Richmond, Virginia is one of the strongholds for punk on the east coast of the United States. In the Fall of 2005 a group of Richmond punk staples decided to collaborate on a new project. Thus, Landmines were born. A humble band, they might shrug at their ongoing comparisons to other hometown hardcore heroes Avail and Strike Anywhere. However, Landmines have also been known to take a page from bands such as Hot Water Music, Verbal Assault, THe Bouncing Souls, Fifteen and Jawbreaker. With simple goals in mind, Landmines set out to play music for anyone that would listen. They quickly garnered attention after recording a limited release demo CD on Pop Faction Records in 2006. Vinnie Fiorello of Less Than Jake promptly scooped them up choosing Landmines to be the first release on his new label Paper + Plastick. Their self-titled full length (PP01), was critically acclaimed, helping the label hit the ground running. Characterized by “powerful shredding guitars and searing vocals,” (canyouseethesunset.blogspot) it is easy to call Landmines “explosive, but at the very least, it’s a scorching blast from a band that sound like they’re just getting started” (gosleeveless.blogspot). They were in fact just getting started as Landmines have hit the studio again to follow up their debut full-length with the “Hell is What you Make It EP.” The six song EP recorded with Matt Allison in Chicago, IL at his Atlas Studio is a mature progression for the band layered with uncountable hooks and improved song writing. However, the band didn’t jump too far from their hardcore roots and let go of their youthful and energetic tendencies. Featuring drumming by the incredible Michael McDermott of the Bouncing Souls, the Ep will undoubtably shred faces and destroy eardrums across the world. In their short four year career Landmines have already managed to share the stage with the likes of Gaslight Anthem, Smoke or Fire, American Steel, Tim Barry, Polar Bear Club, Small Brown Bike, Seaweed and Less Than Jake. With a new full-time drummer lined up (Jamie Pryor from Fifteen), the band will be touring relentlessly through 2009. Landmines already have a summer tour with Dirty Tactics booked, selected Warped Tour dates in their future and a month long European trip to look forward to. Expect the EP later this year, and don't expect this band to slow down any time soon. They're doing exactly what they set out to do: Playing fun songs with some of their best friends.