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Album Ratings 443
Objectivity 62%
Last Active 11-03-23 8:26 pm
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| 2024 Emo Tier List + Ranking
Finally getting around to posting this! Here's a few ground rules:
1. Before I start, I’d like to explain that even though I’m using a tier list format, I don’t dislike anything that I’m showing you all - I don’t really like being negative (unless it’s warranted). With that said, the tiers are just there to help me organize my feelings on the releases. If albums are in the same tier, I think they’re roughly as good as each other (with the exception of the top 10 - I’ll talk more about that further down).
2. Each record will be posted with a little blurb highlighting my thoughts on the release. Please don’t take these words as gospel - they’re just my opinions! Ultimately, it’s more important to me that you find awesome music than actually ranking the music. Well, except…
3. The Top 10! None of the tiers are ranked until we get to the top 10 releases of the year, which you’ll know ahead of time when that comes. Take your guess as to who will get a high placing this year! | | 1 |  | Kerosene Heights
Leaving
S Tier
Following up on their first full-length release in 2023, Kerosene Heights plowed forward with as much momentum as any band in 2024, releasing this EP and a split with Swiss Army Wife. Leaving is a masterclass high-energy Emo, incorporating the drive of Pop-Punk with the maturity and catharsis of Midwest Emo. At only four songs, each track stands out and is brilliantly written, saying as much as they did in 2023 with about ⅓ the time. Kerosene Heights is well on their way to being one of the most consistently incredible Emo bands of this era. | | 2 |  | State Faults
Children of the Moon
The Bay Area’s very own State Faults cements their legacy as one of the premier Screamo bands of this generation, encapsulating the enigmatic nature of Bay Area Skramz with Children of the Moon. The band has always had a Post-Screamo feel to their music, but the term seems most relevant in describing their latest album, a monumental 1+ hour atmospheric sojourn, dwarfing the lengths of their previous outings by quite a bit. Although the immediacy found in their previous albums has dissipated somewhat, their use of melody, particularly in the newly added clean vocals, elevates them to a different plane entirely. | | 3 |  | Origami Angel
Feeling Not Found
Gami Gang rejoice! This is Origami Angel’s best outing since GOATed Emo album Somewhere City, and that is an amazing statement given their legendary discography. Whereas on their debut LP they clung to a youthful and somewhat naive sense of hope and optimism despite life's turmoils., on Feeling Not Found, five years later, they present a new sense of cautious optimism that only wisdom and world-weariness can draw out. Replacing their fixation with Math Rock is a penchant for Easycore riffs and breakdowns, the latter of which is particularly creative and ubiquitous on this record. Despite being 14 songs deep, almost every track is prominent and serves a function on the larger experience. | | 4 |  | Febuary
February
One of the most refreshing takes on Screamo in years, Febuary actually takes inspiration from the Screamo greats of yore, such as Portraits of Past, Saetia or I Have Dreams. Despite the weight of their influence on this “self-titled” album, February isn’t content to just worship these bands. Instead, they twisted the grand sonic textures these groups created to fit their needs. This album exemplifies quiet-loud dynamics in the most natural of ways, often at either crescendo or decrescendo. The manic dual vocals shriek and scream with passion and fervor, and they just have that “human element” that makes you feel the anguish behind every line. If you like classic 90s Screamo with Midwest Emo and Post-Rock vibes, this is one of the best albums in recent memory to listen to. | | 5 |  | Clay Birds
Bled Out and Painted Blue
A+ Tier
Perhaps rating their debut EP a C+ last year was a bit too harsh, but Bled Out and Painted Blue is a marked improvement for the band in terms of songwriting and production. Despite the varied song structures and styles, Clay Birds still maintains their signature chaotic and dark atmosphere. The volume dynamics on this album are very natural as the band finds the perfect juxtaposition of solemn and lonesome clean sections with menacing and raw Screamo. With their first LP, Clay Birds have canonized themselves in the grand tapestry of SoCal Skramz. | | 6 |  | Scumma do Mar
Gamba Tesa
Gamba Tesa is an energetic jaunt through twenty minutes of Mathy Emo filled with twinkly riffs, odd time signatures and passionate vocals. Though this description could fit hundreds of records in this genre, native Neapolitans Scumma do Mar inject their music with that little something that keeps you engaged and makes you put this album on repeat. This LP will keep you on your toes, even if it isn’t treading original ground. | | 7 |  | drive your plow over the bones of the dead
tragedy as catharsis
One of the noisiest and most unrelenting Emoviolence albums of all time, tragedy as catharsis is a Hell of a debut LP from native Canucks drive your plow. The arrangements are tumultuous and suffocating, aided by the ultra-distorted guitars and boisterous drumming. However, this wall of sound that’s created as a result belies the supreme technicality under the hood; blistering chord progressions, time signature shenanigans and subtle intensity dynamics showcase a band handily biting off in less than 20 minutes one of the most ambitious Emoviolence records ever. Although the deafening dissonance and cacophony are one of the album's strongest points, slightly clearer production could have improved this. | | 8 |  | Heart To Gold
Free Help
A Tier
Moody Emo veterans H2G finally unlock their melodic potential by adding in a heaping teaspoon of radiant Emo-Pop into the mix. With one of the best vocalists in Emo today throwing caution to the wind, the vocals are far and away the best feature of this record, but the lighter direction the band took helps to highlight the bombastic singing to a higher degree. While the instrumental virtuosity isn't a priority, the band's performance is consistent and superb, delivering possibly the finest addition to this underrated band’s discography. | | 9 |  | Stay Inside
Ferried Away
Stay Inside eschews the darker Post-Hardcore tones of their previous work in favor of brighter Pop-Punk ones on Ferried Away to magnificent results. This is the perfect Summer Emo album to vibe to on the beach while wallowing over a breakup. The horns add depth to the melodies but also contribute to the isolated vibes. For fans of their older work, there are still some moody and atmospheric tracks, placed perfectly within the album’s immaculate flow. You need to stop reading and start listening! Now! | | 10 |  | Oolong
Oolong
Oft cited as one of the premier bands of the Weedmo movement, Oolong's self-titled release does little to shake the stigma of juvenility that comes with the label. However, this nearly hour-long survey of Midwest Emo styles showcases the band moving beyond the hyper Math Rock influences of their first release. Of course, there are still tons of amazing riffs, raw and gritty production choices and fun vocal melodies, but the band shows remarkable musical growth and appreciation for the history of the genre. | | 11 |  | Your Arms Are My Cocoon
Death of a Rabbit
In 2020, YAAMC controversially released their s/t EP, singlehandedly establishing Bedroom Skramz as the genre of the times. Beloved by many, it remains unlistenable for a huge swath of Emo fans. Fast forward four years into the future and YAAMC has released their first proper full-length record. While Bedroom Skramz hasn’t really evolved since it was introduced in 2020, Tyler Odum took the last four years to mature his sound. death of a rabbit is fragile and cathartic with many quiet instruments like acoustic guitars and soft synths juxtaposed against harsher synths and desperate screams. Listening to this album feels like prying into someone’s diary, a document of their private thoughts. And while it almost feels wrong, the near 45-minute runtime evaporates with each listen. Definitely listen to this whether you liked the 2020 s/t or not. | | 12 |  | Strelitzia
Winter
Arizona Emo band Strelitzia formed nearly a decade ago in 2015 and have only released one EP back in 2017. The promise displayed in those 20 minutes is fulfilled on their debut album Winter, a monumental effort of Midwest Emo, Math Rock, Post-Rock and Indie, among other influences. Refreshing and varied song structures give this album a unique identity among the other Emo contemporaries. Though they are prone to superfluous instrumentation, the breadth of their sounds and depth of their songwriting prevents it from being utter wankery. | | 13 |  | Ogbert the Nerd
What You Want
Following up on their breakout 2020 album I Don’t Hate You, Ogbert the Nerd finally returns with What You Want. Let me tell you, don’t talk about a sophomore slump with this band! More Emo with strong Post-Hardcore and Pop-Punk roots is found on here with fewer songs but a bit more focus than their last album. A powerful and melodic (if a bit rough around the edges) vocal performance from shutty emphasizes the solid, kinetic and diverse instrumental accompaniments by the rest of the band. It’s quite refreshing to hear a band that sounds like this that doesn’t also sprinkle the twinkle into their songs haphazardly, even if I love that. | | 14 |  | STOMACH BOOK
SOPHOMORE SLUMP CALLITHUMP
Stomach Book is a band unafraid of the 5th Wave Emo label. In fact, they thrive on it; there's lots of not-unfounded comparisons to glass beach, though they draw from entirely different wells of inspiration. Stomach Book enjoys the chaos from combining Emo with Noise Rock, which often emanates a dark carnival vibe. Cathartic, poignant, experimental, boisterous, dissonant and utter mayhem is how you can describe this LP, and even that can't fully encapsulate this beast. Recommended for those looking for something different and offbeat. | | 15 |  | Bird Bone
Лейтмотив
One of the most impassioned records of the year comes by way of Russia's Bird Bone. The group's sophomore LP is a potent mix of Midwest Emo and Pop-Punk with blistering Math Rock and Screamo sensibilities. Excellent production amplifies the virtuosic guitar playing with memorable melodies being a priority. The vocals are some of the most sincere and emotive of the year, even if you don't understand what they are singing. This release proves that the universal language is, in fact, Emo. | | 16 |  | Riley!
Keep Your Cool
Heavily inspired by modern greats like Free Throw and Prince Daddy, Riley! bursts forth with their third album, which is probably their best. The band channels their frustrations into a manifesto of banger riffs, catchy screams and a who's who of Emo features. Betwixt song after song of cathartic and energetic track lies the odd respite, greeting the listener with a sad embrace. In short, this album is Riley!’s statement to the world that they belong in the conversation with other modern greats. | | 17 |  | see through person
every way of living
After a few years in hibernation getting this album ready, see through person finally unveils their long-awaited debut album. The band caught fire early in the 5th Wave for their Math Rock-laden EPs filled with ridiculous riffs, rough production values and emotional fervor. With over two years away from the Emo spotlight, every way of living is the grand opus that the band was destined to create. The album takes cues from their previous work with intricate song structures, overwhelming guitar and shouted vocals, but also introduces some slower songs and sections to counterbalance the insanity. This album immediately puts see through person back on the map as one of the most exciting things going in Emo today. | | 18 |  | Glass Beach
plastic death
A- Tier
This band is no stranger to controversy in the Emo scene; their first album caused a rift between people who categorized it as Emo and those who didn’t so great it almost singlehandedly defined 5th Wave Emo. After five years, J and the gang triumphantly return with their second LP plastic death. On this second full-length, glass beach drops some of the poppiness found on the first glass beach album in favor of more Progressive Rock influences. Some may say this album has even less Emo cred than their original, though I’d argue that this record transcends simple genre conventions. The Mars Volta successfully combined Prog Rock and Post-Hardcore on De-Loused in the Comatorium, Circle Takes the Square did the same with Prog and Screamo on As the Roots Undo, now glass beach has taken the mantle and fused Prog with Emo on plastic death. | | 19 |  | kudaranai 1nichi
Every Last One of Them
Finding comfort in the raw Midwest Emo tones of 2000s Japanese legends like Malegoat and susquatch, the instrumental recordings are strong but never abrasive, a credit to the excellent production. The vocals are infectious and intertwine with the guitar melodies splendidly; at times, like much of the best Japanese Emo, the vocal performance of Daisuke Takane drifts into otherworldly territory. Refreshingly, this album isn't Kinsella worship, grounding this otherwise youthful and energetic exercise in sadness. | | 20 |  | Frail Body
Artificial Bouquet
Relentlessly heavy, punishingly dark and dramatically atmospheric, Artificial Bouquet is a statement release for 2024 Screamo and for Frail Body. More than 10 years after Deafheaven released their seminal Sunbather record, Frail Body was able to take that general tone and morph it into a screamo anomaly with tons of ethereal Post-Metal bits for good measure. The guitars are dense and dissonant, the drums are a never-ending chaos party and the vocals are brimming with anguish and longing. | | 21 |  | red sun (OKC)
best buds :)
Sideband to Me Too, Thanks.’ Zeke McPhail, red sun plays the ever-popular combination of Midwest Emo with Emo-Pop sensibilities, literally referencing Mom Jeans with their album name. Despite trending toward the more juvenile side of 5th Wave Emo, the compositions are fun and the guitarwork is refreshing. The vocal melodies worm their way into your brain, brimming with earnestness despite not singing about anything novel. Fans of modern Emo bands like S@YP and Swiss Army Wife will have plenty to enjoy on this EP. | | 22 |  | Heavenly Blue
We Have The Answer
This album is the band’s first since changing their name from Youth Novel, a devastating blow to a Midwest Screamo fan like myself. However, out of the ashes of Youth Novel comes the dense and discordant We Have The Answer. The drummer is in a frenzy at almost all times while the guitars do not relent on the noisiness. The punishing, distorted vocals complete the cacophony. Heavenly Blue also released a single as Youth Novel this year, so there’s hope that this band will continue to push themselves sonically. | | 23 |  | Terry Green
Provisional Living
Is this album a long-lost relic of 2000s Screamo recently unearthed? No, but Terry Green gets pretty damn close. Carrying the legacy of being a sick Skramz band with a first and last name, Terry Green's passionate and aggressive songwriting is a welcome sound for those who miss the heavier side of Screamo from the 00s. For those who prefer newer Skramz, Terry Green’s crisp production values make this feel quite modern. Behold one of Canada’s true Emo gems with this album. | | 24 |  | Senza
Celestial Body
Innovators of Blackened Emoviolence, Senza releases their best work since their debut LP back in 2019 with Celestial Body. The dissonant atmospheres prop up aggressive sprints into all-out anarchy with a high-register vocalist who drives the anguish home. If you’re looking for a masterfully dark take on Emoviolence, this is the EP to stream. | | 25 |  | lemon bread
milk and honey
After last year’s youthful and lofi debut LP dropped from lemon bread, I had high hopes for the future of the band. Fortunately, the SoCal-based Skramerz deliver with their second LP, amping up the production values, varying the songwriting and keeping what made their last album special in the first place. More than anything, the band sounds like they’re having fun. This one’s for the fans of Fifth Wave Emo and Midwest Screamo. | | 26 |  | Viva Belgrado
Cancionero de los Cielos
A decade sure is a long time; ten years ago, Viva Belgrado released their legendary debut LP, featuring a serene approach to the Post-Rock / Screamo combo. Contrast that with their newest release, Cancionero de los cielos, an album ripped from the La Dispute / Touché Amore school of Emo. However, fans are keenly aware of how gradual the change occurred over the last four albums and are likely thrilled to listen to one of the smoothest pieces of Post-Hardcore-tinted Emo to come out in years with that signature Viva Belgrado atmosphere. | | 27 |  | Black Pine
I Hope the Leaves Change Soon for You
Black Pine is a newer Screamo / Emocore band from New York and their latest album is one for the books! They use Emocore as the basis of their music while injecting harrowing Screamo elements into the mix. Scattered Midwest Emo twinkles dust the wasteland while sections of noise act as interludes. I Hope the Leaves Change is one of the most refreshing releases this year, doing so by looking to the past raw and cathartic Emo of yore for inspiration. | | 28 |  | Bully Maguire
charlie calls 'im blimpy
Still reeking of that youthful irony that defined their debut EP last year, Bully Maguire actually mature as songwriters on their second EP in as many years. Still at five songs, charlie calls ‘im blimpy has more variety than their debut, including a gorgeous 9+ minute track toward the end. The vocals are scintillating with passion and keeps the music grounded. If you like Math Rock and Midwest Emo, you will love this band and this EP. Once they unleash a full-length record, people are going to take notice. | | 29 |  | Wapddi
Like Our Friend Murphy
Infectiously fun, wildly explorative and ridiculously melodic, South Korea’s hidden Emo gem Wapddi delivers one of the freshest albums of the entire year. 5th Wave Emo fans rejoice! This release takes influence from a multitude of other genres, including Math Rock, Power Pop, Indie and Post-Rock. The superlative influences actually meld together quite naturally here, with song after song feeling instinctively in its place as the album presses on. Some of the catchiest vocal and instrumental melodies of the entire year are just casually found several places throughout each song. | | 30 |  | A Rise (And Fall) Of a Dilapidated Home
I'm Calling All the Lightes Out Now
B+ Tier
While this did release in 2023, it was on December 30th. Seeing as I made an exception for Chinese Football last year and already reviewed their EP Quit Running, featuring songs not used on this album. A Rise (And Fall) produces this fragile sound so delicate that the songs could fall apart at any moment. This one man project resembles Second Wave Midwest Emo as interpreted by a select few bands like BLA and Empire! Empire!, which is to say cathartic Midwest Emo with modern sensibilities. Infused with Post-Rock, this album is personal, confessional and serene, so please don’t miss out on this depressing musical adventure. | | 31 |  | Be Safe
Unwell
Much is said about the Emo Revival’s inability to replicate the late 90s/early 00s style of Midwest Emo, except for some bands like Empire! Empire!. However, Be Safe’s debut album isn’t content to be influenced by acts like Benton Falls and Penfold, they actively evolve that hyper-specific era of music. Kinsella-esque guitar twinkles are abundant on this album but integrated in a way that doesn’t distract the listener with absurd Math Rock components. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, I’d highly recommend checking it out. | | 32 |  | Sweet Pill
Starchild
A wonderful collection of mathy Midwest Emo songs with incredibly catchy vocals, Sweet Pill give us more goodness with this EP. If you’ve heard their debut LP, this is more of the same, which is never a bad thing with this band. In particular, the guitar is played with the perfect Midwest Emo tone. The vocal performance by Zayna Youssef is transcendent, particularly on the title track. | | 33 |  | Carly Cosgrove
The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty
Carly Cosgrove cements themselves as one of the best and most consistent bands of the Fifth Wave with their sophomore LP. Tons of catchy melodies are played over spirited Midwest Emo on pretty much each song, though some tracks stand out more than others. Still, the album has a remarkable flow that makes listening through the entire 30+ minute runtime easy and fun. This one is for old fans and new. | | 34 |  | Frat Mouse
Flea House
Frat Mouse has been one of the most interesting and consistent bands in the entire wave, and Flea House is no exception. The youngin’s are youngin’, which almost always makes for great Emo. The folksier elements of the band’s sound have been toned down on this album, meaning this release is more straight Emo. If you’re a fan of any of the band’s other work, this album is exactly what you need. | | 35 |  | Oso Oso
Life Till Bones
life till bones is a breezy stroll through increasingly-Power-Pop-influenced-Emo-Pop from Emo stalwarts Oso Oso, filled with acoustic guitars, fun and simple song structures and an unwavering commitment to making catchy music. It’s not the greatest Oso Oso release of all time, but fans will have a lot to dive into, but new fans will love how accessible this outing is. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but there’s a strong Macseal vibe on this one, too. | | 36 |  | Bottom Bracket
I’m So Afraid Of Where
One of Chicago’s true hidden gems, Bottom Bracket have been hard at work improving their sound ever since their debut EP all the way back in 2017. While I wouldn’t say they’ve perfected their sound, this album is a sizable leap forward for the band. I’m So Afraid of Anywhere is chock full of excellent Mathy riffs, heart-on-your-sleeve vocals and generally a light atmosphere, an accessible combination that many could be interested in. Although this album isn’t the defining Chicago album of the 2020s or anything, it’s an extremely solid effort from a band who is ever-improving. | | 37 |  | hanoi traffic
towards an end
towards an end is hanoi traffic’s second EP and damn do they bring the heat! Relentless and unbelievably heavy, towards an end has tons of subtle technicality if your ears can cut through the cacophony; it helps when Will Killingsworth himself is your mastering engineer. I’m looking forward to seeing where this band takes their sound in the future, but I can already really appreciate what they’re doing. | | 38 |  | Blind Girls
An Exit Exists
Blind Girls is perhaps the best Emoviolence act going right now, and certainly so for the Southern Hemisphere. An Exit Exists further canonizes the band as such with one of the darkest and most ferocious albums of the entire year. Anguish-soaked shrieks permeate the chaotic instrumental accompaniment with everything you’d expect from the genre: walls of distorted guitars, destructive drumming and slightly less noisy sections that highlight the true pandemonium within each song. Only further-defined volume dynamics could have improved this release at all, and that’s only my subjective opinion. | | 39 |  | Ben Quad
Ephemera
Surprisingly less Midwest Screamo than you’d expect based off their seminal single You’re Part of It, Ephemera is nonetheless exactly what fans of Ben Quad have been looking for - a continued exploration of their harsher sounds. I’m happy to report that, just like their non-screamed Emo songs, Ben Quad remain excellent songwriters first and foremost, and exhilarating musicians second. The mathy, twinkly sound of their Midwest Emo songs makes the jump with some Post-Hardcore structure. | | 40 |  | Gxllium!
Breakup Songs
One of the most bonkers releases of the entire year, Breakup Songs is Gxllium playing their signature frenzied combination of Emoviolence, Mathcore, Grind and Sass with some of the most menacing breakdowns of 2024. If you’ve already heard their debut LP or split with onewaymirror, nothing here is going to surprise you, but it will still slay you. | | 41 |  | Respire
Hiraeth
Simply put, this album is gorgeous. The Post-Rock soundscapes the band crafts in each song are dense, filled with rich sonic textures and heaps of grandiosity. The strings and horns in each song contrast the Blackgaze-inspired-Screamo perfectly, giving them a balanced sound that doesn’t stray too far into chaos territory. The band is the crown jewel of Toronto’s Screamo scene and with yet another epic release, they further their reputation in The Great White North. However, I’d argue there’s perhaps a bit more sizzle than steak on this record. | | 42 |  | we'rethecurrency
For the Hearing of My Heart
One of the biggest surprises of the year comes by way of 5th Waver Emos we’rethecurrency who deliver on their second-ever EP. Despite the demo-level production values, the band pulls out all the stops with ambitious arrangements featuring acoustic guitars, trumpets, spoken word sections, melodic and melancholic clean vocals and some sorrowful screams. Traditional Midwest Emo instrumentation with early Screamo flourishes seems to be their blueprint, but the band isn't tethered to any specific idea of what Emo is supposed to be. This is without a doubt one of the most cathartic releases of 2024. | | 43 |  | SeeYouSpaceCowboy
Coup de Grâce
Starting off as a Whitebelt Hardcore band and spending the majority of their career injecting 2000s-era Emo-Pop and Post-Hardcore into the mix, SeeYouSpaceCowboy’s newest release is for the fans of the Third Wave. With Sassy clean vocals, filthy screams and tons of personality, the singer is truly front and center in the mix, but the band does an excellent job utilizing the polished 2000s soundfont to craft memorable tracks. To top things off, the band took great care to make the album flow smoothly. This album stands a head above most other recent Scene Revival releases. | | 44 |  | Carpool
My Life In Subtitles
With an admirable dedication to melody and a heart-on-your-sleeve attitude, the Emo-Pop enthusiasts from Rochester never fail to disappoint. This album is no different with many new classics to sing your lungs out to. There is a nice variety in the songs on here, so most tracks wind up being distinct in some way. Besides lacking a bit in originality and having a somewhat choppy flow, this record offers fans old and new a new collection of catchy tracks to listen to. | | 45 |  | Comic Sans
Ojalá fuera mi cumpleaños
One of Spain’s best kept secrets of the 20s, Comic Sans releases a mathy, melodic and fun record that harkens back to the days of Twinkledaddies royalty like Glocca Morra. Truly excellent guitarwork punctuates action-packed tracks that fizzle into lower intensities, the hallmark of many Emo greats of yore. With the band refining their production and tightening up their songwriting on this EP, they are poised to explode onto the international scene any day now. | | 46 |  | Reia Cibele
Reia Cibele
B Tier
The latest and greatest purveyor of Emoviolence in Portugal, Reia Cibele's self-titled is a force of nature, beginning with a brutal assault on the ears, though this 13-minute trek through mathy and sassy Emoviolence is actually quite varied. While each track is worth a listen, they combine to form a record that flows supremely well. Keep your eye out for this group. | | 47 |  | Clamor (ARG)
Para no Olvidarte
I can’t speak to an Emocore Revival or anything, but if there is one, these folks are leading the charge with an eclectic mix of Emocore, Post-Hardcore and even Indie influences. The native Argentinians remind me of Sinaloa in that way; they are not content to simply play 80s DC Revolution Summer worship and instead push the genre into their own unique direction. Emotional, melodic and cathartic are words used to describe a lot of Emo, but it especially describes this album. | | 48 |  | Infant Island
Obsidian Wreath
Infant Island is a Screamo band that takes influence from countless other genres, including Blackgaze, Post-Metal and Metalcore. They’ve perhaps reached their zenith on Obsidian Wreath, an atmospheric and abstract record with longing and angry vocals, epic song structures and truly dense ambiance. While this sounds like it could be a huge mess, the parts are strewn together with purpose and nothing sounds out of place. | | 49 |  | widowdusk
Widowdusk
Youthful, clumsy and raw, Widowdusk’s self-titled debut LP is a depressive Screamo album with plenty of tense, quieter moments to balance out the aggression. Widowdusk also integrates haphazard Indie Folk songs and one true meme song to close things out, which perhaps holds this record back just a bit. | | 50 |  | Basque
Pain Without Hope of Healing
Starting innocuous enough with an Indie-esque minute-and-a-half intro, basque soon introduces frenzied and dissonant Screamo, which is the bulk of this album’s sound. Despite sounding pretty sick and taking influence from more than just your standard Screamo, some production and songwriting choices leave the songs just below that explosive gear that the Emoviolence greats are able to throttle into. Despite that, it’s a worthy listen and the final song is genuinely brilliant. | | 51 |  | mil ataris por segundo
Una infinidad de flores
Beginning life in 2022 as part of the Bedroom Skramz movement, these Venezuelan artists have crafted numerous releases, including a multitude of splits, EPs and LPs. However, this record might just be their final one. Although lofi, the music seems grounded in Slacker Rock, giving them distinctive vibes from similar artists. The hazy guitar is in constant motion, even if just by performing delicate twinkles or mathy noodling. Even with the distorted screams that pepper this album, the music itself is very chill. | | 52 |  | Burial Etiquette
Mis-en-scène
Modern Canadian Emos, Burial Etiquette is already one of the most prolific artists in the scene with a myriad of EPs and splits underneath their belt. However, Mis-en-scène is the band’s debut full-length album. The band prioritizes DIY aesthetics and melancholic production, though the music itself is a combo of Midwest Emo, Screamo and Post-Rock. Perfect listening for when you're sad and a bit pissed. | | 53 |  | Foxtails
home
Foxtails is one of the most celebrated Screamo bands of the last decade, and with good reason. On this EP, Foxtails expound upon their last LP, playing atmospheric Post-Screamo with special mention to the sinister violin that colors the songs dark. June's punishing vocals permeate the agony of the lyrics with a mix of saddened cleans and merciless screams. Perhaps the only fault I can find is that the weight of their ambition sort of crushes this record. Had the grandiosity continued after the third and final song, this would be much higher. | | 54 |  | Blame Art
Aneuma
Aneuma is Blame Art’s first ever LP and is another entry in the longstanding tradition of Post-Rock-tinged Emo from Italy. They aren’t quite as Screamo as Raein, but not quite as soft as someone like KC Milian, balancing out quite well by using distortion and screaming more for aura than for ferocity. Most songs are over seven minutes, allowing the songs to slowly unravel themselves. Perhaps this is more Emo-tinged-Post-Rock, but it’s something you should give a listen to if you enjoy the marriage of these two epic genres. | | 55 |  | Excuse Me, Who Are You?
Double Bind
Excuse Me, Who Are You? - Double Bind
Sounding like if William Bonney added some Post-Hardcore into the mix, EMWAY? is a newer Midwest Screamo band that really enjoys rocking the lower register guitar notes more than the twinkly stuff. The vocals are aggressively shouted and endowed with a sense of self-loathing. However, the sum is not greater than the parts on here as some tracks have a disconnect between the vocals and the general song vibes. Either way, this is a great outing for a debut LP. | | 56 |  | November Letters
There's A Dead Bird In My Eye, And I'm Always...
After last year's debut EP, November Letters released their first ever LP, a tour de force of acoustic Emo. The additional band members allow for more complexity in the arrangements and a broader exploration of quiet-loud dynamics. Like any good acoustic music, the human voice is paramount to its quality, and November Letters delivers on that front again with a sincere performance and personal lyrics. | | 57 |  | no more sports
hey wayne
no more sports is the perfect example of post-irony; named so because there are too many Emo bands with sports references, they carry on the sports band name tradition while taking great influence from those same acts. Mathy guitar twinkles, slightly juvenile songwriting approach and the feeling of catharsis can all be found on this astounding nine minute EP. The band also released an even shorter s/t EP this year which is also excellent. This could be one of Detroit's best Emo bands in years, and that's quite the accomplishment! | | 58 |  | Celebration Guns
Enough Already
Longtime underrated Emos from Phoenix, Celebration Guns has had a banner year; they released an eye-opening split with Swiss Army Wife and Avec Plaisir and their own EP some months later. We're here to talk about the latter, Enough Already. Their trademark Math Rock / Midwest Emo combo is as potent as ever with some really intricate riffs. I'd call this Emo Revival Revival, but their prolific discography proves that the Revival never needed a Revival. | | 59 |  | Everyone Asked About You
Never Leave
What a journey this group has been on! After riding the Second Wave early, they fizzled out by 2000 with little fanfare. Fast forward to the Emo Revival of the early 10s and this obscure Twee-infused Midwest Emo band was dug up by eager Millennial Emos on the internet, prompting the band to unveil never-before-heard material. Finally, in 2024, we get the first newly recorded material since before breaking up. Surprisingly faithful to their old sound while sounding as different as you would expect after almost 30 years away, this may not be their best work but still captures their signature charm. | | 60 |  | Увага
Сум'яття
Увага is a Ukranian Emo project that began life as a very traditional Emocore act before morphing into what we find on this album - mathy Midwest Emo in the vein of early Emo Revival artists. Intricate, twinkly riffs are the bread and butter of this album, though the rhythm instruments do an admirable job keeping pace. There are only two minor gripes I have: 1) the vocal performance is quite underwhelming and bland, and 2) the compositions, while pretty and satisfying, aren’t too original. The music is so good that it doesn't matter if it's a bit derivative. | | 61 |  | Barely Civil
I’d Say I’m Not Fine
I’d Say I’m Not Fine is another solid outing from longtime Wisconsin Emos Barely Civil and is modern Midwest Emo done right - hooking vocals, dynamic and diverse arrangements played with energy and sincerity. Despite the catchiness of the vocals and the vigor with which the band plays, nothing on this album quite stands out amongst their discography or the greater Emo tapestry of 2024. Still, your year isn’t complete until you hear this album at least once. | | 62 |  | For When You Can't Breathe
A Home That Doesn't Exist
A Home That Doesn’t Exist is FWYCB’s debut album and like many in Emo before them, the album cover is of a house (at least this one is more of a landscape shot than just a photo of the house), and that sets the sonic expectations right away. Somewhat traditional Midwest Emo compositions are highlighted by the impassioned yet melodic vocals ala Arm's Length or Ben Quad. For When You Can't Breathe is definitely a contemporary of such notable acts and this debut shows they have the promise to achieve their name with these modern greats. | | 63 |  | Touche Amore
Spiral in a Straight Line
Iconic Post-Hardcore / Emo legends Touche Amore need no introduction. On their sixth studio album, the band refines the sense of melody they developed on the back end of their discography while adding in some of the missing Screamo flourishes from their previous album. Though perhaps their best material is behind them, Touche Amore nonetheless push themselves sonically to give hope and meaning to new miseries that appear with time and age. Don't mourn the youthful expressions of old, enjoy a more world-weary approach to find a place in this world. | | 64 |  | Re-read
Повсякденність, драма, романтика
Re-read’s debut LP is an ethereal blend of Midwest Emo and Dream Pop. This gem comes from Ukraine’s budding Emo scene. The lush soundscapes that compose the harmonies are punctuated by spirited mathy guitar riffs, though the dreamy dual vocals add more to harmony than melody. The songs are well composed and the individual performances are all technically excellent, but I don't quite sense their spirit in this music. Perhaps there is a language barrier, but one of the songs is written in a universal human tongue (cat noises. I don't want to explain…). | | 65 |  | Bulgarelli
Fat Animals
Bulgarelli adds another quality thread to the grand fabric of Italian Emo with their debut LP, a strong outing that takes cues from both traditional Midwest Emo of the Second Wave and mathy Midwest Emo of the Revival. The emphasis is naturally on the guitars, which do a phenomenal job covering melody and harmony with slick dual guitar lines. The rhythm section more than holds their own, though, allowing the earnest vocals to stand out when necessary. | | 66 |  | bonus (FL)
was a dog
Brand new Emo Revival Revival band bonus enter the scene with a delightfully twinkly and raw throwback to the early 10s with a cavalcade of epic riffs, DIY recording and production, flawed yet emotional vocals and some truly kickass tracks. At less than 13 minutes, this band shows us a small preview of the epicness they can craft. | | 67 |  | Bummer Hill
Far Removed
Trying to peg these eclectic musicians is a tough task; some tracks on Far Removed are through-and-through Emo-Pop goodness while other songs ride the softer Indie Rock wave. Others still borrow from the heaviest of Pop-Punk bands. This versatility is punctuated by top-notch production, highlighting the different tones this band aims for. The singer's smooth voice produces some very catchy melodies, but he also knows how to explode when necessary. If nothing else, this record is one of the most interesting of the year. | | 68 |  | Dead Butterflies
I See Myself In You, I Hate It
Dead Butterflies is a project from prolific Drum and Bass musician POSITIVE+, known for its tremendous Ambient influence. Micah applies that atmospheric depth to I See Myself In You, debut album for this Emo project. Coming from an entirely different genre allows for unique approaches to writing music, and this fits well with the spirit of 5th Wave Emo. The record has all the bones of a worthy Midwest Emo album - heartrending riffs, quiet-loud dynamics, emotional lyrical content - and overlays them with electronic drum elements, synths and highly-processed vocals for a Shoegaze-like effect. Dead Butterflies already has multiple studio albums out this year alone - start with this one. | | 69 |  | Gil Cerrone
Consumer
B- Tier
Fairly standard Screamo out of Melbourne with a nice variety of intensities and good production values, Consumer is the band's first LP after several Splits and EPs. This record borrows much from the greats of the early-to-mid 00s era of Skramz, though their failure to stand out amongst their influences does bring this otherwise solid album down a peg. | | 70 |  | bulletsbetweentongues
The Lights Never Lie
bulletsbetweentongues debut with a kickass Metalcore / Screamo hybrid LP out of Denton, Texas. The album starts off skewed toward Metalcore with a filthy guitar tone, a variety of breakdowns and brutal vocals. However, these elements eventually give way to melodic guitars and somewhat dynamic intensities. As cool as this is, it is perhaps too indebted to Metalcore to be a classic Screamo album but I still recommend giving this a go, especially if you live for the breakdowns. | | 71 |  | Our Future is an Absolute Shadow
LP
Atmospheric and somewhat melodic Screamo bordering on Emoviolence, OFIAAS finally unleashed their debut LP, entitled…LP. Lack of originality aside, each song contains tons of interesting ideas, a key feature of a good Emoviolence album. Rather than an all-out assault of barbarity, the band utilizes quiet-loud dynamics and tons of ambiance despite each song lasting less than two minutes (with the exception of their epic finale). Alas, as good as this is, it does lack a bit of focus at times. | | 72 |  | The Names of Our Friends
Should We Know Better Than To Wonder?
Boisterous and intimidating Screamo from the PNW, Should We Know Better is the band’s debut record and what a freakin’ way to enter the scene! Excellent production allows the guitars to overwhelm you with a wall of noise while the drummer keeps up the cacophony. The screams are impassioned, over-the-top and brimming with pure rage. If you want some new Screamo that borders on Emoviolence, this one’s worth a listen. | | 73 |  | Sacrofuoco
Anni Luce
Sacrofuoco, formerly a straightforward Screamo band named One Dying Wish, invoked the increasingly-popular Post-Metal influence going around modern-day Screamo, reformed under their current name and unleashed their debut LP onto the world. Brutal, sharp guitars drive the bleak and foreboding atmosphere forward. While the vocals are screamed, they are distorted and only add to the thick ambiance of this record rather than enhance the brutality. Although hopping on an emerging trend, Sacrofuoco nonetheless delivers some hearty Screamo here. | | 74 |  | xheartworksx
Demo
Potential - what a loaded term; on the one hand, it means the possibility of achievement, and who doesn’t think that sounds good? Unfortunately, it’s almost always accompanied by a pejorative descriptor, such as “unrealized” potential. I’m here to tell you that on xheartworksx Demo release, it’s both. This fresh material is the band’s first work and there’s a lot to like about it. There’s an old school Screamo mindset in the songwriting, putting particular emphasis on the quiet-loud dynamics and the musical catharsis that such writing can provide. However, the production values and recording quality are, frankly, horrible, and that’s saying something for this genre. Regardless, the compositions are top notch and I cannot wait to hear what the future holds for them. | | 75 |  | Macseal
Permanent Repeat
Macssal's metamorphosis from Midwest Emo band with strong melodies to Power Pop band with strong Emo ties is complete on their sophomore LP. Regardless, the acoustic guitar-laden tracks have a bright quality to them and feature subtle intricacies for curious ears. This album is perhaps the catchiest one of the year on average, each track possessing some earworm melody or other. However, with the shedding of their old musical personality, the songs tend to have shallow emotional resonance, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give this one a shot. | | 76 |  | Chase Plato
Honey Baby: I Love It When You Call Me That !
An ambitious experiment, this debut LP from Chase Plato combines raw and gritty Midwest Emo with the spiritedness of Pop-Punk and blends it together with unorthodox Hip Hop elements. The vocals are usually rapped or sung through a filter of some sort, but I have to emphasize that this isn’t Emo-Rap proper, which has its own genre conventions more closely related to Hip Hop. This seems to be grounded in Punk, even with the fun production flourishes. The only negative is that this release is a bit disjointed, a consequence of their visionary trajectory. | | 77 |  | Balance and Composure
with you in spirit
Soft Grunge stalwarts Balance and Composure released their first major record in eight years this year and boy did they milk the anticipation for months. That said, the band returns with their signature dreamy songwriting and production, along with some lush soundscapes. The vocals are melodic and ethereal, though perhaps overly-processed. B&C fans will have a lot to like on here, but it probably won't convert non-fans. I'd also recommend giving this a shot if you know nothing about the group. | | 78 |  | Hot Mulligan
Warmer Weather
Hot Mulligan simply cannot stop releasing memorable, catchy and impactful songs, which is what Warmer Weather is comprised of. Tades signature vocals and hard-hitting lyricism are front and center like always with a potent combo of Emo-Pop and Pop-Punk (with Midwest riffs) driving the eight-minute EP forward. These three tracks were released steadily throughout the year, giving fans personal time with each one. Had this release been slightly longer with similar quality, I would be rating this higher. | | 79 |  | Capillary
Capillary
A potent combination of Emo and Post-Hardcore, this is a debut release from the fabled New Jersey scene. Capillary's s/t EP is a sub-15 emotional, melodic and driving record that will remind you of the special days of the early 00s Vans Warped scene, for better or for worse. Whether wearing their influence on their sleeves is neither a good or bad thing, so it depends on what you're looking for. I can't wait to hear what they put out next - hopefully with even better production and a bit more originality. | | 80 |  | The Requiem
A Cure to Poison the World
Okay, let's get the obvious out of the way - this band is MCR worship, nearly to the level of Save Face, if a bit less dramatic. After releasing a series of well-received singles over the last couple of years, The Requiem finally unleash their debut LP. Having utterly obvious influences isn't always a bad thing, especially if you have the skills to confidently expand upon the sound as well as The Requiem does. You know what to find on here - Bullets-era Post-Hardcore x Emo-Pop, bombastic vocal melodies against expertly-produced screams and a true revival of that early Mallcore sound. | | 81 |  | I Love Your Lifestyle
Summerland (Torpa or Nothing)
Bright, Summery Emo from Sweden, I Love Your Lifestyle brings their signature Nordic flair to Midwest Emo. Switching between their native tongue and English can feel a bit jarring at times, but it feels pretty authentic. Catchy choruses abound, though they never truly reach captivating territory. An active guitar colors the songs with tons of energy, matching the vocalists’ carelessness. A good, if a bit inoffensive release. | | 82 |  | Microwave
Let’s Start Degeneracy
C+ Tier
Although Microwave has always had a penchant for mixing Emo with Alternative, they’ve tipped the scales away from Emo in recent times. Regardless, Let's Start Degeneracy is a relatively chill album that has all the sad vibes, but it's heavily saturated with somewhat bland poppiness outside of the true gems on this album. Despite the unevenness of the tracks, this album is worth a listen if just for style points alone. | | 83 |  | Annabel
Worldviews
Indie Rock / Midwest Emo hybrid Annabel returns after almost a decade of absence with a brand new album. Describing this album is difficult; it is well put-together with fun melodies, but outside of a few moments, it fails to be a memorable experience. I recommend it, but don't be surprised if it fades from your memory. | | 84 |  | poorly wrote suicide note
pwsn ii
poorly wrote suicide note is one of the many Bedroom Skramz bands that popped up in the wake of YAAMC and COVID-19 (not a band lol). Despite having some momentum from their debut LP last year, the genre feels like it’s already stagnated - and hard. This album is exemplary of that, even if nothing on this record is “bad” per se. However, despite some exquisite melodies and a perfectly-depressive timbre to the guitar, there’s little to compel the listener. Still, give it a shot if you enjoy Bedroom Skramz or a more lofi approach to Screamo. | | 85 |  | HEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE
S/T
Masshole Emos HEAVEN THROUGH VIOLENCE introduce themselves with a tense, uneasy clean intro (Heaven) before chugging along with noisy guitar progressions and some powerful screams (Through Violence). It’s definitely good, but at only ~6 minutes long and three songs deep, it’s somewhat uninspiring and, ironically, less violent than you’d think. Still, this Bostonian quartet has the potential, even if these songs are a bit formulaic. | | 86 |  | calendar year
maps and flags
Seminal Bedroom Skramz Calendar Year returns with their first new material since 2022 on Maps and Flags. Truth be told, this might be the most varied and original record that Blake Mawhorter, sole member of the band, has ever released, and that includes his stint with Lights Strung Like Stars. There is not one instrument, vocal recording or synth that doesn’t sound like it’s processed through several filters. This is, of course, the album’s primary strength and its biggest weakness, par for the course for this already-oversaturated genre. I know I sound negative, but the actual compositions on offer are delightfully gloomy and I like it. I also like the audacity to cover Street Smart Cyclist on this. | | 87 |  | sleeplike
nature
San Marcos natives in Sleeplike debut with a hazy Midwest Screamo-inspired trip to lofi town. The passion and warmth from this band is palpable, though they haven’t quite found what makes them stand out. That’s the biggest fault with this EP - it doesn’t resonate with me on an emotional level like most of the others do, despite the technically competent performance. | | 88 |  | thiscouldneverwork
Someday, Not Today
Debut record from Reno Screamo band thiscouldneverwork, Someday, Not Today is a dark, moody 15-minute adventure. The band displays tons of talent for songwriting and for instrumental virtuosity, but there’s just something about this album that didn’t quite click with me. We’d better keep a look out for this band - Nevada’s Screamo scene is starting to heat up! | | 89 |  | Jingwei
Jingwei
Jingwei is a brand new Midwest Screamo project from Nick Strutsman, a controversial figure in Emo that played in Merchant Ships and Park Jefferson. While the songwriting is excellent and the guitarwork on here is as superb as you'd expect, there are only six songs on here totaling six minutes of runtime. Unlike a select few Emoviolence releases with similar runtimes, musical ideas on here are not recorded at breakneck speeds. While this is a promising debut for the Emo virtuoso, there needs to be a bit more substance before I can rate this any higher. | | 90 |  | Rob Ford Explorer
Nil
Hyper-technical and rough around the edges, this six-minute four-song sprint is reminiscent of older see through person, but possibly a bit more unhinged and unfocused. Regardless, this EP shows promise and I am looking forward to what the band does next. | | 91 |  | Breakfast Time!
What Time Is It?
C Tier
With such obvious Adventure Time references, this band takes you right back to the days of the Emo Revival with youthful energy, mathy riffs and careless vocals. Although the production and songwriting choices leave something to be desired, this band has the bones to make a truly great Midwest Emo release in the future. | | 92 |  | onewaymirror
Everything wants me to write in cursive
C- Tier
Prolific LA Skramz act onewaymirror have released several albums, EPs and splits before this record, changing up their sound somewhat every so often. However, this transformation into a more generic Metalcore band with heavy Emoviolence influence tends to miss the mark. Much of the band’s personality and identity seems to have vanished on this EP, even if the music still kicks ass. | | 93 |  | nothing,nowhere.
Hell Or Highwater
Emo-Rap sensation nothing.nowhere can never be faulted for lack of ambition; this album is one of four full-length records released by him just this year as he continues to expand his repertoire. However, perhaps the weight of ambition finally catches up with the rapper here on this acoustic-laden poppy take on Emo. While the arrangements are fairly uninspired and the vocals are processed through filters, there is still some sincerity in his vocal performance. This is an interesting novelty for fans of the influential rapper. | |
EmoEmporium
01.08.25 | Not sure if posting a link to the playlist is against the rules or not, but if not, let me know and I'll post! | Conmaniac
01.08.25 | commenting to return to this thx | artificialbox
01.09.25 | emoemporium always coming through with the juiciest lists. thank you for compiling this! listening to 8 right now and it rules, I'm shocked it has zero ratings here. | Hawks
01.09.25 | Epic list as always. | artificialbox
01.09.25 | also emoemporium I highly suggest checking out If Kansas Had Trees - Where You Thought You Would Be | LucretiaMyReflection
01.09.25 | That Be Safe record is severely slept on. Great shit | jrlikestodance
01.09.25 | This needs to be featured! Excellent work as usual | Trebor.
01.09.25 | Damn | SlothcoreSam
01.09.25 | Lots of good stuff on here. Kerosene Heights was a highlight for me as well I'm still there only one that's rated it, they also released a split with Swiss Army Wife, which was great.
I got a few essentials for you to check if you haven't already.
Wasted Space- Anyway Anyway Anyway, 5th wave emo, by Sput's own Michaela
Ceres - Magic Mountain, Aussie emo/ indie
Floral Tattoo - The Circus Egotistica. 5th wave emo
Combat - Stay Golden, punky emo, has Rosentock vibes.
Common Sage - Closer to; as well as an EP earlier in the year. Pretty much Brand New Core
Lake Disappointment- Lake Disappointment, Green Day sounding emo
Interpersonal - The Long Bright Dark. another sput project with LucretiaMyReflection
Hey ILY- hey I Loathe You. 5th wave power emo
See More Glass- The Things in Life that I can't leave behind. Hotelier sounding emo
| Klekticist
01.09.25 | damn this is exhaustive. gonna check some of the top ones. love the drive your plow release | swallowtales
01.09.25 | I need to pull myself out of the rut I have with this genre, I am so unenthused by modern bands and just listen to more pre-2008 stuff these days. I recognise that it probably is not true and is just what I have decided to listen to, but have been feeling like so much stuff is just retreading what has been done before.
I obviously need to look in some new places, and check out some of the stuff at the top of this list and hopefully it can make me feel different! | swallowtales
01.09.25 | Pls tho no more first name last name bands, it has been done and does not need to be done again | RadioSuicide
01.09.25 | Bookmarked, excellent list | Calc
01.09.25 | Just listened to a song from 1. That snare is boingy, I'll check the band tomorrow. Great list. | LucretiaMyReflection
01.09.25 | Hey Slothcore, thank you for mentioning my band's record! That means a lot | LucretiaMyReflection
01.09.25 | EmoEmporium - would recommend Prize Horse, they're like Shoegaze/Emo/Post-Hardcore. Very solid record. I saw them open for One Step Closer, Koyo, and Anxious last year. | EmoEmporium
01.09.25 | Wow thank you all so much for the love! Sputnik is the original place I used to discover music and it shaped me into the person I am today. Despite also posting this on social media, I will always bring these lists to the community that started it all for me.
I will get around to responding to these comments and listening to your recs. | Nuchoking
01.10.25 | A few suggestions of things not contained which I think might be appropriate.
A Modest Proposal - Let Them Smell Their Flowers
As Living Arrows - Hope and Ruin
Good Looks - Lived Here For A While
Missouri Executive Order 44 - Salt Sermon
Niboowin - Giving In
Tenue - Arcos, bóvedas, pórticos
Just listening to that February release: amazing thanks for the suggestion will continue to work through what I haven't already heard. | Icebloom
01.10.25 | Insane list, nice work
| botb
01.10.25 | “Whitebelt hardcore” people will call metalcore anything but metalcore these days | LucretiaMyReflection
01.10.25 | Seconding A Modest Proposal's record mentioned by Nuchoking | Feather
01.10.25 | I disagree quite a bit with having gami gang up in the S tier. This was their weakest release yet unfortunately. |
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