At the Drive-In

At the Drive-In are an American post-hardcore band formed in El Paso, Texas in 1993 by guitarist Jim Ward and vocalist Cedric Bixler(-Zavala). Often credited as progenitors of the modern post-hardcore sound, they fused punk energy with math-rock complexity, hardcore intensity and unexpectedly melodic, even proggy songwriting, delivered through explosive live shows.

Their 2000 album Relationship of Command is widely regarded as their defining statement and one of the era's most influential post-hardcore records, featuring tracks like «One Armed Scissor» and «Invalid Litter Dept.» that showcased the band's mix of frantic riffing and atmospheric tension. Shortly after its release, the band split in 2001, citing creative differences, with members going on to form The Mars Volta, Sparta and later Antemasque.

At the Drive-In reformed in 2016, largely with members also involved in Sparta, touring extensively and releasing the single «Governed by Contagions» followed by further material. Their influence extends well beyond their own catalogue, with many bands across post-hardcore, emo and math-rock citing both their sound and their intense stage presence as a direct inspiration.