5. Glam Metal
Few sub-genres from any musical genre were as excessive as glam metal. With its elaborate stage shows, party-orientated ethos, and decadent reputation – the flashy antics of it are the stuff of legend. However, it’s also a far cry from the origins of heavy metal.
Gone were the dark overtones, replaced instead with a more freewheeling nature that celebrated the look of a band rather than their musical ability. Springing up in the early ‘80s, glam/hair metal gained a large following through acts like Warrant, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Poison. However, its grip on the metal scene began to weaken as the decade closed out.
Some fans grew tired of its egotistical nature and debatable lyrical merits, with the advent of grunge putting the final nail in this colorful coffin. Some could argue that the sub-genre is the very definition of style over substance, making this bombastic arm of heavy metal one that still divides opinion among many metalheads.
4. Blackgaze
Typified by its upbeat melodies, shrieking vocals, and blast beat drumming – blackgaze is an otherworldly combo of black metal and shoegaze. Since sprouting up in the early part of the century, the sub-genre became a critical darling outside of the metal community.
Cue a backlash from the more hard-headed sections of the heavy metal fan base, with detractors pointing to its inclusion on indie sites like Pitchfork. To be honest though, they kind of have a point. There’s something problematic about the way publications like the aforementioned one latch on to blackgaze, while pretty much ignoring a lot of other great works in the metal canon.
However, that shouldn’t deter you from enjoying the awesome compositions from bands like Alcest, Deafheaven, and Oathbreaker. True, it’s become synonymous with hipster folk, but on the basis of the music alone, there’s a lot to enjoy in this critically acclaimed musical style.
3. Black Metal
As one of metal’s most extreme sub-genres, black metal terrifies many people – mostly those outside of the metal world. While some styles on this list create division due to their musical merit, black metal differs in that it’s off the stage and outside of the studio that it causes controversy.
Of course, the music is quite assaultive to the senses, but most take umbrage mainly with the activities that some of its groups indulge in. Whether it’s the church burnings that became synonymous with it in the ‘90s, or the violent nature that witnessed real murders take place – the scene divides opinion in a rather black and white manner.
Throw in its undeniable disdain for Christianity, wickedly dark subject matter, and pagan/satanic glorification, and you’ve got a metal sub-genre that is quite clear on where it stands. Obviously, not everyone shares the same anarchistic sentiments, which is why it’s one of metal’s most divisive movements.
2. Christian Metal
Right on the opposite side of the spectrum to our previous entry is Christian metal. We’re pretty sure Black Sabbath didn’t envision the day when heavy metal would be used as a tool for Christians to use, but that’s exactly what happened when it sprung up in the ‘80s with bands like Stryper and Believer.
It goes without saying that its lyrical themes are centered on Christian beliefs, which to some, is seen as the ultimate slap in the face to fans of a musical style that has its roots based in darker territories. The established order of Christianity is contradictory to the freewheeling ethos of heavy metal, which again, makes it the brunt of criticism among sections of the metal community. Even more interesting is the fact that it’s also controversial with portions of the Christian community, who feel that it deviates too far from their religion.
Although, the flip-side is that there have been some solid highlights in the scene’s history. The most notable examples include the self-titled debut album from reckless thrashers Living Sacrifice, the fiery third LP by Zao entitled Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest, and Tourniquet’s technical masterclass Psycho Surgery. Whichever side you’re on, Christian metal will continue to cause fierce debate among those within and outside of the metal sphere.
1. Nu-Metal
What did you think our number 1 choice would be? Of course it’s metal’s ultimate bastard child nu-metal. If ever there were a sub-genre that so evidently splits opinion, this would be it. Fusing elements of metal, rap, hip-hop, and electronica, this late’90s/early ‘00s musical style was never going to please the hardcore metal fans.
It’s not just the music that irks its critics though, it’s everything about it. Whether it’s the hip-hop image that goes along with it, or the commercially viable nature of it – nu-metal has its fair share of polarizing traits. However, despite all of that, the divisive sub-genre has maintained a committed following. Bands like Limp Bizkit, Korn, Slipknot, and Disturbed are all still thriving off of their success in nu-metal.
And you can’t look past great albums such as Slipknot’s abrasive self-titled debut album, Korn’s monumental third LP Follow the Leader, or Deftones’ killer sophomore effort Around the Fur… Or maybe you can if you totally despise nu-metal and everything it represents.
What metal sub-genre gets your blood boiling, and which one do you adore? Let us know in the comments!
