The albums that define
melodic metalcore.
Our picks for where to start with melodic metalcore — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top melodic metalcore artists
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The melodic metalcore essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Trivium
Shogun
Epic arrangements blend melodic hooks with aggressive riffs, showcasing Trivium's technical prowess and lyrical depth in a cinematic metal experience.
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Killswitch Engage
As Daylight Dies
Melodic metalcore anthems intertwine emotional intensity with crushing riffs, creating a powerful sonic experience.
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Trivium
Ascendancy
A relentless fusion of aggressive riffs and melodic hooks that defines the modern metalcore soundscape.
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Killswitch Engage
Disarm the Descent
A relentless fusion of melodic aggression and emotional intensity that showcases the band's signature metalcore sound.
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Black Veil Brides
Black Veil Brides IV
Anthemic choruses and soaring guitar riffs merge with dark lyrical themes, creating an intense soundscape steeped in theatricality.
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Black Veil Brides
Set the World on Fire
Anthemic melodies intertwine with theatrical flair, creating a grandiose sound that bridges glam rock and modern metalcore.
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Dead by April
Worlds Collide
A dynamic blend of soaring melodies and aggressive riffs delivers an emotional journey through love and resilience.
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Electric Callboy
Tekkno
A frenetic blend of electronic beats and catchy metalcore hooks that invites listeners to dance and mosh simultaneously.
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Electric Callboy
Crystals
A frenetic blend of electronic beats and metalcore riffs creates an exhilarating party atmosphere that is both chaotic and infectious.
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Ice Nine Kills
The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood
A theatrical blend of melodic metalcore and horror-inspired storytelling that immerses listeners in a cinematic soundscape.
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Ice Nine Kills
The Predator Becomes the Prey
Aggressive riffs and theatrical storytelling collide in a relentless exploration of horror-inspired themes and heavy metal intensity.
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Dead by April
Let the World Know
A fusion of soaring melodies and heavy riffs, merging alternative metal with emotional lyrical depth.
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The Unguided
Hell Frost
Melodic death metal riffs intertwine with symphonic elements, creating an atmospheric yet aggressive sonic landscape.
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Sonic Syndicate
Love and Other Disasters
A blend of melodic death metal and alternative metal, rich with emotive vocals and powerful instrumentals that echo themes of conflict and resilience.
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Sonic Syndicate
Sonic Syndicate
A fierce blend of melodic death metal and alternative influences creates an explosive soundscape marked by emotional depth and dynamic contrasts.
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Unearth
Watchers of Rule
A relentless blend of intricate guitar work and fierce vocals that captures the essence of modern melodic metalcore.
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Unearth
Extinction(s)
Aggressive riffs and intricate melodies intertwine with passionate vocals, embodying the urgency of a world on the brink of collapse.
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Wovenwar
Honor Is Dead
A powerful blend of melodic metalcore and alternative metal, balancing heavy riffs with introspective lyrics.
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Wovenwar
Wovenwar
Melodic metalcore intertwines with powerful clean vocals, creating a dynamic yet introspective soundscape that balances aggression and melody.
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Daysend
Within the Eye of Chaos
A relentless barrage of melodic riffs intertwines with guttural vocals, creating a dynamic yet dark auditory experience.
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Destroy the Runner
I, Lucifer
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where melodic metalcore landed in each era.