DC Hardcore 1980-Now
Until this point I have made lists centered around the hardcore/punk scenes of NYC, Boston, Kansas City, and Texas. I mainly did KC because it's my hometown. That leaves 3 out of the 5 US hardcore powerhouses checked off. Before I get to California, here one of the earliest and most important scenes: Washington D.C. Bands past and present. All rippers. Enjoy. |
| 1 |  | Bad Brains
Bad Brains
You don't know shit about hardcore if you haven't heard this album. Lightning fast, talented as hell, and one of the most intense live groups of all time. |
| 2 |  | Minor Threat
Minor Threat
Pretty crazy that TWO of the top three most influential hardcore bands are from DC. Minor Threat's first show was opening for Bad Brains. This 1981 record and the ones that followed laid the groundwork for what hardcore would generally sound like 10 years later in New York and elsewhere. |
| 3 |  | Youth Brigade (DC)
Possible
Many of D.C.'s early bands were short-lived and only released one album before breaking up. Youth Brigade was one of those. Just a solid record. |
| 4 |  | State Of Alert
No Policy
The first band of Henry Rollins. Fierce, gritty east coast hardcore. Much better than everything than Black Flag did post-"Damaged". |
| 5 |  | The Teen Idles
Minor Disturbance
The first band of Ian MacKaye. Less focused on melody than Minor Threat, more focused on speed. Lots of fun tunes on here. |
| 6 |  | Government Issue
Legless Bull
Sarcastic as fuck, political hardcore punk. Great track on here mocking 70's rock bands: "Pass me the bong man, I'm gaaay." |
| 7 |  | Faith/Void
Split
If you want to start an argument between any group of punks, ask which side of this split is better. Pretty much the Ozzy/Dio question but for punk. One of the best punk splits of all time. Each band only released an EP besides this. |
| 8 |  | Scream
Still Screaming
"Came Without Warning" is one of my top 10 hardcore/punk songs of all time. Fun fact: Dave Grohl played in this band for about a year. |
| 9 |  | Marginal Man
Identity
Blended hardcore punk with more catchy hooks. Almost a precursor to the skate punk and pop-punk that would come in the 90's. Fun fact: the guitarist's dad was Daniel Inouye, longtime senator and representative from Hawaii. |
| 10 |  | Skewbald
Skewbald (Grand Union)
A project started by Ian and Jeff from Minor Threat while the group was temporarily disbanded. Only released a three song 7" before Minor Threat got back together. Sounds almost exactly like them. |
| 11 |  | 86 Mentality
86 Mentality
Regarded by many as one of the best hardcore/punk bands of the 2000's. Straightforward stompy hardcore with heavy oi! influences. |
| 12 |  | Protester
Protester
One of the best D.C. records of the 2010's. Band started with a demo recorded all by the same guy, later recruiting a full band. |
| 13 |  | Pure Disgust
Chained
Stompy oi-influenced hardcore, picking up where 86 left off. Incredible lyrics on here tackling racism and other issues. |
| 14 |  | Red Death
Permanent Exile
Thrashy-as-fuck hardcore. For fans of Modern Pain, Trash Talk, Gallows. |
| 15 |  | Javla
Demo
A very promising new group with a 7" on the way. |
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