What is Metalcore

Recently a friend asked me to make an informational post about these sub- genres because it is sometimes confusing for people who have lives (unlike me) to understand. It is also hard considering that there is a lot of arguing when it comes down to it. This post will give brief summaries of multiple genres to let you make your own informed decisions. Here you go Xuian (go check out his sweetass blog at here)

A little history-
Metalcore originally started as a joke term to describe hardcore with metallic elements. Coined by Shai Hulud if I remember correctly. Since, it has evolved into something so much more.

Metal-
A broad term used to describe many types of music with various sounds. Usually heavy and downtuned, with some technicality thrown in. Dark atmosphere. Too much to type really. Many sub- genres have been created to describe all kinds of different sounds. The music usually depends on the written music itself. Examples: Dream Theatre, Dark Tranquillity, Scar Symmetry.

Hardcore-
A deviation of punk music with a much more aggressive attitude. The music isn't based on any sort of theory or skill, it is all pure emotion; negative or positive. It is completely based on the attitude you put in. Beats are very simple and riffs are generally only chord- derived with shout- out choruses and much crowd participation.. Examples: Crime in Stereo, H2O, Comeback Kid

Metalcore-
An amalgamation of both aforementioned genres, metal and hardcore, the genres tries to blend the best of both worlds. A metallic twinge with the musical skill and heaviness, plus the attitude and presentation of hardcore. Metalcore has a MASSIVE spectrum. Bands range from the more metal side (Killswitch Engage), to more hardcore (Earth Crisis), and everywhere in between. Elitism arises often on both sides, and for some reason don't like the other. They try and shove metalcore to a sub- genre of one or the other, but truth is, it is BOTH. Examples: August Burns Red, I Killed The Prom Queen, Parkway Drive.

Deathcore-
This can either be a mix of hardcore and death metal, or metalcore and death metal. The music almost always relies on it's brutality, and can either range from just very heavy and energetic, to blindingly technical or atmospheric. Vocals are typically a lot more death metal oriented. Utilizes tremolo picking, sweeping solos, fast double bass, blast beats and chromatic rhythms. Examples: Beneath the Massacre, Winds of Plague, Despised Icon.

Post- hardcore-
Generally utilizing any of the other core genres, and blending them with post- rock elements. Utilizes plenty of clean singing as well as screaming. Melodies are plentiful and often beautiful. The music is often very well written. Examples: Lower Definition, Dance Gavin Dance, Silverstein.

Djent-
Term coined by one of the Meshuggah guitarists to describe Catch 22. Not exactly a genre, but it is a sound you get when you mute notes in a certain manner. Instead of the usual "jun - juns", it comes out as a sharp muted noise "djent - djent." Pronounced like gent with a hard D sound. Examples: Periphery, Meshuggah, Permillisecond, Cloudkicker.

Tags-
Various extra tags can be thrown in before these genres to further describe their sound. Some included are: technical, melodic, progressive, generic.

Notes-
First of all, these should only be to describe the general sound of a band, and the band should not be pigeon- holed into sounding exactly like every other band like them. Debating is stupid, because most of the time it is a matter of opinion. Don't let the label keep you from listening. Secondly, and I will say this with some passion, NOTHING IS DEPENDENT ON BREAKDOWNS. Breakdowns have occurred in both father genres for decades upon decades. Only in the past decade have they been utilized in the manner specifically for the crowd to react to. They are just fun to throw down to.

Have Heart

Not much else to say dudes. Inspirational. Such a positive band with such dedicated fans. Wish I could have scene them myself. I also wish they were still together.

For The Fallen Dreams Loses Founding Member

Melodic Hardcore/ Metalcore pioneers For The Fallen Dreams have just recently lost their drummer. Co- founder of the band, Andrew Tkaczyk, has left this message to anyone interested in hearing what had happened:
"After starting this band with Jim almost 8 years ago in 2003, I can say that my life since then, has been nothing short of amazing. I have had experiences and seen things that a lot of people will never get the chance to, and I'm very greatful. I've been lucky enough to travel to places like Australia, UK, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and our own beautiful country dozens of times, to play shows and live my dream. Recently I hit a point in my life/music career where I had to make a decision that was not easy to make. I realized that it was the right move for me to step down from FTFD. This in NO way whatsoever has anything to do with any of the guys in this band. It was a personal choice that had been building up inside me for months, and it only felt right to go the path that I've chosen. Jim, Dylan, Kalan, Jaime, and anyone else who has been in this band and shared these times with me, I thank you. You all have played huge and important roles in my life. I'll never forget the times we shared.

"I wish the guys in FTFD the BEST of luck as they are recording their 3rd full length record as we speak. I guarantee all of you that this happening will not affect or slow down this band at all. They're going to make an amazing record for you guys. All of these guys are still some of my best friends and this doesn't change that. With that being said I'd like to make it clear that this also is not the end for me in music. I will be pursuing other projects in time, and I will still be writing music and releasing material on my own. I will also be writing for some other bands as well. Once again I'd like to thank everyone in FTFD, Ryan "Dog" Nelson, Craig @ Rise Records, Pantheon Agency, and anyone else who has helped FTFD grow over the years. I love you all more than words can describe!"

Their guitarist followed up with this statement:

"When Andrew came to me about his concerns I was completely floored. I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue the band we started, without him. To be honest, For the Fallen Dreams was on thin ice. There was a period when we thought this band was done, with everyone headed separate ways. It was hard to accept but giving up just didn't feel right. After weeks of soul-searching, and speaking with friends and loved ones, I spoke with the remaining members of the band and we decided to stick to it and write an album about all of the obstacles we overcame during the last record cycle.

"There is absolutely no bad blood between Andrew and the members of this band. He's a talented musician with a future ahead of him, we wish him the best. We are currently in talks with a few amazing drummers to fill the spot full-time, but haven't made any decisions yet. If anyone is interested in trying out, we are open to any video submissions (hocking.jamesm@gmail.com)

"Moving on, we are two weeks in at Diamond Studios in Ocala, FL with Tom Denney until March recording our third full-length album. It is expected to be released in the spring-time so keep your eyes open for new songs! Our friend Will Weatherly from Ocala is taking on drum duties in the studio. He's an experienced studio musician and is bringing a lot to the table for the record. Fans and supporters, DON'T WORRY!!! We have a lot of great tours coming up, on top of our most exciting record to date. 2011 is already shaping up to be a great year, as well as a new era for the band! Stay tuned."