How Heavy Metal Music Will Change in 2021
As the world changes, so does the music we enjoy. Here’s a look at how heavy metal music will change in 2021.
Introduction
Heavy metal music has been around for decades and has gone through many changes. The genre has evolved and changed with the times, but one thing has remained constant: the passion and energy of the fans.
As we move into 2021, it is clear that heavy metal music is at a crossroads. There are many new bands and artists emerging, but there is also a sense that the genre is at a turning point. So, what will heavy metal music sound like in 2021?
There are a few different directions that heavy metal could go in 2021. One possibility is that the genre will continue to evolve and become more experimental. This could lead to heavier and more complex sounds, as well as a greater focus on lyrics and storytelling.
Another possibility is that heavy metal will return to its roots and focus on simplicity and aggression. This could lead to a more “old school” sound, with less emphasis on innovation and more on pure heaviness.
Finally, it is also possible that heavy metal will splinter into different sub-genres. This could see bands exploring new styles and delivering them in unique ways.
Whatever direction heavy metal takes in 2021, one thing is for sure: the fans will be there to support it. Heavy metal music has always been about passion and emotion, and this is something that will never change.
The state of heavy metal in 2020
2020 was a difficult year for almost everyone, and the pandemic had a profound effect on the music industry. With fewer live shows and tours, many bands had to get creative to stay afloat. Some metal bands embraced streaming and released quarantine albums, while others went on hiatus. Here’s a look at the state of heavy metal in 2020 and what we can expect in 2021.
The rise of metalcore and deathcore
Over the past decade, metalcore and deathcore have become increasingly popular, with bands like Bring Me the Horizon, Architects and Parkway Drive leading the charge. This has resulted in a new generation of metal fans getting into the genre, and it doesn’t seem like this trend is slowing down anytime soon.
With metalcore and deathcore becoming more mainstream, we’re likely to see more bands experiment with these styles in 2021. We may also see some metalcore and deathcore bands cross over into the mainstream, as Bring Me the Horizon did with their 2019 album ‘Amo’.
Of course, not everyone is a fan of metalcore and deathcore. Some traditional metal fans feel that these styles are “ruining” heavy metal, and that they are too commercialized. Only time will tell if these styles will continue to rise in popularity, or if they will eventually fade away.
The popularity of stoner and sludge metal
The popularity of stoner and sludge metal will continue to grow in 2021. This genre of music is perfect for fans of hard rock and metal who want something a little bit heavier and more intense. With its focus on heavy riffs and slow tempos, stoner and sludge metal is perfect for headbanging and moshing. Some of the most popular bands in this genre include Kylesa, Eyehategod, and High on Fire.
The resurgence of black metal
With the immense popularity of metalcore bands like Avenged Sevenfold and Trivium in the early 2000s, it would have been easy to declare that heavy metal was dead. However, in the past few years there has been a resurgence in black metal, with bands like Watain and Behemoth leading the charge. This new wave of black metal is heavier and more brutal than ever before, and it shows no signs of slowing down. In 2021, we can expect even more black metal bands to emerge from the underground and make a impact on the metal scene.
How heavy metal will change in 2021
The new year is bring changes to many things and heavy metal music is no different. With a new decade comes new innovation and a new wave of metal bands who are influenced by the greats that came before them. This year we will see a rise in popularity of heavy metal music and a return to the roots of the genre.
The continued rise of metalcore and deathcore
Over the past decade, metalcore and deathcore have continued to grow in popularity, with bands like Bring Me the Horizon, Architects, and Thy Art is Murder leading the charge. This aggressive, often abrasive style of music blends metal with hardcore punk and sometimes even electronic music. And it looks like 2021 will be no different, with several highly-anticipated metalcore and deathcore albums set to be released.
On the deathcore front, there’s new music coming from bands like Whitechapel, Carnifex, Oceano, and Chelsea Grin. Whitechapel’s forthcoming album ‘The Valley’, set for release in March, is one of the most highly-anticipated deathcore albums of the year. Carnifex will also be releasing a new album in 2021, titled ‘World War X’, while Oceano are set to drop their fifth studio album ‘Continued Carnage’. Chelsea Grin’s new album ‘Eternal Nightmare’ is due out in May.
As for metalcore, there’s a new album on the way from While She Sleeps. The Sheffield-based band are one of the biggest names in UK metalcore, and their fourth studio album ‘So What?’ is sure to be a hit with fans when it drops in March.Other metalcore bands with new music coming out in 2021 include Parkway Drive, The Devil Wears Prada, Killswitch Engage, Trivium, and As I Lay Dying.
So if you’re a fan of heavy music, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2021. Whether you’re into metalcore or deathcore, or any other subgenre of metal, there’s sure to be something for you.
The continued popularity of stoner and sludge metal
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, stoner and sludge metal continue to be popular genres. This is due in part to the fact that these genres are well suited for home consumption. Additionally, many stoner and sludge metal bands have been able to adapt their live shows to comply with social distancing guidelines.
While it is uncertain how long the pandemic will continue to affect the music industry, it seems likely that stoner and sludge metal will continue to be popular in 2021. This popularity is likely to result in continued experimentation with these genres, as well as a continued focus on quality songwriting and musicianship.
The continued resurgence of black metal
In 2021, we can expect to see the continued resurgence of black metal. This dark and extreme form of metal first emerged in the early 1990s, and has since been through a number of different periods of popularity. In recent years, there’s been a renewed interest in black metal, with a new wave of bands bringing their own unique perspectives to the genre.
One of the most exciting things about black metal is its willingness to experiment. We’ve seen bands pushing the boundaries of what black metal can be, incorporating elements from other genres such as ambient music, industrial music, and even pop. This trend is likely to continue in 2021, as more bands explore the possibilities of what black metal can be.
We can also expect to see more black metal bands emerging from countries outside of Europe. Black metal has traditionally been associated with Europe, but we’re seeing more and more bands from places like South America, Asia, and Africa. This is giving the genre a fresh perspective and helping to broaden its appeal.
Finally, 2021 is likely to be a big year for women in black metal. There have always been talented women involved in the scene, but they often haven’t received the same level of attention or respect as their male counterparts. However, that’s starting to change, and we’re seeing more women taking on prominent roles inblack metal bands. This is likely to continue in 2021, as more women feel empowered to take part in this male-dominated genre.
Conclusion
Continuing heavy metal’s trend towards greater experimentation, 2021 is likely to see even more genre-bending and fusion than in previous years. This is partly due to the fact that many of the leading lights of heavy metal are now in their 50s and 60s, and have been around long enough to have absorbed influences from a wide range of music. As a result, we can expect to see elements of jazz, electronica, and even pop music finding their way into metal in the coming year.
In terms of specific sub-genres, death metal is likely to continue its recent trend towards greater technicality, while black metal will continue to explore new sonic territory. Sludge metal, meanwhile, is likely to remain popular with fans of groove-oriented metal.
With so much change on the horizon, one thing is for sure: 2021 is shaping up to be an exciting year for heavy metal.
