Cherry Stone is the name used by an Italian rapcore and crossover project that begins in 1996 under the name Kevlar HC. The group comes out of a crew that brings together hardcore bands, writers and rappers, and its sound combines hip hop rhythms, samples and rap with hardcore energy, later adding crossover and electronic elements.

Career

The project’s first release is Enduring Scar, issued in 1999. It attracts attention in the United States and leads to interest from labels in the scene. In 2000, the band becomes the first and only Italian act to be sponsored by Etnies and Mecca, two US brands connected with skateboarding and hip hop.

In 2001, the second album, Building new Pillars, is released on Rude Records, followed by the first video, “Our Fire”. The group plays a large number of live shows and supports acts including Madball, while also appearing on Swiss and Spanish stages.

In 2002, the band takes part in Etnies events focused on street culture, skateboarding and BMX. It also appears at the Eastpak Festival in Spain, where it is named best sound of the festival, and performs in New York at Madball’s final show before the group’s dissolution.

Cherry Stone

From 2003, the project uses the name Cherry Stone and prepares a self-titled album built around metal and hip hop. The release is promoted by Spin-go! and Virus Concerti. The first video, “Clone”, is made for Italian television by Riccardo Struchil, and a second video for “Insane in the Brain”, a Cypress Hill cover, is also directed by him.

“Clone” receives heavy rotation on MTV Brand New Italy, All Music, Rock TV and other Italian music channels. The track also reaches number 3 on Rock FM’s Italian rock chart. The band’s work is covered in Italian music press, including special features in Rolling Stone and Rock Sound. “Insane in the Brain” is later used for the Italian television broadcast of WWE SmackDown, and the album is also issued in Japan.

Style and influences

Cherry Stone’s music mixes rap, hardcore, crossover and metal, with electronic touches. The project is associated with listeners of bands such as Limp Bizkit, Biohazard and Linkin Park, as well as Cypress Hill and House of Pain. The act is characterised by two vocal parts that move between rap and crossover styles.