Definition:

“A type of metal music that is characterized by the use of dark, violent, or gory imagery or lyrics”

 

History of Death Metal:

            In the mid-1980s Florida’s Metal scene was introduced to the first Death Metal bands, such as Possessed, Death, Obituary, Autopsy, and Morbid Angel. These bands identified themselves with dark lyrics and harsh vocals which derived from Hardcore Punk Rock and early Black Metal. This subgenre grew at an exponential rate between the 1980s and the 1990s. Death Metal originated in the US and has since been adopted by foreign bands as well.

 

Distinguishing Features:

            The largest portion of Death Metal’s uniqueness is the themes portrayed in their lyrics. These lyrics are the most important part of Death Metal and usually depict graphic and gory ideas, often portraying religious ceremonies (Satanism), horror, death, mutilation, or political tones, to name a few. As with most other Metal subgenres, Death Metal has a heavy emphasis on overall volume as well as guitars and solos. Instruments to look for in Death Metal music are almost exactly like those of Heavy Metal, guitars, bass, drums, as well as a vocalist and sometimes a keyboard.

 

Other Death Metal Bands:

• Possessed

• Death

• Obituary

• Autopsy

• Morbid Angel