emo
These are the best emo artists featured on Release Wave.

Piebald
Piebald, a band originating from Massachusetts in the mid-1990s, has gained a strong following for their unique blend of melody, humor, and emotional honesty. Their music has remained influential in indie, emo and alternative circles, and their highly anticipated return and first release in over 15 years titled "Tales For The Rages," showcases a continued evolution while staying true to their identity. With a focus on new material and a reconnection to their roots, Piebald's music resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Basement
Basement is an English rock band formed in Ipswich, Suffolk, in 2009, known for blending emo, post-hardcore, grunge and 90s DIY punk. Signed to Run For Cover records, Basement has released a 2009 demo, one EP, Songs About The Weather (2010) as well as four LPs: I Wish I Could Stay Here (2011), Colourmeinkindness (2012), Promise Everything (2016) and Beside Myself (2018). The band has now returned with their the highly anticipated new album titled WIRED, their first release in eight years and a reunion with original label Run For Cover Records. Comprising vocalist Andrew Fisher, guitarists Alex Henery and Ronan Crix, bassist Duncan Stewart, and drummer James Fisher, Basement deliver a dynamic blend of urgent, needling guitars and captivating hooks reminiscent of their best work. Similar to bands like Balance and Composure and Title Fight, Basement's immersive sound on WIRED showcases their meticulous songwriting and cohesive artistic vision.

The Saddest Landscape
Boston's post-hardcore stalwarts, The Saddest Landscape, have honed their blend of frenetic hardcore and poignant vulnerability for over two decades. With the upcoming release of their first full-length record in over a decade, "Alone With Heaven," the band showcases their emotional depth and musical complexity. Influenced by legends like Steve Albini, their sound navigates themes of survival and grief, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonates with fans of Touché Amoré, Into It. Over It., and Julien Baker.

Palette Knife
Palette Knife are an emo/indie/pop punk band from Columbus, Ohio who already have two LPs under their belt and write anthemic shout along songs with big guitar riffs and hooks. The band formed in 2018 and released their debut LP for Take This To Heart Records in 2021, featuring melodic emopunk anthems with math like guitar parts similar to bands like Charmer, Hot Mulligan, Into it Over It, Tiny Moving Parts, Origami Angel, Ben Quad and the like. They released their sophomore LP in January 2023 which was well received, and are now gearing up to release their 3rd album Keyframe in April of 2026.

Family Medicine
Family Medicine is an emo/post-hardcore band hailing from St. Louis, known for their dynamic sound and captivating performances. Formed in 2015, the group's lineup includes members Joe, Chris, David, and vocalist Jonathan, with Blake joining on second guitar in 2021. Drawing inspiration from bands like Bear vs Shark and Hey Mercedes, their upcoming album *Very Nice and Good* showcases their growth and dedication to their craft. For fans of Drug Church, Small Brown Bike, Bear Vs Shark, and Hey Mercedes.

Feverchild
Feverchild is a Belgian emo/post-hardcore band from Ghent, formed around 2020, known for blending '90s emo aesthetics with heavy guitars, dynamic shifts, and catchy melodies, drawing members from hardcore scenes (Minded Fury, Force, Animal Club) and featuring production from Gilles Demolder (Oathbreaker). After the release of their EPs in 2021 and 2023, Feverchild are gearing up to release their new full-length album, 'Center of the Earth', on March 20, 2026, via Sunday Drive Records. Feverchild draws comparisons to bands like Texas Is The Reason and Sense Field, promising a compelling addition to the Sunday Drive discography.

Red Arrow Highway
Red Arrow Highway, hailing from West Michigan, is an alt-rock band gearing up to unveil their sophomore album, *Be Someone Better*, on March 20th, 2026, under the banner of North Carolina's indie label, Self Aware Records. Drawing inspiration from rock legends like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, as well as modern torchbearers such as The Menzingers, The Gaslight Anthem, Spanish Love Songs and Bright Eyes, their sound marries classic rock aesthetics with contemporary indie punk passion with big alt-rock hooks. Through their lead single 'Not the End,' the band delves into societal critique with infectious melodies and fervent instrumentation, encapsulating the essence of their upcoming record.

Bummer Camp
Bummer Camp, a shoegaze/grunge band hailing from Queens, NY, is preparing to unveil their sophomore album, 'Fake My Death,' on May 8 through Trash Casual Records. Initially a solo project by Eli Frank, the group has blossomed into a dynamic four-piece, honing their craft through previous EPs and their debut record, 'Stuck In A Dream.' Drawing inspiration from inner struggles and the desire to escape, Bummer Camp's music delves into poignant themes with a blend of humor and defiance, reminiscent of artists like My Bloody Valentine, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr, and newer bands like Superbloom, Milly, Narrow Head, Superheaven, etc.

Deathcrash
London slowcore band deathcrash, known for their distinctive blurry, slow-motion sound, is set to release their highly anticipated album Somersaults on February 27th via untitled (recs). With influences from the likes of the Jesus and Mary Chain, their music conveys fragility and intensity, as heard in their critically acclaimed previous albums Return and Less.

Idle Threat
Originating from Nashville, Idle Threat is a quintet consisting of Ernie Fabian, Zeke McKinney, Justin Jones, Nathan Moe, and Dylan Winstead. Since their formation in 2016, Idle Threat has captivated audiences with their emotional and hopeful lyrics, crafting a unique blend of rock music that offers both cathartic energy and open-hearted honesty. Drawing inspiration from bands like Haste the Day and Silent Planet, their upcoming album "you'll forget the sun" on Tooth and Nail Records is set to deliver a powerful message of resilience and faith, showcasing their ability to illuminate even the darkest moments with their music.

Box Elder
Box Elder emerges from the vibrant music scene of Salt Lake City, with their self-titled debut LP set to release on April 10, 2026 via Steadfast Records and Sweet Cheetah Records. Blending the melodic urgency of The Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World with raw emotional storytelling, vocalist/guitarist Christopher Archuleta leads the band through a journey of personal struggle and growth. Originally a solo project born during the Covid era, Box Elder has evolved into a full-band collaboration with 2 EPs under their belt and a forthcoming new LP exploring themes of mental health, love lost, and the quest for identity. With a polished production that honors the weight of their songs, Box Elder's music captures the essence of heartfelt alternative rock.

Held.
Held., the dynamic trio composed of Douglas Robinson and Sal Mignano from The Sleeping, alongside Josh Eppard of Coheed And Cambria, burst onto the scene with their debut album GREY on May 15 through MNRK Heavy. Their music is a blend of alternative rock and post-hardcore, with a fresh and fully realized sound that positions them as sonic tornado chasers, tearing through urgent and volatile musical landscapes.
Notable influences on Held. include bands like My Chemical Romance and Coheed And Cambria, evident in their powerful anthem 'NEW YOU ANTHEM' featuring Frank Iero. Hailing from the musical hub of Woodstock, the trio's serendipitous collaboration and creative energy were captured at the inspiring Animal Farm studio in Flemington, N.J., under the guidance of producer Jon Markson.

Honor Choir
Honor Choir, an up and coming Oklahoma City emo/post-hardcore band will release their new EP "Modes of Transport" on February 13, 2026 via Sunday Drive Records. Drawing influence from Blink-182 with a twist of early-2000s emo and post-hardcore sounds, as well as 80s new-wave bands like New Order, their tracks like "Satellite Receiver" and "Envelope" showcase a cohesive blend of their diverse influences, each featuring catchy choruses.

Awful Din
Brooklyn-based emo punks Awful Din, formed in 2014, have become fixtures in the New York DIY scene with their crunchy, emo-inspired melodic punk sound. Influenced by bands like Saves The Day and Texas Is The Reason, guitarists Kat and Aaron showcase their chemistry honed since childhood. Their upcoming ANTI BODY LP, set for release on January 28 via We’re Trying Records, promises bittersweet and introspective themes, continuing their evolution from their debut LP Only Constantly in 2022.

American Football
American Football, the legendary emo band hailing from the heart of the Midwest, is set to release their fourth studio album, LP4, on May 1, 2026. Drawing from influences such as The Promise Ring and Cap'n Jazz, this band skillfully blends intricate instrumentation with emotionally raw storytelling. Fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of American Football's signature emo and post-rock sound, as showcased in the epic eight-minute single 'Bad Moons', sure to captivate listeners both old and new.

Jaguero
Formed in 2021, Jaguero is a punk/emo band from Vicenza, Italy featuring members of Slander, Regarde, and La Fortuna. Following the release of their EPs Worst Weekend Ever (2022) and New Love (2023), produced by Maurizio Baggio at La Distilleria and released via Epidemic Records, the band quickly gained momentum with festival appearances and international shows. Those early releases were later compiled into a limited-edition self-titled vinyl. With their debut full-length album "Make Me Feel Alive Again" due in April 2026, Jaguero push further into emotional extremes — blending punk urgency, grunge grit, and melodic hooks while staying rooted in the DIY spirit of small rooms and packed club floors, where shared experience matters more than genre boundaries.

Leisure Hour
Leisure Hour, the emo/indie rock band from Muncie, IN, is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated album "...and to think" on January 30, 2026, marking their debut under emo label Counter Intuitive. Drawing inspiration from midwest emo and pop-punk, the trio delivers raw and heartfelt storytelling on themes of grief and regret, evidenced in their singles like "Ode to Muncie" and "Happy Birthday!" The band's energetic and emotional songs have garnered a strong following, propelled by their relentless DIY touring and recent success on TikTok.

Parkwalker
PARKWALKER, hailing from Germany and formed in 2018, crafts a captivating blend of emopop and slowcore that resonates with urban tranquility. Their sophomore album, "The Extra Mile," released on January 30, 2026, immerses listeners in a poetic exploration of city park serenity. Drawing influences from '90s bands like American Football and Rainer Maria, the quartet of Hannes, Nicola, Arnaud, and Armin weaves clean guitars, warm vocals, and introspective lyrics into a modern yet nostalgic sound that beckons you to pause, breathe, and savor the moment.

Shoreline
Starting out on the floors of squats and basements, SHORELINE have played pretty much every venue in Europe that has provided them with a power outlet over the past ten years. Since then, they have played shows with scene legends such as FOUR YEAR STRONG, KNUCKLE PUCK, and SILVERSTEIN. This February, they will be touring the UK with ARM’S LENGTH – and just recently, they played a sold-out, acclaimed hometown show at Sputnikhalle in Münster with 600 tickets sold, their biggest headlining concert to date. SHORELINE was formed in 2015 out of a desire to be an active part of the scene back home in Münster. First demo songs on YouTube and plenty of DIY diligence soon got the band on the road. With their third album, To Figure Out, SHORELINE gained attention beyond Europe’s borders when they became the first German band to release an album on the US label Pure Noise Records. The band is gearing up to release their latest LP 'Is This The Low Point Or The Moment After?' on March 13, 2026, through Pure Noise Records.

Endearments
Based in Brooklyn, Endearments are set to make their mark with the upcoming release of their debut album 'An Always Open Door' on March 6, 2026, via Trash Casual. Their emotionally dense and lush synth-backed indie rock, produced by Abe Seiferth of Nation of Language and Car Seat Headrest fame, draws on influences from 80s synthpop and late-90s emo. With a sound that navigates the realms of energetic indie rock whilst preserving raw lyrical storytelling, Endearments captivate listeners with their introspective and poignant musical craftsmanship.