Genre Description - METALCORE

AT A GLANCE:

Metalcore is a subgenre of music combining various elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the two genres. The term took on its current meaning in the mid-1990s, describing bands such as Earth Crisis, Deadguy and Integrity.^[3] The earliest of these groups, Integrity, began performing in 1988; some modern practitioners of the genre include Killswitch Engage, Underoath, All That Remains, As I Lay Dying and The Devil Wears Prada.^[4] Metalcore is distinguished from other punk metal fusions by its emphasis on breakdowns:^[5] slower, intense passages conducive to moshing.^[6] The genre has had a saturation of bands in the last five years. Sepultura has been credited to "lay the foundation" for the genre.^[7]

Characteristics:

Vocals

The vocalizing technique in metalcore is generally screamed vocals, particularly common among many 1990s metalcore groups. Today many metalcore bands combine screamed vocals throughout with the use of clean vocals usually during the bridge or chorus of a song. These clean vocals are often influenced by the emo genre.^{[41][dead link]}

Instrumentation

Harmonized guitar riffs, double bass drumming, and breakdowns are common in metalcore. Drop guitar tunings are used almost universally, usually using Drop D or Drop C. Drummers typically use a lot of double bass technique and general drumming styles across the board. Blast beats are also seen at times.

Ideologies

Metalcore emerged from the milieu surrounding youth crew hardcore punk subculture, with many of the groups adhering to straight edge beliefs (abstention from drugs and alcohol), although Integrity was a notable exception.^[4] Converge was notable for their focus on personal anguish and experiences of failed romantic love.^[55][56] Dwid Hellion, frontman of Integrity, advocated the "Holy Terror Church of Final Judgment", an apocalyptic belief system related to Gnosticism and Catharism.^[1] Several members of contemporary metalcore bands are practicing Christians, including members of Zao,^[57] The Devil Wears Prada, As I Lay Dying,^[58] August Burns Red, Texas in July, Demon Hunter, Oh, Sleeper and Underoath.^[59][60]