Melodic hardcore is a broadly defined subgenre of hardcore punk with a strong emphasis on melody in its guitar work. It generally incorporates fast rhythms, melodic and often distorted guitar riffs, and vocal styles tending towards shouting and screaming. Nevertheless, the genre has been very diverse, with different bands showcasing very different styles. Many pioneering melodic hardcore bands, have proven influential across the spectrum of punk rock, as well as rock music more generally. The term melodic punk is often used to describe both melodic hardcore and skate punk bands.
Melodic hardcore pioneers Bad Religion formed in 1980 in California.
Descendents were a key influence on both melodic hardcore and pop punk in the 1980s.
Rise Against, formed in 1999, achieved widespread success by 2004.
Blood Youth are a modern melodic hardcore band formed in 2014.
Bad Religion is an American punk rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1980. The band's lyrics cover topics related to religion, politics, society, the media and science. Musically, they are noted for their melodic sensibilities and extensive use of three-part vocal harmonies. The band has experienced multiple line-up changes, with singer Greg Graffin being the band's only constant member, though fellow founding members Jay Bentley and Brett Gurewitz have also been with the band for most of their history while guitarist Brian Baker has been a member of the group since 1994. Guitarist Mike Dimkich and drummer Jamie Miller have been members of the band since 2013 and 2015 respectively. To date, Bad Religion has released seventeen studio albums, two live albums, three compilation albums, three EPs, and two live DVDs. They are considered to be one of the best-selling punk rock acts of all time, having sold over five million albums worldwide.
Bad Religion performing at Hellfest in 2018. From left: Dimkich, Bentley, Miller, Graffin, and Baker.
Bad Religion in 1980
Brian Baker (left) with Bad Religion live in the Netherlands, 1995
Bentley (left) and Graffin (right) with Bad Religion live in the House of Blues, 2005