Deathcore, a subgenre of metal that fuses elements of death metal and hardcore punk, is known for its brutal sound and emotionally intense lyrics. Emerging in the early 2000s, deathcore gained massive traction for its unique blend of breakdowns, growling vocals, blast beats, and intense guitar riffs. This genre has continually evolved, incorporating elements from other metal genres such as black metal, slam, and grindcore, creating a diverse yet consistent sound.
The intensity of deathcore lies in its combination of technical prowess and raw aggression, often pairing guttural vocals with rapid percussion and powerful, chugging guitars. Its themes are often dark, dealing with topics such as violence, death, and existential themes, adding to the emotional impact of the music. In this article, we will explore some of the top deathcore bands and their defining songs, which showcase the range and power of the genre. Whether you’re a long-time deathcore fan or new to the scene, these tracks will give you an understanding of what makes deathcore so uniquely captivating.
14 Excellent Deathcore Artists You Need to Know
1. Whitechapel – “The Saw Is the Law” (2012)
Whitechapel is one of the most influential bands in deathcore, and “The Saw Is the Law” is a prime example of why. This track features brutal breakdowns, fast drumming, and some of the most aggressive vocal delivery in the genre. The song’s lyrics, which focus on themes of violence and the law, are delivered with a ferocity that perfectly matches the song’s chaotic instrumentation. “The Saw Is the Law” stands as one of Whitechapel’s most iconic songs, showcasing their skill at blending technical death metal elements with the raw, emotional power of hardcore punk.
2. Suicide Silence – “You Only Live Once” (2011)
Suicide Silence is a cornerstone of the deathcore movement, and “You Only Live Once” is a defining track for the band. With its signature heavy breakdowns, relentless blast beats, and guttural screams, the song captures the essence of deathcore in all its aggressive glory. Lyrically, the track explores themes of living life to the fullest, with a dark twist that reflects the band’s ability to combine personal empowerment with nihilism. The song’s intensity and powerful vocal delivery make it a fan favorite and a must-listen for any deathcore enthusiast.
3. Thy Art Is Murder – “Reign of Darkness” (2017)
Thy Art Is Murder has made a name for themselves with their relentless and technical style of deathcore. “Reign of Darkness” showcases their ability to blend ferocious breakdowns with atmospheric moments, giving the song a dynamic feel. The track is heavy and unforgiving, with aggressive riffs and powerful percussion driving the song forward. The lyrics deal with themes of despair and personal struggle, which are emphasized by the guttural vocals and the song’s overall atmosphere. “Reign of Darkness” highlights Thy Art Is Murder’s prowess in creating songs that are both punishing and thought-provoking.
4. Chelsea Grin – “Dead Rose” (2016)
Chelsea Grin is known for their brutal, unrelenting sound, and “Dead Rose” is no exception. The song features crushing breakdowns, deep growls, and haunting melodies that give it a unique emotional weight. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of loss and mourning, providing a stark contrast to the chaotic instrumentation. The track is relentless in its intensity, with every element—whether it’s the blast beats or the low-end guitar chugging—designed to hit the listener hard. “Dead Rose” exemplifies Chelsea Grin’s ability to mix aggression with melody in a way that resonates deeply with fans of deathcore.
5. Job for a Cowboy – “Entombment of a Machine” (2005)
Job for a Cowboy is one of the pioneers of the deathcore genre, and “Entombment of a Machine” is a classic example of their early work. The song’s blend of technical death metal and hardcore breakdowns was groundbreaking at the time and helped define the deathcore sound. With its complex drumming, fast-paced riffs, and guttural vocals, “Entombment of a Machine” set the bar for the genre. The track’s lyrics, which delve into themes of dehumanization and destruction, complement its aggressive instrumentation, creating a powerful and memorable song that is still revered in deathcore circles.
6. Carnifex – “Slit Wrist Savior” (2010)
Carnifex is known for their dark and atmospheric deathcore, and “Slit Wrist Savior” is one of their most impactful tracks. The song combines atmospheric intros with crushing breakdowns and guttural vocals, giving it a unique sense of heaviness and emotional depth. The lyrics focus on themes of suffering, redemption, and the search for meaning, which resonate deeply with the song’s intense instrumentation. “Slit Wrist Savior” is a perfect representation of Carnifex’s ability to create songs that are both heavy and haunting, making it a standout track in their discography.
7. Despised Icon – “Murderer” (2007)
Despised Icon is another key figure in the deathcore movement, and “Murderer” is one of their most defining tracks. The song features the band’s signature blend of fast drumming, tight guitar work, and dual vocal attack, with both guttural growls and high-pitched screams creating a dynamic contrast. “Murderer” is relentless in its aggression, with a tempo that shifts between blast beats and breakdowns, creating a chaotic but controlled feel. The song’s lyrics, which deal with the themes of violence and betrayal, further amplify the track’s raw energy, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
8. Bring Me the Horizon – “Blessed With a Curse” (2009)
Although Bring Me the Horizon began as a deathcore band, their sound has evolved over the years. “Blessed With a Curse” from their 2009 album There Is a Hell, Believe Me, I’ve Seen It captures the band’s earlier deathcore influences, mixing heavy breakdowns with melodic moments. The song’s lyrics focus on themes of internal struggle and self-doubt, offering a more personal reflection compared to many other deathcore songs. The emotional depth of “Blessed With a Curse,” combined with its heavy instrumentation, has made it a fan favorite and a key track in Bring Me the Horizon’s discography.
9. The Acacia Strain – “Beast” (2010)
The Acacia Strain is known for their slamming deathcore sound, and “Beast” is a perfect example of their powerful style. The song features an unrelenting rhythm section, with pounding drums and thick guitar riffs creating an oppressive atmosphere. The vocals are deep and guttural, adding to the track’s sense of heaviness. Lyrically, “Beast” explores themes of power, aggression, and destruction, perfectly fitting with the song’s brutal instrumentation. The track’s combination of slamming breakdowns and relentless energy makes it a standout in the deathcore scene.
10. Rings of Saturn – “The Husk” (2012)
Rings of Saturn are known for their technical approach to deathcore, incorporating complex guitar work and rapid drumming into their music. “The Husk” is a track that demonstrates the band’s ability to blend technical proficiency with brutal aggression. The song features rapid riffs, intricate drumming, and guttural vocals, all while maintaining a sense of melody and atmosphere. “The Husk” is a challenging listen, with its intense pace and intricate structure making it a standout track for fans of technical deathcore. The lyrics, which deal with themes of alienation and existentialism, are equally thought-provoking, adding depth to the song.
11. Lorna Shore – “To the Hellfire” (2021)
Lorna Shore’s “To the Hellfire” is a ferocious track that exemplifies the band’s aggressive and technical style. The song opens with a brutal, fast-paced riff and continues with blast beats, breakdowns, and guttural growls that create an intense atmosphere. The track features one of the most impressive vocal performances in deathcore, with the band’s frontman showcasing his ability to produce both guttural growls and high screams. The song’s lyrics, which explore themes of torment and damnation, fit perfectly with the track’s apocalyptic feel, making “To the Hellfire” a defining moment for Lorna Shore and a modern classic in the genre.
12. Infant Annihilator – “The Poltergeist” (2015)
Infant Annihilator is known for their brutal, chaotic style of deathcore, and “The Poltergeist” is one of their most extreme tracks. The song features incredibly fast drumming, blast beats, and guttural vocals, all of which contribute to an intense, unrelenting atmosphere. The song’s lyrics are dark and graphic, focusing on themes of horror and violence, which are reflected in the song’s aggressive instrumentation. “The Poltergeist” is not for the faint of heart, but for fans of extreme music, it is a quintessential track that showcases the band’s unflinching approach to deathcore.
13. Oceano – “Calf of God” (2010)
Oceano’s “Calf of God” is a crushing deathcore anthem that delivers an intense listening experience. The song features heavy breakdowns, fast drumming, and guttural vocals that convey a sense of raw power and aggression. The track’s lyrics, which deal with themes of worship, oppression, and nihilism, perfectly complement the song’s intense atmosphere. “Calf of God” is a standout track for Oceano, showcasing their ability to blend brutal rhythms with haunting melodies, making it a defining moment in their discography.
14. Bleeding Through – “Death Anxiety” (2015)
Bleeding Through’s “Death Anxiety” blends elements of deathcore and metalcore, resulting in a high-energy track that captures the intensity of both genres. The song features aggressive drumming, breakdowns, and powerful vocals that convey a sense of urgency and despair. The lyrics, which deal with themes of existential dread and the inevitability of death, are reflected in the song’s crushing instrumentation. “Death Anxiety” stands as one of Bleeding Through’s most powerful songs, showcasing their ability to merge technical deathcore elements with emotionally charged themes.
See Also: What Makes Heavy Metal Music Translate to Symphonic Music?
Conclusion
Deathcore has firmly established itself as a powerful subgenre within the extreme metal scene, blending the intensity of death metal with the groove and rhythm of hardcore. The recommended artists discussed throughout this article represent the diversity and evolution of the genre, from brutal, high-energy breakdowns to intricate, atmospheric compositions. Bands like Whitechapel, Suicide Silence, and Thy Art Is Murder continue to push the boundaries of what deathcore can achieve, both musically and thematically. With its relentless aggression, technical prowess, and emotional depth, deathcore is a genre that captivates listeners who crave raw power and emotional release in their music.
Related Topics
Is Metal Just Classical Music?
