Bournemouth and Southampton melodic hardcore band Heart In Hand formed in 2008 around vocalist Charlie Holmes following his departure from Trigger the Bloodshed. The band released three albums — Only Memories (2011), Almost There (2013), and A Beautiful White (2014) — the last of which was produced by Will Putney and released through Century Media Records. They dissolved in early 2015 after a well-regarded run in the UK melodic hardcore scene.

Leeds hardcore band Higher Power formed in 2014 when drummer Alex Wizard relocated from London and began writing music with his brother Jimmy Wizard, who eventually took on vocal duties. Their debut Soul Structure (2017) earned strong reviews, and 27 Miles Underwater — released through Roadrunner Records — broadened their reach by incorporating alternative rock and melodic post-hardcore elements alongside New York hardcore-influenced grooves. They are frequently cited as a leading act in the new wave of British hardcore.