Information/Write-up
One Blood were a Toronto, Ontario hardcore punk band active at the turn of the 1990s, emerging from the city’s underground with a sound and message rooted in political confrontation and collective resistance. The group’s core lineup included Stephen “The Wizard of Willowdale” Perry on vocals, Adam Payne and Omar Sheriff on guitars, Jim Ware on bass, and Paul Abrash on drums, with early recordings also featuring vocal contributions from Melanie Aguila.
The band first appeared in 1990 with a self-released demo cassette titled One Blood. Circulated through shows, zines, and personal networks, the tape documented the group’s earliest material, pairing fast, aggressive hardcore with political themes that would carry through their later releases.
Later that year, One Blood made their vinyl debut with a self-titled 7-inch EP on Lobotomy Exchange Records. Recorded in Toronto, the EP was issued in a foldover lyrics sleeve and packed more than fifteen minutes of music onto a single disc.
In 1991, One Blood released the LP Building a World of Prosperity With…The Efficiency of the Free Enterprise System on the New York–based label Gern Blandsten. The album opens with a spoken-word passage reflecting on the Canadian government’s treatment of First Nations people and the persistence of colonial violence and dehumanization, framing the record’s political intent before the music begins. Recorded at Peter Hudson Studios and Harlow Studios, the LP sharpened the band’s critique of capitalism, colonialism, nationalism, and state power, grounding its politics in contemporary global events. Issued with an extensive booklet containing lyrics, political statements, photographs, and illustrations, the album expanded the scope of the band’s work beyond earlier releases.
Closely connected to Toronto’s underground hardcore scene, One Blood were active within the city’s network of bands, zines, and community radio, including CHRY-FM and CKLN-FM. Though short-lived, the band’s demo, EP, and LP together document a clearly defined moment in early-1990s Toronto hardcore.
-Robert Williston
Musicians
Stephen “The Wizard Of Willowdale” Perry: vocals
Adam “It’s All Politics” Payne: guitar
Omar “The High Sheriff Of Hades” Sheriff: guitar
Jim “The Salvador Dali Of Hardcore” Ware: bass
Paul “My Family Gets No Endorsement From Me”: drums
Songwriting
Lyrics by Paul (tracks: ‘Friends,’ ‘Respect,’ ‘Faith Based On Starvation’)
Lyrics by Stephen (tracks: ‘Not So Mysterious Histories,’ ‘Speedy ‘Just Us’,’ ‘Yankee Parasite,’ ‘Respect,’ ‘Mid 20’s Crisis,’ ‘Faith Based On Starvation’)
Music by Omar (tracks: ‘Not So Mysterious Histories,’ ‘Friends,’ ‘Speedy ‘Just Us’,’ ‘Yankee Parasite,’ ‘Respect,’ ‘Mid 20’s Crisis,’ ‘Faith Based On Starvation’)
Production
Recorded July 28 and 29, 1990
Mixed September 1, 1990
Artwork
Front cover by Chris Iler
Photography by Melanie Aguila
Notes
Issued with a foldover sleeve
because we had to squeeze over 15 minutes worth of music on vinyl, the level of sound will be lower than most. It will be necessary that you play this loud, preferably at minimum amplitude.
Not available on C.D. or cassette
Also we would like to express a special thanks to: Mrs. Perry, Lee — The roadie from hell, CHRY, and anyone who has supported us in any way possible.
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