Melodic death metal
Melodic death metal is generally considered an offshoot of death metal. The subgenre contains more melodic guitar riffs and solos, which are sometimes acoustic, and also occasional 'clean' singing as opposed to traditional death grunt vocals. The song structures are generally more progressive, using diverse themes throughout the entire song. Death and Morbid Angel, often considered the "godfathers" of death metal, are primary influences of the genre, but it's progenators are still a mystery. Some say At the Gates were the first band to bring it to the popularity level amongst fans. Melodic Death metal, though from the same geographic area as Black Metal, rarely speaks of Satanism or the downfall of christianity, but rather more poetic themes, which can heavily vary.
Nearly all melodic death metal bands are from the Scandinavian region, especially from Sweden and Finland.
Notable bands
- At the Gates
- Arch Enemy
- Children of Bodom
- Dark Tranquillity
- Darkane
- Edge of Sanity
- Eternal Tears of Sorrow
- In Flames
- Insomnium
- Katatonia
- Opeth
- Soilwork
- Norther
- Shadows Fall
- Skyfire