Fresno underground music scene has been at an all-time high since the birth of “experimental music” and “metal core”, a mixture between punk and hardcore music.

It started gaining momentum in the early 2000s. Metal core’s catchy riffs, rough vocals and breakdowns allow listeners to express their deepest emotions through its powerful sounds. Bands like All That Remains, Of Mice & Men, and We Came as Romans have been inspiring more listeners to create new bands. “He.Cried.Wolf”, an ambitious local band, is a prime example of this.

He.Cried.Wolf is one of many bands that play at local venues like Chinatown Youth Center, (CYC), the Bel-Tower, and house shows. Recently, there had been a period where the music was dying out. Bands just stopped making music and playing shows. Niko Labendeira, 19, guitarist for He.Cried.Wolf, talks about the music scene, “It’s actually making a come-back.” This past summer more bands have developed. This time bands are becoming more diverse with captivating melodies. New bands have now just begun creating new music and showing off their material whenever there is a show.

Kids from all around town show up sporting their favorite band tees to support their own local bands. Dedicated fans come to show after show to experience the music. Julio Delgado, 21, a passionate fan, describes the music as “Intense and fun.”

Attending one of these shows makes one start to understand why this genre has become so popular. As the music starts playing you become engulfed by its powerful sound. You see the gentle sway of the crowd contrasting with the feel of the music. Dancers break out in the middle of the crowd and start swinging their arms and spinning around as the breakdown of a song begins. These shows are a place of gathering for those who appreciate its violent wales and inspirational lyrics.

For some bands, this is a way to get a message across to their listeners. **The lyrics they provide grab their fans’ minds and bring hope to those without. Augie Lopez, 20, a guitarist from He.Cried.Wolf, said hope is the main message the band tries to convey.

“I know it’s hard to get back on your feet after you withstood one fall,” are words in one of their lyrics, words that provide guidance to those who need it most. Bands want to show that this genre of music isn’t just noise but an outlet to those who just need an escape from reality. It is more than music to the bands that perform; it is a way of communication. Lopez said, “We just want to share our music.”