EmoEmporium
User

Album Ratings 227
Objectivity 58%

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

Review Comments 15

 Lists
03.07.24 Recontextualizing Third Wave Emo Part 202.27.24 Recontextualizing Third Wave Emo Part 1
01.08.24 Artists I Have Tickets For in 202412.27.23 2023 Emo LP / EP Tier List and Ranking
12.06.23 Emo In My Top 100 Songs of 2023

Recontextualizing Third Wave Emo Part 2: Heavier

One massive issue with Third Wave Emo is that a lot of it seems to have lost its hardcore roots; this point is constantly blasted at us by Emo purists. “True” Emo from that time period, if it did include some hardcore influence, was often cleanly produced and crisp, diametrically opposing the very ethos of Hardcore. Fortunately, heavy Emo music was still very prolific during the 2000s, and I wanted to talk about two particularly palatable Emo subgenres during that span. I’d like to clarify one thing before I get started: I will not be comprehensively covering Screamo in this series. Even though Screamo was having a major boon during the 2000s and kept the spirit of Emo alive, that genre deserves its very own series and is so comprehensive that I just don’t have the time to do that right now. That said, a few movements were taking place during Emo’s Third Wave on a DIY level and both were very important to the genre.
1Twelve Hour Turn
Perfect Progress, Perfect Destruction


Please note there’s a dearth of knowledge on Emocore, especially after the mid-90s, so please excuse me if I slip up a bit in this section. Without further adieu, Re: Emocore Reemergence.

Despite releasing only two full-length albums and two extended plays, Twelve Hour Turn has quite the prolific discography for a band that only lived five years, having performed in numerous splits and compilations. They rode the Emocore wave that started in the late 90s and are one of the most well-known non-80s bands in the genre. This would be their final full-length album and, to my knowledge, their last release as a band until an archival live album came out in 2016.

This one is filled with tons of mid-tempo Hardcore, dynamic volume switches and signature solitary somber guitar riffs. If you enjoy your Emocore to be on the Punkier side, this is absolutely one to check out!
2Calvary
Outnumbered Is Outflanked


Cavalry combined that classic Emocore sound - the mid-tempo Hardcore with melody and catharsis - with elements of Post-Punk, from the vocal delivery to the bouncy basslines to the atmosphere. The elements are woven together so well that even Emocore purists will find something to like on here.
3Aghast
Polaroid


Emocore from France, Aghast takes the traditional Emocore formula and fuses it with early 00s Screamo production elements and creates a relatively fresh record that, while not breaking any crazy ground, is quite solid and stands out a bit from the pack.
4End on End (CA)
Why Evolve When We Can Go Sideways?


Some good Rites of Spring worship, evident by their band name. If you like the transition from traditional, slower Hardcore and Post-Hardcoreish sections of quiet, brooding riffage, this is worth a listen.

The band has a fair amount of splits, as well as a few other EPs and albums that are worth a listen.
5The Pine
Lead Blocks For Feet


One of the most celebrated Emocore artists during the 2000s, The Pine creates authentic music like we’re still living the Revolution Summer: extremely rough, analog recordings with old-school Hardcore writing in mind, a singer who’s doing his damnedest Evergreen impression and music that sounds like a long-lost The Hated demo. The mixing on this is truly woeful, and I mean that in the best way possible. The cacophony surpasses the wall-of-noise state that Shoegaze loves to produce and few, if any, recognizable melody comes through. For discerning ears, you’re welcome to frequent high-range basslines that complement the simple, driving guitar, all overpowered by the ludicrous crash cymbal.

From the description, this sounds like an uncontainable mess, and it is. However, the passion behind this album is unmistakable. If you’ve yet to dip your toes into the Emocore pond, I’d highly suggest giving these guys a go.
6The Shivering
To the Ground


Fairly typical mid-tempo Emocore stuff from The Shivering. If you like Punky chord progressions, the odd twinkle and stuff that doesn’t veer too far from tradition, this one is worth a listen. The Shivering also released two small EPs before and after this album.
7Sinaloa
Fathers And Sons


The debut LP from criminally underrated Sinaloa, Fathers and Sons is classic Emocore with more modern Screamo sensibilities. I wouldn’t go as far as to say the band plays Screamo, but their revered split with Ampere should give some insight as to the cred this band has. A heavy focus on melodic lead guitar lines is underscored by the desperate, shouted vocals and a very active drummer who drives the music forward. Breaking up this band’s incredible dedication to melody is the harmony’s often-grizzly sense of dissonance. With 15 songs and only 36 minutes of runtime, the album’s surprising creativity will keep you hooked.
893 Million Miles
93 Million Miles


With more than half of the band’s discography fitting into this five-track EP, this 90s Emocore project released some songs they’d recorded in the late 90s in 2003, and the world of Emo is forever thankful! 93 Million Miles is bona fide classic Emocore paced moderately and played passionately. The band is keen on their Hardcore roots, especially in the latter half of the EP, but loves exploring multiple volume dynamics throughout the songs.
91000 Travels of Jawaharlal
Owari Wa Konai


You only need one word to describe Owari Wa Konai: relentless. The heavily distorted guitar plays nonstop Emocore riffage with the occasional angular, twinkly melody to break apart the unrelenting tedium. The drummer absolutely refuses to be quiet and subdued, instead expressing their emotions by banging the Hell out of their kit. Tying this all together immaculately is the brutal vocalist, screaming his voice raw with passion and angst.

Owari wa Konai is almost prototypical Emocore, though advanced into a new age with tiny elements of Screamo and Post-Hardcore.
10Cold Like December
Oh My God, It's Full of Stars


This release is an interesting footnote in history, being the Emocore band of Kevin DeFranoco, guitarist for legendary bands like Harrison Bergeron, Street Smart Cyclist and Boy Problems. The guitarwork on this release doesn’t exactly live up to those artists, but Cold Like December plays a vigorous Emocore style that shares some similarities with early 00s Metalcore. Check this out if you like Emocore to be on the more aggressive side.
11Dance of Days
A Valsa das Águas Vivas


Perhaps the most important Emocore band to come out of Brazil, Dance of Days began their career in the late 90s and is still kicking, having just released an album in 2023! Their discography is plethoric with no fewer than 10 full-length albums and several EPs, many of which came out during this Third Wave Emo time period.

Punky Emocore with very melodic guitar riffs, Dance of Days employs a healthy dose of Melodic Hardcore to keep the somewhat stale nature of Emocore very fresh. The vocals stand out as particularly palatable for those who don’t enjoy screaming or shouting and are filled with tons of emotion.
12Life at These Speeds
Life at These Speeds


Perhaps one of the most underappreciated Emocore releases of all time, Life at These Speeds could be talked about in the same breath as Lyburnum Wits and Indian Summer. At its very core, the band members are true Punkers, but they definitely understand how to make an incredible Emo album. A perfect guitar tone throughout sets the mood and allows the crescendos to really hit hard.

The vocalist is introspective and aggressive, relaying the emotional gravity of the music. This album sounds as if Emocore continued as a strong movement through the 90s into the 00s, bringing over a decade of influence with it.
13The Pine
Days Slipping By


Following up on their self-titled compilation album, which included the entirety of their first album plus more tracks, The Pine released their next full-length album in 2004. The first note I have is that the recording and production quality has improved marginally, though still not enough to sound like anything other than “Basement Emo.” Regardless, what you hear is what you get with this band, so even though the songs do come off as sort of similar to each other, Roger King’s immense ardor is present in every note his voice hits, and his voice is clearer than ever. This one invokes a feeling of isolation that Level Blocks for Feet didn’t quite do. Another amazing entry in their legendary discography.
14Self Defense Family
Disappear Here


(Formerly named) End of a Year’s debut LP is Emocore distilled into its purist form with only small hints of Post-Hardcore to offer a counterbalance. Rites of Spring worship? Absolutely. That doesn’t make this unappealing to listen to, however. The band’s commitment to the mid-tempo Hardcore of the Revolution Summer is admirable, as is their focus on incredibly powerful guitar melodies.

Believe it or not, this band would go on to release an abundance of music between 2004 and 2011, including a couple more albums, several EPs and countless splits with other bands. After 2011, they would reform under their far more popular moniker - Self Defense Family.
15Metamorphosis (Peru)
Solo en mí


Metamorphosis was an Emocore band out of Lima, Peru, not to be confused with the likely many bands with the same or a similar name. The first thing you’re going to notice is that this album takes its traditional Hardcore seriously, indulging in a Punkish Hardcore that defined the earliest of Emocore bands. Their standout feature is the vocalist - the dude is insane, switching flawlessly between growly screaming and eclectic singing.
16The Pine
Don't Need Regret


The Pine’s final formal release, Don’t Need Regret might just be the band’s most dynamic work yet. The bookends to this album are quite possibly The Pine’s best songs ever, though the overall quality of the LP is quite good. This is also the Punkiest The Pine has ever been, indulging in those strong Punk drum beats.

The Pine would release an acoustic album in 2005 before disbanding, randomly releasing Some Unreleased Stuff in 2011. Just last year, they remastered a couple of their albums, so fortunately for us, the band seems keen on preserving their legacy.
17Sinaloa
Footprints On Floorboards


Despite the urgency that Sinaloa exudes with their music, caused by the dissonant chord progressions, desperate vocals and syncopated drums, Footprints on Floorboards is somewhat of a subdued album. Perhaps the lack of a bassist holds the punchiness back, or maybe it’s the unwavering tempo that doesn’t shift into truly depressive territory, nor does it reach blistering speeds. These may sound like criticisms, but they’re actually the album’s biggest strengths—a worthy follow-up to Fathers and Sons with less attention paid to sweeping guitar melodies.

Sinaloa would carry the grand Emo tradition of having legendary splits, recording with bands like Ampere and Life at These Speeds. They would also release two more full-length albums and an EP before calling it quits in the 10s.
18Life at These Speeds
To Your Health


Life at These Speeds proves once again why they are one of the premier Emocore bands of this period with this incredible follow-up album. More modern Post-Hardcore influences are showing up on this album, once again showcasing the genre’s ability to transcend the rigidity of 80s DC Emocore. The lauded dynamic volume interplay from their first album is perfected on this release, ensuring the album never succumbs to the “samey” complaint some have of Emocore albums.

If you liked the first album, you’ll like this one. If you enjoyed their work, be sure to check out their splits with End on End, Sinaloa and Science of Yarba.
19Aghast
Consumer


Seasoned after splits with 100 Travels of Jawaharlal and Sed Non Satiata, Aghast returned with their sole LP Consumer in 2006, and it’s quite the accomplishment. Aghast once again zig-zag the border between Emocore and European Screamo, though they’re heavier than ever on this record. Taking the straightforwardness and quiet-loud dynamics of Emocore and imbuing them with the aggression and melodic beauty of French Skramz creates a real winner with Consumer.
20Fine Before You Came
Fine Before You Came


Fine Before You Came is one of the most important Italian Emocore bands of all time, having gained complete underground cred when they unleashed Sfortuna upon the world in 2009. However, this self-titled album is actually sung in English, as opposed to Sfortuna. The album features Emocore with a fair bit of Post-Hardcore influence, but the masterful dynamic switches are telling of which genre this is in.

The somewhat subdued nature of the tracks belies their tension, though it could be argued that the band never goes into that next gear with their crescendos. However, Jacopo’s powerful vocals make up for any of the music’s shortcomings. This album is a glimpse into one of Italy’s premier Emocore bands.
21And None of Them Knew They Were Robots
And None of Them Knew They Were Robots


Next, I’d like to cover another relatively niche but nonetheless very influential aspect of Emo: Midwest Screamo. Unlike most other Screamo, Midwest Screamo will be the most familiar for non-Screamo listeners, all while providing a direction for Emo’s trajectory during this time period. Some releases would feel at home to Second Wave Midwest Emo enjoyers while others embraced a mathy proto-revival outlook.

The Midwest Screamo Matriculation

In 2002, Midwest Screamo was technically around but was extremely niche and underdeveloped. ANOTKTWR aren’t some godfather of the genre or anything, but their blend of Midwest Emo and Post-Hardcore, along with bits of Math Rock and Screamo, ensure this release stands out from the pack. They’re somewhat reminiscent of On the Might of Princes, and that’s not a bad thing. When those clean dynamics kick in, whew boy is this one a beaut.
22The Little Explorer
The Little Explorer


The Little Explorer’s self-titled debut LP is an anomaly, a release that sounds like it could have been released 10 years later and it’d feel at home. Somehow coming out in the year 2003, this album is one of the best Emo releases of that year - a true testament to its greatness. The English Emo trio manages to craft surprisingly uplifting songs with tons of complexity, time-signature bending and twinkly guitar riffs with unexpectedly good production values. These disparate elements are weaved together with gorgeous Post-Rock, making this a remarkable outing vastly ahead of its time.

The Little Explorer would release their second LP in 2013, though it was actually recorded in 2006. It’s definitely worth checking out. This band would go on to become Crash of Rhinos, an amazing Emo Revival band. With all of this Emo cred, you have no choice but to check this out.
23Five Fingers Half a Hand
Exotic Dances for Wives and Lovers


Released in 2003, this album was supposedly recorded a few years earlier, which makes the forward-thinking nature of this full-length all the more impressive. This fits in quite well with Second Wave Midwest Emo with some gnarly screaming in place of clean vocals in a lot of spots. The oft-found serene moments of this album are cut down by raw, emotional Screamo. This is an early example of the genre done right.
24Make Me
Make Me


Hailing from New Jersey, Make Me plays traditional late-90s Screamo with a mathy, almost jazzy approach. Between abrasive, straightforward bouts of Hardcore fury are serene moments of quiet, usually accompanied by Kinsella-esque riffing. The committee of clean and screamed vocals adds to the insanity while the dynamic song structures keep this four-track demo lively and original. Simply put, stuff like this wasn’t really coming out at this time, so Make Me is an innovator in the scene.
25Tamiroff
Demo


Featuring bandmates that would eventually form Post-Hardcore standouts Polar Bear Club, Tamiroff’s demo is a unique twinkly romp through screamed Midwest Emo. Tamiroff showed off a sound similar to that of Make Me on this release, but they tend to prefer the softer end of the spectrum, in particular with the Kinsella-inspired guitar. There’s less than 12 minutes of music, but it’s an integral look at the development of the Kinsella-inspired sound that would start with a few Proto-Revival artists in the mid-2000s before it became the dominant sound of the Emo Revival.
26Full Surrender
The Distance Between


Acoustic guitar in Emo is somewhat of an anomaly, especially in Screamo from this era. Even in the Second Wave, Midwest Emo would often be bereft of acoustic guitars, even from more indie-leaning Emo acts. This might have something to do with Emo’s history being deeply rooted in Hardcore, but in 2004, Full Surrender combined Screamo, Midwest Emo and the acoustic guitar to craft a one-of-a-kind aural experience.

Full Surrender plays to the quiet-loud nature of traditional Midwest Emo and has many clean vocal sections with incredible harmony, but adding in screamed vocals and the odd spastic drum moment give this EP exceptional contrast. With relatively clean production and a forward-thinking genre-bending combination of sounds, this sounds like it came from the Fifth Wave.
27The Last Will Be the First
The Last Will Be the First


Admittedly, this one is mostly traditional American Screamo with Midwest Emo influences rather than a truly cohesive combined sound. That said, the slower, cleaner Emo sections break up the cacophony that’s usually going about. Still worth a listen for those curious.
28Kidcrash
Demo CDR


Before removing the definite article “The” from the front of their name, Kidcrash released their debut LP in 2004, playing more of an Emo-Pop / Midwest Emo fusion with no screaming. Following this up was a three-song EP in 2005 that upped the ante in terms of heaviness, sort of bridging the gap between their Emo-Pop sound and what they produced on this demo.

Although this isn’t strictly Midwest Screamo, more akin to a lighter Hot Cross, the elements are all there. The vocalist has finally started to tear it up with screamed vocals while the aggression pushes further. There aren’t a ton of twinkles here, but the mathy rhythms more than make up for it. Kidcrash was just about ready to evolve into their final form, and this demo gives a clear picture of where they’re about to go.
29Ladders
Ladders


Perhaps one of the most obscure releases I’ve been able to review, this mid-aughts Screamo project produced only one EP, but damn does it kick ass. Ladders plays a more traditional style of Screamo, but elements of Midwest Emo, particularly in the guitar and the volume dynamics, tend to creep in. This is one of the rawest and most Hardcore of the releases on this list, but with just enough Midwest Emo influence, this makes the cut!
30With Horses In Her Eyes
Prologue


A prologue that serves as the band’s only release (under this name), With Horses in Her Eyes combines traditional Screamo with Post-Rock, but not in the same way as many European bands of the day; With Horses utilized Midwest Emo tropes to tie the disparate genres together. If you like heavy sections of unhinged Screamo juxtaposed with beautiful sections of clean music (you know, Emo), then you’ll like this release.

The band would rename themselves to Histories after this EP, releasing three more songs. Those tracks have less Midwest Emo influence but are great Screamo songs nonetheless.
31We Are the Colossus
Demo


Jack Senff’s very first Midwest Screamo project, We Are The Colossus only released two songs on their demo but it sort of unintentionally serves as a blueprint for future Senff projects. Combining the insanity of Merchant Ships, the rawness of Midwest Pen Pals and the heaviness of William Bonney, this feels like a Senff project through and through. If you like any of his other bands, do yourself a favor and scope this demo.
32Kidcrash
Jokes


Channeling the best Screamo artists of the 2000s, adding copious elements of Math Rock and pouring their entire soul into the project, Kidcrash evolves into their final form on Jokes. Time signature and volume dynamics are at play throughout the album’s runtime. If you like riffs, this release has them in spades.

Like their demo, this isn’t strictly Midwest Screamo, but I believe this to be about as close as you can get the genre.
33Lion of the North
The Compass Calls


Lion of the North was a short-lived band steeped in Emo history, with connections to bands like Grown Ups and La Dispute. They made splits with bands like Lautrec and MANS., but first came out with an EP of their own. The Compass Calls showcases the band at their best: brutal, punishing sections of Screamo with blistering Math Rock riffs, organized loosely by Midwest Emo principles. For fans of Screamo, this one delivers and keeps you on your toes.
34What Price, Wonderland?
Thirty With A Wink


This is more Post-Hardcore / Screamo, but it’s played in such a unique way, it can easily be lumped into this genre. The unpredictable and fun nature of Cap’n Jazz’s music is a huge influence on this band, meaning their songwriting is actually top-notch. Expect a heavy Post-Hardcore bass tone to accompany a varied and frenzied drumming while the guitarist is losing his mind. The vocalist enjoys shouting out the lyrics with all of his might. This is an underrated release in the legacy of UK Emo.
35Fiction Like Non-Fiction
Fiction Like Non-Fiction EP


The enigmatic sound of Bay Area Screamo cannot be accurately defined by mere words alone. Despite the monumental task, I’ll take a crack at it with this amazing self-titled release. Rough, lofi production techniques give this one a unique atmosphere while the switches between madman Hardcore and slower, Midwest Emo give the EP an identity. This can’t be strictly considered Midwest Screamo, but it’s damn sure a fine album for fans of the subgenre.
36James Dean
James Dean


One of the least Googlable band / album name combinations of all time, James Dean was a short-lived Australian Midwest Screamo band, plaything the genre perfectly as intended. The band very much plays into the soft, noodly guitar-driven Proto-Revival sound, infusing it with some screaming and impressively noisy drums. They would release another EP the next year with arguably an even worse name combination.
37paris hilton on fire
Sacrificing Small Animals to Please the Prince...


Paris Hilton on Fire flirts with the more extreme side of Midwest Screamo in this 2007 EP. With clear Emoviolence influence, particularly in the frantic drumming found throughout the album, Sacrificing Small Animals is four songs of melodic destruction that will stay with you for quite some time, though I’d be hard-pressed to call it as ludicrous as Father Figure. The Math Rock guitar riffs add to the discord while the vocalist is content to scream his head off for the record’s duration. This band would release another EP 12 years later, but these were the band’s only outings.
38Boy Problems
Summer Tour Songs


Boy Problems only released a handful of songs, but their legacy is forever enshrined in the mythos of this subgenre; hailing for Philly they featured former bandmates from groups like Make Me, Harrison Bergeron and Street Smart Cyclist. Summer Tour Songs opens with a sample from Superbad, speaking volumes to their intention to make a true Emo classic. From there, we find five rough recordings that contain the perfect blend of Screamo and twinkly Midwest Emo.

Many Emo Revival bands would take cues from Midwest Screamo artists, but Boy Problems seems to be an especially prominent influence on the movement, especially as it came out right at the forefront. With noodling riffs, shifting dynamics and an overall “warm” feeling, this is an essential demo to listen to if you’re into the Emo Revival sound.
39Merchant Ships
The LOL Cats Demo


At only seven minutes in length, Merchant Ships makes an immediate impression, showcasing to the world why they were about to become one of the most beloved bands of the Emo Revival. Jack Senff’s passionate, raw shouted vocals are the highlight of these tracks, serenading the listener with unfiltered poetic lyrics. The first two tracks are originals only found on this demo, but the third track is a demo version of one of their most famous songs. The pulse-pounding percussion is complemented well by the noodling, active guitar.
401994!
Thank You Arms and Fingers


Some may claim this is more of a Punk-oriented Post-Hardcore / Math Rock fusion, but with slightly less hair-splitting, this fits alright in the Midwest Screamo category! The band would go on to be a not-insignificant part of the Emo Revival, but they released their first album in 2008. Filled with highly energetic drumming and blistering guitar riffs, the Punky nature of the songs just gives the chaos a little bit of structure. This is some truly heralding stuff for a two-person band!
41Jupiter Lander
Jupiter Lander


Named after an obscure Commodore 64 title and with only a few songs to their name, Jupiter Lander touched down in 2008 and left the world as quickly as they came. However, this self-titled gem, consisting only of three songs, is a testament to their skill and cements their legacy. With a more traditional Midwest Emo approach, combined with raw, longing Screamo elements, Jupiter Lander is a lofi Midwest Screamo experience worth listening to.

Also released later that year was their Final Recordings EP, which I’m not sure was ever an official release. Regardless, four more excellent songs are on that release and I’d suggest listening to it if you liked their s/t.
42The Reptilian
We Have Become


The Reptilian would go on to become one of the premier Midwest Screamo artists of the Emo Revival, but they made their relatively small-time debut in 2008 by participating in a split with Lautrec, Boy Problems and Osceola and releasing their debut EP, We Have Become. The four tracks on display here offer a preview into the future of the niche subgenre at the time, including the Mathy, Kinsella-esque guitar riffs that are heard throughout. Compared to some of the other Midwest Screamo releases on this list, The Reptilian doesn’t play particularly heavy music, perhaps more on the level of 1994! Regardless, the band showcases on this EP why their reputation precedes them.
43James Dean
Across the Great Divide


Another short release from obscure Australian Screamo Twinklers James Dean, another Proto-Revival release with screamed vocals and the occasional harsh instrumental section. This band was at the right place at the right time, but they didn’t stick around long enough for their work to reach the Revival. This EP is also known as "James Deen," just to make the naming conventions even worse.
44Age Sixteen
Spring 2008 Demo


Heavily inspired by Suis La Lune, particularly in the melodic, active guitar riffs, Age Sixteen debuts with just three songs, but they show a clear trajectory to where the band was headed. Unlike their influence, however, Age Sixteen knows exactly when to get a little crazier, a trait their European counterparts don’t typically indulge in. If you like passionate shouted vocals, unforgettable guitarwork and epic, dynamic switches, do not ignore this demo!
45Tiny Moving Parts
Waves Rise, Waves Recede...


What’s Tiny Moving Parts doing here in the Midwest Screamo zone? Well, their very first album features the band experimenting with many different genres, including Midwest Emo, Math Rock, Post-Hardcore and even Screamo. On this album, clean vocals are the exception, not the rule, and Dylan’s voice has never been so consistently insane, sort of like a more hoarse Jack Senff. The instrumental sections transition haphazardly between beautiful Emo twinkles, brooding Post-Hardcore and chaotic snippets of Screamo.

Although the band wouldn’t continue with this exact trajectory, this album lays the blueprint for what the band would become in the near future.
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