Essential metalcore listening

The albums that define metalcore.

Our picks for where to start with metalcore — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The metalcore essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit

Architects

The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit

A relentless exploration of despair, where heavy riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics reflecting modern anxieties.

Start here

To Plant a Seed

We Came as Romans

To Plant a Seed

Melodic riffs intertwine with guttural screams, creating an emotionally charged tapestry of post-hardcore and metalcore energy.

Start here

Bullet for My Valentine

Bullet for My Valentine

Bullet for My Valentine

A fierce blend of metalcore intensity and punk rock energy, driven by raw emotion and powerful riffs.

Start here

Venom

Bullet for My Valentine

Venom

Aggressive riffs and anthemic choruses create a visceral experience rooted in metalcore's intensity.

Start here

Sempiternal

Bring Me the Horizon

Sempiternal

A dynamic blend of metalcore aggression and melodic pop sensibility that challenges genre boundaries.

Start here

Count Your Blessings

Bring Me the Horizon

Count Your Blessings

A ferocious blend of deathcore and metalcore, laced with chaotic energy and raw emotional intensity.

Start here

A War You Cannot Win

All That Remains

A War You Cannot Win

A blend of melodic metalcore and introspective lyrics, balancing aggression with vulnerability.

Start here

For We Are Many

All That Remains

For We Are Many

A relentless fusion of melodic hooks and aggressive riffs, propelling metalcore into anthemic territory.

Start here

Stand Up and Scream

Asking Alexandria

Stand Up and Scream

A frenetic blend of metalcore aggression and melodic hooks that captures the chaos of youth.

Start here

The Black

Asking Alexandria

The Black

A cathartic blend of metalcore aggression and melodic rock that explores themes of resilience and identity.

Start here

Blood

In This Moment

Blood

A fierce blend of industrial and gothic metal, pulsating with dark themes and powerful anthems.

Start here

The Dream

In This Moment

The Dream

An ethereal blend of heavy riffs and haunting melodies, exploring themes of love and loss.

Start here

The Stage

Avenged Sevenfold

The Stage

A sprawling narrative of heavy metal that intertwines progressive elements with intricate arrangements and thought-provoking themes.

Start here

Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold

A fusion of heavy metal and melodic elements, blending aggressive riffs with intricate harmonies and poignant narratives.

Start here

Wrath

Lamb of God

Wrath

A relentless barrage of groove metal riffs layered with visceral lyrical themes and thunderous percussion.

Start here

Resolution

Lamb of God

Resolution

A relentless barrage of groove-infused riffs and guttural vocals that defines modern metal's intensity.

Start here

Eat (NXT Soundtrack)

Poppy

Eat (NXT Soundtrack)

A kaleidoscopic blend of industrial beats and pop melodies, underscored by darkly whimsical themes.

Start here

Bubblebath

Poppy

Bubblebath

A kaleidoscopic blend of pop hooks and industrial edge, merging sweetness with unsettling undertones.

Start here

Another Miracle

Of Mice & Men

Another Miracle

A fusion of melodic hooks and heavy breakdowns, creating an emotional landscape of resilience and introspection.

Start here

Echo

Of Mice & Men

Echo

A dynamic blend of metalcore intensity and melodic post-hardcore anthems, echoing themes of resilience and introspection.

Start here

Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation

Darkest Hour

Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation

A relentless surge of melodic riffs and aggressive vocals that confront societal issues with unflinching clarity.

Start here

The Mark of the Judas

Darkest Hour

The Mark of the Judas

Raging guitar riffs and piercing growls collide with melodic interludes, creating a haunting atmosphere of despair and defiance.

Start here

Transit Blues

The Devil Wears Prada

Transit Blues

A melodic yet aggressive exploration of personal struggles wrapped in intricate metalcore instrumentation.

Start here

Dead Throne

The Devil Wears Prada

Dead Throne

A relentless barrage of metallic riffs and visceral screams intertwined with melodic interludes and thoughtful lyrics.

Start here