Philadelphia’s deep-rooted rock scene is defined more in attitude than sound — and metallic hardcore punks Skullpresser (comprising members of Mannequin Pussy, the Wonder Years, and other local bands) carry that torch forward. Formed in 2022, the group — rounded out by Jared Birdeye (vocals), Colins “Bear” Regisford (bass), Michael Kennedy (drums), Sam Tropio (guitar), and Dan Zimmerman (guitar) — live up to their name by penning fast, ripping, and, ultimately, universal songs about struggle under capitalistic oppression and being failed by political leaders, all while sounding unlike any other band in their city. That’s sharply reflected on their latest EP, Positions of Power (out Sept. 6 via Born Losers), which pushes their sound — and message — to even steeper heights. Its five songs are just as scorching as you’d expect, featuring expert critiques of the U.S. two-party political system and soul-sucking 9-to-5s. “The aim of this record was to create our most unrelenting and punishing music to date, delivering a forceful message about the struggles and oppression inflicted by the powers that be,” they say, inciting the need for more resistance, free thought, and education.
Read more: 20 bands that shaped hardcore’s evolution
Below, each member picked a couple of songs that influenced them while making their heavy new EP.
Converge – “No Heroes”
Converge always comes through with the absolutely chaotic, hammering riffs that feel like I’m going 100 MPH into a wall, but somehow keeping structure and big dynamic changes. —Dan Zimmerman
Chat Pile – “Why”
I love this band. The vocals and lyrics are haunting and chilling at points. Listening to them is like watching a horror movie about reality. I was listening to them a ton when we were writing this EP. —Jared Birdeye
Depeche Mode – “In Your Room”
Depeche Mode channels darkness and depravity better than almost anyone. They also find melody within the sweat and filth. This song hits extremely hard when the bass kicks in. Premium car head-banging music. —Sam Tropio
Soul Glo – “GODBLESSYALLREALGOOD”
“These bitch-ass n*ggas don’t give a fuck” — what more does one need to say when living in a country full of soulless capitalists who just want you at your lowest and profits? Soul Glo are truly gems to the heavy music/Philly scene, and with songs like this, you think about your art and the effect it has on yourself. —Colins “Bear” Regisford
Foxing – “Hell 99”
The song has a rage and desperation that reminds me of what we were going for on this EP. The lyric “Is this all that there is/Fuck fuck fuck” really captures it. —Michael Kennedy
The Hope Conspiracy – “Deadtown Nothing”
A song that always stuck with me for its straightforward, head-banging energy. Memorable lyrics that end with a huge halftime, hard-hitting end. —Dan Zimmerman
Cursed – “The Void”
Cursed has been an influence on me musically and lyrically for almost two decades now. The lyrics in “The Void” tell a story that I think touches on the same themes as “Born to Please” and have always resonated with me. —Jared Birdeye
Turmoil – “The Discipline of Self Loathing”
My North Star. This song and honestly the album as a whole are something I continuously go back to. It’s unrelentingly punishing and deserves more recognition. —Sam Tropio
Young Thug – “Homie” (feat. Meek Mill)
If you listen to this beautiful piece of music and note the timing of the bass and the horns: It’s a breakdown. Young Thug enters the song with a deep growl that leaves you shook, and the eerie organ keys sound like the wildest metal guitar line. You can find the heaviness in anything. I’d say this is one of the heaviest rap songs ever. —Colins “Bear” Regisford
Neutral Milk Hotel – “Holland, 1945”
The song has it all — lyrics about the wastefulness and chaos of violence and the beauty of being alive. It’s not a hardcore song, but it gives me the same feeling. —Michael Kennedy
