Madball and Agnostic Front are intricately linked in more ways than one. Both are kings of the hardcore scene; legends that have helped define the New York sound, as well as put to words the struggles of the street. They also share family members. Freddy Cricien, Madball's vocalist, just so happens to be the younger brother of Roger Miret, Agnostic Front's singer. For these bands, hardcore is a family affair and the bond is thicker than blood.

If you're a fan of hardcore, chances are you already know these bands. If not, I suggest checking out the videos below, or watch some live footage. Every time Madball plays "Set it Off" or Agnostic Front plays "Crucified," the place goes absolutely bonkers. Fans of these bands maintain their fierce loyalty and some of their shows have become absolutely legendary for their pure intensity.

Buffalo's in for a treat tonight as BOTH bands will be hitting Waiting Room, along with Troy, New York's Brick by Brick and locals, Source of Relapse and Wreckage ($15, 5pm). DJ sets will be played by Culture Clash Sound System in between sets. Get there early, stay late.... and SET IT OFF!

In a day and age where hardcore has been co-opted, remixed, and revised for mass consumer consumption, it's refreshing for us true fans to witness the real deal. Sheer Terror is the real deal. Since the mid-eighties, the NYC-based band has been changing the game with their unique blend of hardcore, punk and hardcore-influenced metal, fronted by the enigmatic Paul Bearer. After breaking up in 1998, the band reunited in 2004 briefly then got back together in 2010. Tonight, Buffalonians are privileged to witness the madness that has made Sheer Terror a staple of the scene for nearly three decades as they storm Mohawk Place for what is sure to be one of the hardcore contenders of the year (6pm, $15). The same people who brought Agnostic Front, Cro-Mags and Skarhead are bringing this show (Props to Black and Blue Productions for all the memories in recent years!) Joining the bill is Wisdom in Chains, my personal favorite hardcore band of the last decade, who have released some of the most inspiring hardcore releases in recent memory, with Everything You Know and the recently released Missing Links. Also playing is Troy, NY's Brick by Brick, and Buffalo's own Old Ghosts and One Way Terror. Sure to be a heavy hitter, lace up those boots, grab a beer and prepare. It's dance hard or die on a Saturday night.