Straight Ahead

Formed in 1986 from the ashes of “NYC Mayhem”, Straight Ahead were a brief but potent force in the New York Hardcore scene. Featuring Craig Setari (Youth of Today, Agnostic Front, Sick of it All), Armand Majidi (Rest In Pieces, Sick of it All), Rob Echeverria (Rest In Pieces, Helmet, Biohazard), alongside Tommy Carroll (Youth of Today), the band embodied a transitional moment in NYHC, bridging the raw sound of early ’80s hardcore with the tighter, more groove driven style. Their recorded legacy was sparse, consisting mainly of nine tracks on the 1986 “End The Warzone” compilation and the 1987 “Breakaway” EP, which was produced by the late bassist Chuck Valle (Ludichrist/Murphy’s Law).

Revelation Records has assembled a 20-track collection that not only remasters the original material but expands it with previously unreleased studio and live recordings. The result doesn’t feel like archival filler, it’s more like uncovering a missing chapter of NYHC history. Part of the appeal of this release is its multiple vinyl variants and cassette. The vinyl variants are: Opaque Yellow (400 copies), Translucent Orange (500 copies with DJ sleeve), Opaque Green (1,000 copies), all exclusive to RevHQ, and a retail store exclusive Opaque Red (500 copies). As of today, RevHQ has added a second pressing in Translucent Blue (600 copies).

Musically, the reissue hits with a directness that still feels urgent. The songs are short and rooted in the classic hardcore structure. Tracks like “We Stand” and “Straight Ahead” carry a sense of unity and forward motion that aligns with the straight edge ethos without being preachy. What stands out most is how tight everything is, with locked-in rhythms and chant ready hooks. This reissue finally gives their legacy the physical form it always deserved.