Originally released on the Mace and Crown’s Fall 2024 zine
The hardcore scene in Norfolk has been picking up more speed in recent times. However, a lot has happened in the past few months to keep track of. Hopefully, this will provide a quick look into a few noteworthy things that have happened.
“The Annex” Opens Up in Norfolk
While not being a hardcore exclusive story, the opening of this venue has brought a great opportunity for larger shows within Norfolk and the 757 as a whole. The new venue sits right off of Church Street in the Lindenwood area of the city. This spot also doubles as a restaurant on certain days of the week. Big acts for genres like hardcore have already played here such as New York’s Madball. This venue is expecting other more recognizable names like Wheatus to perform at it. It truly is a time of musical revival for Norfolk.
Not For The Weak Records and Benchtop Brewery Release
Almost a year after NFTW’s collaboration with Benchtop for the “Hardcore Lager”, another beer was brewed. The name of this beer is “Scott123” which commemorates the landlord of Studio 231b. This place was where Not For The Weak first started as a DIY venue and punk distro before having to relocate due to legal issues regarding the building’s code standards. Jordan Greenough, the brain behind Not For The Weak, stated that Not For The Weak wouldn’t be where it is without Scott.
The beer features a hand-drawn image of the aforementioned legend, Scott. The beer formally bears an ABV of 4.20% and is quite easy to drink. This style is referred to as a “crushable” style beer.
The release was celebrated at Benchtop Brewery in Norfolk with the food truck known as Cocina De Tula providing freshly and deliciously prepared latino cuisine to a hungry crowd of punks.
New Releases and Announcements
Plenty of bands, both new and established alike, have started releasing everything from demos to full on EPs. Here’s a list of all the great new releases that have graced the scene’s already strong catalog. If you wish to listen to these bands, be sure to search them on bandcamp.
Mercy Mission – “S/T” (Virginia Powerviolence)
Spikepit – “Peacewalker” (Virginia Beach Hardcore)
The Watch – “Human Error” (757 Hardcore Punk)\
Axon – “S/T” (Norfolk Hardcore)
Casticide – “Class War Demo” (Virginia Beach Hardcore)
