The albums that define
metalcore.
Our picks for where to start with metalcore — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top metalcore artists
Start with one of these.
The metalcore essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Asking Alexandria
Stand Up and Scream
'Stand Up and Scream' is an explosive introduction to the band's unique blend of genres. The album features infectious hooks alongside intense instrumentation, making it an ideal starting point for new listeners.
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Asking Alexandria
The Black
A raw blend of metalcore intensity and alternative rock melodies, exploring themes of struggle and resilience.
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In This Moment
Blood
A visceral blend of industrial and gothic metal, pulsing with aggressive energy and haunting melodies that command attention.
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In This Moment
The Dream
A haunting blend of industrial metal and gothic elements, underscored by powerful vocals and atmospheric soundscapes.
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Avenged Sevenfold
The Stage
A sprawling, ambitious metal journey that blends intricate arrangements with thought-provoking themes and dynamic shifts in intensity.
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Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold
A dynamic blend of heavy metal and orchestral elements that pushes the boundaries of traditional rock with theatrical flair.
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Lamb of God
Wrath
A fierce blend of precision and aggression, driven by intricate riffs and commanding vocals that showcase the band's signature groove metal style.
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Lamb of God
Resolution
A relentless fusion of groove metal and metalcore, balancing aggression with melodic undertones and intricate rhythms.
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Poppy
Bubblebath
An eclectic blend of bubblegum pop and industrial grit, Poppy's sound is both playful and unsettling.
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Poppy
Zig
A kaleidoscopic blend of industrial pop and heavy metal, pushing boundaries while exploring themes of identity and self-expression.
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Of Mice & Men
Another Miracle
A dynamic blend of aggressive riffs and melodic choruses that captures the band's evolution in sound and emotional depth.
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Of Mice & Men
Echo
A dynamic blend of post-hardcore energy and melodic introspection, driven by powerful riffs and emotionally charged vocals.
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Converge
Halo in a Haystack
Raw, aggressive metalcore riffs collide with visceral screams and a relentless rhythm section, embodying the chaos of early '90s hardcore.
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Converge
Jane Doe
A chaotic blend of dissonant riffs and raw emotional intensity that defines the metalcore genre's evolution.
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Bullet for My Valentine
Bullet for My Valentine
Aggressive riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, capturing the turmoil of modern existence through a metalcore lens.
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Bullet for My Valentine
Venom
A relentless mix of aggressive guitar riffs and melodic hooks that encapsulates the essence of modern metalcore.
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Bring Me the Horizon
Sempiternal
This album captures the essence of Bring Me the Horizon's style, featuring powerful instrumentals and introspective lyrics that will draw in new listeners. It balances heaviness with melody, making it approachable while still showcasing their innovative edge.
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Bring Me the Horizon
Count Your Blessings
A blistering fusion of deathcore and metalcore, layered with chaotic rhythms and raw, guttural vocals that demand attention.
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August Burns Red
Leveler
A relentless blend of intricate guitar riffs and aggressive rhythms, underpinned by introspective lyrics and powerful vocals.
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August Burns Red
Constellations
Complex metalcore arrangements intertwine with melodic interludes and poignant lyrics, creating an expansive sonic landscape.
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All That Remains
A War You Cannot Win
Melodic riffs and aggressive vocals intertwine, reflecting the struggles of identity and resilience within a metalcore framework.
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All That Remains
For We Are Many
A relentless blend of melodic metalcore and aggressive instrumentation, showcasing both technical prowess and emotional depth.
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Attila
Chaos
A high-octane blend of aggressive riffs, catchy hooks, and unapologetic bravado that defines Attila's bold metalcore sound.
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Attila
Guilty Pleasure
A chaotic blend of metalcore and humor, filled with brash lyrics and aggressive instrumentation that challenges norms.
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By decade
Where metalcore landed in each era.