Tijuana No!

Tijuana No! is a Mexican ska, rock and punk band from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. In the beginning their name was Radio Chantaje (Blackmail Radio), and later they became No, but upon the knowledge of another band called the same, they changed their name to No de Tijuana (No from Tijuana), and later just shortened it to Tijuana No!. They were characterized by the social criticism in their lyrics, where they also showed their support to the EZLN, and made reference in their songs to racial, cultural, international, and governmental problems, like the immigration policies in the United States. In 1991 they recorded their first album under an independent label, and one year later (1992) they released the same album (with some design changes) under Culebra Records (BMG), who gave them international recognition promoting the single Pobre de Ti (Poor You).

Son Rompe Pera

Son Rompe Pera was formed in 2017 by brothers Jesús "Kacho" Gama and Allan "Mongo" Gama. Their late father, José Dolores "Batuco" Gama Melchor, owned a marimba, so the Gama brothers played alongside him in the streets and at weddings and parties.[3] The band's name is a reference to their mother's name, Esperanza "Pera" Ruiz.[4]

While playing in La Lagunilla flea market, they were heard by Chico Trujillo's agent, Timothy “Timo” Bisig, who invited them to play a concert with Celso Piña and Sonido Gallo Negro [es] in the Carpa Astros [es] of Mexico City. After a trip to Chile at the invitation of Aldo Asenjo "El Macha" of Chico Trujillo, they joined concerts of Macha's projects: Chico Trujillo, La Floripondio [es], and Bloque Depresivo [es].[3]

Their debut album, Batuco, named after their father, was critically acclaimed. In 2022 they recorded a session for NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts series at Salón Los Ángeles [es] and performed at the main stage of Vive Latino festival,[5] featuring Alberto Pedraza, Alí Gua Gua from Kumbia Queers, Mare Advertencia Lírika and Belafonte Sensacional. In 2024, they performed at Coachella music festival.[6]

Their influences include Colombian cumbia legend Andrés Landero, Mexican marimba groups such as Marimba Cuquita [es], Chicano music as Lalo Guerrero, whose song "Los chucos suaves" they perform, as well as American and British rock bands such as Green Day, the Misfits, The Clash, and Mexican rock bands like Mi Banda El Mexicano and Belafonte Sensacional.[4]

Cancer Bats

For more than 20 years, Canadian hardcore heavyweights Cancer Bats have delivered uncompromising intensity. They’ve toured the globe relentlessly, released seven acclaimed studio albums — six of which earned JUNO nominations — and built a legacy on raw, sweat-soaked, unforgettable live performances.

From their humble beginnings in Toronto, Ontario, the band hit the road criss-crossing the country, spreading their gospel of heavy riffs, colossal bass tones, crashing drums, and anthemic, party-fueled vocals — inciting circle pits, stage dives, and smiles all around. Over the course of their career, Cancer Bats have cultivated a devoted, almost cult-like global following.

Their success spans multiple continents, from Australia to Europe, with performances across Japan, China, and Nepal. The United Kingdom, in particular, has become a stronghold for the band, rivaling their success in Canada. Years of relentless touring, coverage in publications such as Kerrang! and Metal Hammer, regular airplay across BBC Radio, and appearances at major festivals including Download, Leeds & Reading, Slam Dunk, and 2000 Trees have all helped cement their position.

Two decades in and thousands of shows deep, Cancer Bats have honed their craft to a masterful level — and they’re nowhere near slowing down. If anything, these road warriors are pushing harder than ever. Over the past three years, the band has toured extensively in support of their JUNO-nominated, critically acclaimed seventh album Psychic Jailbreak, moving up festival billings and onto larger stages worldwide.

Comprised of lead vocalist Liam Cormier, drummer Mike Peters, bassist Jaye Schwarzer, and guitarist Jackson Landry (who joined in 2023), the band stands as a true force — now preparing to raise the bar even higher with their eighth studio album, Give Me Dirt.

Years of experience and hard-earned confidence fuel their latest work, capturing the sound they’ve been striving toward for their entire careers.

“It only makes sense that we’ve been building toward this,” says Cormier. “Each record is a chance to evolve. After 20 years of learning, we’re finally in a position to make the best album of our career.”

As with their earlier work, the music came together organically, with all four members jamming in the same room. Once the riffs, breakdowns, and grooves were locked in, Cormier returned to rural Nova Scotia to craft the lyrics and vocal hooks. Many of the songs took shape on dusty forest roads, winding dirt bike trails, and quiet North Shore beaches.

Give Me Dirt unfolds as both an outward and inward journey. Themes of nature run throughout the record — from processing personal loss to confronting the devastation of wildfires — while also reflecting on lessons drawn from the natural world.

Motorcycle travel forms another central thread. Songs explore the lessons learned riding through the Canadian Rockies, while the album’s title track was inspired by a journey through the mountains of Nepal, capturing both spiritual reflection and lived experience.

Produced by Kurt Ballou (Converge, High On Fire, Every Time I Die) at God City Studios in Salem, Massachusetts, the record captures the band’s raw, chaotic energy. It was later completed in Canada with Ian Romano, adding texture and depth to an already powerful collection of songs.

The album artwork reflects the same ethos — a large-scale mixed-media piece created by Cormier using paint, paper, stencils, and found materials, embracing a tactile, human approach in contrast to overly polished digital work.

“We’re rough and dirty. Our sound is loud and full of contrast,” says Cormier. “I wanted the artwork to reflect that — something real, something physical.”

With a solidified lineup, years of experience behind them, and a renewed creative energy, Cancer Bats are entering one of the most exciting chapters of their career. 2026 is set to be a massive year — for the band and for headbangers everywhere.

Voodoo Glow Skulls

Voodoo Glow Skulls were formed in 1988 by Eddie Casillas, Jorge Casillas, Jerry O’neill and Frank Casillas. After a few years of backyard party shows, cassette demos, 7” singles and first club gigs, they released their debut album “Who is, this is?” for Dr. Strange records in 1993, gaining the attention of Brett Gurewitz, owner of Epitaph records. The band then signed to Epitaph records and released four albums, starting in 1995 with “Firme”, their most successful album to date, then followed by “Baile de los Locos”, “Band Geek Mafia” and “Symbolic”.

The band began to tour worldwide with their first European tour in 1996 followed by Japan, Australia, Mexico, and South America.

The band has been featured on several of Epitaph's Punk-O-Rama releases and has had music featured in video games, TV and movies.

The song "Shoot the Moon" from the band's Firme album was used in the Pauly Shoremovie Bio-Dome and the band's version of "Used to Love Her" (originally written and recorded by Guns N' Roses) is featured in the Mr. & Mrs. Smith soundtrack.

Grimskunk

GrimSkunk was formed in 1988 from an old local post-hardcore group called Fatal Illness[4]. GrimSkunk played his first concert in April 1989. The first demo album, Autumn Flowers, was released two years later in April 1991. With B.A.R.F., Anonymus and Groovy Aardvark, the group is one of the first of the "alternative" genre to tour in Quebec[5].

In 1997, Franz Schuller and the members of Grimskunk founded the record company Indica, an independent label advocating DIY to encourage the local underground scene in Quebec[6],[4] which in cooperation with Yelen Musique de France imported some groups such as Tryo, La Rue Kétanou, La Ruda (formerly Ruda Salska), Tagada Jones, and had success with Quebec groups such as Les Trois Accords and Vulgaires Machins.

In 1999, bassist Marc-Boris Saint-Maurice left the group to found the Bloc Pot at the provincial level and the Marijuana Party of Canada at the federal level. He is still politically involved to assert the rights to the use of marijuana, especially for therapeutic purposes. On February 28, 2005, Boris left the Marijuana Party to become a member of the Liberal Party of Canada (PLC), believing that the chances of achieving the objectives pursued by the two pro-marijuana parties were better in the then ruling party.

In 2002, the group released their seventh album, Seventh Wave, which was not well received by the specialized press because of its change in musical style[7],[8],[9]. Before joining Grimskunk, which he left in 2004, Todd R. Wirschem was the bassist and singer of the band Big Hair.

In 2006, the group released the album Fires Under the Road, which marked a return to their musical roots. In parallel, the group collaborated with several stars of the Quebec underground scene including Shantal Arroyo of the group Overbass, Uncle Costa of the band Vulgar Deli, Ronee of the defunct band Race and Guillaume the guitarist of the Vulgaires Machins who participated in the recording of the album Seventh Wave. Grimskunk performed on stage at Montebello's Amnesia Rockfest in June 2008. Drummer Alain Vadboncœur participated in his last show with Grimskunk on March 15, 2009 at the electric Foufounes.

Todd died of natural causes on February 20, 2015[10]. On April 28, 2018, the group released a new album, entitled Unreason in the Age of Madness[11]. The album was announced in early April[2].

Flores Y Fuego

You know there’s something special about a band when a 15 second video on social media makes you stop, go back, watch it again, and then start digging to find out who they are and how to hear more! That clip of lead singer Melisa’s furious scream was more than enough to stop us mid scroll to investigate and reach out to the band. Here we are months later and Pirates Press Records is proud to present this eight song 12” to the masses.

Flores y Fuego are a hardcore punk band from Guadalajara, Mexico. Feeding on the anger and discontent of modern life, the band’s lyrical themes range from questioning their place in the world to providing a voice for the voiceless of society. They began to compose songs in the final days of 2019, as a collaboration between Rafael & Eduardo, previously of the band Cuchillo. By May of 2020, Melisa, the band’s frontwoman, put lyrics and soul to these instrumentals, and poured that attitude and energy into the band’s first demo recordings. The first demo, and further recording sessions while the world was on pause, would become this record – Altar. Flores y Fuego possess a powerful, raw punk sound, but they are a band that defies limitations. They infuse their music with outside influences and elements, and use their platform to speak from their experience of day-to-day life and its frustrations. They provide their point of view in the form of social critique from Melisa’s uniquely sharp perspective as a woman and an individual.

With all eyes seemingly on the hardcore scene over the past few years and new bands constantly making waves and tearing down the walls of what isn’t and isn’t hardcore – female fronted bands have stormed to the front offering a new vision, perspective and voice. Soy Tu Voz! (I Am Your Voice!) screams Melisa at the end of the first song declaring the arrival of Flores y Fuego as a force to be reckoned with and a band to be taken seriously. With a sound that blends elements of both hardcore and punk, and voice to back it up, Flores is ready tear down everything in their paths and build it up as they see fit. These eight raw and incredibly powerful songs sung in Spanish are just a taste of what’s to come from one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the vibrant Mexican scene!

Piñata Protest

Punk rock like abuela used to make!

Piñata Protest is a “Tex-Mex punk” band from San Antonio, TX. Their self described sound and attitude arises from the two counter-clashing worlds that the band embraces: punk and Tex-Mex. 

Piñata Protest’s unique and catchy sound takes the traditional folk rhythms of Tex-Mex music (conjunto and norteño music that is native to the South-Texas and Nortern-Mexican region they originate from) along with the three-row button accordion and combine that with the fast tempos and attitude of punk rock, ska, and many other genres. Along with the use of traditional instruments and rhythms the band also sings in their regional mix of Spanish and English (or Spanglishas it’s called locally). Their songs lyrics cover a range of topics, from political topics close to the ethno-identities of the band, drinking, love, religion, and racism. Adding to their sonic performances is a lively and energetic live show that ignites crowds to mosh, skank, and twirl their dance partners. 

Piñata Protest was founded by the Mexican-born singer, song writer, and accordionist Álvaro Del Norte. The band includes Regino Lopez on electric guitar and vocals, Richie Brown on electric bass and vocals, and Chris-Ruptive on drums. Other instruments such as the trumpet and güido are used in not only their studio recordings but their live performances as well. 

For over ten years the quartet has maintained a busy schedule of performing and touring throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, and France alongside range of musical acts such as The Reverend Horton Heat, Mariachi El Bronx, Molotov, GBH, Tagada Jones, Guttermouth, Voodoo Glow Skills, Brujeria, The Toadies, Ramon Ayala, The Blasters, Authority Zero, Agent Orange, Ozomatli, Mustard Plug, The Blasters, and Wayne Hancock. 

Festivals are a strong point for Piñata Protest. Their very eclectic sound, interactive show, and energetic performances makes them a perfect fit for a wide variety of festivals. Most notably the band has had several official appearances at Punk Rock Bowling, SXSW, The Tejano Fan Fair, Flogging Molly’s Salty Dog Cruise, Palomino Fest, Punk In Drublic, The Latin BMI Awards, Accordion Noir, Muddy Roots Festival, and a slew punk, folk, and Mexican themed festivals. 

The bands unique sound has also leaded them to be featured in soundtracks for the following major and independently release films: Tequila Re-Pasado (2023), Me Estas Matando Susana (2016), La Soldera (2015), Circus of the Dead (2014). The band has also written music specially for Me Estas Matando Susana. 

The band has also had several collaborations with companies including releasing their own beer through Freetail Brewing with a released of Piñata Protest beer which was distributed in grocery chains, bars, and venues across Texas.

Penske File

The Penske File is a Canadian Punk Rock Band comprised of three childhood friends who may be better described as brothers than anything else. Travis Miles (guitar, vocals), Alexander Standen (drums, vocals) and James Hall (bass, vocals) began making music together 20 years ago, when they were only 12 and 13 years old. The Penske File began in earnest a handful of years later at a memorial show following the tragic passing of their best friend and former second guitarist, Chris Skinner, “whose spirit and memory remains the driveshaft of inspiration of the band to this day,” according to Miles. Since their inception in 2010, they have been turning out an ever evolving blend of heartfelt and anthemic Punk, Alt- Rock, Indie and Folk infused sounds. This evolution is starkly apparent on their latest effort, aptly titled “Reprieve,” which features 12 brand new songs, expanding on the sonic and thematic realms the band has touched upon in their lifespan and bringing them to new heights. “The writing and recording of Reprieve was unique to our previous records in many ways,” says Miles, “for one, there was over a five year gap since we wrote the songs for our last record ‘Half Glow.’ We were really chomping at the bit to get back at it and there were so many songs and ideas waiting in the wings to be explored. With so much raw material to work with, and even more excitement to be doing so, we made a conscious effort to branch out; to arrange songs that are reminiscent of what turned us on to punk rock in the first place, but also to craft others that are so far removed from that sonic landscape. We opened the doors to whatever came creatively and Reprieve is what walked in.” Their live shows are celebrations: celebrations of everything loud, spontaneous and beautiful about life. No strangers to the road, The Penske File spent the better part of their 20s on tour, and have continued that tradition into their early 30s, playing festival stages and D.I.Y spaces alike from Vancouver to Hamburg to Gainesville and everywhere in between. They have been hand selected to perform with many of punk rock’s greatest acts, and have shared bills with the likes of Bad Religion, The Menzingers, Streetlight Manifesto and The Hold Steady, to name a few. While they may be getting older, they are committed to dragging the spirit of youth along with them and that is apparent in their raucous, communal live shows as well as on their blistering, honest, reminiscent and introspective, new record. 

For Fans of: Against Me!, The Dirty Nil, The Gaslight Anthem, The Flatliners, Menzingers

Brigada Esperanza

Brigada Esperanza was born in early 2000 in the city of Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico.

They are: EdwynReyes (Guitar), Scady Cervera (Drums), Juan Uicab (Bass), Adrián Hernandez (Guitar) and William Cachón (Voice).

Hipogrifos

The sound of Hipogrifos is definately punk rock: distortion, some good super accelerated drums and a tremendous bass, scratchy voice and some screams of "oi oi oi!" And that's basically Hippogrifos. There are different influences in the band ( ska, hardcore, oï and punk rock ), they have always tried to vary their style, but the backbone of Hipogrifos is pure punk rock.