Extreme metal is a loosely defined umbrella term for a number of related heavy

metal music subgenres that have developed since the early 1980s. It has been
defined as a "cluster of metal subgenres characterized by sonic, verbal, and visual
transgression".[1]

The term usually refers to a more abrasive, harsher, underground, non-

commercialized style associated with the speed metal, thrash metal, black metal,
death metal, and doom metal genres.[2] Hardcore punk has been considered an
integral part of the development of extreme metal, in the case of song structure
and speed,[3][4] in every case other than doom metal.[5]

Contents
1 Definitions
2 History
3 List of genres
3.1 Primary genres
3.2 Subgenres of primary genres
3.3 Fusion genres
3.3.1 Fusions between primary genres
3.3.2 Fusions with punk rock styles
3.3.3 Fusion with other rock styles
3.3.4 Fusions with other musical styles
3.4 Derivatives
4 References
4.1 Notes
5 Further reading
Definitions
Extreme metal acts set themselves apart from traditional heavy metal acts, such as
Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Motörhead, by incorporating more abrasive musical
characteristics such as higher tempos, increased aggression and a harsher
extremity. In the majority of the world, extreme metal does not receive much radio-
play or achieve high chart positions.[6]

Extreme metal's sonic excess is characterized by high levels of distortion (also in

the vocals – grunting or screaming), less focus on guitar solos and melody,
emphasis on technical control, and fast tempos (at times, more than 200 beats per
minute). Its thematic transgression can be found in more overt and/or serious
references to Satanism and the darker aspects of human existence that are
considered out of bounds or distasteful, such as death, suicide and war."[7]
"Visual transgression [can include] ... medieval weaponry [and] bloody/horrific
artwork."[7]

According to ethnographer Keith Kahn-Harris,[8] the defining characteristics of

extreme metal can all be regarded as clearly transgressive: the "extreme" traits
noted above are all intended to violate or transgress given cultural, artistic,
social or aesthetic boundaries. Kahn-Harris states that extreme metal can be "close
to being ... formless noise", at least to the uninitiated listener.[8]:33 He states
that with extreme metal lyrics, they often "offer no possibility of hope or
redemption" and lyrics often reference apocalyptic themes. Extreme metal lyrics
often describe Christianity as weak or submissive,[8]:40 and many songs express
misanthropic views such as "kill every thing".[8]:40 A small number of extreme
metal bands and song lyrics take radical (left or right) political stances; for
example, the Swedish black metal band Marduk has commonly referenced the Nazi
Panzer tanks, which can be seen in works such as Panzer Division Marduk (1999).
[8]:41

History
The British band Venom are one of the first bands to venture into extreme metal
territory, due to their ideological shift into themes of evil, the devil and hell.
[3] Their first two albums, Welcome to Hell (1981) and Black Metal (1982), are
considered a major influence on thrash metal and extreme metal in general.[8] This
early work by Venom, in combination with bands like Discharge, The Exploited and
Amebix as well as American hardcore punk brought integral elements into the budding
extreme metal landscape at the time.[3] In 1983, Metallica would release their
debut album Kill 'Em All, which fused elements of the new wave of British heavy
metal with hardcore punk and the style of Motörhead, becoming the first thrash
metal album,[9] and would eventually be certified triple platinum.[10] A few months
later, Slayer would release their own thrash metal album Show No Mercy, influenced
by the sounds of Venom, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Mercyful Fate.[11]

When extreme metal band Hellhammer first began making music, it was generally
panned by critics, leading to the members forming Celtic Frost in its place, which
proved very influential on the progression of the genre. During this period, the
line between extreme metal genres were blurred, as thrash metal bands such as
Slayer, Sepultura, Sodom, Destruction and Kreator were integral to the first wave
black metal scene.[3] The front cover of the Sarcófago's 1987 debut album,
I.N.R.I., is regarded as a great influence on black metal's corpse paint style
make-up.[12] That record is also considered one of the first wave black metal
albums that helped shape the genre. Their second album, The Laws of Scourge, was
one of the first technical death metal records to be released.[13]