EmoEmporium
User

Album Ratings 443
Objectivity 62%

Last Active 11-03-23 8:26 pm
Joined 11-03-23

Review Comments 41

 Lists
01.05.26 2025 Emo Tier List + Ranking 05.21.25 1999: The State of Screamo - Abridged E
04.15.25 1998: The State of Screamo - Abridged E03.25.25 1997: The State of Screamo - Abridged E
03.05.25 1996: The State of Screamo - Abridged E02.21.25 The Shape of Screamo to Come
01.08.25 2024 Emo Tier List + Ranking 06.12.24 Recontextualizing Third Wave Emo Part 4
05.10.24 Recontextualizing Third Wave Emo Part 3 03.07.24 Recontextualizing Third Wave Emo Part 2
02.27.24 Recontextualizing Third Wave Emo Part 1 01.08.24 Artists I Have Tickets For in 2024
12.27.23 2023 Emo LP / EP Tier List and Ranking12.06.23 Emo In My Top 100 Songs of 2023

2025 Emo Tier List + Ranking

Hey all! Sorry for the silence as of late, but I've gotten lots of good stuff going on, including a brand new .net! Check it out for the latest updates. In the meantime, here's my tier list ranking for 2025's Emo releases. Same rules as before, only the top 10 is ranked, everything else is roughly even in within each tier.
1Page Girl
Carry Me Along, Blind Dog


đŸ„‡ S Tier

“I don’t think I can make it till December
But for now I’ll admire your frigid nature.”

After two rough but promising demo tracks were released at the beginning of the year, I was cautiously optimistic for what would come. Months later, Carry Me Along, Blind Dog released, blessing Screamo with the most refreshing record of the year. Through the brutality, dissonance, technicality and atmosphere, Page Girl’s greatest asset is the passion and vulnerability that emanates from every note and scream they put to record. Despite ticking all the boxes that I love in a classic Screamo album, which I’ve detailed in my thoughts on the many works released this year, what makes this my favorite Emo release of 2025 is the sense of dread, depression and emotional turmoil that the band evokes in me. It seems like Georgia is the scene to watch next.
2ostraca
Eventualities


đŸ„ˆ S Tier

“I was scared to give you what you wanted
Because things don’t work out the way you think.”

This band’s ascent into modern Screamo superstars needs to be studied! Although Ostraca has always had elements of ambiance and Post-Metal, this aspect of their sound exploded with their 2023 release Disaster; that work is continued here on Eventualities. This album is among the most somber of the year, even through the aggression and boisterousness. We can thank the ever-present quiet-loud dynamics that Ostraca has perfected for that, aided by some of the best production of the year and their immaculate guitar tones. Nothing on here is overwrought or overthought; everything exists as it should in perfect harmony. This isn’t just one of the Skramz albums of the year, it furthers the legacy of the 2020s Screamo Revival.
3Charmer
Downpour


đŸ„‰ A+ Tier

“So what’d you find? After I asked you not to look a thousand times,
Just to realize It was right before your eyes the entire time.”

Following 2020’s ivy release, the band, with five years between LPs and only glimmers of hope to keep fans afloat, I can conclusively state that the wait was worth it. Besides being the band’s best effort since their acclaimed 2018 s/t, the flow of each song into the next is otherworldly; you can really feel the care put into making this a cohesive package. While yes, there are a number of extremely memorable songs on here, the sum of the whole is greater than any song is on its own, leading to frequent full-album replays. The varied moods, structures and even timbres found in this album allow for each track to breathe and function uniquely within this masterclass of Midwest Emo.
4Crochet
Cherish


A+ Tier

“I had all the hope, all the glamor of life before me
Dionysus as a girl stood on the freeway at midnight.”

Cryptic, unnerving, technical, forboding - these are words that can only begin to describe the band’s output on this sophomore album. The dissonant, mathy guitar is always at the forefront of the music, providing the disharmonious melodies for the songs while the drummer performs as if their limbs are on fire and only scattered rapid-fire drumming can put it out.These give the music a huge sense of dread and unease. However, the primary reason this album has been rated this highly (similar to their debut in 2023) is the anguished duet of male and female screaming, which will wear you down into hopelessness. Listen to this if you need something to keep you on your toes.
5Fine! I guess.
The Grass Isn't Always That Green


A+ Tier

“And sometimes I feel it slipping through my fingers
We can’t always count on later”

Are you craving a passionate, twinkly slice of Math Rock-infused Midwest Emo? The Grass Isn’t Always That Green is THE release of the year for you, much like how Scumma do Mar’s album was for last year. Fine! I guess refuses to be uninteresting, constantly switching up time signatures, volume dynamics and intensity like any good Emo band. However, the guitar is almost nonstop in its riffing and twinkling, even when the music takes a decided backseat and goes mellow. The harmonious vocals and drumming clinic bring it all together for one of the best complete releases of 2025.
6Dispirited Spirits
Winds Wept


A+ Tier

“Though your voice is sombrely strong tonight
We share a tongue and its relish for cyanide.”

Straddling the line between traditional, cathartic Midwest Emo and Progressive, experimental 5th Wave Emo, Dispirited Spirits’ third studio album Winds Wept is another for the record books. These Portuguese prodigies play artfully and expressively, taking their signature sound to its absolute limit. The technique on display is admirable, with numerous instances of skilled musicianship - some that can only really be heard by trained ears. The band isn’t afraid to play things heavy, either; they often utilize Post-Hardcore-adjacent guitar tones and impressive vocal ranges to squeeze the most out of each track.
7Moving Mountains
Pruning of the Lower Limbs


A Tier

“Who we are is not who we wish we are
Crash and burn in the sky like a shooting star.”

Twelve long years after their final LP, a self-titled masterpiece that truly culminated the band’s epic musical evolution, Moving Mountains returns with this tour de force, Pruning of the Lower Limbs. Tonally, this picks back up where their previous LP left off, with accessible Alternative-imbued Emo that features respectable Post-Rock backdrops. Even though this album is more on the chill, atmospheric side of things, the band still knows how to ramp up for a good rock song. If this band holds a special place in your heart as it does for mine, this will be one of your favorites of the year. If not, I’d recommend checking it out anyway.
8Saturdays at Your Place
these things happen


A Tier

“I can’t remember the last time I felt alive
I’m always holding something back.”

Following their acclaimed 2023 EP always cloudy, s@yp has set the Emo scene ablaze. With possibly the most anticipated album of the entire year, the trio does not disappoint with these things happen. As has been the case, brevity is the name of the game for this band, with their ten-song LP totaling just 24 minutes. Because of this, each song is able to exist without overstaying their welcome, which invites tons of replays. Tonally, this album is slightly softer than always cloudy, but the compositions are so good and, in some cases, powerful, that it doesn’t make any difference.
9Kerosene Heights
Blame It On The Weather


A Tier

“If I keep writing these same songs over and over again,
Will they one day connect? I don’t know, but I’ll keep trying.”

With their third release in as many years reaching my top 10, it’s clear that I hold Kerosene Heights in high regard; their endlessly energetic combination of Emo and Pop-Punk has earned them this high praise. Strong vocals, active drums, powerful chord progressions and brilliant pacing make this near 40-minute experience sprint by with each listen. The exceptional vocal melodies, playful lead guitar and a few standout tracks will keep you coming back time and time again. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Get into one of the most underrated Emo bands of the 2020s now!
10Sport
In Waves


A Tier

“It takes all this timĐ”, all it takes a tide, to come around
To Đ”njoy the unknown, your own thoughts and talks, and feel around.”

French Emo Revivalists Sport return after nearly a decade away with what is perhaps their magnum opus. What they lack in brand originality, they make up for with surprisingly fresh Midwest Emo compositions. Despite nothing on here being particularly special or unique, each song distinguishes itself from the ones that came before and serves a greater function of the album. Overall, everything on here is great, even if it isn’t the absolute pinnacle of 2025 Emo.
11Weatherday
Hornet Disaster


A Tier

With six years between full-length releases, the Fifth Wave trendsetters Weatherday have finally released their sophomore album, by far one of the most ambitious recordings of the year and in the genre as a whole. Hornet Disaster is the result of these Noise Pop-laden Emos delicately crafting over an hour and fifteen minutes worth of recorded music. Believe it or not, this interconnected jumble of sounds actually flows quite well, despite the staggering 19 tracks. Since I can’t possibly describe everything on here, I’ll say this: if you view new albums as opportunities to collect cool new songs for you personal repertoire, this might be the very best of the year.
12Cataratas en Siberia
Todas las tardes que nos robĂł el fuego


A Tier

Cataratas en Siberia (translating to Waterfalls in Siberia) is the perfect name to encapsulate this EP’s sound: chilling aural textures crash into massive, epic songwriting. The first track introduces us to their crescendo-heavy Midwest Emo style, even without vocals, as well as the lietmotif they will write off of for much of the record. From there, their propensity for lush tones, dreamy ambiance, blistering guitar riffs, high-register basslines and dynamic screamed / clean vocals. What separates them from the pack is that, despite being only 15 minutes, the entire record builds up to the last song immaculately.
13UNIVERSITY
McCartney, It'll Be OK


A Tier

Coming from a smallish city in Cheshire, UK, UNIVERSITY is a frantic, chaotic Post-Hardcore / Emo outfit with heavy leanings into Noise Rock. From the onset, this record immediately thrusts you into a hysteria of distortion, crude vocalizing and boisterous songwriting. The panicked drums, heavy basslines and various synths give many songs on here an experimental edge, but none of these elements ever get in the way of the negative emotion at the heart of the music. This is perhaps the most anxiety-ridden release of the entire year.
14Pool Kids
Easier Said Than Done


A Tier

After Emo Icon Haley Williams gave this band a shoutout all the way back in 2019, this talented group has been destined for superstardom; their 2022 self-titled album propelled the band into one of the definitive acts of the Fifth Wave. However, could they follow this up? Easier Said Than Done answers this question with a resounding yes! The aforementioned Williams’ influence is all over this, from the incredible vocal performance to the driving, melodic songwriting, though Pool Kids’ personal Emo Pop concoction also includes dreamy sound textures, Midwest Emo structures and a disciplined use of synths. This third album officially etches Pool Kids into the cobblestone of Emo history.
15Arm's Length
There's A Whole World Out There


Arguably the definitive Emo band of the Fifth Wave thanks to their generational debut LP Never Before Seen, Never Again Found, Arm’s Length honestly had nothing left to prove. Nonetheless, this sophomore album proves once and for all that Arm’s Length are THEM; their glorious, magnificent sound is amplified, the melodies are bolder, the arrangements more ambitious. It is a dream follow-up for fans of the band and Emo as a whole. I’d only give the edge to the former album due to having more standout tracks, but this cohesive 45+ minute musical odyssey should be heard by everyone this year.
16Hundreds of AU
Life In Parallel


A Tier

Illustrious underground legends of Albany, NY for about a decade, this Screamo / Post-Hardcore band has torn it up across three studio albums and a few extra releases, accessing their ample musical knowledge to color each one slightly differently. Arguably, Life in Parallel is their magnum opus, refocusing on the frenetic, impassioned Screamo that they’re best known for while introducing some Mathcore into the mix, leading to one of their most technical works to date. The energetic aggression the band writes with spills onto every corner of this near 30-minute release.
17Lord Snow
Have You Heard of the High Elves


A Tier

Lord Snow is a modern Emoviolence icon, having gained notoriety with 2013’s epic Solitude before going on hiatus in 2019 following Shadowmarks. Six years on, Have You Heard of the High Elves is a compelling mix of original tracks and remade tracks from prior releases, mainly the aforementioned Solitutde. Their virtuosic drumming and guitar playing shines brightly amid the discordant arrangements, usually transpiring at breakneck tempos or with nothing but senseless, beatless noise attached. If it the majority of these tracks weren’t just inventive reimaginings, this would absolutely be in the top 10.
18Bob Atea
BobAtea.mp3


A- Tier

Indonesia’s small but notable DIY scene has produced a few gems over the years, and its latest contribution to Emo comes by way of Bob Atea. This four-piece from Jakarta plays Midwest Emo, but they do so without actually trying to play Midwest Emo. They’re just four sad individuals pouring their hearts and souls over a boundless musical cauldron. The result? A small EP that’s never boring, feels like a fever dream and is chock full of the kind of references you’d expect from this style of music.
19...And Always
...And Always


A - Tier


And Always is a Screamo outfit from Toronto and have close ties to other bands like Respire. So what sets this group apart from many of the other releases on this list? Well their signature brand of Screamo isn’t exactly original, utilizing the tried and true formula of dissonance, melody, dynamism and crescendos. The songwriting in and of itself is great, but what I appreciate most about these Canadians is the immense passion that flows through each screamed word, each painfully executed guitar chord, every dramatic beat of the drum.
20Do It Later
Feeling Spent


A- Tier

Do It Later is a French concoction, taking catchy, anthemic Emo and combining it with spirited, restless Pop-Punk. Too often, this approach turns out to be listless Sparklepunk, but this band does away with soft production and twinkles; instead, they replace them with Melodic Hardcore guitar tones and certain instances of heaviness throughout the record. While not the most unique approach to the genre, it’s quite stimulating to hear this take on the formula in the year 2025.
21First Day Back
Forward


A- Tier

First Day Back is one of the most inspirational bands of the entire year, leveraging the burgeoning Second Wave Revival to craft authentic Midwest Emo in the 90s style. They sound like some combination of Cap’n Jazz and Mineral with some violin thrown in for good measure. The production harkens back to the Post-Hardcore-Tinted, surly guitar tones of old, referencing a time when Midwest Emo was seen as a more definitive offshoot of Hardcore. Using history as a guide, these wonderful folks have made one of the most refreshing Emo albums of the year and have blown up considerably as a result.
22Emma Goldman
all you are is we


A- Tier

Although Screamo is a genre built on the utmost human vulnerability, experimental artistic expression and dynamic dissonance, it’s also a genre traditionally associated with humor, absurdism and cheekiness. After at least seven years as a band together, Emma Goldman has finally released their debut LP onto the world, and it contains all aforementioned qualities and more! There is a relentlessness and carnage at every corner, though you can tell the band is having a gay old time in the recording studio. This is the culmination of nearly a decade of work and has earned at least a curious full playthrough.
23Thoughts on Bowling
Who U Callin Pinhead


A- Tier

Thoughts on Bowling is 100% Gen Zmo Revival, which is just to say Emo Revival Revival by obviously young folk. That’s not a bad thing, and neither is the fact that this album is VERY derivative; the band features some excellent songwriting that goes far beyond the Sparklepunk of old. The twinkles here are quite graceful and are counterbalanced by strong strumming and chord progressions. The vocals aren’t going to defeat any stereotypes about Midwest Emo singers, and neither will the copious amount of somewhat immature song titles, references and samples strewn about, but they are more than serviceable.
24Melancholy Club
thank god for you


A- Tier

Melancholy Club is one of the truly underrated hidden gem bands of our time, fusing gruff, screamy Post-Hardcore with ethereal, dynamic Midwest Emo. Each of these twelve songs is a distinct musical journey that utilizes acoustic guitar, clean / screamed vocals, twinkles and mathiness to craft unique tracks all their own. At times, the aggression seems boundless and infinite, only for tormented, heartrending clean sections to slip in and change the mood entirely.
25key vs. locket
I Felt Like a Sketch


A- Tier

After releasing tons of demos this year and last, Brazil’s new Midwest Emo project Key vs. locket has released their nearly 50-minute debut LP and it’s a pretty extraordinary effort. Despite leaning toward the softer side of the genre, the songs aren’t comprised of mathy twinkles and off-key vocals. The guitar is the standout instrument on this album, switching effectively between the aforementioned twinkly riffs, light arpeggios and rockin’ chord progressions. The music itself is filled with all of the tropes you’d hope for in a Midwest Emo album, including quiet-loud sections, group vocals and constant forward motion.
26Algernon Cadwallader
Trying Not To Have A Thought


A- Tier

Emo Revival forerunners Algernon Cadwallader have returned, releasing their first material in nearly 15 years! Don’t go into this expecting the frenzied, youthful Algernon of 2006-2008; rather, Trying Not to Have a Thought is a natural evolution of their final album Parrot Files, leaning into poppy, mathy songwriting. The boys are still noodly, jangly, drug-addled and complete oddities, and their songwriting prowess hasn’t diminished in the slightest.
27recuerdo acariciar con miedo las alas de un ave herida
recuerdo acariciar con miedo las alas de un ave he


A- Tier

Formerly basuraastillada, recuerdo acariciar con miedo las alas de un ave herida is one of the hardest bands out of Bogota, Colombia. With the name change, this s/t sophomore album is slightly less direct than its predecessor, but also has a dearth of the former’s bird screeching, so I suppose there are tradeoffs here. Ethereal and cathartic don’t even begin to describe how each track sounds, but they all function toward the same shared goal: creating an album intended for full playthroughs. South American Screamo has never looked better with bands like this at the forefront.
28Fake Pollocks
Livestock


A- Tier

Livestock is a masterclass demonstration in Math Rock x Midwest Emo, not content to play the typical chill and noodly music that a lot of these bands are trapped in. With only five songs on offer, the band packs each track with tenacity, playfulness, dynamism and kineticism; the vocalists utilize clean vocals, screaming and (often silly) spoken word stylings with more than their share of absurdist lyrics. This is one of the better gritty Midwest Emo releases of the year.
29Febuary
Run Like A Girl


A- Tier

Following up on their nearly perfect debut album, Febuary’s Run Like a Girl is another intimate and melancholic experience. There’s a certain dark cloud that hangs over each song on this EP, likely caused by the many contrasting sections of clean guitars with soul-wrenching screaming. While this EP lacks some of the explosiveness of their previous release, listeners will nonetheless be impressed by this band’s control of the record’s flow, leading to striking highs and depressive lows. After the year this band has had, it’s good to see that their momentum continues to ramp up.
30Gingerbee
Apiary


A- Tier

Gingerbee is perhaps the most 5th Wave of all bands, featuring artists who collaborate through the internet from across the globe and a litany of genre playbooks at their disposal. While their debut EP was an experimental hodgepodge of different musical styles, their predominantly Electronic palette colored the record. On Apiary, while still prominently featuring Electronic components, is largely indebted to Pop, Jazz, intimate Chamber instruments and even Samba! This is definitional International Emo composing at its finest, taking inspiration from many corners of this planet.
31Mitsubishi Suicide
For The Last Toll


A- Tier

On this list, we’ve already seen several successful Post-Rock / Screamo fusions, but one band that I forgot to include two years ago, Mitsubishi Suicide, is perhaps one of the best current practitioners of this specific craft. Hailing from the UK, this trio is extraordinarily familiar working with lengthy songs, instrumental ambiance and unbelievable dynamic changes. With just two tracks, each 10+ minute song unfurls into sprawling, epic territory, balancing the ferocity of their emotions with the calmness of pure instrumental bliss.
32Jingwei
Songs Only We Know


A- Tier

If last year’s six-minute EP was merely a herald of things to come, Songs Only We Knew is a Fully-Fed Galactus upon Midwest Screamo. Nick Strutsman returns with maximum superlatives, including never-ending kineticism, blistering, melodic lead guitar and punchy vocals. At nearly 15 minutes, these songs zoom by with countless musical ideas jampacked into each moment. For that reason, even in its softest and quietest moments, there’s a lot of MPS, or music per song, compared to most releases this year.
33La Dispute
No One Was Driving the Car


A- Tier

No One Was Driving The Car is La Dispute’s most massive, grandiose release since 2011’s Wildlife; the band technically released this album in parts throughout the year. Clocking in at over an hour in length and standing at a staggering 14 tracks in depth, this is a glorious return to form featuring Dreyer’s incredible screaming / spoken word vocals, energetic and demanding Post-Hardcore songwriting and intense, stark shifts in volume dynamics. Though the flames of youth burn brightest, the worldweariness obtained through over a decade of grinding and experimenting is just as chilling and almost as scintilating.
34Nuvolascura
How This All Ends


A- Tier

Nuvolascura is the shining beacon of SoCal Skramz, having been around in one form or another for about a decade. Their legendary 1-2 punch of albums in 2019 and 2020 gave them instant credibility as scene leaders, and their mythos has only grown in the five years since their last release. Their third studio album, How This All Ends, flows as a natural extension of their previous works; uncontrollable fits of pure rage, stiflingly punishing sections of pure instrumental virtuosity and dynamic song structures continue to define this band’s sound, though they’ve reached deep into the heavy chugging and breakdowns as common songwriting tools as well.
35Massa Nera
The Emptiness of All Things


A- Tier

At this juncture, Massa Nera is an indispensable part of modern Screamo canon, having formed a decade earlier in the fabled Emo state of New Jersey. These would-be legends of the scene have crafted one of their best pieces yet with The Emptiness of All Things. Desolation, darkness and distortion characterize this sinister Screamo album, with lots of noise and chaos gluing it all together. However, there’s also a comfortable amount of melody, a few jolts of Mathcore mania and extremely abrasive atmospheric corridors that keep you unnerved until the final moments.
36at first, at first
The Courage of Shutting Up


B+ Tier

The Courage of Shutting Up is at first, at first’s very first release, a Screamo EP with absolute reverence for the greats that came before. Although definitely influenced by Post-Rock and other Post-Rock-wielding Screamo outfits, they keep the influence quite tasteful, utilizing it to emphasize the tranquility of the melodies. Complementing this is a soul-baring vocal performance and penchant for the occasional violent surges, which rounds out this tremendous record.
37Summerbruise
Infinity Guise


B+ Tier

Summerbruise are scene stalwarts, having released multiple studio albums and EPs over almost ten years! This Indie-tinged Midwest Emo band has always strived for the perfect “Bummer Summer” vibe, and they’ve succeeded on numerous occasions. This latest LP is no different, though it is the most ambitious project the band has ever committed to with 12 songs and over 30 minutes of pleasant, sunny music. Despite the amount of tracks, each song has some fun lyric, melody or reference that distinguishes it from the last. The sum of this record is indeed greater than its parts, so let this one grow on you if it doesn’t hit right away.
38Teardrinker
Killing the Flowers Will Not Delay Spring


B+ Tier

Teardrinker is a brand-spankin’ new Screamo band from the Netherlands whose debut EP is one of the freshest Skramz releases of the entire year. Teardrinker’s distinctiveness comes from their use of Black Metal and Sludge Metal elements to craft overwhelming yet melancholic aural experiences. Even without the Post-Rock influence that accompanies so much good Screamo these days, Teardrinker still weaves a dark and atmospheric record with simple but effective volume dynamics. With metallic riffs, blast beats and foggy guitar tones, these two songs go hard in the paint.
39Bubble Scary
Featherweight


B+ Tier

Bubble Scary (loosely) carries the tradition of loud and cacophonous music from the same hometown as Orchid, though their approach is completely different; they utilize harsh Noise Rock tones, Emo songwriting tactics and frenzied Post-Hardcore upheavals. The band leverages this with harrowing and contrasting clean female vocals, conjuring an atmosphere reminiscent of a full moon hanging over a cloudy night. The contrasts between their distorted, riotous sections and their chilling clean passages is particularly impressive.
40Ben Quad
Wisher


B+ Tier

Wisher seems like the album that Ben Quad always secretly wished to record but never could before. The band's last EP, a Screamo joint made possible by the many diehard Quadrinos, emboldened them to embrace all the disparate influences dear to their hearts. This is evident in the various sounds that compose the record, including the screaming, riffing and anthemic clean singing you've come to expect, but also embracing their newfound Electronic affinity and Third-Wave-inspired songwriting. The vulnerability of this alone makes it worth your time.
41I'm Sorry Emil
I'm Sorry Emil


B+ Tier

I’m Sorry Emil is a brand new Midwest Screamo band from the UK, whose s/t debut EP was mastered by the GOAT Will Killingsworth himself. His mastering has a notable and staggering influence on the tone of the music, which tends to be a bit more abrasive than most Twinkly Midwest Screamo. Contrasting this, the cleans are beauteous and simple, simultaneously alleviating all built-up tension while summoning more to come.
42Soccer.
Internet


B+ Tier

soccer., Japan’s latest in a long line of incredible Screamo artists, release their second album in as many years, and it could be one of the most desolate and intimate of the 2025. The contrasts on this album are about as stark as one could hope for in a genre like this, with plenty of screamed vocals over relatively clean Emo. Other times, they up the ante with gigantic buildups and intense crescendos. Other times still, they’ll play some soft acoustic track or instrumental over a sample. For variety and disparity alone, you need to listen to this.
43Aren't We Amphibians
Parade! Parade!


B+ Tier

The finest band from America’s Finest City, Aren’t We Amphibians’ debut album is a triumphant, momentous statement. Though a touch less Mathy than their earlier EPs, the powerful, raw production, which is especially prevalent in the dynamic vocal performance, truly enhances the listening experience for this trio. Still, the catchy vocals, visceral screaming, incredible lead guitarwork, serene trumpeting and passionate drumming that you’ve come to expect from AWA are present. This would be in contention for AOTY had I not already heard the previous version of Forgiving Jeff hundreds of times before, even if I like the new version too.
44i practice saying sorry to you...
thank you for so little, sorry for so much


B+ Tier

Do you like abrasive Electronic elements in your Screamo without the band using them as a crutch or because they’re trendy? Enter i practice saying sorry, a band from Liepzig, Germany whose basement aesthetic is strongly reminiscent of extremely early mid-90s Screamo from the area. Carrying this tradition forward, the band crafts unpolished, noisy and intimate music with excellent quiet-loud dynamics and a tasteful use of Electronics that imbue each song with bittersweetness.
45Virginia's Basement
Dearly,


B+ Tier

Despite this band utilizing frantic Post-Hardcore as a base for their songs, the soft lead synth that accompanies these tracks infuses them with warmth and bittersweetness. The Emo elements allow for the songs to become alive with peaks and valleys while the vocalists gruff singing adds dismay and a distinctly “human” component. Each track moves fairly briskly and with purpose, so when that 30-minute runtime expires, you’ll be ready to play this over and over again.
46brownie points
Some Way, We'll Get There


B+ Tier

What begins as fun, harmless Emo Revival-esque Midwest Emo with light but excited vocals devolves into sections of Metalcore, complete with heavy chugging, huge breakdowns and brutal drumming. Further into the rabbit hole still and there’s even traditional Midwest Screamo with clean, twinkly leads and strained, passionate screaming. Despite being a tad disjointed as a result of these elements being mishmashed together, it’s one of the most lively and entertaining records of the entire year.
47Yubiori
Yubiori2


B+ Tier

Following their hidden gem Split EP with fellow Japanese Emo band Acle, I was excited to hear what a new full-length release would sound like. This year, yubiori2 released without a lot of fanfare, and that’s a shame; their sophomore LP is a bit more polished than their older work, and gives into slightly Poppy tendencies throughout. However, the high energy, mathy riffs and catchy vocals make this a very fun release, even if it’s a tad long at over 45 minutes in length.
48Raein
Forme Sommerse


B+ Tier

After ten years of hiatus, Italian Screamo pioneers Raein return with an album composed only of two lengthy tracks, but they do well to summarize and perhaps culminate the musical journey of this band. The first track is more reminiscent of Il n'y a pas d'orchestre, their 2003 masterpiece that started Italy’s obsession with Post-Rock, but with active, heavy sections of Emoviolence. The second track is more sparse and atmospheric, showcasing the gorgeous late-era soundscapes they became known for. While neither track is the end-all, be-all of their discography, this return to form is exactly what longtime fans were hoping for.
49Joliette
Pérdidas Variables


B+ Tier

Longtime Mexican Hardcore artist Joliette has had a fruitful career exploring Screamo, Post-Hardcore and even Mathcore for over a decade now, unsatisfied with remaining complacent. This latest album finds the band iterating on their Screamo-centric sound with spacey atmospheric textures, chunky metallic tones and lengthy instrumental passages. This builds somewhat off their Post-Rock-heavy EP Luz de Bengala, except with a strong Post-Metal undercurrent.
50STOMACH BOOK
GOODNIGHT HYPNOPOMP


B+ Tier

Infamous Fifth Waver STOMACH BOOK is at it again with another trippy album, brimming with distortion, various synths, disjointed samples and a generally experimental brushstroke. The Dark Carnival vibes permeate this whacky 40-minute ride, but it's somewhat cleaner overall than their older works. As long as Vivi keeps releasing these era-defining records, we should all keep listening, even if the enormous breadth of inspirations sprawled across this could turn off less adventurous Emo fans.
51Ariadne's Thread
Another Way to Get There


B+ Tier

Another Way To Get There is a grueling Screamo / Mathcore / Emoviolence EP that emphasizes dissonance, heavy tones and absolute carnage. While perhaps just a reference to Greek mythology, their name nonetheless invokes Saetia, and such invocations require great musicianship to back it up. The band is thankfully up to the task, weaving dynamically through cryptic sonic passages. At 15 minutes long, this EP makes you want more - desperately.
52caer mal
dos abrazos infinitos


B+ Tier

Dos abrazos infinitos is a very intimate debut studio album from longtime Bogota band caer mal, chronicling their journey as a group between 2014 and 2018. The intro track has more than a passing resemblance to Never Meant, which is honestly par for the course for this time period. However, the Kinsella influence isn't just surface level as the musicians have legitimate pedigrees and incorporate jazzy tones, riffs and beats masterfully throughout. A more streamlined experience could have made this legendary, but as it stands, caer mal have woven themselves in the fabric of Colombian DIY music.
53Halt or I'll Shoot!
And I'll Look Back and Remember


B+ Tier

Halt Or I'll Shoot! is a solo Screamo project by Idaho's own Thomas Zucchini. His sophomore album is another fairly traditional Screamo album, emphasizing dynamics, melody and dissonance, marrying these elements with their own brand of anger and catharsis. Midwest Emo influence is present, guiding the general songwriting process while adding ethereal Post-Rock tones for maximum effectiveness. At 30 minutes, this album is a snug way to wallow away.
54Avec Plaisir
Active Listening


B+ Tier

The pride and soul of French-Canadian Emo, Montreal’s own Avec Plaisir has finally unleashed their sophomore LP onto the world. The best word I can use to describe this record is massive; this is not because of length, which rests modestly at just over 30 minutes, nor scope, as much of what is found on here can be found on plenty of other Mathy Midwest Emo albums. However, the sum is greater than the parts, which themselves feature soaring guitar leads, catchy vocals and excellent control over the pacing and flow of the entire work.
55Tanpopo Crisis
Meridian


B+ Tier

Black Metal and Blackgaze have had a presence within Screamo for quite some time, but Tanpop Crisis seems to have been at the forefront of this movement, with their first album coming out in 2016! Five years since their last release, these scene vets came out with Meridian, an atmospheric sojourn with incredibly bleak instrumentals. Despite the heaviness and thick layers of effects straddled onto the guitar, this is actually quite mellow for Blackened Screamo.
56TRSH
String Theory


B+ Tier

TRSH’s first record since going viral with Dad Rock, String Theory is a hyper-tappy, ultra-confessional Midwest Emo album with not a single ounce of lost energy. Compared to their previous effort, Soporific, there may not be as many clear “standouts,” but this is largely due to the consistency and cohesiveness of the record, where every song is good for its own reasons and keeps the album moving briskly. If anything, this album disproves the stereotypes and silences the critics, though expect this to be a hair more aggressive than some of their previous material.
57Michael Cera Palin
We Could Be Brave


B+ Tier

MCP have been around for a decade now, and they are finally unleashing their premiere full-length record to the world in 2025. These legends have been a perfect bridge between the Emo Revival and Fifth Wave Emo, along with bands like Macseal and Oso Oso. However, the band finally seems ready put their full attention to their music, as We Could Be Brave is a massive record that more than doubles the available discography for this band. Their signature blend of infectious Emo-Pop and cathartic Midwest Emo returns, though they’ve found a new penchant for heavier riffs and stronger distortion. Despite its gargantuan length, the album flows remarkably well and showcases a band on top of their game after baking in the oven for so long.
58Clay Birds
a separation of vanity


B+ Tier

Clay Birds returns for a third release in as many years to land on my year-end tier list, and A Separation From Vanity is yet another profound musical statement from this talented band. Despite its rawness and emotional strength, this dark record is actually quite intimate and subdued, with some recognizable Midwest Emo influence during its quietest moments. This one also gets better on repeat listens, so definitely keep this one looping!
59we'rethecurrency
An Ode And Farewell


B+ Tier

One of the weirdest band names in recent memory returns this year with their first official full-length and it’s
well it’s VERY different from what most people expected. After last year’s untethered Emo / Screamo EP, An Ode And Farewell is the band’s take on Third Wave Emo-Pop / Pop-Screamo. It legitimately sounds like a basement demo of a band that opened a local show for Silverstein or Taking Back Sunday in 2006, but with some modern songwriting sensibilities. Shrill screaming, beautiful cleans, epic guitarwork and excellently-structured songwriting anchor this phenomenal release, marred only by unsatisfying production.
60Bee Hive Ski Race
Unlimited Violence Apologia


B+ Tier

LGBTQ-fronted Emo/Post-Hardcore from Cleveland, Bee Hive Ski Race has finally released their debut LP, a masterclass in full-album writing. With a gigantic runtime of almost an hour, no two songs sound similar enough to make listening through this boring. With various accompanying influences, including Post-Rock and Shoegaze, there are extended journeys of atmospheric, instrumental-only sections that don’t merely exist to pad the runtime, but to convey complicated, compelling emotions. One small paragraph doesn’t do this justice, check this out if you want something substantive to sink your teeth into.
61Suffocate For Fuck Sake
To Rest in the Trust, that Creates the World


B+ Tier

SFFS is an underrated Swedish Screamo band whose first release was over 20 years ago! They’ve combined highly emotional Screamo with gorgeous, atmospheric Post-Rock throughout their career in different measures, though they have been toying with abrasive, metallic ambiance as of late. Enter To Rest in the Trust, That Creates the World, a single 20+ minute epic with all of those previous elements mentioned, along with one of the best examples of quiet-loud dynamics this year. The entire track is a roller coaster of buildups, crescendos, decrescendos and static tones. Had there been even one more track to balance this thing out, I’d be inclined to rate it higher.
62lobsterfight
My Coat Hanger Is a Necklace


B+ Tier

Experimental Fifth Wave outfit Lobsterfight shadowdropped this right before Christmas in 2024, so this is my annual “last year’s album I didn’t catch in time.” However, with my new rules I imposed on myself this year, we will probably see a few more of these in the coming years. Anyway, the band’s ridiculously sprawling influences make appearances on this album, though they are somewhat streamlined on this record. The tracks on here are generally quite melodic, free-flowing, careless and feature lots of noisiness and experimental switches you’d find on a classic B!TMI album. My Coat Hanger Is a Necklace is perhaps one of the most blithesome releases in the last 365 days.
63Snub (NV)
Hold Your Breath Through the Tunnel


B Tier

Nevada state rep has never been higher in this scene following the dual ascents of Crochet and Febuary, so Snub out of Reno has decided to put their own esoteric spin on things. Hold Your Breath is a very subdued Midwest Emo album, considering its propensity for mathy riffs, chaotic Post-Hardcore outbursts and jarring volume dynamics. The progression of the album feels like an inner monologue spilling from a mind unraveling. Because of this, there’s a prevailing wistfulness about these songs.
64Saetia
Tendrils


B Tier

Nevada state rep has never been higher in this scene following the dual ascents of Crochet and Febuary, so Snub out of Reno has decided to put their own esoteric spin on things. Hold Your Breath is a very subdued Midwest Emo album, considering its propensity for mathy riffs, chaotic Post-Hardcore outbursts and jarring volume dynamics. The progression of the album feels like an inner monologue spilling from a mind unraveling. Because of this, there’s a prevailing wistfulness about these songs.
65Summer 2000
Blue Meringue


B Tier

The successor to albums John Krasinski and Ellie Kemper, the latter of which I rated in the S-Tier in 2023, Blue Meringue is the next original Emo chapter for c h point. The aforementioned Ellie and John were Midwest Emogaze albums, layered with fuzzy production, excellent songwriting and a conglomeration of original ideas. Blue Meringue retains much of that, but actually eschews much of the warm Shoegaze influence for ambient tones and long Post-Rock stretches. It’s all extraordinarily interesting, but it admittedly lacks a certain spark the last record had in spades.
66OiSEUM!
OiSEUM!


B Tier

South Korean Midwest Emo. That's it. That's the statement. For those wondering what this album sounds like, think of somewhat fuzzy Midwest Emo with the constant motion of Pop-Punk. This combo feels alive and will really get you grooving. All of this would mean little if not for the endless passion exuding from each note, melody and song. Seum Lee, the solo artist behind this project, should be proud of the outcome.
67Anxious
Bambi


B Tier

Three years removed from their heralded debut LP, combining elements of Emo, Pop-Punk, Post-Hardcore and even a hint of The Hated-esque Emocore, Anxious returns with an enormous amount of hype for their second studio album Bambi. Compared to their older material, these songs have lost a lot of their edge, but the melody-driven songwriting is still here in abundance. Long-term fans will have to decide if Anxious’ poppier soundfont is worth the effort, but I’d definitely recommend giving it a listen.
68Two Winters Only
Two Winters Only


B Tier

This self-titled debut EP is among the most promising of the entire year! Two Winters Only rides along with modern contemporaries on the wave inspired by the creative pinnacle of Screamo's history, the 2002-2005 era, heavy on experimentation, melody, dissonance and pure sentimentality. They pair this with the raw and intimate vocals you would expect in the 2020s and gritty basement production. If they can get the recordings to be punchier, they will be a force to reckon with.
69Rosemary Nods Upon the Grave
EP 1


B Tier

Hailing from the burgeoning Emo state of Georgia (which we will revisit later on), Rosemary Nods Upon the Grave represents the caliber of Skramz artists that are casually releasing music these days, leading to me labeling 2025 as The Year of Screamo. Another “Return to the Golden Age” with this debut EP, sounding like they could’ve opened up for The Saddest Landscape back in the mid-00s. Look out for the proficient use of melody, dissonance and aggression from these songs.
70My Point Of You
This is my first heist


B Tier

this is my first heist is Midwest Tweemo heavily inspired by the likes of Everyone Asked About You and Johnny Foreigner, releasing during this current rise of Twee-inspired Emo. The dual feminine-masculine vocals can best be described as “cutesy,” but that isn't a slight against them; they rest comfortably atop the active, noodly twinkles of the guitar. If any of this description piques your interest, have a listen! The EP breezes by.
71Texas 3000
Weird Dreams


B Tier

Midwest Emo by way of Tokyo, Weird Dreams is the most appropriate title that could’ve been given to this experimental gem. There is no "Shimokita-kei guitar rock" to speak of on this record, and the Midwest Emo leans much closer to the old school than the Revival stuff. In a way, this music reaches into strange parts of the human psyche, and not just due to the covert psychedelia; the mixed “Japanenglish” that’s sung is spruced up by overt sentimentalism.
72Amateur Standing
Amateur Standing


B Tier

Penfold is perhaps the best “lesser-known” band of Second Wave Emo; their influence has been quiet yet steady, and judging by their recent comeback, this generation is the one ready to fully embrace their sound. Amateur Standing's debut s/t EP isn't Penfold worship or anything, but it does harken back to the mid-late 90s, with Post-Hardcore-informed Emo with tons of distortion and noisiness. They exemplify this new generation of artists interested in Midwest Emo without the excessive Kinsellaisms.
73Collars (CA)
Half Life


B Tier

From the desert outskirts of LA comes Collars, a criminally overlooked Emo Revival Revial band. These boys have all the bells and whistles one would expect from a genre staple, including gigantic dual guitars, group vocals, the requisite quiet-loud dynamics and, of course, mathy twinkles. Nothing on here would be out of place on a 2014-2016 Emo Revival classic, for better and for worse. Despite wearing their influences on their sleeves, this is an absolute must-listen if you dig the description.
74Comfort Object
Pinnacle Hill


B Tier

Pinnacle Hill is a Thursday-tinted Queercore / Emocore spectacle by debuting New York-based Comfort Object with other old school Punk influences mixed in a blender. The production is purposely garage-level, there to capture the imperfections of the recordings as an artistic choice. The vocals are powerful and shouty, the guitar noisy and dissonant; the basslines are punchy and the drums are boisterous. This album represents a certain aspect of Fifth Wave Emo - queerer, grungier and more vulnerable than its predecessors.
75Cash Only Tony's
demo


B Tier

Putting the Emo back into Emotional Hardcore, these fine folk whipped up quite a doozy on this debut demo. Agonizing Screamo with a fantastic guitar tone, the dynamics on display are varied and impressive. They are occasionally interspersed by softer, acoustic tracks that shed pure vulnerability. Overall, I'm looking forward to what the future has in store for them.
76Swimming
Old


B Tier

Swimming is part of a surprisingly active and interconnected DIY community in St. John’s, at the edge of the Earth in Canada. On Old, they play their own brand of Emo Revival with tons of Math Rock influence and a Pop-Punk edge that keeps the momentum going, even through well-executed quiet-loud switches. Everything is played and produced crisply and tightly, with nothing on here crossing the threshold into obnoxious or overwrought territory.
77shallow water blackout
Outside of Salton City


B Tier

Melancholy distilled to its purest elements, these heroes of the Inland Empire finally released their debut LP after a year of chipping away at it. The various elements, from chamber instruments to the melodica to intimate acoustic passages, are flourishes that emphasize the somberness on display. Once these songwriters figure out how to take this sound to its natural evolution and culmination, they’ll be remembered as heroes of Emo everywhere.
78Athletics
What Makes You Think This Is How It All Ends?


B Tier

Athletics make their mighty return to the scene after over a decade since their last proper release. Living up to the lofty standards set by Who You Are Is Not Enough was never going to be easy, as it is a standout album in the canon of Post-Rock-infused Emo, but I'm pleased to report the band's talents are back on full display. Even though it lacks some of the powerhouse crescendos found on their aforementioned cult classic, you will still find gorgeous soundscapes with sorrow sprawled all across.
79Weatherbox
The Compass


B Tier

Compass is the first proper release from zany Indie / Emo / Alternative artist Weatherbox in over a decade, heralded by two random singles that came out of nowhere last year. The band's tenure ran parallel to the Emo Revival, even if they weren't all that similar sonically. Frontman Brian Warren is well known for two things by longtime fans of his songwriting and that's his minute-to-minute unpredictability and remarkable consistency. These two outstanding qualities are ever-present on this EP, marking a proper return to form for the local San Diego legends.
80Tiny Voices
Reasons I Won't Change


B Tier

Late-Revival-Core? I don't think that's a thing, but these folks from Wisconsin embody the sound perfectly on their debut full-length album. The release is a celebration of their near five-year journey as a band, featuring several contemporary artists from the scene, repping bands like EMWAY? and Hot Mulligan; Tiny Voices owes the latter band a great deal, despite owning their particular spin on things with several excellent tracks.
81Dikembe
King


B Tier

Prolific stalwarts of the Emo Revival, Dikembe has exhaustively explored the intersections between Midwest Emo and Emo-Pop, Indie Rock, Pop-Punk and even Alternative throughout their discography and are content to release occasional material at their leisure these days. Their first such release of original music since 2020, King is an excellent distillation of their different masks worn over a lengthy career, leaning heavily into the Indie vibes with Emo Revival-guided songwriting. If you like any of Dikembe’s older material, you’re bound to like this too!
82Hot Mulligan
The Sound a Body Makes When It's Still


B Tier

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Hot Mulligan’s first releases, two EPs that showcased their Emo-Pop / Pop-Punk combo with Emo Revival tendencies, such as the ever-present twinkles. All this time later, Hot Mulligan has become one of the most fruitful Emo bands in the scene, having released nearly 100 songs across four studio albums, numerous EPs and alternative song versions. Has their sound evolved? Well yeah, but it’s still the same Hot Mulligan you’d expect to hear. Tades’ typically incredible vocal performance is once again the highlight of their music.
83Eardrums
You Look Just Like Me


B Tier

You Look Just Like Me is a poignant Screamo album under the pretense of being a Math Rock project with a hint of Jane’s Addiction for good measure. This funky mix works surprisingly well, allowing for both the screamed and clean vocals to shed vulnerability with each note. Had this been a bit more cohesive or consistent, this record would easily be one of the best of the year.
84Special Beam Canon
Special Beam Canon


B Tier

Despite clocking in at less than eight and a half minutes, this fun little jaunt through Mathy Emo has a bit of meat on its bones. Now yes, it’s clear that the band members are all just trying to have a rad time and make sick music, but as is the case with many artists in the genre, that’s the exact approach needed to make quality tunes, and these Australians are no different.
85The Casper Fight Scene
S/T


B Tier

Emo Revival worship from Yoopers in The Casper Fight Scene, this self-titled album is the band's glorious full-length debut. Everything fans would want from this album is included, with all of the cool twinkly guitar tricks, mid-tempo song lengths and an admirably varied sound on each song of the record. While no track on here is a true standout, the entire album is worth a listen.
86My Friend, My Urn
Demo 2025


B- Tier

Having seen this band play live, I can assure you that their Screamo is ferocious and harkens back to the 2000s era of the genre. The first track is a massive 7+ minute sojourn, sublimely shifting the volume and intensity while the epic Post-Rock influence keeps things grandiose and melodic. The second track is barely a minute long and is an all-out Emoviolence assault on the senses. I’m looking forward to seeing what the band can do with better production and more time.
87FHMY
The World You Grew Up in No Longer Exists


B- Tier

Cairene Emo Youssef Kahled Fahmy begins this serene record off with the appropriately-titled Egyptian Football, which primes the listener to the foremost influence of this album - Kinsella-esque Midwest Emo, complete with Math Rock and Post-Rock leanings. These elements are obscured by a thin Shoegaze veil, which influences the production choices. The music truly is spectacular, especially so as one of the few Middle Eastern Emo projects to EVER exist. My one knock against it is at 50 minutes in length, this behemoth is perhaps a bit unwieldy compared to its ambition.
88Loud Fox Cult
I'm Going to Heal, After You


B- Tier

This energetic slice of Emp-Pop comes to us by way of the Detroit metropolitan area and comes out swinging! Even though nothing on here is breaking the mold, LoudFoxCult are more-than-comfortable fully exploring the combination of Pop-Punk, Emp-Pop and Indie influences, putting these elements in a blender and coming out with 11 songs that are all pretty good and claim their own individual identities. When that thirty minute runtime evaporates, get ready to press the play button over and over again!
89Worm Circus
Worm Circus


B- Tier

Worm Circus is an exciting new Screamo duo from the fabled land of New Jersey. On their debut s/t EP, Worm Circus delivers dissonant, punishing Screamo with a bit of a metallic edge to it and some subtle mathy influence. This combination gives each song a foreboding atmosphere and crushes the listeners in its path. I’m looking forward to seeing what these two can pull off in the future.
90Equipment
First time using slang


B- Tier

Despite only being three songs in length, prolific 5th Wavers Equipment’s First time using slang feels enormous with three songs centered around what’s assuredly a silly gimmick: a picture of lab protection equipment. Using gigantic, melodic guitar lines, catchy earworm vocal hooks and playful quiet-loud song structuring, these three songs are all solid additions to this band’s ever-expanding discography. The final song, Facial Protection, even feels like it’s in three parts, as indicated on the album cover.
91Stay Inside
Lunger


B- Tier

The underground pride of Brooklyn, Stay Inside release their largest album yet with Lunger. Whereas their previous release, Inside, saw the group slowly shed their Post-Hardcore roots and confidently craft Emo with tinges of Post-Hardcore, Indie and Pop-Punk, Lunger feels like the band trying to evolve even farther beyond. However, it sounds more like the band throwing ideas at the wall, hoping they’ll stick. Fortunately for us, most of those ideas are fantastic and there are many awesome new tracks to enjoy, especially if you’re into the band’s insane brass.
92Pet Symmetry
Big Symmetry


C Tier

Chicago Emo legend Evan Thomas Weiss’ latest release is through his big fun Pop-Punk project Pet Symmetry. Although not the most inspired release by this band, it is perhaps the zenith of the huge Poppy sound they have always strived for. If you enjoy mid-tempo Pop-Punk / Emo-Pop infusions with more than a glancing hint of The Progress, check this album out!
Show/Add Comments (8)

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS // CONTACT US

Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Site Copyright 2005-2023 Sputnikmusic.com
All Album Reviews Displayed With Permission of Authors | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy