Harsh

Harsh is a name used for more than one act in the available information: a Finnish hardcore group and a French rock band from Paris.

Finnish hardcore band

The Finnish Harsh forms in autumn 1995 with the aim of playing very fast, intense hardcore that stands apart from other Finnish bands of the period. Its early sound develops from straightforward fast hardcore into a more complex mix of power violence, grindcore and hardcore, with abrupt tempo shifts, unusual riffs, stop-and-start changes and fast blast beats. The band cites Infest among its influences.

All members contribute to both music and lyrics, although the balance varies. The original line-up splits permanently after a show in August 1996. In spring 1997, three former members continue the project without the guitar player and bring in a new member to play a second bass. Across the band’s existence, the four members live in three different cities, with some members separated by about 400 kilometres, which prevents a regular rehearsal schedule.

With the later line-up, the group becomes tighter and faster, and the members’ playing improves. Rehearsals become infrequent and are done mainly before gigs or recordings. The band states that it is not political in the usual sense of the term, and its lyrics focus on everyday life and thoughts rather than politics. It also says there is little difference between the lyrics of the earlier and later versions of Harsh.

French rock band

The Paris-based Harsh is a French rock band formed by musicians in their twenties. Its sound draws on traditional hard rock with a modern twist and melodic hooks, and the group is associated with a glam style in both appearance and performance. The band’s live shows are described as theatrical and emotionally direct.

Harsh releases the single “Under The L.A. Sun” in 2018 and follows it with the EP Slave, which appears in October 2018. It later releases “Tease Me” and plays in France and abroad, including support shows for Inglorious. The group is also announced for European touring with Loudness and Anvil.

The band’s debut album Out Of Control appears in 2022. By the time of that release, Harsh has played more than 300 shows, including tours with The New Roses, Anvil and Chris Holmes of W.A.S.P. across Europe and the UK. The next album, Feels, is scheduled to appear through Fireflash Records.