Entry No. 86 — the Denver file — filed under: records
Chain Reaction Records
Run by brothers Josh and Justin Lent - longtime fixtures of Denver's hardcore scene via their band Clusterfux - this is Colorado's de facto punk, metal and hardcore headquarters, on a rough stretch of W Colfax in Lakewood among gun shops and bail bondsmen. Collectors swear it stocks pressings you won't find within a thousand miles, and the shop runs its own label putting out local punk acts. The hardcore kids all know it; almost no tourist guide does.
The story
You won't find Chain Reaction Records on standard Denver tourist itineraries, and that is entirely by design. In 2014, brothers Josh and Justin Lent—lifelong fixtures of Colorado's underground scene who play in the crossover thrash band Clusterfux—decided the metro area needed a dedicated brick-and-mortar sanctuary for heavy music. Instead of planting themselves among the high-rent corridors of South Broadway or Capitol Hill, they picked a low-slung, unpretentious strip on West Colfax in Lakewood, right alongside gun shops and bail bondsmen.
That move established Colorado's undisputed headquarters for punk, metal, grindcore, and hardcore. The shop doesn't just sell vinyl; it acts as an independent label releasing records for local acts, anchoring the region's subculture. Hardcore collectors and touring bands travel here specifically for the bins, which regularly yield rare original pressings, foreign imports, cassette tapes, band t-shirts, and zines you won't find anywhere else in the region. You didn't hear it from us, but if you want to experience the genuine strain of Denver's music scene away from commercialized venues, this strip-mall storefront is ground zero.
What it's like
Keep your eyes on the address numbers on the north side of West Colfax between Wadsworth and Kipling, because the storefront is easy to blow right past. Park for free in the lot out front—no parking meters required—and step inside to unhurried, heavily curated bins. Despite the aggressive music spinning on the speakers, the vibe is famously friendly and free of gatekeeping whether you're a seasoned crust-punk head or looking for a band shirt. Visit during daylight hours when the shop is open, take your time digging through the tape racks, and consider pairing your run with a trip two miles east to Casa Bonita or a stop at a nearby oddities shop.
The move: Best if one or both of you actually like loud music - dig the punk/metal bins together, grab a band shirt, and let one of you school the other on a scene you didn't know existed.
📍 Before you go It sits in an unassuming strip on the north side of W Colfax in Lakewood, between Wadsworth and Kipling — easy to blow past, so watch the address numbers rather than hunt for a flashy sign. There's a dedicated lot out front, so skip the meter math, and the W Line light rail runs this corridor if you'd rather not drive. Go in daylight: the surrounding blocks are gritty, and it keeps mostly daytime hours and is closed one day a week (check ahead). The bins reward unhurried digging, and there's more than vinyl — shirts, tapes, books. Pair it with Casa Bonita, the cliff-diving sopapilla spectacle a mile or two east on the same Colfax strip.
- 📍 Lakewood / West Colfax
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 8795 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215 (north side of W Colfax, between Wadsworth and Kipling)
Hours: Roughly Tue-Fri 11:30am-7pm, Sat 11:30am-7pm, Sun 12-5pm; closed Mon. Confirm before going.
Pair it with
- Rocky Mountain Punk Nature Art & Oddities — Continue your subculture run down Wadsworth at this strip-mall oddities shop stocked with handmade bone jewelry and pinned insect art.
- The Electric Cure — Head two miles over to Edgewater for a satanic-themed tiki bar serving craft rum cocktails in a gloriously unhinged atmosphere.
- Tower of Memories — Trade heavy thrash for a somber Gothic detour just 1.3 miles away at Crown Hill Cemetery's 158-foot mausoleum tower.
- Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys — For maximum genre contrast, drive a mile down the road to browse 20,000 antique miniatures and historical toys.
Good to know
What genres of music does Chain Reaction Records stock?
The shop specializes in punk, heavy metal, hardcore, grindcore, and thrash vinyl, along with cassette tapes, zines, books, and band shirts.
Who owns and runs the store?
The shop was founded and is operated by brothers Josh and Justin Lent, members of the long-running Denver crossover thrash band Clusterfux.
Where is the shop located and what are the parking options?
It sits at 8795 W Colfax Ave in Lakewood between Wadsworth and Kipling. There is a dedicated, free parking lot directly out front, and the RTD W Line light rail runs along the same corridor.
What are the store hours?
Hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The store is closed on Mondays.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · travelinghobbyist.com · Yelp · Westword · profaneexistence.com
last checked: 2026-06-07