Originating in the 1980s as a cross between heavy metal and hardcore, metalcore has evolved in several ways over the decades. In the late 2000s, the genre started to branch out into fusions of electronic, pop punk and even R&B, shifting the fanbase to an almost entirely different audience. Many of these bands have since broken up (Attack Attack!, Woe is Me, A Skylit Drive) or lost relevancy in alternative music, as pop punk and hardcore gain more attention. In more recent years, there have been some bands, old and new, that have not only managed to keep the genre alive, but have showcased their talents to widely diversify it in new ways. These bands all have something special about them that any type of metalcore fan would be intrigued by.
1. Silent Planet
From dauntless screams and vigorous guitars to dynamic spoken word over celestial backdrops, Silent Planet creates a musical aura that is otherworldly. Their lyrical themes explore the downfall of humanity, illustrating the tragic outcomes of war, prejudice, addiction, disease and more. Vocalist Garrett Russell delivers these lyrics with such steadfast emotion that intensifies the impact of the storytelling. Guitarist Mitchell Stark adds undertones of astral riffs and ambient imminence, while the band as a whole collectively evoke dystopic, apocalyptic vibes. Listen to the thrilling track “Vanity of Sleep” from their latest album “When the End Began” below to give your ears a riveting taste of what this band can do.
2. While She Sleeps
I have to admit, like many others, I slept on one of the UK’s most underrated bands while they got drowned out by the rising success of forgettable metalcore groups that wouldn’t last long. However, after the release of their third record “You Are We” in 2017, While She Sleeps finally started to gain the cred they deserve. The contrast between Mat Welsh’s raspy cleans and Loz Taylor’s mettlesome screams make for exceptional anthemic choruses, while guitarist Sean Long shreds memorable melodies and jarring breakdowns that tie everything together and will have you slamming that replay button. The band’s lyrics tackle major modern day issues about society’s toxic conformity to prejudice and consumerism, in songs such as “Silence Speaks” which features Bring Me The Horizon’s Oli Sykes and one of their latest singles “ANTI-SOCIAL.” Watch the brutally honest music video below and let your mind be blown.
3. Architects
After tragically losing guitarist Tom Searle to a three-year cancer battle, the UK’s beloved Architects put out their eighth album “Holy Hell”, a beautifully crafted lamentation and tribute for his death. Something that has made the band stand out in the metalcore scene for a long time is the integrity behind the lyrics and the sincerity in vocalist’s Sam Carter’s delivery of them. There is something truly compelling about the brutal yet melodic screams Carter is known and loved for, and if you are familiar enough with the messages behind the songs, his delivery becomes that much more enthralling. While his soaring vocals captivate the listener, the heavy guitars and pounding drums provide a desolate yet high-powered foundation, tying everything together. Listen to “Royal Beggars” below, a vicious war cry about mortality.
4. Novelists
Even after their masterpiece of a sophomore album “Noir” in 2017, Paris-based Novelists remain to be one of metalcore’s most underrated bands. However, although the diversity and technicality of the group have yet to be properly recognized by most of the scene, that doesn’t stop them from making every second count. The guitar work will get you instantly hooked on them – every riff is so melodic and complex in a way that values both feel and flare, without distracting from the dynamically consuming vocals. Guitarist Florestan Durand brings various elements to the band’s sound from uplifting solos to ethereal auras, leaving you wanting more and more. Listen below to have your breath taken away in the most heavenly way you could imagine.
5. Invent, Animate
Texas metalcore band Invent, Animate sure knows how to make progressive music that flourishes throughout its broad spectrum of intensity, keeping its listeners engaged with how much goes on. With a sound reminiscent of Northlane’s older work, this band takes you on a ride through heavy syncopation that dives into fierce breakdowns with undertones of ambience – and it doesn’t stop there. The variation of screams creates an orbit in itself, cycling through different levels of beastly lows and fervent mids, sometimes dampening the yells under a blanket of atmospheric guitars, evoking images of a light snowfall in the mountains. The leads are technical yet melodic and memorable, adding cascades of legato riffs that are essential to the band’s distinct sound. The group even released an instrumental version of their last album “Stillworld”, proving how effectively the instruments can tell a story by themselves. Listen to their entrancing yet brutish track “Celestial Floods” below.
6. Crystal Lake
Now this is some metalcore like you’ve never heard before…if you can even call them that after the release of their album “Helix” last year. The Japanese quintet Crystal Lake does an exceptional job at combining several styles as well as blending resonating vocal timbres together with guitar tones to produce striking harmonies. Their most recent work especially draws influences from deathcore, post-hardcore, electronic, rap and post-rock. From gutturals over blast beats to mellow chants and pulsating synths, Crystal Lake has beautifully crafted their own diverse, eccentric approach to metalcore. Check out their video for “Apollo” for only somewhat of an idea of their sound…since no one song can accurately represent their full versatility.
7. Polaris
After the release of their debut album “The Mortal Coil” in 2017, Australian band Polaris proved that they excel at the most crucial facets of what makes a memorable metalcore record. Fiery melodies dive into exuberant rhythms with pummeling drums that add a sense of imminence to the catchy overtones. The guitar work is brilliantly varied, using sweet-sounding legato riffs to lead into colorful chords, tying together progressions while utilizing a number of techniques on the fretboard. Vocalists Jamie Hails and Jake Steinhauser form a compelling duo, with Steinhauser’s soaring cleans complementing Hails’s screams flawlessly. Although most of these screams are mid-range, they deliver a vast array of emotions shaped by the textures and intensity of the instrumentals. Watch their video for “The Remedy” for some radiant visuals that augment the group’s sonic eloquence.
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