I don’t know what it is that attracts me to mosh pits so much.  Maybe it’s as simple as the sheer violence, the physical catharsis of pent-up frustration and anger that only double-bass rhythms and blistering guitar solos can successfully unleash.  Maybe I see in it the promise of society’s inevitable collapse, the potential of human determination to topple the oppressive power structures instituted by capitalism, archenemy of punk rockers and metalheads around the world.  Or maybe I’m over-analyzing the practice of a bunch of grown dudes crashing into each other while running in a circle.

Whatever.

Either way, SF’s Vulgar Trade makes awfully good music to mosh to.  A little bit hardcore punk, a little bit straight thrash metal, it’s fair to say this band isn’t for the faint of heart.  Relatively new to the Bay Area scene, the group has only played two official shows in its very short existence, but they already have a full-length album out and many prospects for gigs this summer.

You can download their LP Gross Century (for free!) on their website.  Fans of heavy, loud music will want to definitely keep their name in mind and check back for show updates.