Writing & Photography by Isabelle Stomboly

Graphics by Rachel Mueller

Controlled chaos. That’s what comes to mind when trying to describe the hardcore scene in Springfield. If you’re unfamiliar with this unique art form that is local to Springfield and Missouri State University, that’s because the community likes it that way. 

“In our minds, and in our hearts, we feel that hardcore music should stay out of big business and stay in the streets where it belongs. All you kids out there, always keep the faith,” said Raybeez of the 1987 band Warzone. 

Warzone is a popular hardcore band founded in New York City. “This is an iconic quote from the beginning of one of Warzone’s songs: ‘Don't forget the struggle, don't forget the streets,’ and I feel it embodies the ethos of this genre,” says Zach Griffin, a member of the local bands Vulgarity, Hostile Witness, Sangre Demonio, Primitive Rage, and Abnormally Deceased. “Although not everyone may be from the same streets in New York City that Warzone is from, it represents keeping the focus on the local community, rather than doing it just to make money.” 

Griffin is also involved in sound engineering and has been an avid member of the scene since 2021. 

This hardcore genre of music comes with a historically rich culture, but attempting to label the art stemming from this community is difficult. Each individual’s definition is based on their own personal experience. Marshall Richards, a local tattoo artist at Liberation who has been in the hardcore scene since 2010 and a member of the bands Covert and Martyaloka, has his own way of defining it. 

“I would define the art as the search for identity in all of its futile glory,” he said. “I would also define it as the attempt to establish a stronger connection from the brain to the body — an attempt to gain agency and autonomy over the self in a world that wishes to strip it clean.” 

Additionally, the music reflects the message of pain and anger that stems from personal issues, dealing with today’s social and political climate, and the stress of constantly having a never-ending flow of information at your fingertips. Everyone deals with things that are not fair, things that make you angry. All you want is justice, maybe even revenge. You can hear that feeling in this music, from the sound, and in the lyrics. You will often see band members speak on political and social issues between songs during a set. However, not all bands take a serious approach. The sound coming from the hardcore genre is fluid, ever changing, and personal. 

To understand the art fully, you should attend a live performance. This is where the music sounds its best and the atmosphere is exhilarating. The music played consists of intense instrumentals with loud, piercing vocals. It is high energy. Richards described listening to this music as a strengthening experience, the feeling of being able to move a mountain. He described key notes of the sound being frustration, anger, trauma, and identity. 

Aside from the music, there is a unique moshing style, individualist fashion scene, and a welcoming community. Hardcore moshing is best seen in person — it is essentially an ebb and flow dance style that relies on the beat of the song being played. There are certain moves such as the side to side and two stepping. People swing their arms and legs, flipping all over the place. There is a uniformity in what move is done at what point in the song, yet it is still so personal and particular to the individual. It is physical in the way that participants intentionally run into each other while dancing, but the goal is not to hurt one another. It is to feel the music in a free and liberating way. This is an outlet for aggression and energy in a place that accepts and encourages chaos. 

The fashion scene is abstract. There are themes of alternative, grunge, and skater styles. Yet, there is no specific way to dress. Everyone has their own personal spin: No one is dressed the same. Artistic expression through fashion is encouraged. It is made clear that everyone, no matter what you wear or look like, is welcome into this community. Staying true to one’s self is the way to go. 

When observing the culture of this scene, there was one prominent theme: community. This is a safe place for artistic people to let loose and have fun. It is a tight-knit group of people that share a passion for art and music. Additionally, they are some of the most creative, talented, hilarious, and kind people you will ever meet. Everyone is welcomed with open arms, as long as you have an open mind. No one is in it for the sole purpose of making money or gaining fame. An artistic community that is unsaturated by today’s trends, societal expectations, or mass media that is filled with genuine people is extremely hard to come across, but there’s one right here in our backyard. There are around a dozen local bands that play multiple shows every month, and that number is growing everyday. You can find live shows at Lindberg’s, The Regency, house venues, and even in surrounding cities and states. 

To find upcoming shows, learn more about the scene — or even start your own hardcore band —  follow @springfield.mo.hc on Instagram. If you’re looking for an artistic outlet, an open minded community, or a healthy and creative way to let off some steam, find your controlled chaos in the Springfield hardcore scene.