I’ve been noticing something really strange, where bands that don’t follow the super-specific formula of “modern” Metalcore production/songwriting/aesthetics, are almost immediately thrown into the “old school/2000’s” box. Like even just the tempo/rythm of a new song being fast/upbeat can spark the old school/nostalgia comments these days.
IMO this only hurts the progression of the genre. Not even 10 years ago, you could take the new releases from the top 5-10 metalcore bands at the time, and hear all of the unique distinguishable qualities that gave them identity. Take the top 5-10 metalcore bands today, listen to their new releases and you might actually struggle to find the distinguishable qualities that make them unique and give them identity. I believe this lack of diversity is what’s causing the phenomenon to happen.
Like, we are just so conditioned to attaching specific styles to the “modern” label (I.e. fry vocals/slow breakdowns/high pitch clean vocals/no guitar solos/synths/glitches)…that when we hear something different (I.e. prominent guitars/low-pitch clean vocals/guitar solos) we automatically think wow I haven’t heard this style in a long time. So I get it, that it would be inherently nostalgic.
How is the genre supposed to get out of this? Would love to hear some thoughts and opinions.