Eulogy Recordings

Cycles of time. Cycles of life. Birth to death. Creation to Ruin.

Since paving their way into the Washington D.C. Hardcore scene in 1998, Age of Ruin has endured many evolutions. The next has begun. With two years of creativity and work, Age of Ruin has opened the next chapter. One Thousand Needles pushes listeners into the quintet's next triumph. With oppressive guitars and crushing drums, the band explores a new depth. The breakdowns; heavier than ever. The melodies; excecuted with conviction.


Formed in Washington DC in 1998, Age of Ruin would blend the melodic elements of Scandinavian metal with the brutality and intensity of American hardcore. Begun as a four piece, Age of Ruin consisted of the melodic metal six string styling of guitarist Daniel Fleming along with a crushing rhythm section consisting of drummer Patrik Owens and bassist Christopher Fleming, overarched by the intensity of vocalist Derrick Kozerka.

After several releases on Tribunal Records, DFF Records, and Eulogy Recordings, as well as relentless touring, Age of Ruin again emerged to usher in a new era of melodic brutality. Enter Ron Sirott and Joel Hansen of the now extinct thrash monster Acedia, the lineup once again solidified, and Age of Ruin is back to conquer the throne.


Hailing from Washington D.C., it is no surprise politics eventually crept into the musical content. Daniel speaks on the views expressed - “We kept away from introducing political ideas into our music because we had not yet found a party, an individual, or a campaign that speaks to the views we have. But that in itself is a stance. We dont pretend to have the answer. The bottom line is that we can all agree. It's all fucked up.”

Song Concepts on One Thousand Needles range from aforementioned polital quagmires to emotional setbacks to life struggles. No stone of lament is left unturned. “We wanted to make a raw record” Daniel comments. “This band has always had a tendency to polish things to death. This time we stripped it down. The tones are to the bone. Nothing screams contempt and bitterness like a nasty guitar tone.”

“The Only Way” is a song denouncing the overall apathy of people toward our government. Derrick Kozerka screams with a hint of despair; “We can only blame ourselves.” “Everything is more direct and to the point this time” says Derrick. With songs like “So, Sends the Rat,” a song reflecting on personal betrayal by a misleading friendship; or “The Soundtrack of Hercules,” an anthem to the rediculous behavior of proving might in fighting, Age of Ruin lays it all out.

One Thousand Needles newly defines the range of Age of Ruin's ability – as Christopher so humbly put it - “Our sound hasn't changed. We're just angrier.”