As Friends Rust

The Profile

As Friends Rust is an American melodic hardcore band from Gainesville, Florida, formed in 1996, known for fusing hardcore punk energy with melodic hooks. After disbanding in 2002 (briefly continuing as Salem), they reunited in 2008 and released the full-length Any Joy in 2023.

Celebrated for intense live shows (e.g., a sold-out 2002 Wild at Heart gig in Berlin); discography includes Won (2001), the EP Up From The Muck (2020), and the album Any Joy (2023).

A breathless account of As Friends Rust’s sold-out 2002 show at Wild at Heart in Berlin: 50 minutes of chaos, ten tight tracks, and nonstop crowd energy. The band’s instrumentals shine while the new singer fares less well against the vocal shifts heard on Won. Heat, sweat, moshing, and stage-diving define the night—ending with the maxim: blurred photo, concert to remember.