Screamo
color = crimson|
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stylistic_origins = Emo
Hardcore punk|
cultural_origins = Early 1990s|
instruments = Drums, Bass, Guitar, Vocals|
popularity = Not popular among the mainstream. Gaining popularity in the last few years.|
derivatives = |
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Screamo is a musical genre which evolved from emo and hardcore punk in the early 1990s. Characteristic of the genre are screaming vocals, harmonized guitars, and fast-paced riffs. Screamo has been described as "mixing the literate, poetic lyrics of emo punk with a harsher and more metallic brand of sonic thrash"[1] as well as using screaming vocals "as a kind of crescendo element, a sonic weapon to be trotted out when the music and lyrics (every bit as evolved and autobiographically sincere as emo's were) reach a particular emotional pitch".[2] Other than that, it is fairly hard to classify (particularly since the rule about screaming vocals is bent fairly often). In addition to that, screamo has significant overlap with other genres like grindcore and even post rock.
History
 | This article possibly contains original research. (October 2007) |
In California in the early 1990s, Gravity Records from San Diego released many defining records of this style. Significant emo bands from this time include Heroin, Angel Hair, Antioch Arrow, Universal Order of Armageddon, Swing Kids, Honeywell, Orchid, and Mohinder. In the New York/New Jersey area, bands such as Saetia, Native Nod, Rye Coalition and Rorschach were feeling the same impulse. The labels Gern Blandsten Records and Troubleman Records released many of the influential records from that region and era. Many of these bands were involved with the ABC No Rio club scene in New York, itself a response to the violence and stagnation in the scene and with the bands that played at a handful of small venues for hardcore in New York at the time. Venues included the famous CBGB's on the Bowery , The Limelight, The Academy, Roseland Ballroom, Wetland's Preserve, The Bank, Brownies, and L'More's in Brooklyn.
In recent years, the term screamo has been very commonly used to describe emo, alternative rock, metalcore, or hardcore bands with screamo influences.[3]
Modern screamo
There are many bands that that have remained true to the genre's original traits, well into the 21st century. Some of these bands include Circle Takes the Square and City of Caterpillar. Also notable is the fact that screamo has expanded well beyond the regions and countries where it originated, and there are screamo bands from many countries around the world. A few of these include Envy from Japan, and Raein and La Quiete from Italy.
References
External links
- Screamo at All Music Guide
- List of "Real Screamo" bands from online poll on Last.fm