And the all knowing man set up this make believe graveyard
with tiny white crosses for millions of make believe souls
and some day I'd like to see a cross set up for a real life human being
who bled to death to maintain the sanctity of mary
--Mary and Child, from Rebel Sound of Shit and Failure

A hardcore punk band started in New York, New York in 1989. Intensely political, amazingly emotional, and hell bent on staying D.I.Y. Their music is purposely hard and discordant, a perfect accompaniment to their angry and insightful lyrics. They almost single handedly started what became a movement of East Coast leftist hardcore and emo bands. Espousing veganism as a tool politcal change, syndicalism, straightedge (without the basketball jerseys and facemasks), pro-life, and anti-consumerism while staying away from rhetoric, they have maintained a place in the hearts of every fan. Sadly, they released their last album in 1994 and broke up to continue other bands.

More importantly, they lived the message. There was no major record deal, no music videos, no corporate distribution. Every 7 inch was hand packed, every shirt was hand made. Every bit of money went to their respective movements and D.I.Y. record label, Vermiform. They refused to pay any type of rent, and squatted instead. They refused to play any venue that wouldn't allow an all ages show. The lived every lyric they ever wrote. They were the answer to anyone that questioned the legitimacy of political punk. (And you thought Propagandhi was hardcore. Bah Humbug.)

Members
Vocals: Sam McPheeters
Guitar: Adam Nathanson (aka: Adam Against)
Bass: Neil, Tonie Joy, Javier, Bret
Drums: John Guzman, George, Nigel, Daryl Kahan, Jon Hiltz, Melissa York, Brooks Headley.
They were something of a "communal band" with Sam and Adam being the only permanent members.

Discography
Please note: This only includes solo albums. (no splits, no comps) The band did many, many compilations that never made it past 500 prints. The solo albums contain their entire song library, and no different material is present on any comps/splits.
Eulogy (7 inch - 1990)
5 song 7" (Industrial Relations Dept.) (7 inch - 1990)
Nine Patriotic Hymns for Children (LP - 1991)
Battle Hymns of the Race War (10 inch - 1992)
Patriotic Battle Hymns (CD/LP - Reissue of previous comps/splits)
The Rebel Sound of Shit and Failure (CD/LP - Reissue of previous comps/splits)

Notes: If you're interested in the band, I suggest The Rebel Sound of Shit and Failure for the most bang for your buck. Also realize that it's very hard to understand Sam McPheeters' lyrics, so be sure to read the lyrics to get the full brunt of the message. Other bands within the vein that you should check out are Oi Polloi, Flux of Pink Indians, Crass (of course), and (Young) Pioneers.