The difference, by ear
Progressive metalcore takes this and adds odd metres and extended forms, trading the radio chorus for structural ambition.
Both are part sung, part screamed and move at much the same pace, around 130 to 190 bpm. To hear the difference, play Killswitch Engage next to Architects. Both grew out of metalcore, melodic metalcore first and progressive metalcore eleven years after.
In figures
Melodic metalcore
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Metalcore › Melodic metalcore
In short
Gothenburg harmonies imported into American hardcore. The dominant formula of the 2000s.
How it sounds
- Melodic death metal guitar harmonies over hardcore structures.
- Clean sung choruses with melodic vocals and broad production.
- A final breakdown as the song's climax.
Key acts
- Killswitch Engage
- As I Lay Dying
- Trivium
Start here
The pickTrivium - Ascendancy. Metalcore that remembers to include solos.
Full page →Progressive metalcore
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Metalcore › Progressive metalcore
In short
Metalcore with eight-string guitars, ambient passages and structures borrowed from djent.
How it sounds
- Seven- and eight-string guitars with polyrhythms taken from djent.
- Ambient passages and electronic textures between the heavy sections.
- Very clean production with wide dynamics and vocals across many registers.
Key acts
- Architects
- Erra
- Northlane
Start here
The pickArchitects - All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us. Devastating in both senses.
Full page →