Bl'ast! + Villains

Santa Cruz progressive-punk crew Bl'ast!, which issued a few cult-classic LPs in the ’80s, is back in the game, thanks to two recent Dave Grohl–abetted archival releases on the high-profile Southern Lord label. Much like former labelmates Black Flag, Bl'ast! blended anguished aggression with outré aesthetics, and the material still sounds fresh. (The current lineup features the burly rhythm team of Nick Oliveri and Joey Castillo, both former Queens of the Stone Age members.) Also on board are raging local black-metal–meets–hardcore riffsmiths Villains.