New Jersey quartet Meteor Police recently dropped their new LP, Death Is So Permanent, via Mint 400 Records, bringing a new record into the hardcore scene of New Jersey. Made up of bassist Bill Pompeo, guitarist Dustin Schoonmaker, drummer Justin Wright, and vocalist Shawn Clancy, Meteor Police was formed in 2021 and has been contributing to the hard rock scene of New Jersey since their early days.

As the band jokes about their sound being “post something,” Meteor Police’s influences come through on the new record as a demonstration of their artistry and who they are inspired by. On Spotify, the band provides a playlist of inspirations for this LP, noting MC5 and XTC as acts that fuel their versatile sound. As they balance their “post-punk and 90s post-hardcore” influences, they all come together to make the unique sound that represents their artistry, overall.

Coming from Brick, New Jersey, the band notes the hardcore scene of Ocean County being very formative in their artistry and sound. The scene they found themselves immersed in was unique to their region, with shows going on in VFW halls, fire stations, and basements, all which promote the punk and hardcore scenes that are key to Meteor Police’s identity.

Along with the album being released, the band also dropped the music video for the LP’s closing track, “Unwanted In July.” What started out as a 24-hour songwriting contest entry back in 2024, Meteor Police wrote this track around the one word prompt. In taking into account their punk influences, the band wrote this song with the intention to bring the nostalgic feeling of being a suburban punk kid on summer holiday to the listener. As vocalist Shawn Clancy sings, “You’ve got to suffer to be punk rock,” the band brings in feelings of a troubled childhood to this track. 

The tracks of the album vary, as the band wanted to make a record of shorter songs that did not get more simple with their shorter duration. The earlier releases leaned towards a surf rock type of sound, as they had pop hooks, and more layered arrangements. As the band solidified their sound and artistry even more, they were able to be vulnerable within their album process, while still staying true to themselves. 

As the album was written through a stretch of lineup changes, Rudy Meier at

Yung Bull Recording in Brick, New Jersey recorded the LP, with Pat Noon at Eight Sixteen Recording mastering the record.

Death Is So Permanent by Meteor Police is now available to stream on all platforms, via Mint 400 Records.