Other Subgenres

The final subgenres that have not been discussed on "Into the Pit: A Metal Blog" are more specific classifications of heavy metal, with most of them being particular types of death metal and black metal. These styles are not worthy of having their own posts, but are important nonetheless.

This will be the blog’s last post discussing official heavy metal subgenres. Next week’s blog post will conclude our discussion about heavy metal subgenres, and will talk about fake subgenres and false classifications of heavy metal that are technically incorrect. All subsequent posts on "Into the Pit: A Metal Blog" will be about miscellaneous heavy metal topics, including current trends in the genre, exciting new releases and heavy metal news. We will also look to the past to discuss some underrated pioneers of heavy metal, some of which are still overlooked.

Now, without further ado, here are the final subgenres of heavy metal!

1        Technical death metal. This subgenre describes death metal that contains complex song structures, unusual rhythms and progressive tendencies. Technical death metal bands rely on sophisticated songwriting and irregular time signatures in order to leave their mark on heavy metal history. Some pioneers of the subgenre include Death, Atheist, Cynic, Pestilence and Suffocation. Modern examples include Decapitated, Decrepit Birth, Aeon, The Faceless, Nile and Obscura.

2        Brutal death metal. This is the most extreme type of death metal, focusing on speed, technicality and brutality. The music in this subgenre is always very fast and features extreme guttural vocals, grunts and even pig squeals. Bands who have proudly earned this classification include Dying Fetus, Devourment, Krisiun and Cerebral Bore.

 

3        Progressive death metal. Bands of this subgenre are even more progressive than those in technical death metal. These groups take direct influences from progressive rock music, but add a death metal twist to the genre. Two of the best examples of progressive death metal are Opeth and Edge of Sanity, as they both have almost exclusively played the style of music throughout their existence. 

4        Progressive black metal. Black metal bands that have more progressive tendencies are often given this classification. The direct correlation between the subgenre and progressive rock isn’t always clear, and the progressive black metal classification is often just given to bands who experiment within the scope of black metal. Bands/artists such as Weakling, Wolves in the Throne Room, Krallice, Nachtmystium and Ihsahn are frequently given the progressive black metal label.

5        Death/doom. This subgenre is exactly as its name describes. Death/doom is the combination of death metal and doom metal. It’s very melancholic and dark, but also heavy, featuring growled vocals and double-kick drumming. Bands of this subgenre include Paradise Lost, Anathema, My Dying Bride, Swallow the Sun and Novembers Doom.

            Funeral doom. This subgenre of metal is for the gloomiest of listeners. It is a cross between death/doom and funeral dirge music. Ambiance and atmosphere are very important to this style of music, as it is solely focused on death and despair. The music is very slow and features heavily distorted guitars. Vocals are varied, but are often shrieked, growled and horrifyingly screamed. Examples of funeral doom bands include Esoteric, Evoken and Thergothon.  

7        Symphonic black metal. This subgenre combines black metal with symphonic and orchestral elements, and is very popular. Orchestral instrumentation is expected in the subgenre, but sometimes just the addition of a keyboard player can earn a band the classification. The style sticks to normal black metal conventions, but the added instrumentation gives the music a grander, epic sound. Popular bands within the subgenre include Emperor, Dimmu Borigr, Chthonic, Cradle of Filth and Abigail Williams.

8        Symphonic death metal. This is similar to symphonic black metal, but with death metal elements replacing the black metal ones. The song structures are similar to those found in death metal, but the symphonic metal instrumentation makes the music sound more progressive. Symphonic death metal isn’t a commonly practiced subgenre, but the bands that play the style have become significantly successful. Septicflesh and Fleshgod Apocalypse are two of the most well known symphonic death metal bands.