The Pit Is Always For You
A writer reflects on the beauty and danger of the mosh pit at hardcore shows, drawing from their own experiences and observations of the scene.
The mosh pit is a staple of the hardcore show experience, a place where music and chaos collide. But it's not for everyone, and that's okay.
In a recent show in Richmond, the DIY space where Division Of Mind held their record-release show for their sophomore LP *Exoterror*, the writer found themselves drawn to the atmosphere rather than the pit itself. The room was a giant basement crypt, lit like a haunted house and hot enough to make it hard to move. The bands on the bill, including Never Ending Game and Final Resting Place, were all about creating a sense of danger and intensity.
## The Beauty of the Mosh Pit
The mosh pit is a place where anyone can participate, regardless of age or ability. It's a space where friends and strangers crash into each other, creating a sense of community and chaos. But it's not for the faint of heart, and the writer acknowledges that they themselves are not reckless enough to charge headlong into every pit they see.
| Band | Description | | --- | --- | | Never Ending Game | Heavy-ass riffs with an unbelievable bounce | | Final Resting Place | Abrasive and alienating, with pig-squeal vocals and murky guitars | | Sin Against Sin | Abrasive mosh music with a past generation metalcore flavor | | Lose Sight | Classic straight-edge singalong material |
## The Pit is Not For Everyone
The writer recalls a show where the pit was full of wrestlers from AEW, and they decided to stay at the back of the room. They also mention a show where the pit was "VIP-only" and not for dabblers. These experiences highlight the importance of assessing the situation and knowing one's limits.
## The DIY Spirit
The writer praises the DIY spirit of the hardcore scene, where bands and venues work together to create a sense of community and chaos. The record-release show for Division Of Mind's *Exoterror* was a prime example of this, with a bill that included Never Ending Game, Final Resting Place, Sin Against Sin, and Lose Sight.
## The Future of Hardcore
The writer sees a new wave of young bands emerging in Richmond, including Lose Sight and Sin Against Sin. These bands are ready to take the reins from the older generation and create their own unique sound and style. The writer is excited to see where they will go from here.
The mosh pit is a place where music and chaos collide, but it's not for everyone. It's a space where anyone can participate, regardless of age or ability, but it's also a place where people can get hurt. The writer's experiences and observations highlight the importance of assessing the situation and knowing one's limits. The DIY spirit of the hardcore scene is what makes it so special, and the writer is excited to see where the new wave of young bands will take it.
