Hardcore by Distinction: A Look at the Greatest Hardcore Bands in the Context of Hardcore Part IV

Young Adolescents being adolescents

By Stevil, August 1st, 2020

Part four in this series pushes us up to forty. Again, these names aren't in any particular order. We do what we can, but we won't attempt the impossible.

That said, here are the next ten...

31. Battalion of Saints: San Diego is the most livable city in the US and everyone knows this now thanks in part to Ron Burgundy, but largely because of these guys. Kicking things off in 1980, they were one of the first to blast out fierce hardcore in Southern California. "Second Coming" is a must-have in any true hardcore collection and they're mantra of "Stay Classy" is still the epitome of this genre.

32. Gorilla Biscuits: Few bands ever put out a single full-length album, little else since, and have had as great of an impact as the 'Biscuits continue to have. Highly influential for straight edgers and stimulant users alike, GB evokes feelings on a variety of issues without offense and without bullshit. I mean gorilla shit.

33. Necros: The 1980's produced a number of bands with the worst names in history. This is not debatable. Necros, however, might be one of the coolest names in rock, and they back that up with music that kills. Fast, slow, mid-tempo... their sets featured it all and 'Conquest for Death' is a great reflection of that.

34. Adolescents: I attempted to write about Adolescents quite a while ago. Then Steve died and I was in shock. I didn't want to write. I still don't. I shouldn't have to. Everyone should know this band by now. Simply put, they're one of the greatest punk bands in history. Hardcore, melodic hardcore, whatever you want to call it, there's something for everyone by this band.

35. Crass: Though never a personal favorite, Crass were as important as they were influential, and their odd delivery is still attracting kids to the scene decades after having split. You would think they originated in Portland, but no, they were from Essex. Take from that whatever you want.

36. SNFU: If there's one thing Canada has delivered, it's great acronym-based bands. My introduction to the band came from the  'Something To Believe In' comp on BYO. "Victims of the Womanizer" had me sold on the band immediately. Mr. Chi Pig recently passed away, which is yet another critical loss for the scene, but the music lives on and the world is better for it.

37. Negative Approach: Detroit was the birthplace of many careers, including seemingly countless great R&B acts, MC5, Stooges, Dead Boys, an above mentioned band (guess!) and Negative Approach. Part of the 'Process of Elimination' comp and mini-tour of the same name, NA helped put hardcore on the map and young mothers have been grateful ever since.

38. NOFX: Clearly one of the most influential bands over the last 30 years (seriously), NOFX have been a pioneer and mentor for many similar-minded musicians and bands which has been well-documented within the discography of Fat Wreck Chords releases. Unlikely to win any awards for their social services (or anything else), NOFX has pushed on nonetheless. That's dedication, folks.

39. Dayglo Abortions: These crooked-toothed canucks cracked craniums (figuratively) with the release of 'Here Today, Guano Tomorrow' in the 80's, sparking a huge battle over free speech and forcing change from the Canadian Supreme Court. They remain the only band/group/whatever to have ever successfully united Pro-Life and Pro-Choice activists in a joint effort to chastise what they saw as a common annoyance/threat. In other words, they've accomplished what politicians have failed to do for decades--and they did it playing Lennon-inspired music.

40.  Reagan Youth: Reagan Youth created considerable controversy with the way they conveyed their political and social views, which were distinctly anti-racist, but they were a voice (and warning) that was vital for a young generation of punk rock kids. Tragedy took it's toll on the band, but the message still resonates.

41. GBH: Call this one a bonus! Most hardcore acts had some kind of direction or message. GBH wasn't one of them, nor did they conduct any kind of grievous bodily harm, but what they did do is entertain and help sustain a movement that was evolving from the 70's into the modern 80's.