The Most Popular Subgenre of Metal, Ranked

Choose the subgenre you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 22, 2024 07:12
Metal music boasts a rich tapestry of styles, each with its own unique characteristics and fan base. Determining which subgenre stands out the most can be a challenging task given the passionate and diverse opinions within the community. However, compiling user votes to rank these subgenres offers a dynamic snapshot of current preferences and trends, helping fans and newcomers alike understand the prevailing tastes. By participating in this voting process, fans contribute to a broader understanding of which styles resonate most powerfully within the metal scene today. This collective input not only influences which artists and subgenres gain visibility but also shapes the ongoing dialogue within the music industry about the evolution and impact of this genre. Your vote here matters, and every contribution helps paint a more comprehensive picture of metal's most celebrated styles.

What Is the Most Popular Subgenre of Metal?

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    Heavy Metal

    Heavy Metal

    The original form of metal music, characterized by amplified distortion, extended guitar solos, and emphatic beats.
    • Pioneering Bands: Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple
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    Death Metal

    Death Metal

    Characterized by its heavily distorted guitars, blast beat drumming, and deep growling vocals.
    • Notable Bands: Death, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel
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    Doom Metal

    Doom Metal

    Focuses on slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and a much 'thicker' or 'heavier' sound than other metal genres.
    • Founding Bands: Candlemass, Pentagram, Saint Vitus
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    Folk Metal

    Folk Metal

    Blends heavy metal with traditional folk music, using folk instruments and often singing about mythology or history.
    • Notable Bands: Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Eluveitie
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    Progressive Metal

    Progressive Metal

    Characterized by its complex structures, unusual time signatures, and intricate instrumental performances.
    • Key Artists: Dream Theater, Tool, Opeth
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    Nu Metal

    Nu Metal

    Combines elements of metal music with other genres, including hip hop, alternative rock, funk, and grunge.
    • Key Bands: Korn, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot
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    Thrash Metal

    Thrash Metal

    Known for its fast tempo and aggression, thrash metal features low-register guitar riffs and shredding style lead work.
    • Key Bands: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax
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    Black Metal

    Black Metal

    Distinguished by its fast tempo, shrieking vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, and an emphasis on atmosphere.
    • Influential Bands: Mayhem, Darkthrone, Burzum
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    Gothic Metal

    Gothic Metal

    Combines the darkness and melancholy of goth rock with the heavy aggression of metal.
    • Representative Bands: Type O Negative, Paradise Lost, Within Temptation
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    Power Metal

    Power Metal

    Incorporates elements of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. Known for its uplifting and epic feel.
    • Popular Bands: Helloween, DragonForce, Blind Guardian

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular subgenre of Metal. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or subgenre is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3085 views
  • 7 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each subgenre once every 24 hours. The rank of each subgenre is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Subgenre of Metal

Heavy Metal
Rank #1 for the most popular subgenre of Metal: Heavy Metal (Source)
Metal music, born in the late 1960s and early 1970s, has evolved into many subgenres. One subgenre stands out as the most popular. It blends heavy riffs, fast tempos, and melodic elements. This mix attracts a wide range of listeners.

The roots of this subgenre trace back to the early days of Metal. Bands sought to push the boundaries of speed and technical skill. They wanted to create music that was both intense and complex. The result was a new sound that caught the attention of many fans.

This subgenre often features twin guitar harmonies. These harmonies add depth and richness to the music. The guitarists play intricate solos that showcase their technical prowess. The bass and drums provide a solid foundation, driving the music forward with relentless energy.

Vocals in this subgenre vary. Some singers use clean, high-pitched tones. Others opt for a grittier, more aggressive style. The lyrics often explore themes of power, struggle, and fantasy. This thematic focus adds to the dramatic feel of the music.

Live performances play a crucial role in the popularity of this subgenre. Bands put on elaborate shows with impressive stage setups. They use lights, pyrotechnics, and other effects to enhance the experience. Fans appreciate the energy and spectacle of these performances.

The sense of community among fans is strong. They bond over their shared love of the music. Many attend concerts and festivals, traveling long distances to see their favorite bands. This sense of belonging is a key part of the subgenre's appeal.

Over the years, this subgenre has influenced many other styles of music. It has inspired countless musicians to pick up their instruments and start their own bands. Its impact on the broader music landscape is undeniable.

Despite changes in the music industry, this subgenre remains popular. It continues to attract new generations of fans. Its blend of technical skill, melodic elements, and thematic depth ensures its lasting appeal.

In conclusion, this subgenre of Metal stands out for its unique mix of elements. It combines heavy riffs, fast tempos, and melodic harmonies. It features varied vocal styles and dramatic themes. Its live performances and strong sense of community add to its allure. This subgenre has left a lasting mark on the music world. It continues to thrive, drawing in fans from all walks of life.

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