The difference, in figures
Black metal is far less melodic (−5), clearly heavier (+4) and slightly faster (+2) than Easycore. It emerged in 1982, 25 years before Easycore in 2007. They sit on opposite branches of the tree and share no common ancestor.
Easycore
Where it sits
Rock › Punk rock › Pop punk › Easycore
In short
Pop punk with hardcore breakdowns glued into the middle. Sweet chorus, hammer at the end.
How it sounds
- Pop punk verses and choruses interrupted by a hardcore breakdown.
- Modern production with guitars tuned lower than in classic pop punk.
- Sung vocals alternating with short shouts.
Key acts
- New Found Glory
- Four Year Strong
- A Day to Remember
Start here
The pickA Day to Remember - Homesick. The most effective sweet-to-brutal switching in the genre.
Full page →Black metal
Where it sits
In short
Tremolo picking, blast beats, shrieked vocals and deliberately cold production. More an aesthetic than a technique - atmosphere matters more than clean sound.
How it sounds
- Tremolo picking on open fifth voicings, with vocals in the high register.
- Deliberately thin, cold production - the missing bass is an aesthetic choice, not an accident.
- Fast blast beats, drums often mixed back, atmosphere placed above technique.
Key acts
- Bathory
- Mayhem
- Darkthrone
- Emperor
Start here
The pickDarkthrone - A Blaze in the Northern Sky. The production is intentional, not a flaw.
Full page →