Death Metal vs. Deathcore

Attribute	Death Metal	Deathcore
Origin	United States, late 1980s	United States, early 2000s
Sound	Harsh vocals, fast tempo, complex guitar riffs	Combines death metal and metalcore elements, breakdowns
Lyrical Themes	Death, violence, gore, horror	Existential themes, personal struggles, society
Instrumentation	Guitar, bass, drums, vocals	Guitar, bass, drums, vocals, occasional keyboards
Popularity	Widely recognized subgenre of metal	Less mainstream than death metal

Origins

Death Metal and Deathcore are both subgenres of heavy metal music, but they have distinct differences in their origins. Death Metal emerged in the mid-1980s, with bands like Death, Possessed, and Morbid Angel pioneering the genre. It is characterized by its aggressive and brutal sound, often featuring growled vocals, fast tempos, and complex guitar riffs. Deathcore, on the other hand, developed in the mid-2000s as a fusion of death metal and metalcore, with bands like Suicide Silence and Whitechapel leading the way. Deathcore incorporates breakdowns and hardcore elements into its sound, creating a more dynamic and varied style.

Musical Characteristics

When it comes to musical characteristics, Death Metal and Deathcore have some key differences. Death Metal typically features low-tuned guitars, blast beats, and intricate guitar solos. The vocals are often guttural and growled, adding to the overall intensity of the music. In contrast, Deathcore incorporates elements of metalcore, such as breakdowns and melodic passages, into the traditional death metal sound. The vocals in Deathcore can vary from guttural growls to high-pitched screams, creating a more diverse vocal range.

Lyrical Themes

Both Death Metal and Deathcore explore dark and macabre lyrical themes, but they approach them in different ways. Death Metal lyrics often focus on topics like death, gore, and violence, reflecting the genre's aggressive and brutal sound. Bands in this genre may also delve into philosophical or existential themes, adding depth to their music. Deathcore lyrics, on the other hand, tend to be more introspective and emotional, touching on themes like depression, betrayal, and personal struggles. This emotional depth adds a layer of complexity to Deathcore music, setting it apart from Death Metal.

Fan Base

Death Metal and Deathcore have distinct fan bases, with each genre attracting different audiences. Death Metal fans tend to be more traditional and purist in their tastes, appreciating the technical skill and aggression of the music. They often value musicianship and complexity in their favorite bands, seeking out new and innovative sounds within the genre. Deathcore fans, on the other hand, are drawn to the genre's blend of aggression and melody, as well as its emotional depth. They may also appreciate the genre's crossover appeal, as Deathcore incorporates elements from both death metal and metalcore.

Impact on the Metal Scene

Both Death Metal and Deathcore have had a significant impact on the metal scene, influencing other subgenres and bands in the process. Death Metal is considered a foundational genre in extreme metal, paving the way for bands like Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, and Obituary. Its aggressive sound and technical prowess have inspired countless musicians to push the boundaries of heavy metal music. Deathcore, on the other hand, has brought a new level of intensity and emotion to the metal scene, attracting a younger generation of fans and musicians. Bands like Bring Me The Horizon and Chelsea Grin have helped popularize the genre and expand its reach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Death Metal and Deathcore are two distinct subgenres of heavy metal music, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. While Death Metal is known for its aggressive sound, technical skill, and brutal lyrics, Deathcore incorporates elements of metalcore and emotional depth into the traditional death metal sound. Both genres have had a significant impact on the metal scene, influencing other bands and subgenres in the process. Whether you prefer the raw intensity of Death Metal or the emotional depth of Deathcore, there is no denying the power and influence of these two subgenres in the world of heavy metal music.