There were no industry constructs.

Its the most true music ever.

Why this influx of newly minted moshers?

How Hardcore Thrashed Its Way Into the Mainstream

ScowlSilken Weinberg*

Many bands I talked to attribute the proverbial vibe shift to the aftereffects of the pandemic.

After lockdown, people were hungry for collective experiences, says Graham Sayle of High Vis.

Hardcore shows are the most exciting, unifying sort of moments.

Its a kind of freedom especially with stage diving.

Scowl frontwoman Kat Moss says, The landscape has changed through the internet.

Theres so much more access to seeing DIY culture and shows.

Bands like Scowl, however, arent all that bothered by that.

I think the gatekeeping conversations are silly, Moss says.

As for where the scene is heading in 2025?

And for the bands?

Its all about live.

But they need to get offline and go to a show.

I think you have to be there for the experience.