Defining metalcore bands in the modern "ERRA"

I'm sure there are a few metalcore fans hidden out there, and I'm curious as to who you all think are heavily influencing the scene in these new times and future to come.

As per my play on words in the title, I personally believe ERRA (arguably hyped for a good while now) has been bringing some nice things to the table over the past few years. Architects have later taken the spotlight as the "new hype", but there has been some controversies with their new release not being "the Architect sound" that the die-hard fans fell in love with (yes, I am talking elitist, gate-keeping to the max here).

So my question is to you fellow metalheads out there, are you following any of the sub-genre scenes, and if you are into metalcore, which bands have been defining for you in more recent years?

If you are passionate about other sub-genres within metal, I'd like to hear some interesting discussions there as well if you're passionate about the scene. I personally have a BROAD (as fuck) music taste and love to explore, so do share.
 
Ive never been much of a "genre pedant" because I think thats a very tedious discussion.

Im also not terribly up on whats current. My musical taste has been stuck in 2000-2006 for ages now. But I always really liked what The Browning was doing at the edges of the genre.

 
I think ERRA has played a massive role in the metalcore scene so I totally agree with that. A lot of bands that pop up even if they only last for ~12 months over here in Australia still try to piggyback the older Northlane style/axefx crutch but I can dig it.
Most newer pop up bands are just playing beatdown hardcore now though cause it’s easy to play and encourages pits. Influences more like Traitors/Harms Way/Kublai Khan/Knocked Loose.
 
I think ERRA has played a massive role in the metalcore scene so I totally agree with that. A lot of bands that pop up even if they only last for ~12 months over here in Australia still try to piggyback the older Northlane style/axefx crutch but I can dig it.
Most newer pop up bands are just playing beatdown hardcore now though cause it’s easy to play and encourages pits. Influences more like Traitors/Harms Way/Kublai Khan/Knocked Loose.

Yeah, I think it's also interesting to take local scenes into the mix. I used to have a whole bunch of connections in the underground scene of my own country and somewhat Norway as well (although with Norway it was mainly Black; entirely).

I also think it's interesting the turn that punk, hardcore and post hardcore took. Especially the constant new branching out that comes from hardcore currently. You can hate it or love it, but those people take chances and new directions more than out of any other sub genre in metal (yes, I'm using metal as a broad umbrella) right now, and it can be quite refreshing.

All in all, I am loving the innovation in the industry right now. And that's not even limited to metal. A lot of these DIY musicians are actually making a lot of interesting stuff and is giving me what oldschool pop punk used to provide me with.
 
Absolutely, the resurgence of Nu Metal infusion from Metalcore bands too was another cool concept that’s becoming more popular too. I think as a pretty massive hardcore/punk fan, 2020 is a dreamboat for your musical senses as a result of some of the cool ideas bands are bringing to the table these days, even the refurbishing of old. I think in a day and age where you have Rappers even stepping in to mess around in things like pop punk and metal too is dope. I’ve even had deathcore bands appeal to me as of late, Slaughter to Prevail murdering that game atm. People are so dang talented!
 
I feel metalcore has been stagnant for a few years. Its also an incredibly broad term, even for a sub-genre.

But in the last year or two Johnny Booth, Knocked Loose, Counterparts and Greyhaven have all had memorable albums.

I played in a band like 10 years ago. I got to share the stage with bands like Stray From The Path, Stick To Your Guns, Hundredth, Dr. Acula, Liferuiner, Counterparts, Cancer Bats, Structures, Abandon All Ships, etc. I think my tastes are stuck in those days still.

Anyway, I still check out all the new music I can from a million different genres. Hoping something blows me away soon. If bands can get back to touring, maybe 2021 will be a good release year.
 

I mean, I was more looking for discussions about the influences the band(s) have on today's scene and what else is currently moving out there.

I feel metalcore has been stagnant for a few years. Its also an incredibly broad term, even for a sub-genre.

But in the last year or two Johnny Booth, Knocked Loose, Counterparts and Greyhaven have all had memorable albums.

I played in a band like 10 years ago. I got to share the stage with bands like Stray From The Path, Stick To Your Guns, Hundredth, Dr. Acula, Liferuiner, Counterparts, Cancer Bats, Structures, Abandon All Ships, etc. I think my tastes are stuck in those days still.

Anyway, I still check out all the new music I can from a million different genres. Hoping something blows me away soon. If bands can get back to touring, maybe 2021 will be a good release year.

Yes, it is incredibly broad, which is also why you see it being more and more its "own thing" as opposed to a direct link to metal nowadays. Kind of like the evolution of the whole punk and hardcore scene, although that shit is a bullet train with seemingly no breaks right now.

About metalcore being stagnant for a few years I kind of disagree (personally), but that also depends where you draw the line. I think it's been moving more and more forward, and trying new things since 2014-ish, you can even argue as far back as 2012 or 2010 even, depending.

But I agree that no matter the interpretation, or where you draw the line, the past 2-4 years have been incredibly influencial. I personally like some of the fresh takes, and the old music isn't going anywhere. There'll still be bands performing with the old style, and the studio versions aren't going anywhere for sure.

What intrigues me right now also are the genre-fluid DIY musicians that literally give 0 fucks and throw the rule book completely out the window and do 1-2 week releases as opposed to dropping something every 3 years with maybe a single inbetween.
 
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I like stealth games tbh, more of a fan on sam fisher than snake though...
 
I mean, I was more looking for discussions about the influences the band(s) have on today's scene and what else is currently moving out there.



Yes, it is incredibly broad, which is also why you see it being more and more its "own thing" as opposed to a direct link to metal nowadays. Kind of like the evolution of the whole punk and hardcore scene, although that shit is a bullet train with seemingly no breaks right now.

About metalcore being stagnant for a few years I kind of disagree (personally), but it that also depends where you draw the line. I think it's been moving more and more forward, and trying new things since 2014-ish, you can even argue as far back as 2012 or 2010 even, depending.

But I agree that no matter the interpretation, or where you draw the line, the past 2-4 years have been incredibly influencial. I personally like some of the fresh takes, and the old music isn't going anywhere. There'll still be bands performing with the old style, and the studio versions aren't going anywhere for sure.

What intrigues me right now also are the genre-fluid DIY musicians that literally give 0 fucks and throw the rule book completely out the window and do 1-2 week releases as opposed to dropping something every 3 years with maybe a single inbetween.

Dark tranquility released a new album this year. Belakor and amon amarth are relatively new on the melodic death metal scene. Slipknot comes out with new stuff alot, just got to keep your eyes peeled.
 
They dropped a new album last year so they contribute new material. In flames is metalcore and they also dropped a new album in 2019.
Describing a band thats been around since I was in grade school as "new on the scene" is very different than "they released a new album"

Dudes have been putting out killer albums for almost 30 years now.
 
I dont know what genre this falls under but its your fault i fell down the youtube algorithm so, ya know... misery loves company and all

This reminds me of the "Punk Goes Pop" series that contributed to the punk revival bubble of 2012-15, haha, perfect.

Dark tranquility released a new album this year. Belakor and amon amarth are relatively new on the melodic death metal scene. Slipknot comes out with new stuff alot, just got to keep your eyes peeled.

If these bands were currently redefining their whole contribution to the scene, then they would be great talks.

In Flames did have a brief period where they changed their style a lot, but that wasn't something that turned out to be genre-defining or contributing to any of the innovative, alternative styles we've been witnessing currently.

In Flames simply had what I would call "a radio friendly" period, and with their new releases they went back to their roots and their old style again, which is where I personally want them to be. They were / are one of my favorite bands of all time. The song "Delight And Angers" is a song I hold very close as well as "The Chosen Pessimist" and "Come Clarity".

With that aside, if we were to talk big names that is contributing towards "change" in the genre, currently, then you could talk about Atilla (this will be interesting, because that will DEFINITELY bring out some VERY subjective opinions) or Falling in Reverse (more-so Ronnie Radke, specifically. And then we can also go back literally YEARS - all the way to 2006-ish if we wanna do the "whole" story).
 
This reminds me of the "Punk Goes Pop" series that contributed to the punk revival bubble of 2012-15, haha, perfect.



If these bands were currently redefining their whole contribution to the scene, then they would be great talks.

In Flames did have a brief period where they changed their style a lot, but that wasn't something that turned out to be genre-defining or contributing to any of the innovative, alternative styles we've been witnessing currently.

In Flames simply had what I would call "a radio friendly" period, and with their new releases they went back to their roots and their old style again, which is where I personally want them to be. They were / are one of my favorite bands of all time. The song "Delight And Angers" is a song I hold very close as well as "The Chosen Pessimist" and "Come Clarity".

With that aside, if we were to talk big names that is contributing towards "change" in the genre, currently, then you could talk about Atilla (this will be interesting, because that will DEFINITELY bring out some VERY subjective opinions) or Falling in Reverse (more-so Ronnie Radke, specifically. And then we can also go back literally YEARS - all the way to 2006-ish if we wanna do the "whole" story).

Actually have never heard of the band Atilla thanks for making me aware of them great band. Falling in reverse is alright not one of my favorites though. Atilla has that kind of "Atreyu" sound to them I dig it tbh.

Have you heard of Northlane? Killswitch Engage is another all time favorite as well.
 
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Actually have never heard of the band Atilla thanks for making me aware of them great band. Falling in reverse is alright not one of my favorites though. Atilla has that kind of "Atreyu" sound to them I dig it tbh.

Have you heard of Northlane? Killswitch Engage is another all time favorite as well.

I guess you can draw a few parallels if you're talking about the newer Atreyu.

Atilla came out super strong with controversies in literally every aspect. Their debut release "All about that life" was kind of a slap in the face to most people, and they took those controversies to not only their public image, but persona as well. However, whether people love them or hate them is irrellevant as their style obviously caught on and made something fresh out of the scene.

If you take Attila up as a subjective discussion, then oh boy, put on your seatbelt XD.

Objectively though......... Their business model fucking works..............

Falling In Reverse isn't on my favorites either, but Ronnie Radke is a genre genius in multiple ways. He can be like, fuck you, don't give a fuck about anything, and most certainly not the critics or the media and still come out on top. Then he can also be like, sure I'll stick to rule book and still make it come out fresh.

He did it in Escape The Fate, he's doing it now in Falling In Reverse and he / Falling In Reverse is definitely up there with some of the mega huge bands that are literally corner stones of the evolved "scene" style.

As for the bands you listed, yeah I know about them. They're well-known, but not exactly as up-and-comers, doing something new or as trying to evolve the scene. They have a confident style and they're sticking to it as of right now.

What I'm really interested in are bands that either come out of nowhere with something new that literally shakes up the whole scene (in an objectively, successful way, controversially or not).

That's why I personally brought up ERRA and Architects. They are some of the bands that are currently doing this within the scene. There are more (i.e. Attila). I simply used 2 of the most obvious hypes to get them out of the way, because it's more fun to get opinions on what might not be "as obvious", and it's fun to get other people's takes and opinions on it.

In high hopes, I am looking to maybe even make new discoveries along the way.
 
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We back : o

[doublepost=1607201139,1607177468][/doublepost]If you've been following the genre for the past couple of years, you might've stumbled upon the band "Oceans Ate Alaska". While they were formed in 2010, they weren't really on the radar for some time. However, they stepped into the spotlight in 2012 with their amazing release, "Into the Deep".

The band went through a vocalist change in 2017, which is when I started listening to this band on a near daily basis - whereas before they would surface every now and then.

They are very experimental, but they still have "their own tune" shine through in every piece of work. You won't be in doubt whether you're listening to an OAA song or not once you get familiarized with them.

However, as fresh this band is, I actually want to focus on something else. A member of the band actually. More accurately, Chris Turner. If you aren't familiar with this band, Chris Turner is their drummer.

What's so interesting about a drummer? Or rather, why do I take an interest, particularly?
Well, for one I am musically interested, and I used to play drums throughout Highschool.
I had to pick one arts class, and I sure as hell wasn't gonna have a teacher judge my (no matter how perfected) stick figures, so instead I picked music and called dibs on drums (but apparently I couldn't do that, so I was also stuck on the keyboard from time to time).

Anyways, I picked up an interest for drums from that, and it stuck with me. So whenever I see something stick out, I can appreciate it. I actually like a lot of Jazz because of that very fact, since it's VERY technical (or at least can be) when it comes to drumming.

/rant

Enough about that, back to Chris Turner. The OAA drummer recently dropped his first instrumental to what is to be his own solo album.

Now, this is interesting due to a lot of facts, but to simplify things; technology is taking over a lot of things in music, and what I really like about Chris is that he does not like to make use of things like triggers, samples or snap to grid. To put it into WoW twink terms, this dude doesn't use consumables, but he has sick gear and knows how to play.

Furthermore, his release, titled "40 Roll", was all a one-take production, and if you are aware of some of the technicalities I am about to show you, you'll be like, "wtf, how?" If not, that's okay, it's sick either way!

 

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