CanadianWasteland Archives: Moss Icon - Discography (1986-1991)

Moss Icon was an extremely influential hardcore band from Annapolis, MD who formed in the mid 80s and became one of the founding bands of the later called "emo" hardcore sound. All members of Moss Icon were also in a band called Breathing Walker and various members were also in Born Against, Lava, April Psalm, and Universal Order Of Armageddon. They released a lot of material while active including three demo tapes, two 12"s, a split 12" with Silver Bearing, three 7"s and a "complete" (partial) discography in 2012. They also appeared on a number of compilations.

Moss Icon has one of the most interesting and unique sounds I've ever heard. While they are credited with being one of the most influential emo/hardcore bands, they have a sound that has never really been replicated. Listening to their early work its hard to believe it was made in the 80s, they were very much ahead of their time. Moss Icon is often compared to Embrace, Rites Of Spring or the other influential DC bands born in the so called "Revolution Summer" however Moss Icon has their own completely different take on the genre.

Some of Moss Icon's distinguishable features include their abrupt transitions from quiet to loud, distinctly clean arpeggiated guitar and meandering, half-spoken vocals. The band was outspokenly political in their lyrical content and otherwise and were known for their stance against the colonization of Indigenous peoples in America and the US government's involvement in Nicaragua among many other issues. Moss Icon was really the foundation for the whole underground DIY hardcore movement, they laid the groundwork for a whole scene which may not have been possible otherwise.

One of my favourite releases of theirs is their live album "It Disappears" because the songs have such a raw and genuine sound. I can't imagine how great they would have been to see live but that album gives you an idea.