Visionary EP Gets Rerelease

In 1995, Long Island hardcore heavy hitters Vision of Disorder released “Still,” the band’s landmark debut EP. Often referenced as the foundation for the metalcore and post-hardcore movements, “Still” did more than simply pummel listeners with ultra-aggressive riffs, rhythms and vocals. It also rocked with a heavy groove and incorporated aspects of metal and melody.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Still,” VOD recently rereleased the EP digitally and on 12-inch limited edition colored vinyl. The new version includes three additional songs not found on the original four-track effort.

Vision of Disorder, which is currently working on a new album, opens for E.Town Concrete on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville. We spoke with singer Tim Williams.

What was the genesis for rereleasing the “Still” EP?

Kevin Gill (owner of the band’s first record label) approached us. He reminded us that it was the 20 year anniversary and it made sense to us to do the rerelease. A lot of our fans really like that recording. Originally it was just going to be digital but Kevin came up with the idea to do it on vinyl as well and once we heard that we got really excited. I love anything vinyl.

Take us back to 1995. What is it like recording “Still” and what were you hoping to achieve?

It was an interesting time. Everything was very exciting, fresh and new and we were all pretty young, all under 21 I think. We were writing some really great music and starting to slowly break into the hardcore scene. Prior to that we had been a bar metal band. But we had some hardcore influences and were going to hardcore shows and our hardcore roots were starting to take shape. But we always managed to have a kind of twist to our music that prohibited us from being completely hardcore. There was a little pressure, nothing major, but just to do something really good. We were moving out of the demo world and into the 7-inch world. It was a big step.

How do you think the songs hold up 20 years later?

I think they hold up in a certain aspect from a hardcore perspective. They were special songs, and real, somewhat original for the time they came out. They were everything at the time that a 7-inch should be.

What was the New York and Long Island hardcore scene like at the time?

It was a very exciting time. There was so much new music going on and we were discovering new bands and new styles of music. It was a good time to be in music. I haven’t seen a time like that since when it comes to New York and Long Island.

VOD has influenced a number of bands. How does it feel knowing that people have been so inspired by your music?

I feel good about it. It’s probably the best thing you can be told about your music. We made some good money and did some traveling and did some amazing things, but to hear that a band you started out of a friend’s garage influenced other people is the best reward if you ask me.

How is VOD’s schedule shaping up for 2015?

We’re in the middle of writing the new record. We will be doing one area appearance in early 2015 with E.Town Concrete on Valentine’s Day at the Starland Ballroom. But the number one priority is to get the new record recorded and that takes a lot of time and energy. Everything is in the works and we need to go. We’re going into the studio the first week in March. It should be out by the summer if everything falls into place.

IF YOU GO: Vision of Disorder, opening for E.Town Concrete. Also performing: Indecision, The Banner, Suburban Scum and Razorblade Handgrenade. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. $25. Starland Ballroom, 570 Jernee Mill Road, Sayreville. 732-238-5500 or www.starlandballroom.com.