10HeaviestBreakdowns2007

10 of the heaviest breakdowns from 2007

Clear some space, let your hair down, and keep your neck brace handy because these earth-shattering breakdowns sound just as powerful as they did 10 years ago. Each video is already queued up for your headbanging pleasure. 

Caution: Listener may feel inclined to sporadically move about the room.

Read more: 10 best metal albums of 2017, so far

1. Parkway Drive — “Boneyards”

Ah yes, what better way to kick off this list than with the boys from down under. Parkway Drive's sophomore record Horizons features some of the heaviest sections the band has ever written, but no song packs a more solid punch than “Boneyards.” Aside from the galloping verses and groovy chugs, what makes this tune a long time fan-favorite is the harrowing throwdown occurring in the last 30 seconds. Building up with “there's blood in the water” while the gang exclaims “sinking, always sinking!” in response, Winston McCall channels some of his best isolated vocals to guide you into a delicious and frightening conclusion that'll keep you coming back for more.

2. Carnifex — “Slit Wrist Savior”

In the 10 years since Death In My Arms was released, Carnifex have been aboard the flagship deathcore vessel, continuously punishing listeners with their infectious contrast between bounce and blister. Their 2007 debut, however, carried a more gritty tone with less polished production than records that would follow, which enabled an even more chilling sound. And tracks like “Slit Wrist Savior” (which, for what it's worth, features an array of breakdowns throughout) couple violent lyricism with some of the deepest growls, guitar effects and drum patterns you could hope for. In this song, as the tempo begins to slow, it's almost as if you can see the gates of hell open before you.

3. August Burns Red — “Back Burner”

For fans of metalcore and breakdowns alike, Messengers provides one of the most prevalent examples of how to go big or go home. This particular album from August Burns Red is easily one of the heaviest metal records in recent memory, with the production essentially blowing you out of the water each time drummer Matt Greiner begins bashing his china cymbal. “Back Burner” may very well be one of the strongest jams the band has ever written, as Jake Luhrs' first recordings with the group showcase his intensity and range — which can't get much lower than his gutterals during the conclusion of this song, right?

4. The Devil Wears Prada — “Don't Dink And Drance”

The Devil Wears Prada stormed the scene with Mike Hranica and Jeremy DePoyster's contrasting harsh/sweet vocals, and with attention-grabbing, albeit loose production, another band with unique song titles managed to generate even quirkier breakdowns. “Don't Dink And Drance,” and Plagues as a whole, previewed what would become the group's increased usage of keyboards, but on this song, they serve as a disorienting force that feels as though a pixlated version of you is being summoned to another dimension. Although an outlier at the time, The Devil Wears Prada's avant-garde approach to breakdowns influenced much of what we hear in modern metalcore today. 

5. Every Time I Die — “No Son Of Mine”

I'll begin by saying that, yes, I realize this is probably the “softest” song on the list, but there's something about Every Time I Die that is heavier by nature than some of the most “metal” bands. “No Son Of Mine” still remains a staple in the band's set 10 years on, and it's not really a question as to why. Your deadbeat stepfather scolding you for talking about “rock 'n' roll” under his roof? What better rebellion than to mold that very concept into a ferocious finale with a sweet heavy lick behind it? Ultimately, crafty riffing and tempo changes have been Every Time I Die's forte, and there's no better place to highlight this than during their ferocious breakdowns.

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6. Whitechapel — “Alone In The Morgue”

Another band appearing on the deathcore spectrum in 2007 was Whitechapel, whose release of The Somatic Defilement forcasted nothing but brutality from the genre. Phil Bozeman's vocals have stood out from the beginning, but in the chaosphere that is “Alone In The Morgue,” his devilish groans float over down-tempo doom riffs as smoothly as a gondola in Venice. The varying kick drum patterns hardly allow you to grasp on to the direction of the song, but who cares, because this one was made for the boys (and girls) in the pit. If 50 seconds of speed and two minutes of sludgy death is what you ordered, this is the tune for you.

7. The Chariot — “Back To Back”

It will be nearly impossible to replicate the enegy and artistry that embodied The Chariot in their valiant run as a band. Although they didn't subscribe to any formulaic style of heavy music, the Chariot could write a pulverizing segment, and “Back To Back” is a minute and 30 seconds of sheer vigor. Between Josh Scogin's emotional screams and the guitars' convulsing patterns, you can only imagine how wild a live performance of this song used to be. Even if it's not a “breakdown” in the traditional sense of the word, it still makes you want to destroy everything in sight.

8. I Declare War — “Now You're Going To Be Famous”

Seattle's I Declare War were never shy about toting their love for the “BRREEEEE,” especially during vocalist Jonathan Huber's stint with the band before the turn of the decade. Messy lyrics, messy production and a demonic sound allow this deathcore crew to provide an unforgiving listening experience, which is highlighted in this ferocious beat down from the band's debut. Shock value may be presented on the initial face of a band like I Declare War, especially in “Now You're Going To Be Famous,” but it doesn't mean you won't still be windmilling and spin-kicking your way down the street with this track in your headphones.

9. The Dillinger Escape Plan — “82588”

Another band that is the least bit conventional are the Dillinger Escape Plan, who like the Chariot, are not known to specifically write breakdowns amidst their mathmatically induced rhythms. However, there's no question that these guys write some pretty chunky riffs, and behind so much sporadic musical variation, it's only a matter of time before they unleash a part with enough velocity to shoot you through the roof. Not to mention, there is a distinct quality about Greg Puciato's voice that makes the hairs on your back stand up. Whether or not you're moshing while this song is being played, there's a good chance the Dillinger Escape Plan are moving around more than you.

10. Born Of Osiris — “Bow Down”

The only song on the list to be reissued is “Bow Down” by Born Of Osiris, which first appeared on the band's debut record, The New Reign. Now remastered for The Eternal Reign, you have an even better quality version to listen to, as the polyrythmic style that the group is known for began with tracks like this one. The precise drum cadence is the heartbeat for this throwdown, as the guitars follow suit and add in some pinch harmonics to freshen up this filthy riffage. It's portions of songs like this that make your brain wonder how you can compute so much going on at once, and even if you can't, you still rage.

What would you add to the list? Which song and/or album is your favorite? Sound off in the comments!