Brotherhood

Brotherhood was a pivotal 1980s straight-edge hardcore band based in Seattle, Washington. Despite a relatively brief initial run, the band's historical importance is magnified by its lineup, which included Nate Mendel (later of Sunny Day Real Estate and Foo Fighters) and Greg Anderson (founder of Southern Lord Records and member of Sunn O))).

Their sound was characterized by the 'Seattle Hardcore' aesthetic: a blend of East Coast speed and a heavier, more metallic rhythmic sensibility that predated the region's grunge explosion. Critically, they are regarded as a foundational pillar of the Pacific Northwest punk scene, moving away from the more melodic 'skate punk' of California toward a grittier, more socially conscious, and aggressive stance. Their discography, primarily consisting of EPs and demos later collected in various retrospectives, remains a high-water mark for the straight-edge movement, influencing the development of both post-hardcore and the heavier 'tough guy' hardcore styles of the 1990s.