"The Ionic Spell" has been an unexpected discovery for public and media. The passion which floats in every note, in every instrument, wasn't born so recently, because Standstill had already been playing for five years, with ups and downs, line-up changes, but a constant restlessness to find a personal way to understand hardcore music and, in general, extreme rock. That quest starts innocently in their first demo "Progress self-destruction", but reaches its first peak with "The Tide", where Standstill starts to be Standstill. In a rawer way, less effectist and sophisticated, their songs showed somehow a new path for spanish scene. More metal, more darkness. Less light, less optimism. Controlled rage in madness raptures, and an unconfortable beauty still to polish. Sincerity and love for music.
"The Tide" was released in 1998 by two labels: Heart in Hand (Madrid) and DIY Product (Barcelona). It was an important record for all those fans who nowadays get crazy when "Last bridge" sounds in their concerts. The record was sold out and out of press because of the labels split. That's why Bcore has rescued its seven songs and original artwork; because who has been shocked by "The Ionic Spell" should listen to "The tide" and understand the way things have changed since then, what means knowing a little deeper about one of the most interesting bands of the european hardcore scene today.

•First Standstill record reissued by Bcore.

•Recommended for fans of Iconoclast, 400 years, early emo, early emo/metal.

•Recorded by Xavi Navarro in Locate 0 studios in 1998