ACxDC: DIY Is Hell
There are more similarities between Satanism and punk than initially meets the eye. And ACXDC are at the heart of the cross section. Where DIY meets the adversary, where rejecting the mainstream can be read in multiple ways, and where violence, intensity, and hatred are all positive things to be said about music. And you can definitely say that the newest release and second full length from ACXDC is an intensely violent spat of bubbling hatred and is utterly fucking brilliant for it.
For those not in the know, ACXDC are a powerviolence band hailing from Los Angeles, California and have been steadily pumping out splits and EPs for most of their career. With their Antichrist Demoncore (also the unabbreviated band name) debut making an impact in the hardcore and powerviolence scenes both in America and in the UK. Now, with their new release Satan is King, officially out and causing a massive storm thanks to its near threatening level of intensity, frontman Sergio is disappointed to not be able to show the audience what he believes to be ACXDCs best material to date.
“In Satan is King there are certain things that’s funk, if you know what funk is,” is one of the most surprising things to come from our chats about the new record. “I was listening to a lot of the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack and we definitely were influenced by Phantom of the Opera,” is another follow up that Sergio uses to fully hit home the fact that ACXDC are a different beast entirely, even though they are deeply rooted in the DIY hardcore punk scene. But, then again, FUGAZI blazed the same trail towards their own legacy in the same way.
ACXDC have received flak from the same naysayers that refuse to accept powerviolence as a legitimate contemporary to grindcore, and also from the way that poweviolence bastardises hardcore. The very concept of doing what someone else expects is so alien to Sergio though, as he continues, “we will kind of take a shit on people that expect us to sound a certain way. We’re gonna switch it up and play a CRO-MAGS style breakdown, or a MUNICIPAL WASTE style thrash part, and a lot of people don’t like that.”
Sergio exudes a cool calm with the way he eloquently explains his ideas and points of view. His ability to reason and take everything with a pinch of salt is a key reason for ACXDC being able to maintain their status as kings of the underground DIY scene. Despite this, there is a real sense of understanding through what Sergio does through his music. With a broad taste in music and also a respect for the power of a message, Sergio tries to strike a balance between nihilism and activism. “When I say music won’t change the world, I legitimately mean that music itself will never change the political system. What it is is an idea, you’re spreading ideas. Most of the people I know that grew up with punk rock change their society incrementally. Maybe, if we get more radical bands, over time, then maybe yeah society will change.”
Hearing that and then drawing the connection to lyrics like ‘guillotine the motherfucker’ are what make bands like ACXDC so exciting, especially for anyone jaded with the current state of the world. Sergio talks about his Satanism as a representation of rebellion and individuality and self sacrifice, and the parallels towards the alternative scene are easy to draw. Being the poster child of the heavy metal scene has meant that Satan has become more of a fashion object rather than the teacher Sergio refers to him as. And no, this isn’t a physical rendition of Satan, rather the idea and message that is found within ACXDC’s music. And embodying this message is something Sergio takes very seriously.
Few bands are as DIY as ACXDC are, and Sergio champions the idea and philosophy of DIY beautifully. In an age of increasing capitalism, there is an argument to be had that a DIY system of community and distribution of ideas revolving around individuality and rebellion is now more important than ever. “We are as DIY as punk rock has ever been. The fact we can do things on our own away from corporations for 70/80% of the stuff, I think that does show a sense of freedom or an alternative system where distribution can be done by people and solidarity and community aid. That’s all based on punk rock.”
It’s a liberating experience talking to Sergio. And it’s an exciting experience listening to ACXDC after hearing from a man truly living the ideals that hardcore was based on. Forging his own path whilst also proudly living a vegan, straight edge life, Sergio and ACXDC flip the middle fingers firmly in the face of the establishment and it is glorious to witness. They prove that there is more to music than simply mosh pits and crowd surfing, and are a living example of not only walking the walk, but talking the talk as well. Music may not change the world, but bands like ACXDC are certainly taking steps towards it.
Satan is King is out now via Prosthetic Records.
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