Hardcore punk (sometimes referred to simply as
hardcore) is an underground
music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of
punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock.
[1] The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band
D.O.A. may have helped to popularize the term with the title of their 1981 album,
Hardcore '81.
[2][3][4]
Hardcore has spawned the
straight edge movement and its associated submovements,
hardline and
youth crew. Hardcore was heavily involved with the rise of the
independent record labels in the 1980s, and with the
DIY ethics in underground music scenes. It has influenced a number of music genres which have experienced mainstream success, such as
metalcore,
grunge,
thrash metal,
emo and
post-hardcore.
Hardcore sprouted underground scenes across the United States in the early 1980s — particularly in
Washington, D.C.,
California,
New York/
New Jersey, and
Boston—as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom.
While traditional hardcore has never experienced mainstream commercial success, some of its early pioneers have garnered appreciation over time.
Black Flag's album
Damaged was included in
Rolling Stone's list of
The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003,
[5] and the
Dead Kennedys have seen one of their albums reach gold status over a period of 25 years.
[6] Although the music started in English-speaking western countries, scenes have also existed in
Brazil,
Japan,
Europe and
The Middle East.
[7]