The History and Evolution of By: Billy Laird

Thesis Statement “Deathcore is a style of music different from the normal path of other modern metal styles. It encompasses elements of multiple styles to create something new and exciting.”

What Is Deathcore? Deathcore is a fusion of Hardcore Punk and Death Metal Music. Defined by an "excessive" use of death metal riffs, blast beats and use of hardcore punk breakdowns.

What is Deathcore? Bands also incorporate guitar solos and melodic riffs similar to those in metalcore. Like in other extreme metal genres, deathcore guitarists down tune their guitars to give their music a heavy sound, most play in drop B or drop A tuning. Often associated with a straightedge lifestyle. Or With Smoking Marijuana

The Beginning Deathcore itself would not exist if it wasn’t for those bands who created the genres it stems from.

Punk Rock Began with the Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash etc. in mid 70’s. John Holmstrom, founding editor of Punk magazine, recalls feeling "punk rock had to come along because the rock scene had become so tame that [acts] like Billy Joel and Simon and Garfunkel were being called rock and roll, when to me and other fans, rock and roll meant this wild and rebellious music."

Hardcore Punk The introduction of Hardcore came in the late 70s thanks to the popularity of Punk Rock. Hardcore introduced the elements of the Breakdown and brought Screaming Vocals into the mixture. Notable bands include Suicidal Tendencies, Ill Repute, Social Distortion, and Bad Religion.

Metalcore influence is debated among fans but the similarities to Deathcore cannot be ignored. Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal combining various elements of extreme metal andhardcore punk. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the two genres. Contemporary practitioners of the genre include Killswitch Engage, Underoath, All That Remains, Trivium, As I Lay Dying, Bullet for My Valentine and The Devil Wears Prada. Metalcore Influence(?)

Heavy Metal Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden Judas Priest evolved the genre by ridding much of the Blues Influence. Motörhead introduced a Punk influence, changing the genre even more. Introduced “Shred” style of guitar playing. Fast, Intricate guitar riffs, backed by fast drums and bass.

Metal Evolution Thrash came into the scene in the 80’s and had a heavy influence on the inception of Death Metal. Introduced a more angry tone of vocal work, including some screams and growls. Thrash slpit into many varieties of Extreme Metal, including Death, Doom, Melodic, Symphonic and many others.

Death Metal The bands credited as the biggest inspiration for the genre are Slayer and Venom. "Slayer's music was directly responsible for the rise of death metal," according to MTV News. First actual Death Metal band? Death. Formed in Death was first to popularize “screaming vocals”.

The Front Line Of Deathcore Bring Me the Horizon Suicide Silence All Shall Perish

Front Line (cont.) After The Burial Born Of Osiris Whitechapel

Suicide Silence Drummer Alex Lopez’s Kit. Many toms and cymbals for a variety of pitches and density of sound. All Shall Perish Lead guitarist Francesco Artusato, brandishing his signature 7 string Ibanez guitar. Phil Bozeman the vocalist for Whitechapel. Notable for being able to produce every sound heard on albums, during live shows.

The Equipment Guitars, often 7 or 8 string (Whammy Bar optional). Double-Bass Pedals. (A must for the Deathcore drummer) Bass guitar, for that extra bit of 'heavy'. (Often 5 string for that Extra Low String) The Mic. Kinda needless to mention, but still.

The Look Both are semi-right and semi-wrong. But it is funny.

The Style Picking out a Deathcore fan somewhere usually isn't very hard. In some ways its quite close to Metalheads, and also close to those Hardcore kids. Gauges are typical. my ears if you don't know what they are) Band Tees are a Must! Skinny jeans, or baggy cargos are considered everyday attire. Long hair, shaved head, or layers (On guys and girls) Facial piercings like snake bites, spider bites, angel bites, labret piercings, dimples, nose and tongue are all very common. Tattoos. Sleeves, chest pieces, back, neck, and hands. Metal jewelry. Chains, rings, studded belts, bracelets, etc. Consider rule of thumb. The more angry you look, the more hardcore you are. Makeup is for girls.

Lyrical Theme Deathcore and Death Metal are close in this respect as well, but Death Metal is more about killing and torture, while Deathcore is more angry and about fighting/beating people up. Uses High and Low Screams, Pig Squeals, Growls, Group Shouts, and Occasional Clean Will put lyrics w/ videos The Acacia Strain

The Breakdown The most important thing in any song has to be the breakdown. The breakdown is exactly what it sounds like. A rapid slowing of the guitar and drums, to create a slow, heavy rhythm. Breakdowns are sometimes found in songs of these genres as they can be used to eschew traditional verse- chorus-verse songwriting.

Breakdowns When played live, breakdowns are usually responded to by the audience moshing or slam dancing. Vocalists also tend to throw in a single, repeated statement throughout the breakdown, giving those who are not dancing or moshing an opportunity to sing along.

Similar Genres Metalcore- Very close to Deathcore but focuses more on the guitar riffs, and also uses clean vocals. Melodic Deathcore or Metalcore- More harmonization, possibly the addition of Keyboards. Death Metal- More guitar focus, often,more vulgar lyrics.

Self Involvement I personally have been in several different bands, some of them Deathcore and some not. I have played different instruments, including bass, keyboards, and guitar before I began practicing to Scream, which is what I do now.

Examples! Song 1: Whitechapel's Eternal Refuge Song 2: Born Of Osiris' Rercreate Song 3: The Agonist's Business Suits and Combat Boots

Works Cited DeathCoreKing,. "What You Need To Know About Metalcore/Deathcore." Ultimate-Guitar.com. N.p., 09/21/2010. Web. 18 May Wikipedia contributors. "Deathcore." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 18 May 2012 at 07:01.. Web. 18 May Wikipedia contributors. "Break(Music)." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, This page was last modified on 11 May 2012 at 22:34.. Web. 18 May < All Pictures found Via Google Images! Wikipedia supplied much info, thank you Wiki contributors! I own none of the rights to anything presented!

Outline I) History and Evolution A) What it is 1) Definition 2) Info 3)Beginning B) Punk C) Hardcore D) Metalcore Influence E) Heavy Metal F) Evolution G) Thrash H) Death Metal II) The Front Line A) BMTH B) All Shall Perish C) Suicide Silence D) ATB E) BoO F) Whitechapel III) The Equipment A) Drum Kit, Guitar, Vocalist B) Double Bass C) Mic D) Guitars E) Bass IV) Pull off the part A) The Look B) The Style C) Examples V) Other Stuff A) Lyrical Theme B) Breakdowns C) Similar Genres D) Personal Involvement E) Songs Used F) Works Cited G) Outline