What to Expect in Heavy Metal Music in 2021
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Looking for something new in heavy metal music in 2021? Here’s what to expect from the genre’s biggest acts this year.
The Rise of Metalcore
The New Wave of American Heavy Metal
While the new decade ushers in a new age of metalcore, it’s worth noting that the sound has been evolving for years. Pioneered in the early 2000s by bands like As I Lay Dying and Killswitch Engage, metalcore quickly rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with the help of bands like Atreyu, Avenged Sevenfold, and Bullet for My Valentine.
In the 2010s, metalcore continued to evolve with the rise of bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Of Mice & Men, and Parkway Drive. These bands pushed the boundaries of what was possible within the genre, incorporating elements of electronic music, pop, and even hip-hop.
As we move into 2021, it’s safe to say that metalcore is more popular than ever before. Thanks to the success of bands like Bad Omens, Code Orange, and Motionless In White, metalcore shows no signs of slowing down. With so many talented bands currently making music within the genre, there’s no telling what the next decade will bring.
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal
The New Wave of Swedish Death Metal
The New Wave of Swedish Death Metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that emerged in the early 1990s. The sound is characterized by a more melodic and technical approach to death metal, often with a greater emphasis on melody and atmosphere. Common features of the sound include clean vocals, keyboards, and dual guitar harmonies.
Sweden has long been home to a vibrant metal scene, and the 1990s saw a boom in the popularity of death metal, with bands such as Entombed, Dismember, and Grave leading the charge. In the early 2000s, a new generation of Swedish death metal bands began to emerge, taking influences from throughout Scandinavia and beyond. These bands includes In Flames, Soilwork, Dark Tranquillity, At the Gates, and Opeth.
The New Wave of Swedish Death Metal was highly influential on the development of modern metalcore and melodic death metal. Many of the genre’s leading bands have their roots in this movement, and its sound continues to be evident in the music of many modern metal bands. If you’re a fan of heavy music, then this is definitely a subgenre that you should check out!
The New Wave of Black Metal
The New Wave of Doom Metal
Doom metal is a heavy metal subgenre that began in the late 1970s. It is characterized by slow, heavy, and often lugubrious tempos, and a dark atmosphere. Doom metal bands range from stoner metal, sludge metal, and drone metal to black metal.
2016 saw the rise of a new wave of doom metal with bands such as Windhand, Coffins, and Vision of Disorder leading the charge. This new wave of doom is defined by its use of vintage equipment and extreme volumes to create an oppressive soundscape that is both sonically punishing and strangely beautiful.
In 2021, expect to see more bands following in the footsteps of this new wave of doommetal. Bands to keep an eye on include Spectre Folk, Hellgoat, Tales of Murder and Dust, Witchkiss, and Satudarah MC.
The New Wave of Power Metal
The New Wave of Progressive Metal
Progressive metal is a genre that has been on the rise in recent years, and 2021 looks to be no different. This year promises to bring some of the most exciting and innovative progressive metal bands to the forefront of the metal scene. Here are just a few of the bands that you can expect to make waves in 2021:
Haken: Haken are a progressive metal band from the UK who have been making a name for themselves over the past few years with their critically acclaimed albums Affinity and Vector. Their brand of progressive metal is marked by elaborate instrumentation, catchy hooks, and massive soundscapes. Haken are one of the most promising bands in progressive metal today and are sure to make a splash in 2021.
Persefone: Persefone are a progressive death metal band from Andorra who have been turning heads since their debut album Core was released in 2005. Persefone’s music is characterized by its mix of heavy rhythms, beautiful melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. They are one of the most unique and exciting bands in metal today and are sure to make a big impact in 2021.
Soen: Soen is a progressive metal band from Sweden that was formed by members of Opeth and Katatonia. They have released three albums so far, each one exploring different aspects of the human condition. Soen’s music is marked by its atmospheric soundscapes, emotionally charged lyrics, and impeccable musicianship. The band is sure to reach new heights in 2021 with their fourth album Lotus.
These are just a few of the many great progressive metal bands that you can expect to make waves in 2021. Be sure to keep an eye out for them!
The New Wave of Thrash Metal
The New Wave of Groove Metal
While thrash metal was dominating the heavy metal scene in the 1980s, a new subgenre was bubbling under the surface. Groove metal started to gain traction in the early 1990s, with bands like Pantera and Sepultura leading the charge. Groove metal is characterized by its heavy, chugging riffs and its emphasis on groove and rhythm over speed and technicality.
In the past few years, there has been a resurgence of interest in groove metal, with new bands like Power Trip, Iron Reagan, and Skeletonwitch carrying the torch for this exciting genre. If you’re looking for something heavy and groove-laden in 2021, keep your eyes peeled for the new wave of groove metal!
