5 Modern Post-Hardcore Albums You Probably Missed

Post-hardcore is a genre of stigmas – on one hand, the easycore bands tend to dominate modern perception. On the other hand, people might form expectations around Fugazi. Arguably, the staple of modern post-hardcore borrows from hardcore but throws in a stronger melodic focus. It’s a careful balance of mosh-inducing energy and admirable riffage. Here are just five albums you probably missed over the years.

1. Teraphim (Matter)

Matter released “Teraphim” in 2014 before quickly breaking up. Sitting at seven tracks (30 minutes of material), it’s closer to an EP than a full-length; nonetheless, it’s conceptually cohesive and manages to cover a lot of ground – specifically, the book of Ezekiel. The point of view changes between songs, lending nicely toward the lyrical concepts on each individual track. There’s a bit of Thrice influence at play with even a bit of traditional hard rock a la Breaking Benjamin.

2. New Breath + New Heartbeat = Change (This Armistice)

This Armistice borrows their name from The Receiving End of Sirens, and this should give listeners some idea of what to expect. Vocals are a bit higher than what I typically care for (a cliché of the genre) but the overall vibe is hard to beat. This band flew under the radar and is sadly no more, but if you want a bit of the classic 2009 sound with some nice twist thrown in, check out their album below.

3. Soldiers and Saints EP (Consider the Thief)

Prior to releasing the eponymous and experimental “Signs and Wonders”, Consider the Thief showcased a particularly heavier foundation. All of the genre staples are present in full force – a dedicated melodic vision, passionate vocals, driving drums, and unbeatable composition. While it’s not as groundbreaking as its predecessor, its core is indomitable. Take a listen.

3. Harp and Lyre (Harp and Lyre)

This self-titled EP is the heaviest of the bunch so far, featuring predominantly screamed vocals, off-kilter riffing, and even a fair share of piano. The band’s final release certainly showcases more maturity, but the piano lines truly set them apart from similar bands and the loss of that edge was pretty disappointing. Check out their EP below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fU12BwYYQ0&list=PL5DD851C17A5B2CAF

4. In the Mouth of Lions (Ocean is Theory)

This release is probably the most well-known of the bunch. Georgia natives Ocean is Theory followed the trend of a few of the other bands here, eventually refining their sound into an indie-pop menagerie. Their debut, however, is pretty hard-hitting and technical while still being accessible.

5. A Ghost at Sea (sosaveme)

sosaveme’s debut leans on the lighter side of the spectrum, drawing comparisons to My Epic and So Long Forgotten. This falls right alongside these other releases in terms of timeline but definitely shows roots of the “hard indie” sound which has continued to develop across more bands. Come hear what it all began.