How to Write a Metalcore Song

Writing a metalcore song is like crafting a sonic roller coaster—full of sharp turns, exhilarating drops, and moments that lift you. It’s a genre that demands both aggression and melody, a balancing act that can seem tricky but incredibly rewarding when done right. Let’s break down the process so you can create a track that both pummels and captivates.

Finding the Right Theme

First things first: what do you want your song to say? Metalcore often delves into themes of personal struggle, societal issues, or even fictional narratives. Think about what resonates with you. Are you passionate about mental health? Maybe you're drawn to dystopian themes or the chaos of modern life. Whatever it is, having a clear theme can guide your lyrics and musical choices.

To make your theme more tangible, jot down a few key phrases or words that capture the essence of what you’re aiming to express. These will serve as your anchor points. Let’s say your theme is about overcoming personal demons. Words like “resilience,” “struggle,” and “rebirth” might find their way into your lyrics and influence the mood of your riffs.

Interestingly enough, even abstract themes can be made concrete with vivid imagery and storytelling. Don’t shy away from experimenting with metaphorical language to give your theme depth. Remember, the goal is to connect with your listeners on an emotional level, so authenticity is key.

Building a Crushing Riff

Ah, the riff—the backbone of any metalcore song. This is where you can really let loose and get creative. The riff sets the tone, so think about what kind of atmosphere you want to create. Are you going for something dark and brooding, or maybe something fast and aggressive?

Start by experimenting with power chords and palm muting, which are staples in metalcore. You can play around with different tunings to give your riffs more weight. Dropped tunings like Drop C or Drop B are popular choices because they add a heavier, more menacing tone.

For a riff that stands out, try incorporating syncopation—shifting the accents in your rhythm to make things interesting. Alternating between standard picking and palm-muted sections can also add dynamics. If you're looking to sharpen your riffing skills, Riffhard offers lessons from top-notch guitarists who specialize in rhythm techniques, making it easier to create compelling riffs.

Once you’ve got a riff you’re happy with, don’t hesitate to experiment. Layer it with harmonics, throw in some slides, or add a pinch harmonic for that extra bite. The aim is to make your riff memorable and distinctive.

Crafting a Melodic Hook

While the riff gets the head banging, the melodic hook is what sticks in the listener’s mind. This is where the genre’s blend of aggression and melody shines. You want a hook that’s catchy but not cheesy, engaging but not overpowering.

To create a compelling hook, consider using a scale like the minor pentatonic or harmonic minor, which are both widely used in metalcore for their dark and emotive qualities. Try to craft a simple, singable line on the guitar that complements your riff. This could be a lead guitar part or even a vocal melody if you’re writing lyrics simultaneously.

Harmonizing your melody can add richness and depth. Play around with third or fifth intervals to see what fits best. And don’t forget about dynamics—incorporating softer passages can make the hook more impactful when it hits.

Once you’ve nailed your melody, try weaving it in and out of the main riff. This can create a sense of tension and release, a hallmark of great metalcore songs. If you need inspiration, the instructors at Riffhard have some excellent lessons on melody integration that can give you the boost you need.

Structuring Your Song

Song structure in metalcore can be as flexible as you like, but there are some tried-and-true formats to consider. A common structure is the verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format, which provides a good balance between repetition and variety.

Each section should serve a purpose. The verse might introduce the theme, the chorus delivers the emotional punch, and the bridge offers a fresh perspective or a climactic twist. Think of the bridge as your wild card—it can change the mood, introduce a new riff, or even shift the tempo.

Transitions between these sections are crucial. You might use a drum fill to smoothly segue from verse to chorus or employ a build-up to intensify the lead-up to the bridge. Whatever you choose, make sure it flows naturally and keeps the listener engaged.

Don’t be afraid to break out of the traditional mold if your song calls for it. Some of the most memorable metalcore tracks deviate from standard structures, offering unexpected twists and turns that keep listeners on their toes.

Writing Impactful Lyrics

Lyrics in metalcore can be as personal or as universal as you want. The trick is to be genuine. Whether you’re tackling societal issues or personal struggles, authenticity will resonate with your audience.

Start with the key phrases you developed earlier. Expand on them to build your verses and chorus. Aim for imagery that evokes emotion, whether it’s vivid and visceral or subtle and suggestive. Remember, the goal is to make your listeners feel something.

Consider using different vocal techniques to add texture and emotion to your lyrics. Screaming, growling, and clean singing are all part of the metalcore toolkit. Mixing these styles can help convey different emotions and highlight key moments in your song.

If you’re looking to refine your lyrical skills, we at Riffhard offer lessons that focus on this aspect as well, providing you with the tools to effectively communicate your message.

Creating a Dynamic Rhythm Section

The rhythm section in metalcore is more than just a backdrop—it drives the energy of the song. Your bass lines and drum patterns should complement the guitar work, enhancing the overall dynamism.

When crafting your bass lines, think about how they can interact with the guitar riffs. A tight, syncopated bass line can add depth and groove, making the riff more impactful. Consider using techniques like slides, octave jumps, and even tapping to add complexity and interest.

As for the drums, they should mirror the intensity of the song. Use double bass drumming for the heavy parts and switch to a more restrained pattern for the melodic sections. Fills and cymbal crashes can be used strategically to emphasize transitions and create tension.

Remember, the rhythm section should feel cohesive. Each element—bass, drums, and guitar—should work together to create a unified sound. This might take some trial and error, but the results are worth it.

Mixing Aggression with Melody

One of the defining features of metalcore is its ability to blend aggression with melody. This duality is what makes the genre so compelling. But striking the right balance can be challenging.

Start by identifying which sections of your song will be heavy and which will be more melodic. This can guide your decisions on instrumentation, dynamics, and arrangement. For example, you might opt for a clean guitar tone during the verses and switch to a distorted tone for the chorus.

Vocal delivery is another area where you can balance aggression and melody. Combining harsh vocals with clean singing can highlight the contrast and add emotional depth. Experiment with different vocal techniques to see what best serves your song.

Finally, don’t forget about production techniques. Reverb, delay, and compression can all be used to enhance the mood and texture of your track. These tools can help bridge the gap between the aggressive and melodic elements, creating a cohesive sound.

Final Thoughts

Writing a metalcore song is an exciting journey that combines aggression, melody, and emotion. It takes practice, but with the right approach, you can create something truly special. If you’re looking for more guidance, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources from some of the best metal guitarists, helping you refine your skills and bring your musical ideas to life.