If history is written by the victorious, then it’s time the tale was told of how Buffalo Hardcore came to have its sound, style and substance. When the masses think of hardcore from Buffalo, the obvious names reoccur. What has never been documented properly is the giant who owns the shoulder they were standing on: the monicker of that occulted beast is ZERO TOLERANCE.
For those in the vicinity of Buffalo in the late 80s/early 90s, Zero Tolerance shows were THE event; the locals that could pull their weight amongst the nationals; the reason you showed up early. Erupting from the chrysalis that was their former band New Balance was a new creature—more furious, more intense, laser focused and precise. Specializing in laconic intros, tight musicianship, an intense stage presence and spiritual lyrics, ZT had the complete package to take on the world at large. The groups recognition and impeccable street cred led them to play shows all over the east coast with some of the bands that influenced them the most, from the Cro-Mags, Sick Of It All and Killing Time to a full US tour with Shelter. These tours gave the burgeoning 90s hardcore scene a glimpse of Buffalo intensity and restrained madness.
The rumors of a signing with In Effect would die with In Effect, and any attempts at chaining the monster to a full length release would remain futile. Unfortunately, the fury and turmoil that gave birth to the sound was ultimately its demise. And with all transient things, we were all left wanting more. In the year of our Lord 2010, Reaper Records is proud to unveil, for the first time on wax, a document of a long lost classic previously only available on tape. Please accept this offering and place it in its proper place among the other giants of that era. If you’ve been waiting for the last two decades as we have, this is for you. If this is your first taste of ZT, you’re welcome.
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CLICK HERE TO ORDER Zero Tolerance t-shirts.
Buffalo Hardcore 