Read more: Koyo pick their favorite songs from Long Island bands, past and present

“I wanted to showcase One Step Closer in its fullest state,” says vocalist Ryan Savitski of the new album. “Every single part of the band, I wanted it to be there. I wanted us to be 100% ourselves and be as authentic to our band as we could possibly be.”

Read more: Koyo pick their favorite songs from Long Island bands, past and present

One Step Closer and like-minded friends Koyo and Anxious begin a three-way co-headlining tour tonight (Feb. 29). That includes support from Life’s Question on the first leg and Stateside on the second. All dates below. Our friends at BrooklynVegan are also giving away tickets.

One Step Closer All You Embrace tracklist
1. “Color You”
2. “Leap Years”
3. “Blur My Memory”
4. “The Gate”
5. :Your Hazel Tree”
6. “Orange Leaf”
7. “Esruc”
8. “Slow To Let Go”
9. “Topanga”
10. “Giant’s Despair”
11. “So Far From Me”

One Step Closer 2024 tour dates
02/29 Hamden, CT @ Space Ballroom *
03/01 Richmond, VA @ Canal Club *
03/02 Virginia Beach, VA @ The Bunker *
03/03 Greenville, SC @ Radio Room *
03/05 Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco *
03/07 Springfield, MO @ The Riff *
03/08 Lawrence, KS @ Bottleneck *
03/09 Des Moines, IA @ Woolys *
03/10 Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line *
03/12 Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray Arcade ^
03/13 Indianapolis, IN @ Hi-Fi ^
03/15 Cleveland, OH @ Foundry ^
03/16 Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme ^
03/17 Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground ^
03/19 London, ON @ Rum Runners ^
03/20 Detroit, MI @ Edgemen ^
03/22 Louisville, KY @ LBD Festival
03/23 Nashville, TN @ The End ^
03/24 Atlanta, GA @ Purgatory ^
03/26 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church ^
03/27 Boston, MA @ The Sinclair ^
03/28 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Monarch ^
05/25 Hatfield, UK @ Slam Dunk Festival
05/26 Leeds, UK @ Slam Dunk Festival

* w/ Koyo, Anxious, Life’s Question
^ w/ Koyo, Anxious, Stateside

Many hardcore artists are also stepping out of the typical sonic lanes of the genre in compelling ways. Look at the diversification of concert lineups that are exposing new music fans to a wide variety of sounds, which has been executed brilliantly by groups such as Code Orange touring with hip-hop duo $uicideboy$ or Harm’s Way playing shows with Ghostemane. Knocked Loose frontman Bryan Garris even joined SoundCloud rapper Ski Mask The Slump God onstage in a welcome convergence of subcultures last year.  

Read more: 20 bands that shaped hardcore’s evolution, from Bad Brains to Soul Glo

The state of hardcore has never been more exciting, welcoming in bands with diverse perspectives ranging from prominent women-led acts, youth-minded collectives and those in POC and LGBTQIA+ communities. From Drain to Scowl, these are the 15 best new hardcore bands today. 

God’s Hate

God’s Hate have a slogan that they like to live by: “Be Harder.” The band certainly live up to that with their music and live performances. Fronted by All Elite Wrestling star Brody King, along with members of Twitching Tongues and Terror, God’s Hate deliver a brutal and testosterone-fueled blend of hardcore that makes their shows feel like a musical warzone. Their set at last year’s Sound and Fury Festival proved to be a defining moment for the band, where they adorned ski masks and unleashed a nuclear assault of breakdowns, leading to a sea of stage divers and even moments where fireworks were set off illegally among the crowd. The band also use their platform to represent their hometown in the San Fernando Valley and have a solid straight-edge message that seems to resonate strongly within the community. 818 hardcore represent! 

Drain 

Santa Cruz, California’s Drain could very well be heading in the same career trajectory as Turnstile. For one, Drain play a familiar blend of classic ‘90s hardcore and thrash but add a playful, modern twist that makes their sound accessible to those who aren’t well versed in the genre. Additionally, the band beam with positivity and charisma due in large part to vocalist Sammy Ciaramitaro, who can shriek his head off like a banshee in the vein of Pantera while keeping a smile on his face. Ciaramitaro pens upbeat, sunny anthems that reflect the band’s laid-back California roots, which shows they can be brutal and have some fun, too. Drain have had a relatively fast rise to the top of the hardcore scene, and as of recently, they seem to be hitting milestones at every corner. From headling major festivals such as the Sound and Fury and Outbreak Festivals to signing with the legendary punk label Epitaph Records for their highly anticipated new album, 2023 is shaping up to be the year where Drain experience major crossover success.

No Pressure 

Fronted by the Story So Far’s Parker Cannon, along with members of Regulate and Light Years, No Pressure are hardcore’s most exciting pop-punk crossover act in recent years. Their debut self-titled LP dropped last June and quickly won the hearts of the hardcore community. It even scored the band a co-sign from blink-182’s Mark Hoppus, who cited the record as one of his favorite new releases. No Pressure don’t employ aggressive or pummeling breakdowns but instead adopt the spirit of hardcore, paying homage to melody-driven groups such as Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, New Found Glory and, of course, blink-182. For Cannon, No Pressure allows him the opportunity to return to the DIY spaces and intimate venues that he played during the Story So Far’s early days.

Dying Wish 

Dying Wish are a breath of fresh air when it comes to fusing melodic hardcore and thrash metal. While their sound pays homage to classic mid-2000s metalcore acts (Darkest Hour, Misery Signals), Dying Wish have propelled this classic sound into the future with socially conscious lyrics, technical musicality and modern production. Vocalist Emma Boster has proven to be a dynamic frontwoman in every sense, producing everything from chills-inducing screams to empowering, anthemic clean vocals that add a high level of depth to their music. Dying Wish’s 2021 debut album, Fragments of a Bitter Memory, has elevated the band to become one of hardcore’s most exciting new acts.

Life’s Question 

If you like ‘90s New York hardcore and Zakk Wylde-esque guitar solos, then Life’s Question are most certainly the band for you. On their 2022 debut album, World Full Of…, Life’s Question have dialed up their guitar solos to 11 and held nothing back lyrically, with tales of self-depreciation and a healthy dose of nihilism. Vocalist Josh Haynes sounds like a more pissed-off version of Trapped Under Ice’s Justice Tripp, which is juxtaposed brilliantly by co-vocalist and guitarist Abby Rhine, who provides clean vocals that border on hyperpop. Standout tracks include “Mellow My Mind” and “For You.”

One Step Closer 

For a band whose members are all barely in their early 20s, One Step Closer have shown a great deal of maturity throughout their relatively short career. On their debut album, This Place You Know, One Step Closer offer an introspective and nostalgia-laced blend of hardcore that reflect coming-of-age moments and homesickness. Their music contains a stunning degree of melody and atmospherics, which has allowed the group to cross over into other communities. In turn, they’ve shared the stage with major pop-punk acts such as Movements and Knuckle Puck. The straight-edge group also recently dropped a surprise EP, Songs for the Willow, that shows why they’re leaders of the new generation of hardcore.

Anxious

On their 2022 debut album, Little Green House, Anxious knocked it out of the water with songs filled with youthful energy, melody, aggression and a staggering sense of pop sensibility. The Connecticut-based hardcore group made a record that could allow them to headline the top hardcore festivals while seamlessly fitting in the pop-punk, emo and indie-rock space as well. The duel vocals between frontman Grady Allen and guitarist Dante Melucci are the perfect combination and hark back to classic dynamics fans know and love (think Taking Back Sunday and Transit). Little Green House is a snapshot of a band coming of age and trying new things, including the incorporation of doo-wop in the hardcore space. 

Mindforce 

Mindforce sound as energized as ever with their sophomore album, New Lords. Produced by the hardcore scene’s version of Rick Rubin, Taylor Young, Mindforce have mastered their sound, which feels like a hybrid between classic Snapcase vocals and ‘80s thrash in the vein of Slayer or Metallica. Vocalist Jay Petagine is an inimitable frontman who possesses a captivating sense of positivity through his lyrics and a playful stage presence. He’s also unapologetically New York, living and breathing the spirit of hardcore to the max.

Koyo

Long Island hardcore emo-revivalists Koyo are the perfect throwback to the classic VFW hall days of the early 2000s Long Island scene. The band sound like the sonic union of the Movielife and Silent Majority, but with their own modern twist. Koyo’s exceptional 2021 EP, Drives Out East, became an unexpected hit within the genre and scored them major support slots with prominent acts such as Knocked Loose and Silverstein, as well as a record deal with Pure Noise. Koyo’s highly anticipated debut LP is set to drop this year and will surely cement them as one of the next great exports of the Long Island scene.

Speed

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Speed are pure fun when it comes to hardcore. Their music, while brutal and fast-paced, comes with an uplifting dose of motivational lyrics and razor-sharp vocals that contain elements of hip-hop, which makes their sound instantly recognizable. Their 2022 EP, Gang Called Speed, has been a breakthrough release for the band and shows incredible promise for when they release a proper album. Standout tracks include “Big Bite” and “Not That Nice.”

Ingrown 

When you think of cities that have always had legendary hardcore scenes, the first ones that typically come to mind are Boston, New York and Los Angeles, not Boise, Idaho. However, Ingrown are about to put the state of Idaho on the map once and for all. Ingrown bring the term power trio to the next level with visceral compositions that fuse everything from classic beatdown hardcore to powerviolence and death metal. Their exceptional debut album, Gun, is sonically unrelenting, and their recent live shows have been nothing short of terrifying — in the best way, of course.

Sunami 

San Jose, California’s Sunami have made a name for themselves with brutally honest lyrics, aggressive tendencies and street-ready anthems. With just a few singles and an EP under their belt, Sunami have already become one of the most sought-after groups in hardcore, scoring the top slots at hardcore festivals across the country and releasing some of the coolest merch in the scene today. We’re eagerly awaiting to see what Sunami bring forth with their inevitable debut LP. 

Scowl

It has become impossible to ignore the meteoric rise of Santa, Cruz California’s Scowl. It has been a whirlwind year since the release of the band’s debut album, How Flowers Grow, which has led the group to share the stage with everyone from Stick To Your Guns and the Bronx to Limp Bizkit. Scowl can seamlessly transition from sunny punk anthems into venemous, double-time and circle pit-ready blasts of classic hardcore. Frontwoman Kat Moss is a versatile and unique voice for hardcore with a commanding stage presence that is sure to win over even the most fickle gatekeepers of the scene.

Militarie Gun 

If you were to place a bet on who will be one of 2023’s next big hardcore acts, Militarie Gun would certainly be in the running. Their music feels like an amalgamation of everything from IDLES, Fugazi, Ceremony and Pixies, all through their own unique lens. Fronted by multi-instrumentalist and hardcore video director du jour Ian Shelton, Militarie Gun have some of the wittiest and most abstract lyrics the genre has witnessed this decade, with experimental guitar parts courtesy of Drug Church guitarist Nick Cogan. Look no further than their 2022 EP, All Roads Lead to the Gun.

Zulu

Zulu are hands down one of the most important new bands in hardcore. With lyrics that chronicle injustice, disenfranchisement, racism and police brutality, their music holds an incredible sense of weight. Sonically, the band are a mixture of beat-down hardcore mixed with powerviolence, showcased boldly on their breakthrough EPs Our Day Will Come and My People…Hold On. Zulu’s debut album, A New Tomorrow, is due out in March, and they have already teased that it will be their most ambitious work yet.

Vagabon teams up with Rostam for a lovely indie-pop single

Brooklyn-based singer Lætitia Tamko, who performs as Vagabon, is back with her first solo single since her 2019 self-titled debut. This time around, she teamed up with indie-pop aficionado Rostam, who’s worked with the likes of Charli XCX, Clairo, and HAIM, since departing Vampire Weekend. Together, they make indie-pop magic with an airy track featuring effervescent drum machines. As she sings about finding personal growth and a new perspective, we can’t help but get excited for whatever else is next for the artist and her glistening new sound. —Sadie Bell

M83 “Oceans Niagra” is a transcendental trip through the glory of the ‘80s

French synth-pop trailblazers M83’s latest single “Oceans Niagra” is giving serious Saturdays = Youth vibes with its transcendental ‘80s-inflected soundscapes, which is a treat in and of itself. While “Oceans Niagra” may not feature the inescapable hooks of their 2011 breakout hit “Midnight City,” it relies on the power of constantly building tension, restraint, and room for lush sonic climaxes that convey emotion, even in the absence of lyrics. “Oceans Niagra” manages to fit multiple genre elements ranging from shoegaze, dream pop, and, of course, retro electronica into the four-and-a-half minute track where every new addition feels like an intentional brush stroke to complete a complex work of art. —Alessandro DeCaro

Shalom’s “Happenstance” is an indie-dance anthem for outsiders

Shalom is trying to find her place in the world. Overtop a mesmeric groove on her new single “Happenstance” — off her debut LP, Sublimation, out March 10 via Saddle Creek — the Brooklyn artist makes one thing clear: “I’m waiting for the day that I can finally walk away from all this bullshit.” Throughout its three minutes, Shalom becomes torn between wanting to disappear completely and receiving acceptance from her peers (complemented by a powerful video that sees her existing in two different worlds). —Neville Hardman

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness’ “Lying On The Hood Of Your Car” is a love letter to the daydreamer within

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness’ latest single “Lying On The Hood Of Your Car” is unapologetically nostalgic to convey the all too familiar moments of our youth spent daydreaming about the possibility of a bright future that lies ahead. The lyrics immediately evoke memories of the iconic scene from the 1992 classic comedy Wayne’s World, where best friends Wayne and Garth sit atop a car near the airport tarmac while fantasizing about the excitement of young love and leaving their small town to chase the open road — both of which are subtly referenced in the song itself. McMahon, who has had quite the diverse musical career, further leans into the synth-driven, alt-radio sound that he has been exploring over the years to brilliant results. —Alessandro DeCaro

One Step Closer’s “Turn To Me” is a homesick anthem for road dogs

Melodic-hardcore unit One Step Closer have always been open about the impact fellow Wilkes-Barre, PA natives Title Fight had on the young band from the start. Beyond performing Title Fight’s classic track “Crescent Shape Depression” at the 2022 Sound and Fury Festival, One Step Closer are channeling the legendary band’s influence yet again on “Turn To Me,” the second track from their reflective new EP, Songs for the Willow. Frontman Ryan Savitski wrestles with the passing of time and absence from major life milestones as a result of his hectic touring cycle, themes that represent Songs for the Willow as a whole. “Turn To Me” possesses the catchiest chorus the band has written thus far — and we can’t wait to see where they head next. —Alessandro DeCaro

M(h)aol’s “Therapy” proves the band need to be on your radar ASAP

This week, the Irish band M(h)aol (which is pronounced “male”) announced that their debut album, Attachment Styles, is due out Feb. 3 and shared the single “Therapy.” The post-punk band have been catching the attention of critics and energizing fans with their politically charged music for a while now, but “Therapy” should be more than enough to get you into the band if you weren’t already familiar. While the guitars will get you into a groove, vocalist Róisín Nic Ghearailt’s brazen delivery is enough to stop you in your tracks, as she sings about somebody being the reason one is in therapy. “You know you really fucked me up, but I don’t think that you care,” she sings, and, boy, does it sting. —Sadie Bell

Slow Fiction’s “In the distance, where it doesn’t matter” will transport you to NYC’s ‘00s indie scene

It feels like a certain energy has started fueling the New York music scene with the return of live music and rising crop of bands in the past few years — in many ways, rivaling the early ‘00s scene. Slow Fiction are one of the latest additions to the scene, and their sound calls back that iconic aughts era. On their latest single, “In the distance, where it doesn’t matter,” singer Julia Vassallo even mirrors Karen O’s melodic snarl. Let their garage-rock guitars and the song’s enthralling crescendo give you a sense of catharsis (and even make you dance). —Sadie Bell

Jessie Murph gets trapped in a toxic cycle on “About You”

It’s hard to believe that Jessie Murph is only 18, as the singer possesses a confidence and directness that belies her young age. With new single “About You,” off her forthcoming debut mixtape, drowning, Murph shows an even more vulnerable side to her blooming artistry. She captures a story of a vengeful toxic cycle in under three minutes, singing of a doomed and fractured relationship that’ll have an all-too-familiar sting for some. —Neville Hardman

But there’s a big difference between dreams and reality. If you were to revisit that same van three weeks into a cross-country run of shows you might experience something different: fried minds and bodies clinging on for the minutes they’ll get to spend on stage that night. Touring is a tiring, financially dicey business that’s punishing both for musicians and the people they’ve left at home. And, since the release of This Place You Know in 2021, One Step Closer have toured more than most.

Read more: Sweet Pill is writing a love letter to Philly’s DIY scene with their energetic melodic hardcore

The Wilkes-Barre-based band lost members along the way, with bassist Brian Talipan and guitarist Grady Allen making their departures, but they are now following up the momentum generated by their breakout debut with a thrilling new EP that digs into the mess of emotions that being on the road encompasses. Songs for the Willow, which dropped without warning on Jan. 10, finds Savitski — who until recently also played guitar in the similarly buzzy punk band Anxious — stitching nostalgic vignettes from the road and songs that square Floral Green-era Title Fight with some truly gut-punch melodies.

How quickly did it become clear to you that these songs would address your past year on the road?

This EP was very time and place—that’s how I write lyrics. It’s not every song, but for a lot of the songs it’s what is going on in my life at that point in time, what is affecting me, whether I’m happy or sad. I think it’ll just come to me naturally, and that’s what happened.

You dig into a horrible sort of anxiety here that’s pretty unique to people who travel a lot—you’re sensing things changing at home while you’re so far away.

This was the most I’ve ever toured in my life, between playing in One Step Closer and in Anxious as well. Both bands were on the road a bunch, and there was so much crossover too, where I wasn’t able to do both projects at the same time. I was away from my family and friends and my relationship for a long time. Things change, and then you come home and you’re like, ‘Wow, this is different.’ One of my best friends recently had a child. I saw her when she was two weeks old, and then the next time I saw her she was three months old. Things are constantly changing around me back at home, while I’m doing my thing, doing the thing that I love. It’s a weird thing to come back to and it’s affected things with people as well, it’s changed relationships.

How did you grapple with the attention Anxious began receiving right after the One Step Closer record gained some traction?

It was stressful. I wanted to do both as much as I could, but I’m not playing with Anxious anymore because it just got too busy. Both bands were really trying to tour a lot. I love those guys so much and I’m stoked to see them doing what they’re doing. I’m sure they’re stoked to see us doing what we’re doing. But at one point I did six weeks on that Drug Church tour, and then the night of our last show in San Francisco, I flew to Dallas, Texas, and played with Anxious for three and a half weeks. It was almost 10 weeks straight on the road.

You almost become self-critical because you should be enjoying yourself.

You get the good things and the bad things, you know? Sometimes I feel very split, just being like, ‘Well, yeah, I want to tour, I want to do all this stuff.’ But everybody wants to be home, and be with their friends and family. That’s just natural. You really have to somehow mend that, and work around it. I think I did the best I possibly could, as a person, with my relationships. But it is a lot sometimes.

By slowing things down sonically you’ve created this really effective feeling of dredging things up.

We have so many fast songs. We were like, ‘What if we go a little bit more melodic, slow it down slightly, but still keep it upbeat so that people still feel the energy?’ It really did help the lyrical content shine a little bit more. If there is a really cool guitar part, it shines really hard, because there’s more emphasis on it.

Where does Songs for the Willow fit in terms of a new LP?

We’re working on the next LP. We’ve already started writing and we figured we would just continue the momentum of the EP writing. I think we’re sonically gonna keep pushing that sound. I’m hoping that we record the LP this year at some point, and then hopefully have it out by the end of the year or sometime next year.

Read more: The 55 best albums of 2022

Blondshell

Blondshell (Sabrina Teitelbaum) is alt-rock’s next blockbuster. This year, she made an entrance with a series of absorbing singles that play out like an emotional rush. Whether she’s crafting odes to 2000s cult detective shows that rip like an MTV classic (“Veronica Mars”) or singing of a smoldering toxic love (“Olympus”), Teitelbaum possesses a charismatic cool and frankness that envelops everything she makes. —Neville Hardman

Bob Vylan

With a sound that incorporates grime and punk, Bob Vylan provide rapid-fire, politically charged anthems that tackle social issues such as racism, police brutality, and capitalism. After releasing their defiant sophomore album, The Price Of Life in April, and given their wide-ranging sound, it seems inevitable that the duo will keep climbing the ranks of the punk, rock, and hip-hop circuits simultaneously and become industry fixtures in no time. —Alessandro DeCaro

CARR

New Jersey-bred, Los Angeles-based singer CARR is one of the most recent signees to Pete Wentz and Spencer Smith’s DCD2 Records. That should be enough to pique any (former) pop-punk kids’ interest; otherwise, her biting songwriting should do the trick. Born Carly McClellan, CARR, is clearly an A+ student of ’00s pop punk, with her more recent releases being flanked by sleek production and anthemic guitars. The tracks only uplift her words that often sound like late-night Notes app confessionals — exactly the kinds of songs you want to sing/scream along to into your hairbrush-microphone in your bedroom. —Sadie Bell

Chappell Roan

Throughout the past year, Chappell Roan has been churning out pop bangers, but lately the one that seems to be sticking with everyone is her viral TikTok hit “Casual,” a country-tinged pop number that details the pitfalls of a situationship. While Roan signed to Atlantic Records at just 17 years old, she’s gone through some transitions and has since redefined her voice as an artist with the help of producer Dan Nigro. Now, she’s making music that’s Taylor Swift-meets-Mazzy Star-meets-Carly Rae Jepsen — and she’s even been able to open for Olivia Rodrigo and FLETCHER on tour. —Ilana Kaplan

Destroy Lonely

Atlanta-based rapper Destroy Lonely channels the golden era of melodic trap in the vein of industry giants such as Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, and Playboi Carti — the latter of whom signed the recording artist to his own label Opium. Destroy Lonely’s flow is centered around fast-paced cadences that balance playful indulgence with direct lyricism. His production also shines, with stuttering hi-hats, booming 808s, and a unique juxtaposition of melodics that fuse ’90s-era West Coast hip-hop synths and hyperpop-like elements. —AD

The Dare

New York City fucks with the Dare — there’s really no better way to put it. The electro-art-pop project comes from Harrison Patrick Smith, who also helms the indie-rock outfit Turtlenecked and has been cutting his teeth in the NYC scene for years. After becoming (a damn good!) resident DJ, the Dare dropped his first-ever and still only single, “Girls,” earlier this year — and essentially, Manhattan and Brooklyn’s cool kid scene was never the same. First conceived as a joke, it’s a cheeky, sleazy banger meant to be blasted in dive bars and warehouse parties alike. He’s already booking festivals and major events outside of the city, so it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world falls for this indie-pop prince. —SB

Dijon

Dijon had his biggest tour to date in 2022, opening for Bon Iver, and it was a match made in indie heaven. Like his tourmates, the alt-R&B project from Los Angeles’ Dijon Duenas spans a variety of genres to capture a vibe that’s totally distinct to him. Some songs are total crooners supported by synths or acoustic guitars, and others are sunnier with the percussion turned up, but all are carried by his sweet rasp. His late 2021 debut album, Absolutely, has been a hit, but it seems like Dijon is just getting cooking and on the cusp of being an alt-R&B star of this generation. —SB

DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ

Imagine a universe where Sabrina Spellman creates rollicking house beats, with her sardonic black cat Salem grooving out by her side. Now, meet DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ, the anonymous duo of DJ Sabrina and Salem, who’ve carved out their own nostalgic corner of the internet with albums that go on for hours. The pair are on a steady rise, equipped with a prolific number of releases, the bewitching power of the ’90s, and a 1975 co-write (“Happiness”). —NH

Drain 

In recent years, Santa Cruz, California has become fertile ground for birthing modern hardcore groups, and the scene’s latest export Drain are among the heaviest hitters. Since the release of their thrash-inspired debut LP, California Cursed, Drain have been propelled from hometown heroes to main stage warriors — due in large part to their playful aesthetic, uplifting lyrics, and stage presence that invites crowd participation. Now signed to Epitaph Records, opening for Neck Deep, and headlining the hardcore festival Sound and Fury in August, they’ll hardly be slowing down anytime soon. —AD

Dummy

LA’s Dummy are set to make their Sub Pop debut next year and have already dropped two tracks off the sure-to-be-great record. The five-piece make wonderfully strange guitar music that possesses strains of shoegaze and art rock just the same, and feels nostalgic for the ’90s, but cool and present, nonetheless. In the past year, they’ve played shows with Beach Fossils, Hosegirl and Snail Mail, so if that’s any indication, it seems like Dummy are the next indie band you need on your radar ASAP. —SB

Fleshwater 

Many bands have attempted to revive the spirit of ’90s post-grunge/shoegaze for years. However, few have ever come as close as Fleshwater on their brilliant 2022 debut, We’re Not Here to Be Loved. Comprised of members from Vein.fm, along with bedroom-pop artist MIRSY, Fleshwater have created a compelling, melodically-driven sound of haunting vocals, fuzzed-out guitars, frantic rhythms, and a certain dream-like quality that’s unlike anything else at the moment. On We’re Not Here to Be Loved, Fleshwater channel the energy of classic ‘90s groups such as Failure, Deftones, and Hum in progressively new ways that capture existential dread in vivid detail. It’s sure to be the moody soundtrack to bring us into 2023. —AD

Hemlocke Springs

For 24-year-old medical student Isimeme “Naomi” Udu, making music used to be a hobby. If she got the rare inkling to release a track, she’d put it up on Soundcloud and then immediately take it down. That all changed in 2022 when she put out “girlfriend” as Hemlocke Springs — taking the internet and TikTok (where it currently soundtracks 68K videos) by storm. She makes glorious, ’80s-tinged indie-pop out of her bedroom, and has quickly inspired a devout fanbase who admire her making music for “awkward Black girls.” She may only have two tracks out right now, but you can bet her whirlwind success is sure to continue into 2023. —SB

Ice Spice

Chances are, you’ve at least heard clips of rapper Ice Spice‘s mega-viral single “Munch (Feelin’ U)” or seen photos of the 22-year-old, self-described “baddie” appear on your feed. Few artists blew up like the Bronx drill artist this year — and few artists seem as destined for global stardom right out the gate as she does. The rapper is bringing a bit of spice, if you will, to drill. She spits ultra-fast verses full of stop-in-your-tracks funny, smart lines that put shitty men in their place, and even flips classic EDM tracks. With a debut album in the works, she’s sure to bring some much-needed zest into your life. —SB

Isabella Lovestory

If you’re curious about who one of the next big pop stars might be, look no further than Isabella Lovestory. The Honduran singer, now based in Montreal, is adding a sexy, feminine flair to reggaeton, fusing it with Y2K-resonant pop and hyperpop. On her songs, like off her recent 2022 record Amor Hardcore, she sings empowered, sexually charged songs in a matter-of-fact tone over maximalist tracks that could soundtrack both a high-end runway show or underground rave. Next year, she’ll be touring her latest even more — but it seems likely that in due time she’ll be opening for names like Dua Lipa and Rosalía. It’s about time we fast-track her innate star power straight to global domination. —SB

Kid Bookie

On the heels of a nu-metal revival, Kid Bookie charges to the foreground, all guns blazing with a cheeky smirk. He’s like a love child of Linkin Park and Slipknot, so if you love all the rage and excitement of metal — Bookie is your guy. “Stuck In My Ways” feat. Corey Taylor put Bookie on the radar of heavy music fans, but the 2021 release “Mass Hysteria” solidified his place for naysayers or gatekeepers. After fighting against stereotypes towards Black artists in rock and metal, Bookie has spearheaded a movement and created more room for BIPOC artists to follow in his footsteps. He’s a true trailblazer, and sure to keep fueling the fire in 2023. —Yasmine Summan

JELEEL!

With each backflip and shirt rip, JELEEL! grows more powerful. The Rhode Island rage rapper looks like a formidable WWE opponent — a towering build, muscles that bulge — that belies his optimistic, good-hearted nature. On record, JELEEL! melds pop-punk and hip-hop into a contagious brew. Onstage, he explodes into the kind of theatricality that makes him use fans for a few reps. The intensity of his live show, however, is far from a marketing scheme. Rather, JELEEL! uses his innately glass-half-full outlook on the world to help others find their way out of the darkness. —NH

Loveless

Following a meteoric rise on TikTok, a series of inventive covers of modern pop hits, and two LPs released in just one year, Los Angeles-based duo Loveless are putting the heart and soul back into modern rock on their own terms. With a sound that is reminiscent of later-era Bring Me The Horizon and the Plot In You, as well as subtle throwbacks to mid-2000s post-hardcore (think Saosin and Silverstein), Loveless undoubtedly refined their brand of rock with their latest album End of an era, and are poised to continue topping the charts and securing slots on major festivals in the new year. —AD

One Step Closer

After releasing various EPs and demos over the course of five years, One Step Closer finally delivered their sentimental and nostalgic debut album This Place You Know in late 2021 and have captivated audiences ever since. The band, who share a unifying straight-edge message, have seamlessly revived the golden era of ’90s melodic-hardcore in the vein of bands such as Turning Point and Bane, while also incorporating a more modern approach to the genre. In 2023, One Step Closer join longtime scene veterans Silverstein on their North American tour, and they’re sure to continue to reach new heights in their pursuit of redefining melodic-hardcore. —AD

Rachel Bobbitt

Before diving into the singer-songwriter sphere, Rachel Bobbitt had a bit of an unlikely start — as a teenager on Vine who shared pop covers and gained a substantial following. But she’s since transitioned into a singer-songwriter career that explores the depths of emotion — joy, love, and pain. The coming-of-age tracks have helped the Toronto-based artist share stages with musicians like Men I Trust and Indigo DeSouza, too. —IK

Raffaella

If you grew up on and can’t help but miss ’00s bubblegum pop, Disney Channel’s heyday, and weekends spent at the mall (or playing Mall Madness!), then Raffaella is for you. The singer makes indie-pop that plays on the Y2K music and aesthetics of her childhood, with a dash of snarky-sweet, tongue-in-cheek lyricism about the trials and tribulations of girlhood. From NYC but relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota, the recording artist has fit seamlessly into the Midwestern scene and collaborates with members of the local band Hippo Campus on her tracks. Together, they worked on her EP LIVE, RAFF, LOVE (Act I), which arrived on Mom + Pop in 2022, and will be followed up by Act II in 2023. Live, laugh, and love with Raff, and you’re in for a treat. —SB

Samia

It wouldn’t be wrong to call Samia a poet. Her songs include illusive references to memories, heartbreaking confessions others wouldn’t dare say, and find the significance in details that could’ve been overlooked to tell stories about her, her friends and lovers, and what it means to accept the love around you. You could pore over her words for hours and — after drying your tears — still not feel certain that you grasp their full meaning. Regardless, her gentle, at times fierce indie rock makes you experience every emotion amplified. The singer came up in the NYC DIY scene in the late 2010s before relocating to Nashville and already released her incredible debut LP, The Baby, back in 2019. With Honey coming in early 2023, though, she seems poised to become one of indie’s biggest names. —SB

Softcult

Twins Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn initially appeared in the long-standing pop-punk group Courage My Love, but in changing their sound to the grunge and shoegaze-inspired Softcult, they’ve since come even more into their own as songwriters. The Canadian duo have released two exceptional EPs (Year Of The Rat, Year Of The Snake), as well as a series of singles, that echo their feminist ideals and activism against injustice. With poignant lyrics that tackle topics such as abuse, sexual assault, and oppression, Softcult remain fearless in their mission to make the world a better place. —AD

Tanukichan

Classically trained, multi-instrumentalist Hannah van Loon has been making music as Tanukichan in the Bay Area since 2016, but it seems like the singer-songwriter is about to enter a new era — and one you’d be remiss not to be a part of. Her sophomore full-length, GIZMO, is due out in March, and it sees her reunite on many tracks with frequent collaborator Chaz Bear of Toro y Moi and build upon her charming dream-pop sound. She’s released two singles already, “Make Believe,” a fuzzy, delicate tune where her gentle voice nearly blends with the track, and “Don’t Give Up,” which finds her sound meet nü metal. Listen to her hypnoticisms and you’ll feel yourself float away to somewhere brighter. —SB

Carlie Hanson calls out fakes and liars with “Pretender”

Ever since her arrival in 2017, Carlie Hanson has been putting out thoughtful, forthright songs that capture her coming-of-age experience. With her new single “Pretender,” the alt-pop singer remains thoroughly charming, confident, and sincere, with the track centering on her struggle to deal with fakeness and liars as she continues to navigate her early 20s. Safe to say, Hanson continues to be one to watch. —Neville Hardman

Zulu’s “Fakin’ Tha Funk (You Get Did)” is a groove-centric take on powerviolence

At last, Zulu have revealed they will release their debut full-length A New Tomorrow next year. With the announcement, they shared the pummeling first single “Fakin” Tha Funk (You Get Did).” The track leans on stuttering grooves, down-tuned guitars, and visceral vocal directives that feel commanding in more ways than one. “Fakin’ Tha Funk (You Get Did)” beams with aggression and assertiveness that only further cements Zulu’s place in the upper echelon of modern hardcore. —Alessandro DeCaro

Ethel Cain pays homage to Bones and All on “famous last words (an ode to eaters)”

If you’ve seen Luca Guadagnino’s new cannibal love story starring Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet, then you know it has the emotional potency to tear your heart out of your chest and devour it. Singer-songwriter Ethel Cain was particularly struck by the film — so much so that she wrote and released a song inspired by it on SoundCloud last week, almost immediately after seeing it. It makes sense Cain was taken by the movie, given its ode to the heartland and romantic tones, and all of that comes through on the somber ballad. Singing of an all-consuming love that keeps two tragic lovers coming back to one another over a gentle track, it parallels Maren and Lee from the movie. It’s simply stunning, so let it “eat of [you], baby.” —Sadie Bell

https://soundcloud.com/mothercain/famous-last-words-an-ode-to-eaters?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Better Strangers’ “Raincheck” is a grunge-y take on toxic relationships

Genesis fans will want to get hip to Better Strangers, a Miami rock band featuring drummer Nic Collins, the son of Phil Collins. After releasing their debut single “But I Don’t Know Your Name” earlier this year, the band are back with another exciting cut. This time, they’re cashing in their straight-ahead rock for a more aggressive ripper. With their grunge-y new track “Raincheck,” Better Strangers detail the intricacies of toxic relationships and their ultimate turmoil, which you need to hear, stat. —Neville Hardman

Hippo Campus’ Zach Sutton debuts as Mono Moon with the indie bop “One Liner”

In the Twin Cities, there’s a whole artistic family affair surrounding the indie band Hippo Campus. Even as members of the cult-beloved group dabble in solo efforts, as they have over the past couple of years, they support each other by playing on or producing each other. Now, bassist Zach Sutton is taking a stab at solo work, too, as Mono Moon with the debut single “One Liner” — also featuring Hippo members guitarist Nathan Stocker, trumpeter DeCarlo Jackson and singer Jake Luppen on production. While it explores succumbing to the feeling of being wanted, even when that’s a little toxic, it’s an earworm of an indie-pop bop with a playful delivery from Sutton and production that gleans. Each of Hippo’s solo projects have been gems, so Mono Moon is surely one to watch. —Sadie Bell

Julia Wolf and blackbear’s “Gothic Babe Tendencies” is a candid rumination on love 

Indie-pop singer-songwriter Julia Wolf has captured her inner ruminations on the anxieties of new love and commitment in staggering ways with “Gothic Babe Tendencies.” The ’80s-tinged ballad showcases Wolf’s breathy and soothing vocal style and invites listeners along for a personal journey on whether or not to dive headfirst into a new relationship, or keep herself guarded against an inevitable heartbreak. blackbear‘s verse is a welcomed addition to the song as well, allowing for the pop superstar to analyze his own vulnerability through bouncy and upbeat vocal cadences that add a staggering contrast to Wolf’s ethereal presence. “Gothic Babe Tendencies” is the musical equivalent of butterflies in your stomach when faced with the prospect of a new love. —Alessandro DeCaro

A night to remember plays out on Snow Ellet’s sweet emo single “Playing Dead”

Sometimes you just need to let the night take you where it may to have what ends up being a night to remember. Chicago faves Snow Ellet, who make self-described “pop punk for the indie kids, indie rock for the pop-punk kids,” track an evening exactly like that on their latest single. Lyrically, it chronicles a house party that’s shut down, but the exuberance that comes with driving off laughing and ending up wanting to stay out until sunrise — all of which comes through on the sweet emo track produced by Sarah Tudzin of illuminati hotties. Eventually, it crescendos into a finale with an energy that parallels a house party — one that’s way more fun than the one the band started their night at. —Sadie Bell

One Step Closer embrace their melodic tendencies with “Dark Blue”

On their latest single “Dark Blue,” Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania’s own One Step Closer are doubling down on their melodic tendencies to amplify their blend of classic straight-edge hardcore further. Vocalist Ryan Savitski has never sounded more confident as a frontman with the incorporation of clean vocals that feel like a mix of Spencer Chamberlain (Underoath) and Ned Russin (Title Fight). Savitski uses the duration of the song to reflect on the present moments of his life after a year of grueling tour schedules and life changes. Instrumentally, the band has never sounded tighter, as well — with dueling guitars, commanding drum rhythms, and a palpable sense of urgency. “Dark Blue” will leave you wanting more as soon as the track stops. —Alessandro DeCaro

Ellise conjures a dark-pop spell with “Did It Hurt”

Ellise specializes in the kind of sultry, dark pop that made the world fall in love with artists like Billie Eilish. In under three minutes, Ellise tells a story of twisted but intoxicating love-hate relationships overtop of a thumping bass at the chorus. Fans of Mothica, DeathbyRomy and Maggie Lindemann will find a lot to love with this gripping cut. —Neville Hardman

This year, Sound and Fury’s triumphant return took place at a far larger venue than ever before. Held at Los Angeles’ Exposition Park, the event boasted an expansive lineup of 30-plus acts that not only featured some of the genre’s most seasoned and accomplished acts (Terror, Gods Hate, Drug Church, Angel Du$t) but also reflected the current state of hardcore — one that’s grown exponentially since the 2019 festival. Even in the midst of a pandemic, hardcore felt like it was at its most fruitful and evolved state while going through a major resurgence, which signaled that the genre was beginning to experience its next major crossover. 

Read more: Meet Koyo, the Long Island quintet at the forefront of the melodic hardcore and emo revival

Breakout acts included bands such as Anxious, Koyo, Zulu, Scowl, No Pressure and One Step Closer, who wear their influences on their sleeves but push the genre forward in exciting and progressive ways, all of whom performed at this year’s festival. Notably, hardcore began to diversify and hone in on the importance of representation with powerful POC-led groups, female-identifying front persons and groups that echoed the sentiments of meaningful change and action.

2022’s Sound and Fury felt like the true embodiment of the new face of hardcore, with all walks of life in attendance, showing that hardcore at its roots is for everyone and will continue to be a safe, welcoming space for all. What’s more, hardcore will continue to grow and evolve while defying any exclusivity or pretentiousness that was often present in the past. 

Additionally, Sound and Fury was co-presented by Brain Dead, an alternative streetwear brand that’s at the forefront of the intersection between music, skateboarding, fashion and high art. Fans lined up in droves to secure festival-exclusive merchandise at their impressive pop-up shop on the festival grounds. In addition to the shopping experience, crowd-goers were also treated to a traveling arcade experience courtesy of Brain Dead, which boasted several video game machines that allowed everyone a chance to join the fun. 

Significantly, there was an abundance of celebrations, rebirths, and somber goodbyes. On one hand, many in attendance and onstage basked in the return of a beloved music festival and live music in general, but on the other hand, it was impossible not to celebrate how amazing it was to see hardcore at such an elevated state. Many bands were given the opportunity to play in front of some of the largest crowds they’ve ever seen, paired with the genre’s recent uptick in popularity and exposure to a broader audience.

Read more: Zulu: “The best part about music is that you can do whatever you want with it”

It was of course heartwarming to see the reunion of two of the festival’s most left-field groups — Superheaven and Pity Sex — both of which play a blend of shoegaze and ‘90s-tinged grunge, a stark contrast to the heavy majority of acts, who abruptly disbanded in the mid-2010s. Despite the sonic shift, both bands were warmly received and put on emotionally driven sets that clearly show that neither has missed a beat. 

In the midst of reunions came a somber goodbye to one of the genre’s brightest groups, Gulch, who announced that Sound and Fury would be their final West Coast show. Fittingly, they closed out the two-day festival on Sunday night with a visceral, chaotic set that sent seismic waves across the festival grounds. Gulch played their set harder than ever knowing that it would be their last, and the thousands of fans didn’t take the moment for granted, with a sea of crowd-surfing, mosh pits from every direction and extreme stage-diving. Gulch showed that you can go out with not only grace and style but most certainly a massive bang. 

As the festival came to a close, it truly felt like the hardcore community was a part of something bigger than the music. It’s safe to assume as people made their way back to their cars and proceeded on the commute home that they would be left with lasting memories and immediate anticipation for what next year’s festival might bring. One thing is for sure: Sound and Fury is here to stay, and one can only imagine the heights it will reach in the years to come. —Alessandro DeCaro

Relive Sound and Fury Festival and witness the new face of hardcore

Rebecca Lader

Anxious

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Anxious

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Koyo

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Koyo

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Scowl

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Scowl

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No Pressure

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No Pressure

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Angel Du$t

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Angel Du$t

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God’s Hate

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God’s Hate

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Superheaven

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Superheaven

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Superheaven

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Pity Sex

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Pity Sex

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Pity Sex

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Terror

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Terror

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Terror

This week, the musical duo unleashed a wild new remix that is reimagining a Linkin Park classic released two decades ago.

Read more: Hear the Pretty Reckless and Tom Morello join forces on “And So It Went”

In honor of the Hybrid Theory 20th anniversary, Linkin Park put out an exclusive anniversary edition of the album last year. Along with unheard demos and original recordings, the staggering six-disc LP includes various “reanimations” of some classic Hybrid Theory songs. Zion, Kelli Ali and Phoenix Orion are just a few of the artists to share reworkings on the anniversary album.

Now, it looks like Linkin Park have called upon another artist to re-envision a Hybrid Theory hit. This week, 100 gecs released their truly wild remix of “One Step Closer,” the lead single from the 2000 album. The latest reanimation truly brings together 100 gecs influence and the nostalgic sounds on “One Step Closer.”

The “One Step Closer (100 gecs Reanimation)” greets listeners with intense synth-heavy riffs, blown-out bass and chaotic sounds. However, in the midst of all of that, Chester Bennington‘s signature vocals are as present as ever, reminding fans of why “One Step Closer” is one of Linkin Park’s most popular songs.

Read more: Hear Avril Lavigne and MOD SUN’s powerful punk rock anthem “Flames”

Collectively, the reanimation offers a different version of “One Step Closer” that fans may not have expected, making it the perfect addition to Linkin Park’s reanimation collabs.

“Part of the spirit of Reanimation was to take the Hybrid Theory songs that people knew so well, and let innovative artists flip them in ways nobody expected,” Mike Shinoda says. “I think 100 gecs did exactly that.”

This isn’t the first Linkin Park reimagination to emerge recently. Earlier this week, Kim Hongjoong, one of the members of the K-pop band ATEEZ, transformed “Numb” into the ultimate K-pop hit. For his cover, Hongjoong infused EDM and trap elements to recreate the Linkin Park tune into a mega pop track.

What are your reactions to 100 gecs’ “One Step Closer” reanimation? Let us know in the comments below.