Top 10 Best Screamo Bands

Screamo is one of those genres that draws you in with its raw intensity and emotional depth. It's a style of music that took the hardcore punk scene and dialed up the emotion, blending the aggression of punk with the heartfelt vulnerability of emo. The result is a whirlwind of throat-shredding screams, fast-paced instrumentals, and lyrics that often tackle deeply personal or existential themes.

When it comes to the best screamo bands, everyone has their own opinion, and the list is always evolving. These bands have developed loyal fan bases by putting their hearts on the line in every performance, often blurring the lines between anger, sorrow, and joy all in the same song. They've played basement shows, packed venues, and everything in between, creating a community of fans who are just as passionate as they are.

1. Asking Alexandria

   

   Asking Alexandria are an English metalcore band from York, North Yorkshire, initially formed in 2008 by lead guitarist Ben Bruce along with former lead singer Danny Worsnop, bassist Joe Lancaster, keyboardist and synth player Ryan Binns, and current members drummer James Cassells and rhythm guitarist... read more

   I listen to other screamo bands and love different ones, but this band is by far the best band I have ever listened to! All their songs are good and get stuck in my head (in a good way). Truly the best screamo band out there, and they deserve the number 1 spot on any top screamo band list.

   I love the sound that this band is making. They totally rock this world! They are so amazing. Actually, they are my idols. Just keep it up! Stay cool.

   Everyone in the band is great, but Ben Bruce and Danny Worsnop have an amazing talent! Danny has the best screaming, growling, roaring, and clean vocals I've ever heard. Ben is also a beast on the guitar, performing amazing solos and crafting melodies that fit each song perfectly.

2. Bring Me the Horizon

   

   Bring Me the Horizon is a British rock band from Sheffield, Yorkshire. Formed in 2004, the group currently consists of vocalist Oliver Sykes, guitarist Lee Malia, bassist Matt Kean, drummer Matt Nicholls, and keyboardist Jordan Fish. They are signed to RCA Records globally and Columbia Records in the... read more

   I think Bring Me the Horizon has to be number one on this list for a few reasons. First, I've been a fan since they released their first full album, "Count Your Blessings." I did not know about them until that album, but I did listen to the EP they released, "This is What The Edge of Your Seat Was Made For," and they left a very good first impression on me. Keep in mind they sounded nothing like they do in Sempiternal, with no clean vocals, and I loved it.

   Then they progressed to making Suicide Season. I suppose this album was what grew their fan base, followed by "There is a Hell" album and Sempiternal. When you compare the first album with the last, there is a dramatic difference. It just shows how much they have matured and found a style they want to take on and stick with.

   What makes it stand out more is that the band has the right amount of confidence to pull off a whole new image and sound, not shy away from it or try to take it back like some other artists and bands out there. It was a bold move that worked out in their favor. In my opinion, Bring Me the Horizon is number one material.

3. Pierce the Veil

   

   Pierce the Veil is an American post-hardcore band from San Diego, California. The group was founded in 2006 by brothers Vic and Mike Fuentes following the breakup of their previous band, Before Today, which emerged from the San Diego punk scene. In 2007, they were joined by Jaime Preciado and Tony Perry... read more

   This is one of the only bands I listen to. In fact, I'm listening to their "Props & Mayhem" as I'm typing this. Vic's voice is amazing, and no, I don't like this band just because of how sexy the members are. Hell, I'm a lesbian. Pierce the Veil is the band that got me into the screamo/post-hardcore genre.

   Before I heard their songs, I didn't even like the screaming. Now, I dislike some songs because they don't have screaming. This band is also amazing to see live. Vic has an amazing voice live, and the whole band is very fan-friendly, always getting their audience involved. Overall, this is the best band I've ever heard of, pun intended.

   My absolute favourite band. Yeah, Vic can scream, that's the point of this list, but he has such a great mixed voice. I really love his post-hardcore vocals on Selfish Machines. He's a very close second to my favourite singer, Kellin Quinn (surprise, surprise).

   PTV's songwriting, though, is easily my favourite. It's emotional, but unique and sophisticated. And their overall sound is amazing. Tony can shred. It's heavy enough that I can really get into it, but not too heavy. Also, I met them and they're really cool and sweet. I just love everything about them.

4. Bullet for My Valentine

   

   Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh metalcore band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band consists of Matthew Tuck (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar, backing vocals), Michael Thomas (drums), and Jamie Mathias (bass guitar). Former members include Nick Crandle and Jason James,... read more

   Best band ever! The first time I listened to their music, I fell in love with it and wanted more. The way they mix screaming with regular vocals is amazing and better than anyone else I have heard. The song "Deliver us From Evil" is one of my favorites and should be checked out. Also, how is the band Atreyu not on this list? They sound somewhat similar to Bullet For My Valentine but are just as good.

   Bullet for My Valentine is my all-time favorite band. Matt Tuck has a great singing voice, but his screams are very unique, neither really high nor low, which no other band I know of uses. He doesn't have much range, but his unique vocals, the lyrics to the songs, and great guitar playing overshadow it.

5. Black Veil Brides

   

   Black Veil Brides is an American rock band that formed in 2006 in Ohio. The current lineup features Andy Biersack on vocals, Jinxx and Jake Pitts on guitars, Christian Coma on drums, and Lonny Eagleton on bass, who replaced Ashley Purdy in 2019.... read more

   I'm such a big fan! I love many bands, but I just love this one the most. Nowadays, most pop songs just talk about twerking, getting girls, and cars. But just read some of the lyrics from Black Veil Brides songs:

   Knives and Pens

   With Knives and Pens we made our plight,

   And I can't go on without your love, you lost, you never held on.

   We tried our best to turn out the light. Turn out the light.

   For example, consider this pop song:

   My anaconda don't, my anaconda don't, my anaconda don't want none unless you got buns, hun.

   Like, what?! That song has no meaning to it, and it's inappropriate.

   See what I mean?

   They are one of the most amazing bands ever. They're very inspirational, and they all have good personalities. They're very talented and also very popular. Lots of people love this band, and most say that they're their saviors.

   They're really amazing people. Most of them are in happy relationships, and they seem very happy.

   Their music is not only inspirational, but it's creative and fun to listen to. I love to listen to it when I'm sad, happy, mad, or just wanting alone time. I love Black Veil Brides.

6. Of Mice & Men

   

   Of Mice & Men is an American metalcore band from Orange County, California. The band's lineup currently includes lead vocalist and bassist Aaron Pauley, guitarists Phil Manansala and Alan Ashby, and drummer Valentino Arteaga. They are known for albums such as The Flood (2011) and Earthandsky (2019).

   Sleeping with Sirens? Really? That's funny. Sleeping with Sirens isn't screamo at all. The lead singer sounds like a toddler on steroids and he doesn't even scream, he just sort of shouts. The only band Sleeping with Sirens can be compared to is One Direction. Of Mice and Men are a way better band than Sleeping with Sirens will ever be.

   My favorite metal band by far. They just want to rock, and their lyrics have so much meaning. I love rocking to them alone in my basement or with my other metal friends. Nobody screams quite like Austin. Personally, I think Of Mice & Men should be in the top three, along with Asking Alexandria and Bring Me the Horizon.

7. A Day to Remember

   

   A Day to Remember is an American rock band from Ocala, Florida, formed in 2003 by guitarist Tom Denney and drummer Bobby Scruggs. The group is known for blending elements of metalcore and pop punk.

   The current lineup includes vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, rhythm guitarist Neil Westfall, bassist Joshua... read more

   The best of the genre. They truly kick you in the face with their powerful songs! That's what sets them apart from all the other bands. When I listen to them, I find their sound unique, while all the others sound the same. Just give a try to 2nd Sucks and Downfall of Us All! You won't regret it, I promise!

   I love ADTR. They took a totally different approach to their new album, Common Courtesy, and it paid off. They sound completely different. That might sound like a bad thing, but it's really a good thing. They have had some great songs like Mr. Highway's Thinking About the End and Show 'Em The Ropes, and that made them great, but now they are the best.

8. Sleeping with Sirens

   

   Sleeping with Sirens is an American rock band from Orlando, Florida, currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The current lineup includes Kellin Quinn (lead vocals, keyboards), Justin Hills (bass guitar, backing vocals), Nick Martin (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), and Matty Best (drums, percussion).... read more

   This is what got me into the "Screamo" genre. I cannot believe that Sleeping With Sirens isn't in the top ten list of bands. My favorite song by SWS is... oh, oops, all of them! They should be at least #8 on the list. This band is one of the only reasons I don't cry when life gets tough. Kellin has the voice of an angel! I love him and the whole band!

   This band is the band that got me into this type of music. Kellin is literally a god. He has such a beautiful voice. They should definitely be higher than this. At least in the top 5! Their music is so perfect it is indescribable.

9. Falling in Reverse

   

   Falling in Reverse is an American post-hardcore band that formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2008. The band is currently signed to Epitaph Records and includes Ronnie Radke, Max Georgiev, Christian Thompson, and Wes Horton III. Former members include Derek Jones, who passed away in 2020, as well as Ryan... read more

   Anyone who listens to Ronnie's music knows that genres are always easy to blend into each other. Songs like Rolling Stone, Champion, and Alone are examples of the vocal and lyrical talent Ronnie was hiding while in Escape the Fate. Ronnie's screams have been so much better since he was kicked out of ETF. The anger he had towards ETF at the beginning of FiR's rise is another example of just how much talent he had but didn't get to use. Ronnie screams, sings, and raps. That's more than most vocalists in the genre. They are definitely the band that brings the Rap Rock style to Hardcore/Metalcore music.

   Ronnie Radke, Ryan Seaman, and Jacky Vincent all made this band amazing. I'm a guy, and I love the drums (I play drums, and they are great to learn and play to), and the guitars are always great. Ronnie has a way with hooks, and his lyrics are as close as you get to the real thing.

   The second album was bad but wasn't awful. Their newest album is pure genius. Mixing punk, metal, and pop into one is for sure worth a listen.

10. Blessthefall

    

    Blessthefall is an American metalcore band that originated in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2004. Their music combines post-hardcore elements with both clean and screamed vocals. The band is known for emotionally intense lyrics and intricate musical arrangements.... read more

    Take one good listen to Exodus by Blessthefall. It should definitely take this band to a whole new level.

    If you want good Screamo, take a listen to Exodus. Best band ever!

    I have been a fan of this band ever since His Last Walk when Craig Mabbitt was with them.

    Seriously underrated! Will always be my favorite band.

    I've seen them live, and honestly, they put on the best show I've seen so far.

    Loads of talent in this band, yet no one listens to them.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Ghost Town

    Ghost Town is so great! It was the first band I ever liked. They deserve so much more credit.

12. ?

    PVRIS

    

    Pvris is an American rock band from Lowell, Massachusetts, formed in 2012 by members Lynn Gunn, Alex Babinski, and Brian MacDonald. Their music combines rock with electronic and pop elements. The band released their debut EP, Acoustics, in 2013, followed by their first full-length album White Noise in... read more

    Amazing! The lead singer is beautiful, and the music is just so incredible. I can't explain it. Love it!

    They are really good. The lead singer has an amazing voice.

The Contenders

13. The Devil Wears Prada

    

    The Devil Wears Prada is an American metalcore band from Dayton, Ohio, formed in 2005. The band's lineup includes Mike Hranica on vocals, Jeremy DePoyster on rhythm guitar and vocals, Andy Trick on bass, and Daniel Williams on drums. Known for blending aggressive music with melodic elements, they have... read more

    Best metalcore band ever! Jeremy has such melodic clean vocals, and Mike... Mike is the best screaming vocalist that has ever existed. The Devil Wears Prada makes me feel like I am walking in the skies. When I am down and hear Mike's vocals, it suddenly feels like the whole world has paused and nothing else exists at that moment. Before anyone compares The Devil Wears Prada to any other band, just listen to Danger Wildman, Gimme Half, and I Hate Buffering. There is The Devil Wears Prada and then there are other bands. Undisputed no. 1.

    They have been my number one favorite band for over three years now. I do always find new bands to obsess over, but in the end, I always find myself going back to The Devil Wears Prada! I love their music! Stay screaming, guys!

14. Motionless in White

    

    Motionless in White, commonly abbreviated as MIW, is a heavy metal band from Scranton, Pennsylvania. The band was formed in 2004 and is known for blending elements of metalcore, gothic metal, and industrial metal in their music. The current members include lead vocalist Chris Motionless Cerulli, guitarist... read more

    Motionless in White is absolutely amazing. Their lyrics actually mean something, unlike quite a few bands these days. They take the issues in our society and in today's world that people would preferably just ignore, and "shove them in people's faces," as Chris would say. I truly think this is genius. If we just ignore all the bad things going on, how do we expect them to stop? They will just continue to go on.

    Not only are their lyrics great and meaningful, but so are their vocals, bass, drums, and guitar. Their sound in general is impressive. If you are looking for a badass Deathmetal/"Screamo" band to listen to, who are not a waste of time and put in the time and effort to write great things and who really care, I'd say Motionless in White is the band for you.

15. August Burns Red

    

    August Burns Red is an American metalcore band from Manheim, Pennsylvania. The group was formed in 2003 while most of its members were still in high school.

    They began performing in the Lancaster area and were first signed to CI Records. They later joined Solid State Records and most recently... read more

    Gotta love these guys. They are so technical and never fail to impress with their depth of songwriting. They do not deserve to be this low on the list. Buy their Christmas album too. It's going to rock.

    August Burns Red is one amazing band. I started listening to them about a year ago, and I loved them. They're a good Christian band and they know how to throw it down when it comes to their music.

    This is my favorite band in the whole world. They should definitely not be number 14. These guys are the absolute best, and their music, as well as the people who perform it, is beautiful.

16. Alesana

    Great story, great lyrics, great sound. This band is simply amazing. Listening to their music is like a spiritual experience for me. Their lyrics are based on classic literature, and if you do much reading, you can really appreciate the beauty in Alesana. As far as the band members themselves go, all I can say is, great guys!

    I love this band. Every song and album is a different story, yet all are mixed together at the same time. Their music is top quality and should be in the top five. I also love the string and piano sounds Shawn adds to the soundtracks, and the combination of harmony is simply perfect.

17. Escape the Fate

    

    Escape the Fate is an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, originally formed in Pahrump in 2005. The band gained early recognition with their debut EP and first full-length album. They are currently signed to Better Noise Music, formerly known as Eleven Seven Music.

    They're the best because their beat is awesome, they have attractive band members, their screamo is easy to understand, and they differ from other bands that focus solely on screamo. This band actually includes clear lyrics. They're just the best. I love you, Ronnie and Craig!

    Whenever I have a bad day, or even want to listen to a good metal song, I pick this band.

    Escape The Fate is absolutely incredible. That's all I must say.

18. We Came as Romans

    

    We Came as Romans (abbreviated as WCAR) is an American metalcore band from Troy, Michigan, formed in 2005. The band has undergone one name change and multiple lineup changes. Initially signed to Equal Vision Records in 2009, they later moved to SharpTone Records in 2016.... read more

    These guys have a unique sound, which is something I value in any screamo band. It's a must for me. I also know this is not an easy accomplishment, adding to the fact they sound really good doing it. I have downloaded one album already and plan to download more. Keep up the good fight, guys!

    I love this band. It's my favorite. I wouldn't change it for any other because no other band can compare to the talent We Came As Romans have. Their songs have helped me get through a lot of difficult times. I just love them!

19. I See Stars

    

    I See Stars is an American rock band formed in 2006 in Warren, Michigan. The current lineup includes vocalist Devin Oliver, guitarist Brent Allen, keyboardist and vocalist Andrew Oliver, and bassist Jeff Valentine. The band is known for blending electronic and post-hardcore music styles.

    Seriously, listen to Zach Johnson's screams. They feel and sound so powerful and full of raw emotion. I See Stars is for sure in my top 5 favorite bands of all time. When I saw them, they had an absolutely amazing live show, and they were just so enjoyable. The electronics add so much fun, but it's also hardcore enough to have a pretty great mosh pit. All around, a great band.

    Great overall band, not for everybody, but they have a great style for anyone who likes dubstep type music or synthcore. Amazing vocals and great screams. This band also offers some variety, which you don't often see in a lot of bands. I'd put I See Stars in the top 5!

20. Memphis May Fire

    

    Memphis May Fire is an American metalcore band formed in Denton, Texas, and currently signed to Rise Records. The band was formed in 2006 and is known for their energetic performances and emotionally driven lyrics. Their discography includes albums such as The Hollow, Challenger, and Remade in Misery... read more

    Memphis May Fire is my favorite screamo/emo band. Matty makes ordinary life problems into stories that have never been told. I think this band is amazing.

    Best band ever! They get me through so much, and I wish them the best! If you haven't listened to them before, you definitely should!

    Matty is literally the best singer and screamer ever. He stands by his beliefs and will fight the world for them.

21. Silverstein

    

    Silverstein (/ˈsɪl.vər.stiːn/) is a Canadian post-hardcore band from Burlington, Ontario, formed in 2000. The band took its name from the children's author Shel Silverstein, whose work they admired growing up. Their discography includes eleven studio albums, six EPs, three compilation and live releases... read more

    Way too low! Most of the bands rated above them have two or three tracks per album that are respectable. You can and should listen to Silverstein straight through. Every song has raw emotion, harmonic vocals, melodic riffs, solos, and above all, the sickest and cleanest screaming voice in the music industry.

    A band that has been around for decades and has consistent albums to solidify their greatness. In terms of screamo, they helped define it, especially having one lead singer, unlike most bands, for clean and unclean vocals. Silverstein also has helped many with depression. Top 5 in any category!

22. Alexisonfire

    

    Alexisonfire is a five-piece Canadian post-hardcore band that formed in St. Catharines, Ontario in 2001. The band consists of George Pettit, Dallas Green, Wade MacNeil, Chris Steele, and Jordan Hastings. They are known for their energetic performances and blending of melodic and aggressive musical styles... read more

    This group was out before any of these groups in the top ten. They set the standard with very little influence before them. They had no one to try and be better than. Sixth isn't bad, but I feel they were better than some of these other bands, especially since they never completely went mainstream.

    All the bands are mediocre compared to Alexisonfire. They were the first screamo/post-hardcore band to break into popular music, and although they're broken up, they remain one of my most favored bands ever!

23. A Skylit Drive

    The distinct voice of Jag is really amazing. I love their songs, and they make my head bang! An all-time favorite post-hardcore band.

    A Skylit Drive is perfect. Jag's sweet voice is intense with Brian White's screaming! ASD improves with EVERY album they make. Identity on Fire is amazing!

    I really love this band. The distinct voice is awesome!

24. Issues

    The vocalist has an amazing voice! It's better than the voice of Justin Bieber!

    Just take a moment and listen to the lyrics.

25. Miss May I

    

    Miss May I is an American metalcore band that originated in Troy, Ohio. The band was formed in 2007 and signed to Rise Records in 2008. They released their debut album, Apologies Are for the Weak, through the label while the members were still in high school.

    Their new album is much more musically complex than any of their other albums, especially the song Ballad of a Broken Man. You should check that song out. They belong in the number one spot.

    You've got to be kidding me. How is MISS MAY I not in the top 10? This and Blessthefall should be way up top.

26. Killswitch Engage

    

    Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts. The band was formed in 1999 after the breakup of Overcast and Aftershock. They are considered one of the pioneering bands of the metalcore genre.

    These guys rock. The songs are well put together, and Howard Jones's screams are fantastic. The songs stay heavy, too. They don't start out heavy, then get all One Direction, then heavy again. Unfortunately, most screamo songs nowadays have a girly section somewhere that takes away from how awesomely heavy the rest of the song is. KSE doesn't do girly. Even when Howard is singing, it's methodical and deep. No frills here.

    Howard Jones can scream hella good. Better than Bullet for My Valentine! Something other bands don't have is that he can sing!

27. Oh, Sleeper

    Shane's singing is so good and complements Micah's screaming beautifully. Love these guys!

    This band is pure awesome! Just listen to their song Hush Yael! Best screamo band ever, and they're Christian!

    Best screamo band! But it's been forever since they released an album.