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Welcome to the world of metalcore subgenres, where breakdowns, riffs, and raw emotion come together in a genre that’s as diverse as it is intense. Metalcore has splintered into numerous subgenres over the years, each bringing unique elements to the table. Ready to dive into the chaos? Let’s explore some of the major metalcore subgenres, with top bands that have defined each sound.
1. Classic Metalcore: The Pioneers of Metalcore Subgenres
Classic metalcore emerged in the ’90s, blending hardcore punk’s raw power with metal’s technicality. As the cornerstone of metalcore subgenres, classic metalcore is known for its intense breakdowns, aggressive vocals, and high-energy riffs.
Band Recommendations:
- Converge – Concubine: Known for chaotic energy, Converge is a foundational band in metalcore subgenres, especially with their iconic album Jane Doe.
- Earth Crisis – Firestorm: Mixing social activism with their music, Earth Crisis brought a serious edge to metalcore, becoming legends in classic metalcore subgenres.
- Hatebreed – I Will Be Heard: With motivational, hard-hitting lyrics, Hatebreed became a go-to name in classic metalcore.
- Integrity – Systems Overload: Integrity’s dark themes and intense sound helped define early metalcore’s gritty aesthetic.
- Shai Hulud – A Profound Hatred of Man: Known for introspective lyrics, Shai Hulud is a respected name in early metalcore subgenres.
Mood: Basement shows, raw power, and unfiltered intensity.
2. Melodic Metalcore: The Catchiest of Metalcore Subgenres
Melodic metalcore is one of the most accessible metalcore subgenres, blending aggressive riffs with catchy choruses and clean vocals. This subgenre hit its peak in the early 2000s, appealing to fans of heavy music who enjoy a strong melody.
Band Recommendations:
- Killswitch Engage – My Last Serenade: Known for balancing harsh screams with clean vocals, Killswitch Engage became leaders in the melodic metalcore subgenre.
- As I Lay Dying – The Sound of Truth: Combining intricate guitar work with powerful lyrics, As I Lay Dying mastered melodic metalcore’s dynamic sound.
- Bullet for My Valentine – Tears Don’t Fall: This band brought emotional lyrics and big hooks, making them a melodic favorite in metalcore subgenres.
- Parkway Drive – Carrion: Known for crowd-pleasing breakdowns and melodic riffs, Parkway Drive are essential in the melodic metalcore subgenre.
- August Burns Red – White Washed: This band’s technical riffs and powerful vocals add a unique edge to melodic metalcore.
Mood: Big anthems, high energy, and riffs that stick.
3. Deathcore: The Heavy Side of Metalcore Subgenres
Deathcore is one of the most intense metalcore subgenres, blending death metal’s brutality with metalcore’s breakdowns. With guttural vocals and earth-shattering riffs, deathcore is the heaviest of metalcore subgenres.
Band Recommendations:
- Suicide Silence – Unanswered: Known for punishing breakdowns, Suicide Silence brought deathcore into the metalcore mainstream.
- Whitechapel – This Is Exile: Whitechapel’s relentless sound makes them a must-know band in deathcore metalcore subgenres.
- Thy Art Is Murder – Reign of Darkness: Their aggressive style and political lyrics have made them a leading deathcore act.
- Carnifex – Hell Chose Me: Known for their dark atmosphere, Carnifex pushes deathcore’s sound to its heaviest limits.
- Chelsea Grin – Recreant: Combining heavy breakdowns with intense vocals, Chelsea Grin is a key name in deathcore.
Mood: Dark themes, brutal riffs, and unrestrained heaviness.
4. Progressive Metalcore: The Experimental of Metalcore Subgenres
Progressive metalcore pushes musical boundaries, using technical complexity, unusual time signatures, and genre-blending elements. Progressive metalcore is perfect for fans of technical metalcore subgenres with a taste for experimentation.
Band Recommendations:
- Between the Buried and Me – Selkies: The Endless Obsession: Known for genre-bending sounds, BTBAM is a cornerstone in progressive metalcore subgenres.
- Periphery – Scarlet: This band combines technical proficiency with complex rhythms, making them giants in the progressive metalcore subgenre.
- The Contortionist – Language I: Intuition: Their ethereal sound and intricate compositions make The Contortionist stand out in progressive metalcore.
- Architects – Doomsday: Architects combine intricate lyrics and complex instrumentals, carving their niche in the progressive metalcore subgenre.
- Northlane – Quantum Flux: Mixing atmospheric elements with heavy riffs, Northlane adds a futuristic touch to progressive metalcore.
Mood: Experimental sounds, technical riffs, and intricate, layered compositions.
Wrapping It Up: Metalcore Subgenres for Every Fan
Metalcore subgenres offer something for every listener. From classic metalcore’s raw power to melodic anthems, crushing deathcore, and technical progressive sounds, metalcore subgenres are rich with variety. So dive in, discover your favorite, and let the breakdowns carry you through.
Want to learn more about the early heavy metal bands? Dive into bands like Black Sabbath.
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