Hail the Sun pick their favorite 2000s post-hardcore songs

Head to the AP Shop to grab an exclusive white vinyl variant of Hail the Sun’s Divine Inner Tension, limited to 200 copies.

At this point, Hail the Sun are post-hardcore veterans. The Chico, California outfit have been around since 2009, progressing with each record. On their sixth and latest studio album, Divine Inner Tension, the band follow their signature sound while introducing some new ideas, with vocalist Donovan Melero noting that it’s their first project “that didn’t come exclusively from a place of suffering or pain.”

Read more: 5 most underrated post-hardcore albums of the 2000s

It’s also clear the band also have a lot of respect for post-hardcore’s past. Naturally, we asked guitarist Aric Garcia to name his favorite 2000s post-hardcore songs, and his picks are nothing short of gold. His love for the genre shines, and he has massive admiration for the musicians who helped pave the way, especially Anthony Green, as he names several of his projects.

From At the Drive-In’s “Arcarsenal” to Glassjaw’s “Mu Empire,” see his selections below.

Thrice – “Deadbolt”

This song made a huge impression on me when I first heard it. The opening guitar riff is iconic, and the way that it sneaks into other sections of the song is fantastic. I always loved how the song builds into that brilliant key change at the end. It’s like you’re driving through this crazy rainstorm, and then suddenly the clouds part, and the glorious sunlight hugs you and lets you know everything’s going to be OK.

At the Drive-In – “Arcarsenal”

To me, this song represents the pinnacle of At the Drive-In’s later sound prehiatus. If you asked me to choose a top ATDI song, I’d probably pick something off In/Casino/Out or earlier, but that’s neither here nor there. This song has all of the elements that make this band great — of which there are many — some of those being the spastic tapestry of heavily affected guitar work, driving rhythm section, soaring vocals, and even some piano to boot.

Thursday – “Understanding In a Car Crash”

Geoff Rickly is such a beautiful lyricist with such a distinct voice. It’s hard not to be a Thursday fan, in my opinion. On top of that, the band has always had a knack for writing near-perfect songs. “Understanding In a Car Crash” certainly stands out in the sea of 2000s post-hardcore songs, and I think its popularity within the band’s catalog is a testament to how well they can tell a story over a beautiful musical canvas.

Glassjaw – “Mu Empire”

When I mentioned the “Arcarsenal” being the pinnacle of At the Drive-In’s sound, I feel the same way about “Mu Empire” for Glassjaw. Yet another band that had a huge influence on my own musicianship. I think Glassjaw’s catalog is full of contenders for this list, but this one has always held a special place in my heart. The way that they combine dissonance, melody, and pure filth is what makes this band so special for me, and “Mu Empire” definitely has all of those factors and then some.

Saosin – “Seven Years”

My friend group and I practically wore out Saosin’s Translating the Name EP when it came out in 2003. I distinctly remember playing Halo multiplayer with friends and only listening to that EP and completely memorizing it front to back in short order. Anyway, “Seven Years” is undoubtedly a post-hardcore staple and needs to be included on any and all lists of this sort from now until the end of time.

The Fall of Troy – “F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.”

Yet another undeniably good 2000s post-hardcore song for this list. While I also dearly love the original from their self-titled album, the remixed version was absolutely gigantic for the band and did a ton for their career in terms of growth. I mean, the song was featured as a bonus track on Guitar Hero III. For any post-hardcore band, especially a self-proclaimed weirdo band like this one, to achieve that is just incredible. I have nothing but respect for these guys and what they’ve accomplished playing the music that they play and that I love.

The Sound Of Animals Fighting – “Act I: Chasing Suns”

Mathy, trippy, technical, groovy, melodic, chaotic — the Sound Of Animals Fighting can do anything musically that their crazy minds can dream up. This song in particular is a roller coaster of groove-induced shred, filled with left turns and key changes that make it impossible not to listen in awe as you bob your head as you try to keep up. “Act I: Chasing Suns” certainly raised the bar impossibly high for future progressive post-hardcore bands, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Silverstein – “Smile In Your Sleep”

This band has some of the most consistently good songwriting of any post-hardcore band out there. In my opinion, “Smile In Your Sleep” stands the test of time and is as good of a song now as it was almost 20 years ago. Shane Told is so skilled at marrying memorable lyrics with catchy melodies that he makes it seem effortless, and it’s no wonder why Silverstein fans old and new are still singing this one right back at him when the band performs it live.

Senses Fail – “Buried a Lie”

This is my go-to dig up a body to solve a murder that reeks of foul play song. It’s also one of my favorite songs in Senses Fail’s entire catalog. This one stands out for me because of its catchiness combined with the very…interesting subject matter showcased in it. Also, the music video provides the perfect juxtaposition of humor with the song, and it’s just the perfect mix.

Circa Survive – “The Great Golden Baby”

Honestly, there could be any number of Circa Survive songs included in this list. The impact they’ve had on the scene will leave a ripple effect for future generations to come. Speaking of impact, this is the third Anthony Green band featured on this list and is an indication of how influential he’s been over the years, but I digress. “The Great Golden Baby” showcases the band’s chiller side but features their distinctive guitar sound where they play entirely different parts that combine to create a magnificently beautiful soundscape. That, coupled with Anthony’s undeniable vocal performance and the driving rhythm section, make this song a must for this list.