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.

Black Widow

In This Moment

Black Widow

A darkly seductive blend of industrial metal and theatrical elements that challenges norms with bold lyrics.

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Overcome

All That Remains

Overcome

A blend of aggressive riffs and melodic hooks that embody the emotional turmoil of metalcore.

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Post Human: Survival Horror

Bring Me the Horizon

Post Human: Survival Horror

A frenetic blend of metalcore aggression and electronic elements encapsulates a dystopian soundscape.

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Post Human: NeX GEn

Bring Me the Horizon

Post Human: NeX GEn

A chaotic fusion of metalcore and techno, layered with emotional introspection and visceral energy.

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Amo

Bring Me the Horizon

Amo

A genre-blurring exploration of electronic, metal, and pop that pulses with emotional intensity.

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The Poison

Bullet for My Valentine

The Poison

A fierce blend of melodic metalcore and punk energy that channels raw emotion through powerful riffs and heartfelt lyrics.

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Life Is But a Dream...

Avenged Sevenfold

Life Is But a Dream...

A genre-blurring odyssey that marries heavy metal intensity with introspective lyricism and experimental soundscapes.

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City of Evil

Avenged Sevenfold

City of Evil

A ferocious blend of intricate guitar work and theatrical storytelling set against a backdrop of heavy metal intensity.

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Hail to the King

Avenged Sevenfold

Hail to the King

A powerful blend of heavy metal and melodic elements that showcases Avenged Sevenfold's signature sound.

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Omens

Lamb of God

Omens

An aggressive blend of groove metal riffs and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of modern turmoil.

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Wrath

Lamb of God

Wrath

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

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VII: Sturm und Drang

Lamb of God

VII: Sturm und Drang

Pummeling riffs and aggressive rhythms collide with introspective lyrics, creating a visceral metal experience.

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That's the Spirit

Bring Me the Horizon

That's the Spirit

A blend of soaring melodies and heavy instrumentals, balancing introspection with anthemic energy.

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Lamb of God

Lamb of God

Lamb of God

Aggressive grooves intertwine with intricate melodies, delivering a relentless exploration of contemporary frustrations and personal struggles.

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Antifragile

All That Remains

Antifragile

A relentless fusion of melodic hooks and aggressive breakdowns that captures metalcore's evolving landscape.

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Resolution

Lamb of God

Resolution

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

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Sempiternal

Bring Me the Horizon

Sempiternal

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

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There Is a Hell Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let's Keep It a Secret.

Bring Me the Horizon

There Is a Hell Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let's Keep It a Secret.

A chaotic fusion of metalcore intensity and electronic textures that captures a sense of existential turmoil.

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Music to Listen To...

Bring Me the Horizon

Music to Listen To...

An experimental soundscape blending ambient textures and melancholic themes, challenging conventional metal boundaries.

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ZII

The Devil Wears Prada

ZII

A relentless exploration of existential dread wrapped in intricate metalcore compositions and haunting melodies.

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Dead & Alive

The Devil Wears Prada

Dead & Alive

A frenetic blend of melodic chaos and visceral heaviness that explores the depths of despair and resilience.

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Plagues

The Devil Wears Prada

Plagues

A frenetic blend of metalcore aggression and playful humor, balancing heavy riffs with tongue-in-cheek lyricism.

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Zombie EP

The Devil Wears Prada

Zombie EP

A visceral blend of metalcore fury and haunting melodies reflecting themes of survival and despair.

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Macro

Jinjer

Macro

A complex tapestry of aggressive grooves and intricate melodies interwoven with haunting vocals and philosophical themes.

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