There’s a particular electricity that runs through a subculture when one of its own returns from the brink. For the San Francisco Hardcore (SFHC) community, Clear Convictions’ resurgence has felt less like a reunion and more like a defibrillator shock—an abrupt, visceral reminder of what made this band so crucial to begin with. Their latest record, “Endure,” doesn’t just ride this wave—it creates it. And with the October 2025 vinyl release, meticulously remixed by Ryan Leitru (of For Today), the band’s legacy is poised to reach both diehards and newcomers in a form that’s as physical as it is spiritual.
The Long Road Home: Clear Convictions’ Journey
To understand why “Endure” matters, you have to know where Clear Convictions came from and what they represent. Born in the underground clubs and community spaces of San Francisco, the band earned its stripes during the late 2000s and early 2010s, a time when hardcore was mutating—splintering into subgenres, embracing metallic edges, and wrestling with what authenticity meant in a post-MySpace world.
The ethos was always the same: honesty, intensity, and a refusal to compromise. For Clear Convictions, this meant lyrics that cut close to the bone—addressing social alienation, faith, and the struggle to remain hopeful in darker times. Musically, they balanced raw aggression with moments of melodic clarity, making their sound appealing to both scene purists and those drawn in by more accessible hooks.
Over the years, the lineup shifted, as it often does in hardcore. Members came and went, but the core—anchored by vocalist Mark “Bones” Ramirez and guitarist Alex D.—remained unbowed. Their early records, especially “Warning” and “Mystery of Iniquity,” became scene staples, cited by both fans and critics as high points in West Coast hardcore (Aversionline).
But as the 2010s wore on, life pulled the band in different directions. Some members started families; others moved away or shifted focus to other creative projects. By 2017, Clear Convictions had all but disappeared from the live circuit. Their social feeds fell silent. Rumors swirled about a breakup, but nothing was ever official. For those who’d grown up screaming their lyrics in tiny, sweat-soaked venues, it felt like a chapter closing mid-sentence.
The Scene They Built—and Left Behind
San Francisco’s hardcore scene has always been a study in contrasts: political but personal, inclusive yet fiercely tribal. It’s a place where bands are expected to stand for something, whether that’s social justice, spiritual resilience, or just the right to exist loudly and unapologetically.
Clear Convictions embodied this ethic. Their shows were more than just concerts—they were gatherings, equal parts therapy session and rally. Fans remember the sense of togetherness, the cathartic release of energy, and the unspoken understanding that in that space, everyone’s struggle was valid.
When the band faded from view, their absence was keenly felt. Newer acts filled the vacuum, and the scene evolved—as it always does—but there was a lingering sense that something vital had been lost.
“Endure”: The Making of a Comeback
Against this backdrop, the announcement of “Endure” in 2024 hit like a thunderbolt. The band had quietly regrouped, writing and recording new material in a series of marathon sessions at a friend’s makeshift studio in Oakland. The intention was never to cash in on nostalgia. As Ramirez put it in a rare interview: “We didn’t come back because we missed the stage. We came back because we had something to say, and we weren’t done saying it.”
The songs that emerged were heavier, more urgent, and—ironically—more hopeful than anything the band had done before. Lyrically, “Endure” doesn’t shy away from pain or disillusionment, but it always points toward perseverance, toward the possibility of redemption. Tracks like “No Man is a Lost Cause” and “Ashes Remain” pulse with the conviction that even in the bleakest moments, there’s a flicker of something worth fighting for.
Musically, the record is a testament to the band’s growth. The guitar work is more intricate, the rhythms tighter, and the production—handled initially in-house—manages to capture both the chaos and the clarity that defines great hardcore.
Remixing the Past: Ryan Leitru’s Involvement
If the original release of “Endure” was a statement of intent, the 2025 remix is a declaration of mastery. Enter Ryan Leitru, best known for his work with metalcore giants For Today. Leitru’s approach was both respectful and transformative; he took the raw materials of the 2024 sessions and rebuilt them from the ground up, focusing on dynamic range, sonic punch, and emotional immediacy.
“Ryan understood what we were trying to do,” says Alex D. “He didn’t just make things louder—he made them clearer. He found the heart of every song and brought it to the surface.”
The result is a record that feels both familiar and fresh. Leitru’s remix teases out textures that were buried in the original mix—ghostly feedback, subtle harmonics, the grain of Ramirez’s voice as he pushes past his limits. The drums hit harder, the guitars shimmer and growl, and the bass lines—which always risked getting lost in the noise—now form the backbone of the entire record.
The Vinyl Revival: Why Physical Releases Matter
The decision to release “Endure” on 180g ultra transparent vinyl isn’t just a nod to collector culture—it’s a philosophical statement. In an era where music is often consumed passively, via streaming algorithms and background playlists, vinyl demands attention. It’s tactile, deliberate, and—crucially—finite. With only 250 copies pressed, this edition of “Endure” is as much an artifact as it is an album (Resuscitation.Store).
For the band, the vinyl release is a chance to give fans something lasting. “There’s something sacred about records,” says Ramirez. “You can hold them. You can see the grooves, smell the ink on the booklet. It’s a whole experience—one that you can’t get from a playlist.”
The 12-page lyric booklet included with the LP is more than just a bonus; it’s an invitation to engage with the songs on a deeper level. The band worked closely with designer Ana Torres to create visuals that echo the themes of endurance, struggle, and hope. The result is a package that feels both intimate and epic—a testament to the idea that music, at its best, is more than just sound.
The First Single: “No Man is a Lost Cause”
Released on streaming platforms September 12, 2025, “No Man is a Lost Cause” serves as both a reintroduction and a mission statement. The track opens with a lurching, off-kilter riff before exploding into a barrage of double-time drums and Ramirez’s unmistakable roar. The lyrics are equal parts lament and rallying cry: “We are broken, but we’re breathing / We are battered, but we’re not done yet.”
The song’s message, delivered with unflinching sincerity, resonates in a world still reeling from years of upheaval and uncertainty. It’s a reminder that endurance isn’t about blind optimism; it’s about holding on even when the odds are stacked against you.
Community Response: Fan Reactions and Scene Impact
The response from fans has been overwhelming. Social media lit up with posts from longtime followers, many of whom shared stories about how Clear Convictions’ music helped them through personal crises. One fan, writing on the band’s Facebook page, put it simply: “I survived 2020 because of your old records. Now I’m surviving 2025 because of this one.”
Music press outlets have also taken notice. JesusFreakHideout called the record “heavy, fast-paced, full-throttle metallic hardcore at its best” (JesusFreakHideout), while Indie Vision Music praised the band’s ability to “breathe new life into a genre that sometimes feels like it’s running on fumes” (Indie Vision Music).
But perhaps the most telling sign of the band’s renewed relevance is the generational bridge they’ve built. At recent shows, older fans have been seen side by side with teenagers—some wearing vintage Clear Convictions shirts, others discovering the band for the first time. For a scene that sometimes struggles with gatekeeping and nostalgia, this feels like a small but significant victory.
Vinyl as Ritual: The Collector’s Mindset
Why does vinyl matter so much to hardcore fans? The answer lies in the ritual. There’s a deliberate sequence to listening: remove the record from its sleeve, place it on the turntable, lower the needle, sit back and absorb. It’s an act of devotion, a way of honoring the music and the effort that went into making it.
For collectors, the limited nature of the “Endure” vinyl makes it a must-have. Each copy is hand-numbered, and rumors already abound of variants—splatter patterns, hidden etchings, maybe even secret bonus tracks. The 12-page lyric booklet is a treasure trove of insight, featuring handwritten notes, behind-the-scenes photos, and essays from band members about what endurance means to them.
But the appeal goes beyond scarcity. Vinyl represents continuity—a bridge between past and present, analog and digital, memory and moment. In a world where everything feels disposable, records endure.
Clear Convictions and the Modern Hardcore Landscape
It’s tempting to see “Endure” as a nostalgia play, but that would be missing the point. Clear Convictions aren’t just reliving their glory days—they’re pushing the genre forward, challenging themselves (and their listeners) to rethink what hardcore can be.
Thematically, the album grapples with issues that feel both timeless and urgent: alienation, resilience, the search for meaning in chaos. But it does so without falling into cynicism or despair. Instead, there’s a hard-won optimism at the heart of these songs—a sense that, no matter how battered we become, we can keep moving.
Musically, the band has evolved. Leitru’s remix brings out layers that were always present but sometimes lost in the original mix—nuanced harmonies, intricate drum patterns, moments of unexpected beauty. The result is a record that feels alive, responsive, and utterly contemporary.
Behind the Scenes: Making “Endure” in a Changed World
Recording “Endure” was no small feat. The band had to navigate logistical hurdles—members living in different cities, pandemic restrictions still lingering, limited budgets. But those challenges forced them to be creative.
Much of the writing was done remotely, with ideas passed back and forth via email and late-night Zoom sessions. When it came time to record, they decamped to a friend’s garage studio, retrofitting the space with borrowed gear and DIY soundproofing. The process was grueling but invigorating; for the first time in years, the band felt truly united.
“We had to relearn how to be a band,” says drummer Chris P. “But in a weird way, that made us better. We couldn’t take anything for granted. Every note, every lyric—it all had to matter.”
Leitru’s involvement came later, after the initial release. The band reached out to him on a whim, unsure if he’d even be interested. To their surprise, he responded within hours, eager to help. Over the course of several months, Leitru and the band traded mixes, notes, and ideas—building a record that honored the past while embracing the future.
Lyric Deep Dive: The Stories Behind the Songs
One of the hallmarks of Clear Convictions has always been their lyrical honesty. “Endure” is no exception. The lyrics read like journal entries—raw, confessional, and unflinchingly direct.
“Ashes Remain,” for example, deals with loss and the struggle to rebuild. Ramirez’s voice cracks as he sings, “All I built turned to ashes, but I’m learning to love the ruins.” It’s a line that resonates in a world where so many have had to start over, whether due to personal tragedy or collective upheaval.
“Ghosts in the Concrete” is a meditation on memory and belonging, inspired by Ramirez’s walks through his old neighborhood. The song weaves together images of boarded-up storefronts, fading graffiti, and the ghosts of friendships past. It’s equal parts elegy and anthem—a reminder that even in decay, there’s beauty to be found.
The title track, “Endure,” sums up the album’s ethos. Over a surging, anthemic riff, Ramirez intones: “We bend, we break, but we endure.” It’s a mantra, a mission statement, and a challenge to anyone feeling worn down by life.
The Band Speaks: Exclusive Interview Excerpts
Alternative Press caught up with the band in the weeks leading up to the vinyl release. The mood was equal parts reflective and excited.
AP: What does “endure” mean to you, especially now?
Ramirez: It’s about survival, but not just in the sense of getting by. It’s about holding onto who you are, even when everything around you changes. For us, coming back to this band was a way of reclaiming our identity.
Alex D.: We’ve all been through stuff—personally, professionally, whatever. But the music is what brought us back together. It’s the thing that’s always been there, no matter what.
Chris P.: Hardcore is about community. It’s about showing up for each other, even when it’s hard. That’s what we wanted to capture on this record.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Clear Convictions?
With “Endure” set to drop on vinyl and streaming in October, the band is already planning a series of shows—some in their hometown, others in cities that have long supported them. There’s talk of a documentary, a possible split release with another West Coast hardcore band, and even a book compiling lyrics, photos, and fan stories.
But for now, the focus is on the music. “We’re just grateful to be here,” says Ramirez. “To still have something to say, and people who want to listen.”
The Enduring Power of Hardcore
In the end, “Endure” is more than just a record. It’s a testament to the power of persistence, the strength of community, and the belief that, no matter how hard things get, we can keep moving.
Clear Convictions may have disappeared for a time, but their return is a reminder that some things are worth waiting for. Their music, forged in struggle and tempered by time, endures.