10 Anarcho-Punk (Peace Punk) Records That Left Their Mark on 2024

As I mentioned in the introduction, some of the best anarcho-punk bands from the past are still active or have reformed in one way or another, and Amass features current and former members of Alternative, The System, War All The Time, and many more. Their brilliant album on Grow Your Own Records is another modern-day classic that not only offers plenty of food for thought but also inspires class organizing, direct action, and collective liberation. Across seven angry tracks, they deliver bitter words against oppressors of all kind. Songs like “Eton Mess” tackle class inequality, “Grab Life” champions DIY punk activism, and “Diversions” exposes political divisions sown to distract the masses. The album also addresses state surveillance in “Keep It To Yourself” and links past struggles, like the Miners’ Strike and Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp, to current social movements in “Miner Conflict/Major Contradiction.” Musically and politically, this is the record that proves anarcho-punk remains relevant in the UK in 2024. It comes with a Crass-style fold-out poster sleeve featuring artwork by legendary anarchist illustrator Clifford Harper. A top anarcho-punk release of the year.

A Self Portrait At The Stage Of Totalitarian Domination Of All Aspects Of Human Life is the debut album from Industry, an international band now based in Berlin, unafraid to make bold political statements against capitalism and systemic oppression. Industry’s sound is heavy bass-driven, recalling Rudimentary Peni and modern acts like Zero Again. They also draw on the more confrontational wave of anarcho-punk, think Conflict, Icons of Filth, and the post-Crass scene on Mortarhate that moved beyond pacifism for its own sake, e.g. anarcho-punk being criticized for its annoying self-righteous attitude. Their abrasive, desperate vocals are reminiscent of those Mortarhate Records bands, and alongside current standouts like Bad Breeding and Subdued, Industry are fiercely committed to making a change, whatever it takes. It’s a seriously political album that may alienate some listeners, but it will surely empower the more determined activist segment of the scene.

I honestly don’t know where to start. Conflict was one of the most influential bands that shaped my idea of punk when I was 14 or 15 years old and angry at the injustices of the world. They taught me that punk’s not really The Exploited’s version with songs like “Exploitation,” and propelled me toward veganism and animal liberation through tracks like “This is the ALF” and “Meat Means Murder.” Despite being one of the most iconic bands ever, they’ve been tarnished for quite some time, from controversial lyrics in “The Cord is Cut” and “An Option,” to frontman and only original member Colin Jerwood’s weird social media posts. Now, Conflict has released a new two-song EP called This Is Conflict, their first fresh material in decades (aside from numerous live recordings and rehashed old songs). Musically, the EP sounds great, featuring neat production and an especially prominent snare drum sound. The first track, “This Much Remains,” is classic Conflict—long, declamatory lyrics and dual vocals from singers Colin and Fiona. It’s not groundbreaking in any way, but it’s unmistakably Conflict, fitting right in with their post-1990s catalogue. The second track, “A Mother’s Milk,” is the real standout, featuring Fiona Friel’s vocals and highlighting the horrors of the dairy industry while calling out feminists who aren’t vegan. Fiona herself has been vegan for over 30 years, so the track is genuinely pissed-off at non-human animal exploitation, framing veganism as a feminist issue in an uncompromising way. It’s an instant modern classic that can stand alongside “This is the ALF,” “Meat Means Murder,” or “Whichever Way You Want It,” reasserting Conflict as the premier animal liberation band in the punk scene. As a vegan straight edge adult, I also find it fascinating that the record is co-released on vinyl by the resurrected Uprising Records, led by Sean Muttaqi of Vegan Reich (now in Violent Disorder). This is Conflict contains an okay single and one absolutely unmissable new animal liberation banger.

When I first saw Vampire’s artwork and band name, I expected some batcave gothic post-punk with witty horror motifs. Instead, this Australian trio has taken the horrors of war, poverty, and the haunting ghosts of late-stage capitalism and replaced the melancholy and bleakness common to most darker-sounding genres with a longing for a better world built on the ashes of the old one. Vampire have been heralded by their label Televised Suicide as “the greatest anarcho-band currently in existence,” and for good reason. When preparing this list, I was particularly moved by this Vampire record and its title, What Seems Forever Can Be Broken, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of eternal hope and resistance in anarcho-punk that goes beyond mere political tirades about how bad this bloodsucking system is. As John Holloway tells in one of his latest books, now, when even mentioning hope seems like a sick joke or an insult to millions of young people who face lives of unemployment, or sometimes worse—employment; now is the time to learn hope—not just hoping that everything will be alright, but learning hope as a way of thinking that opens paths to a different world. That’s just how I feel with Vampire’s music.

The Greek band Σκοτοδίνη (Skotodini) comes from the occupied space of the Antiviosi squat in the city of Ioannina in the north. They formed in February 2015, shortly after the squat was re-occupied following its initial eviction in August 2013. I was immediately drawn to their absolutely brilliant 2018 self-titled album, which I’ve listened to hundreds of times on both digital and vinyl formats. I also had the opportunity to book one of the band’s first shows outside Greece, during their inaugural tour with Chain Cult. Σκοτοδίνη’s second album Εδώ Παραμένω, which translates to “Here I stay”, was self-released by the band without prior announcement in November 2024, and with each new listen it solidifies itself as one of my favorite releases of the year. While their sound leans more toward the post-punk, Σκοτοδίνη’s overall message and way of operating is anarcho-punk to the bone. This stunning record deserves a longer review of its own soon, but if you’re not familiar with Σκοτοδίνη, it’s time to get acquainted with their hauntingly beautiful anarcho post-punk music.

Naatlo Sutila is a three-piece band from Bordeaux, the d-beat capital of France, featuring members from local favorites like Fosse Commune, Phosphore, and many others (especially their drummer, Mr. Titi, who has played in ’90s emo legends Alcatraz and tons of other bands over the years). The band released a 100-copy demo tape in 2019, and now seven of France’s best DIY labels have teamed up to release Naatlo Sutila’s fantastic nine-song LP. The album combines British anarcho-punk influences—think of bands like DIRT—with solid thrashing riffs, a bit of death rock vibes, and super angry femme vocals. Usually, I prefer French bands singing in French, but Naatlo Sutila sing in English, and it still sounds great. Even though they’re labeled as anarcho-punk, the lyrics are a bit more personal and not as blatantly political or preachy as you might expect from the genre. Worth checking out.

Helsinki’s No Humans may draw inspiration from the classic ’80s anarcho-punk scene, but they add a distinctive twist of their own. Featuring members of Finland’s most prolific hardcore punk thrashers Hero Dishonest, this band takes a more ironic, tongue-in-cheek approach rather than treating themselves too seriously. Their latest release, Split Peace, offers 13 mid-tempo anarcho-punk anthems (including all four tracks from their debut EP), propelled by solid bass lines, melancholic guitars, and a snare-forward drum sound. Dual vocals in English address the greed-driven corporate world and its injustices. Don’t get me wrong when I say tongue-in-cheek and ironic, the lyrics are still dark and reflective about the bullshit world we live in, but brilliantly written without being overwhelming. Excellent release.

Proud City Fathers’ latest album is the real deal—gruff, fierce and unapologetic punk record with clever wordplay, varied tempos, and a powerful message that carves out a distinct identity in an era too often defined by stale reiterations. The tracks span from the frantic, whirlwind energy of “Fake Toy Town” and “Dancing On The Grave” to the brooding menace of “Honour,” recalling everything from anarcho legends like Icons of Filth, Toxic Waste or The System to the likes of Broken Bones, English Dogs, and Varukers. With sharp guitar riffs, a tight rhythm section, and no nonsense vocals, the album shifts gears effortlessly, maintaining its core while delivering relentless energy and dark, evocative themes. The medieval-inspired cover art, depicting a chaotic, nightmarish scene reminiscent of old woodcuts or the works of Hieronymus Bosch, ties it all together visually. Another standout release from Grow Your Own, destined to stand the test of time.

Born out of the anarcho squatter’s movement in Dijon in the mid-1980s, Psycho Squatt is a formative band in the French anarcho-punk scene, alongside groups like Haine Brigade, Kochise, and Heyoka. In 1989, these anarcho troubadours dropped their first proper EP Liberté Précarité Fraternité, which was the first release on the now-legendary Maloka label. However, despite their pioneering status and deep involvement in the scene, Psycho Squatt have very little recorded material, most of which came after their reformation in 2010. I was super excited when I grabbed a copy of their 2013 LP Tant De Crises a few years ago, and now I’m pleasantly surprised by their brand new LP, which translates in English to And the Flowers Grow… The album contains ten new politically charged, danceable tracks with chanson vibes similar to bands like La Fraction, and it features Psycho Squatt’s trademark use of the saxophone. As usual, the LP offers plenty of reading material and food for thought, albeit only for francophones, as this band was hardly intended for export.

Ancient Lights is a new peace punk project, steeped in classic influences like Crass, The Mob, Alternative, and even hints of The Cure on tracks like “Ghost Watch.” The band was founded by the ever-prolific Alex CF, which speaks volume about its quality. At first glance, Spite Wall radiates an ’80s vibe—from its cover art to the Crass-style soundbites scattered throughout. But when you dig into the lyrics, you’ll find a scathing and poetic manifesto against the injustices of modern society. “Ancient Lights” condemns austerity and scapegoating, exposing the ruling class’s indifference amid economic hardship. “But What About the Children?” highlights climate change denial and intergenerational injustice, contrasting selfish greed with ecological collapse. “A Forbidding Squall” is about asylum seekers, revealing the hypocrisy of European nations complicit in the very conflicts they exploit. “Toxic Shock Syndrome” studies the roots of male violence and misogyny, linking emotional repression to societal harm, while “Ghost Watch” reflects on disenfranchisement and the haunting guilt of personal and systemic failure. “Seen and Absent” is another excellent track that digs into generational estrangement and emotional neglect, adding a personal dimension to the EP’s broader political themes. Finally, the title track, “Spite Wall,” delivers a powerful indictment of nationalism, Brexit, and British isolationism, mocking exclusionary policies and warning of their devastating consequences. Essential release for all socially aware punks in 2024.

Honorable Mention:

Cease & Resist – Sonic Subversion & Anarcho Punk In The UK 1979-86

Cease & Resist is a double compilation album that, as its subtitle suggests, collects some of the most iconic anarcho-punk tracks in the UK from 1979 to 1986. I’ve always been a huge fan of compilations, and this one features classic cuts from Crass, Poison Girls, Flux Of Pink Indians, Chumbawamba, The Mob, Zounds, Honey Bane, The Ex, and more. Ten years in the making, the record was curated by JD Twitch (Optimo) and anarcho-punk lifer Chris Low—a labour of love and a nod to everyone who helped the movement thrive in its formative years. All tracks have been remastered by Daniel Husayn, currently the best sound engineer for hardcore punk music in the UK. The double vinyl was released by Optimo Music and comes in a full-colour sleeve designed by the legendary Gee Vaucher. In true anarcho-punk spirit, Cease & Resist is a fundraiser for Faslane Peace Camp in Scotland, which has been protesting Britain’s dreaded Trident nuclear missiles since 1982. If you’re encountering anarcho-punk for the first time, this compilation is an excellent place to start.