10 acoustic songs from heavy artists to bring it down a notch

If Fearless Records’ Punk Goes Acoustic series is indicative of anything, it’s that alternative artists can’t resist the opportunity to pick up an acoustic guitar.

While a number of our favorites have opted for the occasional soft track, none are more jarring than those by heavy artists. As it turns out, the intricate melodies of metal music strip down rather beautifully.

Read more: Harry Styles had the best response to criticism over him wearing a dress

Here are 10 of our favorite original acoustic songs by some heavy names in the scene.

“I’m Already Gone” – A Day To Remember

A Day To Remember are quite versed in genre-bending. Don’t know what we’re talking about? Just take a listen to their collaboration with Marshmello on the 2019 EDM track “Rescue Me.” Given their propensity for deviating from their heavy sound, it’s no surprise that they’ve got mad acoustic game as well. “I’m Already Gone” offers a soft but catchy divergence from a discography that’s largely characterized by metalcore aggression. 

“Forevermore” – Picture Me Broken

It’s probably been a while since you last listened to Picture Me Broken—if you ever did. Despite their eclectic take on post-hardcore, which incorporated various metal and screamo elements, the band never achieved scene fame. Their whole catalog is worth a listen, but “Forevermore” stands out as an emblem of their dynamism. Featuring melancholic vocals and chilling imagery, the synth-laced, acoustic track could find a home in any emo playlist.

“My Heart I Surrender” – I Prevail

I Prevail might as well be the poster band for 2010s metalcore. They broke out onto the scene with a metal cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space,” which has since gone platinum. That doesn’t mean that their heavy, pop-punk-infused sound is all they’re good for, though. Their acoustic track “My Heart I Surrender” will tug at your heartstrings in all the right ways.

Read more: 20 scene closing album tracks that you should always skip to first

“Yesterday’s Gone” – Straight Line Stitch

While Straight Line Stitch have a pretty diverse sonic range, they’re clearly rooted in the 2000s metalcore scene. Within their heavy catalog, “Yesterday’s Gone” is really the only song of its kind. Concluding When Skies Wash Ashore, the pared-down ballad delivers intriguing riffs that are only overshadowed by the honesty of the vocals.

“Vermilion, Pt. 2” – Slipknot

Slipknot have a pretty distinctive sound characterized by heavy-metal riffs and varied vocals, but they often succeed in surprising us with experimentation. “Vermilion, Pt. 2” is an emotional digression from the otherwise harsh tone of Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses. The acoustic track winds down from its preceding aggressive anthem, “Before I Forget,” allowing listeners to catch a much-needed breath before diving headfirst back into their trademark ferocity.

“Autumn” – Haste The Day

Haste The Day’s discography is as diverse as it is moving, so it’s hardly surprising to hear them leaning into a softer sound. The Christian metal outfit really hit their stride with their acoustic song, “Autumn,” though. The melodic, passionate vocals and vivid poeticism make for a truly haunting and evocative track.

Read more: 30 metal bands who pioneered heavy music in Latin America

“Hold On Pain Ends” – The Color Morale

If you’re not familiar with the Color Morale’s larger discography, we recommend giving it a stream. This vastly underrated metalcore group bring serious edge with their deeply melodic riffs and heavy breakdowns. That doesn’t mean they lack a softer side, though. The title track of Hold On Pain Ends shows off their stylistic range in an emotional, predominantly acoustic display.

“2 Chord” – Sleeping With Sirens

Sleeping With Sirens have never been shy about their affinity toward acoustic tracks. Remember their 2012 EP, If You Were A Movie, This Would Be Your Soundtrack? Their extensive selection of softer tracks was hard to choose from, but we’re a bit partial toward “2 Chord.” The poignant, orchestral harmony and Kellin Quinn‘s vocals are just too good to resist.

“A Lifetime In A Week” – Ice Nine Kills

“A Lifetime In A Week” is one of Ice Nine Kills’ two original acoustic tracks from their aptly named 2 Song Acoustic EP. Both songs—the second being “The Simple Act Of Giving Up”—boast DIY pop-punk vibes. However, “A Lifetime In A Week” stands out with its catchy chord progression and gut-wrenching, breathy vocals. 

Read more: Here are 10 of the most unexpected collabs to come from 2020

“everything breaks” – Crown The Empire

In case you missed it, Crown The Empire released their first acoustic album, 07102010, earlier this year. While the record largely consists of revisited tracks, it also included an original called “everything breaks.” The band originally wrote the deeply moving ballad for 2019’s Sudden Sky, but it didn’t make the final cut. Thankfully, they ultimately decided to release it for us.

What are your favorite acoustic tracks by heavy artists? Let us know in the comments below!