Alright, let’s talk Philly. Yeah, yeah, “City of Brotherly Love” and all that, but did you know it’s ALSO the birthplace of vampire punk? Enter INK & DAGGER, the gloriously weird goth-punk outfit that crashed the late-‘90s scene like a bat out of hell. These guys wore more fake blood than your average Halloween store and played shows so chaotic, they probably still haunt Philly’s dive bars. RIP to their 26-year hiatus—but surprise! They’re back from the crypt.
That’s right: INK & DAGGER are reissuing their entire discography this March via Trust Records. Even better? They’re throwing THREE hometown shows this Halloween. Because nothing says “spooky season” like undead hardcore reunions.
Here’s the breakdown for collectors and vampire enthusiasts:
- LP 1: Drive This Seven Inch Wooden Stake Through My Philadelphia Heart – Their first two EPs, now on vinyl for the first time. Perfect for yelling at the moon.
- LP 2: The Fine Art of Original Sin – Their 1998 debut LP. Imagine punk, hardcore, and electronica having a fight in a haunted house. This is that soundtrack.
- LP 3: INK & DAGGER – Their 2000 swan song. Basically a psychedelic graveyard of what-could’ve-been. Spooky and sad!
- LP 4: Experiments in Nocturnal Sound and Energy – Box-set exclusive B-sides. For diehards who own at least one lock of the band’s hair (probably).
TOUR DATES (because Philly needs more vampires):
10/30 – Philly @ First Unitarian Church (with PAINT IT BLACK)
10/31 – Philly @ First Unitarian Church (with DEADGUY)
11/1 – Philly @ First Unitarian Church (with SOUL GLO)
Fun fact: Frontman Sean McCabe once took the stage in a coffin. The ‘90s were a mood.
