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Post-hardcore is a musical genre that evolved from hardcore punk, itself an offshoot of the broader punk rock movement.

The earliest appearances of post-hardcore were in Washington, D.C. in the mid to late 1980s^[1] (see the era's releases on Dischord Records, for example), though it was not widely known until the early 1990s.

Post-hardcore is typically characterized by its precise rhythms and loud guitar-based instrumentation accompanied by vocal performances that are often executed as whispers or screams. Allmusic states, 'These newer bands, termed post-hardcore, often found complex and dynamic ways of blowing off steam that generally went outside the strict hardcore realm of "loud fast rules." ... Additionally, many of these bands' vocalists were just as likely to deliver their lyrics with a whispered croon as they were a maniacal yelp.'^[1] The genre has developed a unique balance of dissonance and melody, in part channeling the loud and fast hardcore ethos into more measured, subtle forms of tension and release. Jeff Terich of Treblezine states, "[I]nstead of sticking to [hardcore's] rigid constraints, these artists expanded beyond power chords and gang vocals, incorporating more creative outlets for punk rock energy."^[2]

Post-hardcore is rooted in hardcore punk, ^[1] which had typically featured very fast tempos, loud volume and heavy bass levels.^[3]

By the mid-1980s, groups classified as hardcore, or with strong roots in the genre, were experimenting with the basic template. Groups such as Fugazi and Quicksand which had members of older hardcore bands were creating music that, while still rooted in punk rock, was often increasingly diverse, sophisticated and subtle.^[1] Early emo bands like Rites of Spring were pivotal in the development of post-hardcore. ^[2]

Post-hardcore also includes bands with decidedly art rock leanings such as Fugazi^[1][2], Drive Like Jehu^[2], Bear vs. Shark, Rapeman, Shellac, Big Black^[2], Quicksand^[1][2], Hot Water Music, Helmet, Glassjaw, Far, At the Drive-In^[2], Chiodos, and Thrice.

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f} "Post-Hardcore", allmusic.
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f g} "The 90-Minute Guide - Post-Hardcore", Jeff Terich, Treblezine, April 24, 2007.
3. ^ Blush, Stephen (November 9, 2001). American Hardcore: A Tribal History. Feral House. ISBN 0922915717.