AGNOSTIC FRONT Bassist MIKE GALLO – "There's No Better Way To Release Your Anger In A Positive Way Than At A Hardcore Show"

In a new interview with music writer Joel Gausten, Agnostic Front bassist Mike Gallo discusses a variety of topics including the band’s new album The American Dream Died, the cultural changes that have affected New York City, the internet’s impact on the underground music scene and what it takes to keep the world’s longest-running Hardcore band moving forward. A few excerpts from the chat appear below:

Joel Gausten: Making “Police Violence” the first video off the album is a hell of a statement. Police brutality isn’t a new phenomenon, but why do you think it’s captured the public’s attention in such a huge way in recent times?

Mike Gallo: “We’re living in such crazy times right now. There seems to be a lot of ignorance going on as far as police brutality and on the other side with people shooting cops. I can’t honestly say I hate cops. I have a lot of family who are police officers, and it’s not an easy job. But when they start acting like criminals and think they are above the law…this is what needs to stop. Their job is to protect and serve. I believe we need cops and I don’t believe in anarchy. We just need to all start respecting each other.”

Joel Gausten: I couldn’t agree more with “Old New York.” On a personal level, what do you miss most about the way NYC was when you first started going to shows and getting into the scene?

Mike Gallo: “There’s a lot of things about New York that has changed for the worse; at the same time, some things [have changed] for the better. One thing is that it is a cleaner and safer place to visit, but the problem is they made the city too expensive for artists and musicians to live here. It’s losing its culture and being overrun by money and yuppies. Too many music venues closed down, so that means less shows. The city used to have this gritty feel to it, but now everything is overpriced. Not as many families – and just too many people from everywhere else living there. They’re not true New Yorkers. I don’t even know my neighbors anymore.” 

Joel Gausten: The American Dream might be dead, but how does music – specifically NYHC – offer hope during challenging times like these?

Mike Gallo: “As bad as things are, thank God we have music in our lives to express what we’re feeling. Especially with hardcore, because there’s no better way to release your anger in a positive way than at a hardcore show. Through hardcore music, we can vent in a way you can not at other shows. The interaction with the band and the fans is what really makes the show. I believe this music is much more personal than any another kind of music because it’s not just about the band, but all of us together. Stigma always says on stage and it is so true: ‘Without you, we ain’t shit.'”

The complete interview is available at this location.

Agnostic Front have released the fourth in a series of webisodes promoting their new album, The American Dream Died, out on April 4th via Nuclear Blast. Check out all webisodes below:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Agnostic Front recently released a video for “Police Violence”, a track from The American Dream Died. Check out the video and making-of footage, below:

The American Dream Died was produced by Madball singer Freddy Cricien and engineered, mixed and mastered by Paul Miner (H2O, Terro) and will be released April 4th via Nuclear Blast Records. The record will feature guest appearances by Cricien, Toby Morse (H2O) and Lou Koller (Sick Of It All).

The album will be available as digital download, on vinyl as well as on CD. An limited bundle with an exclusive T-Shirt will be available, too – surf to this location to secure your copy.

The American Dream Died tracklisting:

“Intro”
“The American Died”
“Police Violence”
“Only In America”
“Test Of Time”
“We Walk The Line”
“Never Walk Alone” feat. Freddy Cricien, Toby Morse & Lou Koller
“Enough Is Enough”
“I Can’t Relate”
“Old New York”
“Social Justice”
“Reasonable Doubt”
“No War Fuck You”
“Attack!”
“A Wise Man”
“Just Like Yesterday”