Warped Tour DC is getting close, and if you're building your lineup ahead of time, the Zenith team has a few picks we think are worth checking out before the gates open. Here are some bands we recommend, along with a few songs and albums that are great starting points.
Upon A Burning Body
Upon A Burning Body, is an American metalcore and deathcore band out of San-Antonio. They are best known for their aggressive breakdowns, massive riffs, and hardcore styled vocals. They blend their Hispanic heritage and Texas pride with mosh-ready metal that any fan is sure to enjoy.
Song recs by Taylor:
Extermination
All Pride No Pain
Texas Blood Money
Album: Built From War EP
The Wrecks
An American indie-rock/pop-punk band out of California known for their D.I.Y. aesthetic and emo vibes are perfect for any emo fan. They are heavily inspired by bands such as The Pixies and Weezer. The band is known for their high-energy level shows and infectious hooks.
Song recs by Maria:
Always, Everytime
Out of Style
Sonder
Album: Infinitely Ordinary
The Ghost Inside
A metalcore powerhouse formed out of El Segundo, California. The Ghost Inside is known for their outcast anthems and proof that no obstacle can stop you if you have the passion and drive to keep going. They bring a strong blend of melodic intensity and solid riffs alongside powerful and personal lyrics.
Song recs by Taylor:
Thirty Three
Dark Horse
Aftermath
Album: Get What You Give
Of Mice & Men
Of Mice & Men is an American metalcore and hard rock band based out of Costa Mesa, California. They’ve been in the scene since 2009 and have made a prominent name for themselves. The band is best known for their heavy riffs and melodic choruses.
Song recs by jceee:
Pulling Teeth
Bones Exposed
Glass Hearts
Album: Restoring Force
Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage, the American metalcore band from Westfield Massachusetts, is widely known for being a pioneer of modern metalcore since they formed back in 1999. They have created multiple critically claimed albums over the course of their career and have been deemed as one of the most respected bands in heavy music.
Songs by Woodland:
The End of Heartache
This is Absolution
My Curse
Album: Daylight Dies or The End of Heartache
Rise Against
American punk-rock band, Rise Against, stems from Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1999 and is well known for their energetic sound, issue-focused lyrics and passionate advocacy for human rights, environmental concerns and animal welfare. They have easily become one of the top influential bands in modern punk rock.
Song recs by Edgar:
Savior
Wolves
Prayer of the Refuge
Big Ass Truck IE
California based band, Big Ass Truck IE, formed in 2024 and quickly gained fans’ attention. They have a heavy-hitting sound with an unapologetically fun approach to hardcore. With their relentless energy and heavy grooves, they are becoming a fast-rising act in the hardcore scene.
Song recs by Anna Marie:
Big Ass Truck
Beef
Back Wheel Stomp
Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance is an American post-hardcore band from Sacramento, California. They blend unclean and clean vocals with elements of post-hardcore, progressive rock and experimental music. Over the years they have established a strong fanbase within the alternative scene.
Song recs by Anna Marie:
Anything off Downtown Battle Mountain 2
We Own the Night
Death of a Strawberry
Meet me @ the Altar
An American pop-punk band formed in 2015 best known for their energetic sound, catchy melodies, and modern take on pop-punk. Meet Me At The Altar continues to be a rising presence in the alternative music scene and gained recognition through a series of EPs, tours and their debut full-length album.
Song recs by Anna Marie:
Hit Like a Girl
Say it to My Face
Garden
Hot Mulligan
Hot Mulligan is an American emo and pop-punk band from Lansing, Michigan. They formed in 2014, and are known for their blend of emotional lyrics, high energy performances, and a sound that draws from both emo and pop-punk influences.
Song recs by Anna Marie:
I Fell In Love with Princess Peach
Equip Sunglasses
Bckyrd
Sleeping With Sirens
Sleeping With Sirens was formed in 2009 and is based out of Orlando Florida. The American rock band is best known for blending post-hardcore, pop-punk and emo influences with high-range vocals.They have released multiple studio albums over the years and have maintained a strong presence in the alternative rock scene.
Song recs by Anna Marie:
Who Are You Now
Do It Now Remember It Later
Forever/Always
Suicide Silence
Suicide Silence is an American deathcore band from Riverside, California. The band formed back in 2002, and is known for its heavy, aggressive sound that brings together elements of death metal and hardcore. They have released a number of studio albums and maintain a strong presence in the heavy music scene.
Song recs by Anna Marie:
You Only Live Once
Unanswered
Disengage
Drop Dead Gorgeous
Drop Dead, Gorgeous is an American post-hardcore band from Denver, Colorado. They formed in 2004 and became known for their blend of aggressive metalcore riffs, melodic elements, and high energy performances. Their following grew strong in the mid-2000s. Their sound combines heavy breakdowns, catchy hooks, and intense vocals, making them a notable name in the post-hardcore scene.
Song recs by Manny:
Ghosts
Dressed for Friend Requests
Burn
Jutes
Jutes, aka Jordan Lutes, is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Ontario. He is known for blending alternative rock, pop-punk and hip-hop with emo influences. He has built a solid following by crossing genres and thanks to his honest lyrics.
Song recs by Manny:
Sleepyhead
Icarus
Disassociate
Sace6
Virginia Beach rapper, Sace6, is known for his blend of hip-hop, emo rap and alternative influences. He has grown a following through his online presence and independent releases. Sace6’s music explores themes of relationships, personal struggles and self expression.
Song recs by Manny:
Covet
Devotion
Reverie
The Devil Wears Prada
The Devil Wears Prada is an American metalcore band from Dayton, Ohio. Formed in 2005, they are well known for combining heavy breakdowns, aggressive vocals, and melodic elements with emotionally driven lyrics. With a career spanning two decades, The Devil Wears Prada has become one of the most influential and enduring bands in the modern metalcore scene.
Song recs by Manny:
Play That Old Shit
Noise
Outnumbered
The Paradox
The Paradox is an American pop-punk band from Atlanta, Georgia. The group has quickly gained attention for their energetic sound, catchy melodies, and modern take on classic pop-punk. Drawing inspiration from bands like Blink-182, Green Day, and Sum 41, The Paradox combines catchy hooks with high-energy shows and relatable lyrics.
Song recs by Manny:
Do It Again
Do Me LIke That
Get The Message
Caskets
Caskets is a British post-hardcore band from Leeds, England. They gained international recognition through releases such as Lost Souls and Reflections, earning a dedicated fanbase within the modern rock and post-hardcore scenes. The band is best known for blending powerful melodies with heavy instrumentals and beautiful vocals.
Song recs by Alyssa:
Falling Apart
Glass Heart
Guiding Light
Daisy Grenade
Daisy Grenade is an American alternative rock duo from New York City, New York. The duo is known for their energetic blend of pop-punk, alternative rock, and darkly humorous songwriting. With their distinctive style and high-energy performances, Daisy Grenade continues to make waves as one of alternative rock's rising acts.
Song recs by Alyssa:
How to Hide a Body
Hypocrite
Got it Bad
Album: So Much to Say
Jinjer
Ukrainian metal band Jinjer, is from Donetsk, Ukraine. Led by vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk, Jinjer has gained international recognition for their technical musicianship, dynamic songwriting, and powerful live performances. Albums such as King of Everything, Macro, and Wallflowers have helped establish the band as one of the most respected acts in modern heavy music.
Song recs by Alyssa:
Green Serpent
Vortex
Kafka
Nova Twins
Nova Twins is a British alternative rock duo from London, England. Their innovative sound, powerful performances, and genre-defying approach have earned them the attention of an international fanbase. With releases such as Who Are the Girls? and Supernova, Nova Twins have become one of the most exciting and influential acts in modern alternative music.
Song recs by Alyssa:
Piranha
Taxi
N.O.V.A
Waterparks
An American pop-rock band from Houston, Texas, best known for their genre-blending sound that mixes pop punk, alternative rock, electronic, and pop influences. Albums such as Double Dare, Entertainment, and Greatest Hits showcase their evolving sound and experimental approach to modern rock music.
Song recs by Alyssa:
Red Guitar
Real Super Dark
Little Violence
Bayside
Bayside is an American rock band from Queens, New York that was formed in 2000. The band is known for their blend of punk rock, emo, and alternative rock, as well as emotionally charged songwriting. Their longevity and authentic sound have made them a respected staple in the alternative and punk rock scenes.
Song recs by Jazmine:
They Looked Like Strong Hands
How To Ruin Everything (Patience)
Stranges Faces
Boston Manor
Boston Manor is a British rock band from Blackpool, England. Formed in 2013, the band is known for blending pop-punk roots with alternative rock and post-hardcore influences, evolving into a darker, more atmospheric sound over time. Their music often explores themes of anxiety, disillusionment, and modern life, delivered through sharp hooks and energetic performances.
Song recs by Macy:
Inertia
Crocus
Laika
The Home Team
The Home Team is an American rock band from Seattle, Washington and was formed in 2015. They are known for blending pop-rock, funk, R&B, and alternative influences into a bright, fun, and energetic sound. Their music features lyrics that often explore relationships, personal growth, and self-reflection.
Song recs by Taylor:
Walk This World With Me
Loud
Worthy
Album: The Crucible of Life
Fame on Fire
Fame on Fire is an American rock band from Palm Beach, Florida. Formed in 2013, the band first gained attention through YouTube covers before developing their own sound, blending metalcore, alternative rock, pop, and electronic influences. Their genre-blending style and high-energy performances have made them a notable act in the modern rock scene.
Song recs by Taylor:
Chains (The Tower)
Lost in Doubt
Welcome to the Chaos
Album: The Death Card
Whether you're counting down the days until Warped Tour DC or just starting to explore the lineup, now is the perfect time to dive into some new music. These are just a handful of the artists that have caught the attention of the Zenith team, but half the fun of Warped Tour is discovering your next favorite band when you least expect it. So build your playlist, learn a few lyrics, and get ready for a weekend filled with unforgettable performances, new memories, and plenty of surprises along the way. We'll see you in the crowd.