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

Wake the DeadComeback Kid

Comeback Kid – Wake the Dead

Formed in Canada in 2002, Comeback Kid is one of the most popular bands in the modern hardcore to melodic hardcore scene.

The band began as a side project of Andrew Neufeld, vocalist of Figure Four, who had been active since the 1990s.

Originally the guitarist in Comeback Kid, Andrew took over as the dedicated vocalist in 2006, and the group now operates as his main band.

Their appeal lies in blistering, mosh- and stage dive-inducing hardcore built around gritty, masculine shouts, paired with irresistibly singalong emotional melodies and choruses, and songs crafted with a tightly honed band ensemble.

They don’t just barrel ahead full-throttle; they skillfully play with dynamics—dropping the tempo to sharply contrast quiet and explosive moments—making their song structures a highlight you won’t want to miss.

While there’s a metallic edge, the sound never strays too far into metal; it proudly remains hardcore through and through, which is part of its brilliance.

If the phrase “lyrical yet aggressive” resonates with you, this is a band you absolutely need to check out!

One for the BravesGood Riddance

Good Riddance – One for the Braves (Official Video)

Good Riddance is a punk rock band from Santa Cruz, California.

Formed in 1986, they’re a veteran act that has continued performing for many years, releasing nine studio albums to date.

They made their full-fledged debut in 1995 on Fat Wreck Chords with their first album, For God and Country, and won many fans with their powerful messages and catchy melodies on releases like 1996’s A Comprehensive Guide to Moderne Rebellion and 2003’s Bound by Ties of Blood and Affection.

Although they disbanded in 2007, they reunited in 2012.

Their sound blends relentless speed with a tinge of melancholy—quintessential melodic hardcore.

With politically charged lyrics, their music is a must-hear for anyone who loves punk rock.

Watch Me RiseHave Heart

Watch Me Rise

Have Heart is an American straight edge hardcore punk band.

This song is included on their 2006 release The Things We Carry and received high acclaim within the hardcore scene.

Although they disbanded in 2009, they resumed activities in 2015 under the new name Free.

Their reasoning for the name change—“so as not to take away opportunities for attention from other young bands”—reflects their ethos.

ParanoiaA Day To Remember

Paranoia

Among the punk to post-hardcore scene since the 2000s, they are a band that ranks at the top in both popularity and ability.

Since their 2005 debut, they quickly rose to fame by skillfully weaving together pop-punk’s catchy melodies with hardcore-style ferocious screams and metallic riffs.

Their vocalist, Jeremy McKinnon, is also active as a highly capable producer.

Should Have KnownNo Fun At All

No Fun At All – Should Have Known

Included on the 1997 album “The Big Knockover.” A five-piece band from Sweden formed in 1991.

Their name comes from The Stooges’ song “No Fun” and the American hardcore band Sick Of It All.

Their hard, almost breathless sound pairs well with pop melodies—it’s really cool.

ElevatedState Champs

State Champs “Elevated” (Official Music Video)

Since the 2010s, a wave of bands influenced by early-2000s pop-punk has debuted one after another, and among the most popular is New York’s State Champs.

Their third album, Living Proof, released in 2018, was a smash hit, reaching No.

28 on the Billboard charts.

They’ve also performed in Japan multiple times, earning strong support here as well.

As mentioned, their sound is bright and catchy, clearly drawing from early-2000s pop-punk and emo.

While it wouldn’t be called melodic hardcore, one of their charms is a solid guitar sound that sets them apart from bands that simply try to sprint through pop tunes—perhaps owing to the fact that the members originally played hardcore.

That said, their greatest weapon remains their superb pop melodies.

So they’re highly recommended even for younger listeners who like Japanese rock or punk-leaning bands but don’t listen to much Western music.

Like TrumpetsWith Honor

With Honor – “Like Trumpets”

As part of the straight edge movement, With Honor is an American melodic hardcore band formed in 2002 that continues to influence young people.

They released their debut, Heart Means Everything, in 2004 and have been highly active, including touring Europe.

On This Is Our Revenge, their lyrical yet solid sound was further refined.

Amid their fast-paced songs, the dramatic developments created by tempo changes are also striking.

Tracks like the fan favorite “Like Trumpets,” which truly shine live, are must-listens.