The Origins of Deathcore: A Deep Dive into Its First Album

The Rise of Deathcore in the Early 2000s

Deathcore, a heavy subgenre of metal, began to flourish in the early to mid-2000s. Bands such as Antagony, The Red Chord, Despised Icon, and All Shall Perish emerged during this period, releasing their debut albums and establishing themselves as pivotal players in the deathcore scene. Many consider these bands to be the architects of deathcore, credited with shaping its sound and style, which has arguably become more popular than ever over two decades later.

Antagony: A Pioneering Force in Deathcore

Among the bands that contributed to the formation of deathcore, Antagony often receives the least recognition. Their debut album, See Through These Eyes, released in 2001, is one of the earliest examples of deathcore in the 2000s. Interestingly, the band’s first demo dates back to 1998, showcasing an evolution that began before the genre’s mainstream emergence.

Who Released the First Deathcore Album?

While Antagony played a crucial role, another band deserves attention as a precursor to deathcore. Formed in 1992, Supplication—a Christian band from Arlington, Texas—initially released a demo in 1993. The group underwent several lineup changes and eventually rebranded as Embodyment. In 1997, they signed with Solid State Records and released their debut full-length album, Embrace The Eternal.

Embodyment’s Innovative Sound

With Embrace The Eternal, Embodyment showcased a significant shift in their musical direction. Building on the death metal and grindcore elements from their previous demos, the band began to incorporate new vocal styles, unique guitar tones, and intricate panic chords. Notably, the album features some of the earliest instances of breakdowns that would become a hallmark of deathcore.

Embodyment’s Influence on the Genre

Following the release of Embrace The Eternal, Embodyment’s sound transformed dramatically. They shifted towards alternative and hard rock with their next album, The Narrow Scope of Things, which focused heavily on clean vocals and distanced itself from their death metal roots. Despite this change, Embodyment’s early work left an indelible mark on the deathcore genre.

Numerous later bands, including Animosity and Glass Casket, drew inspiration from the production and instrumentation choices found on Embrace The Eternal. Adam Cody, vocalist for Glass Casket, remarked on the profound influence of the album, highlighting its unique blend of genres that helped shape their own sound.

Conclusion

Although Embodyment’s contributions to deathcore have often been overlooked, their significance cannot be understated. With the release of Embrace The Eternal in 1998, they helped lay the groundwork for a genre that would evolve and thrive for decades. Their innovative fusion of styles and pioneering approach to breakdowns played a vital role in the development of deathcore, influencing countless bands that followed.

FAQs

What year was the first deathcore album released?

The first notable deathcore album, Embrace The Eternal by Embodyment, was released in 1998.

Which band is credited with popularizing deathcore in the 2000s?

Bands like Antagony, The Red Chord, Despised Icon, and All Shall Perish are credited with popularizing deathcore during the early 2000s.

What is a defining element of deathcore music?

Breakdowns are considered one of the defining elements of deathcore, characterized by heavy, syncopated rhythms and a focus on rhythmic intensity.

Did Embodyment continue to play deathcore after their debut album?

No, after their debut, Embodyment shifted their sound significantly towards alternative and hard rock, moving away from their deathcore roots.