03.05.2026 14:29
#1
Metalcore & Deathcore – Guide & Discussion Thread
Modern extreme metal fused with hardcore intensity.
Brief History
Metalcore emerged in the 1990s from hardcore punk scenes blending with metal influences. Early bands like Earth Crisis and Converge helped shape the style. In the 2000s, a more melodic and commercially successful wave emerged with bands like Killswitch Engage. Deathcore developed shortly after, combining metalcore with death metal elements, with bands like Suicide Silence and Whitechapel pushing the genre toward greater extremity.
Characteristics
Heavy use of breakdowns and rhythmic grooves
Combination of screamed/growled vocals and clean singing (especially in metalcore)
Modern, polished production
Influence from both hardcore punk and extreme metal
Emphasis on energy, impact, and live performance
Essential Albums
Jane Doe – Converge
Alive or Just Breathing – Killswitch Engage
The End of Heartache – Killswitch Engage
The Cleansing – Suicide Silence
This Is Exile – Whitechapel
Other Important Bands
As I Lay Dying
Parkway Drive
August Burns Red
Bring Me the Horizon
Carnifex
Subgenres / Evolution
Recommendations for Beginners
Start with melodic metalcore like Killswitch Engage
Explore heavier and more chaotic acts like Converge
Move into deathcore for increased brutality with Suicide Silence
Discussion
What defines metalcore vs deathcore?
Are breakdowns overused or essential?
Old-school metalcore vs modern production—what do you prefer?
Post your recommendations, opinions, and favorites below!
Modern extreme metal fused with hardcore intensity.
Metalcore and Deathcore are modern subgenres that merge extreme metal with hardcore punk. They emphasize breakdowns, rhythmic aggression, and a mix of harsh and clean vocals, often balancing brutality with accessibility and modern production.
Brief History
Metalcore emerged in the 1990s from hardcore punk scenes blending with metal influences. Early bands like Earth Crisis and Converge helped shape the style. In the 2000s, a more melodic and commercially successful wave emerged with bands like Killswitch Engage. Deathcore developed shortly after, combining metalcore with death metal elements, with bands like Suicide Silence and Whitechapel pushing the genre toward greater extremity.
Characteristics
Heavy use of breakdowns and rhythmic grooves
Combination of screamed/growled vocals and clean singing (especially in metalcore)
Modern, polished production
Influence from both hardcore punk and extreme metal
Emphasis on energy, impact, and live performance
Essential Albums
Jane Doe – Converge
Alive or Just Breathing – Killswitch Engage
The End of Heartache – Killswitch Engage
The Cleansing – Suicide Silence
This Is Exile – Whitechapel
Other Important Bands
As I Lay Dying
Parkway Drive
August Burns Red
Bring Me the Horizon
Carnifex
Subgenres / Evolution
Metalcore has diversified significantly, ranging from melodic and accessible styles (e.g., Killswitch Engage) to more chaotic and hardcore-driven approaches (e.g., Converge). Deathcore has similarly evolved, with some bands incorporating technical and symphonic elements, while others emphasize raw heaviness and breakdowns (e.g., Whitechapel).
Recommendations for Beginners
Start with melodic metalcore like Killswitch Engage
Explore heavier and more chaotic acts like Converge
Move into deathcore for increased brutality with Suicide Silence
Discussion
What defines metalcore vs deathcore?
Are breakdowns overused or essential?
Old-school metalcore vs modern production—what do you prefer?
Post your recommendations, opinions, and favorites below!