Icebreaker is at it again with another brand new band & demo, this time from the West Coast hardcore scene. Whenever I listen to a demo from a new “vegan straight edge” hardcore band, I almost always assume it’s going to sound like Earth Crisis. That’s not a knock — I love me some EC — “Destroy The Machines” is one of my favorite 90’s hardcore records. But this demo right here caught me completely off guard.
In place of the chugging riffs & militant calls to action common with most vegan SXE bands, XmanifestoX approaches the same subject matter with some of the most unorthodox tones & drum sounds I’ve ever heard. The production on this demo is ugly, raw, and dirty just the way I like it. Earth Crisis is certainly an influence here, but in theme & concept only — musically & production-wise, this demo has more in common with Fleshripper’s S/T 7” released by Portrayal of Guilt & Convulse Records (one of my favorite releases of last year).
XmanifestoX was formed in early 2025 in Southern California. Drawing influences from bands like Arkangel and Old Wounds, the band promotes a strong vegan straight edge ethic and a militant stance on issues that affect society. The band aims to cultivate a like-minded outlook within the hardcore scene, and bring awareness to ways in which capitalism exploits humans & animals alike.
Purchase Cassette: XmanifestoX – Demo ’25
Joyful Union Cassette Resource 