Cripple Bastards – “Blackmails and assholism”

“Folks, this is how it’s done. Blackmails and Assholism offers not only a new curse word, but is also comprised of nearly six hours of killer entertainment. First up is a four-and-a-half hour documentary tracing the history of this Italian grind band from their beginnings in 1988 to present day; it’s complete with hundreds of photos, show flyers/posters, show/tour footage, interviews with just about everyone who has been part of Cripple Bastards (including various fill-in members) and videos of their first rehearsals in an abandoned mill in the town of Asti. The documentary is the dictionary definition of thorough, detailed and exhaustive as every nook and cranny of CB’s history is explored and uncovered from early motivations, tour experiences, philosophies, controversies (including the whole to-do over the Almost Human cover photo), how they and the music have changed over the years and the role they’ve played in calling out scene bullshit while nurturing the touring circuit via a squat/show space in the town of Dordoni. Everything is edited professionally and the quality of the bootlegs has been cleaned up remarkably. This part of the double DVD absolutely fucking rules and would be worth shelling out for in and of itself, but there’s more. Much more.
Next is 45 minutes of footage of the band’s 2002 U.S. east coast tour, including much onstage (or floor, depending on the venue) and behind the scenes tomfoolery of crusty punks losing their minds, weed huffing and political correctness gone awry at New York’s ABC No Rio, where the band not only had their show canceled, but were refused entry into the venue for the controversy involving Almost Human. It’s hilarious to watch the final footage, with “Dickheads” superimposed on the faces of ABC’s staff as they argue with the band out on Rivington St. After that, there’s 35 minutes following the band around the west coast/Mexico in 2003. Rounding out this beast is a full set from 2003’s Obscene Extreme Fest in the Czech Republic. Actually, there’s also a killer booklet included with photos and quotes from sources accusing the band of rampant “assholism,” when in reality, CB are simply a hard-working grind/metal band who provoke while remaining true to their ethics, values and love of the music.” (DECIBEL MAGAZINE)

CREDITS:

>> design, layout and art direction by Nicola SStnz Fornasari
>> Interviews shot by: Bruno Blasi and Miloslav Urbanec Curby
>> Subtitle translations by Giulio the Bastard
>> Final subtitle correction/supervision by Raymundo Gutierrez and Ralph Ferrara
>> Sound mastering by Robocop / Eardelete
>> VHS ripping by Lorenzo Arioni and Bruno Blasi
>> The entire summer 2000 footage was filmed by Michele Scotti

Most live takes were recorded or provided by the following people:
Willy Villata, Filippo Scalas, Riccardo Cogliati, Barvak, Miloslav Urbanec Curby, Porro ‘zine crew, Synthe.Labo, Alessia Ravalli, Lorenzo Arioni, Albert Loprais, Danny Kumpera, Martin Brzobohaty, Fabrizio Liperni, Xander Hoose, Punk4free.org, Adriano Mazza, The Skruigners, fans from Thiesi / Sardinia, Stefano Gritti, Andrea Camplani, Davide Bonato, Mauro Passaretti, Sandro Boscolo, Raul and the Trauma fest crew, Gerardo (Disturbance Project), Maurizio (Insane Assholes), MKC/Koper… + some extra people of which we lost all traces.

>> Guests and other bands appearing on this chapter:
Gordo (Ratos De Porao), Saverio (Woptime), Ivan (Skruigners), Nasum, Disfear, Agathocles, Seein Red, Yacopsae, Extreme Noise Terror, Woptime

10/10 ON TERRORIZER!