Top 10 Hardcore Punk Bands
This genre isn't just music; it's an entire subculture, a way of life for many. Hardcore punk erupted in the late '70s and early '80s as a raw, more aggressive offshoot of punk rock. Think of it as punk rock's angrier sibling, pushing boundaries and always looking for a good mosh pit. Bands like Black Flag, Minor Threat, and Dead Kennedys brought hardcore punk from underground scenes to broader audiences. The genre was a fast-paced, no-frills reaction against the commercialization of punk and rock music at the time. It was all about DIY ethics, political awareness, and, of course, that breakneck speed that could turn any basement show into a frenzy.But it didn't stop there. Over the decades, hardcore punk has evolved and splintered into various sub-genres. What's consistent, however, is the rebellious spirit and the drive to challenge societal norms. The lyrics often touch on politics, social issues, and personal introspection, creating a genre that's as thought-provoking as it is head-banging.
Black Flag was an American punk rock band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California. Initially called Panic, the band was established by Greg Ginn, the guitarist, primary songwriter, and sole continuous member through multiple personnel changes in the band. They are widely considered to be one of... read more Black Flag is considered the staple hardcore band, and for good reason. Their DIY ethics inspired a generation. Their back catalog is the most interesting and varied of all the hardcore bands. Their impact on punk and music in general can still be heard to this day. Artistically, they were very integral and deep. Honestly, calling Black Flag a hardcore band is undermining them.
Black Flag was the hardcore punk band that made hardcore punk popular.
Seriously, Papa Roach!? Black Flag started the whole hardcore thing!
Dead Kennedys are an American hardcore punk band formed in San Francisco, California in 1978. The band was one of the first American hardcore bands to make a significant impact in the United Kingdom. One of the most influential punk bands ever, combining sounds from a variety of genres. Political satire and controversy surrounding them made them one of the most punk bands around. They should definitely be in the top 5.
Obviously top 1. Their Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980) shaped hardcore punk and is still the best hardcore punk album ever created.
The combination of political satire and great hardcore music, plus great vocals, rightfully means DK is the best hardcore punk band.
Misfits are an American Horror Punk band often recognized as the progenitors of the horror punk subgenre, blending punk rock and other musical influences with horror film themes and imagery. The Misfits are the most complex and experimental artists of the hardcore/horror punk era. They are, without a doubt, my favorite band of all time. When I was a little kid, I was blown away by the rawness and ferocity of Glenn Danzig's immortal howl. As a teen, I appreciated the bliss and raw emotion of Michale Graves's vocals and lyrics.
Jerry, Doyle, and Dr. C.H.U.D., Michale Graves for the win.
Minor Threat was an American hardcore punk band, formed in 1980 in Washington, D.C. by vocalist Ian MacKaye and drummer Jeff Nelson. Are you kidding? They should be in the top three somewhere with Misfits and Black Flag.
Do people not understand what hardcore punk is?
64? These guys should be in the top 5.
I love Keith's work in Black Flag, but in Circle Jerks, his vocals are really incredible.
Better live band than on LP; '85 with Chuck Biscuits is at their best.
Bad Brains is an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C., in 1977. They are widely regarded as among the pioneers of hardcore punk, though the band's members have objected to this term to describe their music. The greatest hardcore band ever, hands down! One of the founding fathers of this style, their wide sphere of influence affects many bands. Their 1986 album I Against I arguably invented post-hardcore as well. They are equally adept at rock, reggae, funk, and whatever else they feel like playing. It is shameful they're not higher on this list.
What? Why is Bad Brains all the way down here? They are hardcore punk. Not the only ones, but if we're talking hardcore, they need to be at least before the Sex Pistols. I mean, come on, Sex Pistols? Who are these people? A bunch of posers, really.
NOFX are an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 1983 by vocalist/bassist Fat Mike and guitarist Eric Melvin. Drummer Erik Sandin joined NOFX shortly after. Dudes, NOFX has been my life for a while. They inspire me and introduced me to punk music.
The Descendents are a punk rock band formed in 1977 in Manhattan Beach, California by guitarist Frank Navetta, bassist Tony Lombardo and drummer Bill Stevenson. Fat EP (1981) and Milo Goes to College (1982). Isn't that enough?
Only one album to go off of, but it's a true punk classic. Darby Crash is/was punk.
Bad Religion is an American punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1979. The band makes extensive use of soaring three-part vocal harmonies, guitar solos and lyrics that often contain religious and political commentary. Best lyrics ever! Come on, people, intelligent songs. No more to say.
Hüsker Dü was an American rock band formed in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1979. The band's continual members were guitarist/vocalist Bob Mould, bassist Greg Norton, and drummer/vocalist Grant Hart.
Agnostic Front is an American hardcore punk band, pioneer of the crossover thrash genre, formed in 1980. The band began playing hardcore punk similar to their contemporaries, and were thrust to the forefront of the burgeoning New York hardcore scene in the mid-1980s with their widely regarded 1984 classic... read more
Suicidal Tendencies is an American crossover thrash band founded in 1980 in Venice, California by vocalist Mike Muir, who is the only remaining original member of the band. The band is often credited as one of "the fathers of crossover thrash".
They deserve a higher place! Sick Boy, Give Me Fire, and other punk classics.
Flipper is an American rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1979, continuing in often erratic fashion until the mid-1990s, then reuniting in 2005. The band influenced a number of grunge, punk rock and noise rock bands. Fantastic heavy band. Essential listening.
Rise Against is an American hardcore punk band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The band's current line-up comprises vocalist/rhythm guitarist Tim McIlrath, lead guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe, and drummer Brandon Barnes. They are known for popularizing punk. Some of their most well-known... read more While they did go a bit alt-rock between 2010-2014, their latest album, Wolves, is a reminder that these guys made hardcore. All their albums are great, with Black Market being the weakest. Their earlier stuff is hardcore, and then around 2004-2008, it became a lot more melodic. These guys are still a great hardcore band, in my opinion. Compared to some of the punk imposters that are big right now, these guys are amazing.
For me, they should be at least in the top three.
Best new/classic hardcore band around! Keith Morris is still the man!
Operation Ivy, sometimes called "Op Ivy," was an American Ska punk band, from Berkeley, California formed in May 1987. The band was stylistically important as one of the first bands to mix the elements of hardcore punk and ska into a new amalgam called ska punk and was critical to the emergence of Lookout... read more
Discharge are a British musical group formed in 1977 by Terence "Tezz" Roberts and Royston "Rainy" Wainwright. While the band has had substantial line-up changes over its history, the classic line-up from the early 1980s featured bassist Wainwright, drummer Gary Maloney, Anthony "Bones" Roberts playing... read more The foremost and hardest of them all. Live and learn!
Agent Orange is an American punk rock band formed in Placentia, California in 1979. The band was one of the first to mix punk rock with surf music.
FEAR never gets enough respect. Better than 95% of these bands.
Anti-Flag is an American punk rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. The band is well known for politically charged lyrics and activism, focusing on anti-war activism, anti-imperialism, class struggle, human rights, and various sociopolitical sentiments. Underrated band. One of the best modern hardcore bands.
Their early work could be considered hardcore.