Photo by Jaime Andrés Méndez

Evidence of the ever-expanding universe of hardcore, Colombian collective Raw Brigade are a testament to the tradition that is core to the culture. Inspired by a real reverence for the greats of NYHC that have paved the way, the crew has spent the better part of the last decade spreading the gospel of hardcore, one stage, one breakdown at a time. 

What began as a Youth of Today cover set among friends and co-workers in a Bogotá tattoo shop would eventually become a full-fledged effort to not only pay homage to the hardcore legends the collective had in common, but to also shine a light on the thriving heavy music underground in Colombia they were immersed in and spawn from. For the better part of the last decade, the band has cultivated a passionate base - christened either during a riotous live set or convinced by releases like 2018's Kicking Your Face or the band's 2022 debut album, Aggressive City. 

Earning international recognition, Raw Brigade's ability to tap into a classic sound while asserting their own modern identity landed them on the greater radar of hardcore for all the right reasons. Touring relentlessly and becoming much more visible only served to heighten the anticipation for the band's next effort with 100% signaling a band on the brink of breaking out as hardcore's next global ambassadors. 

Emphasizing an all-in approach to their craft, 100% is equal parts mission statement and personal manifesto. Platforming not only their hardcore lineage, Raw Brigade wear the pride of hailing from Bogotá on their sleeves - acknowledging the stark reality of the city streets while showcasing how that grittiness only served to sharpen the band's collective steel. 

Along with the arrival of what has the makings of being the band's breakout effort, Raw Brigade spent some time clarifying how 100% is their love letter to not only heavy music and hardcore community, but how the songs serve as a soundtrack inspired by the streets of Bogotá. Residing where aggression and authenticity intersect, 100% is how Raw Brigade give back to the circles that inspired them, all while ensuring they make own voice heard loud and clear. 

Check the track-by-track breakdown of 100% with vocalists Carlos Chavarriaga below. Check the min-documentary release by the band further detailing how their brand of hardcore could only be built in Bogotá. 

"DEAL BREAKER… TIME FOR REVENGE"

Chavarriaga - This song sets the whole vibe of the record, I love the intro. The meaning of the song is for someone who changed his values and forgot who he actually is. 

"ANOTHER STRUGGLE"

Chavarriaga- This song's an introspective thought about how sometimes we make life a complete rush with no breaks. One of my favorites of the record.

"SHUT UP"

Chavarriaga- An angry song about people coming from privilege who should keep their thoughts to themselves.

"TRAITOR (OZYMANDIAS)"

Chavarriaga- This song was influenced by Warzone’s “Open Your Eyes.”

I wanted to have a song with an intro that feels like I am just talking over the beat. I think it’s gonna be really fun to do it live. Lyrics make you feel like it’s about a friend who betrayed you, but I am talking about politics and people who would do everything, even hurt people,  just for the desire of power. Also takes from the character Walter White from Breaking Bad, specifically the episode “Ozymandia.”

"I DON’T WANNA BE"

Chavarriaga- A classic straight edge song with a sick sing along.

"BOGOTÁ 12-4Q"

Chavarriaga - This is an instrumental song capturing the aggressive, fast and chaotic energy of our city, Bogotá.

"R.B ANTHEM" 

Chavarriaga - The song starts with an audio of Sebastian Paba from Regulate’s Mom reacting to Seb showing her a tattoo Carlos did on him.

This is the most fun song on the record and it means a lot to me because almost every single person who’s been playing with us for the past years has a little part on the song. It’s pure friendship and good times. 

"DRUGS"

Chavarriaga - This is the first song Raw Brigade ever wrote. We decided to bring it back because we love the song. Lyrics are about how narcotic traffic and drug abuse all over the world affects people's lives in a negative way in Colombia.

"BROKEN TEETH"

Chavarriaga - Another song we brought back from our original demo. Have fun at shows or stay home.

"POLICE CRIME"

Chavarriaga - Songs about the abuse and brutality by the hands of the police on people just trying to live their life.

"TERRORIST"

Chavarriaga - This is one of our most popular songs and one we really love to play live, so we decided to end the record with it. It’s about terrorist attacks in Colombia back in the 80’s/90’s by narcotraffics groups. Just the rough and raw reality of our country for a while.

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100% the new album from Raw Brigade via Flatspot Records is now available. In support of the new album, the band will head out for December tour supporting the legendary Agnostic Front. See the list of confirmed dates and cities below. Get the album - HERE