On Saturday, November 8th, Hel Toro hosted their CD release show at the Middle East Upstairs. The New Harmless is Hel Toro’s third LP, and it marks a deviation from their typical hardcore sound. Where their older recordings were primarily aggressive hardcore with few melodies, The New Harmless marks a departure from strictly hardcore to a flirtation with guitar parts marked by indie-riffs.
I arrived at the show on a night of rather dismal weather, but the wetness did not deter an impressive turnout. People littered the sidewalk in front of the Middle East in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Cigarette smoke was plenty as people chatted anxiously awaiting the upcoming performances.