: Formed in early 1984, Death Sentence was a central figure in Vancouver’s "second-wave" hardcore movement. They gained early notoriety after a near-riot at the 1984 Shindig battle of the bands.
"Air That We Breathe" is a foundational track by the Vancouver-based hardcore punk band , originally released in 1985 on their debut 7" EP, Ryan - Thanks For The Support . The song exemplifies the band's aggressive "crossover" sound, which blended the speed of American hardcore with the grit of British street punk and early thrash metal. Historical and Cultural Context
: A recent turquoise vinyl compilation of their complete studio demos from 1984 and 1988. Doug Donut- The Original Punk Legend - Citrus Magazine
: A vinyl reissue compiling their early studio sessions.
: The EP was self-released on the band's own SBS Records (the initials standing for "Support Becomes Scarcity"). The matrix of the original vinyl included the etched manifestos "Power Through Freedom" and "No Support, No Change". Original Lineup : Pete "Puke" Keller (Cleaver) : Vocals (d. 1994). Gary James McGillivray : Guitar. Conn McGee : Bass. Scott Verity : Drums. Musical Characteristics
While the original 1985 EP is a rare collector's item (limited to 500 copies), "Air That We Breathe" has been preserved through various compilations:
: A comprehensive CD compilation featuring the 1985 EP tracks.
"Air That We Breathe" is characterized by its and confrontational delivery . Critics of the era, such as Tim Yohannan of Maximum Rocknroll , praised the band for being a "powerful power thrash outfit" that maintained strong punk hooks without relying solely on metal riffs. The song's raw production captured the band's "street-level" energy, which often centered on themes of anti-authority and the escapist drug/party culture of underground Vancouver. Legacy and Availability