Champion

The essential hardcore sound makes us think of living in New Jersey -- kind of like the shirt that says, "New Jersey: Only the strong survive." But guess what? West Coasters are strong as well. Just ask Seattle's Champion. Signed to the frequently impressive Bridge Nine Records (Death Before Dishonor,...

By Chelsea Mueller

June 23, 2005

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The essential hardcore sound makes us think of living in New Jersey -- kind of like the shirt that says, "New Jersey: Only the strong survive." But guess what? West Coasters are strong as well. Just ask Seattle's Champion. Signed to the frequently impressive Bridge Nine Records (Death Before Dishonor, Terror, Give Up The Ghost), the five members of this melodic hardcore band make it obvious where their personal strength comes from: a straight-edge lifestyle. Vocalist Jim Hesketh says, "I hope by living this way that people can see that it is acceptable to have a straight lifestyle -- that it's okay not to drink." Personal choices aside, fans can't resist Champion's fast, clean guitars and nonstop pounding rhythms set behind Hesketh's shout-styled singing. Plus, the band is known for putting on a killer live show.

Chelsea Mueller

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