Black Cross — Sink, Knives & Chrome CD

Band: Black Cross
Title: Sink, Knives & Chrome
Label: Auxiliary Records
Format: Extended Play (EP), CD, Jewel Case
Release Date: 2005
Country: Louisville, USA
Genre / Style: Post-Hardcore, Hardcore Punk, Noise Rock
Streaming Link: Bandcamp
For Fans Of: Dag Nasty, Rites Of Spring, Jawbox, Drive Like Jehu

* Price excludes postage and handling fee.

Black Cross was a hardcore punk band from Louisville, Kentucky, active between 2001 and 2007. Originally formed as Black Widows, the group changed its name due to a naming conflict. The band featured members from notable Louisville hardcore acts: vocalist Rob Pennington (By the Grace of God, Endpoint), guitarist Ryan Patterson, bassist Evan Patterson (both from The National Acrobat), and drummer Thommy Browne (By the Grace of God). Over time, the lineup saw changes, with drummers Sean Johnson, Matt Jaha, and Forrest Kuhn joining, and Nick Thieneman (Young Widows) contributing on bass for their final album. Draw inspiration from DC hardcore and arty mathrock while funneling early punk rock and even a wide variety of indie rock — catchy, devastating, personal, political, inspiring, foreboding, anthemic and back again.

Black Cross's music was characterized by aggressive hardcore punk infused with elements of noise rock and melodic structures. Their debut album, Art Offensive (2003), received acclaim for its potent blend of hardcore intensity and inventive songwriting. Critics likened their sound to a mix between Black Flag and Drive Like Jehu, noting its originality and dynamic energy.

Following Art Offensive, the band released the Sink, Knives & Chrome EP in 2004, showcasing their continued evolution in sound. Their final album, Severance Pays, featured a more refined approach, with Thieneman on bass. Black Cross disbanded after their last show in 2007. Post-Black Cross, members continued to influence the hardcore scene. Ryan Patterson formed Coliseum, a band known for its blend of punk and rock elements. Additionally, Pennington and Patterson reunited in Black God, a project emphasizing short, intense punk tracks

Sink, Knives & Chrome is a concise yet impactful EP from Louisville, Kentucky's hardcore outfit Black Cross. Released on August 28, 2004, the EP was initially distributed as a limited-edition CD-R with a spray-painted disc and screen-printed cover at a free Louisville show, later receiving a standard CD release. The recording took place at Headbanging Kill Your Momma Music, engineered by Chris Owens.

These songs showcase Black Cross's aggressive hardcore punk style, characterized by intense vocals, driving guitar riffs, and a raw, energetic sound. The inclusion of a Jawbox cover reflects the band's influences and pays homage to the post-hardcore scene.