Dwid Hellion (Integrity)
Digest
This podcast features an in-depth interview exploring the history of the metallic hardcore band Integrity. The conversation begins with anecdotes about early recordings and the band's surprisingly accidental name origin, stemming from a drunken teenage slur. Dwid Hellstrom discusses his upbringing, early musical influences (Misfits, Samhain, and other punk and hardcore bands), and the development of the Cleveland hardcore scene, highlighting the impact of Youth Crew and the skater scene. The formation of Integrity is detailed, along with the recording processes of their early demos and 7-inches, emphasizing the collaborative and often chaotic nature of their creative process. The interview also covers the band's early tours, including their first European tour and the challenges faced, such as visa issues and deportation. The evolution of Integrity's sound is discussed, including the unconventional methods used to create their music before the advent of readily available synthesizers and digital audio workstations. The podcast delves into the recording of key albums like "Systems Overload" and "Humanity is the Devil," along with the band's interactions with record labels and memorable performances at events like the Warped Tour. Later albums, the band's eventual dissolution, and Dwid's move to Europe are also discussed, along with reflections on his career and beliefs. The interview concludes with Dwid sharing his favorite hardcore records, visual artists, and insights into the differences between the music scenes and societal attitudes in the US and Europe.
Outlines
Early Days of Integrity and Cleveland Hardcore
The podcast begins with a discussion of Integrity's early recordings, a humorous record label mishap, and the unexpected origin of the band's name. Dwid Hellstrom's introduction sets the stage, highlighting his significance in metallic hardcore. His early life, musical influences (Misfits, Samhain, etc.), and discovery of punk and hardcore in Louisville, Kentucky are explored. The formation of his early band, Eerie Wax, and the rise of the Cleveland hardcore scene, including the influence of Youth Crew, are also discussed.
Integrity's Formation and Early Recordings
Dwid details the formation of Integrity, the band's early lineup, and the recording process of their first demo and 7-inch. The collaborative and often chaotic nature of their creative process is highlighted. His early visual art experiences and unexpected role as a high school graphic arts teacher are also discussed.
Integrity's Sound, Touring, and Personnel Changes
This section covers the creative process behind Integrity's early music, including unconventional sound production methods. It details Integrity's first European tour, the mixed reception of "Those Who Fear Tomorrow," Lenny Melnek's departure, Frank Novinec's arrival, and the recording of "Systems Overload" and interactions with Victory Records.
Later Albums, Remixes, and Reflections
This section discusses the themes and creation of "Humanity is the Devil," a memorable Warped Tour performance, the recording and reception of "Seasons in the Size of Days," the Integrity 2000 project, later albums, Colin's move to Belgium, and his reasons for ending the band. It includes reflections on his career and beliefs, along with Dwid's favorite records, visual artists, and an up-and-coming band. The remixing and remastering of Integrity's albums, including the involvement of Igor Cavalera, is also discussed. The creation of "Judgment Day" and Dying Fetus's cover are analyzed, along with a comparison of life in Europe versus the US.
Keywords
Metallic Hardcore
A subgenre of hardcore punk blending aggression, speed, and metal elements like distorted guitars.
Youth Crew
A hardcore punk movement emphasizing positive messages, straight edge, and community.
Hardcore Punk
A fast, aggressive subgenre of punk rock with intense energy and often politically charged lyrics.
Straight Edge
A hardcore punk subculture promoting abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
DIY Ethic
A philosophy emphasizing self-sufficiency in music creation and distribution.
Integrity (band)
A highly influential metallic hardcore band known for their aggressive sound and unique approach to music creation.
Cleveland Hardcore Scene
A significant hardcore punk scene known for its collaborative and innovative spirit.
Dwid Hellstrom
Founding member and vocalist of Integrity, a key figure in metallic hardcore.
Bill Korecky
Renowned recording engineer known for his work with Integrity.
Remixing/Remastering
The process of enhancing or reimagining existing audio recordings.
Q&A
What is the true origin of the band name "Integrity"?
It originated from a drunken slur uttered by a 13-year-old Dwid Hellstrom.
How did the Cleveland hardcore scene develop, and what role did Youth Crew play?
Youth Crew bands mentored local musicians, fostering a collaborative environment and connecting with skater culture.
Describe the recording process for Integrity's early releases.
It was experimental and chaotic, involving improvisation and tape manipulation.
What were some of Dwid's early musical influences?
Misfits, Samhain, and various punk and hardcore acts discovered through tape trading.
How did Dwid's early visual art experiences influence his musical career?
His graphic arts skills were crucial for the band's early success.
What were some of the unconventional methods used to create the sound of Integrity's early albums?
Found sounds and creatively manipulated cassette tapes were used.
What were some of the challenges faced during Integrity's first European tour?
Visa issues and deportation from England.
How did the reception of Integrity's music evolve over time?
Early albums were well-received, but later albums faced criticism for their evolving style.
What inspired the song "Judgment Day," and what are your thoughts on the Dying Fetus cover?
It was Dwid's first song with Aaron and Scott Sterns; the Dying Fetus cover lacked proper credit.
What are some key differences between the music scenes in the US and Europe?
The US scene is raw and passionate, while Europe is potentially less driven but more supportive.
Show Notes
This 3-hour sprawling epic starts at his childhood in Louisville, KY accidentally making harsh noise in his backyard, all the way to becoming a permanent staple of the Cleveland Hardcore Mt. Rushmore.
Integrity's rise in the 90s with records like "Those Who Fear Tomorrow", "Humanity is the Devil" and "Systems Overload" would go on to help define the sound and atmosphere of the entire decade, with their music and message causing a dark sea change in hardcore.
Now we hear about the records that caused such a drastic, longtime shift and Dwid's thorough recollection of the golden age of 90's hardcore. Thank you Dwid for joining us, enjoy.
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00:00:00 - Start
00:01:02 - Origin of the name Dwid
00:07:08 - Growing up in Louisville
00:11:08 - Visual Art
00:15:46 - Moving to Cleveland
00:17:49 - Cleveland HC
00:20:30 - "The Dark Side of Straight Edge"
00:23:11 - Gism
00:27:43 - Y U B A G G
00:29:43 - First Piece of Published Art
00:34:27 - Origin of Integrity
00:42:29 - Writing Lyrics over Leads
00:43:34 - Signing to Victory Records
00:49:16 - Original Line Up
00:52:08 - Touring with Judge
00:55:35 - The Integrity Logo(s)
00:57:23 - Those Who Fear Tomorrow
01:06:49 - Influences for Those Who Fear Tomorrow
01:14:13 - Touring in 1991-1995 with Integrity
01:25:13 - Frank Novinec
01:28:35 - Systems Overload
01:38:49 - Humanity Is the Devil
01:50:45 - between Humanity and Seasons
01:52:03 - Seasons in the size of Days
01:57:04 - Integrity 2000 / Project Regenesis
01:58:14 - Closure
02:03:50 - To Die For
02:05:47 - The Blackest Curse
02:06:58 - Favorite Integrity Record?
02:08:07 - Needing New Music
02:09:07 - Ghosts?
02:28:52 - Cleveland HC Rushmore / Top 4 Hardcore Records
02:36:39 - Up and coming band from Europe
02:37:31 - Remixing and Remastering Old Records
02:39:53 - Inspiration for Judgement Day/Dying Fetus Cover
02:43:32 - What do you miss about living in the US
02:47:21 - Favorite Thing About Living in Europe
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Edited by Steven Grise • Title sequence by Nicholas Marzluf
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