Hey there metalhead!
Ready to explore the many genres of metal music?
From traditional metal to extreme metal, progressive metal to alternative metal, there’s something for everyone.
We’ll explore the different metal genres, subgenres, and fusion genres, as well as take a look at some of the most unique sounds out there.
So buckle up and let’s rock out to the many sounds of metal music!
Key Takeaways
- Traditional Metal includes Heavy Metal and NWOBHM, while Extreme Metal includes Black Metal and Death Metal.
- Progressive Metal encompasses Progressive Metal and Djent.
- Alternative Metal consists of Nu-metal and Rap Metal.
- Subgenres of Heavy Metal include Thrash Metal, Power Metal, Doom Metal, and Groove Metal.
Traditional Metal
You can find traditional metal music genres such as Heavy Metal and NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal). These genres have had a profound influence on modern heavy metal bands, allowing them to further evolve the traditional metal sound.
Over the years, the sound of traditional metal has become harder, heavier, and more complex. Heavy metal bands from the 1980s and 1990s have been hugely influential, as they embraced the speed, aggression, and complexity of traditional metal and took it to a new level.
This new sound has become a major influence on modern metal bands, and it can be heard in the music of many of today’s most popular artists.
Extreme Metal
You can find a variety of extreme metal subgenres, such as Black Metal and Death Metal. These genres evolved in the late 70s and early 80s, and have since become some of the most influential sounds in the metal music scene.
Black Metal is characterized by its harsh and raw sound, while Death Metal is often described as intense and aggressive. Both styles have seen a steady rise in popularity, with bands like Mayhem and Cannibal Corpse being credited for popularizing them.
This evolution of extreme metal has also had a huge influence on other genres, with many artists incorporating elements of extreme metal into their music. Industrial metal, for example, has been heavily influenced by extreme metal, as has rap metal.
Extreme metal has been a major influence on the metal music scene, and its influence can be seen in many genres today.
Progressive Metal
Experiencing progressive metal can be a unique and rewarding journey. It’s a genre that has evolved greatly over the years, with its sound characterized by technical proficiency, creativity, and accuracy. Progressive metal combines elements of traditional and extreme metal, often featuring complex instrumentation and intricate rhythms. The band Dream Theater is widely credited as being the originators of the genre, with their unique blend of technicality and songwriting.
Since its inception, progressive metal has had a large influence on other genres, such as death metal, power metal, and even jazz. Bands like Opeth and Tool have pushed the boundaries of the genre, with their intricate song structures and innovative instrumentation. Progressive metal is also known for its use of extended guitar solos, which can range from melodic and soulful to technical and frenetic.
As a genre, progressive metal offers a wide range of possibilities for musicians and fans alike. It’s an ever-evolving sound that continues to grow and influence other genres. Progressive metal is a genre that requires a great deal of skill and dedication to properly execute, making it an enjoyable and rewarding experience for those who are willing to dive into its depths.
Alternative Metal
Alternative Metal is often a combination of heavy metal and other styles such as rap and industrial metal.
Nu-metal, which originated in the early 1990s, is one of the most popular subgenres of alternative metal and is characterized by its incorporation of rap and hip-hop elements.
Rap metal, which emerged in the mid-1990s, is another subgenre of alternative metal and is defined by its aggressive sound and heavy use of rap and hip-hop.
Nu-metal Origins
You’re likely already familiar with the genre of nu-metal, which emerged in the late 1990s as an alternative form of metal music. It was an amalgam of multiple genres, incorporating elements of thrash metal, hardcore punk, hip-hop, and alternative rock.
Nu-metal bands such as Korn and Limp Bizkit were credited with popularizing the genre and bringing it into the mainstream. It had a more aggressive sound than other forms of metal, and its lyrics often focused on personal issues and social issues. The genre was heavily influenced by the grunge scene, and many nu-metal bands drew on the aesthetics of grunge bands such as Nirvana and Alice in Chains.
The genre evolved over time, incorporating more electronic elements and rap influences. It experienced a surge in popularity during the late 90’s and early 2000s, with bands such as Linkin Park and Slipknot becoming household names. Although nu-metal has declined in popularity since the mid 2000s, it remains an important part of the metal landscape.
Rap Metal Sound
You’re likely already familiar with rap metal, a fusion of metal and rap that has become increasingly popular in the alternative metal scene. Rap metal has been influenced by hip hop and rap music, with bands pushing the boundaries of traditional metal music to create a unique sound.
This genre of metal has evolved over the years, drawing from multiple genres of music and becoming increasingly popular in the modern metal scene. Rap metal often incorporates elements of hip hop, punk, funk, and other musical genres, creating a sound that can be both aggressive and danceable.
It has been featured in some of the biggest metal acts, including Rage Against the Machine, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park. Rap metal has also been used to create anthems, such as Limp Bizkit’s ‘Break Stuff.’
Rap metal has become more popular in recent years, with many metal fans recognizing the influence of hip hop and other genres in modern metal music. The fusion of rap and metal has created a unique sound in the alternative metal scene, with bands constantly pushing the boundaries of their music and incorporating elements of other genres.
Rap metal is here to stay, and it’s sure to continue to evolve in the future.
Nu-metal Legacy
Discover the legacy of Nu-metal, an alternative metal genre known for its unique sound and cultural influence.
Nu-metal is a subgenre of alternative metal, characterized by its incorporation of elements from hip-hop, funk, and grunge. Its influence on modern metal is undeniable; artists such as Slipknot, Korn, and Limp Bizkit have shaped the sound of metal today.
Nu-metal has evolved immensely since its inception, with elements of rap, rock, and metal combining to create a whole new sound. Its impact is still felt in the music industry, as its influence can be found in various genres of metal, from metalcore to rap metal.
Nu-metal’s legacy is one of creativity, technical proficiency, and accuracy. It has had a lasting impact on the metal music scene, and its influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
Subgenres of Heavy Metal
Heavy metal has several subgenres that can be explored. These include thrash metal, power metal, and doom metal, each having its own unique sound and characteristics.
Whether you’re a fan of more traditional metal or looking for something heavier, one of these genres is sure to appeal to you.
Thrash Metal
You’ll find that Thrash Metal is an intense subgenre of Heavy Metal that has become a defining sound of the metal music scene. It evolved from NWOBHM and has been influenced by Punk Rock, giving it a faster tempo and more aggressive sound.
Thrash Metal is known for its technical proficiency, creativity, and accuracy. It’s often compared to other subgenres of Heavy Metal such as Power Metal and Doom Metal, though it’s distinguished by its more intense sound.
The influence of Thrash Metal can be heard in many modern metal bands, and it has become a staple of the metal music scene. It’s a genre that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire modern metal heads.
Power Metal
You can find Power Metal among the other subgenres of Heavy Metal. Characterized by its distinctively high-pitched vocals, fast tempos, and its epic lyrical themes, Power Metal is a subgenre of Heavy Metal that’s often combined with elements from progressive metal, classical music, and folk music. Its influences mainly come from classic heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, and some of its notable bands include Gamma Ray, Helloween, and Hammerfall.
Power Metal albums are often filled with high-energy riffs, soaring guitar solos, and mythical and heroic lyrics. Popular albums include Freedom Call’s ‘Stairway to Fairyland’, Helloween’s ‘Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II’, and Iron Maiden’s ‘The Number of the Beast’.
Power Metal is a genre of Heavy Metal that continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. Its unique characteristics and influences make it an exciting and powerful genre of metal music.
Doom Metal
You’ll also find Doom Metal among the other subgenres of Heavy Metal. It’s one of the earliest subgenres of heavy metal and has its origins in the late 1970s.
Doom Metal is characterized by slow, heavy riffs and a dramatic atmosphere. It’s often played at slower tempos and incorporates minor chords and long instrumental passages. There’s also a focus on lyrical themes such as death, despair, and misery.
The influence of doom metal can be heard in many other metal subgenres, such as sludge metal, death metal, and stoner metal. Doom metal is often associated with bands like Black Sabbath, Candlemass, and Saint Vitus. It has also had an influence on other genres such as post-metal, post-rock, and ambient music.
Doom metal is an essential part of the metal music landscape and continues to influence and inspire other metal subgenres.
Experimental and Folk-Influenced Metal
You’ll find that Experimental Metal and Folk-Influenced Metal are two distinct, yet related, subgenres of metal music.
Experimental metal is often characterized by its avant garde exploration and is known for its aggressive, unconventional sound. Notable bands in this genre are Neurosis, Pelican, and Cult of Luna.
Meanwhile, folk-influenced metal is a fusion of traditional Nordic folk music with metal and is typically more melodic. Popular bands in this subgenre include Helloween, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Manowar, and Hammerfall.
Both genres have unique elements that offer something different and exciting to the metal music scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most Popular Metal Bands?
Some of the most popular metal bands include Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Anthrax, Slayer, Metallica, Death, Candlemass, and Iron Maiden. These bands span across subgenres like black metal, death metal, and NWOBHM.
What Are the Differences Between Folk Metal and Viking Metal?
You may think Progressive Metal and Deathcore Metal are similar, but Folk Metal and Viking Metal are very distinct. Folk Metal uses traditional instruments, while Viking Metal incorporates Norse history and mythology into its lyrical content.
How Does Rap Metal Differ From Nu-Metal?
Rap metal combines elements of rap and metal, such as lyrical themes and progressive beats. It stands out with its technical proficiency, creativity, and accuracy, making it a unique blend of genres.
What Is the Difference Between Thrash Metal and Power Metal?
Thrash metal is intense and aggressive while power metal has more of a melodic sound. Black metal is grim and foreboding while doom metal is slow and heavy.
What Makes Avant-Garde Metal Unique From Other Metal Genres?
Avant-garde metal stands apart from other metal genres through its progressive experimentation and musical complexity. It requires technical proficiency, creativity, and accuracy to create. It pushes the boundaries of traditional metal with its unique sound.
Conclusion
No matter what your musical preference is, there’s a type of metal out there for you!
From traditional metal to extreme metal, progressive metal to alternative metal, subgenres of heavy metal and beyond, there’s something for everyone.
So grab your air guitar and get ready to rock out to the many sounds of metal music!
Gary has been in love with music since he was a child. His passion is guitars and everything related to them. He is the founder of
Riff-Mag and can’t wait to share his knowledge with you.