The Band Index

Deathcore Facts

Deathcore fuses the brutality of death metal with the breakdowns and breakdowns of hardcore punk. Expect guttural vocals, blast beats, heavily distorted guitars, and intensely aggressive song structures. It's a subgenre known for its technical proficiency and often theatrical, violent lyrical themes.

Origins

Origin
Unknown
Era
early 2000s

Sound Traits

down-tuned guitarsblast beatsbreakdownstremolo pickinggrowled vocalshigh-pitched screams

Lyrical Themes

antireligionpsychological painbody horror

History

Origins and early development

Deathcore emerged as an extreme metal fusion that combined death metal and metalcore elements and is described as arising in the early 2000s. Early examples cited include Antagony, Despised Icon, and the Red Chord. The genre was defined by the incorporation of death metal guitar riffs, blast beats, and metalcore breakdowns.

Evolution or diversification

Deathcore expanded in the mid-2000s with bands such as All Shall Perish, Through the Eyes of the Dead, Bring Me the Horizon, Suicide Silence, Carnifex, Job for a Cowboy, Chelsea Grin, and Whitechapel gaining prominence. In the 2010s some deathcore bands began experimenting by incorporating elements from an eclectic selection of other genres, while the scene also experienced an oversaturation of artists that homogenized aspects of the style.

Cultural or musical significance

Musically, deathcore is characterized by down-tuned guitars, tremolo picking, breakdowns, growled and shrieked vocals, and occasional use of techniques such as pig squeals or guitar solos. The genre has faced criticism from longtime metal fans for its use of breakdowns and fusion approach, and some musicians associated with the style have rejected the label "deathcore."