Strike The Match was Nations On Fire’s first LP. It was originally released in 1991 and is quickly becoming the most representative European Straight-Edge Hardcore release to date. Here’s why.
Nations On Fire was more than a Straight-Edge band. They have arisen from Rise Above, a pure Straight-Edge band that took critical stance towards the Hardcore Punk from the USA. But also a ‘beat it’ stance towards the fascists over here in Belgium. Although Rise Above was a pioneering band in Europe, the message was not effective enough. The Straight-edge message was essential for them and their public but still they had a higher aim. That aim was not to stay away from drugs and booze only, but to become a movement within the scene that was more politically aware also. Racism, nationalism, organised religion and foreign corporate business became topics. All of this was brought in a clear message, written sharply enough to make it comprehensive and appealing for the wider public. A simple but effective approach in their song writing carried all of this.
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| Nations On Fire “Strike The Match” LP Refuse Records 2017 |
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| Nations On Fire “Strike The Match” LP Refuse Records 2017 |
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| Reissue with booklet |
Being in the year 2017 and seeing this record reissued for the 5th time, proofs the relevance and appeal this record had in the underground music scene of Europe and beyond. The record had pressings in Spain, Poland, Germany and even in Brazil.
This time around the record comes packaged in a gatefold cover. It was pressed on two colours, blue and yellow translucent vinyl. It’s accompanied with a booklet that has an interview with the entire band. Taken a few weeks after the original pressing was done in 1991. It’s a translation from German.
Inside the gatefold is a photo of a recent installation artwork, by a friend of the band. It still fits the message of this record.
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| poster of the release: “Your country ain’t your blood” |
Another well done reissue of this Belgian Hardcore classic…
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