2000s metalcore albums
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12 influential early 2000s metalcore albums that shaped the genre

As the world launched into a new millennium during the 2000s, a more modern metal sound was quickly gaining popularity in the United States. Many bands embraced this evolution. Some in particular also heavily influenced the direction of the newly created genre that was metalcore.

Even though many of those bands are either not together anymore or have changed their sound over the years, they were still huge influences for the metalcore we know today. Here are 12 albums from metalcore’s founding bands that helped shape the genre in the early 2000s.

Read more: 20 women vocalists in metal who are a driving force for the genre

Norma Jean – Bless The Martyr And Kiss The Child

Norma Jean’s Bless The Martyr And Kiss The Child is a staple in the metalcore scene. The only record with Josh Scogin before he formed Chariot and ‘68, it was successful in inspiring other bands to embrace loud and melodic sounds in their own work.

Every Time I Die – Hot Damn!

Every Time I Die were able to combine hardcore punk and Southern rock with metal to craft a unique sound that was unheard of before. With Hot Damn! they were also able to construct rock riffs that didn’t take away from the heaviness of the songs.

Unearth – The Oncoming Storm

With The Oncoming Storm, Unearth were able to blend many sounds together. Not only did they please different tastes with their wild solos and hardcore breakdowns, but they also paved a new melodic path for the genre.

Trivium – Ascendancy

Ascendancy is arguably the album from Trivium that influenced 2000s metalcore the most. Along with frontman Matt Heafy’s vocals, the powerful riffs and marvelous melodies made them the band to watch back in the day.

As I Lay Dying – Frail Words Collapse

At the forefront of the creation of metalcore was As I Lay Dying. The band brought together Swedish death metal and Christian metal in their innovating Frail Words Collapse, a blend that reached fans from all ends of the metal scene.

Avenged Sevenfold – Waking The Fallen

While their evolution as a band also involved a shift away from metal, Avenged Sevenfold were very influential for the start of metalcore. Especially with Waking The Fallen, the band were able to launch metalcore into the limelight and garner more attention to a genre that was rapidly increasing in popularity.

Eighteen Visions – Vanity

Eighteen Visions were another band like Avenged Sevenfold who changed their sound as they progressed as a band. However, Vanity was monumental in shaping the metalcore scene. It is also a perfect argument for how well hardcore and metal could actually work together.

Bleeding Through – This Is Love, This Is Murderous

Bleeding Through brought a more symphonic sound to metalcore with This Is Love, This Is Murderous. Not only did this album set the band up for success, but it also made them the most recognizable metalcore band to utilize symphonic elements.

The Dillinger Escape Plan – Miss Machine

With Miss Machine, The Dillinger Escape Plan moved from the math metal sound of their previous works to a heavier pop-metal vibe. This shift also helped in the formation of the new mathcore genre of metal.

Hatebreed – Perseverance

A huge influence on hardcore and metalcore, Hatebreed combined the riffs of Slayer with Madball breakdowns to create their album Perseverance. The endless amount of bands inspired by this album and Hatebreed more generally is truly a testament to their impact on the scene.

Killswitch Engage – Alive Or Just Breathing

One of the most influential albums from the early 2000s metalcore scene is Alive Or Just Breathing. With the record, Killswitch Engage not only helped shape metalcore, but they also inspired many bands for years to come.

Converge – Jane Doe

Converge’s Jane Doe was a massive game-changer for metalcore. With its aggressive tones and unique sound, the album helped the band’s overall success tremendously and also helped other bands find their home in the genre.