Today, Bombay, India’s Pacifist release five, a five track EP crafted through meticulous analog craft, charged emotions, introspective thought and an unwavering commitment to hardcore’s values. Self-produced and mixed by guitarist Apurv with mastering by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, five is a statement rooted in creativity, friendship, and distinction. Taking influences from bands such as Refused, At The Drive In, Unwound, Modern Life is War, and Drive Like Jehu, Pacifist deliver impactful post-hardcore driven by vocal fury and unique chord progressions.
The band’s bombastic sound hits off the bat with opener “Running Out” – a pulsating track screaming about the state of the world inching closer to doomsday. “Skunk Leather” provides a windy and reflective reprieve while “Built To Destroy” intensifies with feral riffs and lyrics addressing the violent psyche of humankind. Closer “Purge, Atone” bursts through lyrics of death as a frenetic display releases into a haunting instrumental.
Throughout five, Pacifist deliver a mission statement seeded in revolution:
five is communion. five is standing strong.
five is the fist that fights the good fight.
more than a number or a milestone; a statement about sticking with the hardcore ethic, about keeping a legacy alive in a world that no longer sees it as necessary. whilst living culturally orphaned in a third world that’s set in steady decline, ‘five’ is our sermon on a scarce & fast dying approach to music with plenty of emotional heft.
born in an era of modern disconnect – the radical thing to do is embrace the ideals of our past. the slow truth, tangible feelings, reality as the perceived; not projected. the missing blocks of our human existence expressed while cutting away from sterile, clinical methods of creation in the modern day & age – five is an act of rebellion, a protest to the status quo, challenging the ongoing simulated exploitation of human ability.
You can stream five EP HERE.
Pacifist seek to push what it means to be punk in the current times, beyond sound and aesthetic – daresay, the new shape of punk to come. Debuting in 2019, with their Greyscale Dreams EP, Pacifist set out to fight the status quo and bridge hardcore from Bombay with the greater global scene. Following the EP release with several singles, the band garnered press recognition from Rolling Stone India, Revolver, No Echo, Unite Asia, and more. Their high-energy performance on mixed bill shows in India landed them spots on bigger festivals including Bandland, Independence Rock, and Outrage Festival, and next they’ll hit the stage in January 2026 at Lollapalooza India alongside Linkin Park and Yungblud, followed by release shows in India and Nepal. Dates below.
Pacifist is Sidharth – vocals, Apurv – guitar/vocals, Ashish – guitar, Utkarsh – bass, and Varun – drums.
