Hardcore Punk

In North America, a harder, faster, altogether more aggressive style of punk emerged around 1978. Dead Kennedys, Bad Brains, Black Flag all formed in the period 1976-78, while other fast and furious bands appeared as the 70s thundered into the 80s.

This sub-genre of punk had a confrontational stance not just in the presentation, but also in the content. Rants against consumerism, greed and conservatism generally were often screamed at audiences who screamed them right back. Songs were noisy and driven by fast guitar chords over a driving drum foundation with solos being considered flashy and superfluous. In sum, punk with amped up intensity.