GENRES & SUBGENRES
Welcome to our metal music genres and subgenres section, where you can discover the diverse and exciting world of metal music. Here you will find comprehensive information and resources on the various sub-genres that make up this dynamic and ever-evolving genre of music. Whether you're a die-hard metalhead or just curious about the different styles of metal music, our section will guide you through the rich history and unique characteristics of each sub-genre, from classic heavy metal to modern-day sub-genres like metalcore and djent. So, grab your headphones and join us on this journey through the diverse landscape of metal music!
"Core" is a term that is often used in the names of various subgenres of heavy music. These subgenres typically have in common an aggressive, heavy sound and often feature screamed or growled vocals. Here are all the core genres that we´ve featured on our site and the subgenres of each one:
Aliencore is a sub-genre of metal music that incorporates science fiction or extraterrestrial themes
Deathcore is a heavy metal subgenre that combines elements of death metal and metalcore, featuring down-tuned guitars, blast beats, breakdowns and growled or screamed vocals, often with lyrics dealing with themes of violence, death, and aggression.
Easycore is a subgenre of punk rock that combines the catchy melodies and upbeat tempo of pop punk with the heavy guitar riffs and breakdowns of metalcore. It typically features clean vocals, fast-paced drumming, and a mix of clean and distorted guitar sounds. The lyrics often deal with personal and emotional themes, such as relationships, self-improvement, and overcoming adversity. The genre emerged in the early 2000s and has since gained a dedicated fanbase.
Emocore, or emo for short, is a subgenre of punk rock music that emerged in the 1980s and is characterized by its emotional and confessional lyrics, as well as its emphasis on personal expression and introspection.
Grindcore is a subgenre of extreme music that originated in the 1980s, characterized by its fast and aggressive sound, heavily distorted guitars, blast beats, and short songs. The lyrics often deal with political and social issues and are usually shouted or growled rather than sung.
Hardcore music is a fast and aggressive subgenre of punk rock, known for its politically charged lyrics and heavy distortion. It often features shouted or screamed vocals, fast drumming, and a strong sense of community among fans and bands. There are various subgenres within hardcore, including metalcore, crust punk, and post-hardcore.
Mathcore is a subgenre of metalcore that is characterized by complex and intricate rhythms, dissonant harmonies, unconventional song structures, and technical instrumentation.
Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines elements of both metal and hardcore punk music. The genre emerged in the 1990s and became popular in the 2000s, particularly in the United States. Metalcore typically features a combination of screamed and clean vocals, heavy guitar riffs, breakdowns, and blast beats. The lyrical themes of metalcore songs often deal with personal struggles, social issues, and the human condition. Bands such as Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, and Parkway Drive are some examples of metalcore bands.
Nintendocore is a music genre that mixes hardcore punk or metalcore with 8-bit video game sounds from consoles like NES or Game Boy. It emerged in the mid-2000s and is known for its nostalgic and upbeat retro gaming sound combined with intense punk or metalcore instrumentation. Some notable bands include Horse the Band, The Advantage, Anamanaguchi, and Powerglove.
Post-hardcore is a subgenre of punk rock and hardcore punk that incorporates elements of experimental rock, emo, and alternative rock. It emerged in the 1980s and is known for its complex instrumentation, introspective lyrics, and a more melodic sound compared to traditional hardcore punk. Some notable post-hardcore bands include Fugazi, At the Drive-In, Thrice, and Thursday.
Trancecore, is a subgenre of metalcore that combines elements of electronic music, particularly trance, and techno, with metalcore. It emerged in the mid-2000s and is characterized by heavy breakdowns, screamed and sung vocals, and high-energy electronic beats and synths. Trancecore metal bands often use programmed electronic sounds alongside traditional metal instrumentation, creating a unique blend of styles.
Metal music is a genre of music that originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s, characterized by its aggressive and amplified sound, heavy use of distorted electric guitars, fast-paced and complex drumming, and powerful vocals. Metal music encompasses a wide range of sub-genres, including thrash metal, death metal, black metal, and power metal, among others. The lyrics of metal songs often touch on themes of rebellion, social and political commentary, and personal struggles. Metal music has gained a large and dedicated following around the world and has become a staple of popular culture. Here below you can check all the metal subgenres that we´ve featured and also all the variations of each subgenre:
Atmospheric metal is a type of heavy metal music that combines heavy and intense sound with ambient, cinematic, and atmospheric soundscapes. It's characterized by the use of synthesizers, keyboards, and electronic instruments to create emotional and immersive experiences. The lyrics often focus on nature, mythology, fantasy, and spirituality.
Aztec metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that incorporates elements of traditional Aztec culture, mythology, and history into its themes, lyrics, and imagery. It often features aggressive guitar riffs, intense drumming, and powerful vocals, similar to other forms of metal music. The lyrical content may focus on Aztec mythology, rituals, warfare, or other aspects of Aztec civilization. Bands that are associated with Aztec metal may incorporate indigenous instruments, chants, or samples into their music to enhance the cultural theme. This subgenre is relatively niche within the broader heavy metal scene.
Black metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that originated in the early 1980s. It is characterized by its fast, abrasive guitar riffs, blast beat drumming, and shrieking raspy vocals. The lyrics often deal with dark and taboo themes such as Satanism, paganism, and anti-Christianity. Black metal is also known for its use of corpse paint and other forms of visual and theatrical presentation. The genre has a dedicated fanbase and has influenced numerous other sub-genres of metal and rock music.
Cabaret metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that blends elements of cabaret, vaudeville, and burlesque with heavy metal music. The genre emerged in the 1990s, particularly in Europe, and combines theatrical and dramatic elements with heavy metal instrumentation such as guitars, bass, and drums. Cabaret metal bands typically feature elaborate stage performances, flamboyant costumes, and diverse musical influences, ranging from classical music to industrial and punk rock. The music often features complex arrangements, unconventional song structures, and lyrics that explore themes of decadence, sexuality, and social critique. Examples of cabaret metal bands include Diablo Swing Orchestra, Stolen Babies, and The World/Inferno Friendship Society.
Celtic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates elements of Celtic music and folklore. It emerged in the 1990s, particularly in Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of the United Kingdom, and has since gained popularity around the world. Celtic metal bands typically blend traditional Celtic instruments such as bagpipes, flutes, and fiddles with heavy metal instrumentation such as guitars, bass, and drums. The music often features fast-paced rhythms, epic melodies, and lyrics that draw inspiration from Celtic mythology, history, and culture. Examples of Celtic metal bands include Cruachan, Eluveitie, and Primordial.
Crossover music is a genre that combines elements of two or more different styles of music to create a new sound. In the context of heavy metal, crossover typically refers to a fusion of thrash metal and hardcore punk. Crossover has expanded the boundaries of music genres and attracted fans from different backgrounds.
Death metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its aggressive, growling vocals, fast and intricate guitar riffs, and blast beat drumming style. The lyrics often explore themes of violence, death, and horror. Death metal has a loyal and dedicated fanbase and continues to evolve and inspire new generations of musicians. Check below all Death Metal subgenres that we´ve featured:
Death 'n' roll is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines death metal's aggression with the groove and rock 'n' roll elements. It emerged in the early 1990s and was popularized by bands like Entombed. It features heavy riffs, growled vocals, catchy hooks, and a more straightforward song structure. The lyrics often explore dark themes with a touch of humor or irony. While its popularity peaked in the 1990s, it still has a dedicated following today.
Djent is a subgenre of progressive metal that emerged in the mid-2000s, characterized by the use of heavily distorted and palm-muted guitar riffs played in an irregular time signature, often incorporating polymers and syncopation. The term "djent" originated as an onomatopoeia for the distinctive high-gain, palm-muted guitar sound associated with the genre. Djent bands often employ extended-range guitars, such as seven-string or eight-string guitars, to achieve a lower range and more complex sound. The genre is also known for its use of digital technology, such as virtual amp and guitar effects simulations, to create a unique and futuristic sound. Some notable djent bands include Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, and Periphery.
Doom metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the late 1970s and is characterized by slow, heavy, and atmospheric music with lyrics that often deal with themes of despair, loss, and the occult.
Dune metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that takes inspiration from the sci-fi novel "Dune" by Frank Herbert. The music is often heavy, atmospheric, and complex, with lyrics that explore themes from the novel. Examples of dune metal bands include Gojira and Dune Sea.
Dystopian metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that focuses on exploring and critiquing the darker aspects of society and the human condition, often portraying a bleak and oppressive future world in its lyrics and imagery. It is characterized by heavy, distorted guitar riffs, aggressive vocals, and a generally dark and ominous tone.
Egyptian metal is a sub-genre of metal music that blends traditional Egyptian music and instrumentation with elements of heavy metal. This genre emerged in Egypt in the early 2000s and has since gained a following in the Middle East and beyond. Egyptian metal typically features the use of instruments such as the oud, qanun, and ney, as well as traditional Arabic singing techniques, in combination with distorted electric guitars, fast-paced drumming, and aggressive vocals. The lyrics of Egyptian metal songs often touch on themes of ancient Egyptian mythology, history, and culture, as well as contemporary social and political issues. Some notable Egyptian metal bands include Scarab, Crescent, and Odious.
Epic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its grandiose and theatrical sound, often featuring symphonic elements, choirs, and epic themes inspired by mythology, history, and fantasy.
Ethnic metal is a type of heavy metal that incorporates traditional ethnic elements, such as instruments, scales, rhythms, and cultural themes, into its sound. Examples include bands like Eluveitie, Orphaned Land, and Korpiklaani.
Extreme metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that includes styles such as death metal, black metal, and grindcore, among others. It is characterized by its aggressive and often abrasive sound, fast and complex guitar riffs, blast beats, growled or screamed vocals, and dark or violent themes in lyrics. Extreme metal often incorporates elements of other genres, such as classical music, jazz, or folk music, and is known for pushing the boundaries of conventional music.
Fantasy metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that draws inspiration from fantasy literature, mythology, and folklore. It features epic, symphonic, and operatic elements, with lyrics that often tell stories of heroes, mythical creatures, and epic battles. Examples include Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire, Nightwish, and Symphony X.
Folk metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines traditional folk music with heavy metal. It features traditional folk instruments, melodies, and themes, and often incorporates historical or mythological lyrics. It has become popular in Europe and has given rise to subgenres such as pagan, medieval, and Celtic metal.
Gothic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates elements of gothic rock, classical music, and other genres. It typically features dark and melancholic lyrics, atmospheric keyboards, and a mixture of clean and harsh vocals. The genre often explores themes such as death, despair, and romanticism, and can range from a more symphonic, theatrical style to a more aggressive, guitar-driven sound.
Groove metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the 1990s. It combines elements of thrash metal and hardcore punk, with a focus on heavy grooves and rhythms. It features down-tuned guitars, aggressive vocals, and a strong emphasis on rhythm. Popular bands include Pantera and Lamb of God.
Industrial metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines industrial music elements, such as electronic sounds and unconventional noises, with traditional heavy metal. It features distorted guitar riffs, electronic beats, and harsh, aggressive vocals. It is associated with a dark and disturbing aesthetic and popular bands include Rammstein and Marilyn Manson.
Instrumental metal is a genre of heavy metal music that focuses on instrumental compositions rather than vocals. It typically features complex and technical guitar work, intricate drumming, and powerful bass lines, and often incorporates elements of progressive rock and jazz fusion.
Jazz metal, also known as fusion metal, is a subgenre of heavy metal music that combines elements of jazz, blues, and rock music. The music typically features complex and intricate instrumental arrangements with heavy use of improvisation and syncopation. The music often incorporates jazz techniques such as swing rhythms, complex chord progressions, and extended solos, while still retaining the aggressive and heavy sound of metal. The vocals in jazz metal can range from clean and melodic to harsh and aggressive, depending on the band. Some well-known jazz metal bands include Cynic, Atheist, and Watchtower.
Math metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates complex time signatures, polyrhythms, and unusual rhythms into its music, often using techniques from progressive rock and jazz.
Medieval metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that incorporates elements of medieval and folk music, often using instruments such as bagpipes, flutes, and hurdy-gurdies, along with distorted guitars and heavy drums.
Melancholic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates melancholic and introspective themes, typically characterized by slower tempos, clean guitar passages, and atmospheric keyboards.
"Narnia metal" is a subgenre of Christian metal music that takes inspiration from the works of author C.S. Lewis, particularly his "Chronicles of Narnia" series. The music often incorporates elements of power metal and symphonic metal, and the lyrics frequently reference characters and themes from the Narnia books, as well as Christian themes such as redemption and salvation. The Swedish band Narnia is often credited with pioneering this subgenre.
"Nu metal" is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It typically features a fusion of elements from different genres such as hip hop, alternative rock, and industrial music, and often includes down-tuned, heavily distorted guitar riffs, samples, turntables, and rap-style vocals. Some of the most notable bands associated with the nu-metal genre include Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park.
Orchestral metal is a genre of heavy metal music that incorporates elements of classical music, including the use of orchestral instruments such as strings, brass, and woodwinds.
Pagan metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates themes and elements of pagan and folk traditions, often through the use of traditional instruments, melodies, and lyrics.
"Pirate metal" is a subgenre of heavy metal that typically incorporates elements of folk metal, power metal, and sometimes thrash metal. The music often features themes related to piracy, seafaring, and adventure, and may incorporate traditional folk instruments such as fiddles, accordions, and mandolins to create a nautical or seafaring atmosphere. Some of the most well-known pirate metal bands include Alestorm, Swashbuckle, and Running Wild.
Post-apocalyptic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that is inspired by post-apocalyptic and dystopian themes, often incorporating elements of industrial, electronic, or atmospheric music. The lyrics often focus on survival, destruction, and the aftermath of a catastrophic event, such as a nuclear war or a global pandemic. Musically, it may incorporate elements of various metal subgenres, such as black metal, death metal, or industrial metal.
Post-metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that blends elements of post-rock with the heaviness and aggression of metal, featuring expansive, atmospheric soundscapes and a focus on dynamics and texture.
Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emphasizes melody, technical proficiency, and fantasy themes, with fast tempos, soaring vocals, and often orchestral or symphonic elements.
Progressive metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines elements of progressive rock and metal, characterized by complex song structures, odd time signatures, virtuosic instrumental performances, and often incorporating elements of jazz, classical music, and other genres.
Psychedelic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates elements of psychedelic rock and other experimental genres. It typically features heavily distorted guitar riffs, trippy and atmospheric sounds, and extended instrumental sections. The lyrics often deal with themes such as altered states of consciousness, mysticism, and spirituality, and can range from introspective to politically charged.
Romantic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines elements of traditional heavy metal and hard rock with romantic themes, often inspired by gothic and romantic literature. It typically features powerful vocals, melodic guitar riffs, and orchestral arrangements. The lyrics often deal with themes such as love, passion, and heartbreak, and can be either uplifting or melancholic.
Sci-fi metal, also known as space metal or science-fiction metal, is a subgenre of heavy metal music that incorporates themes and imagery from science fiction and space exploration. The music often features futuristic or cosmic sounds created by synthesizers or other electronic instruments, as well as aggressive guitar riffs and complex rhythms. The lyrics often explore science fiction concepts such as time travel, extraterrestrial life, and futuristic technology. Some well-known sci-fi metal bands include Voivod, Devin Townsend Project, and Ayreon.
Skyrim metal is a genre of music inspired by the video game "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" and typically incorporates themes and elements from the game's lore and soundtrack, often featuring epic orchestration and Viking-inspired imagery.
Sludge metal is a subgenre of heavy metal characterized by slow, heavy, and murky sounds with influences from doom metal, hardcore punk, and Southern rock. It features distorted guitars, thick basslines, slow drum beats, and vocals ranging from harsh screams to growls. Lyrics often focus on dark themes. Notable bands include Eyehategod, Crowbar, Neurosis, Melvins, and Acid Bath. Here you have all the Sludge Metal subgenres that we´ve featured:
"Space metal" is not a well-defined subgenre of heavy metal, but it generally refers to music that incorporates sci-fi or space-themed lyrics and soundscapes, often featuring atmospheric and experimental elements such as ambient textures and electronic effects.
Speed metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its fast tempos, aggressive vocals, and intricate guitar work, often featuring rapid-fire solos and riffing.
Star Wars metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is inspired by the Star Wars franchise. It features lyrics, imagery, and overall aesthetic that draw inspiration from the characters, storylines, and themes of the Star Wars universe. Examples of bands in this subgenre include Galactic Empire and Hoth.
Steampunk metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that incorporates themes and imagery from the steampunk subculture, which combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and the Victorian era. The music often features a mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation, including brass and string instruments, along with heavy guitar riffs and driving rhythms. The lyrics often deal with themes such as retro-futurism, industrialization, and alternate histories. Some well-known steampunk metal bands include Abney Park, The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, and Vernian Process.
Stoner metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that typically features slow-to-mid tempo, heavily distorted guitar riffs, and a focus on creating a psychedelic and sometimes bluesy atmosphere. The lyrics often center around themes related to drugs, altered states of consciousness, and the occult.
Swing metal, also known as electro swing or swingcore, is a subgenre of heavy metal music that combines elements of swing music, jazz, and electronic dance music with heavy metal. The music typically features a mix of traditional swing and jazz instruments, such as trumpets and saxophones, with heavy guitar riffs and electronic beats. The vocals often have a swing or jazz style, with lyrics that incorporate elements of swing culture such as swing dancing or the fashion of the 1920s and 1930s. Some well-known swing metal bands include Diablo Swing Orchestra, Caravan Palace, and The Electric Swing Circus.
Symphonic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates symphonic and classical music elements, such as the use of orchestras, choirs, and operatic vocals, into the traditional heavy metal sound. It features complex arrangements, and rich textures, and often incorporates elaborate storytelling and themes. Popular symphonic metal bands include Nightwish, Epica, and Within Temptation.
Synth metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates synthesizers and electronic elements into the music. It typically features a blend of heavy guitar riffs and electronic sounds, often with industrial and futuristic themes. The genre originated in the 1980s and has since evolved to include various subgenres, such as cyber metal and electro-industrial metal.
Tolkien metal is a subgenre of fantasy metal that is inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's works, especially The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It features epic and symphonic elements, Elvish and Dwarvish language, and imagery directly inspired by the books. Examples include Summoning, Battlelore, Blind Guardian, and Nightfall in Middle-Earth.
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by its fast tempo, aggressive sound, and use of complex guitar riffs and solos. It emerged in the early 1980s, and is known for its aggressive, fast-paced songs with a raw sound.
Trap metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that blends elements of trap music and hip-hop with heavy metal. It typically features heavy guitar riffs, aggressive vocals, and trap-style beats with 808 bass and hi-hats. The lyrics often deal with themes such as violence, anger, and drug use, and can include elements of horror and dark humor. The genre emerged in the late 2010s and has since gained popularity among younger audiences.
Vampiric metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates themes of vampirism and gothic horror in its lyrics, imagery, and aesthetic. It often features dark, symphonic, and melodic elements and explores themes of immortality, bloodlust, seduction, and the occult. Examples of bands in this subgenre include Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Type O Negative, and Moonspell.
Videogame metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music inspired by and often used in video games. It incorporates aggressive guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and energetic rhythms to enhance the gaming experience.
Viking metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that draws inspiration from Viking and Norse mythology, featuring themes of Norse history, culture, and folklore. The music often incorporates elements of folk music, such as traditional instruments like flutes and Nordic folk melodies, as well as aggressive and intense metal riffs and vocals.
Warhammer 40,000 metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music inspired by the sci-fi/fantasy tabletop game of the same name. It features dark, aggressive, and brutal sound and explores themes of war, violence, and chaos. Examples include Bolt Thrower, Hoth, Exocrine, and Abhorrent Decimation.
Punk music is a fast and aggressive genre of rock music with simple chords and politically charged lyrics. It has a DIY ethos and a rebellious, anti-establishment attitude, and originated in the mid-1970s. It has influenced many subgenres and variations over time but remains a powerful force in popular music and culture.
Rock music is a popular genre that features heavy use of electric guitars, bass guitars, and drums, with driving rhythms and powerful vocals. It has evolved into many sub-genres and has had a significant cultural impact. Check below all the Rock subgenres that we´ve featured:
Post-rock is a genre of experimental rock music that emerged in the 1990s, characterized by its use of unconventional song structures, ambient textures, and instrumental compositions that often build to climactic crescendos. It often incorporates elements of jazz, electronic music, and classical music.
Grunge is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in Seattle in the mid-1980s. It features heavy, distorted guitar sounds, angst-ridden lyrics, and raw instrumentation. Famous grunge bands include Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains.
Screamo is a subgenre of punk and hardcore music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by high-pitched, screamed vocals, fast and aggressive drumming, and complex guitar riffs. The lyrics often deal with personal and emotional topics such as heartbreak, loss, and social issues. Screamo is also known for its use of dynamics, incorporating both loud, chaotic sections and quieter, more introspective moments. Some of the most influential screamo bands include Orchid, Saetia, Pg.99, and City of Caterpillar.
Shoegaze is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the late 1980s characterized by heavily distorted guitar sounds, ethereal vocals, and the use of effects pedals. It's known for creating a wall of sound through layers of guitar and vocal tracks. Some of the most famous shoegaze bands are My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Ride, and Lush.
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