Hardcore punk (usually referred to simply as hardcore/hXc) is a subgenre of punk rock which originated in the United States in the late 1970s. It emerged as the first wave of punk artists disbanded or moved onto different genres and the left behind-artists focused on music with faster tempos, louder beats, and a generally "harder" bass/decibel level - therefore resulting in many referring to the music as "Hardcore." The sound is generally thicker, heavier, and faster than 1970s-style punk rock. It is sometimes characterized by short, loud, and passionate songs. In addition, many of the lyrics focus on protesting, grouping, or rioting against highly disputed topics such as government, America, war, lying, politics, and others. It should be noted that hardcore often refers to two very different styles. Hardcore punk, thought of by many as the original usage of hardcore, refers to bands from the early 1980s (and modern day bands of similar style), which has more in common with punk than it does with the modern day music simply referred to as "hardcore" (with the word "punk" notably absent)

Origins

The music genre that became known as hardcore punk originated in different areas of North America in late 1980 and early 1981. Some of the major areas in North America associated with the origins of hardcore punk include: California, Washington, DC, Chicago, New York City, Vancouver and Boston. At the same time, a British equivalent had emerged, although it would not be known as UK 82 or British hardcore until later.

The origin of the term hardcore punk is uncertain, however one theory is that the Vancouver-based band D.O.A. made the term official with the title of their 1981 album, Hardcore '81.