Deathcore, a genre that combines elements of death metal and metalcore, has carved a distinct niche within the heavy music landscape. Characterized by its aggressive breakdowns, blast beats, and growled vocals, deathcore has given rise to some of the heaviest and most intense albums in modern metal. Here are 15 essential deathcore albums that have shaped the genre and left a lasting impact on its fans.
The Evolution of Deathcore
Deathcore has evolved significantly since its inception, with bands continually pushing the boundaries of heaviness and technicality. The genre’s unique blend of death metal and metalcore elements has resulted in a diverse range of sounds, from the raw aggression of early releases to the more polished and technical productions of modern bands.
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15 Essential Deathcore Albums
1. Suicide Silence – The Cleansing (2007)
The Cleansing by Suicide Silence is often regarded as a cornerstone of the deathcore genre. With its raw intensity, brutal breakdowns, and Mitch Lucker’s iconic growls, this album set a new standard for heaviness in the scene. Tracks like “Unanswered” and “No Pity for a Coward” showcase the band’s ability to blend ferocious aggression with memorable hooks, making this album a must-listen for any deathcore fan.
2. Whitechapel – This Is Exile (2008)
Whitechapel’s This Is Exile is another landmark release in deathcore. The album features technical guitar work, relentless drumming, and Phil Bozeman’s guttural vocals. Songs like “Possession” and the title track “This Is Exile” highlight the band’s knack for creating a dark and oppressive atmosphere, solidifying their place in deathcore history.
3. Carnifex – Dead in My Arms (2007)
Carnifex’s debut album Dead in My Arms is a ferocious onslaught of brutal riffs, punishing breakdowns, and Scott Lewis’s menacing vocals. Tracks like “Slit Wrist Savior” and “My Heart in Atrophy” capture the raw, unfiltered energy that has become synonymous with the band’s sound. This album is a defining moment for Carnifex and an essential listen for deathcore enthusiasts.
4. All Shall Perish – The Price of Existence (2006)
All Shall Perish’s The Price of Existence blends technicality with crushing heaviness, resulting in a deathcore masterpiece. The album features standout tracks like “Eradication” and “Wage Slaves,” which combine intricate guitar work with devastating breakdowns. Eddie Hermida’s dynamic vocal performance adds another layer of intensity to this already powerful record.
5. Job for a Cowboy – Doom (2005)
Doom by Job for a Cowboy is a seminal release in the deathcore genre. The EP showcases the band’s early blend of death metal and metalcore, with tracks like “Entombment of a Machine” and “Knee Deep” delivering relentless brutality. The raw production and relentless aggression of Doom have made it a cult classic among deathcore fans.
6. Thy Art Is Murder – Hate (2012)
Thy Art Is Murder’s Hate is a modern deathcore classic that has garnered widespread acclaim for its unrelenting heaviness and dark themes. Songs like “Reign of Darkness” and “The Purest Strain of Hate” showcase the band’s ability to craft bone-crushing riffs and ferocious breakdowns. CJ McMahon’s powerful vocals add an extra layer of intensity to this already formidable album.
7. Chelsea Grin – Desolation of Eden (2010)
Desolation of Eden by Chelsea Grin is a quintessential deathcore album that combines brutal breakdowns with melodic elements. Tracks like “Recreant” and “Cheyne Stokes” highlight the band’s ability to create memorable hooks while maintaining a relentless level of aggression. This album has become a staple in the deathcore community and remains a fan favorite.
8. Oceano – Depths (2009)
Oceano’s Depths is a relentless barrage of heavy riffs, guttural vocals, and punishing breakdowns. The album features standout tracks like “District of Misery” and “Samael the Destroyer,” which showcase the band’s ability to create a dark and oppressive atmosphere. Adam Warren’s powerful vocal performance adds an extra layer of brutality to this already intense record.
9. Despised Icon – The Ills of Modern Man (2007)
Despised Icon’s The Ills of Modern Man is a technical and brutal masterpiece that has left a lasting impact on the deathcore genre. The album features intricate guitar work, relentless drumming, and dual vocalists that create a dynamic and powerful sound. Tracks like “In the Arms of Perdition” and “Furtive Monologue” highlight the band’s technical prowess and ability to create crushingly heavy music.
10. Bring Me the Horizon – Count Your Blessings (2006)
Before their evolution into a more mainstream rock sound, Bring Me the Horizon’s debut album Count Your Blessings was a deathcore tour de force. The album features ferocious tracks like “Pray for Plagues” and “Tell Slater Not to Wash His Dick,” which showcase the band’s early blend of metalcore and death metal influences. This album remains a significant release in the deathcore genre.
11. Annotations of an Autopsy – Before the Throne of Infection (2008)
Annotations of an Autopsy’s debut album Before the Throne of Infection is a relentless assault of brutal deathcore. Tracks like “Human Dust” and “Gore Gore Gadget” highlight the band’s ability to create heavy, groove-laden riffs and devastating breakdowns. This album has become a cult favorite among deathcore fans for its unrelenting intensity.
12. Born of Osiris – The New Reign (2007)
The New Reign by Born of Osiris is a groundbreaking album that blends technicality with crushing heaviness. The EP features intricate guitar work, atmospheric keyboards, and brutal breakdowns. Tracks like “Brace Legs” and “Empires Erased” showcase the band’s ability to create a unique sound that has influenced countless deathcore bands.
13. Winds of Plague – Decimate the Weak (2008)
Winds of Plague’s Decimate the Weak combines symphonic elements with deathcore brutality, resulting in a unique and powerful sound. Tracks like “The Impaler” and “Anthems of Apocalypse” highlight the band’s ability to blend orchestral arrangements with crushing riffs and punishing breakdowns. This album has become a fan favorite for its innovative approach to the genre.
14. Impending Doom – The Serpent Servant (2009)
Impending Doom’s The Serpent Servant is a brutal and unrelenting deathcore album that features heavy, groove-laden riffs and crushing breakdowns. Tracks like “More Than Conquerors” and “When Waters Run Deep” showcase the band’s ability to create a dark and oppressive atmosphere. Brook Reeves’s powerful vocal performance adds an extra layer of intensity to this already formidable record.
15. Lorna Shore – Flesh Coffin (2017)
Lorna Shore’s Flesh Coffin is a modern deathcore masterpiece that combines technicality with brutal heaviness. The album features intricate guitar work, relentless drumming, and Tom Barber’s powerful vocals. Tracks like “Denounce the Light” and “Offering of Fire” highlight the band’s ability to create a dark and oppressive atmosphere, solidifying their place in the deathcore scene.
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Influence and Legacy
The albums listed above have not only defined the deathcore genre but have also influenced countless other bands and musicians. The relentless aggression, technical prowess, and innovative approaches showcased in these albums have left a lasting impact on the heavy music landscape. As deathcore continues to evolve, these albums remain essential listening for any fan of the genre.
Conclusion
The 15 albums highlighted in this article represent the pinnacle of deathcore, showcasing the genre’s raw intensity, technical brilliance, and unrelenting aggression. From the early trailblazers to the modern innovators, these albums have shaped the sound of deathcore and left a lasting legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, these essential deathcore albums are a must-listen for anyone seeking the heaviest and most brutal music around.
