Philly Hardcore Punk Legends R.A.M.B.O. Return with "Defy Extinction" from First Records Since 2006, Sign with Relapse Records

Philly-based Hardcore Punk legends R.A.M.B.O. (@r.a.m.b.o._official) have triumphantly returned and signed to Relapse Records for the November release of Defy Extinction, the band's first full-length album since 2006! The cover art, tracklisting, pre-orders, and more have been shared, along with a video for the album's lead single and title track. R.A.M.B.O. was a Straight Edge Vegan Hardcore Punk band initially active from 1999-2007. They were well-known throughout the local scene for their political lyrics and wild live shows where the crowd was often encouraged to dress in costumes to match a specific theme, such as Cops vs. Robots. "R.A.M.B.O." supposedly stands for Revolution Anarchy Mosh Bike Overthrow. To say that R.A.M.B.O. occupies a singular space in Punk history is an understatement. During their initial run from 1999 to 2007, the band took influences from Thrash, Anarcho-punk, D-beat, Crust, and Hardcore and combined that with intelligent but very fun—and at times downright ridiculous—lyrics to create what was very much a D.I.Y. powerhouse.


In those eight years, they released two albums, 7-inch splits with Crucial Unit & Caustic Christ, and played thousands of gigs across the country and Internationally. R.A.M.B.O.'s 2022 line-up unites drummer Jared Shavelson (Boysetsfire, The Hope Conspiracy, Ways Away,) guitarist Andy Wheeler (Reagan Squad,) bassist Eric "Bull" Gervasi (Policy of 3, Four Hundred Years,) and notorious 1990's-2000's Philly Punk scene promoter Tony "Pointless" Croasdale on vocals. They might have gone out at the top of their game, but, now, 15 years later, R.A.M.B.O. is back with their aptly-titled new album, Defy Extinction. This is not a nostalgia trip or an attempt at re-capturing past glory; R.A.M.B.O. has their sights trained on the present. On these 16 tracks of pounding, epic, Crust-infused Hardcore Punk and beatdowns, R.A.M.B.O. is imploring you to believe in science, fight authoritarianism, and most of all, Defy Extinction!


The guitars for Defy Extinction were recorded by Taylor Young at The Pit Recording Studio in Los Angeles, the drums were recorded by Kyle Black at West Alley Recordings, and the vocals and bass were primarily recorded by Steve Roche at Permanent Hearing Damage. Additionally, the album features guest synth contributions by Bahemoth (Dawn of Ashes,) additional bass and guitars by Taylor Young, guest vocals from Nicole Enriquez, Dr. Dan Yemin, and John Baizley, group vocals by Josh Agran, Matthew Halley, John Paul Golaski, and Benjamin Kitchens, a poem recited by Johnny Takeaway, spoken word by Tykee James, field recordings by Matthew Halley, and technical support was provided by Zach Weeks & Kurt Ballou. Frontman Tony Croasdale states, "R.A.M.B.O. is stoked to announce that our new album will be released, excuse me, unleashed, on Relapse Records on November 4th."

"With a local connection and global reach, Relapse makes perfect sense for R.A.M.B.O. We have known folks at Relapse for a long time, starting when Bull & I put on Brutal Truth and other shows in West Philly warehouses 25 years ago and it continues with our friends on staff and in active bands in the label now. Defy Extinction is a love letter to people and wildlife. The beauty of humanity and nature is worth fighting for," Croasdale continued. The video for "Defy Extinction" showcases the completely unstoppable energy of R.A.M.B.O., compiling live footage from shows and festivals across the planet in their initial run, merged with images of nature and more. For fans of Discharge, Integrity, Doom, Municipal Waste, Tragedy, Negative Approach, 9 Shocks Terror, SPAZZ, and D.R.I., R.A.M.B.O. is a must-hear! Defy Extinction is out 11/4 on Relapse Records.