Kerenza Hudson offers their POV of the perfect hardcore playlist. Containing brutal tracks by Knocked Loose, Code Orange, and more, this Ten Song Introduction is bound to leave you headbanging for more.
1. Counting Worms – Knocked Loose
Knocked Loose have domineered the hardcore scene as of late, with their most famous track Counting Worms. This short but sweet track is a little over one minute long but packs a punch and lays out the best parts of the hardcore genre, including its famous dog bark breakdown, which has become an ongoing joke within the surrounding community. The short track clearly sets out a promising debut from Knocked loose as it becomes an essential track and embodiment of hardcore. It’s clear to see that this track whips up any hardcore fan into a frenzy, setting off a chain reaction within any venue it’s played in; a song that forefronts the genre and brings the community together.
2. No Love/No One – Gideon
No Love/No One is essentially about letting go of those who drain you and break down the parts that make you who you are. This track in particular has caused the band to become a well-known name within the metal and hardcore scene, with it being some of the heaviest-hitting material they have produced of late. Bringing in some incredible guitar riffs right from the get-go and not stopping until the mosh-ready breakdown, it’s a fiery track full of aggression which deserves to be on this list.
3. Curse Us – Paleface
Curse Us is a taste of the heavier side of hardcore music, verging on deathcore with its gravely and raspy vocals, but with a breakdown that is the foundation of any good hardcore song. It doesn’t hold back and dives headfirst into the heavy and vulgar, with no intro to distract. This song in particular introduced me to a slow and steady build-up with the chugging guitars lead, which perfectly lead into an isolated call out: “You can never f***ing kill me you cowards because I’m the f***ing cursed one,” which is definitely the highlight of this track.
4. Sub-Zero – Alpha wolf
Alpha wolf were one of the bands I was excited to see live as a supporting act over the headlining act, with their incredible energy and dominating power that breathes through their studio recordings as well as live. This track feels hefty and suffocating, with the incredible number of layers of sound with dense riffs that are a signature of Alpha Wolf. The song is a pure assertion of dominance and a clear as crystal ‘middle finger’ to those pretending to be something they’re not. A siren of rage against those who are two-faced, and when ties haven’t been cut, forcibly breaking the bridges. The track shows diversity, whipping up the pace of any playlist it is added to.
5. Keep Your Distance – Malevolence, ft. Bryan Garris
Anyone who has been talking to me about music as of late knows that Malevolence has not only been a favourite of the UK metal scene but a band I also personally cannot credit enough. Malevolence’s breakthrough track, Keep Your Distance, is about positive aggression, removing those from your life who hold you down. The track features the vocalist from Knocked Loose, Bryan Garris, whose high-tone vocals add variety to those lower vocals from vocalist, Carlos Cariano. With a track so full of aggression and chaos, it’s difficult not to fall in love with a band who have already created such an incredible discography for themselves.
6. Against Them All – Stick To Your Guns
Melodic hardcore heavyweights, Stick To Your Guns, are a staple name within the scene. The band have a strong grip on the turbulence and changing hardcore scene. This song in particular balances the sound of softer melodic tunes and hardcore aggression. It’s a great bridge song for those who are fans of metalcore and the more melodic sides of the heavy music scene.
7. Crooked – Dealer
Crooked was the first single released by the short-lived band, Dealer, with the ex-frontman from Alpha Wolf, Aiden Holmes. Featuring scratchy guitar flare-outs and an undertone of sass within the vocals. The song is blunt sonically and lyrically with no room for forgiveness in its depictions. It’s a track that wraps up the emotional essence of hardcore at its finest with a ribbon bow. The controlled rhythm and riffs drag out into the outro with passion, leading it to be an incredible song for live settings.
8. Out For Blood – Code Orange
A purely brutal single by Code Orange is one of their most forward-thinking singles to date, fusing a multitude of genres into a hefty yet groovy track. Using keyboards and chunky groove riffs, it brings modern metal into the spotlight. The vocals are wide ranging from deep growls to guttural singing, leaving something for every fan to enjoy. It’s an industrial take on the hardcore genre and a wildcard presenting the variety the genre has to offer.
9. The River – Wage War
The River starts off with its eager and powerful rolling riffs, coming off its debut album, Blueprints, it’s a song that calls out to anyone who has been betrayed by someone they love. The song features the recognisable call out that Wage War are known for: a break within the song for a cough before pummelling into a hefty rhythmic breakdown. It also gives us another staple of the genre, with jarring screams and the “BLEGH!” every hardcore fan goes crazy for. With it’s clear meaning behind the track, it allows for face-melting sing-alongs that drives out emotions of betrayal and hurt.
10. I Will Be Heard – Hatebreed
Hatebreed are the longest-standing band on this list, being the grandfather of the genre, such a classic had to end up being mentioned. Despite its initial aggression and violent sound, the message behind the song Is uplifting and warming, as an ode to the drive that allows you to overcome the obstacles between you and your goals. The track has become a chant of the millennium for those in the hardcore scene, a true fist-in-the-air song. Hatebreed brought together metal and punk, bridging the two genres into what is now known as hardcore.
Kerenza Hudson
Edited by Roxann Yus
Cover image courtesy of Malevolence via Facebook.
Comments