About this episode

The episode explores the history and impact of the crust punk band His Hero Is Gone and their album Monuments to Thieves.

This week on Riff Worship, we explore the brief yet prolific history of His Hero Is Gone and their landmark 1997 album, Monuments to Thieves! Active only between 1995 and 1999, the legendary Memphis, Tennessee crust punk band left their mark on underground music forever. By blending punishing, heavy metal-inspired hardcore punk with a fiercely independent approach, they created a blueprint that still resonates today. We trace their journey from working at a local donut shop to joining the legendary roster of Prank Records and laying the foundations for modern aggressive music. This week we’ll discuss: How an isolated, conservative Southern city fostered a tight-knit DIY community and fueled the band’s dark, aggressive sound. A deep dive into the systemic and historical themes of Monuments to Thieves, including how the stark reality of Memphis' former Auction Avenue inspired the album’s title and artwork. A look at Polymorph Studio in Oakland, California, their collaborations with producer Dan Rathbun, and the unique gear behind their massive, crushing tone. How the band navigated grueling tours across North America, Europe, and Japan, their abrupt final hometown show, and their…

People in this episode

Hosts: Austin Paulson, Dylan Adams, Justin Swindle

Topics covered

• His Hero Is Gone
• Monuments to Thieves
• crust punk
• DIY community
• aggressive music
• tour experiences
• Memphis music history

Keywords

• His Hero Is Gone
• Monuments to Thieves
• crust punk
• hardcore punk
• Prank Records
• Memphis
• DIY music
• aggressive music
• Cattle Press
• The Mountain Goats

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: His Hero Is Gone, Prank Records, Cattle Press, Faerie Ring, The Mountain Goats

Books & works: Monuments to Thieves, Hordes to Abolish the Divine, FAERIE RING, Days Devourment - Pious Impiety EP

Places: Memphis, Tennessee, Polymorph Studio, Oakland, California, North America, Europe, Japan, Portland, Oregon

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