Raw Power are an Italian hardcore punk band from Poviglio, Emilia-Romagna, formed in 1981. Recognised as pioneers of European hardcore, the band became one of Italy's most influential punk exports through their blistering speed, politically charged lyrics, and relentless international touring, earning a devoted following across both Europe and North America.
Founded by brothers Mauro and Giuseppe Codeluppi, Raw Power quickly established themselves within the global hardcore scene during the early 1980s. Their uncompromising approach, high-energy performances, and decades of dedication have secured their place among the most respected bands in international hardcore punk.
Raw Power's sound combines the ferocity of early American hardcore with the raw aggression of the European punk scene. Fast tempos, shouted vocals, aggressive riffs, and socially conscious lyrics define their music, while later releases introduced heavier crossover and thrash metal influences without abandoning their hardcore roots.
The band's energetic live shows and DIY ethos have remained central to their identity, helping them maintain a loyal global fanbase for more than four decades.
You Are the Victim (1983) – groundbreaking debut album and one of the defining releases of European hardcore punk, delivering relentless speed, raw production, and uncompromising political energy.
Screams from the Gutter (1985) – landmark second album released through Toxic Shock Records, introducing the band to a wider international audience and becoming a cornerstone of 1980s hardcore punk.
After Your Brain (1986) – acclaimed third studio album further refining the band's crossover-influenced hardcore sound with tighter songwriting, relentless speed, and the politically charged intensity that had become their trademark.
Mine to Kill (1989) – fourth studio album showcasing a heavier crossover thrash direction while retaining the raw aggression and energy that defined the band's early releases.
Reptile House (1998) – celebrated later-period album demonstrating the band's continued evolution through tighter songwriting and a powerful blend of hardcore punk and crossover thrash.
Inferno (2017) – latest studio album proving that Raw Power remain every bit as energetic and uncompromising as ever, combining modern production with the intensity that has defined their career since the early 1980s.
Raw Power are widely regarded as one of the most important European hardcore bands of all time. Their influence helped establish Italy as a significant force within the international punk scene, while their relentless touring and uncompromising approach inspired generations of hardcore, crossover, and thrash musicians around the world.
Fans of Agnostic Front, D.R.I., and Negative Approach will likely appreciate Raw Power's relentless speed, raw intensity, and classic hardcore aggression.
All Raw Power releases we carry are official physical formats only, focusing on CD and vinyl editions sourced from authorised labels and distributors.
We also stock official Raw Power clothing, allowing fans to represent one of Europe's most influential hardcore punk bands through authentic merchandise.
Raw Power are one of the pioneers of European Hardcore, so if you fancy exploring more like-minded artists, have a look through our HARDCORE CATEGORY. You might also like to read our blog on the different subgenres of Punk.
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