The Most Popular Metal Genre, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the metal genre you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 24, 2024 09:16
Metal music, with its rich diversity and intense depth, offers subgenres that cater to a wide array of musical tastes. From the dark, brooding riffs to the lightning-fast solos, each style holds a unique appeal. It's crucial to have a sense of which genres resonate most with listeners to foster a community that appreciates and supports its varied sounds.
By hosting a voting system where fans can select their preferred metal genres, a clear, crowd-sourced snapshot of popularity emerges. This not only aids new listeners in finding a starting point but also gives long-time fans a voice in shaping the current landscape of the genre. Everyone's participation is vital in painting an accurate picture of the metal community's current preferences.
What Is the Most Popular Metal Genre?
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168votes
Heavy Metal
The original metal genre from which all other metal genres have evolved. Characterized by thick, massive sound, extended guitar solos, and loudness.- Pioneering Bands: Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple
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241votes
Thrash Metal
Known for its fast tempo and aggression. Uses fast percussive beats and low-register guitar riffs.- Pioneering Bands: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax
In other topics -
324votes
Black Metal
Known for its fast tempo, shrieking vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, raw recording, and unconventional song structures.- Pioneering Bands: Mayhem, Burzum, Darkthrone
In other topics -
424votes
Power Metal
Combines elements of traditional heavy metal with speed metal. Known for its uplifting sound, strong emphasis on melody, and often fantasy-themed lyrics.- Pioneering Bands: Helloween, Blind Guardian, DragonForce
In other topics -
518votes
Death Metal
Characterized by its heavily distorted guitars, deep growling vocals, aggressive drumming, and complex song structures.- Pioneering Bands: Death, Possessed, Morbid Angel
In other topics -
616votes
Progressive Metal
Known for its complex, dynamic, and technically demanding musical structures, often including long instrumental passages and odd time signatures.- Pioneering Bands: Dream Theater, Queensrÿche, Tool
In other topics -
75votes
Folk Metal
Blends heavy metal with traditional folk music. This genre often features the use of traditional, folk instruments alongside the electric guitar, bass, and drums.- Pioneering Bands: Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Ensiferum
In other topics -
80votes
Doom Metal
Focuses on slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and a much 'thicker' or 'heavier' sound than other metal genres. Often associated with themes of despair, fear, and sorrow.- Pioneering Bands: Candlemass, Pentagram, Saint Vitus
In other topics -
90votes
Gothic Metal
Combines the darkness and melancholy of goth rock with the heavy aggression of metal. Features keyboards or synthesizers, and female lead vocals are common.- Pioneering Bands: Paradise Lost, Type O Negative, Within Temptation
In other topics -
100votes
Industrial Metal
Fuses elements of heavy metal with elements of industrial music, using repeating metal guitar riffs, sampling, synthesizer or sequencer lines, and distorted vocals.- Pioneering Bands: Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Rammstein
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular metal genre. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or genre is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3188 views
- 196 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each genre once every 24 hours. The rank of each genre is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Additional Information
More about the Most Popular Metal Genre
Rank #1 for the most popular metal genre: Heavy Metal (Source)
Metal music has a long and storied history. It began in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Bands at that time wanted a heavier sound. They took inspiration from blues, rock, and psychedelic music. This new sound was loud, aggressive, and powerful.
The music often features distorted guitars. The riffs are heavy and repetitive. The drums are fast and pounding. The bass adds depth and power. Vocals can range from clean singing to harsh growls and screams. Lyrics often explore dark themes. They can deal with pain, anger, and rebellion. Some songs tell stories of fantasy and myth.
Fans of this genre are very dedicated. They form a tight-knit community. They attend concerts and festivals. They wear band t-shirts and other merchandise. They often have long hair and tattoos. They see the music as more than just sound. It is a way of life.
The genre has evolved over the years. It has split into many subgenres. Each has its own style and sound. Some focus on speed and technical skill. Others emphasize atmosphere and mood. Some bands use keyboards and orchestral elements. Others stick to the basic guitar, bass, and drums setup.
Despite changes, the core elements remain the same. The music is still loud and powerful. It still speaks to those who feel like outsiders. It provides a sense of belonging. It offers an outlet for emotions. It allows fans to express themselves.
The genre has faced criticism. Some people see it as too aggressive or negative. They do not understand the appeal. Fans, however, see it differently. They find beauty in the chaos. They find strength in the heaviness. They find comfort in the community.
The genre has also influenced other music styles. Many bands from other genres cite it as an influence. Its impact can be seen in punk, grunge, and even pop music. It has left a lasting mark on the music world.
The genre continues to thrive. New bands emerge all the time. They bring fresh ideas while honoring the past. The music continues to evolve. It remains relevant in a changing world. Fans continue to support it with passion and loyalty.
In conclusion, metal music is more than just a genre. It is a culture and a community. It has a rich history and a bright future. It speaks to those who need it most. It offers a sense of belonging and an outlet for emotions. It is loud, powerful, and unapologetic. It is here to stay.
The music often features distorted guitars. The riffs are heavy and repetitive. The drums are fast and pounding. The bass adds depth and power. Vocals can range from clean singing to harsh growls and screams. Lyrics often explore dark themes. They can deal with pain, anger, and rebellion. Some songs tell stories of fantasy and myth.
Fans of this genre are very dedicated. They form a tight-knit community. They attend concerts and festivals. They wear band t-shirts and other merchandise. They often have long hair and tattoos. They see the music as more than just sound. It is a way of life.
The genre has evolved over the years. It has split into many subgenres. Each has its own style and sound. Some focus on speed and technical skill. Others emphasize atmosphere and mood. Some bands use keyboards and orchestral elements. Others stick to the basic guitar, bass, and drums setup.
Despite changes, the core elements remain the same. The music is still loud and powerful. It still speaks to those who feel like outsiders. It provides a sense of belonging. It offers an outlet for emotions. It allows fans to express themselves.
The genre has faced criticism. Some people see it as too aggressive or negative. They do not understand the appeal. Fans, however, see it differently. They find beauty in the chaos. They find strength in the heaviness. They find comfort in the community.
The genre has also influenced other music styles. Many bands from other genres cite it as an influence. Its impact can be seen in punk, grunge, and even pop music. It has left a lasting mark on the music world.
The genre continues to thrive. New bands emerge all the time. They bring fresh ideas while honoring the past. The music continues to evolve. It remains relevant in a changing world. Fans continue to support it with passion and loyalty.
In conclusion, metal music is more than just a genre. It is a culture and a community. It has a rich history and a bright future. It speaks to those who need it most. It offers a sense of belonging and an outlet for emotions. It is loud, powerful, and unapologetic. It is here to stay.
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