Breaking Down the Different Sub-Genres of Metal
If you're a metal fan, you know that there is more to the genre than just screaming vocals and heavy guitar riffs. In fact, there are many different sub-genres of metal, each with its own distinct sound and characteristics. In this article, we will break down some of the most popular sub-genres of metal and explore what makes each one unique.
Black Metal
Black metal is one of the most controversial sub-genres of metal. It's known for its aggressive sound, fast tempo, and satanic or anti-religious lyrics. The vocals in black metal are often high-pitched screams or growls, and the guitar riffs are typically fast and distorted.
One of the defining features of black metal is its focus on creating an atmosphere of darkness and evil. This is often achieved through the use of tremolo picking, fast drumming, and a raw production style. Some of the most notable black metal bands include Mayhem, Burzum, and Darkthrone.
Death Metal
Death metal is another popular sub-genre of metal that emerged in the 1980s. It's characterized by its brutal, guttural vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and fast drumming. The lyrics in death metal often deal with topics like violence, death, and gore.
One of the key features of death metal is its use of blast beats. Blast beats are a type of drumming technique that involves playing the snare drum and bass drum at the same time, creating a rapid-fire sound. Some of the most famous death metal bands include Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, and Death.
Thrash Metal
Thrash metal is a sub-genre of metal that originated in the 1980s. It's known for its fast tempo, aggressive vocals, and complex guitar riffs. The lyrics in thrash metal often deal with social and political issues rather than the occult or violent themes found in other sub-genres.
One of the defining features of thrash metal is its use of "shredding" guitar solos. These solos often involve intricate and lightning-fast playing that showcases the technical skill of the guitarist. Some of the most well-known thrash metal bands include Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth.
Doom Metal
Doom metal is a sub-genre of metal that emerged in the 1970s. It's characterized by its slow tempo, heavy guitar riffs, and dark, melancholic lyrics. The vocals in doom metal are often plaintive and mournful, conveying a sense of sadness and despair.
One of the defining features of doom metal is its use of "epic" song structures. Doom metal songs often run for 10 minutes or more, with multiple sections and tempo changes. Some of the most famous doom metal bands include Black Sabbath, Candlemass, and Saint Vitus.
Power Metal
Power metal is a sub-genre of metal that emerged in the 1980s. It's characterized by its high-pitched vocals, fast guitar riffs, and epic, fantasy-inspired lyrics. The lyrics in power metal often deal with heroic themes like battles, dragons, and knights.
One of the defining features of power metal is its use of soaring, melodic vocals. Power metal singers often use a technique called "falsetto" to hit high notes that are beyond the range of traditional singing. Some of the most popular power metal bands include Helloween, Blind Guardian, and DragonForce.
Gothic Metal
Gothic metal is a sub-genre of metal that emerged in the 1990s. It's characterized by its combination of heavy guitar riffs and melodic, atmospheric vocals. The lyrics in gothic metal often deal with dark or romantic themes like death, love, and loss.
One of the defining features of gothic metal is its use of "beauty and the beast" vocals. This technique involves contrasting a male growling or screaming vocal with a female singing vocal. Some of the most popular gothic metal bands include Type O Negative, Paradise Lost, and Lacuna Coil.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different sub-genres of metal, each with its own unique sound and characteristics. Whether you prefer the raw aggression of black metal or the epic storytelling of power metal, there is sure to be a sub-genre of metal that speaks to you. So why not give them all a listen and see which one resonates with you the most?