Crude – Drug Culture
Ferocious Japanese hardcore punk by simply one of the best out there.
On the island of Hokkaido, in the northern reaches of Japan, lies the city of Hakodate—home to the legendary hardcore punk band Crude. Since forming in 1995, Crude has been instrumental in defining the “Hakodate sound,” a unique style of blazing hardcore characterized by unpredictable twists and turns in song structures. Every riff, beat, and scream is delivered with passion, energy, and fierce determination, solidifying their place as one of Japan’s most iconic punk acts.
Crude’s music effortlessly straddles the line between melody and ferocity. At times, it’s catchy and almost anthemic, while at others, it’s a barrage of heavy and relentless aggression. Their ability to balance these extremes makes them a band that even the most skeptical punk fans can’t ignore.
Their latest release, Drug Culture, is a masterclass in everything that makes Japanese hardcore so enjoyable. With six raging tracks, the record exudes blood-curdling riffs, searing guitar solos, maniacal vocals, and insane tempo changes—all hallmarks of the genre’s “burning spirits” style. The production stays intentionally raw, recorded on a four-track analog tape machine to preserve that old-school sound. The result is a record that feels alive, bursting with the crude attitude (pun intended) that defines the band.
If you’re looking for a modern equivalent to Death Side or want to experience one of the most authentic Japanese punk bands to ever come across your radar, Crude is the answer. Drug Culture is one of those records that grab you by the collar and pulls you headfirst into the chaos. And if the music wasn’t enough, the record’s artwork elevates it even further. The first press comes with a stunning poster designed by the legendary Akihiko Sugimoto, better known as SUGI, arguably the most famous punk artist in Japanese underground history. His work perfectly complements Crude’s relentless sound, making this LP a full-on punk treasure.
Simply put, Drug Culture is a must-have for any fan of Japanese hardcore. Crude proves once again why they are one of the most enduring and influential punk bands to come out of Japan.
