When Will Swan, guitarist of Dance Gavin Dance, Secret Band, Sianvar, and Royal Coda started up Blue Swan Records, he crafted an outlet to sign some of the freshest, most inspired progressive post-hardcore bands in the scene. This includes talented acts like Wolf & Bear, Icarus the Owl, Eidola, and several other staples. Dubbed “swancore”, this unique, gripping sound has appealed to a niche for several years now; in 2020, though, the time to really get excited for the genre is here.
Bands influenced by this brand of tunes have been popping up left and right. Galleons released the unbelievable Metropolis in January, and are already set for another new album later this year. Coletta is teasing their much-anticipated next release for 2020. But aside from the newer bands, the ones that have been holding it down for more than a decade are reaching new heights. Dance Gavin Dance’s rabid following is dying for their upcoming ninth album, Afterburner, whereas Hail the Sun has wrapped up recording their fifth. Atlanta’s Satyr, newcomers on the scene, put out a really great debut earlier this year in Locus, which takes a more The Fall Of Troy // metallic bent on the subgenre, to fantastic results.
Crossovers are welcome and frequent. You can catch Andres on several swancore songs, and names like Donovan Melero and Sergio Medina are sure to hit collaborations all the time. The sense of unity within the genre is tremendous, as bands are always welcoming new acts in a friendly manner.
You can expect new swancore to dominate 2020. Eidola, Wolf & Bear, Makari, Pulses, and so many more are set to add to the genre’s appeal in the coming months. Do yourself a favor and delve into swancore ahead of these releases here, it’s an addictive and rewarding genre to experience!
