With over 20 years in the hardcore punk scene one thing you can count on is that The Hope Conspiracy isn’t going to hold back. Their new LP, Tools of Oppression / Rule by Deception, is another unforgiving commentary on what they see as the antithesis of “the American dream.”
Produced by Deathwish Records, Tools of Oppression / Rule by Deception serves up a wrath on a platter and foreshadows a doomsday countdown. While it may seem outwardly cynical, The Hope Conspiracy have always been geared towards addressing the hard truths that most are either unable to recognize or refuse to face.
Vocalist Kevin Baker says, “Americans are the most propagandized population on the planet and have no idea that they are. The latest horrors are broadcast between commercials for pharmaceuticals and fast food. We are told what to think. We are told what to say and we are told what to do. Stay in line and live in fear.”
“Live In Fear,” the single and music video released ahead of the full album, projects a visual representation of what it feels like to be perpetually trapped in an indoctrinated state. However, the message doesn’t have to be interpreted as purely cynical, it seems that the hope is to help people wake up and smell the (fake) flowers right in front of them and by doing so, stand united against such oppression.
Along with the release of Tools of Oppression / Rule by Deception, the band are currently on tour and will be making their across California in September. You can purchase tickets at The Hope Conspiracy’s official website.
Full list of tour dates:
June 7 Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East
June 8 Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows
June 9 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
July 20 Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge – The Rumble
September 6 Los Angeles, CA @ 1720
September 7 Berkeley, CA @ 924 Gilman
September 8 Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
September 9 Giant Rock, CA @ Ask A Punk
September 12 San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
September 13 Seattle, WA @ The Vera Project
September 14 Portland, OR @ Dante’s
September 15 Tacoma, WA @ Real Art
Image provided by The Hope Conspiracy
