mathcore
rhythmically complex and dissonant style of hardcore
Mathcore is a dizzying blend of complexity and ferocity, where jagged rhythms collide with piercing melodies. The sound is characterized by erratic time signatures, relentless intensity, and a mix of guttural vocals and ethereal singing. Expect the unexpected: intricate guitar work interspersed with sudden shifts that can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a visceral experience that demands your attention, often leaving you breathless while simultaneously making you want to slam dance.
Emerging in the early 1990s as a response to both hardcore punk and metal's more mainstream counterparts, mathcore carved out its own niche with a focus on technical prowess. Bands like The Dillinger Escape Plan, with their explosive debut "Calculating Infinity," and Converge's "Jane Doe" helped define the genre's aggressive yet intricate sound. This was a time when musicians sought to break away from conventional structures, creating music that was both challenging and exhilarating, appealing to those who craved something raw and cerebral.
For newcomers, diving into mathcore can be thrilling. Start with The Dillinger Escape Plan’s "Calculating Infinity" for its chaotic energy and inventive arrangements. Converge’s "Jane Doe" serves as an emotional high point, marrying brutality with beauty. Then check out Botch’s "We Are the Romans," which showcases a perfect blend of aggression and sophistication. Don’t miss Every Time I Die’s "Hot Damn!" for a taste of mathcore’s crossover appeal. And if you're eager for more sonic exploration, post-metal acts might pique your interest next.
37 artists in the catalog.
Top mathcore albums
See essentials
Under the Running Board
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Plagiarism
The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Cursed, Unshaven and Misbehavin': Live Infinity
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Dissociation
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Option Paralysis
The Dillinger Escape Plan
One of Us Is the Killer
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Calculating Infinity
The Dillinger Escape Plan
All mathcore artists
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Rolo Tomassi
Iwrestledabearonce
metalcore
The Number Twelve Looks Like You
Wrench in the Works
Car Bomb
Knut
sludge metal
Blood Has Been Shed
metalcore
Narrows
Oceans Ate Alaska
deathcore, metalcore
Into the Moat
Gaza
sludge metal
The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza
Greg Puciato
metalcore
Heavy Heavy Low Low
metalcore
Lye by Mistake
jazz fusion, progressive metal
About mathcore
What is mathcore?
rhythmically complex and dissonant style of hardcore
Where should I start with mathcore?
Start with "Under the Running Board" by The Dillinger Escape Plan. It captures what makes mathcore worth exploring.
What are the best mathcore albums?
The mathcore albums worth hearing first: "Under the Running Board" by The Dillinger Escape Plan, "Plagiarism" by The Dillinger Escape Plan, "The Dillinger Escape Plan" by The Dillinger Escape Plan, "Cursed, Unshaven and Misbehavin': Live Infinity" by The Dillinger Escape Plan and "Dissociation" by The Dillinger Escape Plan.
How many mathcore artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 37 mathcore artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.