Arizona has become a hotbed for new noise. With once underground bands like DED, Dropout Kings, and Gatecreeper making waves, it’s worth looking into what else the valley has to offer. Enter Phoenix, AZ metallic hardcore punk band, American Standards. Having released ‘The Dealer’ last month via Lambgoat, the 4-piece just premiered a gritty, bass driven follow up titled ‘The Tourist’ on Decibel Magazine. High energy and raw, the intensity is elevated with an unexpected guest feature from gloom rap artist Cody Milford of The God Samaritan.
American Standards Vocalist Brandon Kellum said of the song:
“Our society breeds a culture that convinces people they don’t have enough. We’ve been convinced to chase happiness in the form of material possessions, social status, and an unpromised future. You’re alive now. Savor it.”
The Tourist will appear on American Standards upcoming ep ‘DOPAMINE DEALER’ being released February 3rd 2023. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or wherever you stream music.
Sometimes strong emotions can make you lose focus. That’s not the case for Arizona based metallic hardcore band, American Standards. After losing their guitarist to suicide and shortly after the vocalists father to cancer, the band founded in 2011 released their most emotional and socially poignant album to date. Now more focused than ever, American Standards has hit the road playing shows with bands such as Knocked Loose, Every Time I Die, and Norma Jean. Their mantra; “Don’t wait for things to happen. Make them happen.” Heralded by Metal Injection as “one of strongest bands in the realm of hardcore and metalcore this year” and with features on Alternative Press, Decibel, Lambgoat and Revolver, people are taking notice.
‘The Tourist’ by American Standards
When all the dust settles
What will be seen
Tarnished relics of fallen king
The wise claim
Love lives on
As beacon of the past life
Guided to the salvaged throne
Passed through this last breath
The debts are paid with copper covered eyes
With the echos silenced
The fire rises
Melts away gilded paths
Show a king’s haunted memories
And you made of wax
Burnt at both ends
There is a beauty in
Impermanence
When our bodies are laid in a row
The only difference
Is the flowers that they grow
And we believe
We chase a dream
Inventing meaning out of nothing
The waves push a fate since sealed
Looking back a young king no longer moves forward
Allow the thoughts of regret to float away
A head held high embrace the embers
From lake of mourning
And you made of wax
Burnt at both ends
There is a beauty in
Impermanence
When our bodies are laid in a row
The only difference
Is the flowers that they grow
And we believe
We chase a dream
Inventing meaning out of nothing
In the face of the end I’m a wretch
Fool’s gold formed a noose on my neck
I hang alone from the rafters
Drowned out all their screams with my laughter
Insurgence cursing my purpose
Lost my way in pursuit of purchase
I’ve learned that my worth is worthless
Tell my serfs, when I’m in the dirt to
Give me my crown
Watch me burn this kingdom down
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