Is Metalcore truly dead, or are we just falling out of love with the genre?

In episode 434 of the Primordial Radio Podcast, Dews and Moose talk in depth about the state of modern metalcore. What begins as a passing observation quickly turns into a deeper discussion about the genre’s evolution, or lack thereof. Is metalcore growing stale, or have long-time fans simply moved on?

Is Metalcore A Dying Scene?

There’s a sense of growing unease among OG metalcore fans when it comes to the scene today. Dews expresses concerns about how much of the genre is beginning to feel very interchangeable, and it’s not just about musical trends, but the formulaic way newer bands seem to be approaching songwriting; a predictable cycle of screamed verses, melodic choruses, electronic flourishes, and pristine production.

Rather than evolving into something bolder or riskier, many artists seem to be playing it safe. The influence of bands like Bring Me The Horizon and producer extraordinaire Jordan Fish looms large, but instead of pushing boundaries further, it feels like newer metal bands are simply following a well-trodden blueprint. For fans who’ve been around long enough to watch metalcore grow from an underground scene to main stage regulars, the repetition is beginning to stand out, and not in a good way.

Moose adds his perspective by pointing out that part of this might be natural. Bands that made their mark 10 or 20 years ago are now ageing, and so are their fans. Musical tastes shift over time, and what once felt groundbreaking can eventually start to feel routine, not necessarily because the bands have lost their edge, but because the fans’ emotional connection has changed or been lost over time. Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. Bands like Bleed From Within are singled out as proof that metalcore can still deliver moments of real intensity and freshness.

The conversation isn’t intended to be dismissive or gatekeeping; it’s reflective. There’s no blame placed on younger bands or their fans. Instead, it’s an attempt to understand a growing disconnect between what’s being made and how it lands with those who once lived and breathed the genre.

Podcast Highlights

Across the podcast, the guys also discuss:

• Hitting 434 Podcast Episodes – Over 18 Days Of Content
• Paying Tribute To Mike Peters Of The Alarm
• Joey Jordison’s Vimic Album Set For Release Via Kickstarter
• Hailstorm Announce New Album Everest And Huge Tour
• Metallica Reissue Load With Deluxe Merch Bundles
• Ghost Hit #2 In UK Album Chart
• Machine Head Charted at #42 With New Release
• Debating the Decline Of Creativity In Modern Metalcore
• Why Bleed From Within Standout In The Genre
• Reflected On Changing Music Tastes Over Time

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