Over the past four decades, the Pacific Northwest has been responsible for producing a specific sound and mindset that has permeated throughout hardcore. This tradition has been passed down the upper echelon of Interstate 5 by bands such as Brotherhood, Undertow, and Trial. The tradition has endured in modern times, but has not seen a worthy predecessor since the youth crew revival of the mid-2000s. Enact is a straight edge hardcore band from Portland, Oregon who have taken up the mantle of continuing the area’s legacy with veteran members of the west coast hardcore scene who’s contributions include bands like Blue Monday, Get The Most, Cutting Through, Dying For It, Dance for Destruction, and xCauterizex.

The band is set to release their debut self-titled LP MAY 27, 2022 on limited edition color vinyl and all digital platforms. The record is a follow up to their 2021 Promo Tape and is a reaffirmation of their partnership with Andrew Kline’s WAR Records. It was recorded and mixed by Jason McGhee (Dying Wish, WithxWar), and mastered by Wyatt Oberholzer (Year of the Knife, Chemical Fix, Time & Pressure).

On the record, the Pacific Northwest tradition can be heard in guitarist Kyle’s songwriting, which can be attributed to his tenure in the area; however, Enact draws influence from the Revelation Records 1980s hardcore scene through bands like Bold and Judge, with the refreshing melodic elements found in bands like Burn and Turning Point. The lyrics are channeled through the lens of singer Rikki’s lived experience as a Chicana and include ideas about straight edge as a catalyst for personal growth and healing from trauma, intersectional veganism, challenges to political apathy, and gun violence’s connection to toxic masculinity. The band and label are proud to release this crucial expression of radical politics and urgent ideals.

Enact believes that amplifying the voices of BIPOC is essential to hardcore and punk and is dedicated to the work of forging a safe and inclusive community.