We’re back today to talk about a genre that can be complicated to grasp in its nuances: Power Metal!

So let’s find out this universe when fantasy meets heavy music !

WHAT IS POWER METAL ?

Power Metal (which I’ll shorten to PM) is a subgenre that appeared in the 80s. This one has two different but very similar styles:

• US Power metal (ou USPM)
• European Power Metal (ou Melodic PM)

The gender can be summarized in a mixt between Traditional Heavy Metal and Speed Metal.

US VS EUROPEAN POWER METAL

Before continuing this article, to avoid confusing you along the way, I will give you a brief overview of the similarities and differences between these two styles.

For this, let’s take a look at the table below!

In the outer columns, you can find the distinct elements of each style. In the middle, which brings them together.

However, today the two are extremely close and artists come from all over the world.

ORIGINS OF POWER METAL

The genre (whatever its origin) begins with the new wave of English Heavy Metal more commonly called NWOBHM.

Then, speed, thrash, and neo-classical metal brought other elements that the PM roughly took (hence the difference explained above).

Through all this info, we can name as inspiration : Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Marcyful Fate, Rainbow, Dio, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Yngwie Malmsteen among others !

As to who highlighted the PM, one that stands out in America as one of the key bands is Manowar. In Europe, it’s Helloween who is credited.

As for the origin of the name, it’s like many other genres uncertain. What we can say is that one of the first uses was made by none other than Metallica for one of their demos in 1982.

POWER METAL CHARACTERISTICS

Music and instrumentation

We want it to be powerful, so speed is a key element! Not necessarily in chord changes, but in arpeggio, solos, or «scratching of strings».

We also use palm mute technique.

This applies to both guitar and bass.

For the drum, we use double bass patterns !

And we add a melodic aspect with either :

• a keyboard
• or an orchestra

Everything must be epic. An anthem where everyone gathers.

Singing

Most often songs are sung with clean vocals (even classical). We sing in the high register. We can hear lots of tenor voices (one can give the example of a band that influenced the genre: Iron Maiden)

But we can find lower voices. And in the more recent bands, we can hear some screams and growls here and there.

Lyrics

Here we talk about fantasy, science fiction, mythology, personal problems, hope, strong emotions, war, history, science, or spirituality.

Appearances

This is where EVERYTHING can happen !

Have you always dreamed of seeing guys dressed only in beast skin? Or are you more into medieval times with dungeons and dragons? Or do you secretly adore men dressed in leather, who wear the codpiece like no other and with pride?

All the craziest outfits can be found in this genre! (Not only, but mostly)

From medieval/ pirate/ viking look, to the futuristic space warrior, through half-man/ half-robots, animated and other fantasies.

The crazier, the better right?

Well, then, some dress normally also…

POWER METAL BANDS/ARTISTS

Power metal artists include :

Manowar, Brocas, Helm, Cirith Ungol, Fates Warning, Metal Curch, Iced Earth, Sanctuary, Crimson Glory, Manilla Road, Savatage, Omen, Hammers of Misfortune for the USPM

Helloween, Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Lost Horizon, Running Wild, Pagan’s Mind for the European Power Metal

A well as : Children of Bodom, Angra, Sonata Arctica, Alestorm, Beast In Black, Kamelot, DragonForce, Powerwolf, Galneryus, Hammerfall, Avantasia, Unleash The Archers, Sabaton, Chinchilla or Epica and Nightwish among others.

EVOLUTION

The genre evolved into many different categories such as :

• Symphonic power metal,
• Heavy power metal,
• Folk power metal,
• Power-thrash,
• Progressive power metal,
• Neo-classical power metal,
• or Extreme power metal

Conclusion

Whether you are ashamed or not to listen to this genre, it is undeniably an integral part of metal!

With its Anthem songs, optimism, and crazy looks, Power metal has established itself over the years and will continue to exist for a very long time.

If you want to discover more, you can listen to the playlist below dedicated to the genre.

Feel free to like and share this post if you find it interesting !

I also remind you that if you want to discover all the caricatures/ drawings of artists on the blog you can access them right here!

See you soon !

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Sources :

Loudwire – Who really invented Power Metal – Joe DiVita – juillet 2020 : https://loudwire.com/who-invented-power-metal/

Death Metal Undeground:

Introduction to Power Metal, Part 1 ; origins and influences – Johan Pettersson, March 23 20218 : https://www.deathmetal.org/article/introduction-to-power-metal-part-i-origins-and-influences/

https://www.deathmetal.org/article/of-power-metal-and-other-tales/#european

Metal Music Archives :

Power Metal : https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/subgenre/power-metal

US Power Metal : https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/subgenre/us-power-metal

Claire Abe

The post Power metal : when power is the ultimate goal! appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

I’m coming back for a new post!

I had to stop things for a while because of a hand injury (the pain spread to my elbow). All this was on the right side and, of course, I am right-handed!

Anyway, I’m back !

We are here today, a few days from Halloween (I am more Samhain than Halloween but nevermind) to talk about a genre that perfectly matches the dark and gloomy surrounding spirit: Black Metal

I must admit that it’s a musical genre that I rarely listen to. I respect it and find some aspects of black metal super interesting but the sensitive soul in me has a hard time, at times, to get along. At least, at the time I’m writing this post. Things can change.

So, while researching for this post, I learned a lot of things at the same time. It’s a win-win!

That being said, let’s explore what Black Metal is together!

WHAT IS BLACK METAL ?

It is a subgenre from heavy metal that has emerged everywhere in Europe and the world since its appearance. It started in the 1980s and grew in the 1990s.

It’s a genre with a dark, raw, aggressive, and nihilistic musical atmosphere.

BLACK METAL’S ORIGINS

We can say that black metal is derived from death metal and thrash metal.

They are also artists of these genres who are pioneers of black metal. They are part of what we can call the first wave.

In the artists who forged this style, we can find:

• Venom (UK): who gave the genre a name, also influenced with anti-Christian texts, relatively terrifying pseudonyms, and with their «raw» and rudimentary sound.

• Bathory (Sweden): whose influence is also marked by rudimentary means of production, but the scorched cries in the high-pitched register are added.

• Celtic Frost (Switzerland): Influence the genre with covers and texts of infernal connotation

• Mercyful Fate (Denmark) + King Diamond: inspires with black and white makeup as well as occult themes.

BLACK METAL CHARACTERISTICS

Music and instrumentation

We keep many of the same principles as death metal, with some additions and nuances.

Guitars:

We use guitars in the treble, with fast plans, a lot of distortion, using tremolo or alternate picking, and widespread use of harmonic minor scales. We also change the tuning of the instruments.

Drums :

It’s the same layout as death metal, but the bass drum and snare are usually bigger to get a more fat sound. We practice the blast beat and use the double pedal.

The rhythm on the drums is very fast which requires expertise and stamina!

Keyboard :

The keyboard moves back to the foreground. This helps to put in the gloomy atmosphere and evoke dark, cavernous, or inhospitable spaces.

It can also be noted that the artists practice the suppression of the medium frequencies in order to keep only the high and/or low frequencies.

Singing

For the singing, the voice is sharp, high, with lots of screams. Generally, artists use a relatively sharp false chord scream in the high register (in opposition to the low growls). Reverb is often used to highlight the voice.

Lyrics

The most well-known themes are anti-Christian, occult, death, satanism, and all that goes with it.

However, other bands touch on the themes of mythology/ folklore (rather Nordic), paganism, etc.

Appearances

Appearance plays a major role in the black metal universe.

We can recognize people who are fans of the genre thanks to the black and white corpse painting. And when they want a little color, we add red paint or (fake?) blood. All this to look like a corpse in decomposition!

Shows

Black metal shows can be considered as sacred rituals. All this, with the help of their appearances as well as the staging.

Art

The black metal album covers reflect the atmosphere of the genre. Colorimetry level we stay on black and white mostly. As for the images, there may be satanic illustrations, dark and gloomy landscapes, other occult, or forests.

On the other hand, an example of a cover that struck me is The Dawn of the Black Hearts by the band Mayhem, which is one of the most illegally downloaded black metal albums. We find a photo taken of the corpse of the singer by one of the members of the group who found him…

CHURCH BURNINGS AND NEWS ITEMS

Unfortunately, we can’t talk about black metal without talking about the various events that are associated with it and that have put the spotlight on the genre all over the world.

Church burnings :

This is the most well-known.

In the early 1990s, Norway became the epicenter of a series of (voluntary) church burnings. These were made by members of the Norwegian black metal scene. Varg Vikernes, Euronymous, and other members of Mayhem were said to have been involved in these fires. It contributed to the feeling of darkness and controversy that black metal artists are often associated.

These church burnings have attracted the attention of international media by describing the scene as dangerous and extremist.

Ultimately, as a result of these burnings, the black metal scene around the world has been under legal surveillance to ensure that no such event ever happens again.

The controversy of church burnings has divided the black metal community.

On one hand, we have those who condemned these actions by finding them stupid. And on the other, we have those who thought these actions were necessary in order to rebel against societal norms.

Nevertheless, the church burnings were a pivotal moment, highlighting this genre. Above all, it continues to influence what people think of black metal, which is a genre that defies conventions and dark.

Other news items 

Other events have marked thegnere history, such as:

• The suicide of Mayhem’singer (the body on the cover I told you about a few seconds ago. Remember?)

or

• The murder of Euronymous (Mayhem) by Vark Vikernes (Burzum)

SATANISM IN BLACK METAL

Some time ago, I told you about the satanism in metal and everything related to it. And I told you that there were still Satanists in the metal. And here we are!

That being said, I am not saying there are none in other styles. But if there is one genre that we think of when we say “satanism”, it’s black metal.

The events mentioned above prove this. Now are all black metalhead is satanists?

The answer is (drum roll) NO! Not everyone has this ideology. Again, it’s a question of personality. Nevertheless, this satanic image is an integral part of black metal and is used by both Satanists and non-Satanists.

BLACK METAL ARTISTS

There are two waves in black metal. Some will say that there are more. However, I’ll stay on two waves.

1^e wave

The first one, which sounds more like thrash, is composed of artists such as:

Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Hellhammer, Sodom, Mercyful Fate or Sarcofago.

2^e wave

The second wave is dominated mediatically speaking by the Norwegian scene with: Mayhem, Burzum, Darkthrone, Emperor, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, among others.

• Despite this, groups from different countries can be found:
• Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Varathron, and Thou Art Lord in Greece;
• Master’s Hammer, Root, Tormentor in the East of Europe;
• Abigor, and Samael in central Europe;
• Blasphemy, and Order From Chaos in Canada;
• Mystifier in Brazil;
• Beherit, Archgoat, and Impaled Nazarene in Finland;

or

• Dissection in Sweden

Influential black metal artists

 Among all these artists, some have helped to shape the sound of black metal.

Euronymous (Mayhem) :

He pushed the boundaries of the genre with his aggressive and raw guitar playing.

Euronymous also created the label Deathlike Silent Production. The latter has revolutionized the world of black metal by being involved in the release of several groundbreaking works of the genre. However, it disappeared at the same time as its creator died.

Varg Vikernes (Burzum) :

He’s one of the most influential and controversial in the scene.

Varg Vikernes has created a unique and atmospheric sound that mixes elements of black metal, dark ambient, and Nordic mythology.

He is also known for his involvement in the events mentioned above.

Quorton (Bathory) :

He is widely recognized as one of the genre’s pioneers. His work has played a crucial role in creating the sound and aesthetics of black metal.

Quorton merged elements of black metal, trash metal, and Viking mythology.

This gave raw, aggressive albums. In addition, his influence in songwriting, and his singular voice continue to influence today’s artists.

EVOLUTION

 Over time, different sub-genres of black metal have appeared such as the Symphonic black metal, the blackened death metal, the death doom, or the technical melodic black.

Bands like Behemoth, Nocrophobic or Belphegor have mixed black with death to create an even more aggressive sound.

These different associations allow the genre to reinvent itself and thus persist again and again.

Here is who closes this post on this genre so much criticized but so little understood (and I do confess that I was part of it).

You can find the dedicated playlist below:

Feel free to like and share this post!

See you soon !

Uncategorized

Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

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Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Sources :

Une Histoire Musicale du Rock – Christophe Pirenne

Metalheadcommunity – Burak Gundogdu – Aug 13, 2019 – Black Metal History – Origins, Influences, and the Path of Darkness : https://metalheadcommunity.com/history-of-black-metal/

Regainrecords – History Of The Black Metal Genre Music : https://www.regainrecords.com/history-of-the-black-metal/

My Dark Lifestyle – Sombrons dans les ténèbres du Black Metal : histoire et groupes – 05 mai 2024 : https://www.mydarklifestyle.com/blog/43-Sombrons-dans-les-tenebres-du-Black-Metal—histoire-et-groupes

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Metal101/comments/1wvldz/eli5_the_waves_of_black_metal/?tl=fr

Claire Abe

The post Black Metal : When the danger became real… appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

It’s been two years now (as I write this post) that I talk to you about the different genres of rock and metal that exist and I try to bring you their main characteristics.

With the objective you can better distinguish the work behind those, and to make you discover (or rediscover) the different facets of rock and metal.

I told you about the birth of rock, the birth of metal but what about these genres today?

That’s exactly what we’re gonna talk about right below!

ROCK AND METAL TODAY

Although both still exist nowadays, for most are still far from the mainstream; the limit between both genres is increasingly blurred.

Indeed, rock and metal are more and more alike. For good reason, rock artists are inspired by metal artists and vice versa. Guitar distortion is common. The use of the double pedal on the drums is also much more present.

One of the only differences is perhaps the form of the songs, more traditional in rock and freestyle in metal. But again, there may be exceptions.

ROCK AND METAL: THE GREAT CONFUSION

It’s getting harder and harder to differentiate between rock, metal and all subgenres. I’ll tell you what’s causing it for me.

PLAYLISTS ON STREAMING PLATFORMS

It’s been several years since I often find metal artists in the playlists dedicated to rock when I do research for my playlists.

So it can be cool to make people discover different genres (I do it for my subscribers’ playlists) but I think of people who only like rock.

Some may not understand why there are “heavy” titles in these playlists. In addition, others may turn away from the genre because they think it is moving in that direction. While there are always, and even more different rock styles.

INFLUENCES

I already talked a bit about the influence of metal artists on rock artists (and vice versa). But there is also the influence of other genres. With all these diverse and varied influences, it’s complicated to categorize groups in a single genre. In addition, a band can have several influences and spread them in different titles or albums. This results in a group having multiple sounds on their own. Ultimately, an artist/band can easily fit into different genres and subgenres of rock and metal.

This fact is becoming more common today.

THE AUDITOR’S PERCEPTION

This point is, for me, the most important.

When you pass on the dark side of the force, like me and many others; that is to say when you start listening to more extreme metal like some metalcore bands, death/ deathcore, black metal, etc.; you realize at some point that rock, hard rock and the like… it’s calm in comparison.

Careful, don’t make me say what I didn’t say. It’s great, but it’s calm.

So if I take my example, some of the songs categorized in rock are for me either pop rock, or electro/ independent music with saturated guitars. Or other things that don’t cross my mind now. But I don’t question the artists’ work in any way.

This leads me to say that the perception of heavy music or not also comes down to what the listener perceives. And that’s where a lot of confusion occurs.

Debates are emerging because of this. For example, some people wonder if Ghost is a metal band, but when we go back in time, in the 80s, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and others were considered metal bands (glam metal).

With the evolution of extreme music, I think for some metal standards have changed with it. And with, some bands formerly considered metal, fell more into the «old school» hard rock/ heavy metal .

And, I remind you, this is entirely subjective to people.

CATEGORIZING ROCK AND METAL, IS THAT RIGHT?

Yes and no.

Yes, because by knowing the basic characteristics of the genres, you can:

• Directed you towards a kind of music that you want, and discover the universe that goes with it,
• As a musician, you can draw inspiration from these «codes» to be able to make a title/ a work influenced by the genre you want.

Now, generally speaking, I am for doing what you want, when you want, with what you want, and not categorizing anything or anyone. Always with respect of course 😉

And if you want to make one day a rock song, and the next day a metal song, go for it!

So I am very mixed on this subject.

That’s why, at the beginning of each article I specify that I «categorize» to give you an idea of the style but that each artist/ group is free to do what he wants.

AI, ROCK, AND METAL

I had to talk about it at some point. This topic divides a lot of people.

Today, there are more and more bands or people using AI (artificial intelligence) to create works in the world of rock and metal. Whether they are bands that revive deceased members or fans who make their favorite artists sing songs they have never sung. Or bands using it for their music videos or album art, etc.

From my perspective, AI can be helpful… but NOT in music and I will even add: NOT in the artistic field in general or very little (I don’t know if this technology is used in special effects or other very USEFUL things).

For me, whether composing, singing, or even drawing, the human aspect must remain. All these examples have a soul, an emotion that AI will not equal.

AI and singing

In terms of using artist voice:

• First, using the voice of deceased artists will not bring them back and I find it a bit dishonest. We don’t know if the artist in question would have wanted that or not.

• Second, for those living, there’s the right to use the voice to take into account.
  Only I find it absurd/ disturbing that we can make anyone talk by making them say what we want?
• And then by using that, artists no longer need to do anything, and thus, end up «unemployed». Which is a shame because, for me (and I’m sure I’m not the only one), the emotion that a person gives off when singing is important.

Moreover, it is an art to sing (or scream), it’s something you learn ;p

AI and music/ composition

The same goes for composing music. Anyone can compose their music (it can be positive) but the instruments and the practice of these, what do we do? That’s the beauty of a title. Even imperfections make the work unique and beautiful.

And we talk about the theft of artists’ art on socials to create AI works?

Restrictions and other things have been established to inform and delineate the use of AI which is a good start. Now, we’re not safe from dishonest people.

I am sure that the latter can do great things in different areas, but in art, the human should remain master.

Besides, I did not listen to the releases that used IA and I watched ONE video made with it and I did not like it so, my opinion remains the same, for the moment at least.

ROCK AND METAL TODAY: SOCIALS AND FANS

To be honest, I added this part after listening to a video on Youtube of Rockfeed with Ronnie Radkie (a very interesting video by the way, that I put you here if you are interested). And in my opinion, much (if not most) of what is said is right.

Society and people’s mentality have changed over the last few years. So I will not say that everyone is or does like the others, but I will express my opinion although I live in a cave lol.

For me, a lot has changed and/or disappeared:

No more respect for privacy, nor the choices of artists

The video reminded me that because of this kind of behavior, artists leave social networks because it was no longer healthy for them. Now social media and mental health is a whole other debate.

But seriously, people who go looking for birth certificates of Sleep Token members to satisfy their curiosity or the almost daily harassment of others on social networks?!   I understand it must be unbearable in the long run. Put yourself in their shoes for two minutes.

And let’s not talk either that everything you say can turn against you because you don’t have the same point of view on one event, etc. as the other.

Today, you have to censor yourself so you don’t have problems.

Because you’re going to talk about something with your opinion and people you don’t know at all for some are gonna feel targeted, triggered, hurt, and will categorize you as a bad person or an enemy.

I censor myself at times to avoid hurting people’s feelings. Although I try to be as authentic as possible.

Not to mention the angry fans about the artistic direction taken by some bands/artists.

Yet having different points of view doesn’t make you a bad person. This is what we call being humain and you can respect someone who doesn’t necessarily have the same way of thinking as you. The good and the bad are only a matter of perspective. We are not asking everyone to think the same way. It would be very boring otherwise.

And this allows me to transition to the second point:

Artists are humans like you and me!

Crazy right ?!

So iI find it funny when hundreds of people are upset because a band/artist cancels a show/tour. Or because at some point a singer sings less well at a concert, etc.

First, let’s face it, the first to be disgusted are the artists, in either of the two scenarios. But if it’s for their health, it’s the most important. Whether it’s physical or mental health. Is it me, or is there an obvious lack of empathy from fans at some points? Especially if it is someone you admire/adore, all the more reason for the person to take care of themselves.

However, there are adorable and incredible fans, full of empathy and kindness. And I would like to end this on a positive note as it must always be put forward from my point of view.

CONCLUSION

We are in a period of great musical freedom, which is a good thing in most cases. Artists are no longer restricted and can experiment as much as they want. Or not, everyone is free to do what they want. And that’s what’s great!

This is why some people currently use the name «modern metal» for metal created nowadays. That way, they don’t label artists too much anymore.

For rock, well it’s still rock, sorry guys.

So yes, the boundary between rock and metal is even more blurred than at the beginning. But isn’t the most important thing simply to love what you listen to?

Then there will always be people saying, “It was better before”. And that’s their choice.

On this blog, I continue to categorize so that I can direct you to what I am talking about. But from my point of view, I think it’s great to no longer correspond to a single thing.

Also, I hope that this place serves as a benevolent platform for the rock and metal scenes that sometimes lack. As I repeat and will repeat, everyone has their own opinions about life. This does not mean that we cannot respect each other and gather on what unites us.

That concludes this post!

Feel free to like and share it.

See you soon !

Uncategorized

Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! We meet today to talk about a genre that marked a turning point in the world of metal when it …

Various theme

What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

Uncategorized

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Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Claire Abe

The post Today’s Rock and Metal appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Today, we’re going to talk about heavy, violent, and extreme music. Here, we really get into the hard part, guys. And this genre is DEATH METAL!

Follow me and let’s dive together in a dark, aggressive, and even gore universe. Sensitive soul abstains!

WHAT IS DEATH METAL ?

Death metal is a subgenre (extreme) of metal. He appeared in the mid-80s in the USA, but he quickly moved internationally with a certain interest in this genre in Europe and more particularly in the Nordic countries. It can also be found in South America.

DEATH METAL ORIGINS

Death takes its source mainly in trash metal but also hardcore punk. Indeed, several bands paved the way for what was to come:

• Slayer is the only one in the Big Four of Thrash Metal bands to address such provocative themes as the terrible acts of Auschwitz-Birkenau or Satanism. All this in a frontal way.
• Venom also very quickly turned to lyrics with occult themes.
• Possessed had titled their first demo Death Metal in 1984.

But it’s to another band that we attribute the creation of the real first album of Death metal. And the name of it will surprise you (you have to hear the sarcasm there 😊). The band creator/ «godfather» of Death metal is called… Death.

DEATH METAL CHARACTERISTICS

The first and most obvious feature is the dark, violent, and gory side of the genre. Not everyone will like it, it’s a fact.

Music and instrumentation

It’s a bidding war genre. And you can hear it!

On drums, blast beats appear. For the drummer, this practice is sports and requires a lot of energy. From now on, the rhythmic basis of the songs is 4 times faster than traditional hard rock. We must now offer a clear game in all this «noise». This is where the Noise gate arrives.

For guitarists, the same problem of sharpness arises. To offer a game that is both fast and precise, they use palm mutting and mostly power chords. Guitars are usually tuned several tones lower. All this coupled, it is what we can commonly call chung. Because it sounds like chung-chung-chung-chung-chung. It’s a percussive sound. At the same time, we’re looking for a very rough sound.

The bass, on the other hand, is very deep. And sometimes you hardly hear it. Maybe that’s where the debate comes from: “Does a band really need a bass player?”

I won’t dwell on that.

Singing

99% of the time, the vocals will be screams. Mostly growls (or false chord scream). The goal is to go as low and as dirty as possible. It’s then good to specify that it’s very complicated (not to say impossible) to understand the lyrics if you don’t have them in front of you or if you don’t know them.

Which is great for me, because I like death music, but I hate gore etc. So I just listen to the music without worrying about the rest 😜.

Production

The typical early death metal sound production takes place in Tampas, Florida (USA). Especially at the Morrisound studio. The sound is very produced, clean, with many middle frequencies, a sharp drum sound, and an almost inaudible bass. This sound will serve as a basis for what the genre will become.

Diffusion

In the very beginning, the distribution of songs was hand to hand, through a small market of cassettes of the genre. In the end, more elaborate structures emerged.

Well today, with the internet, it’s easy to find a death metal album.

As for the gigs, at the very beginning of the genre, venues refused to host them because of the violence and fights that occurred in the public.

Some venues were doing business with Death Metal, but the latter were small, with a bad sound system and no stage.

Most of the time, the bands performed in gardens, halls, or any random places that accepted them.

Lyrics

Without surprise, lyrics of the genre are dark, creepy, and gory… but not only!

Themes covered include (of course) death, violence, Satanism, the occult, horror, and all nihilistic philosophy.

But other death bands pick topics like the environment, human psychology (often the dark side), the meaning of life, science fiction, dystopia, history, technology, and more.

Album covers

Death metal album covers also play an important role in the genre. The art that is chosen brings another dimension, another depth to the universe of artists.

DEATH METAL BANDS

In addition to the above-mentioned names, we can include :

Morbid Angel, Obituary, Deicide, Cannibal Corpse, Carcass, Arch Enemy, Crypta, Gojira, Opeth, Behemoth, Nervosa among others.

EVOLUTION

Death metal still exists in force. It has influenced many artists. It’s a genre with many subcategories. Moreover, from the beginning of the genre, there were sub-genres such as brutal death metal, melodic death metal, technical death metal, progressive death metal or grindcore.

Today, we can add a very well-known subgenre which is deathcore.

And the genre never ceases to influence artists of other genres of metal. I am thinking in particular of metalcore, symphonic metal, and nu-metal.

That’s what closes this post!

You can find a playlist dedicated to death just below.

Also, you can find all the caricatures/drawings right here.

See you !

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Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! We meet today to talk about a genre that marked a turning point in the world of metal when it …

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What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Blues rock : Back to the roots

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Sources :

Une Histoire musicale du rock – Christophe Pirenne

Heavy Metal 101 :The History of Death Metal – Loudwire : https://loudwire.com/heavy-metal-101-history-of-death-metal/

Death in Transition – A Brief History of the Evolution of Death Metal – Jonathan Adams : https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2017/01/25/death-in-transition-a-brief-history-of-the-evolution-of-death-metal/

Le Death Metal : Un voyage sombre et puissant dans l’univers musical – Karabooking : https://karabooking.fr/le-death-metal-un-voyage-sombre-et-puissant-dans-lunivers-musical/

Claire Abe

The post Death Metal : when extreme takes sense appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Hey !

Today, we will talk about a metal genre that has divided (and continues to divide) rock and metal lovers: symphonic metal!

One of the genres I particularly like, although I got into it rather late.

WHAT IS SYMPHONIC METAL ?

Symphonic metal appeared towards the end of the 90s in Europe (mostly from the north). It is a genre that brings together metal and lyrical orchestration.

But it is also a genre that is debated! And this for several reasons.

The first is that it divides music lovers. People listening to classical music/ opera find this genre too dark and too «extreme» for them. As for the “true” metal guys, it’s too soft and dull for them. In short, they don’t consider this genre as metal.

The second reason is that some consider it a subgenre of metal, while others speak of a genre of its own, where you can put all kinds of metal that use an orchestra or elements echoing symphonies.

There would then exist dozens of different symphonic metal: symphonic power metal, symphonic alternative metal, symphonic metalcore, symphonic trash metal and so on.

I’ll talk to you about my perspective on the point later in the post.

ORIGINS OF SYMPHONIC METAL

You can already listen to the mix of classical and metal music with Black Sabbath. But, personally, I do not consider this to be the origins of symphonic metal, more as an inspiration to what will follow.

A song considered the first being symphonic metal is the cover of Dies Irae by the trash metal band Believer.

This song will greatly influence the albums of Waltari Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die!, and Therion.

We can also find influences of death metal and gothic metal.

SYMPHONIC METAL CHARACTERISTICS

Music and instrumentation

Earlier, I already talked about the debate between «is symphonic metal a subgenre or a genre in its own right?».

From my point of view, which some also share, for a band to be qualified as symphonic metal there must be a large place dedicated to the orchestra/ symphony. A band that occasionally uses this element is not necessarily a symphonic metal band.

So for me, that’s one of the big features of the genre. Although, we distinguish the metal sound too.

The two combined form a feeling of power, and drama, to support an epic sound. This sound obviously comes from classical music, but also from the cinematic world. With the influence of great composers like Hans Zimmer or Danny Elfman.

Bands formation

We have the formation of a «basic» metal band:

• Guitarist(s)
• Bass player
• Drummer
• Keyboardist (very important in symphonic metal)
• Singer

But you can also find a whole orchestra with choirs.

However, some groups do without orchestra (because it has a cost), they use the synth or do it by computer to simulate the orchestra effect.

Singing

When we talk about symphonic metal, we can quickly make the link with singing. And especially lyrical singing.

Symphonic metal is famous for its (female) singers. But, in contrast with the singers with a more or less lyrical technique (because some just use their clear voices) is most of the time a singer who uses growls and other screams.

The singing of symphonic metal is often considered as «the Beauty and the Beast» with both techniques responding to each other.

If you want to learn more about singing techniques, I invite you to read this post!

Lyrics

In the themes addressed in the songs, we can find sci-fi (some are inspired by movies and science fiction books), mythology, or spirituality.

Shows

It has been said that symphonic metal music is powerful. But it’s not just that element that gives that impression. The visual of the shows strongly helps.

Shows have many lighting effects, pyrotechnics, and different staging.

These include many giant screens, fireworks, flamethrowers, smoke/confetti cannons and sometimes dancers and/or acrobats.

SYMPHONIC METAL BANDS/ARTISTS

The first two big bands of the genre, which appeared in the late 90s, are Within Temptation and Nightwish.

At the same time, other genres of artists emerged.  Musicians have pushed their fascination with opera and rock/metal to the point of making their own rock operas/metal operas. These renowned musicians from the rock and metal world imagine and create these works and ask dozens of renowned rock and metal vocalists to sing their songs.

To name just two, there are Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayeron) and Tobias Sammet (Avantasia)

Following these artists, we can quote among others : : Vision of Atlantis, Xandria, Apocalyptica, Lacuna Coil, Kamelot, Sirenia, Eluveitie, Epica, Amaranthe, Rhapsody of Fire, Delain, Therion, Ad Infinitum, Edenbridge, Lunatica, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, ReVamp, After Forever, Beyond the Black ou Evanescence.

EVOLUTION

This genre took time to be recognized as such, and now it is one of the most popular genres! This is because it is more accessible and «commercial» than other genres of metal.

So no, symphonic metal has, on the contrary, evolved and also influences other existing metal genres.

That completes this post! Do not hesitate to love and share if you like.

You can also find all the caricatures of the blog right here!

I leave you with a playlist dedicated to the genre below.

See you soon!

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Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! We meet today to talk about a genre that marked a turning point in the world of metal when it …

Various theme

What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Blues rock : Back to the roots

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Sources :

Metal Music Archives – Symphonic Metal : https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/subgenre/symphonic-metal

Open Edition Journals – Le cas du metal symphonique, entre dégénérescence d’un art de l’extrême et exaltation du culte de la puissance – Jason Julliot : https://journals.openedition.org/criminocorpus/4127

Albert’s Beginner’s Guide to Symphonic Metal : https://symphonicmetal.mit.edu/

Metal Hammer – “We all want to leave a mark on the planet”: the epic story of the birth of Symphonic Metal – Rich Hobson : https://www.loudersound.com/features/symphonic-metal-nightwish-within-temptation-history

Rock Monsters Romania – The History Of Subgenres: Symphonic Metal – Radu Mihai : https://rockmonsters.wordpress.com/2018/06/24/the-history-of-subgenres-symphonic-metal/

Claire Abe

The post Symphonic metal : the combination of metal and classical music appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Today, in this post, I’m gonna talk about a genre I specially love : METALCORE !

YAY !

Although you may fear the name, you will discover that there is something for everyone! And I would even say, you might like some songs!

So let’s go! I take you to the discovery of this kind that has made much talk of him throughout his existence!

WHAT IS METALCORE ?

Metalcore is a musical genre that appeared in the mid-1980s, but whose development is «in waves». There will be a new wave about every 10 years.

I’m using “wave” to talk about success, but also about style evolution. Because yes, the genre at its beginning is different from what you can hear today.

The metalcore wave of the 1980-1990 remain more or less marginal. It’s from the 2000s that the genre will really know commercial success.

But we can also say today that it is a genre in which we put many bands with totally different sounds. It’s a very accessible style of metal.

METALCORE’S ORIGINS

Metalcore is directly linked to two styles: metal and hardcore or hardcore punk. Hence its metalcore name. But we can see other influences like trash or death/ melodic death metal.

Then, with the evolution of the genre, you can find a little of any influence: electro, nu-metal, black metal, pop etc.

I’d say, there are as many influences as there are artists.

METALCORE CHARACTERISTICS / FEATURES

Metalcore is an almost permanent duality in all fields.

Music and instrumentation

In metalcore, we use very heavy riffs, well-saturated. And for the drum, the double bass drum/ double pedal is required.

Guitars are often tuned in drop D or C, but bands can totally change the tuning.

Melodies fluctuate, passing from calm moments to intense ones. Not to mention a key element of the genre: BREAKDOWNS (I explained what it is in this post). This promotes the practice of moshing.

Legato, staccato, and palm mute are widely used.

Then, with time, the genre became more and more free about the melody and the instruments used.

Definition :

Legato: A technique used to bind successive notes so that there is no silence between them. This technique gives an impression of fluidity. (source: Acadezic)

Staccato: A technique that indicates that the notes must be executed clearly detached. (source: Larousse translated)

Palm Mute: Technique used on guitar to create a muted sound effect with the slice of the palm of the hand on the strings.

Moshing: comes from the word mosh. It is a type of dance, derived from pogo, more or less violent linked to hardcore punk and metal.

Bands formation

We can already mention the basics:

• guitar(s),
• song,
• bass,
• battery.

Although some bands leave the bass to replace it with a guitar.

But we can also find:

• A synthesizer or keytar (mix between a guitar and a synth)
• The presence of a classical orchestra or instruments
• A rhythm box
• Etc.

Singing

You can also find this duality that I mentioned earlier in the singing.
While at first, the saturation usage was total, it changes over time. We can see that at one period the verses were sung in saturation mode and the choruses with clear voice.

Now, there are no more rules. You can find songs totally with “clean” singing, totally with saturation, or with both.

In a future post, I will explain the different types of vocals used in rock and metal.

Lyrics

For this one, we find the same themes as in the influences genres. So we hear lyrics about personal problems and societal/political problems.

It should also be noted that members of metalcore bands are Christian or vegan, and this is reflected in their lyrics as well.

METALCORE BANDS/ARTISTS

In the beginning, we can mention: Corrosion of Conformity, Dirty Rotten, Agnostic Front ou Suicidal Tendencies

Then, we can find: Integrity, Converge, Starkweather, Earth Crisis

After that, from the 2000s, we can add Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, All That Remains, Bring Me The Horizon, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red, Parkway Drive, Bullet For My Valentine, Underoath, Asking Alexandria, Architects, Motionless In White, Spiritbox, Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, A Day to Remember, Beartooth, Of Mice & Men, Miss May I, Bad Omens

EVOLUTION

Metalcore has not declined. It’s the opposite!

Initially, this genre was much criticized and misunderstood by the metal community. But over time, it became a major genre and much less criticized. For reasons, the gender is much more diverse than at the beginning.

In addition, metalcore will create subgenres such as deathcore, mathcore, …

Here it is, for this very diverse genre, both in terms of its sound and its evolution.

You can find the playlist dedicated right here !

Feel free to share this post if you liked it or comment.

Also, you can see all the drawings / caricatures right here !

See you soon !

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Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! We meet today to talk about a genre that marked a turning point in the world of metal when it …

Various theme

What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Blues rock : Back to the roots

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Sources :

Une Histoire Musicale du Rock – Christophe Pirenne

Discogs – Metalcore : https://www.discogs.com/fr/style/metalcore

L’éclaireur Fnac – Metalcore : quand le hardcore rencontre le metal ! – Mathieu M. : https://leclaireur.fnac.com/article/cp50051-metalcore-quand-le-hardcore-rencontre-le-metal/

Liveaboutdotcom – What Is metalcore ? – Chad Bowar : https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-metalcore-1756187

Legato – définition – Acadezik : https://www.acadezik.com/definition-legato/

Metalliquoi ? – épisode 31 : Le Metalcore : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omQRj2WvKeY

Wikipedia

Claire Abe

The post Metalcore: the duality of a genre appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

If you like to party, or you want to get a foot in the world of metal, you, who have never listened to this kind of music, glam metal is for YOU

So put your make-up on and put on your best leopard leggings (and that, whether you’re a girl or a boy), we’re heading for GLAM METAL.

GLAM METAL : WHAT IS IT ?

Glam metal appeared in Los Angeles, near Sunset Strip, in the late 70s/ early 80s.

It is also known as hair metal (you will quickly understand why 😉) or sleaze metal.

It’s a genre that’s very accessible because it’s very pop-oriented. It was, by the way, one of the most popular genres in the 1980s. I would add that it’s the style of metal that surely comes first to your mind when we talk about rock/metal of this period.

We can strongly see the influence of glam rock, heavy metal, and punk.

We recognize this style to the look of the artists who are part of it: androgenic look, make-up (excessive or not), wedge soles, outfits very, VERY close to the body, and hairstyles where they probably emptied at least a bottle of lacquer on their heads (hence the hair metal).

GLAM METAL FEATURES

Rhythm and melody

These songs hook. And even stay in the head.
The way the song is formed remains «basic». It is a 4/4 measure, and we find the format intro-verse-refrain-verse-refrain-solo-verse-refrain.

In addition, the solo is usually technical (use of shred, etc.) because Eddie Van Halen has been there in the meantime and has influenced a lot of guitarists.

The whole is marked by very saturated guitars, drums, bass and sometimes a synthesizer.

This genre is also known for its Power Ballads. These are songs that start very quietly and “grow” as the song progresses. A typical example is I Remember You from Skid Row.

Also, the fact that the songs have a collective side, where we sing the chorus or a part of the song with the band, contributes to its popularity.

Singing

The vocals are melodic and clear. That is to say, there are no or few distortions apart from the basic ones of hard rock. They usually sing in their higher range. Sometimes it’s even close to screaming.

Lyrics

I will start this point with one of the «first bands of glam metal»: Quiet Riot. This band was successful with their metal health album, one of which (a cover) is Cum On Feel The Noise. Just with that, you can see where the whole genre is going.

So if you don’t understand, lyrics of glam metal are usually about parties (with lots of drugs?), girls, sex, and alcohol.

But they also talk about love, despair, and everything related to it. These themes are privileged in the power ballads.

Some will, moreover, match their lives to their words and will be ultra-mediatized for their escapades. Interviews in a bed surrounded by several girls more or less naked, different problems with justice (drugs and alcohol). This is what we could see or read from members of glam metal bands.

Moreover, these behaviors will lead to a very sexist and macho image of gender. They will be a kind of caricature of the hedonism of the time.

However, thanks (or because, it depends on the point of view) to this kind, the economy of strip clubs, bars, and tattoo shops took off.

GLAM METAL BANDS

There’s a lot of debate about which bands are in or out of glam metal. So the bands I’m going to quote as glam metal is in relation to my point of view. Everybody has their own.

The origins

We can see the influence of groups and artists such as : AC/DC, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Queen, Sex Pistols, Sweet, Van Halen, T.Rex ou Judas Priest

Then there are two waves of glam metal:

The first wave:

This one starts with a more hard rock/ heavy metal sound than their friends. But soon, the album appearance of bands such as Quiet Riot, Mötley Crüe, WASP, Ratt, Dokken, Autograph, Def Leppard ,or Bon Jovi will delimit the genre

In addition, some hard rock/ heavy metal bands already well installed (and have also inspired the genre) started to make songs very influenced glam metal. Examples include KISS, Alice Cooper, Whitesnake, Aerosmith, or Judas Priest.

The second wave:

The latter will have a separation within it.
On the one hand, there will be ultra mainstream bands like Poison, Europe, Cinderella, Twisted Sister ,or Stryper.
On the other, we find bands that continue to have a sound similar to the first wave of glam metal.

EVOLUTION

Glam metal stops with the appearance of grunge, alternative metal and trash metal. So it corresponds to the 90s.

However, a revival of interest in the 2000s allowed the genre to come back a little in the spotlight with bands like The Darkness or Steel Panthere. Although, these bands are not really considered to be glam bands but more heavy metal bands.

Conclusion

Although this genre is best known for its misfortunes and not very sought-after songs, glam metal has influenced current music (both through its positive and negative influence that has led to the creation of other genres).

Even if they are often mocked for their appearances, some singers and musicians were (and still are) very good in their fields.

If you want to remember that time (or just listen if you weren’t born in the 80s), you can find the dedicated playlist right here.

Feel free to share the article a maximum if you liked it or if you think it might interest someone.

Also, you can see all the drawings / caricatures right here !

See you soon !

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Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! We meet today to talk about a genre that marked a turning point in the world of metal when it …

Various theme

What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

Uncategorized

Blues rock : Back to the roots

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Sources :

Une histoire musicale du rock – Christophe Pirenne

Wikipedia

Urbania – Détecteur de metal : Le Glam Metal – Sebatien Jean : https://urbania.ca/article/detecteur-de-metal-glam-metal

Metal wiki – Glam metal : https://metal.fandom.com/wiki/Glam_metal

Map of metal : http://mapofmetal.com/#/home

Liveaboutdotcom – What is Hair Metal – Chad Bowar : https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-hair-metal-1756185

Claire Abe

The post Glam metal : when heavier music meet glitter and hairspray appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Today, we meet to talk about alternative metal!

If you like to discover new sounds, if you have an open mind, this style is perfect for you!

Let’s discover together what’s hidden in this genre!

WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE METAL ?

This is a «movement» that starts in the mid 80’s. It’s part of both heavy metal and alternative rock. It is in opposition to «mainstream» metal. We talk about mainstream metal for bands that are well known «off the metal scene».

Even if there’s a debate right now, I’ll take as an example Metallica which is known by all. Or relatively, because some people think it’s just a clothing brand (Hopeless? Yes. Does it really surprise me? No).

Their goal is to go away as far as possible from this kind of «mainstream» metal. For this, they will test and innovate so that their sound is unique.

ORIGINS OF THIS GENRE

The genre started with bands like Faith No More or Red Hot Chili Peppers who mixed metal with funk and rap.

However, a band will really influence the movement and trigger a wave of alternative metal in the 90s: Tool.

This first wave will come from all styles:

• Hardcore punk
• Noise rock
• Grunge
• Stoner rock
• Sludge metal
• Post-hardcore
• Gothic metal

The latter will be more accepted by the public with the simultaneous appearance of another well-known «cousin» genre: grunge

In fact, alternative metal will be the most popular style of metal in the 90s, and it will even become more popular than alternative rock (a genre that influences it greatly and of which it is relatively part, remember it)!

Following these first mixes, a genre totally derived from alternative metal and a more aggressive one will see the light of day: Nu-metal.

The latter will experience ups and downs in contrast to alternative metal, which will remain present in a much more constant way.

ALTERNATIVE METAL FEATURES

Well, you understand it, which says a lot of different influences, says a lot of different characteristics. We can still say two or three things about this genre.

Singing and melody

Different singing techniques are applied. We can hear the use of 2 techniques. Clear singing, but also, together or separately, “harsh” singing techniques.

I’ll write a dedicated post on these techniques in the future.

Instrumental and rhythmic

We can say that in alternative metal, we hear:

• Using guitar riffs (sometimes with or close to experimentation)
• Unusual sounds to metal
• A more syncopated rhythm
• Unusual techniques for metal
• Using sounds influenced by heavy metal, progressive rock, and other genres outside of metal (e.g., jazz or classical music)

Group formation

We find:

• The singer,
• One or more guitarists,
• The drummer,
• A bass player
• And sometimes a keyboard or piano

Alternative metal is one of those genres where there is something for everyone, as with progressive metal.

ALTERNATIVE METAL BANDS

Some consider Faith No More, Jane’s Addiction, and Soundgarden to be the first alternative metal bands.

Of course, many groups are also part of the genre. We mentioned Tool earlier, but we can also talk about Rage Against The Machine, Alice In Chains, and many others.

Artists categorized as «nu-metal» can also find their way there. I’m thinking of bands like Disturbed, System Of a Down, Deftones, Godsmack or even Slipknot.

Conclusion

It is a very open genre that wants to break codes and whose artists do not really want labels on their music.

Anyone can find a band (or at least a song) that they like in this ocean of different ideas. Even those who don’t call themselves metalhead.

If you’re curious, you can listen to the playlist dedicated to the post below!

Feel free to share a maximum if you liked the post or if you think it might interest someone you know.

Also, you can see all the drawings / caricatures right here !

See you soon !

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Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! We meet today to talk about a genre that marked a turning point in the world of metal when it …

Various theme

What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

Uncategorized

Blues rock : Back to the roots

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Sources:

Une Histoire Musicale du Rock – Christophe Pirenne

Music Hub – Alternative metal : https://music.fandom.com/wiki/Alternative_metal

Wikipedia

Urbania – Détecteur de metal : metal alternatif – Sebastien Jean : https://urbania.ca/article/detecteur-de-metal-le-metalcore

Claire Abe

The post Alternative metal: surprising and daring genre! appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Loved and hated at the same time, this genre is nevertheless important for the rest of the history of metal.

Let’s dive back together into the genre I grew up with 😉

NU-METAL, WHAT IS IT ?

Nu metal, also known as new metal or neo-metal in French, is a kind of metal (no joke!) derived from alternative metal. I would even say that it is part of alternative metal. It appeared in 1994 and is characterized by a fusion of genres. We find in particular hip-hop, alternative rock, funk, or grunge.

It will make it possible to put heavy metal back in the spotlight in the years 1990-2000. It is also one of the key elements of the new wave of American heavy metal.

Moreover, many artists “put” in this category hated to be named as a nu-metal band. Over time, some have gotten used to it, others still do not understand the why of how. It must be said that, I have a bit of the impression that bands that appeared and that were starting to be successful by bringing their influences of different genres, etc. were directly classified in nu-metal and no more in alternative metal.

NU-METAL CREATION

We can see different “events” that led to the creation of nu-metal.

The first mix

In 1986, Aerosmith and Run-DMC took over the song Walk This Way. This will be the first time a rock band will collaborate with a rap group.

Groups influencing nu-metal

The artists cited as influences of the genre include:

Red hot Chilli Peppers, Machine Head, Faith No More, Jane’s Addiction, Rage Against the Machine, Helmet, Primus, or Nine inch Nails.

But we can also mention, as an influence, the duet made by Anthrax and Public Ennemy on Bring The Noise in 1991.

The first nu-metal band

It is with Korn, that appears the nu metal! Their first eponymous album lays the foundations of the genre. However, it is with their 3rd album Follow The Leader that they become «known». (It’s on this one that appears the Freak on the Leash, All In The Familly, or Got The Life tracks).

Other groups will follow their path like Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Linkin’ Park, P.O.D, Deftones, Kittie, Mudvayne, Incubus, Evanescence, Drowing Pool, System of a Down, Papa Roach, Pleymo, Disturbed and more.

PS: Many bands did not consider themselves to be part of nu-metal. Over time, some have “appropriated” it and others still don’t understand the connection.

NU-METAL FEATURES

Instruments

The 7-string guitar spread and became the norm in nu-metal. Moreover, these are mostly tuned in Drop D to have a heavier sound. Also, it is common to use 5-6 string bass.

Rhythmics and melodies

The rhythm presents syncopated riffs, the measure is still in 4/4, and we can also see the omnipresence of power chords with distortion.
Bands generally use Dorian, Phrygian, and Aeolien modes.

Also, there are not many guitar solos, bands prefer the use of breakdowns.

Sometimes a DJ is present in the band and integrates sampling and scratch on platinum.

Lyrics

Lyrics are often direct and explicit. Themes are often very dark. It includes pain, anxiety, intimidation, emotional problems, abandonment, betrayal, hatred, and everything related to it.

EVOLUTION

Nu metal began to fade out in the mid-2000s. However, many such groups still occur today because they have renewed and changed their trajectories.

In fact, many of them are now considered alternative metal or modern metal bands

Conclusion

Even though the movement has been off for some time, there is a renewed interest in nu-metal at the moment. That’s to say, how HUGE its impact is! And it’s not exaggerated. I would to say that all the current metal bands and even some rappers have been inspired by this genre.

So if you want to remember what that style was, you can listen to the post playlist right here.

Feel free to share as much a maximum if you liked it or think it might interest someone you know.

Also, you can see all the drawings / caricatures right here !

See you soon !

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Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

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Sources :

Une Histoire Musicale du Rock – Christophe Pirenne

Wikipédia

Stringfixer : https://stringfixer.com/fr/Nu_metal

Before Korn: How Nu Metal Became Nu Metal – thrash theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ltU17V-YXQ

Encyclopédie.fr : https://www.encyclopedie.fr/definition/Drop_D

Composer sa musique- Les modes en musique (1/4): Qu’est ce qu’un mode et à quoi ça sert ? : https://composer-sa-musique.fr/les-modes-en-musique-1-4-quest-ce-quun-mode-et-a-quoi-ca-sert/ 

Batteur sans limite – 2 changements rythmiques pour faire exploser une chanson (Breakdown) – Aurélien : https://batteursanslimite.com/breakdown/

Le Parisien : https://dictionnaire.sensagent.leparisien.fr/%c3%89chantillonnage%20(musique)/fr-fr/

Bax Music – blog : https://www.bax-shop.fr/blog/studio-enregistrement/le-sampling-cest-quoi/

Larousse – scratching : https://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais/scratch/71617 

Claire Abe

The post Nu-metal : everything you need to know about it appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

And maybe you’re thinking it’s not for you, it’s too violent for your little ears, but I’m sure you know at least one band from that genre without knowing it. Read on to find out which 😉.

WHAT IS THRASH METAL ?

Thrash metal is a more extreme subgenre of heavy metal. When we listen to it, we can see that it is more violent and faster. It appeared in the 80s in contradiction with glam metal and everything it represents. 

Also, the term ‘thrash metal’ is said to have been coined by journalist Malcolm Dome, who referred to Anthrax’s ‘Metal Thrashing Mad’ in Kerrang magazine.

It can be considered as a mixture of NWOBHM and punk (hardcore).

THE ORIGINS

Queen with her title Stone Cold Crazy as well as Black Sabbath with Symptom of The Universe and Led Zeppelin with Communication Breakdown are beginning to set the tone for what will be Thrash metal in the future.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THRASH METAL

Speed

The tempos are fast or even very fast, even more than before! Songs can go up to 180 bpm like Motorbreath from Metallica, but it’s exceptional. Most often, groups use the sixteenth note to induce a sense of speed and urgency. However, we usually stay at more than 100 bpm like Whiplash, a title on the same Metallica album.

Technique

Instrumental techniques are adapted to the tempos of the genre.

In solos, lead guitarists (guitarists doing solos) usually use shredding. It consists in juxtaposing a set of techniques such as sweeping, tremolo picking, or tapping with several fingers in the same solo. 

• Tremolo picking = scratching or hitting a single string repeatedly in a regular rhythm, especially the fastest rhythm that the player can maintain. It has nothing to do with the hand tremolo or the whammy bar.
• Sweeping = Sweeping is a guitar-specific playing technique that consists of sweeping the strings from top to bottom using a mediator. This technique allows obtaining a much faster speed of play and a more fluid sound while producing less muscular efforts.

Shredding has existed since the mid-1970s and has won almost every genre of rock but it is the metal guitarists who systematize it.

The techniques offer a continuous flow of eighth notes that make it possible to inflate the rhythm section.

They allow abrupt rhythmic changes. Shank-beat is an example. It consists of playing on 2 beats a rhythmic phrase that is usually played on 4 beats. It gives the illusion of a doubling of the tempo while the bpm is the same. Moreover, the drummer reverses the usual distribution of the keystrokes. The snare drum comes on time and the bass drum is on delay.

As for bass players, they usually use mediators. However, some famous ones use their fingers like Frank Bello, Greg Christian, Steve DiGiorgio or Cliff Burton.

A dark harmonic color

This one comes from 2 point:

• The intervals used

Thrash metal groups use modes with diminished intervals, including second or fifth (also called triton). Its destabilizing harmonic power is considered the diabolus in musica (or more simply the devil’s music). They, therefore, do not deprive themselves of using it with minor modes (including the Locrian mode), diminished as well as chromatic riffs (which are followed by a halftone).

ex: Master of Puppets, Creeping Death, or Enter Sandman

• The range

Instruments are often in a lower register than usual. The voices are lower (like James Hetfield) and the guitars are usually tuned in a lower halftone.

Lyrics

They are there to denounce what is happening, whether in relation to society (the system or the environment) or religion. They are often direct and more or less violent.

We can find in the subjects/ themes covered: occultism, horror, rebellion, death, witchcraft, satanism, religion, war, destruction, tyranny, anti-religion, violence, serial killers, drugs, and more.

Bands

Virtuosity is generalized throughout the band. This has the effect that all musicians are on the same pedestal. 

THRASH METAL BROADCAST

This whole scene was partially revealed by compilations called Metal Massacre. These were published by Brian Slagel on his Metal Blade Records label. They combine traditional heavy metal and more trendy genres, including thash. We will discover bands like Metallica, Steeler (band where Yngwie Malmsteen will play), Overkill, or Slayer.

In the fifth compilation, we will see the internationalization of the genre with Voivod (Canada) or Hellhammer (Switzerland).

Other bands will impose themselves outside this label such as Testament, Exodus, Sepultura, Sodom, Kreator, Destruction, and Tankard.

BIG FOUR OF THRASH METAL

But the genre is known to have 4 big bands that share the headliner: Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer. All except Anthrax are from the Baye Area (California).

The metal thrash will decline at the end of the 80s and will experience a new revival of interest in the 2000s.

This genre, like its predecessor, heavy metal, will continue to pave the way for other genres always heavier, stronger, and more violent.

If you dare, you can listen to the playlist dedicated to this article right here. And feel free to share if you liked it or think it could interest someone you know.

Also, you can see all the drawings / caricatures right here !

See you soon !

Uncategorized

Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! We meet today to talk about a genre that marked a turning point in the world of metal when it …

Various theme

What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

Uncategorized

Blues rock : Back to the roots

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

sources : 

Une histoire musicale du rock – Christophe Pirenne

Wikipedia

Liveaboutdotcom – What is Thrash Metal : https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-thrash-metal-1756180

Acadezik –  :https://www.acadezik.com/definition-sweeping/

Wikibook – Tremolo picking : https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Guitar/Tremolo_Picking

Claire Abe

The post THRASH metal: everything to know about it appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.