archive
from 12/02/04:
Stop It!! RIP
It's a royal bummer to announce that Stop It!! did not survive their first European tour and the band has called it quits. Through this rough demo track and an upcoming final song on an incredible Exotic Fever compilation we get only hints at the true loss suffered here. But in the end, bands break up all the time and people move on. Fortunately, the members of Stop It!! are already involved in excellent new things. Jeff (drummer) is singing and playing guitar in the incredible pop-punk/rock band Pink Razors, Tyler (guitar) is getting married (!!), Brendan (guitar) is playing bass in a crucial instrumental band called Castle Danger and Adam has been doing some phenomenal artwork for Stop It!! and other bands. The recent work he did on the band's re-issued demo CD/10" along with the Pink Razors tape and the Van Johnson full-length (also for Exotic Fever) are all gorgeous. Bands and other parties interested in some crazy detailed artwork, get in touch with him here: graveofthefireflies@yahoo.com The band's impressive re-mastered/re-issued demo CD/10" and the amazing Pink Razors demo tape are all available in our online store, along with some awesome leftover t-shirts from the European tour. RIP DUDES

Isis - Oceanic Remix 12" Vol. IV
In MUCH better news, the final 12" volume in Isis' Oceanic Remix series along with the long-awaited double-LP version of their absolutely stunning new album Panopticon are both finally available! As the rest of the series, all copies of the Oceanic Remix - Vol. IV 12" are available on clear vinyl, while there are a couple different colors of the Panopticon 2x12" in existence:

156 copies on opaque blue vinyl
212 copies on opaque orange vinyl
2073 copies on black vinyl

Robotic Empire has mostly black vinyl and some of these beautiful opaque blue copies, while the band has both blue and all the opaque orange copies with them on tour (you gotta go see them destroy your town to get one), and these obviously aren't going to last long. They're on the road now with These Arms Are Snakes and also (should) have copies of all four Oceanic Remix 12"s as well. Thank you for being patient with us on these projects, it's been somewhat frustrating as vinyl manufacturing can often be, but it was definitely worth the wait. The colored vinyl is on a first come, first-serve basis so hit up our Online Store to order now!

from 10/22/04:

Robo 045 - Cursive 10" Robo 045 - Cursive 10"
Robotic Empire is tremendously excited to announce our plans to release a limited picture disc 10" by the amazing Omaha, Nebraska quintet Cursive! Consisting of two CD-singles compiled onto one glorious vinyl record, the songs Art Is Hard and The Recluse from their phenomenal album The Ugly Organ will be joined by three fantastic but rarely-heard b-sides Sinner's Serenade, Once and Adapt. Roughly 2750 copies will be available this December and this should be an all around amazing release! Many thanks to the band and Saddle Creek for letting us be a part of their amazing music... and anyone living under a rock who has yet to experience Cursive, do yourself a favor and pick up their albums through Saddle Creek. Keep an eye on this site as well as Cursive's site for updates in the weeks to come.

from 10/17/04:
IsisAh yes, the reasons are once again becoming clear why we slowed down on vinyl a while back... well both of Isis' Panopticon 2x12" and Oceanic Remix Vol. IV 12" have had some pressing problems and will both be pushed back to a November release. Sorry folks, this is just how it goes sometimes. We want them as badly as you do and they'll both be worth the wait. The good news? The band is hitting the road next month with These Arms Are Snakes so that should be killer as well. Check out the dates here. Otherwise, keep an eye on the site as we'll be making an announcement here when things are ready to roll. Please for the love of god don't email us asking about pressing info and everything, it will all be revealed as soon as things are finished. Not trying to be mean, we do love you're enthusiasm.

Pig DestroyerOn the other hand, CDs are easy to have manufactured (in comparison) and thus, Pig Destroyer's Painter of Dead Girls collections CD is available once again! Just in time too as their absolutely phenomenal new full-length Terrifyer just dropped courtesy of Relapse, and guess what? We've got copies of both CDs in our Online Store for ya! Be sure to check out the tour section too as Pig Destroyer will be playing a slew of awesome live shows (both in the US and UK) to celebrate the release of their new album. It seriously smokes, pick it up here!

Red SparowesRed Sparowes just finished their material for the Gregor Samsa split and are working on artwork for the 2x12" now... so both records should enter production sooner rather than later. We'll keep you posted as both of these vinyl releases are going to be incredible. The CD version of At The Soundless Dawn will hit streets February 22nd via Neurot and the band will embark on a European tour immediately after. Dates & info will be posted soon.

TorcheTorche is about to enter Atomic Audio studios in Tampa, Florida to record their yet-to-be-titled debut CD/LP for Robotic Empire. This is the same studio that Floor recorded their mighty self-titled album so you know this thing is going to be crushing. We're hoping for an early 2005 release for this one, and be sure to check out the band live at their upcoming shows, including the glorious "The Fest 3" down in Gainesville, FL. They'll be playing alongside Circle Takes The Square, Stop It!! plus many others... and should have some beautiful brand new four-color t-shirts for ya. Get stoked, this album is going to be incredible.

DaughtersDaughters survived their first European tour and these fools can't slow down. A brief trek of southern and east-coast regions with The Blood Brothers will go down in early November, so check out the tour section for dates, info and all that jazz. Following this brief tour the band will take a much-deserved break from the road and concentrate on cranking out some new tunes for ya'll. They basically toured on Canada Songs for almost two years straight, so this is us giving a big hearty thank-you to both the band and their fans for making this journey with us. Expect good things to come.

ALOLCongratulations are also due to A Life Once Lost on their recent signing to Ferret. They'll be heading back to Trax East (same place they recorded the A Great Artist album) in January to record their devastating new album, Hunter. This thing is going to be a beast and should hit the streets in the spring. Until then, be sure to check out ALOL's first two records to witness their glorious evolution. The Open Your Mouth For The Speechless CD and The Fourth Plague: Flies CDep, both released on Robotic Empire and currently available in our Online Store.

That's it for now. Still consistently updating and re-stocking the Online Store so give it a whirl if you haven't already. Peace.


from 09/21/04:

Just a quick update to let you know that brand new MP3 tracks from the upcoming Isis and Red Sparowes 2xLPs have been posted here. Isis will be hitting the road in mid-Novemeber and should have copies of all the Oceanic Remix 12"s with them held specifically for this ocassion. Also, forgot to mention that Neurot will be releasing the CD version of Red Sparowes' At The Soundless Dawn in February.

from 09/14/04:
Our bands are embarking on a lot of awesome tours and have a lot of awesome news, all of which we'll get to in a minute. But first, Robotic Empire is proud to announce that we'll be working with another amazing new band in 2005:

Red Sparowes
California's Red Sparowes will be gracing Robotic Empire with two vinyl projects early next year, including their absolutely incredible debut album At The Soundless Dawn in the 2xLP format. At around the same time another limited vinyl project will be issued with Red Sparowes contributing two tracks on one side and Richmond, VA's own Gregor Samsa contributing two tracks on the other. Each band will contribute one exclusive new track and one preview/demo track (RS' being a demo of one of the album tracks, GS' being a preview from their upcoming album). For those who haven't heard about the glorious Red Sparowes yet, they are a truly monolithic instrumental group featuring some of the fine talents of Isis and Neurosis members. Fans of either/both bands as well as Godspeed You Black Emperor, Mogwai and the ilk will be very pleased with this project. We are extremely excited to be working with these folks and will post more info on the records when they are coming closer to fruition. In the meantime, it's highly recommended that you sample the magnificence that is Red Sparowes through a recently mastered track from the album here.

TORCHETORCHE has booked studio time with Atomic Audio in Tampa, FL (the same place FLOOR recorded their almighty self-titled album) and we couldn't actually be any more excited about this album. Their debut CD/LP is scheduled to drop in early 2005, but in the meantime the band will be playing a slew of awesome shows down in the Florida area, followed by a massive US tour once the album comes out. All we can really say at this point is "take warning".

Stop It!!Speaking of recording and touring, Stop It!! have packed their bags for their first European tour from the duration of September 17th to October 27th. Once they return home, the crazy bastards are driving straight down to Gainesville, FL for this year's annual THE FEST fest, playing with the likes of... a ton of amazing bands. Following that, this winter the band will be entering Boston's mighty Godcity studios to record with the prodigious Kurt Ballou. Their next album is going to be a true beast, and this demo MP3 should wet your whistle a bit in the meantime. Everyone overseas, please give our dudes a warm welcoming... and by that, we mean please get Adam high on weed.

CTTSEverybody's touring, this is awesome! Circle Takes The Square are starting their first proper US tour since the official release of their mind-blowing debut album As The Roots Undo. Having recently recruited a second guitarist, the Circle are dominating in full effect once again. They'll be spending about five weeks covering the majority of the East Coast, Mid-West and Eastern Canadian areas. All you people out west may be cursing up a storm, but they do have plans to come your way in 2005... with ferocious new material to play as well. All of the dates and info for this Sept-Nov jaunt are in the tour section.

DaughtersDaughters are also heading to Europe! Their first stab at a European Vacation has been assembled by the fine folks at Reflections Records, Conspiracy Bookings and Positive Nuisance... and should be one hell of a ride. They'll be tearing up the fatherland from mid-September through mid-October, and upon their return? You guessed it, another short tour with partners in crime The Blood Brothers. Following that weeklong trek in November, the boys will finally take a much deserved break to focus on constructing material for their next release(s). The new stuff is definitely progressive and a few new tunes will be played live on this Euro tour so keep your good ear to the ground for that glorious noise.

ALOLIf you crave less European adventures from our bands and more brutal US destruction, look no further than A Life Once Lost and The Red Chord teaming up once again for a duel to the end, side by side with God Forbid and Norma Jean. Following this late Sept trip, The Red Chord will hunker down and record their Metal Blade debut album Clients while ALOL continues on the road with recent Relapse signees, the absolutely pummeling Buried Inside. We've been lucky enough to preview their upcoming album and absolutely smokes. Fans of Creation Is Crucifixion and old Isis will be stoked.

ISISSpeaking of Isis, the third volume in the Oceanic Remix series simply flew through our hands and everyone else's as well. Once again, The Garment District has the very last copies (well, will very soon) so head over to their site to pick up this glorious slab of wax before it's too late. Fear not though, as October 26th has been officialized as the street date for both the Oceanic Remix - Vol. IV 12" and the absolutely mega Panopticon 2xLP. This double-album is fucking incredible and we're barely able to contain the excitement of unleashing it to you all. Ipecac is handling the CD version of this behemoth while Trust No One will be releasing the 2xLP version over in Europe. We're pressing 2500 copies of this monster to start, and yes, there will be super duper colored vinyl available for you. Handling pre-orders for this would be an absolute nightmare (Trust No One, you are brave!) so just keep an eye on this site around late October for all of the info, or sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know about all Robotic Empire happenings.

While we're at it... here's a tentative list of all scheduled Robotic Empire projects (things can and will change), arranged in a possible first-to-last release order:

Robo 040
- Isis - Oceanic Remix - Vol. IV 12" (October 26th, 2004)
Robo 041 - Isis - Panopticon - 2x12" (October 26th, 2004)
Robo 043 - Red Sparowes - At The Soundless Dawn 2x12" (early 2005)
Robo 044 - Red Sparowes / Gregor Samsa - Split 10" [?] (early 2005)
Robo 045 - TBA [more info soon, this shit will rule] (early 2005)
Robo 046 - Torche - Debut CD/LP (early 2005)
Robo 047 - Stop It!! - full-length CD (early 2005)
Robo 028 - Mannequin - full-length CD/LP (2005)
Robo 036 - Hassan I Sabbah - Discography CD (2005) - email us if you have video
Robo 048 - pageninetynine - document #8 CD deluxe re-issue [all 9 songs from that recording session remixed, remastered and with additional, updated artwork] (2005)
Robo 049 - pageninetynine - documentary DVD (2005) - email us if you have video
Robo 050 - Employer, Employee - sic[sic] CD/LP deluxe reissue (w/ bonus material)
Robo 011 - The Now - s/t CDep [re-pressed, maybe with video footage] (2005)
Robo 020 + 021 - Creation is Crucifixion - something awesome, not sure yet (2005)

That's pretty much it for now. 2005 is obviously going to be a very busy year for us and to help fund all these awesome projects we are constantly updating and adding to our Online Store, so please check it out because with the shopping cart system we have installed it's super easy to navigate and place orders. In the coming weeks a limited silk-screened version of the House Of Low Culture - Gettin' Sentimental 2x7" we released a while back will be available for a short time, and our Online Store (and Hydra Head's) are the only places it will be available... so keep an eye on the webstore for that. Peace!

from 08/17/04:

Matt Michel from Majority Rule made up some sweet silk-screened posters with an illustration by Chris Taylor for a recent Mannequin / Kylesa show and the remaining posters (and a bunch of other rad ones) are available for sale at his awesome website.

That's it, peace!

from 08/03/04:
DaughtersA tour update came in from Daughters:

"still being awesome. killed a deer, hit by a cadillac, got our tires slashed, called rock stars, worst strip club ever, lost equipment, lost sleeping bag, spit on, punched by raging drunk femenist, trapped in flood, so much more........hell hounds on our trail."

They're currently on the road with The Dillinger Escape Plan and Planes Mistaken For Stars, so go see them now, because at this pace they could actually explode.

Vol. IIIThe second volume in Isis' Oceanic Remix 12" series is now sold out, through us at least. These are flying so if you want a copy you better hit up Lumberjack or the Garment District now. Volume III (with remix tracks from Thomas Koner, Teledubgnosis and Mike Patton) will be available at the end of the month, so keep an eye out because those are sure to go very fast as well.

And finally, for the second month in a row, Rolling Stone has reviewed a Robotic Empire release. This time around Pig Destroyer's Painter of Dead Girls was grilled, and it passed the test with flying colors. So either check out the latest issue with Lindsay Lohan on the cover, or just click here to read the review. Awesome.

from 07/25/04:
TorcheRobotic Empire is fucking stoked to announce that we will be releasing the debut CD/LP by the brand new Floridian band Torche! With members including the songwriting/singing/guitar "bombstring" wizardry of the recently departed Floor and the ferociously huge drumming of Tyranny of Shaw, Torch's debut album promises to be one of the most interesting releases we'll ever be a part of. They are currently hammering out the songs for said album, but the band is already gearing up for some incredible first shows in south Florida. We couldn't possibly be more proud to welcome these guys to the label as "colossal" and "amazing" are nothing short of gross understatements.

And in other wild news, Circle Takes The Square has a small review in the newest issue of Rolling Stone! It's the one with Doonsbury on the cover and we're as shocked as you are. The review is kind of... weird, but its still cool so check it out.

from 07/17/04:

Isis
Oceanic Remix Vol. II
You ask, "why is the Isis - Oceanic Remix Vol. II 12" late and what have you all been doing this past month?" Well ladies and gentlemen, Robotic Empire has finally launched an updated Online Store and we cordially invite you to attend its grand opening... by clicking here. We've added hundreds of titles to the new store and since this thing is dynamically updated now, everything is way easier to operate for both us and you, so seriously, check it out already!

Isis - PedalsThe second volume in the Isis - Oceanic Remix 12" series is now available in the new store and we're absolutely beyond excited to announce that Robotic Empire will be doing the vinyl honors for Isis' upcoming full-length Panopticon. This monster double-LP is expected to drop sometime in October, colored vinyl included of course, so we'll be sure to keep you eager vinyl freaks updated as soon as we know more ourselves. As usual there will be no pre-orders or anything, so keep your good eye on this site for info.

Daughters, The Red Chord and A Life Once Lost are all currently on various tours so go see them! That's it for now, seriously go buy some stuff in the new store, cause it was a pain in the ass to build... but it's awesome, so go now!

from 06/12/04:
RIP dudesCrestfallen's final tour has sadly been cut short due to the standard van & financial nightmare, which totally sucks, but the good news is that Robotic Empire has the remaining unsold t-shirts that Brandon from City of Caterpillar designed and they look absolutely wicked. This two-color design is the hot shit and is only $9 so pick one up now, cause we've only got a limited amount and once they're gone... they're as gone as the band (RIP). Also, everyone is highly advised to still go out to the shows that Crestfallen won't be playing, because Tyranny of Shaw will still be there and they absolutely destroy live.

DaughtersIn more upbeat news, Daughters is embarking on some awesome tours over the next several months, sharing the stage in the US with righteous dudes including Some Girls, Mare, The Blood Brothers and The Dillinger Escape Plan. Following those insanely cool tours, the band will be headed overseas to demolish Europe so saddle up and be sure to keep your good ear out for their furious new material, it rips. In the meantime, check out their debut 7" that we just got restocked in our awesome distro... along with some other brutal new releases (Back When) that you're gonna love. No joke.

Vol. IIThe first volume in the Isis Remix 12" series is now totally sold out, BUT there are 75 final copies en route to the Garment District as you read this so those should come and go very fast. If you're interested in getting a copy, this is your last chance so keep an eye out on their website. Otherwise, on July 13th the second volume will become available and once again, this will be an amazing 12". Like last time, there will be no preorders or holding copies or anything, so please check back at this site on July 13th!

Finally, unfortunately Robofest is cancelled for this year. Don't ask why, shit just sucks sometimes. Look for most scheduled bands to be on tour around that time.


from 05/25/04:
ALOLThe newly remastered CD reissue of A Life Once Lost's debut album Open Your Mouth For The Speechless is about to hit stores worldwide on June 1st, and Lumberjack has copies for sale now. Good dude Matt Gauck made a sick media player to celebrate this ferocious event. Two remastered MP3s are available in that thing so check it out here. Want to just download said MP3s? hxcmp3.com and/or stereokiller.com makes it possible.

Stop It!!Well it looks like we jumped the gun announcing Stop It!! and Breather Resist touring together (the idea is just too badass to not blab about it). This is a more far-reaching thing and probably won't be happening until an undisclosed future date/time... but when it goes down, we'll obviously make a big stink about it. However, Stop It!! is just about ready to leave for a short east coast/midwest tour and you should go, because their new material absolutely smokes. Dates available here.

CBCrestfallen is also about to go on a two-week June tour with co-conspirators Charming Bastards and Tyranny of Shaw rocking various dates. The Bastards play some badass balls-to-the-wall grunge/punk/noise rock and feature two of the Cfallen dudes, while Tyranny of Shaw go for the all-out furious attack and seem to have a genuine hatred for clothes. Seriously though, this tour is gonna be a party and all of Robotic Empire is going along for the ride... so come out, say hello and buy some damn stuff from the distro. Dates/info here... this is gonna be wicked.

We'll hopefully be returning with Volume II in the Isis Remix 12" series following close behind, but mailorder will be shut down June 3rd - June 18th. The response for Volume I in said series has been absolutely amazing and this beautiful 12" is already almost sold out, so if you want a copy... order it like RIGHT NOW. Thanks!

from 05/11/04:
Isis
The first of four volumes in Isis' Oceanic Remixes series is now available for mailorder. Despite a lot of work, minor and major complications included, this thing turned out incredible and we're proud to present it for your listening and visual enjoyment. 2500 copies of this 12" have been manufactured, all with two different oversized center labels and a die-cut metallic PMS colored jacket. Translation: this thing look awesome and this is an excellent way to start off the remix series. Ayal Naor of 27, The Oktopus of Dalek and James Plotkin of Phantomsmasher are the ones delivering the goods here, and their renditions of Isis' original tracks from the Oceanic album are superb. This will only be available for a short time, and we're limiting these to one-per-customer in what is most likely a futile attempt to hinder an Ebay shitstorm. Anyway, once these are gone Lumberjack will be the only other source for getting a copy (and the only way to wholesale copies), so don't be a stranger. Order now if you want to add this fine slab of wax to your collection.

ALOLSince we're already going to be up to our eyeballs in mailorder, might as well make this interesting. The re-mastered, re-packaged re-issue of A Life Once Lost's debut full-length CD Open Your Mouth For The Speechless... is now available exclusively from Robotic Empire (or the band on tour) several weeks prior to it's June 1st release date. This is where it all started for this incredibly diverse Philadelphia outfit, and this reissue finally gives some proper justice to the early incarnation of ALOL, compete with bonus demo and live tracks from The Fourth Plague: Flies era. Want to hear what you're in for before you order this beast? Head over to the new ALOL site at hxcmp3.com for two remastered MP3s from this impressive debut album.

The Red ChordThe Red Chord's phenomenal deluxe CD reissue for Fused Together In Revolving Doors is also hitting stores nationwide today and we'd like to take this time to congratulate them on their recent signing to Metal Blade Records. It's exciting to know that these guys will now get the widespread recognition that their rabid fans already know they deserve, and we're proud to have helped in any way. For those who yet to experience the exceptional wrath that is The Red Chord, do yourself a favor and order the reissue now, and check out two MP3 samples to satiate you in the meantime. The band will take a few days off from working on their upcoming Clients album to hook up with Pig Destroyer, Daughters, A Life Once Lost and Crowpath for this year's annual Robofest event at the end of July. More info available in the tour section.

MareSpeaking of recent signings, we're extremely excited about our Canadian friends Mare hooking up with Hydra Head Records to release their debut demo CDep and eventually a full-length album. This band truly is one of the heaviest and most innovative things to ever come out of the great white north, and we are the only distro that currently carries the self-released version of said EP. Order it now and be hip to what is likely to become everyone's favorite new band. We won't have these for long, so don't be too surprised if they're not listed in the distro any day now. Along with that, there have been many recent restocks and additions to the distro sections recently, including a wealth of Relapse and Willowtip titles, amongst other fine things.

CTTSAnother fine thing you say? Circle Takes The Square has been the talk of the town and while the whole freakin' country (and Canada) is awaiting their upcoming continental tour this fall, the UK folks across the sea will be excited to know that the band is heading over for nine shows in the beginning of June with The Murder Of Rosa Luxemburg and others. They will be heading over with a wealth of records, CDs, shirts, buttons, stickers, etc. etc. so get those coin purses ready. US folks will be glad to know that we'll have the wicked new chrome vinyl stickers in our merchandise section within a week or so, so keep an eye out for those. Until then, the As The Roots Undo album continues to receive rave reviews from fans and magazines alike. Get with it and get this CD, you can thank us later.

CrestfallenCrestfallen is gearing up for a debaucherous two-week east coast tour this June with Tyranny of Shaw and Charming Bastards. Is this the final tour? Who knows, but come out and rock like it's the last day on earth, cause this is gonna be a crucial blast either way! We're (hopefully) starting this party off with a bang on May 27th in Baltimore with new band Malady (former pg99 and City of Caterpillar guys) so check out the tour section for all the gory details. Brandon Evans (also formerly of pg99 & City of Caterpillar) cranked out an awesome t-shirt design for this tour, so if furiously loud punk rock isn't your "thing", then at least come out for the cool t-shirts. Kidding..... kinda.

Pig DestroyerSo you're really just into this stuff for the cool shirts? Well, we've got something rad for you fashionably conscious beings in the form of one beautiful new full-color Pig Destroyer t-shirt design with the album cover art from Painter Of Dead Girls. Not even forgetting to get artwork-usage permission (sorry Chris!) could hold back the existence of this glorious t-shirt, and this can be yours one of two ways: order it now from Lumberjack, or better yet, come out and pick one up at the band's upcoming live shows. They don't play out much, so we're absurdly amped that they'll be headlining three of the four Robofest III dates this year, details of which are in the tour section. In the meantime, we just received distro copies of the Spanish import version of the Painter Of Dead Girls album as a beautiful 12" record. This artwork looks absolutely fantastic at this scale and only 1000 of these were made. Robotic Empire is among the few places in the US that has these and we have limited quantities, so if you want one... order now!

Mannequin is also getting ready to put a lot of ticks on the ol' odometer with their upcoming east-coast tour with Virginian partners-in-crime Sail. The bands are going out for three weeks at the beginning of June and still need a hand here and there, so check the tour section for all the info. Also be sure to keep an eye out for a 7-song CDep they'll have on said tour that collects some newer and older recordings (and totally smokes) as a preview to their upcoming CD/LP that they'll be recording for Robotic Empire this fall. Stoked? You should be.


DaughtersDaughters are also back in the saddle again, this time on various tours with Some Girls, Mare, The Blood Brothers and more. They just can't stop delivering the live madness, so come September the band will be heading overseas to rock on a different shore. All dates domestic and exported can be found in the tour section, along with info about this year's Robofest which they'll be gracing again with some new tunes as well.

Stop It!!After witnessing each other rock Charlotte, NC thoroughly at this year's For The Kids Fest... Stop It!! and Breather Resist have decided to team up for some upcoming tour dates later this summer. The new tunes from both bands totally smoke and this is going to be a teamup for the ages. Everyone is advised to pick up both band's albums, Stop It!!'s obviously is available to order direct from us and BR's new one will be found on Jade Tree Records this fall (!). Awesome.

That's it for now... go ahead and bury us in mailorder... we love it, and have lots of bills to pay for all these 12"s and CDs and everything. So seriously, order this awesome shit already! Peace!

from 04/07/04:
The Red ChordThe Red Chord's fantastic debut album Fused Together In Revolving Doors is now available once again! This deluxe CD reissue now comes with two bonus demo tracks on the CD along with enhanced video footage, a full audio live set and more. Both the band and Robotic Empire have these in stock now, so be sure to check this out on the band's current tour with Six Feet Under and The Black Dahlia Murder, or grab it at your favorite record store on May 11th. For the unfortunate latecomers to this absolutely amazing genre-blurring band, do yourself a favor and check out some MP3s to find out what the fanatical madness is all about. Everyone else, watch the brand new trailer for the Dreaming In Dog Years video on the band's website. Shit is brutal.

Robofest IIIRobofest III is now being finalized and this year is shaping up to be the best yet! Four days, four different cities, five incredible bands. Pig Destroyer, Daughters, A Life Once Lost, The Red Chord and Crowpath will be devastating the east coast from July 29th through August 1st. For everyone on the west coast or overseas cursing the lucky easterners, we've got a film crew lined up to capture the chaos for a future DVD release. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to come out to these events because this shit is gonna be legendary. All the details can and will be found here.

That's all for now, except for the awesome distro updates including phenomenal new releases from Mare, The Blinding Light, Hot Cross and more. Orders away...

from 03/26/04:

T
our was a blast, and mailorder is up and running again with many new additions and removals in the distro sections, so be sure to check that all out. Robotic Empire is now an official business, so the lovely residents of Virginina have to add 4.5% sales tax to each order now. Sorry, but Uncle Sam still has a tight, dying grip.

from 03/01/04:
It would be an understatement to call these last couple of months the most hectic this label has ever seen, and although life can be brutal sometimes, things really couldn't be going much better overall. Keeping it crazy, let's get right into it:

ALOLA Life Once Lost is gearing up for epic amounts of touring and to help our boys out we're excited to announce that a reissue of their old debut Open Your Mouth For The Speechless CD will be released on June 1st, and available sometime in May direct from the band. This is where it all started for these pioneers of technical metallic hardcore, and to make it even sicker we're adding some stellar bonus live and demo tracks from the Fourth Plague era. Artwork will be handled by the talented Adam Wentworth (The Red Chord, The Black Dahlia Murder, etc) and powerful re-mastering duties will be rocked by the almighty Scott Hull (Pig Destroyer, Nile, etc.). Tour dates found here.

CTTSIt seems like the entire world is freaking out over the debut full-length CD from Circle Takes The Square, and to be cocky about it, we told you so! In all seriousness though, the response for As The Roots Undo has been overwhelming and these reviews are ample proof that this is one of the most interesting and innovative records we have been privileged to be a part of. Been living under a rock? Check out sample MP3s here. Also look for the newest issue of AP (with a bunch of naked NOFXers on the cover) for a cool short feature on the band (plus mention of Pig Destroyer as one of the 25 most important bands in metal!) Be sure to keep an eye on our distro in the coming weeks too, as we'll have copies of the glorious 12" version of this masterful debut very soon.

CICCreation is Crucifixion is unfortunately still on hiatus, but sooner (rather than later) this Antenna Builder + Radio Bronka 12" + CD combo will happen, and it'll be worth the wait. In the meantime, keep an eye out for CIC drummer Mike Laughlin ripping the skins in Cattle Decapitation and as always, the Hactivist / Carbon Defense League site.

CrestfallenCrestfallen are sobering up enough (sike) to come together for a two-week East Coast tour early this July. Highlights include the almighty Friendlyfest up in Connecticut (with Majority Rule, Pig Destroyer, Mannequin and tons of other gnarly bands) plus over a week of southern shows with the increasingly-impressive Tyranny of Shaw. Dates and more info will be posted soon in the tour section, but in the meantime definitely check out the new ToS CDep in the distro, it's simply pummeling.

CrowpathOur Swedish co-conspirators Crowpath are gearing up to take this country by storm, as they'll be touring the states in August with Canadian tech-metal maniacs Ion Dissonance. The band has just announced their signing to Pittsburgh-based metal label Willowtip, who will release their debut full-length Red On Chrome on April 20th. Be sure to check out new MP3s over at willowtip.com (including two tracks from our mighty Old Cuts And Blunt Knives collections CD), and while you're at it do yourself a favor and download those Arsis tracks, that band is amazing. Or, if you're impatient we just loaded up on the majority of Willowtip's back catalog in our distro so check that shit out, now!

DaughtersDaughters are leaving for another insane tour this week, this time with ex-Arab on Radar rockers the Chinese Stars and a string of dates with The Locust/ GUTG/Unbroken hardcore supergroup Some Girls. This behemoth of a tour is East-to-West-Coast-and-back in less than three weeks... so crazy that we just couldn't stay away. So look for Robotic Empire on the road with these maniacs and buy stuff from our quality distro. Before coming out to harass us, read this high-larious interview Lex recently did. Also, you lovely Europeans will be happy to know that the quality label Reflections will be releasing Canada Songs continent-wide on March 9th, and as a thank you for being so patient we've thrown on the four tracks from their debut 7". We're nice like that.

IsisFor all of you rabid Isis fans, you'll be glad to know that the first in the series of Oceanic Remix 12"s will be unleashed on May 11th, with the others closely following. This first of four 12"s has three magnificent remixed/reinterpreted tracks from Ayal Naor (27), the Oktopus (Dalek) and James Plotkin (Phantomsmasher, Khante). Limited to only 2500 copies and gloriously packaged, these are undoubtedly going to go quickly. Unfortunately it'd be nothing short of a nightmare to deal with pre-orders or hold copies of these 12"s, so please just keep an eye on this site and Lumberjack's website come early May. Thank you.

MannequinMannequin is back in action after taking some time off to write for their upcoming full-length CD/LP that's tentatively due out this winter. We don't want to give away any secrets just yet, but this thing is gonna be mega! In the intermission they will be releasing two split 7"s very soon, one with fellow Virginians Sail on yrscreamingyouth, and another with Seattle's mighty Akimbo on Cosmonaut. The band has undergone a slight instrument swap and will deliver ungodly amounts of new rock to eager young ears throughout the next few months on various US tours, including Midwest / Eastern dates with Yaphet Koto.

pg.99In kinda-related, pageninetynine are... still broken up. But the good news is that we're *almost* finished collecting videos for the pg.99 DVD and will undergo the screening and editing processes over the coming months. Patience is important because we want to do this band justice... and right now it's all shaping up to be incredible. Footage spanning the band's entire existence + most or all of the final show(s) are planned to be included on this monster of a DVD. More info as it slowly comes.

The Red ChordThe Red Chord are gearing up for a massive US tour with metal heavyweights Six Feet Under, including stints from The Black Dahlia Murder, Bury Your Dead and Misery Signals. To celebrate the occasion and the two-year anniversary of the release of Fused Together In Revolving Doors, we are extremely excited to announce that an enhanced reissue of this masterful debut CD should be available just in time for the tour. Bonus video footage along with unreleased demos and live tracks will be added to this already amazing album, accompanied with a brand new sampler CD chock full of the absolute best in today's metal and hardcore.

DaughtersRobotic Empire is extremely excited to be teaming up with long-runners Metal Blade and new-faces Black Market Activities to bring one amazing new sampler CD of epic proportions. Roughly 25 tracks of new, old, exclusive, hard to find, live and demo tracks from today's finest, including: Agoraphobic Nosebleed, A Life Once Lost, As I Lay Dying, Backstabbers Inc, The Black Dahlia Murder, Cannibal Corpse, Circle Takes The Square, Crowpath, Daughters, Ed Gein, Employer Employee, Found Dead Hanging, From A Second Story Window, Lamb of God, Opeth, Pig Destroyer, Premonitions of War, Psyopus, The Red Chord, Six Feet Under, Unearth and more! This is going to be an incredible sampler that we plan on packing in as a FREE second disc with many of our new CD pressings, along with the fine new releases BMA has coming up.

These will be available well advance of this year's annual Robofest, which is shaping up to be far bigger and better than anything we've done before. Details will be announced soon.

Stop It!!Stop It!! are about to get back on the road with an East Coast tour, concluding in the great state of Virginia at this year's Macrock Festival in early April. Other Robotic Empire bands scheduled to play this year are Circle Takes The Square and The Red Chord, with our pals VCR rockin this party too. There's a crucial Richmond-based article on Stop It!! here, and for those who haven't yet braved the rock of Self Made Maps, we've recently obtained the new full-color covered version of the 12" and it looks beast! Available now in the distro.

Tyranny of ShawThe various bands from the Mutation CD comp all seem to be doing well. The Abandoned Hearts Club will have their powerful debut EP reissued by Init as a CDep/7" very soon, with new artwork from Daughters' artsman Jeremy Wabiszczewicz. Beyond that they'll have a new track on Hydra Head's upcoming 2xCD comp and hopefully other big things to come. No clue as to what's going on with Garuda, but everyone is highly advised to seek out their debut CDep as it's incredible. Ed Gein have recently overcome a tragic tour theft incident to triumphantly secure a deal with Blackmarket Activities. This band is on the rise, so be sure to hear what all the stink is about by checking out their ferocious eight-track CDep in our distro. Enkephalin will soon have their split CD with Phoneix Bodies available as a split 12" on Slave Union, should be sick. The Minor Times are busy preparing for a full-length album and actively touring, so be sure to see these guys if they come through your town because they are beyond intense in the live setting. Sea of Thousand is about to release their debut 3-song CDep/7" on Die Die Diemond and is currently working on writing a full-length. We'll have the EP in our distro as soon as it's available. And finally, Tyranny of Shaw are simply getting better and better. These guys definitely have a load of potential and it's made blatantly obvious on their amazing new 4-song CDep that we currently have available in the distro. Watch out for them on tour with Crestfallen this June.

WTPYWe're also really excited to announce the start of a new Robotic Empire sub-label called Turnstile that was recently founded by The Now/Get Fucked/Neil Perry/Welcome The Plague Year guitarist and good friend Chris Smith. Starting off with a bang will be a debut EP from Philly's Trouble Every Day, followed by the highly-anticipated Welcome The Plague Year full-length CD and the long overdue discography CD by the criminally unknown pioneering metal/hardcore act Canephora. This Virginian quintet may seem unfamiliar to you, but that's only because you know better the bands they went on to form or join: The Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge and The Now to name a few. More updates on these releases and this fine new label to come soon.

Finally, the distro has been heavily updated again with tons of fine new/restock CDs from the likes of City of Caterpillar, Ed Gein, The End, From A Second Story Window, Medic, Tyranny of Shaw, Ultra Dolphins, most of the Willowtip back-catalog and much more. Mailorder will be shut down for most of March while we tour with Daughters, but please still support these awesome bands and our ever-hyping record label. Peace!

from 01/06/02:

Circle Takes The Square
In the end, the amount of delays holding it back only made it that much better, and today we're beyond proud to announce that Circle Takes The Square's debut full-length CD "As The Roots Undo" is now available worldwide! This is easily the most visually stunning release we've released, if not also one of the most sonically intriguing and captivating CDs ever recorded.

CTTSThis all may sound a bit egocentric, but the truth is that Circle Takes The Square has taken the punk, hardcore, grind, indie and screamo genres... seamlessly melded them together and then expanded beyond them in ways previously unimagined by their peers. Confusing time signatures are complimented by equally effective rock parts. Grinding double-bass blasts are contrasted by haunting atmospheric melodies. Dominating and passionate male and female screams are intertwined by monk-like chants, desperate whispers and beautiful harmonies. And in the end, these things can't even begin to describe the complexities and emotions that exist on this recording. It's all held together in a die-cut 8-panel digipak that perfectly windows the detailed work that went into this album, and we are honored to deliver it to you. If you haven't yet heard the glories that are this band, MP3 samples are available now, and a brand new media player has just been launched with audio, video, photos, lyrics and more. So check out the media player (courtesy of the righteously cool Brian Stegall) or if you trust our much-deserved hype, please go ahead and order this masterpiece now.

CrowpathAnd it wasn't enough that this one amazing debut full-length is available now, because we also now have the CD debut from Sweden's best-kept secret Crowpath. "Old Cuts and Blunt Knives" is an 11-track collection CD containing all of Crowpath's released material, including two exclusive masters of advance tracks from their upcoming "Red on Chrome" full-length, all digitally re-mastered by the sultan of sound, Scott Hull. The amount of ferocity contained on this disc is unnerving, and it actually needs to be heard to be believed. Absolutely raging in all aspects, this is technical metal at it's finest. Towering triumphant riffs are buried alive by stylish and pummeling double-bass driven drums, wild intricate bass lines and some of the most demonic-sounding vocals ever captured on tape. It's actually scary to listen to at times and with any luck these psychos will be whispered in the same hushed breaths as Mastodon, Botch and His Hero is Gone. To hear the insanity for yourself, MP3 samples are currently available or if you already know that you want to be floored by this masterful debut CD, go ahead and order it now. This won't be available elsewhere until January 27th, so be the first kid on your block to be crushed by the Crowpath CD by ordering it from us now. You can thank us later.

Pig DestroyerAdding icing to an already evil cake, Pig Destroyer's collections CD "Painter of Dead Girls" is also available now! This 17-track disc contains re-mastered and re-brutalized renditions of the two PxDx recordings that we'd previously released in the form as hard-to-find split CDs with Benumb and Gnob... with some extras thrown in for good measure. It actually all sounds and looks worlds better, and it's still almost impossible to believe that these sounds were created by a trio! Vocals, drums and a guitar are all that these maniacs need to be the world's lead existing grindcore outfit. Speed, ability and sheer intensity are otherwise unmatched and because this also won't be available elsewhere until January 27th, your only way to be pummeled by this amazing collections disc is to order it from us now. Check out the sample MP3s to hear what we're raving about.

We like to keep things hectic so the distro has been updated again with tons of new and restocked CDs from the scene's most exciting up-and-comers. Highlights include Blackmarket Activities latest metalcore monstrosity, From a Second Story Window's debut CD, Richmond's own VCR returns with their demo re-mastered and re-released as an official CDep, Superstitions of the Sky's second album, and much more. Be sure to head on over to the distro to check this stuff out. And with that, consider Robotic Empire officially entombed in mailorder. Thank you, goodnight.

from 11/26/03:

First and foremost, the new CDs! Come January 6th, Circle Takes The Square's amazing debut full-length CD "As The Roots Undo" will be available far and wide throughout stores, distros, Europe (via Nova Recordings), etc. On January 27th, both Crowpath's mind-blowing debut CD "Old Cuts And Blunt Knives" and a ferocious Pig Destroyer reissue CD "Painter Of Dead Girls" will be widely available as well. That being said, at the beginning of January we will have ALL THREE available for mailorder! We aren't taking pre-orders, that would be a nightmare, so just check the website during the first week of January for all of the info. This is going to be an amazing month!

DaughtersWe're actually trying to bury ourselves alive in mailorder, so we are happy to announce that we are now the only mailorder hookup to order Daughters t-shirts. We just got a shitload of these bad boys in and they're awesome: black ink on white t-shirts, the total opposite of what a normal "band t-shirt" is. We've got tons of different sizes too, including a youth large longsleeve, so head on over to the merch section for more information.

Relapse CDsIn even more mailorder news, we just did a big trade with lords of metal, Relapse Records. Because we traded our stuff for theirs, we're able to keep the prices on their stuff really low. All of their CDs that we're carrying are $8 or less so definitely peruse the two distro sections for all of your heavy metal needs. Brand new Relapse titles as well as some older classics are available, along with pageninetynine's entire CD catalog.

pg.99 CDsWe're currently running a special in the distro where you can pick up any THREE pg.99 CDs for only $20. We're not offering any substitutes or anything, but this applies to our document #8 release as well so if you've already got all but two of their CDs, you can always get the package combo and turn an un-enlightened friend onto this amazing band. We also recently unearthed an old box of Hot Cross 11" x 17" posters for that 10" we released years ago, so those are now available in the merch section.

And finally, we just got a non-literal TON of these awesome 2xCD samplers from our drunken Australian partners in crime, Building Records. This seriously badass sampler is two CDs full of our bands, Level Plane bands, Lovitt bands and some crucial unknown-to-us-US-folk Australian bands, including crowd-favorites Love Like Electrocution. Please be so kind as to check this double CD out in the distro... it's only 7 bucks! Coming next to the distro: the killer new Tyranny of Shaw CDep. Preview a gnarly MP3 of what you're in store for.

message boardWe plan on launching a new site in the new year, but it probably won't be quick so this is just a fair warning. In the meantime, a new message board has been launched for all of your shit-talking pleasures. It only takes a minute to register (it really is easy) so check that out here. Until the new year, have a fun and safe holiday... but do try to enjoy some eggnog.

from 11/26/03:
Under different circumstances we probably wouldn't be going out of our way to promote an issue of Terrorizer with Stampin' Ground featured on the cover, but we're making an exception: this month's issue of Terrorizer (#114) spotlights four Robotic Empire bands in it! There's news on Pig Destroyer's upcoming album and "new faces" features on Crestfallen, Daughters and The Red Chord. So head on over to Barns & Noble to check that shit out.

from 11/18/03:
Quick update: we got a bunch of killer new buttons from A Life Once Lost, Crestfallen, Pig Destroyer and Stop It!! Two for a buck, check out the merch section. We also have some tight new stuff in the distro from As The Sun Sets, Daughters, The Minor Times, etc... so check that out here.

from 11/05/03:
CrowpathRobotic Empire is proud to welcome our first European band to the label lineup! Sweden's mighty metallic warriors CROWPATH will be gracing US soil with an 11-track collections CD overflowing with their most extreme technically-inclined metal. The collections disc will be available in early 2004, comprising of tracks from their previous vinyl and compilations efforts, with exclusive preliminary-mastered versions of two tracks from their upcoming Red On Chrome album, to be released on a yet-to-be-announced label sometime in 2004. For those unfortunate souls who haven't been pummeled by the all-encompassing chaos that is known as Crowpath, do yourself a favor and download some sample MP3s this very moment.

Pig DestroyerFor all of you Pig Destroyer fans who've been wondering how to get ahold of the Benumb and/or Gnob splits' material, good news: Robotic Empire will be releasing a "splits" collection CD in early 2004 in the US and Howling Bull will be releasing it in Japan just in time for their Japanese tour with Napalm Death, A.C. and Nasum. The CD will feature all material completely remastered and new artwork by the skilled hands of Chris Taylor (pg99, Crestfallen, etc.). An unmastered preview MP3 from this CD can be found here.

Circle Takes The SquareCircle Takes The Square's debut full-length CD As The Roots Undo has seen many delays but it finally looks like this masterful album will see the light of day on January 6th, 2004. The artwork and packaging for this is shaping up to be absolutely incredible, it's definitely going to be a bank breaker. It's all worth it though, because this is one hell of a first album and we couldn't be more excited to finally get this thing into your hands. Also, the band has just launched a new website and if you haven't yet, be sure to check out the preview MP3s to get a glimpse of what you're in store for.

The Red ChordDaughters are still tearing up the country with Give Up The Ghost and will be joining A Life Once Lost, The Red Chord and many more at this year's New Jersey Metal and Hardcore Festival. This will be one of The Red Chord's last shows for a while as they will be taking time off to finish working on the material for their next record. In other TRC news, drummer Mike Justain has joined hardcore demons Unearth and will hopefully throw in some insane blasting and inhuman fills on their upcoming Metal Blade debut.

Stop It!!Stop It!! have just safely returned home from their US tour and it went great. They're starting to work on new material now as well, and should be back on US roads early next year followed by a European tour mid-year. Until then, be sure to check out their debut CD/LP Self Made Maps, as it's receiving nothing but positive reviews! Also, a new video clip from a show in New Orleans is available in the video section and more should be coming soon.

VCRFinally, everyone should check out the brand new Virginian band VCR. Upcoming shows with the Circle are likely, so keep an eye on the tour section. They're not your typical rock band, but they're punk as hell in spirit and it'll be hard for you to listen to them and not want to dance. Their demo CD is available in our distro now, and a tight MP3 is also available here.

from 10/13/03:
ISIS
Who said we weren't doing vinyl anymore? Robotic Empire is honored and excited to announce that we will be releasing a series of limited 12"s from the almighty ISIS in 2004. The undetermined amount of 12"s will contain tracks from the Oceanic record remixed by the best and brightest in today's underground music scenes, including the following newcomers and veterans: J. K. Broadrick, 27, Dalek, Christian Fennesz, Thomas Koner, kid606, Buzz Osborne, DJ Speedranch, Mike Patton, James Plotkin, Venetian Snares, Tim Hecker and perhaps one or two more by the time all is said and done. Pre-orders are not being accepted at this time, but expect more information on this incredible remix project in the near future. Until then, a righteous interview with the band can be found here.

Creation is CrucifixionWe're also extremely excited to announce that Creation is Crucifixion's tracks for the ill-fated split releases will finally see the light of day soon in the form of a single 12". Because of the numerous delays and overall debacle that this project was, this 12" will most likely include a bonus CD of CIC's "Radio Bronka" session from Spain. Recent movement from the Hactivist camp as well, more information can be found here.

CrestfallenCrestfallen's triumphant new CDep has been receiving rave reviews left and right, please read the proof of what our hype is living up to. We've also received copies of the crucial Spanish import version of the EP. The fine folks at A Date With Elvis did an excellent job transforming the CDep into an absolutely killer 7" and we currently have copies of this hot slab of vinyl in our rapidly-expanding distro section. Also available now: the latest version of their debut full-length 12" with hand-made covers.

DaughtersThis is obviously the update of 12"s, as we have received the beautiful vinyl version of Daughters' Canada Songs and they're available in the distro now! Colored vinyl kids, so act fast. The reviews are pouring in and the overall verdict is that in spite of it's short length in the literal sense, Daughters still manage to cram a full-lengths worth of material and then some into their ferocious debut album. Read said reviews here. Our boys are still out on the road with Give Up The Ghost (who's new CD can also be found in the distro) so be sure to check out the updated tour dates to see when this excellent tour is coming through your town.

Stop It!!After some initial and horrid van problems, Stop It!! are back on the road as the frenzied delivery of their urgent rock cannot be suppressed. Their debut album Self Made Maps has been receiving some excellent critical acclaim as well, and reviews can be found here. We still have some copies of the silk-screened version of the 12" on Perpetual Motion Machine in the distro and when those run out it's back to the standard (yet still awesome) full-color jackets, so pick up the first press while you still can. A recent and in-depth interview with the band can also be found here.

The Red ChordThe Red Chord recently returned home from their fist European tour and they'll be getting back to some US shows soon, including the upcoming New Jersey Metal and Hardcore Festival with such heavyweight acts as Superjoint Ritual, Danzig, Nile, Dimmu Borgir, Morbid Angel and many more. More info on the fest can be found here and a recent interview with the band can be found here.

It's been said before, but as true as it was in the past, this next year is shaping up to be incredible for us. We've got a lot of awesome projects planned and in order to fund this crazy stuff we're in the process of expanding our distro to include more rockin' titles. A whole slew of new metal, grind, screamo, hardcore, indie and everything-in-between CDs have been added to the expanding distro section, so please check out these new and old titles for some killer new music and aiding a good cause: helping us release more killer new music!

from 09/14/03:

mutation CDthe mutation CD compilation is totally complete and ready for mailorder now! the stores won't have this fierce collection of audibly-mauling tunes for another couple of weeks so if you can't wait to be rocked by this diverse offering of the best and brightest up-and-coming heavy metal/ math-core/ techmetal/ screamy/ grindwhatever bands... order your copy now through our ever-evolving mailorder. garuda, the minor times, the abandoned hearts club, enkephalin, sea of thousand, tyranny of shaw and ed gein... all names that if you're not familiar with already, you soon will be. so be the first kid on your block to experience the mutating brutality of modern heavy music.

tyranny of shawgaruda is currently on the road supporting this CD, and ed gein will be heading out next. be sure to check out our updated tour section for new dates from them, stop it!!, daughters, a life once lost, hissing choir (new ex-pg99/crestfallen/pig destroyer band), mannequin, tyranny of shaw, the minor times and more.

daughtersspeaking of shows and such, the first leg of the daughters US/canadian tour went great and it was so much fun that robotic empire will be joining the band again on their current tour with give up the ghost come mid-october. email gets a little backed up but no worries, mailorder is still fairly on-point as long as you list alternatives and have even a mild amount of patience. we'll be expanding the robo distro considerably over the next few weeks so keep an eye out for tons of great new (and older) records. for now, we've got some choice new CDs from the likes of welcome the plague year, hot cross, etc...

stop it!!stop it!! is now embarking on their first US tour since the release of their debut self made maps CD/LP. rave reviews for this, crestfallen and daughters are pouring in now... so what are you waiting for? read them! american folks, be sure to check out stop it!! live in your town this and next month. updated tour dates are now available.

creation is crucifixionin some unfortunate yet long-overdue news, the two split records creation is crucifixion had planned on robotic empire are now both canceled. however there is still something good coming out of this, as their songs recorded for these two records will still see the light of day in some form or another, likely coupled with several all-new songs for a more substantial release tentatively entitled antenna builder. that's all the CIC info we'll probably have for a while, but as soon as we know more, you'll know more. and as for the pig destroyer and pg99 material, pig destroyer's songs will be used on their next relapse full-length and the pg99 song will be found somewhere on their upcoming DVD documentary.

pg99this pg99 DVD is shaping up to be a huge project and we NEED anyone and everyone who has pg99 footage, old and new, to get in touch ASAP as we'll be starting to assemble this thing soon. all videos are wanted, older footage especially, and if you have any master tapes that's even better (but not required). anyone who contributes footage (that we don't already have a copy of) will receive a free copy of the DVD when it's finished so if that isn't incentive to be apart of one of the most important releases we've been involved in, i don't know what is. for more info on this project direct from the band, be sure to check out the update on their own website.

mannequinand finally, in more post-pg99 news, newborn band hissing choir will be playing their debut shows this month so get ready for something unexpected and different. mannequin also has a bunch of shows coming up and will be demoing material for their full-length CD/LP in the coming months. besides these endeavors, the taylor brothers have recently founded their own record label, yr screaming youth. their first release will be a mighty split 7" between mannequin and new rockers the madams! more info on that as it comes.

from 08/13/03:

after the most insane manufacturing delays (varying from lost UPS shipments to our main man quitting at the pressing plant) we're proud to announce that "canada songs", the debut CD from daughters is finally available. this thing turned out absolutely incredible and was definitely worth the wait. ten tracks of an ultra-brutal, grind-influenced screaming cacophony are contained within this beautifully laid out CD that is now available directly from us through our mail order, or via the band themselves on their current and upcoming tours. to celebrate it's release, the band and label are now embarking on a three-week tour of the north/east US and canada.

before coming out to see the band devastate you live, be sure to check out our brand new "canada songs" media player where you can listen to the entire album, view some brutal live photos and a brand new video clip from last month's robofest...

(much respect to brian stegall for hooking this up)


while the label is on the road, all operations will continue as normal (for the most part). email may be a bit slower than normal, but all mail order will continue to be filled quickly as we know that you eager maniacs want these new releases. when ordering distro items, definitely list alternatives because we're taking a lot of CDs on the road with us and supplies will vary.

for european orders, the crestfallen and stop it!! CDs are now available through nova recordings and much of our back catalog will be there next week as well. the daughters euro-release has been delayed for the time being, but people in australia can obtain it from building records in just a matter of weeks (along with a killer new double-CD sampler that contains tracks from almost all of our releases). vinyl fanatics, we'll have copies of the 12" version of daughters' "canada songs" sometime next month.

for everyone who's wondering about the mutation CD compilation, it's at the pressing plant now and will be available everywhere on september 23rd, and if all goes well garuda should have copies on their upcoming US tour as well. check out exclusive new mp3s from the comp by the minor times and tyranny of shaw, or check garuda's tour dates.

circle takes the square return home from their summer tour this week. for those who caught them live, you may have been lucky enough to pick up the tour edition of their debut full-length CD, "as the roots undo". the real final version of it with some insanely intense artwork will be available towards the end of the summer. more info on that to come, but trust us, it'll be worth the wait.

and finally, things are shaping up for stop it!!'s upcoming US tour, but they do need some help in the northwest part of the country. if you're in oregon, washington, idaho, etc. please contact the band at pleasestopit@aol.com if you're down to help out. oh yeah, and the beautiful 12" vinyl version of the "self made maps" full-length is now available in the distro.

from 08/01/03:
robo 032 robo 027 although their "official" release date isn't until august 12th, the crestfallen and stop it!! CDs are now available for mailorder! both turned out fantastic and we couldn't be more pumped about them. for those unfamiliar with either band, they couldn't really be much more different. crestfallen delivers killer fist-raising thrash and punk influenced hardcore... less metallic and more rockin, with plenty of melodic and epic tendencies. stop it!! play some sincerly harsh and abrasive post-hardcore-ish indie-influenced rock... but not without their fair share of stoned-out elements. both are fairly different releases for us, but you know we wouldn't be a part of them if they weren't absolutely crucial, and we've got mp3s to prove it. so head over to the audio section to rock it internerd style before you rock it for real. click here for ordering info. (and for our european friends, these should both be available VERY soon through the fine folks at nova recordings)


and the fun doesn't stop there, as we've added a whole heap of awesome CDs to the robo distro. can't wait for the damn daughters CD to be finished? neither can we), but until then you can check out what they were up to a couple years ago with both of as the sun sets full length CDs. other highlights include all of blackmarket activities releases, the label founded by the red chord members and their new CDs are definitly fitted for fans of said band. great stuff. more info on all these CDs and much more in the distro section.

we've also gotten in two different awesome double-sided 13" x 19" full color posters for daughters/stop it!! and mannequin/circle takes the square. these things are just beautiful but are so big that we had to get new mailers, so each one costs $1 and comes folded. check out the merch section for more info and bigger graphics.

in other merch news, for everyone out there who missed getting the final pg.99 shirt designs at their last shows, lumberjack has been kind enough to print up some new t-shirts for us, including the mannequin "yr screaming youth" shirt as well, each now available in all sizes. check out the pg.99 shirts here and the mannequin shirt here.

mannequinand speaking of mannequin, badjon.com was clever enough to already post some great live videos from both mannequin and crestfallen's recent show down in sunny south carolina. click here for more info on both (but be forewarned, these videos are mega big). also, if anyone has any crestfallen photos or videos or anything, the band would love to see them. email!

from 07/13:03:
crestfallenhella thanks to everyone to came out to this year's robofest... it was a lot of fun and we hope to keep this going as a yearly tradition now. infinite thanks are due to bob, r5 and all of the bands for making this happen. once again, philly proved that it knows how to rock!

the crestfallen & stop it!! CDs should be available for mailorder very soon, so keep an eye out on the site for all of the details. . .

from 07/09/03:

it's about time for this year's second annual ROBOFEST and we've got all of the details ready. so if you're at all near the philly vicinity, come out and rock with us!!

*THIS* Friday, July 11th - 7:00pm @ The First Unitarian Church (22nd and Chestnut) in Philadelphia, PA - $8 / All Ages / Tickets On Sale at Spaceboy and at r5productions.com - ROBOFEST TWO with :

 - THE NOW - mp3s
 - DAUGHTERS - mp3s
 - THE MINOR TIMES - mp3s
 - MANNEQUIN - mp3
 - CRESTFALLEN - mp3s
 - CIRCLE TAKES SQUARE - mp3s

things will start promptly, so be sure to be there on time! this is going to be a blast, so please come out early and support all of the bands.

need directions? hit up mapquest. have questions? email any of us: bob, sean, andy

from 06/29/03:
it should be no surprise that releasing 5 CDs at once is a lot of work, and as a result we've slacked on some departments (email, mailorder)... but everything is solid now and we've gotten back into the swing of things after a couple of very chaotic months. all of the new releases are coming along beautifully, but unfortunately it's likely that some will be delayed again by a couple of weeks. we'll just go ahead and stop saying "available ____" because it could change, but look for all of these new releases very soon. we'll be making a huge stink about it when they come out, so fret not. here's the current news for everybody, in alphabetical order for a change:

a life once lost is currently on tour rocking some pre-support for their upcoming full-length CD "a great artist" on deathwish. they have gotten so brutal live that it's kind of hard to believe & we totally encourage you to check them out when they come through your town. tour dates can be found here, and a mp3 from their new album can be heard at their mp3.com page.

circle takes the square's debut full-length CD entitled "as the roots undo" is 100% recorded and it turned out incredible. we feel it is in your best interest to head over to circle's mp3.com page to check out a brand new mp3 track from this release. the artwork is being finished up now and it looks fantastic. the band is about to embark on a 6-week tour across the majority of the continental US with fellow bros mannequin, so please check out the existing tour dates and give them your love. unfortunately we won't have the "real" edition of their CD available for the start of their tour, so be on the lookout for a tour edition to tide ya over. and for all you vinyl fanatics, our good buds hyperrealist will be releasing the 12" version of this monster, and they just revamped their website with some rad mp3s, videos of pg.99, circle, kylesa, etc… so definitely check it out over at www.hyperealist.com

crestfallen's "self-titled" CDep is totally finished and we're just waiting to get everything from the plants. fierce is an understatement, and a new track over at their mp3.com page is undeniable proof. be on the lookout for their live spectacle at select dates on the circle takes the square/mannequin tour, kicking off their stint at this year's second annual robofest in philly. this show is shaping up to be incredible with a slew of kickass bands all in one great town, so check out all of the info at the r5 productions website.

daughters daughters daughters! your new favorite band is gearing up to embark on a FOUR month tour in support of the upcoming "canada songs" full-length CD. rumors are spreading that this "full-length" is only 11 minutes long, and let us be the first to say that these rumors are entirely TRUE. how can we call this a full-length you ask? when this much chaos and intensity is packed into many under-one-minute songs, 11 minutes feels like an epileptic eternity... and if you don't believe us, head over to daughters' mp3.com page to check out two brand new mp3s from this full-length CD. also, our bearded partner-in-crime, the electric human project will be handling the 12" duties for this ferocious debut and our down-under friends building records will be releasing the CD over in australia! and (appropriately so), we'll be joining the band on the canadian portion of said immense tour, so all of our friends up north will finally get a chance to check out the ever-expanding robo distro first hand.

speaking of which, in our long absence from web-presence we've added a bunch of awesome new titles to the robo distro. we've finally gotten more 7"s from daughters, the reissue of as the sun sets' debut "each individual voice" CD, premonitions of war's brutal assault on the senses in their "the true face of panic" CD + a bunch of other rad stuff, including pageninetynine's "collections" CD which contains all of their vinyl, rare and demo tracks. head over to the distro section to check this stuff out.

while on the subject of pg.99, it may be belated but we still want to extend an endless amount of thank-yous to everyone who helped make their last few shows an amazing experience. i've never been to a punk show as overwhelming as the very last show and it was beyond incredible to say the very least, especially considering the potential for total chaos and how respecting everyone was to the promoters, the space, etc. words cannot accurately describe how amazing this experience was... and once mannequin returns home from their summer tour we're going to lock ourselves in the taylor's basement and sift through ALL of the pg.99 videos from over the years for this upcoming DVD project we're doing. so if you've got videos of any pg99 show, especially older footage, PLEASE get in touch if you haven't already.

"self made maps", the debut full-length CD from richmond's own stop it!! is totally finished and we're just waiting for it to all come in. this full-length turned out just awesome and there will soon be a hand-screened 12" vinyl version from the good people of the perpetual motion machine, and we'll have them available as well when they're finished. until then, be sure to check out two brand new tracks from the album at their mp3.com page. also, the band is now gearing up for a long US/canadian tour that will kick off in mid-september, so if you want to book them in your town please write the band directly.

the red chord are currently on tour with the black dahlia murder, premonitions of war and deadwater drowning. deadwater drowning & found dead hanging are two brutal new bands that are on blackmarket activities, a new label founded by several TRC members, and are definitely recommended to fans of the red chord and other extreme heavy music. check out their new site for more info. the red chord's tour will conclude july 4th-6th at this year's annual hellfest in syracuse, NY. daughters will be there as well with tons of brand new robotic empire sampler CDs, so be sure to check it out.

the 2nd robotic empire sampler CD contains new tracks from the likes of daughters, crestfallen, circle takes the square, stop it, mannequin, etc. as well as old favorites from pig destroyer, the red chord, the now as well as some hot extras. these are available from us directly for $2 so if you want to sample these new releases without overspending your hard-earned bucks, this is the way to do it. click here for ordering info.

transistor transistor are still on their immense north american tour with light the fuse and run, & once that is over they will be headed over to europe together to further the traveling rock extravaganza. we just got some awesome new bumper stickers in from transistor, so definitely check those out over in the merch section. tour dates for the bands can be found here.

with all of this touring going on and coming up, we are going to need some help promoting the shows in the form of putting up posters, handing out samplers, etc. to everyone that's applied to the robotic army street team, apologies for the long delays in getting back to you. we received an overwhelming amount of applications and are still sifting through them all now... we will write back everyone who applied very soon. thank you for your patience.

in fact, thank you all for your patience in a very busy time for us. this summer is an active one for us and we're really excited about everything that's going on. the end of the year is looking to be a bit slower, so let's rock now while it's fucking hot!

from 05/16/03:
stop it!!first and foremost, we are really excited to announce the addition of two more releases to this summer's already insane lineup: the debut full-lengths from richmond, VA's stop it!! and savannah, GA's circle takes the square! both bands are finishing up their recording & mastering now, so we now have five (!!) new CDs coming out on tuesday, july 15th:

  •  robo 027 - crestfallen - "TBA" 5-song CDep
  •  robo 029 - daughters - "canada songs" CD
  •  robo 030 - V/A - "mutation" compilation CD w/ the abandoned hearts club, ed gein, enkephalin, garuda, the minor times, sea of thousand & tyranny of shaw
  •  robo 031 - circle takes the square - "TBA" full-length CD
  •  robo 032 - stop it!! - "TBA" full-length CD

    circle takes the squarewe couldn't be more excited about the new additions to the lineup and if you're not familiar with these bands already, take warning because these new releases are fairly different from the other stuff we've released… in a very good way. if you'd like to check out the bands' older material to get a rough idea of what we've got in store for ya, head over to these various mp3 sites to check them out: crestfallen - daughters - circle takes the square - stop it!! - the abandoned hearts club - ed gein - enkephalin - the minor times - sea of thousand - tyranny of shaw. we'll be posting new mp3s from all of these releases soon, but for everyone who can't or doesn't like to download music we plan on having a new robotic empire sampler CD available at roughly the same time with tracks from all of the new bands and much more.

    crestfallenwe plan on having all of these new releases available at this year's 2nd annual robofest in philly. the date and lineup are now totally confirmed, here's the info: friday, july 11th, 2003 @ the first unitarian church in philadelphia, PA (2125 chestnut street [22nd and chestnut]) - $7 - all ages - w/ the now, daughters, mannequin, the minor times, circle takes the square and crestfallen. more info can be found on the r5 productions site or the okcomeonkids productions site.

    pg.99and speaking of great shows, the very last pageninetynine show has finally been 100% confirmed with a new venue. on friday, may 23rd and saturday, may 24th (just one week from now) pageninetynine will play their last two shows ever in baltimore, MD and washington, DC… and everyone who's ever liked this band simply has to be there. all of the details can be found in the tour section of this site. strike anywhere unfortunately had to cancel due to some scheduling conflicts, but the lineup is still unbelievable and this show will undoubtedly be legendary. we'll be there, cameras rolling, for a pageninetynine DVD documentary so anyone who wants to lend us their home-video skills, we encourage you to come out and join us. also, please read one of the last few statements from the band on their website.

    daughtersstill on the live-performances tip, a lot of our bands and friends have awesome upcoming shows and tours, including a life once lost, daughters, mannequin/circle takes the square/crestfallen, ed gein/minor times and the new ex-everybody band welcome the plague year. all of the info can be found in our tour dates section.

    mannequinas a result of chaotic times in the mannequin camp due to the last pageninetynine shows and organizing their large summer tour with circle takes the square, the CDep we planned on releasing in june has been pushed back to the fall. but fret not, because now it will be a full-length CD and if all plans hold up they'll be heading to godcity studios in massachusetts to record with kurt ballou. we're stoked to say the least and it will definitely be worth the wait. until then, be sure to pick up their split 7" with transistor transistor now and an upcoming 7" on reptilian records this summer.

    in more standard label news, we've updated the robo distro again with a bunch of great new and old records from the likes of circle takes the square, kylesa, the ultimate warriors, curlupanddie and more! mp3s for most of these are available for download in the audio download section and speaking of mp3s, both a life once lost and the abandoned hearts club have posted new mp3s online as well. check them out here: a life once lost - the abandoned hearts club

    and finally, for all of you vinyl-collecting maniacs out there… don't feel totally left in the dust just because most of our upcoming releases are CDs, as vinyl versions will exist for almost all of these records. daughters' full-length will be available as a 12" from the electric human project, circle takes the square will definitely have an LP version as well, and stop it!!'s full-length will be available as a 12" from richmond's mighty perpetual motion machine records. if any labels (old or new) are interested in releasing a LP version of the mutation CD comp, please get in touch.

    from 04/21/03:

    robo 026a robo 026bthe mannequin / transistor transistor split 7" is out now and we couldn't be happier with how they turned out! after some standard delays, this glorious seven inches of grunge-influenced punk rock is here and available to order! all of the copies we've got are on a dark "blood clot" red vinyl and they both look and sound fucking fantastic. this is a split label release with our buddies redscroll records, and for those who aren't familiar with these two badass bands, definitely check out some mp3s... and for those who've already experienced the rock, please go ahead and order because this record rips!

    mannequinthere's also a great video of a full live mannequin set from their recent spring tour. it's from the show in summerville, sc and thanks is due to the fine folks at badjon.com and calamityproject.com for making it available. more info is in the video downloads section. for everyone who missed mannequin on their spring tour, be sure to catch them with circle takes the square on their extensive summer tour, which we now have preliminary dates for in the tour section. tons of transistor transistor tour dates too!

    robotic armylike every cheesy label, we've gone and started a street team: the robotic army street team is now set up and we're currently accepting applications. if you live in the united states or canada and want to help us spread the word about the label and the rad bands we work with, please sign up now.


    the red chordthe red chord is about to embark on a west-to-east-coast tour with bleeding through and himsa, so definitely check out the tour dates to see when they're coming through your town… and be sure to see them at this year's annual new england metal and hardcore fest up in massachusetts with opeth, a life once lost, pig destroyer & a million other awesome bands. also, metalupdate.com recently did a rad interview/feature with adam from the red chord.

    daughtersdaughters are putting their finishing touches on the material for the canada songs full-length CD and they'll be entering the studio before the month is over. in the meantime, you should do yourself a favor and read a recent and very serious interview with the band over at toledosluts.com.


    pageninetyninepageninetynine's last two shows aren't far off and we'll have the info for the free last show for you all very soon. for everyone who's planning on attending the 2nd to last show at the ottobar on may 23rd in baltimore, we're urging you to get your tickets in advance because (despite us being stoked as hell that people are coming from every corner of the country for these shows) it's likely the ottobar show will sell out. more info can be found in the tour section.

    crestfallencrestfallen's got a bunch of awesome shows coming up in may (including the darkest hour CD release show here in richmond), and we're hoping to have their new CDep out in time as well…it's gonna be close. this thing is looking to come up huge, so be forewarned. check the tour section for lots of info.


    house of low culturein richmond-related news, our buddies in gregor samsa (who you might remember from last summer's robotic empire sampler) will be joining isis, 27 and pelican for a weekend of awesome shows in mid-may. in semi-isis-related news, we've added another downloadable track from the house of low culture 2x7" because we've still got a few boxes of them left on our shelves and enough people obviously aren't checking out this rad project. the debut pelican CDep is available in the robo distro too and the thing is unbelievably heavy. check out mp3s in the audio downloads section or check out ordering info.

    echo constructorspeaking of stoney bands, mike haley of the electric human project has a new band called echo constructor and watching them rock is enough to get you high. but seriously, check them out they're awesome. it has some of the joshua fit for battle dudes in it too, so you know it's good.


    jffb CDand speaking of JFFB and the EHP (and probably some other abbreviations), we just got the new old bring out your dead collection CDs in the distro and they turned out great. other righteous additions to the distro from the likes of circle takes the square, facedowninshit and more, so please check it out.

    re-codeingin some pretty serious news, creation is crucifixion frontman nathan hactivist has been in the media spotlight recently for the latest carbon defense league / hactivist project, www.re-code.com. this site was set up as a way for people to name their own prices and print out UPC bar codes to replace the existing ones on products… and as suspected, after being online less than a month corporate bullies wal-mart and kelloggs got their lawyers to step in and shut the whole operation down. the whole thing is really impressive and interesting, so we encourage everyone to read about it at the re-code.com website and/or read nathan's official statement on the matter.

    and finally, robofest 2 in philly has been bumped back a few days to friday, july 11th. the final lineup and more info will be posted soon… a few details remain, but it's looking to be a total blast!

    from 03/18/03:
    so the first real days of spring have arrived and we're already thinking about how crazy this summer is going to be for us. we've got some awesome new releases lined up and we wanted to clue you all in before the rumors start flying:

    mannequinfirst off, the mannequin CDep we've been mentioning recently is currently planned to drop in june… just in time for their 6-week US tour with the almighty circle takes the square in july! the mannequin / transistor transistor split 7" has been pushed back a few weeks due to some mastering complications, but it'll be available everywhere very soon! for now, you can sample some hot mp3s in the audio section or pick up the actual 7" record on mannequin's current spring tour. we also recently got some new mannequin t-shirts and they're available in the merch section.

    crestfallennext up will be a brand new 5-6 song CDep with virginia's own thrashin' punk/metal/core maniacs crestfallen! their new material is so fucking good that we couldn't NOT do this record. they'll be recording here in richmond with andreas of scarlet fame in different sessions over the next month, hopefully resulting in a june release as well! to tide you over until then, be sure to head over to the robo distro and pick up their smokin' debut CD, streaks of terror. when ordering though, watch out for huge anarchy symbols and general smartassedness in your orders which are now all packed up by c-fallen guitarist / mailorder master, nathan motherfuckin' grice.

    daughtersjuly won't be a stranger to incredible new releases either, as the debut daughters full length, canada songs, is scheduled to be unleashed mid-month. this thing is going to be incredible, and we couldn't be more stoked to be teaming up with beard haley and the electric human project for the vinyl version, and nikita and nova recordings for the european versions! in fact, we're planning on having all of our upcoming CD releases available in europe through germany's nova, who run an awesome label and distribution over there! finally the folks across the ocean won't have to pay an arm and a leg to get our releases. we're stoked to say the least.

    tyranny of shawand finally, the last new release planned (that we can currently talk about) will be a new compilation CD simply entitled mutation. this comp features six of the most badass unknown and/or up-and-coming heavy bands in north america right now. the lucky six to appear on the comp are: the abandoned hearts club (canada), ed gein (new york), garuda (texas), the minor times (pennsylvania), sea of thousand (texas, ex-employer employee), and tyranny of shaw (florida). each band is contributing 1-3 rare/exclusive tracks and we're hoping to have this out mid-summer as well. and yes, the comp is full… sorry. also, we have (or will soon have) copies of many of these bands earlier releases available in the recently updated robo distro, so please head on over to hear what we're so excited about.

    the minor timesto celebrate the release of all these awesome records, robotic empire is joining forces with okcomeonkids and r5 to bring you the second annual robo fest! the bands scheduled to play this year's event are the red chord, daughters, mannequin, the minor times, ed gein and circle takes the square! this amazing show will take place at the first unitarian church in philly on sunday, july 6th… and although we'll be posting updated info on this in the future, all of the current info can be found on the okcomeonkids website or the tour section of this site.

    in the coming weeks we will be launching the new robotic army street team, so everyone out there that's interested in helping us spread the word about awesome new music will soon get the chance to help (and get tons of free shit while they're at it). we'll have the signup form posted in a few weeks, so keep an eye on the site. and there's even more awesome new releases planned, but we don't want to mention them now and possibly jinx anything, so just stay tuned and get ready… because this summer is going to be awesome! -andy, nathan & robotic empire.

    from 03/06/03:
    friendlyfest III
    this year's friendlyfest up in connecticut is looking like it's going to be awesome, so please check out their site for all of the info on this excellent fest! chances are we'll be there with the robo distro so come out and say hello!

    speaking of the distro, we just added the awesome new cursive CD to it, and we know you guys don't usually come here looking for emo or indie records, but this thing fucking rocks so please check it out. we wouldn't have picked up copies if it didn't rule. we've also aquired some more copies of the ferocious debut daughters 7" and the new robot attack 7" (ex-ultimate warriors).

    also, if all goes well (keeping our fingers crossed), next weekend (15th & 16th) will be the record release shows for the mannequin / transistor transistor split 7"!! even if the records aren't here in time, the shows are going to awesome since daughters, a life once lost and other badass bands are playing too. check the tour section for info on the shows. more info on the 7" soon.

    mannequinin support of the new split 7", mannequin will be going on a three-week spring tour starting next week. everyone please come out to support these guys as their live show is louder than hell and they should have 7"s, shirts & patches with them. current dates (still being updated) can be found in the tour section. upon returning home, mannequin will record for their upcoming CDep on robotic empire, pageninetynine will play their last two shows (this shit is going to be legendary), and then mannequin's back on the road for a long US summer tour with circle takes the square! dates & info will be posted soon.

    from 02/25/03:
    today is the official "street date" for releasing the opeth 7", and i'm proud to say that we already have to announce it as sold out!! you mailorder folks are absolute maniacs… we blew through all of our copies in one week, and lumberjack is down to their last 100 or so copies as well… so if you want this two-song acoustic rarity from one of metal's greatest bands, be sure to order it from lumberjack ASAP, because they will be gone forever very soon.

    the now's limited 1-sided 12"s are all gone too, and thanks are due to everyone for keeping nathan and i busy as hell with the mailorder this year, and we don't plan on slowing down now... more records (including an ultra-limited secret 7") will be available soon. for now though, definitely check out the robo distro updates because we've got some badass new records from both known and unknown bands. and for everyone that's already ordered this past week or so from us, rest assured that you will get the records you ordered.

    that's all for now, more updates on the last pageninetynine shows, new records and tours all coming soon. stay tuned! -andy

    from 02/17/03:
    this has been a very exciting and hectic time for us, and although we're really stoked about the new releases that are available now, we need to start off this update with some sad news.

    pageninetynineafter five wild years, sterling, va's innovative punk rockers pageninetynine have decided to call it quits. we couldn't really be much more sad about this announcement, as we've been through a lot with this band… but we are excited to inform you all of two upcoming goodbye shows at the end of may, which we will have more info on very soon. in regards to their final releases, the creation is crucifixion split on robotic empire will be their last "new material" release, followed by some sort of a singles collection release and documentary release later on. we'll keep you all posted on those records as soon as we know more, but for now, please read the band's statement about the breakup on their site.

    opethon to the brighter news… the limited two-song opeth 7" and the drum machine madness 1-sided 7"compilation are both out now!! we got our copies in early and they're both available now for mailorder. we're very pleased with how each release turned out, as they both look and sound incredible. opeth delivers the beauty while the drum machine comp delivers the brutality… and though it pains me to announce that we've raised the price of our new 7" releases to $3.50, we do fortunately have colored vinyl for all you mailorder maniacs, so hit up the ordering info section for all the info.

    mannequinwe're also really excited to announce that we will be releasing a mannequin CDep early this summer! this will be an excellent followup to the amazing upcoming transistor transistor split 7", and we know you guys have been dying to hear mannequin… so we've posted mp3s from the split to appease your curiosity. head on over to the audio downloads section to hear brand new tracks from both mannequin and transistor transistor. also, everyone in the general new england/east coast vicinity needs to migrate to connecticut for the transistor transistor / mannequin split 7" release show on march 15th! they'll be joined by a slew of awesome bands so check out the tour section for all the info.

    daughtersthings are still going as planned for unleashing the daughters CD in early summer, and although we don't have any new recorded material for your eager ears, to tide you over we implore you check out this live video from this past winter tour. it may take a little while to download, and the sound is kinda dominated by the cymbals, but it's worth it to see the crazy missouri kids tear shit up. thanks to the folks over at black book diaries for making this available.

    the red chordalso, be sure to check out daughters in the latest "top 100 bands you need to know in 2003" issue of AP along with the red chord and our buddies lickgoldensky, who's pummeling new CD can be found in the robo distro. we've also got some other new distro items (including a russian cassette version of pageninetynine's document #8!!) as well as some badass 11"x17" posters for the red chord, so head over to the ordering info section for info on it all. soon we'll have the very last copies of stop it!!'s demo CD and tyranny of shaw's 3" miniCD, as well as the ferocious new CD by richmond's own municipal waste. these guys thrash so fucking hard and we highly recommend checking them out on their upcoming march tour. check out their site for all the info. speaking of thrash, we also found a lost box of 100 kungfu rick / ultimate warriors split 7"s, even some on the gray vinyl, so be sure to order those while you can.

    the nowwe're now down to the last (less than) 100 copies of the now's limited 12", so if you want this work of vinyl art, best to act fast. as we stated before, we unfortunately can't guarantee that these will be 100% playable due to ink getting on the grooved side of some of the 12"s, but this release looks absolutely beautiful so we just can't let these collect dust.

    neil perryin semi-related news, neil perry has just recorded their final two tracks for their upcoming discography double CD on level-plane, and they are absolutely incredible. it's a damn shame to see this band go too, as their progression was ridiculous, but they can still be enjoyed through what they created… and we've got copies of their excellent split 3" miniCD with a days refrain available for mailorder.

    pig destroyerand finally, it looks like pig destroyer is heading to japan in march, and we're hoping to have brand new shirts of theirs just in time. we may have some other new shirts and hopefully stickers and shit soon, but for now we'll have more info on those pig destroyer shirts and tour soon.

    that's all for now. there's so much going on and so much more to come. if we take our time on writing back your emails, don't be terribly surprised… but we do write everyone back, even if it does take a little while. thank you!

    from 01/25/03:
    just a quick note to let everyone know that the now's 1-sided 12"s have been going very fast, but we do have some left. however, most to all of the remaining copies have a slight amount of ink on the playable side of the 12", so in most cases the first song will slightly skip. if this doesn't concern you, please feel free to order. otherwise, you might be better off picking up the CDep version. we've been insanely busy these past few weeks so don't be terribly surprised if there's some downtime in responding to your emails. we'll have more updates for you all soon!

    from 01/05/03:
    starting the new year off with a bang, let's get right into it:

    the nowafter months of anticipation and delay, the now's s/t CDep has been repressed and to celebrate it's second unleashing on the world, we're excited to announce that the limited 1-sided 12" version of this ep (that we've been mentioning for ages) is finally available as well! for those unfortunate ones who haven't yet experienced the now, this furious debut ranges everywhere from catchy dance parts to raging metal to stoney sludge and thunderous mosh. undoubtedly some of the most creative and innovative hardcore that's come out of the east coast in years is contained on this six track ep. the clear 1-sided 12" vinyl version is limited to only 330 copies and is screened with 3-colors on the flat side to create a hand-made picture disc. these are sure to go fast, so be sure to order now before these beauties are all gone.

    opethit is with great honor and excitement that we announce the upcoming release of a limited 7" single by swedish metal legends, opeth. featuring two acoustic tracks found only on the deluxe 2xCD edition of blackwater park, "patterns in the ivy II" & "still day beneath the sun", this 7" will hopefully serve as an appetizer for their upcoming "mellow" album, damnation. if all goes as planned, this 7" (limited to a one-time run of 1250 copies) will be available on february 25th. opeth will be heading over to the states for a two week tour, so be sure to go see them if they're anywhere even remotely near you.

    daughterswe just returned home from a two-week excursion with daughters and it was a total blast. thanks are due to everyone who helped out with shows, let us crash with them and those who just came up and said hello. the new daughters material is unsurprisingly incredible and we're hoping to have their full-length CD out early this summer. if you can't wait that long, make sure you check out their debut 1-sided 7" in the robo distro, cause we just picked up a ton of them and it fucking smokes. don't believe me? read an awesome review of the 7" over at sleepforever.com and be sure to hit up their poll about which upcoming album your most stoked about. thanks to them as well for letting us steal the daughters photo above.

    a life once lostin related news, daughters will be sharing a weekend of shows in march with a life once lost, following ALOL recording their upcoming deathwish, inc full-length at trax east studios this february. their new material is amazing as well; expect to be floored. you can hear the new tunes live at their next show, the big okcomeonkids spring bash on march 1st.

    dmmalso scheduled to drop on february 25th is the long-delayed drum machine madness 1-sided 7" comp. featuring the brightest in upcoming drum-machine grind bands as well as seasoned veterans, expect this limited 7" to go fast as it will come packaged with a beautiful layout and colored vinyl. we can't hold any copies and aren't accepting pre-orders for any upcoming releases, but as soon as the new records become available they will be listed on the site, so check back frequently.

    transistor transistornot stopping there, we've got another awesome vinyl project planned: the mannequin / transistor transistor split 7". this is going to be one of mannequin's first releases and the transistor tracks totally rip as well. this is a split label release with our good connecticut buddies, redscroll records, and we couldn't be more stoked about this project. expect this to be an epic team-up of the finest new rockin punk/grunge bands to hit the scene in years.

    kungfu rickunfortunately it looks like kungfu rick is breaking up, but not before three more dates of live destruction and a final LP coming to an end on 625 thrashcore, due out in february. if you live in CA, WI or IL, please come out to one of their final shows and say goodbye to one of the finest thrashin' metallic hardcore bands to grace our scene. they will be missed.

    the red chordthe red chord's furious debut, fused together in revolving doors, will be released over in europe on reflections records. the euro-version will feature a new layout and "considerably fewer spelling mistakes". expect that to hit the overseas streets around late february. for all their hungry US fans out there, make sure to keep an ear out for some new songs on their upcoming winter tour with between the buried and me and premonitions of war.

    circle takes the squarefor all you high-speed internerds out there, badjon.com has a bunch of rad videos up on their site, including a recent circle takes the square video. click here to check it out. and saladbarscam.com has a bunch of slow-loading but awesome videos as well… check it out if you have patience.

    as this label enters an exciting new year, a warm and hearty thank-you is sent out to everyone who's supported us over the past few years either by helping book our bands shows, buying records, giving praise or by just saying hello. it couldn't be appreciated more, and i'm so happy that people are enjoying this as much as i am.
    -andy low/ robotic empire

    from 12/07/02:
    for the third time this year, robotic empire is shutting down for a couple of weeks to go on tour, this time with rhode island's almighty daughters. we're bringing the distro along with our own records, so come on out and say hello. here are the dates:

    12/13- Onleyville (Providence), RI @ Munch House w/ Sex Positions, Zombi, Madadayo (last show). Show starts at 10pm. daughterstour@yahoo.com
    12/14- Allston, MA @ ICC Church (Downstairs) w/ Transistor Transistor, Light The Fuse And Run, The Wolves. Show starts at 7pm, Costs $5. adamdiy@bu.edu
    12/15- Philly, PA @ First Unitarian Church w/ Hot Cross, Circle Takes The Square, Sound of Failure, Light the Fuse and Run, AAJ. r5productions@hotmail.com
    12/16- College Park, MD @ Nyumbury Cultural Center (University of Maryland) w/ Dawntreader, Exosus, and Flowers in the Attic. whatsnext57@hotmail.com
    12/17- Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall w/ Avenging Disco Godfathers of Soul, Choke Their Rivers..., Witchcraft By A Picture. cristinky@hotmail.com
    12/18- Columbia, SC @ Uncle's Doctor w/ Avenging Disco Godfathers Of Soul, Marion, + more - murderweapon@hotmail.com
    12/19- Daytona Beach, FL w/ Kill Your Idols, Revenge Therapy - XDropMudX@aol.com
    12/20- New Orleans, LA - flyerstorm@yahoo.com
    12/21- Ft. Worth, TX @ Nick's House w/ …Of Death, Kill the Client, Ricin, The Funeral Bird - tejasone@hotmail.com
    12/22- Austin, TX @ Flamingo Cantina w/ new Employer, Employee band, …Of Death, Funeral Bird, Red Dye #4, more. Show starts at 6pm - posirich@yahoo.com
    12/23- Houston, TX @ CAC House w/ Funeral Bird, Machine Gun Romantics, …Of Death - Doors at 8pm, costs $4 - bandanathrash281@hotmail.com
    12/24- xmass eve off    12/25- xmass in Austin
    12/26- Springfield, MO @ Billiards (541 E. St. Louis - Springfield, MO 65806) w/ The Aleatoric, Phasma Phasmatis - Show starts at 9pm - joshdonelson@mchsi.com
    12/27- Knoxville, TX @ Old City Java (109 1/2 South Central - Knoxville, TN 37902) w/ Rise From Ruin, & Red Winter Dying - Doors at 7pm. brisby865@yahoo.com
    12/28 (early show) - Newark, DE @ Harmony Grange Hall w/ Choke Their Rivers With Our Dead, Facade Burned Black, + 2 more - vegandeathfarts@aol.com
    12/28 (later show) - Aston, PA @ Harry Kat's w/ All Else Failed, The Now, Circle of Dead Children, + more - Doors at 7pm, Costs $8. alolbooking@aol.com
    12/29- Montclair, NJ @ The Bloomfield Ave Cafe w/ Laura Palmer, With Resistance, + more - Doors at 1:30pm, Costs $8 - Xkilledbylovex@aol.com

    when we return we'll have the now's CDep repress and hopefully the limited 1-sided 12"s as well. this is the last update for the year, so check back after the new year. hope everyone has safe and happy holidays.

    from 11/21/02:
    theNowlow and behold, the now is playing live again... and with a little luck they should have copies of their updated s/t CDep repress as well as some copies of the limited 1-sided 12". we should have our 300-ish copies of the 12" available for mailorder around january 1st after we return home from the daughters winter tour. if you're in a 5-hour radius of philadelphia, rocking out to the now and daughters on saturday, december 28th is mandatory! haven't heard daughters yet? head over to their mp3.com site for a couple songs.

    superstitionssuperstitions of the sky will be releasing their next album on onedaysavior. for those of you that missed their debut full-length, be sure to check out things said in passing on robotic empire to hear where things started for them... to get an idea of where they're going, you can check out a demo mp3 of their song "tonight" with the current lineup.

    creationhactivist.com currently has copies of creation is crucifixion's live noise experiment entitled "radio bronka", and it's pretty badass. pig destroyer will hopefully be recording soon for their split with CIC; we'll keep you posted as we have info. to tide you over, be sure to check out the almighty benumb/pig destroyer split 3" miniCD, along with creation is crucifixion's finest release to date, the critical art ensemble/carbon defense league split CD/CD-ROM box set in the robo distro.

    a couple of awesome reviews for the red chord and pageninetynine CDs that we did are under the "expert reviews" over at thegauntlet.com. and if you have a free minute or two, check out a short interview with majority rule over at calamityproject.com

    there's also been a couple of brutal additions to the robo distro this week from the likes of tragedy and tyranny of shaw. i think we may be among the first distros to carry the new tragedy CD and it rules so much. tyranny of shaw is an awesome chaotic florida band that is sure to be a household name someday soon. highly recommended shit.

    from 11/17/02:
    mailorder has been insane recently and the following records are no longer available through us: robotic empire - sampler #1 CD, kungfu rick/ultimate warriors - split 7". the samplers are all gone now, but the split 7" can still be found in distros. lumberjack probably still has some left, and you can order online through them. the house of low culture 2x7"s on purple are all gone too, sorry folks...

    we've got some awesome new distro stuff though: new godspeed CDs, pinback, low, and finally got some more stop it!! demo CD-Rs too. be sure to check out the robo distro for descriptions, mp3s and all that good stuff.

    from 11/07/02

    the robo distro has been split into two sections. distro A - M and distro N - Z. both sections have awesome new records in them so be sure to check them both out!
    new godspeed you black emperor! and some other mellow/indie CDs coming soon!

    from 11/03/02:
    house of low culture's gettin' sentimetal 2x7" is out now and we couldn't be happier with how they turned out. twenty-four minutes varying everywhere from psychedelic droning guitars layerd with low wailing vocals, that slowly haunt you like wasting away in a desolate ghost town… to harrowing and hypnotic noises, more penetrating than a post-neurosurgery nightmare. we've got colored vinyl for you mailorder maniacs, so head on over to the ordering section or check out a mp3 beforehand. also, HOLC will be performing live at this year's beyond the pale festival in san francisco with such greats as low and neurosis and the 2x7" will be available there with them. more info can be found at the neurot recordings site.

    from 11/01/02:
    another sizeable update in the ol' robo distro. got some awesome new (and old) CDs from pageninetynine, botch, the black sea (members of frodus and fugazi), cephalic carnage, cave in and unearth.

    also, the house of low culture 2x7" will be available very soon, so keep an eye out for that. more awesome CDs for the distro next week as well... so check back soon!

    from 10/11/02:
    theNowapparently hell has frozen over, because we've added some more video clips! three live ones and one foolish one can be found in the video downloads section. the new live clips are from neil perry and the now, and you can also find a (slightly out of date) feature on the now at the sharpshooter site.

    daughtersour most recent addition to the ol' roster, daughters, have been justly stirring up some attention recently. lambgoat.com is currently hosting a poll on which up-and-coming band has the most potential. we're smiling as you read this. in even cooler news, the electric human project will be steering the vinyl ship for the upcoming daughters full-length. you can also check out a live mp3 recorded last month right here, or visit their new website here.

    we've also had some recent updates in the robo distro, including a bunch of rad level-plane records and the very last copies of the first press of city of caterpillar's demos/live 12". also, added more info about each record that we've released, which can be found in the discography section. that's all for now... more updates soon!

    from 09/30/02
    daughterswe couldn't be more pleased to announce that rhode island's daughters will be releasing their first full-length CD on robotic empire. this quintet plays some seriously strange and chaotic grind-influenced tunes, with feverishly evil chugging breakdowns. for those of you who are weren't fortunate enough to witness their live battery this summer, we recommend you head on over to the robo distro to see what all the hubub is about by checking out their debut 1-sided 7". the band will be taking the month of october to write new songs and the CD will hopefully drop this winter... but until then you can satisfy your ear drums by injecting a short mp3 from the 7".

    pg.99pageninetynine has safely returned home from their european tour and will take some time off to focus on other projects. to dispel rumors, the band has not broken up and you can read a lengthy statement from the band at www.pageninetynine.com. in other news, they will be mixing and mastering their material for the split LP with creation is crucifixion sometime this month. expect this split to be a weird one. also, the beautiful euro- version of document #8 as a gatefold 12" is available now through scene police!

    the red chordthe red chord has a bunch of killer east coast shows coming up over the next month. be sure to head on over to the tour dates section to be brutalized by one of the most fierce up-and-coming extreme bands. their debut CD on robotic empire has received rave reviews, and we couldn't more strongly urge you to check this monster out. click here for a mp3.

    from 09/19/02
    had to change the ordering procedure a bit because the post office is raping us on international orders. so please be sure to read over the updated ordering info.

    from 09/03/02:

                   
    lots of new stuff in the robo distro! more incredible records (that we think rule) from the likes of a days refrain, cephalic carnage, daughters, kwisatz haderach, kylesa, on the might of princes, soilent green and more! seriously, all this stuff rocks hard so definitely try to check out something, or at least download a sample mp3 or two.

    from 08/05/02:
    robotic empire is back and three brand new releases are in and ready for mailorder!

    np & adrjersey gets a deserving tribute with the neil perry / a days refrain - split 3" miniCD. each band contributes three of their strongest tracks to date on this fine release. neil perry enters a riveting new chapter here, playing their heaviest and most focused songs yet. still keeping that sarcastic tongue-in-cheek hidden in their underbelly, they expand upon their screaming chaotic madness with stoney melodies accompanied by heavenly sung vocals. a days refrain pummel us with this testament to emotional hardcore the way it's meant to be played. while they refuse to shy away from getting emotional, ADR doesn't forget their hardcore roots and proves it with breakneck speeds and absolutely raging breakdowns… all the while managing to blend different genres together in a passionate and original way. this is their final recording and it proves that they were one of the most under-appreciated bands playing this type of intense music. mp3s from this release can be found in the audio section.

    kfr & uwsin another classic and much-needed teamup, the heavily-delayed kungfu rick / the ultimate warriors - split 7" is finally out! these two kings of dual-vocaled grinding thrash duke it out on this split 7" of heroic proportions. kungfu rick attacks with easily their most unique recording: one long exceptional track flooding their half of the 7". mixing doomy sludge-metal with all out circle-pit-inciting thrash punk, KFR throws in a new left hook with long and melodic breakdowns spliced with elements of epic noise. the ultimate warriors continue their tradition of short, fast and all out brutal songs mixed with hilarious samples, laced with plenty of wrestling innuendo. this is definitely their heaviest and most varied material, ranging from breakneck speeds to total southern stoner riffs to pummeling moshy breakdowns. this split is highly recommended to all fans of thrash, grind and other forms of fast extreme music.

    robo 024the robotic empire sampler / live / comp CD is officially out and contains 28 tracks from past, present and future robo releases, a couple of live tracks from neil perry and majority rule, and some extras from the likes of hot cross, joshua fit for battle, superstitions of the sky, the glorious gregor samsa and solo stuff from vadim taver of superstitions & this day forward. these are available for 2 bucks and will be thrown in free with repeat & large orders.

    robo 014along with all that, the drum machine madness 7" comp will be available "soon" and if you were (un)lucky you may have managed to pick up one of the shitty tour-covered ones. but if not, fear not... the real version should be out soon enough with plenty of limited crap for all you collector dorks out there!

    the nowthe now's frenzied debut CDep is being repressed soon, and to go along with it we'll have a very limited version of it available as a 1-sided 12". keep an eye out for that within the next month or so, along with them hopefully playing a few east coast shows here and there.

    employer, employeewe also have some copies of the debut employer, employee - mother spain 7" in the distro again, which is strongly urged to be obtained as it's the only available recordings at this time. the CD may or may not be repressed soon, as it's still up in the air and being worked out, but the band is indeed still together and has 4 or so new songs (which are unsurprisingly brutal) that they eventually plan to record for a full length sometime in the future.

    besides that, in the distro we currently also have copies of the pageninetynine / majority rule - split CD, the debut an albatross - 1-sided 12" and plan to get a whole shitload of new stuff in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for some awesome records that we wished we'd released!

    pageninetyninespeaking of pageninetynine, as they now head to europe for a two month tour, the finishing touches are being put on robotic empire's first european release, the 12" vinyl version of the document #8 record! this will be available through the magnificent scene police, and if all goes well we will be releasing more stuff through them in the future.

    keep an eye out on the site for more updates in the near future. this is an exciting time and i'd like to extend a warm thank-you to all of you for contributing to this. p.s. please note the new address:

    robotic empire
    po box 4211
    richmond, va 23220


    from 07/16/02:
    i just got back from tour and things are wicked crazy. the next two or so weeks are going to be spent moving everything from jersey to richmond, so the label will still be on hold for a bit, but as soon as i'm settled down in virginia things will be going full steam. there will be several new releases (in some form or another) available for mailorder, along with some updates regarding future records and plans.

    thanks are due to everyone i met across the country and to all of pageninetynine and majority rule for making this a fun and intense summer. best of luck to them in europe. pageninetynine will soon have a new european LP version of document #8 with them, courtesy of the almighty folks over at scene police. i also recommend everyone check out the brand new pageninetynine/majority rule split CD/LP. shit is fantastic. we'll have copies of it available when we're back, but if you can't wait that long you can pick it up now from magic bullet, courtesy of brent eyestone : )
    from 05/29/02:
    robotic empire is now shut down, and won't be active again until the end of july. when we start back up, we're likely to have relocated to richmond, virginia. until then (and after) the NJ post office box will still be active, so if you have sent mail there don't worry, it'll get to us.

    when we return, we'll have (i think) 5 new records available. we should have tour copies of some of these while on tour with pageninetynine, so be on the lookout for those... and come out to the shows and say hello if you can! see you there, -andy

    from 05/21/02:
    so early next week the label will be shutting down for about a month and a half. we're going to be on tour with pageninetynine until the middle of july, so all mailorder and everything will cease until we get back. however, prior to leaving we will fill all orders received up to may 27th, and we just got a few more records in the distro (namely the new Mastodon CD and the Employer, Employee 7" reissue). if you want to pick up these or anything else before we split, please order via paypal.

    from 05/16/02:
    i forgot to mention last time that hot cross has a split 7" with light the fuse and run coming out somewhat soon on level-plane and the electric human project. should be the hot jawns.

    also, both the red chord and a life once lost have features in the newly renovated sharpshooter webzine. it looks badass so be sure to check it out. that's all for now.

    from 05/13/02:
    robo 024so we've resolved the mailorder issues... thanks to everyone for being patient, we appreciate it. but come june 1st all mailorder will cease until mid-july. robotic empire will be hitting the road with pageninetynine and should have tons of records with us, including a brand new cheapo/free CD sampler with a bunch of awesome and exclusive tracks.

    due to being away for a month and a half, the label will more or less shut down for that period. if you want to order any records, you can order them online at the lumberjack website, or just wait until we get back. when we return we'll have a bunch of new releases coming out almost immediately. these include the now's limited 1-sided 12" version of the debut CDep, the kungfu rick / ultimate warriors split 7", and the neil perry / a days refrain split 3" miniCD. shortly following those will be the drum machine madness 1-sided 7" compilation and the creation is crucifixion / pageninetynine split.

    a days refrainin sadder news, a days refrain will embark on their final tour this coming friday. they're tackeling most of the country in just two weeks, and will have the split 3" with them, so be sure to check them out. click here for tour dates. also, everyone in new jersey is advised to hit up their last show on june 9th. neil perry will be playing too, and we'll have more info soon.

    naheemjustin graves (aka bib aka naheem griffith) just played his first show with a life once lost in clark, nj and the band sounded more pummeling than ever. they've started to write new material for their next full length and it's already obvious that it's going to be insane. also, vocalist bob from alol's promotion jawns, okcomeonkids, has launched a new website.

    from 05/06/02:
    return to senda... no such numbawell we've been getting a lot of compaints that people's packages aren't showing up, and after a little research we've found out that tons of stuff being shipped as "media mail" in the US is up and vanishing. to combat this problem, we've had to modify our ordering policy/info, which includes an unfortunate $1 increase on all orders (not per-record though). please be sure to check out the new/updated ordering info.

    from 04/18/02:
    as always, there's tons of stuff going on. new records, represses... hectic times to say the least. we tallied it up the other day, and we have 10 releases lined up... so our hands are full for the rest of the year and then some. expect lots of new records in the months to come (if all goes well) from the likes of creation is crucifixion, an albatross, pageninetynine, neil perry, a days refrain, house of low culture and more.

    friendlyfest II everyone on the general north/east coast area should try to come out to friendlyfest II in wallingford, ct on june 1st. badass brian frenette put together so you know it's gonna rule. the now, a days refrain, forstella ford, and just a lot of great bands are playing, check out some more info.

    neil perryneil perry and our neighbors, a days refrain, will share a split 3" miniCD just in time for adr's full us tour in may. this little jawns will contain the most recent and mature material from both bands, and we couldn't be more stoked about this split. mp3s will be up in couple weeks, but until then be sure to check out adr's full length on alone, or hit their website for tour dates.

    kfr / uw possewe've received the test presses for the kungfu rick / the ultimate warriors split 7", as well as the drum machine madness 1-sided 7" comp. everything sounds great, and both records should be available in june if things go as planned. also, around the same time, the now's limited 1-sided 12" version of their debut ep will be available. more info on these soon.

    a life once losta life once lost has parted ways with their longtime drummer, teejay deblois. tj is leaving to focus on school and his poppier band, halfway to holland (who everyone should definitly check out). justin graves from the now and neil perry has taken over behind the kit and the band has already started working on new material for their next CD. more info on their website.

    the red chordthe red chord's ferocious debut CD, fused together in revolving doors, has received an awesome response so far. be sure to check out some reviews of the album and a recent interview they did with bushmado.com can be found here. be on the lookout for them on their upcoming summer tour with a life once lost.

    pageninetyninepageninetynine is in the studio now recording for their splits with creation is crucifixion, majority rule and circle takes the square. the cic split is a experimental project for both bands and is definitly one of the more unique records we've been a part of. it will be something between a 10" and a 12", and will be out in time for the pageninetynine summer tour...

    from 03/29/02:
    robotic empire
    is hitting the road with neil perry and joshua fit for battle for the next week, so mailorder and all other operations will be on hold. if you're on the southern part of the east coast though, come out to one of the shows and say hi:

    Neil Perry/Joshua Fit For Battle - "Brothas From Different Mothas" Spring Tour

    Saturday, March 30th: Charlotte, NC - @ The Boiling Point - Address: 2109b N Graham St. - Charlotte, NC - Show Time: 7:30pm w/ fame, the avenging disco godfathers of soul, uziari, choke their rivers with our dead, off minor and life detecting coffins - shortround4@hotmail.com (Cameron)

    Monday, April 1st: Orlando, FL - @ Will's Pub

    Tuesday, April 2nd: Lakeland, FL - @ Josh's House - Address: 4431 Homewood Lane - Lakeland, FL 33811 - textdanceparty@hotmail.com (Josh) or http://www.joshshouse.cjb.net - 7pm. w/ Tyranny of Shaw, The Soothsayer, Into the Moat and Kite Flying Society

    Wednesday, April 3rd: Summerville, SC - @ All Books Coffee Shop - TragicxHero@aol.com (Thomas) w/ mannequin? - the coffee shop: 843 873 2635

    Thursday, April 4th: Myrtle Beach, SC - @ The Lazy I - Address: 700G Seaboard St. - Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 - Phone: 843-626-3740 (venue) or www.get.to/thelazyi - Show starts at 8pm. PSYCHOSEVENTY5@aol.com (Elliott)

    Friday, April 5th: Kingsport, TN - @ Kingsport Collective Warehouse Space - Address: 5275 Fort Henry Dr. - Kingsport, TN - w/ kakistocracy, sink the fucker, moderate gene, & service with a smile. - sonikdeath@earthlink.net - starts at 6pm.

    Saturday, April 6th: Harrisonburg, VA - MACrock - mattmacrock@hotmail.com Superstitions of the Sky, The Now, Neil Perry and JFFB are all playing.

    from 03/26/02:
    thanks to everyone who came out to the now's comeback show. it was a blast. hopefully we'll have a few video clips soon.

    the employer, employee CD is now sold out. the hot cross 10" is sold out too, but a CD repress will be out on level-plane soon.

    be sure to check out a new mp3 from the upcoming house of low culture 2x7"

    from 03/18/02:
    the red chord
    's absolutely mindblowing debut CD, fused together in revolving doors, and the pageninetynine document #11 7" reissue are both out now! we're very pleased how both of these came out, both musically and artistically, so please check them out.

    mailorder gets colored vinyl of course, and so will the rest of the world... so stop bidding on those auctions for document #3 and #4, and we might just bring you another document number this summer.

    hot cross will most likely be traveling abroad this summer and should have a european 12" edition of their debut 10" to fend off the masses. thanks go out to oliver for juicing this up.

    house of low culture has completed their music for the upcoming 2x7" and we should have a sample mp3 up soon. it'd be in your best interest to start the search now for a powerleaf strong enough to prepare you for this work of audio art.

    from 02/19/02:
    a life once losta life once lost's new CDep the fourth plague: flies has finally hit the streets after plenty of delays. the vinyl version will be released on deathwish inc in march, followed by their next record this fall. they're playing a ton of shows all along the east coast in the coming months, and rocking a full us tour this summer. they also have a new website.

    pig destroyerpig destroyer has graced us with another record, a brand new split 3" miniCD with california's benumb. they've also been fairly busy the last few months completing the next agoraphobic nosebleed record. coming up next for them is a split square CD/LP with the almighty creation is crucifixion, which will hopefully surface this summer.

    the red chordthe red chord has finished recording their debut CD and don't be surprised if you hear a lot about this band in the coming months. fused together in revolving doors turned out absolutely crushing and will be unleashed on the world march 19th. their record release show will be in boston on march 16th.


    the nowthe now have finally emerged after months of uncertainty and member changes. they'll be playing their comeback show on march 15th with new vocalist shawn lindsey, formerly of the grossly under-appreciated virginia beach band canephora. a limited 1-sided 12" version of their debut ep will be available in a few months.

    pageninetyninepageninetynine is back in virginia after an awesome two week winter tour with majority rule. the two bands are recording for a split CD/LP to be released on magic bullet. document #11, a reissue of two of their earlier robodog records (documents #3 and #4), will be available from us march 19th. also, their new website is finally up.

    creation is crucifixioncreation is crucifixion recently got back from their insane 5 month european/us tour and successfully recorded their music for the pig destroyer split CD/LP while in europe. they've relocated from san francisco back to pittsburgh and are in the process of getting settled there. be sure to visit hactivist.com for their latest news and a brand new mp3 from the upcoming split CD/LP.

    superstitions of the skysuperstitions of the sky has recently joined forces with vadim from this day forward to expand their acoustic style into a powerful acoustic/electric combination. they just recorded 4 songs with vince at skylight and they turned out awesome. hopefully a track or two of theirs will appear on the upcoming robotic empire sampler/live comp.


    hot crosshot cross's debut 10" has received an awesome response and is nearly sold out. analog and digital represses are being discussed, but nothing is solid as of now. they're currently writing new material for some upcoming records, and the new stuff is incredible. they too will be playing the march 15th show in philly.


    kungfu rickkungfu rick and the ultimate warriors be sharing a hot platter of wax fairly soon. kfr also has a new 7" on gloom and plans to rock a west coast tour with a new full length this summer, while the warriors full-length has finally come out on rage's new white denim label.


    employer, employeeemployer, employee's cd is nearly sold out. we have the last 50 copies here so if you want it, now's the time to get it. their debut 7" has just been repressed by relapse and should be out really soon (if it's not already). also, the band has plans to move to philly this summer so expect them to be heavily rocking the east coast this fall or winter.


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