• • In the 2020s, metalcore has transformed from its roots of heavy riffs and guttural screams into a genre where brutal breakdowns now coexist with pop influences, electronic sounds, and polished production, bridging its intense past with a more diverse, refined present

• • On RadioVideo.Music, 815 songs released in 2020s, are tagged “metalcore.” Among them, 14 have over twenty millions views on YouTube, and 4 have over fifty millions.

• • Overall, the 5 most popular tracks are SiM’s “The Rumbling,” Motionless In White‘s “Another Life,” Electric Callboy‘s “We Got the Moves,” Bring Me The Horizon‘s “Parasite Eve,” and Bring Me The Horizon‘s “Ludens.”

• • We have listed the 20 “Metalcore” songs released in the 2020s, with the highest engagements over the last 30 days.

• You will find them below in descending order of engagements.

1 . Sim - The Rumbling

SiM's "The Rumbling" serves as the opening theme for the second half of Attack on Titan's final season, blending metalcore with orchestral elements. Released in 2022, it hit No. 1 on the US Hot Hard Rock Songs chart.

Genres : Metal,japanese metalcore, japanese screamo

The music video is directed by Taiyo Yamamoto

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.67% / 0.27%

2 . Bad Omens - Like A Villain

Bad Omens’ "Like A Villain" explores toxic relationships through a mix of alternative metal and electronic elements. Written by Noah Sebastian and Joakim Karlsson, the track delves into themes of guilt and emotional conflict.

Genres : Metal,american metalcore

The music video is directed by Orie McGinness

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

6.99% / 0.48%

3 . Electric Callboy - Elevator Operator

"Elevator Operator" marks the return of German electronicore powerhouse Electric Callboy, unveiled on January 24, 2025, as a follow-up to their explosive single "RATATATA" with Babymetal, which dominated YouTube Trends at #1 and entered the Top 50 Viral Charts across 42 countries in May 2024 with over 1 million streams and views in a day.

Inspired by an anecdote from their Tekkno World Tour, the track is an eclectic synthesis of funky grooves, pulsating EDM, and earth-shaking breakdowns. Nico Sallach delivers buoyant vocal melodies, while Kevin Ratajczak interjects with guttural screams. Adding depth, it features trance interludes, a satirical elevator music break, and infectious breakdowns.

The Schillobros-produced music video stars Uke Bosse in the titular role, weaving CGI-rendered cats, a raucous band performance, and a surreal party into its visual narrative. Already anticipated as a crowd-pleaser, it amplifies the band's energetic ethos in live settings.

Electric Callboy, composed of Daniel Haniß (guitar), Daniel Klossek (bass), Nico Sallach (vocals), Kevin Ratajczak (vocals), Pascal Schillo (guitar), and David Friedrich (drums), continues to expand its acclaim after milestones like their gold-certified 2020 single "Hypa Hypa," the chart-topping album "TEKKNO," and a completely sold-out Hypa Hypa European tour in 2022.

Genres : Metal,metalcore, metal

The music video is directed by : Schillobros

25.44% / 0.34%

4 . Motionless In White - Another Life

Motionless In White's "Another Life" (2019) mixes gothic rock and metalcore, reflecting on the emotional aftermath of a painful breakup. The introspective lyrics focus on regret and the memories of a lost relationship.

Genres : Metal,alternative metal, metalcore

The music video is directed by Max Moore

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.76% / -0.05%

5 . Electric Callboy - We Got The Moves

Electric Callboy’s "We Got the Moves" (2021) combines metalcore and electro-pop, celebrating youth and freedom in a high-energy summer anthem. The lyrics, entirely in English, reflect the carefree vibe of the track.

Genres : Metal,comic metal, german metalcore, trancecore

The music video is directed by Oliver Schillo, Pascal Schillo

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.24% / 0.28%

6 . Motionless In White - Masterpiece

Motionless In White's "Masterpiece" (2022) uses the metaphor of painting to explore themes of regret and self-forgiveness. The mix of metalcore and melodic rock underscores Chris Motionless’ emotional vocal delivery.

Genres : Metal,alternative metal, metalcore

The music video is directed by Max Moore

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.90% / 0.46%

7 . Imminence - God Fearing Man

"God Fearing Man" arrives as a March 2025 single from Swedish metalcore band Imminence, channeling turmoil and the search for redemption through its searing lyrics.

Lines such as "I've been looking for God in the silence / To let me in" sift through the wreckage of inner strife, stretching toward some elusive deliverance.

Trelleborg’s five-piece outfit, signed to Arising Empire, continues threading raw emotion through layered intensity.

Genres : Metal, Rock,metalcore, metal, post-hardcore, deathcore

The music video is directed by Pavel Trebukhin

Featured on the album The Return of The Black

80.85% / -5.09%

8 . Architects - Blackhole

Architects' 'Blackhole' from 'The Sky, The Earth & All Between' features skyscraper rooftop performances and Jensen Noen's direction.

Following extensive tours with Metallica and Bloodstock Festival, the band's intense energy remains undiminished.

Fans await the February 2025 album, already listed as a must-hear by rock's elite press.

Genres : Metal, Rock,metalcore, djent, metal, post-hardcore, deathcore

The music video is directed by Jensen Noen

Featured on the album The Sky, The Earth & All Between

29.67% / 0.23%

9 . Bad Omens - Limits

Bad Omens' "Limits" (2020) blends modern rock and metalcore, focusing on themes of betrayal, manipulation, and defiance. Noah Sebastian’s vocal delivery alternates between melody and aggression.

Genres : Metal,american metalcore

The music video is directed by Orie McGinness

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.91% / 0.03%

10 . I Prevail - Bad Things

"Bad Things" by I Prevail delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche, with themes of self-destruction, addiction, and inner turmoil. Released in 2022 and produced by Tyler Smyth, the track weaves together alternative rock, metal, and electronic elements. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an individual trapped in a cycle of negativity, pushing others away while chasing highs that ultimately bring more harm. Smyth’s production adds a sleek, modern edge to the song, enhancing the weight of the introspective struggle at its core.

Genres : Metal,alternative metal, nu-metalcore

The music video is directed by Third Eye Visuals

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.22% / 0.44%

11 . Electric Callboy - Pump It - Velvet Remix

This remix of Electric Callboy’s "Pump It" adds heavier electronic elements, transforming the original 2021 hit into a more club-oriented track while maintaining its energetic fitness-themed message.

Genres : Metal,comic metal, german metalcore, trancecore

The music video is directed by Oliver Schillo, Pascal Schillo

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.50% / 0.21%

12 . Bring Me The Horizon - Teardrops

“Teardrops” emerges in October 2020 as the closing single of Bring Me the Horizon’s "Post Human: Survival Horror," co-produced by vocalist Oliver Sykes and keyboardist Jordan Fish.

Sonically leaning into nu metal, alternative rock, emo, and metalcore, the track slips in an altered elephant sound at the 10-second mark—a studio joke turned audio easter egg.

Lyrically, it chronicles tech fatigue, anxiety, and depression, borrowing its chord progression from Linkin Park’s “Somewhere I Belong.”

Genres : metalcore, alternative metal

The music video is directed by Oliver Sykes

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

1.60% / 0.20%

13 . Architects - Animals

Intertwining existential themes and the monotony of modern life, "Animals" stands as a significant single in the discography of the British metalcore band Architects. Released in October 2020 via Epitaph Records, the track captures a sense of entrapment and unease, exploring the consequences of human actions. A live orchestral version further underscores its emotional depth, reflecting on the grief and healing process following the passing of founding member Tom Searle. The song also represents a stylistic shift towards accessibility within the band's evolving sound.

Genres : Rock, Metal,mathcore, melodic metalcore, metalcore, progressive metalcore, uk metalcore

The music video is directed by Dan Searle

Featured on the album For Those That Wish to Exist

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.16% / 0.27%

14 . Bad Omens - Nowhere To Go

Bad Omens' "Nowhere To Go" (2022) mixes metalcore and electronic influences, exploring themes of betrayal and the struggle to break free from the past. The track captures the band’s evolving sound and modern anxieties.

Genres : Metal,american metalcore

The music video is directed by Orie McGinnes

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.66% / 0.30%

15 . Bad Omens - Artificial Suicide

Bad Omens’ "ARTIFICIAL SUICIDE" (2021) critiques modern society's dependence on technology. Mixing industrial sounds with metalcore, the song alternates between clear vocals and harsh growls, addressing digital alienation.

Genres : Metal,american metalcore

The music video is directed by Orie McGinness

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.46% / 0.32%

16 . Bring Me The Horizon - Kool-Aid

Bring Me The Horizon’s "Kool-Aid" critiques societal conformity and blind faith. Released as part of their electronic-leaning album, the track references the Jonestown tragedy, symbolizing indoctrination with lines like "Drank the Kool-Aid."

Genres : Metal, Rock,melodic metalcore, metalcore, modern rock, rock, uk metalcore

The music video is directed by Masaki Watanabe

Featured on the album Post Human: NeXGEn

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

6.93% / 0.28%

17 . Spiritbox - Circle With Me

“Circle With Me” emerges late in Spiritbox’s studio sessions, channeling Courtney LaPlante’s inner tug-of-war between self-assurance and unease over her career path.

Her clean, drifting vocals routinely give way to unfiltered screams, tracing a sonic arc from tranquility to full rupture.

Djent-tinged guitars twist beneath layered synths, while the rest of the band—Mike Stringer, Bill Crook, and Zev Rose—anchors the volatility with clinical precision.

Genres : Metal,canadian metalcore

The music video is directed by Orie McGinness

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

4.26% / 0.37%

18 . Lorna Shore - To The Hellfire

Released in June 2021, Lorna Shore's "To the Hellfire" marked Will Ramos's debut with the band. Known for its intense breakdowns and symphonic layers, the track showcases black metal influences and Ramos's famed “pig squeals,” securing its place as a deathcore anthem and earning Loudwire's "Song of the Year 2021."

Genres : Metal,blackened deathcore, melodic metalcore, symphonic deathcore

Featured on the album ...And I Return to Nothingness (ep)

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.66% / 0.28%

19 . Bring Me The Horizon - Parasite Eve

Bring Me The Horizon's "Parasite Eve" (2020) responds to the global pandemic, blending metalcore, electronic, and traditional Bulgarian choir elements. The song critiques societal responses to crisis and fear of invisible threats.

Genres : Metal, Rock,melodic metalcore, metalcore, modern rock, rock, uk metalcore

The music video is directed by Oliver Sykes

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

1.32% / 0.02%

20 . Bad Omens, Poppy - V.A.N

Bad Omens' "V.A.N." (2022) addresses humanity’s relationship with AI and violence against nature. The 2024 live version with Poppy adds her distinct vocals, creating a stark contrast with Noah Sebastian's.

Genres : Pop, Metal,american metalcore, alt z

The music video is directed by Garrett Nicholson & Poppy

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

6.47% / 0.25%

ABOUT Metalcore

What is Metalcore?

Metalcore is a musical genre that fuses elements of heavy metal and hardcore punk. It is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, powerful breakdowns, and a vocal interplay between guttural screams and clean singing. Lyrically, metalcore often tackles introspective, social, and emotional themes with both musical and lyrical intensity.

More recently, metalcore has drawn influences from pop, rap, and other genres, incorporating electronic sounds such as EDM and synthwave, alongside an increased presence of vocal melodies that contrast with traditional growls and screams.

The use of VST plugins and advanced software enables the creation of complex arrangements and highly refined sounds, while integrating electronic and orchestral elements. As a result, production has become more polished compared to previous decades, with a focus on the contrast between the heaviness of breakdowns and the clarity of melodic passages.

Metalcore : 10 Record Labels

• • Founded in 1991, Rise Records is a U.S.-based label from Portland, Oregon. One of the largest in the metalcore and post-hardcore scene, it has signed influential bands like Of Mice & Men, The Devil Wears Prada, and Memphis May Fire.

• • Epitaph Records, founded by Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion in 1980, is one of the most respected labels in punk and metalcore music. With bands like Bring Me The Horizon and Architects, Epitaph played a key role in popularizing metalcore.

• • Based in Los Angeles, Fearless Records is known for pop-punk and metalcore releases, producing notable bands like I Prevail, Pierce The Veil, and Ice Nine Kills. Fearless is also recognized for its “Punk Goes…” compilation series.

• • Founded in 2006, Sumerian Records is a Los Angeles-based label specializing in progressive metalcore and djent. With bands like Asking Alexandria and Born of Osiris, Sumerian has helped define a modern and technical sound in metalcore.

• • Nuclear Blast, based in Germany, is one of the world’s largest metal labels. Though primarily associated with genres like death metal and thrash, the label has also signed influential metalcore bands like As I Lay Dying and Bleed From Within.

• • Roadrunner Records, founded in the Netherlands in 1980, is a major player in the metal world. The label signed some of the biggest names in metalcore, including Killswitch Engage and Trivium, helping to popularize the genre in the early 2000s.

• • UNFD is an independent label based in Australia that focuses on metalcore and post-hardcore bands. With artists like Northlane, In Hearts Wake, and Architects, it has built a global reputation for high-quality productions.

• • cords, founded in 2016, quickly gained prominence in the metalcore scene. The label represents bands like We Came As Romans and Miss May I, distinguishing itself with a modern and dynamic approach to the genre.

• • Solid State Records is a subsidiary of Tooth & Nail Records, specializing in Christian metal and metalcore. With bands like August Burns Red and Demon Hunter, the label is a cornerstone of the Christian metalcore scene.

• Century Media Records, founded in 1988 in Germany, is a metal label that spans a wide array of subgenres, including metalcore. The label has worked with bands like Architects and Heaven Shall Burn, helping promote the genre worldwide.

Metalcore : Instruments and Stage Outfits

• • Jackson Guitars is an American brand known for its electric guitars, highly favored in metal and metalcore for their aggressive design and technical performance.

• • ESP Guitars, based in Japan, is renowned for its high-quality electric guitars, used by many metalcore musicians.

• • Schecter Guitars is an American manufacturer of guitars and basses, particularly popular in the metalcore community. Their instruments are known for durability, active pickups, and distinctive aesthetics.

• • Line 6 produces amplifiers and digital effects processors. Products like their Helix amplifiers and effects pedals are widely used in metalcore for their ability to create heavy and varied sounds.

• • Pearl Drums is a drum and percussion manufacturer, recognized for its quality, power, precision, and durability.

• • Hot Topic is an American retail chain specializing in alternative clothing and pop culture. They offer a wide range of metalcore-related clothing and accessories, including band t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories.

• Founded by Oli Sykes of Bring Me The Horizon, Drop Dead Clothing is an alternative clothing brand that offers limited collections

Further Reading : 10 magazines and one book

• • Metal Injection is a news site that covers the entire global metal scene, featuring album reviews, interviews, videos, and reports on the latest events.

• • Kerrang! is a British magazine that explores all aspects of rock and metal. Since its launch in 1981, it has been a major source of information, interviews, and reviews for heavy music fans, available both in print and online.

• • Revolver Magazine is a U.S. magazine specializing in rock and metal music. Known for its bold covers and interviews with influential artists, it also offers album reviews, playlists, and cultural features.

• • The PRP delivers news and rumors surrounding the metal and hardcore scene, renowned for its thorough coverage of tours, album releases, and relevant news for fans.

• • Loudwire is an American site covering the full spectrum of rock and metal, featuring news, videos, interviews, and rankings.

• • AltPress (Alternative Press) is a U.S.-based magazine covering alternative music, including punk, metalcore, and post-hardcore.

• • Blabbermouth is a metal news site that provides everything from rumors to official announcements. It’s a must-visit for up-to-the-minute metal news, offering quick articles and constant updates on bands and activities.

• • Decibel Magazine is an American magazine focusing on extreme metal genres. It’s recognized for its in-depth journalistic approach, featuring well-researched articles, interviews with influential artists, and detailed reviews.

• • MetalSucks is a provocative and humorous website that covers the metal scene with an irreverent tone, focusing on news, reviews, commentary, and sharp analysis.

• • Rock Sound is a British magazine covering a wide range of rock genres, from pop-punk to metalcore. It’s known for exclusive interviews, high-quality photoshoots, and support for emerging artists in the rock and metal scene.

• “A Guide to Metalcore Music Including the Pioneers of the Genre, Crossover Trash, Metallic Hardcore, Melodic Metalcore, and Subgenres” by Dakota Stevens provides a detailed look at the genre’s development over time.

ADJACENT GENRES

• djent
• deathcore
• alternative metal
• post-hardcore
• groove metal
• christian metal
• melodic death metal