[Western Music] Both Speed and Bittersweetness! Recommended Melodic Hardcore (Melodic Punk) Bands [2025]

Never In The Cards.Dependence

Dependence “Never In The Cards.” (Official Music Video)

“Never In The Cards.” by the post-hardcore band Dependence.

From the very first arpeggiated intro, it’s a tearjerker—the emotion hits you all at once, making it a dangerously evocative track.

Rather than relying on sheer speed, it has the feel of hardcore that compels you with a solid, weighty beat.

The vocalist’s expressiveness is outstanding, and the contrast between the shouts and the beautiful melodic parts is stunning.

This kind of melodic hardcore number is just the best.

Come With MeDeviates

Deviates-Come With Me

Included on the 2004 album “Time Is the Distance.” A four-piece formed in Belgium in ’94.

They first reached Japan after signing with Epitaph, and this track is outstanding—its melodic hardcore has the driving speed and heft reminiscent of Pennywise.

Highly recommended listening.

VientosFun People

▲ FUN PEOPLE ▲ Vientos ▲ [Videoclip] ▲

An Argentina-born band known as •People, celebrated for their unique style that fuses exhilarating, fast-paced sound with wistful melodies.

Since their formation in 1989, their sound—rooted in punk yet absorbing a wide range of genres like reggae, tango, and metal—has been uniquely described as “anti-fascist gay hardcore.” On landmark releases like Anesthesia and Kum Kum, they deliver powerful social messages on human and animal rights through lyrics that mix English and Spanish.

They enjoy a cult following both within Argentina and abroad, securing a solid place in the hardcore scene.

Highly recommended for those drawn to explosive energy, strong messaging, and unconventional sound.

Thirty Four SecondsKilling the Dream

Killing the Dream – Thirty Four Seconds

Killing the Dream, based in Sacramento, California.

Their music is defined by an intense yet wistful sound that fuses hardcore punk, metalcore, and emo.

Since forming in 2002, they have steadily grown in popularity with releases like In Place, Apart (2005), Fractures (2008), and their signature work Thirty Four Seconds (2009).

Their unique style—powerful, emotional vocals; intricate riffs and melodic guitars; a heavy bass; and energetic drumming—captures listeners’ hearts and doesn’t let go.

Killing the Dream has secured a solid place as a force breathing new life into the scene.

The Ocean SongPulley

Pulley – The Ocean Song

Hailing from Simi Valley, California, the five-piece band Pulley is one of the defining acts of the ’90s melodic hardcore scene.

Since forming in 1994, they’ve captivated many fans with their instinctive, hard-edged melodic punk.

Frontman Scott Radinsky—who also had a career as a Major League Baseball player—delivers vocals that convey a touch of melancholy even amid the driving, high-energy sound.

Their 2022 album The Golden Life showcases the full extent of the band’s seasoned potential.

If you like punk, this is a must-hear, legendary band.

STRENGTHSaviour

Saviour – Strength (Official Lyric Video)

SAVIOUR is a five-piece band from Australia known for its dual male-female vocals.

The aggressive, melancholic hardcore-style screams from the male vocalist and the languid singing of the lone female member, who also handles keyboards, create a striking contrast that makes their sound compelling and distinctly unique.

Their songs are crafted with a dramatic structure, weaving in clean tones and metallic riffs, while the delicate timbre of the keyboards adds color to the sound.

You shouldn’t expect sheer speed, but if you’re looking to hear something different—music influenced by hardcore yet with a different flavor—this is a band I highly recommend.

Strangers [feat. Dan Campbell]Trash Boat

Trash Boat – Strangers [feat. Dan Campbell] (Official Music Video)

Trash Boat, based in St Albans, UK, is a pop-punk/melodic hardcore band known for its powerful, emotional sound.

Since forming in 2014, they’ve gained attention with songs that pair aggressive yet catchy guitar riffs with Tobi Duncan’s heartfelt vocals.

Their 2016 debut album, “Nothing I Write You Can Change What You’ve Been Through,” received widespread acclaim, helping them establish a solid foothold in the punk scene and expand their activities worldwide.

Signed to Hopeless Records and known for their relentless touring, they’re a band you won’t want to take your eyes off in the coming years!