The use of break-downs, djent riffs, unclean vocals, and melodic choruses have sunk their sounds into a scene and influenced countless groups across the globe. Though it seems unlikely that any of these styled bands will ever make it to number 1 on the Top 40 charts, they have created a stronghold in the underground that has led them to the incredible and dedicated fan base that they have today. Here are what I would consider the top 25 essential post-hardcore albums for the modern scene. Frankly, this slot could be filled by a number of incredible debut EPs that have popped up over the last year or two, but this one happens to be my current favorite. Start-up bands that are able to release their own EPs like this Irish quintet always impress me and prove that everyone needs to give those little guys they find on Spotify or YouTube just as much of a chance as the big names in the business. Two Words: female vocalist.

Post-hardcore broke out as a movement in a huge way during the first decade of the s while shaping how people view the genre today. At The Drive-In helped define post-hardcore as a genre, and their last record before a series of breakups and reunions, Relationship Of Command , is one of the best albums of the decade. Boysetsfire brought a much-needed political energy to the post-hardcore scene with After The Eulogy , standing out as a snapshot of the pissed-off noise the band brought in contrast to many of their peers. Thursday are immensely important to the development of post-hardcore, and their sophomore album, Full Collapse , was a turning point for their legacy. Finch made an explosive entry into the post-hardcore scene with their emo-oriented take, and What It Is To Burn was a perfect album to lead off their career. Glassjaw are indisputably one of the greatest post-hardcore acts of all time, and Worship And Tribute is flawless. Through fuzzed-out punk riffs, Mclusky brought an old-school energy to the genre throughout their career.

Various bands began to turn away from the macho bravado of the pit to open themselves up to greater creative expression, experimenting with their sound to bring in melodies, indie rock subtlety, great waves of earsplitting noise or in some cases even jazz. With a more emotional outlook, it became the genre of choice for those who like brains and thoughtfulness in their music as well as brawn. These are 10 of the best bands who screamed from the heart….

Below are 12 records that have transcended the trends and fads and still rip to this day. Tewers left the band in to focus on his current project, the Plot In You. The track album added an even more aggressive edge to modern post-hardcore.