Execution Style formed in Boston when a group of longtime hardcore musicians found themselves drawn back together. With members who played in Tree, Defcon 4, Livver, Closed Casket, Raw Radar War, ToeTag, and Kudgel, the band brings years of hardcore, crust, and metal experience into their stylistic approach.
Bassist Zack Lazar says the project began after guitarist Robin Goodhue discussed the idea of a bi-coastal band with an old friend. When Robin posted online looking for bass and drums, Lazar unexpectedly jumped in. “Instead of doing what I usually do — shit talking — I said, ‘OK, I’m in,’” Lazar says. He was especially excited once drummer Mike joined the lineup. “He played in one of my favorite bands, Raw Radar War, and is the perfect drummer for this band,” Lazar says.
The earliest plan involved a vocalist on the opposite coast, but logistical issues eventually led the band to look for someone local. After trying out a few singers, Goodhue suggested bringing in Chico. “He’s a great vocalist and similar in age and musical taste — and he’s a solid dude,” Goodhue says. “We already had instrumental versions of the songs written, and Chico came in and killed it. We knew he was our guy.”
That chemistry comes through clearly on the band’s debut effort, Hell At Capacity. Originally intended as a polished demo, the seven-song release quickly evolved into something much more substantial once the band entered the studio with producer Benny Grotto, whose résumé includes Blood For Blood, Slapshot, and even Aerosmith.
“What he captured is seven songs that were ready to release,” Goodhue says. “Benny is super efficient, and he nailed the mix first time around.” The record was later mastered by former Ghoul member Dan Randall at Mammoth Sound, known for work with Subhumanz, Spazz, and Vio-Lence. “Those two are a dream team for heavy music production on the East Coast,” Goodhue says.
Execution Style describe themselves as “a blazing nihilist hardcore band,” pulling influence from classic negative hardcore, metal, crust, black metal, and even post-rock textures. Bands like Siege, Black Flag, VOID, and Bolt Thrower all hover within the band’s DNA, while comparisons to Poison Idea, Deadguy, Eyehategod, Tragedy, Nuclear Assault, and His Hero Is Gone all feel appropriate.
Execution Style are currently handling the release fully DIY through Bandcamp while continuing to write new material and line up shows, including upcoming appearances at the Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge and Ralph’s Rock Diner in Worcester.
As for long-term plans, Lazar keeps things realistic. “We’re just gonna keep writing, recording, and playing shows until one of us quits or dies,” he says. “Whichever comes first.”
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