Regarding Counterblast - I remember when the first tape was released and it was a little bit of a shock. They were very much regarded as a continuation of the very-fast band G-anx, but now it was instead very-slow... They always mentioned Amebix as a big influence though, even if you maybe could not hear it in the psychedelic grindcore that was the anx/ducks trademark.
I also got a 7" and saw them play once or twice, never really knew they soldiered on for so long.
- By the way, punk/hc is generally doing really well at the moment, so many great current bands. To me much better then in "my time" (mid-90s).
I also saw Loose Nukes awhile ago, brilliant. And their other band Machine gun. Just two of many, many!