H2O Essentials

New York hardcore punk was in decline by the late '90s—until H20 revived it for a new generation. Formed in New York City in 1995, the band evinced an intensity that recalled hardcore's glory days, and were soon touring with role models like Murphy's Law and Sick of It All. Over the years, H20's music has grown more ambitious with later albums like 2001's Go incorporating elements of melodic hardcore, classic skate punk, and even catchy pop hooks. So while H20 still love the in-your-face attitude of hardcore, they've never been content to stick to the scene's rulebook.