Hardcore punk is a high-energy, aggressive genre characterized by fast tempos, driving rhythms, and often, screamed or shouted vocals. Emerging in the late 1970s and peaking in popularity in the 1980s, hardcore punk evolved from the raw, DIY ethos of punk rock, with bands like Black Flag and Dead Kennedys spearheading the movement. Defined by its intense, cathartic sound and anti-establishment sentiment, hardcore punk became a powerful outlet for youthful rebellion and social critique. Its influence can be seen in subsequent genres like post-hardcore, emo, and metalcore, while its raw energy and intensity continue to inspire new generations of musicians. Notable for its fusion of punk's simplicity with metal's aggression, hardcore punk's distinctive sound is marked by its use of palm-muted chords, rapid-fire drumming, and emotive, often politicized lyrics.

We Contain Multitudes

Ólafur Arnalds•

John Lenehan

Single - Released November 6, 2026