Born Against
Born Against was an American hardcore punk band from New York City active between 1989 and 1993. Despite receiving limited media exposure during their existence, the band has since gained a legendary status in the punk community, celebrated by publications like the Chicago Reader and LA Weekly.
History
Formation and Early Years (1989–1990)
Born Against was founded in early 1989 by guitarist Adam Nathanson, bassist Neil Burke, vocalist Sam McPheeters, and drummer John Guzman. Guzman was soon replaced in early rehearsals by a drummer known as George, whose tenure was brief. After a single show, George was replaced by Nigel Schreiber in July 1989. This early lineup recorded a demo cassette and contributed a track to the “Murders Among Us” 7-inch compilation on McPheeters’ Vermiform Records. Later that year, Burke and Schreiber departed, marking the beginning of continuous rhythm section changes for the band.
Lineup Changes and Debut Album (1990–1992)
In March 1990, Born Against reformed with new bassist Javier Villegas and drummer Darryl Kahan. During this period, they released their first vinyls, including the “Eulogy” single and a self-titled 7-inch EP. The lineup shifted again when Kahan left and was replaced by John Hiltz, forming the longest-lasting incarnation of the band. They toured extensively and released their debut LP, Nine Patriotic Hymns for Children, in 1991 on Vermiform. After Villegas’s departure later that year, Bret Blue took over on bass.
Extensive Touring and Final Releases (1992–1993)
With drummer Hiltz and bassist Blue, Born Against continued touring, including a European tour. Their politically charged message attracted media attention and sometimes hostility. They began recording new material, but progress stalled in July 1992 when Hiltz left. The final sessions produced the 10-inch record Battle Hymns of the Race War, featuring Melissa York on drums. By early 1993, Nathanson and McPheeters moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, and formed a new lineup with bassist Tonie Joy and drummer Brooks Headley. Although this lineup existed for only seven months, it was prolific: they toured, released split records with Screeching Weasel and Universal Order of Armageddon, and developed a more cynical tone in their lyrics. Born Against played its final show in July 1993, ending a significant chapter in hardcore punk history.
Posthumous Releases
After disbandment, two compilation CDs were released containing nearly the entire Born Against catalog. Patriotic Battle Hymns compiled material from their two studio albums, while The Rebel Sound of Shit and Failure featured additional tracks. Originally released on Vermiform Records, these compilations were later picked up by labels such as Kill Rock Stars and Prank Records.
Members
- Sam McPheeters – vocals (1989–1993)
- Adam Nathanson – guitar, vocals (1989–1993)
- Neil Burke – bass, vocals (1989)
- John Guzman – drums (1989)
- George – drums (1989)
- Nigel Schreiber – drums (1989)
- Javier Villegas – bass, vocals (1990–1991)
- Daryl Kahan – drums (1990)
- Jon Hiltz – drums (1990–1992)
- Bret Blue – bass, vocals (1991–1992)
- Melissa York – drums (1992)
- Tonie Joy – bass, vocals (1993)
- Brooks Headley – drums (1993)
Discography
Studio Albums
- Nine Patriotic Hymns for Children (1991, Vermiform Records; later reissued by Prank Records and Kill Rock Stars)
- Battle Hymns of the Race War (1993, Vermiform Records; later reissued by Prank Records and Kill Rock Stars)
EPs and Splits
- “Eulogy/Riding With Mary” 7-inch (1990)
- “Born Against” 7-inch (1990)
- “Born Against/Suckerpunch” 8″ flexi-disc split with Suckerpunch (1992, Ebullition Records)
- “Born Against/Screeching Weasel” split 7-inch/CD with Screeching Weasel (1993, Lookout! Records)
- “Born Against/Universal Order of Armageddon” split 7-inch with Universal Order of Armageddon (1993, Gravity Records)
- “Born Against/Man Is the Bastard” split 8″ record with Man Is the Bastard (1994)
