Best Hardcore Releases of 2017
Really a collection of the best heavy releases of 2017, but hey. I have included a decent amount of demos and debuts on this list - while there may have been great LPs I left off this list, 2017 to me was an insane year for new and breakout DIY hardcore bands. There is so much great talent coming up, and I wanted to highlight that in this list. For the newer/lesser-known bands, I have provided Bandcamp links (and descriptions for some) if you want to explore a particular release further. Hope you enjoy. |
| 1 |  | Converge
The Dusk in Us
My favorite band of all time. Not their best record, but every Converge record is a banger and this is no different. |
| 2 |  | Power Trip
Nightmare Logic
Power Trip take the next step. Nightmare Logic is an incredible record. Hitting the road in 2018 with Sheer Mag, Fury and Red Death, so keep an eye out. |
| 3 |  | Impalers (TX)
Cellar Dweller
Fronted by Power Trip drummer Chris Ulsh, Impalers are one of the best hardcore/D-beat bands that very few know about. Right from the jump, this record is fast and aggressive. Can't recommend this band enough to all fans of hardcore. // FFO: Discharge, Motorhead, Negative Approach
https://theimpalers.bandcamp.com/album/cellar-dweller-lp |
| 4 |  | Incendiary
Thousand Mile Stare
Imagine Snapcase playing Buried Alive songs being fronted by Zack De La Rocha. Might have listened to this record more than any other in 2017, this goes so hard. |
| 5 |  | Full of Hell
Trumpeting Ecstasy
The grind greats do it again. FOH aren't a hardcore band, but do contain plenty of hardcore influences. |
| 6 |  | Fury (USA)
2017 Promo
2016's Paramount was my favorite record of the year, and this short but awesome promo tape lives up to the hype. Expect an insane sophomore LP from them in 2018. Also touring with Power Trip.
https://furyhc.bandcamp.com/album/2017-promo |
| 7 |  | Free
Ex Tenebris
4/5ths of Have Heart dropped the best EP of the year. Every bit as good as HH, with more of an Inside Out vibe. // FFO: Have Heart, Inside Out (if that wasn't obvious)
https://freehc.bandcamp.com/album/ex-tenebris |
| 8 |  | Illusion (NY)
Demo
If Cro-Mags formed in 2017. This band is going places. // FFO: Cro-Mags, Harley Flanagan, Harley Cro-Mags Flanagan, Judge, Bad Brains
https://illusion.bandcamp.com/releases |
| 9 |  | Primal Rite
Sensory Link to Pain
This band is about to explode. Thrash-y hardcore from CA. Debut LP drops January 26, 2018 on Revelation Records.
https://primalrite.bandcamp.com/album/sensory-link-to-pain |
| 10 |  | Unified Right
If I Can't Listen To Unified Right In Heaven...
Damn near perfect hardcore. Insane record. May very well be remembered as a classic.
https://bbbrecords.bandcamp.com/album/if-i-cant-listen-to-unified-right-in-heaven-then-send-me-straight-to-hell-lp |
| 11 |  | Haram (NY)
When You Have Won, You Have Lost
https://haramharam.bandcamp.com/album/when-you-have-won-you-have-lost |
| 12 |  | No Warning
Torture Culture
No Warning's return caught me somewhat by surprise, but this record crushes. NW is a different band now, but the best moments on here are just as good, if not better, than anything on Ill Blood. |
| 13 |  | Red Death
Formidable Darkness
Crossover thrash from DC. Catch them on tour with Power Trip in 2018.
https://bbbrecords.bandcamp.com/album/formidable-darkness |
| 14 |  | Mindforce
The Future Of...
Thrashy NYHC - think Turnstile meets Leeway. Rumor has it, the debut Mindforce LP is coming some time in the first half of 2018 on Triple B Records. Keep an eye out.
https://mindforceny.bandcamp.com/album/the-future-of |
| 15 |  | Gatecreeper
Sweltering Madness
https://closedcasketactivities.bandcamp.com/album/sweltering-madness |
| 16 |  | Enforced
Retaliation
This really should be both Retaliation and their Demo, but can't fit two on one line. Enforced dropped two EPs this year - a total of seven songs - and they are both true statements of intent. This crossover thrash act from Richmond, VA is the truth.
Retaliation: https://enforced.bandcamp.com/album/retaliation
Demo: https://enforced.bandcamp.com/album/demo |
| 17 |  | Protester
Hide From Reality
Another awesome release from DC's Protester.
https://protester.bandcamp.com/album/hide-from-reality-lp |
| 18 |  | Fireburn
Don't Stop the Youth
Fireburn is fronted by once-Bad Brains vocalist Israel Joseph I, and the sound here isn't far off. Also features Todd Jones (Nails, ex-Carry On) on guitar. Really fun EP.
https://closedcasketactivities.bandcamp.com/album/dont-stop-the-youth |
| 19 |  | Forced Order
One Last Prayer
Another crossover band, but less thrashy; leans more on the heavier/more metal side of the genre.
https://bbbrecords.bandcamp.com/album/one-last-prayer |
| 20 |  | Code Orange
Forever
So stoked for this band and their Grammy nomination. Bring it home for the genre. |
| 21 |  | Diztort
Demo
OCHC that doesn't sound like OCHC. NYHC? Integrity-ish? Idk. But it's awesome.
https://advancedperspective.bandcamp.com/album/demo-2 |
| 22 |  | Trapped Under Ice
Heatwave |
| 23 |  | Exit Order
Seed Of Hysteria
https://exitorder.bandcamp.com/album/seed-of-hysteria |
| 24 |  | Backtrack
Bad To My World |
| 25 |  | Higher Power
Soul Structure |
| 26 |  | Nosebleed
Nosebleed
Aggressive female-fronted hardcore from Richmond, VA.
https://nosebleedrva.bandcamp.com/album/s-t-7 |
| 27 |  | Integrity
Howling, For the Nightmare Shall Consume |
| 28 |  | Bind
True Colors
https://pleadyourcaserecords.bandcamp.com/album/pyc008-true-colors |
| 29 |  | Glassjaw
Material Control |
| 30 |  | Counterparts
You're Not You Anymore |
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