When the Ramones lost it, the Zero Boys found it – adding a slam brigade fist to the Blitzkrieg Beat. The Zero Boys managed to come with one of the best early 1980s punk records, or one of the best records ever, period.

From 1979 to 1983, the Indianapolis-based Zero Boys were the finest hardcore blitz in the Midwest if not all the lower 48 states.

Compiled and released as a post-mortem following the band’s break-up, ‘History Of…’ is the proof, if more was needed, that their take of American hardcore wasn’t all white bread numbers. Yeah, they played shows with Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys, Subhumans and others, but in Terry ‘Hollywood’ Howe’s guitar there was harmonious terror and unstoppable cadence. Terry’s licks and chops – a leap beyond two or three chord punk – offered a zone and measured count for drummer Mark Cutsinger and bassist David ‘Tufty’ Clough, a rhythm unit in par with the Minutemen if not The Meters, to run lines like quicksilver. Meanwhile, frontman, Paul ‘Z’ Mahern provides a constant wash from beginning to end.

Originally released in 1984 with a limited-edition reissue in 2009, this 40th anniversary edition is available to independent retailers and includes the original LP of ‘History Of…’ (on clear vinyl) plus a 7” featuring four live recordings never previously pressed to vinyl and recorded at iconic hardcore / punk venue Crazy Al’s in 1980.

“Hitherto unreleased gems that reveal why this band should be rated right up there with the Circle Jerks as prime exponents of brisk, hook-laden thrash and punk.” – Maximum Rocknroll