Incendiary Device (I.D.) was born from the ever-burgeoning hardcore and punk scene in New York City. Founded by NYHC journeyman, documentarian, and filmmaker Drew Stone (vocals), and Tristan D’Graves (bass), Incendiary Device’s music is steeped in early hardcore and classic punk while inescapably maintaining the edge and grit of their New York roots.
MetalgodZradiO:
We’re not all cut from the same cloth, that’s for sure. So, where are you right now—Sacramento?
Drew Stone:
Yeah, man. I’ve been to Sac Town.
MetalgodZradiO:
You know Mikey Hood?
Drew Stone:
Sounds familiar. I think I might.
MetalgodZradiO:
He’s just a local hardcore guy that’s been around for a while. So, you’ve spent a lot of time on the road with bands?
Drew Stone:
Oh yeah, you could definitely say that.
MetalgodZradiO:
Today we’ve got legendary director and hardcore frontman Drew Stone on the line. How are you doing this morning?
Drew Stone:
Good, bro. Thanks for having me—and shout out to everybody in Sacramento.
Speed, Survival, and Sobriety
MetalgodZradiO:
What’s the fastest you’ve ever gone on a motorcycle or in a car? And what was your closest brush with death?
Drew Stone:
Fastest? Probably 120 mph—on the back of someone’s motorcycle on the Massachusetts Turnpike. It was intense. At that speed, if you even lift your head up slightly, the air gets under your helmet and it’s terrifying. Closest brush with death? Probably when I OD’d... once or twice.
MetalgodZradiO:
One of my friends OD’d in an alley in San Francisco—we pulled his pants down and put ice on his balls. Did something like that happen to you?
Drew Stone:
Funny you bring that up. I had a girlfriend who OD’d once. We pulled her pants down, and I ran to the freezer—but there was no ice. I grabbed a frozen container of orange juice and pressed it against her butt. It actually helped wake her up. As for me—I just remember waking up afterward. I’m not making light of it, but it was a real chapter of my life.
MetalgodZradiO:
Sobriety and recovery seem just as popular these days as drug use. Would you agree?
Drew Stone:
For me, it just stopped working. I was getting into trouble, and my life was spiraling. I wasn’t even enjoying drinking or using drugs anymore. I’ve been clean and sober for 15 years now. I wouldn’t be on the phone with you today if I hadn’t made that change. Life became vibrant and exciting again.
MetalgodZradiO:
That’s a beautiful thing.
Drew Stone:
Yeah—and look, I don’t judge anyone. But for me, it was killing me. By the way—can I curse?
MetalgodZradiO:
Too late—you already did.
Hardcore: Then and Now
MetalgodZradiO:
What does “hardcore” mean to you today?
Drew Stone:
In 2024, hardcore is more about community and culture. It used to be a small, insular, us-against-them scene. Now it’s global. I do a streaming show called The New York Hardcore Chronicles Live—over 300 episodes. It’s a worldwide community. Hardcore’s become part of everything—fashion, media. But for me, it still comes down to DIY ethics and attitude, stuff I picked up in Boston in the early ‘80s.
From Antidote to Incendiary Device
MetalgodZradiO:
You’re known for singing in Antidote. Is Incendiary Device a continuation of that?
Drew Stone:
Absolutely. A few of the same guys came with me. We rebranded after some ugly stuff with former members. I wish we’d done it sooner. Incendiary Device is the most enjoyable band I’ve ever been in.
MetalgodZradiO:
How’d you land on the name?
Drew Stone:
We had a song called “Incendiary Device” when we were still in Antidote. Once we broke off, it made sense to roll with that. It’s a great name—bold, visual, and, let’s face it, most of the good names are already taken.
Recording, Production & Visuals
MetalgodZradiO:
Who produced the record?
Drew Stone:
We recorded it in Brooklyn. Our longtime friend Neil “Zum” Osberg, who played in Antidote and created the SansAmp bass driver, helped with production. He brought in Dan Korneff to mix—he’s worked with My Chemical Romance, The Devil Wears Prada, and others. Initially, his mix felt a little too polished—like a Euro festival mix. But once we explained our vibe, he nailed it.
MetalgodZradiO:
And the album art?
Drew Stone:
Photo was taken in Flushing Meadows Park near the old World’s Fair site—same spot as that famous Beastie Boys pic. Steven Messina, a.k.a. the Hardcore Shutterbug, shot it. We went with a red filter—it really popped. Chris Wrenn at Bridge Nine Records handled the final design.
MetalgodZradiO:
How cool is it being part of the Bridge Nine family?
Drew Stone:
It’s great. Chris is a solid guy. They’ve put out so many amazing records. We're really grateful to be there.
Themes and Touring
MetalgodZradiO:
Is there a central theme to the new record?
Drew Stone:
Yeah. Much of it was conceived during the pandemic. Incendiary Device itself refers to how dangerous things like our phones and social media can be. Tracks like “Accelerate” deal with pandemic-era chaos—riots, division, paranoia. It’s a reflection of our post-apocalyptic, screen-addicted world.
MetalgodZradiO:
When will we see you on the West Coast again?
Drew Stone:
We just hit San Diego and San Pedro, but not Sac yet. These days it’s hard to get everyone together—jobs, families. So we’re doing short runs, weekends, 2–3 day gigs. It keeps morale up. This band? We love hanging out together, and that’s new for me.
The Past vs. The Present
MetalgodZradiO:
What do you miss most about 1980s New York—besides your youth?
Drew Stone:
Good question. Honestly, not much. I try to stay present. People romanticize the past, but New York in the ‘80s was dangerous. I still live in Manhattan—it’s my small town. Sure, I miss a few clubs and restaurants. The rent was cheaper. The subway’s just as sketchy now as it was then. Ever seen The Warriors? It really was like that. And we’re kinda going back to it.
MetalgodZradiO:
Gratitude is key.
Drew Stone:
Absolutely. I’m grateful. Life is good now.
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