[Western Music] Hardcore Punk Masterpieces and Popular Songs – Beginner’s Guide
Hardcore punk emerged in the late 1970s as an aggressive evolution of punk rock.
Many people might associate it with a barrage of ultra-fast tracks barely a minute or two long—relentlessly extreme and intense.
While that side is certainly one of hardcore punk’s defining characteristics and appeals, its depth—especially as it later fused with metal, rock, and more to spawn numerous subgenres—cannot be summed up in a single word.
In this piece, we’ve selected representative and classic tracks—focusing mainly on the 1980s—by pioneering bands of hardcore punk.
We hope this serves as a helpful introduction to the genre as well!
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[Western Music] Hardcore Punk Masterpieces and Popular Tracks – Beginner’s Guide (41–50)
Pride（Times hAre Changing)Madball
It’s included on the album “Demonstrating My Style.” Madball now feels like a leading force in NYHC.
This is one of their early tracks, but it still showcases their signature style and is a classic.
By the way, the vocalist, Freddy, has the anecdote of having his first live performance at the age of six.
[Western Music] Hardcore Punk Masterpieces and Popular Songs – Beginner’s Edition (51–60)
Death Or JailSick of It all
It’s included on the album “Based On A True Story.” In a hardcore scene where member changes are constant, they’ve kept the same lineup for nearly 20 years—there’s no other way to put it than amazing.
The sound is suitably brutal yet never crosses the line beyond hardcore; that delicate balance is outstanding.
LionheartedSubzero
It’s included on the album “The Suffering Of Man.” They’re from New York.
Even among New York bands with a metal-leaning sound, they’re one of the heavier ones.
This track, produced by Zeuss, delivers a very gritty, hard-hitting hardcore sound.
The vocalist, Lou, is also known for overcoming leukemia.
PunishmentBiohazard
It’s included on the album Urban Discipline.
It’s a single from their first album after moving to Roadrunner.
The heaviness of the guitar has a distinctly crossover feel and real impact.
The vocal style, which incorporates elements of hip-hop, is excellent as well.
The GauntletDropkick Murphys
It’s included on the album “Sing Loud, Sing Proud!”.
They’re a Boston band, but they’re heavily influenced by traditional Irish music, which gives them a somewhat different vibe from other American bands.
This song, too, has something that makes you feel it’s somehow different.
The Impression That I GetThe Mighty Mighty Bosstones
It’s included on the album “Let’s Face It.” As the name suggests, they’re a band from Boston and a major presence in ska-core.
Unlike the West Coast, a hallmark of East Coast bands is the inclusion of horns, and they blend beautiful horns into hardcore as well, producing a really accessible and cool sound.
I Will Be HeardHatebreed
It’s included on the album “Perseverance.” They’re a band from Connecticut, but their sound leans heavily toward New York.
The opening bass solo and the sing-along-friendly chorus are seriously cool.
As expected from Zeuss’s production.