Discharge was born in 1977 in Stoke-on-Trent, their music a mirror of the bleak industrial decay of the area. Emerging during the initial burst of punk energy that swept Britain, Cal Morris (vocals), Tony “Bones” Roberts (guitar), Roy “Rainy” Wainwright, and Terry “Tezz” Roberts (drums) came from a much grittier environment than art-school bands like The Clash, and though their earlier days were more conventional, it didn’t take long for them to carve out their own identity. The Realities of War EP in 1980 quickly gained momentum for its speed and raw aggression, and they would go on to release a string of landmark records that would go on to define the hardcore punk movement. Their 1981 release Why? pushed the boundaries further, anchored by the relentless D-beat rhythm, pairing blistering speed with lyrics that confronted nuclear war and political corruption head-on. Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing followed, and became the definitive hardcore punk record, breaking into the UK national Top 40.

Having already left an indelible mark on music history, Discharge entered a new chapter in 2014 with the arrival of Jeff Janiak, as their new frontman. Stepping into the role once held by the legendary Cal Morris was no small feat, but Jeff has brought a ferocity and charisma that has well and truly revitalized the band. Rather than simply rehashing their legacy, they continue to actively build on it with the same unrelenting force that made them so legendary in the early 1980s.

Jeff’s ability to channel the raw and feral intensity of Discharge’s early years has injected their stage show with a renewed sense of urgency, and long-time fans have praised him for respecting the legacy of Cal Morris whilst still making the role his own. In 2016, Discharge released End of Days, their first full-length album with Jeff on vocals. The record was heralded as a triumph, blending the ferocity of their early work with sharp, modern production. Songs like New World Order and Hatebomb capture the same intensity that made Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing a landmark, enabling them to bridge the gap between their early followers and a new generation of fans. Whether they’re playing basement venues like 100 Club or massive festivals like Hellfest, their live performances consistently deliver the same uncompromising fury that first made them so infamous.

Far from simply surviving on nostalgia, Discharge remains as vital and relevant as ever. Their music doesn’t feel like a relic, but much more like a warning that was never heeded, the ongoing genocide in Palestine a tragic reminder of the exact horrors they’ve been railing against for decades. Their unflinching anger was never performative or over-the-top, but a necessary response to the realities of our world; a refusal to be silent in the face of bombs and war.

We spoke to Jeff “JJ” Janiak, about stepping into such big shoes, Discharge’s place in punk and metal history, and the political fury that drives their music:

What did Discharge mean to you before you joined?

Anti-war, Protest, Freedom... It’s a sign of the times. It’s a band with something to say, some people live by those words and messages while others just love it for the sound itself.

Did you feel tremendous pressure stepping into such an iconic role?

I kind of had mixed emotions. Part of me was like “fuck it, they’ll either love it or they won’t”. The other part of me felt pressure to take on an important role as front man for a legendary band and do the best possible job with it that I could to put Discharge back where they belonged. I felt like they were swept under the carpet for years and I wanted to pull it out and dust it off and put a bit of enthusiasm back into it amongst the band themselves.

Many bands from the same era feel like nostalgia acts but a Discharge show feels vital and relevant. Why do you think that is?

Because everything that the band has been about is still relevant. The message remains and there’s always gonna be that threat of being wiped off the face of the earth by the psychopaths that are running this place. The world can be a dark place and I think Discharge is a glimmer of hope for alot of people. We’re like the flowers growing out of the cracks in the pavement.

How do you and the others keep up such a level of intensity at every show?

Once that music kicks in it just takes you over and you go with it and pay for it later!

Sherwood is a free speech zone - here’s your chance to rant. Please give us your perspective on everything that’s fucked and makes you angry...

There’s a lot to say here but I’ll just keep in short and simple. We’re living in a scary world at the moment in a corrupt political climate. It’s not even about politics anymore, it’s about morals. It doesn’t take a genius to know right from wrong. We’re all in this world together and I think people need to learn how to accept that not everyone is like themselves.

Can you name some other long-serving bands that you believe still carry the same political conviction and ferocity that Discharge do? And younger ones come to think of it...

Yes but too many to mention and I don’t want to leave anyone out.

Sherwood is all about promoting the venues that make this all possible. What are some of your favourite spots to play in the UK?

We love the 100 Club, Temple of Boom in Leeds, The Underground in Stoke, New Cross Inn, Castle & Falcon in Birmingham.....to name a few.

Is there new material in the works?

We’ve got a lot of stuff in our bag but it all needs piecing together, but it’s difficult finding the time to get in the creative zone when you’re constantly on the road and travelling.

What is the ultimate goal of Discharge?

Well we certainly don’t have any set agenda written out or any plans for world dominion any time soon. Peace should always be the ultimate goal.