Originating in Daventry, Northamptonshire, in central England, they were later based for some time in Northampton and then around the East Ham area of London. The band were among the instigators of the squat venue scene in the mid to late 1980's before originally splitting in 1987, the band reformed in 2011.
Their name apparently comes from locals in Daventry who called them the 'anti-sect', presumably meaning 'that bunch of weirdos that are anti-everything', but the name was attractive in both being a statement of 'yeah, we're against some things and we're non-conformists, so what?' and in its ambiguity, being both perhaps 'the sect that are anti-everything' and 'the people who are against sects'; i.e. against labels, segregation, factions, etc. Their initial influences, as this group of 4 friends (Pete (Lippy) Lyons - Guitar/Vox, Pete (Polly) Paluskiewicz - Drums, Renusze (Wink) Rokicki - Bass, Pete (Boycie) Boyce - Vox) in Daventry, were early punk bands such as Slaughter & the dogs, the Damned, the Ruts, the Clash, the Ramones, the Vibrators and ATV, but they became interested in, and also involved in, the harder and more 'grassroots' movement that later followed through the 'new punk' of the early 80's and the 'anarcho punk' that was centred around the band Crass and their record label. They also were, as many musicians, eclectic and open in their tastes and could be found listening to earlier underground rock acts, such as Gong and Hawkwind, some post-punk near-contempories, such as Magazine and PIL, bigger rock acts, such as Rush and even Iron Maiden, metal acts such as Metallica or Motorhead or more obscure and diverse music like Basement 5 or Psychic TV. Ultimately the influences and interests were found primarily in hard and fast music on the one hand, and in imaginative and artistic expressions of alternative culture, resistance to the status quo, and a call to almost 'hippy-like' peace and love, human justice, compassion and cooperation on the other hand.
Notable, as in many bands of the 'anarcho' punk scene, was that an 'antisect member' was generally considered to be a person taking part in the work and contributing to it, even if only in contribution of ideas, writing, or even practical aspects of running the band. In Northampton they added another male vocalist in Rich Hill, and a female vocalist, mainly adding backing and occasional vocals, in Caroline Wallis. Both were very visible and known figures in the local punk scene. But there were one or two others closely associated with the band and adding ideas, artwork (as seen on the LP), ideas and practical organisation. It was in here, rehearsing in a basement (the local residents started a petition to get their rehearsals stopped) that most of the work was done towards their 1983 album 'In Darkness... There Is No Choice'. The album was put out by Spiderleg Records, which was run by the group Flux of Pink Indians, who themselves had had records released on the Crass label. It was recorded in the same Southern Studios where the likes of Crass, Flux of Pink Indians and Rudimentary Peni, and many other bands of the ilk had recorded singles and albums. It received positive reviews in the British national music press, who seemed to be surprised that this genre could show some intelligence and originality, as well as a little musicianship at least in the playing of their bassist, Wink. The mood of the album is quite dark, with mainly fast and thrashy, although also slower and more recognisably 'metal' parts, as well as an instrumental studio jam based around tubular bells and bass. The themes of the album are the threat of war (the desire for peace), conformity (and the call to individualism and inner search), oppression (both institutional/political and on a subtler day to day, social level) and animal abuse (animal rights). Together it could be summed up as a call for peace and humanism in the face of a dehumanising and stifling 'system', the short-sightedness of which is seen to threaten humankind's downfall. The album ends with the call to action of 'time is running out and the buck stops with you!'
This is probably the peak of their 'career', and the lineup that established the band. They played around a very underground circuit, the like of which no longer remains, of squats, cheap community centres where likeminded people set up gigs, and odd 'real' venues that were interested in such acts. The shows combined both the sonic assault of their music, and a barrage of political and social statements, ideas or even poems, either preceding numbers or being spoken over a musical background (as in 'Channel Zero - Reality' on their LP). They generally played for expenses only and the entrance charge was very low, as was the spirit of the 'scene' and its financial reality. Plus not a few of the shows were benefits, usually played with a large bill of 5 or more bands, for various causes and specific activities related to their ideology, for the peace movement, animal rights, or money for the families of striking miners. They played quite a lot initially, before their first album, with the hardcore punk, peace-movement band Discharge, who were obviously not a small influence on their initial sound. Then with acts such as Amebix, Chumbawumba, Dirt, No Defences, Sacrilege and Sedition and many others. In 1984 they toured the UK with the San Francisco hardcore band, Crucifix, who were touring Europe.
The 'fanbase' that developed around them was of a culture that was a hybrid perhaps of the punk that had come in the late 70's, the anarcho punk that followed it, the interest in US hardcore that was just developing in the UK and a metal crossover trend that was just coming in via US hardcore and faster US metal acts such as Slayer and Metallica, who were only just making a name for themselves; but ultimately the main driving force was the Crass-centred 'anarcho', 'peace-movement' punk scene that had developed this underground network of gigs and cooperation around the country, and their idelogy remained firmly grounded here, though it started its own movements towards subtler expression, perhaps exemplified by lines such as 'there is no them and us, there's only you and me', or their song 'Heresy' which is simply a list of questions, such as 'who is your god?' or 'how large is your prison?'. Their desire to be individualists led them to often insist they were not a punk band, but a metal band with a message of freedom and peace.
Interest in the band touring both the United States and Japan came to nothing, probably due to a gradual process of divergence in the band members' interests and distractions in their individual lives, which ended in the break-up of this core lineup, eventually leaving only Pete Lyons and Polly as remaining members until their final split. Around this time Antisect did a tour of Italy, with Pete Boyce remaining for this short time on vocals, playing with and befriending bands such as Wretched and Negazione. John Bryson (another prominent figure in the Northampton punk scene) joined on bass, and brought perhaps a freer and less serious mood to the band, who started to move away from such a, as seen by some, 'preachy' and moralistic tone, to a more open, dark and experimental mood, with also, perhaps, later on at least, some movement towards the 'Temple of Psychick Youth' community of artists in London by their drummer, Polly. Vocal duties were split between Pete Lyons and John Bryson, which can be heard on their 1985 7" 'Out From The Void'. This single, in line with Antisect's development, is even more 'metal' and lyrically concerns itself with inner struggles with self-imposed restrictions upon ones own freedom and perception, and there is little or no overt political or social message. Bryson sings on the A side, Lyons on the B side. With Bryson there was a 1985 tour in Belgium and Holland, playing with the likes of the Ex and No Pigs, before health problems cut the tour short and forced shows in Germany to be cancelled.
Later the band took on bassist Laurence Windle, who, according to a letter to Maximum Rock'N'Roll by John Bryson, had been in London punk band Anthrax (not to be confused with the NY metal band of the same name) as well as the Xcretas, and later Antisect took on a new vocalist, Tim Andrews, from the Northampton, England band Sedition (not to be confused with other bands of the same name), who they were closely associated with. It was this lineup that finished the band with a tour of the UK in 1987, and at one of its shows, in Coventry, the first support act, Napalm Death, first performed with the lineup that was to become enormously popular and make Earache records into a commecial commodity. Napalm Death's vocalist, Lee Dorrian, later in Cathedral, went on to cite Pete Lyons as a major influence.
Pete Lyons and Laurence carried on for a couple of years in London with a band called Kulturo. Pete Lyons is now a music producer/recording engineer working out of Zed One Studios in London and contributes a chapter to Ian Glasper's book "The Day The Country Died", which chronicles the anarcho-punk scene of the time. Rich Hill was involved for a little time with The Band of Mercy in Northampton, who also had played with Antisect at some shows. Pete Boyce settled down in Daventry and started a family, and it is he who runs Antisect's website. Polly was last heard of by the rest of the band as he left to live in Sweden in the late 80s or early 90s. John Bryson started a band called Split Pigs who played around London for a few years in the early 90's and then moved with his family to Essex. Wink died tragically in 2000.
There was also, a further album, 'New Dark Ages', recorded for Mortarhate records, run by the band Conflict. The music was recorded but the vocals never done and the album abandoned. There are rumours that Colin from Conflict still has the tapes.
In May 2011, after a 24-year hiatus the band announced its reformation and gave details of its first show which was to be at the Puntala-Rock Festival in Finland. The line up was a mixture of previous members including founders Pete Lyons and Pete Boyce alongside Laurence Windle and Tim Andrews. Joe Burwood was brought in on drums. Caz Eden (Formerly Caroline Wallis), although also back in the fold, was however, not to perform and consequently parted company with the band shortly after the first show.
Tour dates for the UK, Europe and US were announced for late 2011 and Spring 2012 and in December 2011 the band returned to the studio to record a new 10" single, containing the previously unreleased 1982 track "4 Minutes Past Midnight" and a re-recorded version of 1985's "Out From The Void (Part 2.) This, however was a "Tour Only" release, available exclusively at the 2011/2012 shows. In March 2012 they announced that Pete Boyce had left the band.[2]
The band's first USA tour followed in May and June 2012 taking in venues on both the west and east coasts including a tumultuous appearance at Austins Chaos in Tejas festival. (The organiser of which had played an initial part in the bands reunion). A handful of European dates were also completed before the end of the year.
The next line up change came with the announcement of Tim Andrews departure in July 2013. Tim's farewell appearance was at the Roadburn rock festival in Tilburg, the Netherlands in April 2013. This show marked the debut of a new visual side to the band in the form of politically charged back projections.
In July of that year it was announced that Chris Caps had become the band's new vocalist.[3] Chris's first show was at the Hygget festival in Sweden where the bands headlining set was abandoned midway through with Pete Lyons taken to hospital for what proved to be emergency heart surgery.
After Petes recovery the second half of 2014 saw the band appear at Ieperfest Hardcore Festival in Belgium and return to Sweden to headline Stockholms Manglet Festival. In November they played their first shows in former communist Russia before returning to the UK to continue recording sessions for their long-awaited second lp.
In April 2016 the band announced the departures of Chris Caps and Laurence Windle and the re-arrival of John Bryson. The new line-up performed a semi secret show in Umea, Sweden in May 2016.[4]
In November 2016 Pete Lyons was the keynote speaker at the 3rd annual Punk Scholars Network Symposium at the University of Northampton. [5]
Antisect – The Rising of the Lights
On January 1st 2017 a new track, "Black" was released exclusively on YouTube.[6]
In August 2017 Antisect signed to Rise Above Records and announced the worldwide release date of the LP "The Rising of the Lights".
Heresy
Antisect Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who is your god
Who owns your mind
What path do you follow
For whom do you speak
Which mask do you wear
Who draws your line
What is your weakness
What are your dreams
Where are your standards
What keeps you going
How large is your prison
What breeds your hate
Where do you hide
Where are your strengths
What are your nightmares
When do you cry
How high are your walls
What is your weapon
How far can you see
What is your truth
Where are your values
What brings you joy
For whom do you bleed
Which way do you turn
Who carries your burden
How large is your prison
How deep in your search
How is your slave
How bright is your flame
Where is your future
What do you offer
What are you barriers
Who owns your mind
What is your shield
What do you steal
What is your justice
Who is your martyr
Where is your corner
What is your liberty
What is your peace
What is your purpose
Where lies your faith
Why was your past
Who do you oppress
Why do you care
What is your bondage
What do you use
Who high are your walls
Where is your reason
Where is your enemy
Who much can you take
What is your wisdom
What breeds your hate
For whom did you suffer
What is your scapegoat
What do you argue
Why is your fear
What is your cause
What is your answer
How long have you got
That is the time........
It's time for change
The lyrics to Antisect's song Heresy read like a series of challenging questions aimed at the listener. The song forces one to introspect and confront their beliefs and values by asking questions like "What path do you follow?" and "What is your purpose?" Perhaps the most important question asked, however, is "It's time for change." This line suggests that the listener needs to challenge themselves and their beliefs to promote positive change.
The song's lyrics are a call to action of sorts, inspiring listeners to examine their beliefs and bring about change in their lives. By confronting the listener with these difficult questions, the song prompts the listener to think critically and introspectively, leading to growth and change within themselves. The song also suggests that change is necessary and that the current state of affairs is not acceptable.
In conclusion, Heresy's lyrics are a powerful reminder that we must challenge ourselves and our beliefs, as well as examine our values and actions, to promote positive change in the world. Only by looking inward and making changes within ourselves can we hope to create a better future for all.
Line by Line Meaning
What is your purpose
What is the reason or motive behind your existence and actions
Who is your god
Who or what do you worship or follow wholeheartedly
Who owns your mind
Who controls your thoughts, beliefs and decisions
What path do you follow
What direction or course of action do you take in life
For whom do you speak
Who do you represent or advocate for in your words and actions
Which mask do you wear
Which persona or façade do you show to the world, rather than your true self
Who draws your line
Who sets the boundaries or limits of what you can or can't do
What is your weakness
What is your personal flaw or shortcoming that can be exploited
Where lies your love
What or who do you truly care about
What are your dreams
What are your aspirations or hopes for the future
Where are your standards
What are your ethical principles or moral guidelines
What keeps you going
What motivates or inspires you to persist in the face of challenges or setbacks
How large is your prison
What are the limitations or constraints placed upon you that restrict your freedom or potential
What breeds your hate
What factors or experiences have led to your feelings of animosity or intolerance towards certain individuals or groups
Where do you hide
Where or how do you conceal your true intentions, emotions or beliefs
Where are your strengths
What are your positive attributes or abilities that enable you to succeed or overcome obstacles
What are your nightmares
What are your greatest fears or worst-case scenarios, which may be physical, emotional or psychological
When do you cry
When do you express or feel sadness, grief or pain
How high are your walls
What emotional or physical barriers have you erected to protect yourself from harm, rejection or vulnerability
What is your weapon
What tool, skill or advantage do you use to achieve your goals or defend yourself
How far can you see
What is your perspective or vision of the future or the world around you
What is your truth
What is your perception or understanding of reality, whether it is objective or subjective
Where are your values
What principles or beliefs do you hold to be important or worthy of respect
What brings you joy
What activities, experiences or people make you happy or fulfilled
For whom do you bleed
Who or what do you sacrifice for, whether it is your time, energy, resources or life
Which way do you turn
When faced with a difficult decision or situation, in what direction or towards whom do you seek guidance or support
Who carries your burden
Who helps you to bear the weight of your responsibilities, troubles or sorrows
How deep in your search
How introspective or reflective are you in examining your motives, beliefs or experiences
How is your slave
In what ways are you enslaved, whether it is by external factors such as social norms or by internal factors such as addictive behaviors
How bright is your flame
How intense or passionate is your spirit or willpower to pursue your goals or ideals
Where is your future
What do you envision or hope for in your future, in terms of personal growth, relationships or achievements
What do you offer
What are your advantages, talents or resources that you can give to others or share with the world
What are you barriers
What internal or external obstacles prevent you from achieving your goals or being your true self
What is your shield
What protects you from harm or criticism, whether it is a physical object, a belief system or a coping mechanism
What do you steal
What do you take or appropriate from others without their consent or knowledge, whether it is material possessions, ideas or time
What is your justice
What do you consider to be a fair or just system of laws, ethics or values
Who is your martyr
Who do you respect or honor for their sacrifice, whether it is symbolic or literal
Where is your corner
Where do you feel most secure or comfortable, such as a physical location, social group or personal belief
What is your liberty
What are your personal rights or freedoms, such as freedom of speech, thought or movement
What is your peace
What brings you inner or outer tranquility, whether it is a state of mind, a physical place or a social condition
Where lies your faith
What do you believe in without proof or certainty, whether it is a religious, spiritual or philosophical concept
Why was your past
What factors or events led to your current situation or identity, including your upbringing, education or experiences
Who do you oppress
Who do you impose unfair or unjust treatment upon, whether it is intentional or unintentional
Why do you care
What drives or motivates you to take action or show compassion towards others or the world at large
What is your bondage
What holds you back or prevents you from being your true self or fulfilling your potential, whether it is a habit, a belief or a relationship
What do you use
What tools, resources or methods do you employ to accomplish your goals or solve problems
Where is your reason
What is the rational or logical basis for your beliefs, decisions or behaviors
Where is your enemy
Who or what do you perceive as a threat or obstacle to your well-being, whether it is real or imagined
Who much can you take
What is your tolerance level for pain, stress, adversity or hardship
What is your wisdom
What knowledge, insights or experiences do you possess that can guide you or benefit others
What breeds your hate
What cycles or patterns of violence, abuse or oppression perpetuate your feelings of anger or intolerance
For whom did you suffer
Who or what caused you pain, trauma or hardship that you had to endure or overcome
What is your scapegoat
What person, group or ideology do you blame for your problems or failures, whether it is justified or not
What do you argue
What issues or topics do you defend or challenge in debate or discussion
Why is your fear
What causes you to feel afraid, whether it is a perceived threat, a past trauma or an uncertain future
What is your cause
What problem or issue do you seek to address or solve through your actions, advocacy or philanthropy
What is your answer
What solution or response do you have to a problem or challenge, whether it is practical, philosophical or artistic
How long have you got
How much time do you have left to live, learn or make a difference in the world
That is the time........
The current state of affairs has reached a tipping point, indicating the need for change or action
It's time for change
The status quo is no longer acceptable or sustainable, and a new approach or perspective is necessary to address the challenges and opportunities ahead
Contributed by Kaitlyn I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@abmad2662
Amazing!
@nachlebenexperimentalfilml7716
someone needs to rewrite the wiki section on groove core, thrash etc. This album and this track not mentioned anywhere.....
@juanpablomadero2050
Heresy mejor banda de GB
@AngloSaks666
What is your purpose?
Who is your god?
Who owns your mind?
What path do you follow?
For whom do you speak?
Which mask do you wear?
Who draws your line?
What is your weakness?
Where lies your love?
What are your dreams?
Where are your standards?
What keeps you going?
How large is your prison?
What breeds your hate?
Where do you hide?
What are your strengths?
What are your nightmares?
When do you cry?
How high are your walls?
What is your weapon?
How far can you see?
What is your truth?
Where are your values?
What brings you joy?
For whom do you bleed?
Which way do you turn?
Who carries your burden?
How large is your prison?
How deep in your search?
Who is your slave?
How bright is your flame?
Where is your future?
What do you offer?
What are you barriers?
Who owns your mind?
What is your shield?
What do you steal?
What is your justice?
Who is your martyr?
Where is your corner?
What is your liberty?
What is your peace?
What is your purpose?
Where lies your faith?
Why was your past?
Who do you oppress?
Why do you care?
What is your bondage?
What do you use?
How high are your walls?
Where is your reason?
Where is your enemy?
How much can you take?
What is your wisdom?
What breeds your hate?
For whom do you suffer?
What is your scapegoat?
What do you argue?
Why is your fear?
What is your cause?
What is your answer?
How long have you got?
What is the time?
It's time for change