Hardcore legends AGNOSTIC FRONT re-ignite New York with new single ‘Matter Of Life & Death’, featuring Darryl "DMC" McDaniels of RUN-DMC
New York City offers a world of collisions of cultures, sounds, and attitudes; and the latest scorching offering from the city’s underground veins proves that this legacy lives on. Hardcore legends AGNOSTIC FRONT have teamed up with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of RUN-DMC for a new single and music video, ‘Matter Of Life & Death’, to reignite the flames of New York hardcore.
On ‘Matter Of Life & Death’, AGNOSTIC FRONT and DMC prove that they have far more to offer than mere nostalgia. In a refreshingly modern take on genre-blending, the single charges into a snarling street fight between hardcore punk and old-school hip-hop swagger. Blasting out with razor-sharp riffs, thunderous beats, and DMC’s unmistakable cadence, the music hits harder than a Queens-bound freight train. Producer and New York Hardcore stalwart Mike Dijan keeps the sound raw and relentless, while director Blake Farber turns the video into a non-stop adrenaline reel. With mosh pits meeting boom boxes, fists in the air, and sweat flying off the walls, its New York grit distilled into less than 3 minutes of pure energy.
In an era of overproduced and predictable genre mash-ups, ‘Matter of Life & Death’ feels alive, dangerous, and necessary. AGNOSTIC FRONT and DMC are the perfect unlikely pairing: two giants from different musical worlds finding common ground in aggression, defiance, and their New York roots.
Founded in 1982, AGNOSTIC FRONT stand among the most esteemed pioneers of the hardcore genre. No band comes close in sonic and socio authenticity, where the struggles of survival on the streets have literally given life to a sound that remains as impactful today as it was over four decades ago. Their battering, socially critical anthems laid the foundation for true New York hardcore and fuelled the rise of crossover thrash.
After a brief disbandment in the early ’90s, the band roared back in 1998 with “Something’s Gotta Give,” launching a renewed era of relentless touring and crushing albums. Led by the inimitable roar of vocalist Roger Miret and the charismatic, razor-sharp guitar work of Vinnie Stigma, AGNOSTIC FRONT have released a slew of hard-hitting records, culminating in their acclaimed 2019 album “Get Loud!” - a reminder of their enduring relevance and uncompromising spirit.
In 2025, AGNOSTIC FRONT signed with rising metal label Reigning Phoenix Music. “We are excited to announce that we have officially joined the Reigning Phoenix Music family! Excited to work with new and some familiar faces in the team for our new release “Echoes In Eternity,” this coming November! Let’s celebrate in making this collaboration a force to be reckoned with!” says Miret. RPM co-founder Gerardo Martinez adds, “Having worked with Roger and the guys for two decades, this makes it that much more special. Here’s to many more years of killer music!”
Through line-up changes, industry shifts, and a changing world, AGNOSTIC FRONT have remained steadfast: unyielding in sound, spirit, and message. “Echoes In Eternity” proves that after 40+ years, they’re not slowing down. If anything, they’re louder, harder, and more vital than ever.