The difference, in figures
Black metal is clearly heavier (+4), clearly less melodic (−3) and slightly faster (+1) than Melodic hardcore. It emerged in 1982, 3 years before Melodic hardcore in 1985. They sit on opposite branches of the tree and share no common ancestor.
Melodic hardcore
Where it sits
Rock › Punk rock › Hardcore punk › Melodic hardcore
In short
Same speed and urgency, but with sung choruses and guitar harmonies.
How it sounds
- Hardcore speed with major-key harmonic progressions.
- Two-part guitar harmonies and sung choruses.
- More personal or reflective political lyrics rather than pure slogans.
Key acts
- Dag Nasty
- Strike Anywhere
- Comeback Kid
Start here
The pickKid Dynamite - Kid Dynamite. Seventeen songs, twenty-four minutes, zero fat.
Full page →Black metal
Where it sits
In short
Tremolo picking, blast beats, shrieked vocals and deliberately cold production. More an aesthetic than a technique - atmosphere matters more than clean sound.
How it sounds
- Tremolo picking on open fifth voicings, with vocals in the high register.
- Deliberately thin, cold production - the missing bass is an aesthetic choice, not an accident.
- Fast blast beats, drums often mixed back, atmosphere placed above technique.
Key acts
- Bathory
- Mayhem
- Darkthrone
- Emperor
Start here
The pickDarkthrone - A Blaze in the Northern Sky. The production is intentional, not a flaw.
Full page →