The difference, by ear
Beatdown is the later, slower, heavier hardcore-metal hybrid built around the breakdown rather than around thrash's speed.
Beatdown / metallic hardcore is growled or screamed where crossover thrash is shouted, and much slower: 90 to 140 bpm against 180 to 240. To hear the difference, play D.R.I. next to Hatebreed. Crossover thrash comes from the rock side of the tree and beatdown / metallic hardcore from the metal side, and crossover thrash came first, by nine years.
In figures
Crossover thrash
Where it sits
Rock › Punk rock › Hardcore punk › Crossover thrash
In short
The exact point where hardcore and thrash metal merge: metal riffs, skate-park attitude, mandatory circle pit.
How it sounds
- Thrash metal riffing inside hardcore structures and song lengths.
- Fast tempos with transitions into syncopated mosh parts.
- Lyrics that are often satirical or about the scene itself.
Key acts
- D.R.I.
- Suicidal Tendencies
- Municipal Waste
- S.O.D.
Start here
The pickSuicidal Tendencies - Institutionalized. The best song ever written about parents not listening.
Full page →Beatdown / metallic hardcore
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Metalcore › Beatdown / metallic hardcore
In short
Hardcore reduced to breakdowns and slow groove, with barked vocals and lyrics about loyalty and endurance.
How it sounds
- Slow, heavy riffing built entirely around the breakdown.
- Very low tunings with thick, matte guitar tone.
- Barked vocals with gang shouts and lyrics about loyalty, the street and endurance.
Key acts
- Hatebreed
- Madball
- Terror
Start here
The pickHatebreed - Satisfaction Is the Death of Desire. Twenty-seven minutes, produced by Steve Evetts.
Full page →