Hardcore at it is best. Hoods is one of the heaviest hardcore bands I've heard yet they are not that metal. There is nothing bad at all to say about this band. Based in Sacramento they started out in 1994 with a strong old school sound, but have progressed to incorporate more new school, yet all in all they have a sound like no one else. They've gone through numerous lineup changes but guitarist and founding member Mike Hood has kept the band alive for over 10 years and remains one of the most hard working people in the scene. Honest, sincere lyrics about life, pain, anger, and friendship top their music off. With their first releases, the Hoods quickly established themselves as one of the best hardcore bands in California, and soon after, the West Coast. Now, with the new released cds, the Hoods will establish themselves as one of the best hardcore bands in the world.

Here's a partial list of their releases with song titles.

The Hoods also have songs on the following compilation cds:
"Only The Strong 1999" - Victory Records
"A Call To Arms" - Breakout Records

You can contact Hoods and Westcoast Worldwide Records at:
Hoods
6565 Fordham Way
Sacramento, CA 95831-2219

Here's some photos, old and new, of past and present members:

INTERVIEW WITH MIKE HOOD BY ROSIE FATEMI.

January 29th, 2006 was the first anual Breakthru Fest in Santa Ana, California. The headliners were Hoods, Death Before Dishonor, Ramallah, and Scars of Tomorrow. 26 bands, 2 stages, and 12 hours of pure, in-your-face, hardcore. I was actually lucky enough to get an interview with Mike Hood of Hoods...

Q-First of all, thank you for doing this interview with me. So, how long has Hoods been a band?

A-Late '94, around November. 12 years doing the same shit.

Q-Right now a lot of the new bands consider you guys as an influence to them. Who influenced you to make music?

A-Cro-Mags, Iron Maiden, Rush, Police, Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix. Yeah, you didn't think we'd name those kind of bands did you?

Q-Haha, no, not at all. Alright so, many people are saying because of the "scene" kids and all the fighting that's been happening lately there's going to be a death of hardcore. What are your views on that?

A -There won't ever be a death of hardcore! I mean, the music is called... HARD-CORE! The fighting has forever been apart of it. It's a violent music.

Q-If you were to go on a huge world tour right now, what smaller bands would you take with you?

A-Folsom, On A War Path, Ringworm, Young Kids...

Q-Haha. Micheal Jackson?

A-Hahaha. Maybe. He'd probually try to touch us.

Q-What are your views on girls comming up in the hardcore scene?

A-Hardcore was always a male dominated scene, but it is a good thing the girls have their say now. Just don't bring drama into our scene by going from one guy to another. Haha.

Q-I always dance at shows, and I get knocked around sometimes. If you saw a guy intentionally hit a girl would you stop and say shit?

A-FUCK NO! Go out there and play rough.

Q-Haha. Right on. How old were you when you got into hardcore?

A-7 years old. My older brother was a skinhead. He'd listen to 7 seconds . I loved it. Oh and AC/DC is also an influence to me.

Q-I personally hate the scene kids comming to our shows. What are your views on them?

A-I fuck with them, but it's like, if you got heart, you got heart. It's all about the feeling and energy you give at shows.

Q-You guys have toured with many amazing bands. Which tour was the best for you?

A-Every tour sticks out. The smallest tours can end up being the best.

Q-If you guys can tour with any band right now, who would it be?

A-Iron Maiden or Slayer.

Q-Your shirt is about to be sold at Hot Topic. How do you feel about that?

A-I'm against those mall hardcore kids, but it still pays the bills. Seeing us at Hot Topic is like seeing Agnostic Front on Headbangers Ball, WHAT THE FUCK?! But still, kids that have liked us for years and years now but somehow never get a chance to see us or buy a shirt can get it there. On the other hand, other kids buy it to look cool. WE ARE NOT A COOL BAND!

Q-How do you feel about the Hardcore kids fighting against Scene kids?

A-Hardcore kids are idiots, it's true. It used to be hardcore kids against skinheads, but they chased them out of the scene. It is a violent element, like Bloods and Crips. Now it's hardcore kids vs. hardcore kids.

Q-Alright, well thank you for your time. Do you have anything to say to kids reading this who are just realizing what hardcore is?

A-Pack a fucking lunch. Haha. This scene ain't easy.