Forget K-Pop, Here Is Some K-Core!

Look, like many metalcore fans out there, we can be guilty of getting down to a bit of K-Pop…but there is so much more to the Korean scene. Since 2020, we’ve actually been keeping an eye on the South Korean metalcore/hardcore scene.

So here are 10 Korean bands you should be adding to your playlist.

End These Days

We are going to start with some of the bigger names in the scene, and you can’t mention Korean metalcore without talking about End These Days. It’s been a little while since they dropped some new music, but they are still super active and judging from their Instagram, they are in the studio working. So we can’t wait to hear from them.

2. REMNANTS OF THE FALLEN

One of the first interviews we did back in the day was with REMNANTS OF THE FALLEN (for a nostalgia hit, head back here). While it has been some time since we caught up with them, their name still carries weight around the scene. We have seen their name on a few flyers for some recent shows, so it’s only a matter of time before we get some new crushing metalcore riffs from these lads.

3. SYNSNAKE

If you want some pretty melodies with some sick breakdowns, then SYNSNAKE might be up your alley. They are definitely one of the better-known bands in the scene, touring out of SKR over the years and achieving some commercial success, but they have stayed very consistent with their unique sound.

4. SLANT

Now we are going into proper hardcore (well more hardcore punk, but let’s not get too caught up on the details); SLANT are absolutely killing the game out in Seoul. The scene in SKR has had a long, storied history of some real long-standing bands, and while it is not big, it is passionate as all hell. You may have caught them on their massive Europe tour, or just at various hardcore festivals, so if you have seen them, you can guarantee they would already be on your list.

5. VASSLINE

Since 1996, VASSLINE have been one of the pillars of the scene. 30 years on, they still are one of the bands in Seoul holding the metalcore flag strong. Again, another act we are very patiently waiting for some new drops from, their recent activity suggests we will indeed be treated to some nasty breakdowns very soon. Till then, catch them crushing riffs around South Korea.

6. CHAIN REACTION

Now, we had to include some screamo/post-hardcore, and that is why we are mentioning CHAIN REACTION. Fast, furious and passionate, they are playing screamo the way it should be done. Their more recent music has leant itself into some interesting experimentation, but with hardcore at their very roots- we could not leave them out of the conversation.

7. EIGHTEEN APRIL

_{Writer’s note: I’m going to be very honest…Eighteen April are indeed one of my favourite bands coming out of South Korea.}

So this may indeed be biased, but you cannot miss checking out Eighteen April. Savage vocals, gritty as hell breakdowns and straight up in your face disgusting breakdowns. Absolute chills when they take it lower and slower. They also are able to blend modern metalcore and classic metalcore stylings, so no matter what era of metalcore you are from, you will likely find some Eighteen April that will satisfy your tastes.

8. CUTT DEEP

Sometimes you just need some straight-up beatdown, and that is why we needed to include CUTT DEEP. No frills, just straight-up mosh music. There is not much else we can see other than check them out if you want to MOVE.

9. INPHASE

Let’s finish strong with some straight-up metalcore, and one of the bands that is delivering just that is INPHASE. Techy riffs, some interesting soundscapes, but overall just some great moments across all their tracks. Intensity in their sound is hectic, and we think you will get around them if you love bands like Of Mice & Men, Memphis May Fire and that era of metalcore.

10. RITUALITY

Rituality are rounding off this list as they have recently dropped an absolute HEATER of an album: self-titled, and winning this writer over with the opening track. They follow a similar classic metalcore vein. Furiously fast verses, clean choruses, gnarly but technical riffs and sickeningly heavy breakdowns. This band has become a new addition to our playlist, so we think they also belong on yours.

We are very aware that we have left a multitude of bands off this list, so let us know who we missed so we can do a part two! South Korea is one country that has been on the NOISE ‘N’ VISUALS bucket list for a long time and we hope that we’ve been able to find some gems for you.

If you have music to promote and you are playing some heavy stuff in the Asia Pacific region- let us know. Send us an email at noisenvisuals@gmail.com

Invite us to a show, tell us what you have got going, let us hear your music and your story.

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