Rucktion Records is proud to present a split CD featuring London bands TIRADE and PROVEN. This is the debut official release by both acts, as TIRADE and PROVEN have released well-received demos in the last few years. As any follower of London Hardcore already knows, there is a strong tradition of community and shared members in the London scene, with many musicians playing in multiple groups. This split is no exception, as members also play in current bands such as Nine Bar, Injury Time, Ironed Out LBU, Life Betrays Us, Dropset, Diction, and Crippler LBU. TIRADE and PROVEN's contributions take very different approaches to creating similar styles of classic London Hardcore, blending speed, groove and heaviness in completely distinct ways, which still compliment each other and give a continuity to the 4 brand new tracks presented by each band. PROVEN deliver thrashing crossover speed, enormous grooves and clear, distinctly London sounding vocals from Louis and John, bringing to mind classics such as Leeway or Crown of Thornz. As well as dazzling guitar work and huge breakdowns, PROVEN diversify things further by throwing in occasional melodic vocals, and the end result is a rich, crushing and satisfying listen, combining memorable shout-along choruses, catchy riffing and devastating moments of heaviness. In contrast to PROVEN's precision approach, TIRADE bludgeon the listener with their 4 tracks, lurching from mid-tempo crunch to all out speed, topped off with gruff vocals and comparable to the likes of Breakdown or Sheer Terror. Despite the bands sledgehammer approach, there is still room for moments of subtle guitar work throughout, such as the ending to the inspirational 'Rise Undefeated', a contrast to the venom, speed and angry determination of 'Forced Forward'. With song titles like 'Get Involved' and 'Threat Of Reality' from PROVEN, or TIRADE's 'Ugly And Determined' and 'Genuine Article', it's clear that both bands deliver strong and positive messages of individuality, pride and defiance. Special mention must be made of the inlay photos, taken by Aga Hairesis in and around London's 12Bar Club, the home of London Hardcore for well over a decade and where both TIRADE and PROVEN played several times, including their very first shows. Sadly the club is no longer open, and so the inlay commemorates a special and unique era in London, with regular monthly shows put on at the 12Bar often selling out the tiny atmospheric venue in the heart of London's West end. It's been 20 years since Knuckledust single-handedly kickstarted an era in London Hardcore that two decades later shows no signs of slowing down. TIRADE and PROVEN are strong links in a chain that, after all these years, shows no no signs of breaking, and their powerful atmospheric and ferocious music is a triumphant reaffirmation of London hardcore at its finest.