DEATH METAL Meaning and
Definition
-
Death metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by its aggressive, dark, and extreme sound. Death metal incorporates elements of thrash metal and black metal, but is distinguished by its deep and guttural vocals, distorted guitars, rapid and complex guitar riffs, fast-paced drumming, and overall intensity.
Lyrically, death metal often explores themes of violence, gore, and horror, as well as existential and societal issues. The lyrics typically convey a sense of darkness, despair, and brutality, serving as a cathartic outlet for the artist and listener alike.
Death metal bands draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including horror movies, mythology, occultism, and philosophical concepts. The genre often showcases technicality and musicianship, with skilled musicians incorporating intricate guitar solos, complex drum patterns, and unpredictable song structures.
Common characteristics of death metal include low-tuned guitars producing a thick and heavy sound, deep growls or grunts as vocals, blast beats on the drums, and intense and dissonant chord progressions. The genre has a fervent and dedicated fanbase, and has experienced significant growth and evolution throughout its existence.
Death metal has branched out into numerous subgenres, such as melodic death metal, progressive death metal, and technical death metal, each with its own unique characteristics and variations on the genre's fundamental sound. Overall, death metal is a genre that appeals to those seeking extreme and aggressive forms of musical expression.
Etymology of DEATH METAL
The etymology of the word "death metal" can be traced back to the mid-1980s when the genre of music first emerged. The term itself is a combination of two words: "death" and "metal".
The word "death" in "death metal" directly references the lyrical themes explored in this genre, which often revolve around topics like death, mortality, violence, darkness, and the macabre. It signifies the darker, more extreme nature of the music and its subject matter.
The term "metal" refers to the broader genre of heavy metal music, which has its roots in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Heavy metal music is known for its distorted guitar riffs, aggressive sound, and overall loudness.
