Hogan's Heroes (band)

Hogan's Heroes
Hogan's Heroes performing in the U.S. in 1990
Background information
Origin	New Jersey, United States
Genres	Hardcore punk, crossover thrash, skate punk, metallic hardcore
Years active	1984–1993
Labels	Straight-On, New Red Archives
Past members	George Barberio John Cuccinello Skip Hoefling Tony Scandiffio

Hogan's Heroes was an American hardcore punk band formed in New Jersey in 1984. During their time they recorded three full lengths for California label New Red Archives. They have been considered a classic hardcore band, as well as a skate punk^[1][2] and metal^[3] band. The band broke up in 1993.

History

Early years (1984–1986)

Hogan's Heroes was formed in the shore area of South Central, New Jersey in 1984 by George Barberio (lead guitar), John Cuccinello (bass), Matt Gunvordahl (drums), and Scott Cassidy (vocals). After a short stint as Impossible Task, the band disbanded and re-grouped with new member Cuccinello who wanted to call the band Hogan's Heroes. In 1985 the band released their first demo^[4] Hogan's Heroes, which was co produced with local N.J. producer Merlin.^[5] In August^[6] 1985 Cuccinello (bass) left the group and moved to California. Hogan's Heroes continued to play gigs and recorded a new demo^[7] with bass player Gerry Daseking in December 1985, Bomb Guy Demo,^[8] which was again co produced with local N.J. producer Merlin. The underground tape trading wave of the early 1980s led to extensive distribution of the demos, bringing the band^[9][10] some wide attention.

In July 1986, Cuccinello (bass) had rejoined and Gunvodahl and Cassidy had left the group.^[11] In November 1986 Barberio and Cuccinello made a new 13 song^[12] recording with new members Tony Scandiffio (drums) and Skip Hoefling (vocals). This was recorded at Merlin Studios and Produced by Hogan's Heroes and Merlin. Through some extensive trading the band found its way on the thanks list of 7 Seconds 1987 release Live! One Plus One.

Built To Last (1987–1988)

Hogan's Heroes continued to play^[13] club gigs, writing songs and refining their stage show. In 1987, the band produced and recorded songs for Built To Last at Waterfront Studios (Lenny Kravitz, B.B. King, Madonna, Slash)^[14] with Rae Dileo engineering. The album mixes hardcore with elements of hard rock, thrash, and metal.

After a deal with another label did not materialize, Straight-On records released Hogan's Heroes' debut album, Built To Last, in 1988.^[15] The album ^[16] sold well and secured the band distribution through Caroline. Straight-On records had suggested about making a two song single and by the end of 1988, the band returned to the studio. At Wildsound Studios and produced by Hogan's Heroes (Barberio, Scandiffio), "Soulsight" "Kick it In" were recorded and mixed but never released after Hogan's Heroes signed to New Red Archives.

Hogan's Heroes (1989 –1990)

In early 1989 the band switched record labels. The success of Built To Last on Straight-On led to a record deal with New Red Archives (UK Subs, Kraut, Reagan Youth), who immediately reissued the band's debut album, Built To Last,^[17][18] on multiple formats^[19] in 1989.^[20] Prior to reissue, the New Red Archives version of Built To Last was mastered at Trutone (James Brown, Luciano Pavarotti)^[21] Mastering.

After New Red Archives Records acquired the band from Straight-On in 1989, they signed Hogan's Heroes^[22] to a two-record deal and released^[23][24] the eponymously titled second studio album,^[25] Hogan's Heroes,^[26][27] on multiple formats^[28] in 1990. Hogan's Heroes (Barberio, Scandiffio, Hoefling) produced the Import/Caroline/Rough Trade^[29] distributed release with Ryk Oakley (Kraut, UK Subs),^[30] where it was recorded, in 1989, at top world agency^[31] Saatchi & Saatchi in New York City and then mastered at Trutone (Bob Dylan, The B-52s, Whitney Houston)^[21] Mastering Labs. The album^[32][33][34] showcased the band's^[35] use of mixing hardcore with elements of punk, thrash, reggae,^[36] metal,^[37] and utilizing full-band backing vocals, which gave the album a varied feel.

3 Fists and a Mouthful (1991–1992)

Hogan's Heroes continued to play club gigs, writing songs and refining their stage show. In 1991, the band signed a new contract with New Red Archives Records and in mid-1991^[38] recorded songs for 3 Fists and a Mouthful.^[39][40] Produced by George Barberio, and recorded at Ocean Gate Studios (Nelson, Alice Cooper)^[41] the album^[42][43] showcased the band's^[44] explosive hardcore, full-band backing vocals, and hard rock, with elements of punk, thrash and metal.

Style and legacy

Hogan's Heroes style has been described as hardcore punk,^[45] as well as skate punk,^[1] crossover thrash^[46] and metallic hardcore.^[47] Their music is described by Razorcake in April 2006 as "fast'n'furious, pissed off, ...holds up consistently well, managing to get the blood pumping just as well as it did a decade and a half ago"^[48] Paul Decolator of Maximumrocknroll called them the "best thrash band in south (new) Jersey".^[46] Michele Angermiller of NJ.com called them "seminal".^[49]

Members

• George Barberio – guitar
• John Cuccinello – bass guitar
• Tony Scandiffio – drums
• Skip Hoefling – vocals

Discography

Studio albums

• Built to Last (1988)
• Hogan's Heroes (1990)
• 3 Fists and a Mouthful (1992)
• 101/3 Fists and a Mouthful (1995)

EPs

• Soulsight (1989)

Compilation albums

• Hardcore Breakout USA (1990)^[50]
• New Red Archives (1990)
• Snowboard Addiction - Fun Ride (1994 Japan)
• Skaters Gear - 6 (1995 Japan)
• Hardcore Breakout USA Volume 2 (1995)^[51]
• The Punk, The Bad & The Ugly (1997)^[52]
• At War With Society (1998)^[53]
• Punk Breakout USA (1998 Japan)
• At War With Society - II (1999)
• A Triple Dose Of Punk (1999) 3 CD Set^[54]
• Mighty Attack (1999 Japan)
• Hardcore Breakout USA 1,2,3,... (2004) 3 CD Set^[55]
• Hardcore Breakout - Essential Punk (2012)^[56]

Filmography

Video

• Soulsight (1991)

Film

• Awesome Fest Trailer (2014)
• The Awesome Fest Trailer (2014)
• Riot Trailer NT (2014)
• Riot on the Dance Floor: The Story of Randy Now & City Gardens (2015)

References

1. • Rotsaert, Rick. Rickter Scale. Thrasher Magazine, May 1992, p. 70.
2. • Matthews, Dave. Easy goes it. Observer, March 25, 1984, p. 1.
3. • McClard, Kent. Record Reviews. No Answers, November 1988, p. 29.
4. • American Hardcore "Blush, Steven. American Hardcore, January 2001. p. 284" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-09-20.
5. • Studios, Merlin. Merlin Studios. Aquarian, August 1985, p. 45.
6. • Aquarian Arts. General section. Aquarian Arts, August 1985, p. 34.
7. • American Hardcore "Blush, Steven. American Hardcore: 24 Hours of Hardcore Punk, January 2001. performer H". Retrieved 2011-08-15.
8. • Maximum RockNRoll. MRR Reviews-Blastin Out Of New Jersey. Maximum RockNRoll, February 1987, p. 52.
9. • Aquarian. General section. Aquarian, April 23, 1986, p 16.
10. • Aquarian. General section. Aquarian, April 30, 1986, p 16.
11. • Khandalavala, Dorab. Hogan's Heroes. Targum Sun , August 7, 1986, p 1 cover.
12. • Baggs, Harry. Hogan's Heroes. Earwax Number 7, December 1986, p. 23.
13. • EC Rocker. General section. East Coast Rocker, July 29, 1987, p 19.
14. • Studio, Waterfront. Waterfront Studio. East Coast Rocker, December 19, 1990, p. 53.
15. • KCSB Radio.Restless Intellect- Hogan's Heroes Featured Band 2., 33., 56., 68..Kent McClard, KCSB Radio, September 18, 1988.
16. • Bello, John. New York City. Maximum RockNRoll, October 1988, p. 82.
17. • Billboard Magazine "Built to Last. Hogan's Heroes". Retrieved 2010-05-12.
18. • VH1 "Built to Last. Hogan's Heroes". Retrieved 2010-06-10.
19. • Allmusic "Built to Last.". 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2010-04-16.
20. • Village Voice. General section. The Village Voice, August 1, 1989, p 109.
21. • Trutone Mastering "Trutone Mastering Labs.". 2007-07-14. Retrieved 2011-08-02.
22. • Billboard Magazine "Hogan's Heroes at Billboard". Retrieved 2010-05-12.
23. • Maximum RockNRoll. MRR Columns. Maximum RockNRoll, May 1990, p. 25.
24. • Flipside Magazine. General Column. Flipside Magazine, July-Aug 1990, p. 25.
25. • Makin, Robert. Ebb Tide. EC Rocker, May 9, 1990, p. 45.
26. • Billboard Magazine "Hogan's Heroes. Hogan's Heroes". Retrieved 2010-05-12.
27. • VH1 "Hogan's Heroes. Hogan's Heroes". Retrieved 2010-06-10.
28. • Allmusic "Hogan's Heroes.". 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2011-04-28.
29. • Makin, Robert. Makin' Waves. EC Rocker, September 26, 1990, p. 44.
30. • Allmusic "Ryk Oakley.". 2009-03-20. Retrieved 2010-04-16.
31. • Adbrands.net "Top Advertising Agencies worldwide.". 2010-04-26. Retrieved 2010-05-14.
32. • Maximum RockNRoll. Reviews. Maximum RockNRoll, July 1990, p. 115.
33. • Flipside Magazine. General section. Flipside Magazine, November–December 1990, p. 102.
34. • Maximum RockNRoll. General section. Maximum RockNRoll, July 1990, p. 118.
35. • EC Rocker. General section. East Coast Rocker, December 19, 1990, p 24.
36. • Yohannon, Tim. Record Reviews. Maximum RockNRoll, August 1990, p. 99.
37. • Makin, Robert. Makin' Waves. EC Rocker, June 27, 1990, p. 44.
38. • Maximum RockNRoll. General Section. Maximum RockNRoll, Number 92 January 1991, p. 107.
39. • Allmusic "3 Fists and a Mouthful.". 2009-04-20. Retrieved 2011-03-22.
40. • VH1 "3 Fists and a Mouthful. Hogan's Heroes". Retrieved 2010-06-10.
41. • Studio, Notes. Nelsons Make Waves in NJ's Ocean. TMP's Studio Exchange, April 1992, p. 54.
42. • Billboard Magazine "3 Fists & A Mouthful. Hogan's Heroes". Retrieved 2010-05-12.
43. • EC Rocker. Current Vinyl. East Coast Rocker, February 12, 1992, p 25.
44. • EC Rocker. General Section. East Coast Rocker, June 17, 1992, p 27.
45. • 1948-1999 Muze, Inc. POP Artists beginning with HOD, Phonolog, 1999, p. 1.No. 7-278B Section 207
46. • Decolator, Paul. New Jersey. Maximum RockNRoll, July 1986, p. 41.
47. • McClard, Kent. Record Reviews. No Answers, November 1988, p. 13.
48. • Alvarado, Jimmy. Record Reviews. Razorcake , Issue #31 April/May 2006, p. 88.
49. • NJ Com "Angermiller, Michelle. For The Times, August 14, 2011". Retrieved 2012-02-26.
50. • Allmusic Hardcore Breakout USA Retrieved 2011-01-12
51. • Allmusic Hardcore Breakout USA Volume 2 Retrieved 2011-01-12
52. • Allmusic The Punk The Bad & The Ugly Retrieved 2011-01-12
53. • Allmusic At War With Society Retrieved 2011-01-12
54. • Allmusic A Triple Dose Of Punk Retrieved 2011-01-12
55. • Allmusic Hardcore Breakout USA 1,2,3,... Retrieved 2011-01-12
56. • Rhapsody "Hardcore Breakout - Essential Punk". Retrieved 2012-10-22.