hardcore

In pop music, of any style, the more extreme and generally less commercial end of the spectrum: hardcore techno is a minimalist electronic dance music; hardcore rap is aggressive or offensive; hardcore punk jettisons form and melody for speed and noise.

There are several main tendencies within hardcore punk. The very similar styles known as thrash, speed metal, and grindcore, are played on guitars and drums as fast as possible with loud, angry shouting; groups performing this music include Napalm Death (formed in England in 1982). The most influential US hardcore band has been Black Flag (formed in 1977). Other bands seek to explore the ‘hard core of reality’ in lyrics that deal with depravity and degradation; the US band Swans (formed in 1980) is an example. Another hardcore offshoot of punk is skinhead music which is often overtly nationalistic, such as groups like Screwdriver.

The term ‘artcore’ is sometimes used for bands like Sonic Youth that use noise with a more nuanced effect.