Straight-edge hardcore band Subsist came to us from central Illinois. The band contained believers, but never set out to preach. Their lyrics focused more on the straight edge lifestyle (i.e., abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and indiscriminate sex), rather than a Gospel presentation.
They released an EP (Lessons in Brokeness) for Pennsylvania-based Akeldama Records in 1998, and then a full-length (The Rhythm Method), which the band released themselves in 2000. The band showed significant growth in their songwriting and technical prowess between the two releases. Later material had a technical characteristic that was in keeping with bands like Botch, Coalesce, and the like, featuring a heavy metallic influence yet not really resembling what came to be known as “metalcore.”
Sadly the band broke up even before the album came out, which didn’t help sales of the album at all. But there’s always a bright side. In 2022, Steadfast Records (Zao, Brandtson) re-issued the album on vinyl in 3 different color variants. Members later turned up in a number of (mostly secular) bands such as Dead to Fall and Minsk.
“Phil499” is the second track on the album.
Great band! Great dudes! We really had something special going in Peoria in the late 90s.
Thanks for sharing! You can find ways to interact with Subsist at this link, including purchasing vinyl with Steadfast Records or Dropping Bombs! https://linktr.ee/subsist.hc
Thanks Matthew! Hope you’re well. I had a great conversation with a Subsist fan at Furnace Fest last weekend! He told me he had bought every color variant of The Rhythm Method, including the test pressing, haha!