instruments and doing vocals (which is fucking hard to do by the way) Rhapsody Records own James stepped in on vocal duty.

With 24 hours notice he was able to recite their set in full and that is no easy task to complete.

Hats off to these guys for turning up and giving it their all what a sick set.

If you haven’t caught the full Maelstrom yet make sure you do. Their style ofcrossover is not to be snubbed. They play Foefest, Bristol in just over a month so hit it up!

Nottingham riffers Human Deceit were up next. This was my first time seeing these lads hit up the stage and it was nothing short of incredible.

Frontman Matt stalked the stage and made it his own, screaming into peoples faces and even getting involved with the pit himself.

Hitting the end of their set with a Terror cover was not what we expected but everyone got involved for it and grabbed the mic whether necessary or unnnecessary.

Human Deceit are definitely one band you need to witness live and I implore you to go as soon as you can.. Their stage presence, aura, whatever you want to call it makes the show hit off.

Test Of Patience came all the way down from Glasgow for the next set and this was their first time on Teeside.

Vocalist Gem dived straight into the set with intensity down the mic which echoed to the crowd in the early hours of the evening. Least to say she got everybody two stepping and with a blast of sheer violence everyone was on one.

Here’s to seeing more of them in the future!

Dublin hardcore band Lost To Life were on next who had been touring the UK with headliners Lifesick throughout the previous week. Announcing they’re probably the first Irish hardcore band to play in Middlebrough they jumped straight into their set.

With a similar sound to early 2000’s hardcore they played fast, punky beats that got everyone in the pit two stepping. Then you wait for the breakdown to hit for some windmills but, those drum beats…that’s all I have to say.

Next up it was everyones favourite crossover band from Bristol, Overpower. A band that comes on stage with such ferociousness. As soon as that chainmail goes over the head of vocalist Matt he turns into a different animal but still reamins the funny guy he is with is inbetween talks to the crowd.

As soon as Lewis puts those shades on, the sound of that Jackson is just immense. A proper fun band to see and I implore you to catch them whenever and where ever you can.

Overpower finished their set with a shout to the crowd for their visit to Warhammer World in Nottingham the following day!

Absolutely love these lads.

Now it as time for the headliner. Coming all the way from Denmark on their UK tour, Lifesick. As they close the night out and everybody’s had a long day, they grasps the last bit of energy they have to go ruthless in the pit.

As Lifesick played track after track, with their intense breakdowns and doomy style of hardcore, everyone in the building gave what they could. What a way to close out the day.

When the show ended I spoke with Lifesick vocalist Nicolai who explained this to be their first UK trip. He explained to me that the hardcore scene over in Denmark is in his words non existent, hence why they end up on a lot of Black Metal shows.

So hopefully Play showed them that they are welcome in the UK whenever they want!

Play finally closed up shop and what a day it had been. Firstly a long drive up to the north east, some local TSHC bands that absolutely killed it, a parmo break and then ending the evening with some proper UK and European bands, mental!

We spent some time outside after the show, the guys in Overpower, Rhapsody Records, my wifes cousin and I. Just chilling, chatting about the day, the UK scene and shooting the shit.

Least I can say these guys are good friends of mine from that day forward.

The following quote was made by Rhapsody Records following the show and their own review:

‘Teesside Hardcore didn’t just show up today — it showed off: its heart, its chaos, its community. No egos. No gatekeeping. Just family.‘

TSHC/Rhapsody Records is now extended family to me.

From our previous conversation with Rhapsody Records on reviving the live hardcore scene in TSHC:

“The last couple of years booking shows and making an attempt to revive the Teesside scene has been nothing short of incredible.

There’s more bands popping up, more shows popping up, more labels popping up and that’s exactly what we’re about.

The mission statement here is not to benefit and grow Rhapsody Records, but to benefit and grow the music scene around the country and especially close to home and I really hope that has come through in everything that we’ve done. We have proved that this type of thing can be sustainable and beneficial to all parties involved, whether that’s the bands, venues, show-goers.“

Until next time, I’ll catch you in the pit!

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