Best Metalcore Riffs

[@NikNocturnal]

*I love Metalcore...* *EDIT: sadly I had to cut KSE - My Curse from the video due to copyright…*

[@Mars-ee5tp]

deathcore > metalcore

[@Glintingbeetle]

Don‘t we all 🤘🏼

[@ZIMBO37333]

@@Mars-ee5tp And that's totally fine :)

[@Mars-ee5tp]

@@ZIMBO37333 metalcore is still awesome :)

[@maxmcclary2223]

I too, also core with metal, daily.

[@Megaalith]

Early 00s Metalcore was untouchable. Seriously one of the best eras of music.

[@tntfreddan3138]

Not really a Metalcore fan. Only Metalcore band really listen to is Dead By April and they released their debut album in 2009

[@etiennefafard2900]

@@tntfreddan3138 ok

[@metalcorehardcorepost-hard3649]

The early Metalcore from the 2000's was good, but I think the newer bands from 2010's are more diverse and more dynamic (using 7 and 8 string guitars over the standard 6 string and using more different tuning options) which creates a stronger and more powerful sound that never existed before 2010 in Metalcore. The older bands were limited to using only Drop D or Drop C tuning riffs, so there was not as much diversity. While the newer bands after 2010 started using more Drop A or even Drop G/F tunings became more common, which created a much deeper and more powerful sound. Also the early screaming parts were often not very good, because it was still not very matured back then. Sometimes it was OK but overall still inferior compared to newer bands which started using better techniques for lower and deeper "growling" screams with stronger power in the voice (this technique became more common after 2010). And beginning Around 2012~2014 alot of new "Melodic Metalcore" bands started experimenting with new styles, implementing violins, pianos and keyboards (Electronicore, aka Crabcore 🦀) adding more variation. And beginning in 2015+ most bands "upgraded" to 7 and 8 string guitars which became more common, creating yet even heavier riffs that never existed before in Metalcore.

[@joshuabenjamin1626]

All this stuff shits on current metalcore bands.

[@vonbl3]

@@metalcorehardcorepost-hard3649 "heavier... and much more agressive" lol, right. I can name you 5 heavier early '00s bands for every modern band you pick. The newer stuff is just dull, clean, a continous rip-off, and just boring. Too much Djent influence, too much riff salad, too much too much. I mean, how many Djenting Wage War/Architects bands do we need until we take action? Early '00s (2nd-wave Metalcore) is untouchable. The Scene "Crabcore" 2010 (3rd-wave) being a close second. And if you ask me, even the Metallic Hardcore (1st-wave) one is better.

[@NicBrandon]

Some of my personal favorites: ERRA - Expiate Trivium - Into the Mouth of Hell We March BMTH - The House of Wolves KSE - Reject Yourself BMTH - Crucify Me AILD - The Darkest Nights Spiritbox - Secret Garden Invent Animate - The Sun Sleeps While She Sleeps - Enlightenment Imminence - Infectious

[@a8333]

The sun sleeps is a fantastic song , i was surprised at how much of an improvement that EP was , i'm definitely waiting for that 4th Lp

[@NicBrandon]

@@a8333 Definitely in my top 3 most anticipated albums

[@thelawlessone666]

Mouth of hell is probably my favorite song by them I love it

[@agukyf7419]

i love the house of wolves in live

[@NicBrandon]

@@agukyf7419 Knotfest 2021 performance goes crazy

[@Thorna111]

I hear so much Unanimated, At the gates, The Haunted, Dismember, Dark Tranquillity and In flames in these riffs. Glad to see that Swedish metal raised the scene 👍

[@simonp9471]

Too true! Those bands laid the foundation for Metalcore like a decade before! From the riffs to the huge production.

[@terminaldeity]

Early 00s metalcore was basically hardcore kids playing At The Gates riffs.

[@yaboikid2083]

At the gates is fireee 🔥🔥🤘🏼

[@jakeybball]

Respectfully, the Haunted does not belong in that list whatsoever.

[@Thorna111]

@@jakeybball I still hear The Haunted at places in the video. Especially in Avenged Sevenfold. Although, if I need to exclude a band from own preferances...I would agree with you 🙂

[@BigRedWins]

Nik has collected the infinity riffs and cannot be stopped..

[@greysinclaire]

THAAAANK YOU for showing love for Darkest Hour!! Such a criminally underrated metalcore band that I wish more poeple would've gotten into in their prime.

[@erickstotle4285]

Wow 🤩 I didn’t think I’d see a comment on Darkest hour !!!! Bro my favorite band for the longest time !! And in Las Vegas I could ever find another fan

[@erickstotle4285]

I’m about to look up these songs and rediscover my love for metalcore !!!! I’m sincerely happy to see demons by Darkest hour !!!!! You made my month and Christmas!!!!! The nostalgia took me back to the days

[@DiabetesFoodCoach]

Demons is the first “screamo” song I ever listened to. I was 12 at the time. Metalcore became my main genre of music for most my life since then.

[@NocteAeternus]

darkest hour enjoyers

[@live4yesterday]

Old parkway, AILD, ABR, Trivium, Phinehas…good times…still playing albums to this day. And thanks for introducing me to dreamshade..so melodic

[@Chrisduerksen]

I dont think people realize how much work goes into a video like this. Unless our boy Nik just knows these by nature. The cutting of the songs and learning each one and then editing them all together. Great rifs by the way im def gonna check some of those out i hadnt heard of yet, thanks

[@christiankettlewell]

yeah i always use these videos to go for tracks i can expect to love. it's how i found Psyopus and Sylosis and a few others, from Nik

[@AllShaaaallPerish]

all the riffs are in the same key and super easy tho so its not that hard trust me i could play all of these my 2nd year of playing guitar and now its been decades.

[@stabbedthumb5228]

@@AllShaaaallPerish sure, you would ace them all and I suppose you just happen to have the drums, bass and second guitartracks for 30 songs just waiting on your hardrive

[@AllShaaaallPerish]

@@stabbedthumb5228 I actually do have the guitar pro files for all these songs so yeah

[@dylanvasicadrums]

If unholy confessions isn’t in here nik i will riot

[@Ryo7_7]

😆🤘🏾

[@NikNocturnal]

:)

[@Glintingbeetle]

You know he loves that riff 😆 it‘s cool

[@core4ever215]

Riot adverted

[@aydenrichardson6281]

That is the first thing I thought of when I clicked

[@Lil.Yahmeaner]

Full Tracklist (with timestamps): 2001: 0:20 Converge - Concubine 2003: 0:33 Bleeding Through - Love Lost in a Hail of Gun Fire 0:41 Avenged Sevenfold - Unholy Confession 2004: 0:51 God Forbid - Antihero 1:04 Atreyu - Right Side of the Bed 2005: 1:16 Trivium - Pull Harder on The Strings of your Martyr 1:29 As I Lay Dying - Through Struggle 2006: 1:40 Killswitch Engage - My Curse 1:57 All That Remains - Six 2:17 As Blood Runs Black - Dying Days 2007: 2:34 Parkway Drive - Carrion 2:47 Darkest Hour - Demons 2008: 2:59 Bullet For My Valentine - Scream Aim Fire 2009: 3:18 August Burns Red - Meddler 3:31 Texas In July - Hook Line & Sinner 2010: 3:47 Miss May I - Relentless Chaos 4:04 Elitist - Caves 4:15 Blind Witness - Baby One More Notch 4:34 The Devil Wears Prada - Outnumbered 2011: 4:48 Unearth - Watch it Burn 2012: 4:59 Dreamshade - Photographs 5:12 Adestria - 1984 2013: 5:26 Bring Me The Horizon - Shadow Moses 5:39 BlessTheFall - Hollow Bodies 5:52 Phinehas - Fleshkiller 2015: 6:05 Wage War - Alive 2016: 6:23 Crystal Lake - Omega 2018: 6:32 Architects - Doomsday 2020: 6:48 Invent Animate - Monarch 7:02 Bury Tomorrow - Choke 2021: 7:17 Erra - Snowblood 2022: 7:32 Bleed From Within - I Am Damnation

[@chrismouton1985]

Schweet!

[@WillyPiller]

Some of them are placed wrongly

[@DasKotaBear]

2005-2006 Metalcore was so great, informed an entire generation of new music.

[@EyesForLies1]

Converge still kicks ass to this day, one of the best and most innovative Bands in their genre

[@MonstrMatt]

Fuck yes they are brother!

[@Alex-ye1br]

No question.

[@ellershellersh]

In all genres :)

[@danielscouten4699]

this times 1000

[@yourself88xbl]

The digital tones are getting more and more impressive. Solid job dialing that in nik

[@mylife1221]

4:42 man, photographs is so different from all these other riffs. we need more uplifting melodic bands in metalcore

[@aperson674]

I'd say hatebreed but its more uplifting and less melodic

[@xangrycatmanx5104]

nah gimme that harsh dissonant 90s style metalcore (Knocked Loose, Jesus Piece, Vein.fm)

[@Dakenousss]

Why does it sounds like Saturnus - Forest of Insomnia solo ?

[@djbrotherelectric]

Jane Doe On of the best metal albums from the moment it starts to the end. In these days of streaming, people write songs and not albums.

[@whiskey_icarus]

All those are great...but Jesus, My Curse still gives all the chills. Also loved hearing demons by darkest hour. Great song

[@charliewinborn76]

DH deserves more love

[@Alran109]

@@charliewinborn76 Darkest Hour is one of the most underrated bands I've ever heard. Incredible band.

[@M1KK1S95]

the reddit got to him too much, so Nik is back to actually playing guitar again.

[@NikNocturnal]

Lmao

[@nesdnumaj]

I know these videos probably don't get as much engagement or views and they take way more work but I hope he keeps making them because it's a great way to relive, rediscover, and be introduced to new stuff.

[@IRLtrolls]

So many great riffs! My curse still holds up and man, I think Blessthefall Hollow bodies was such a perfect album that is slept on. Great video

[@andrewpappas9311]

Honestly, even though I'm not a big metalcore fan hearing Scream Aim Fire just gave me a massive wave of nostalgia of playing the crap out of Guitar Hero: World Tour

[@dreamshadeband]

This is great! Thanks for including "Photographs" in this! ❤️

[@NikNocturnal]

Anytime

[@kurtw6922]

I was familiar with about half the video (rip my metal credentials 😢) and thought Photographs was the standout among the rest, gonna go check it out now!

[@kirisutegomen12]

I never heard of your band before tbh, but that riff got me. Going to check it out

[@micahbischoff920]

Erra has to be one of my favorite metalcore bands. Their riffs never cease to amaze me.

[@adityapillai2157]

He actually played the Snowblood riff

[@Glintingbeetle]

He played it in other videos already, but yeah must‘ve been difficult to play

[@OldMate666_]

1:04 that riff is legit the hive by in flames lol

[@jesseanderson991]

Shoutout to Nik for putting this together for us 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Also that transition from Hollow Bodies to Fleshkiller was so good, on top of being 2 of my favourite riffs at the time!

[@DenyThisFlesh]

I'm more into deathcore now, but I still love the early to mid 2000s metalcore. That was easily the best era of metalcore IMO.

[@Fel1xF7W]

check out parkway drive's horizons, its in drop b so it sounds like deathcore

[@Shyftus]

@@Fel1xF7W carrion is still their best song

[@Fel1xF7W]

@@Shyftus idols and anchors would like a word

[@dannyxu9569]

@Dale Macarena For Deathcore I'd recommend Black Dahlia Murder, Fit For An Autopsy, and Whitechapel. For Metalcore you can't go wrong with August Burns Red, Park Way Drive (pre-Reverence), and Architects.

[@kirisutegomen12]

@@dannyxu9569 the black dahlia murder is not deathcore

[@jakeszmyt3883]

I have really high expectations for this video nik. EDIT: BOY HOWDY EVEN DREAMSHADE??? ALL EXPECTATIONS MET AND OR EXCEEDED

[@dreamshadeband]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@jakeszmyt3883]

@@dreamshadeband

[@DoomickthePancake]

Very happy to see Baby One More Notch by Blind Witness in there! They were the local band when I was in middle school and the 100% Québécois breakdown from that song always got me so pumped!

[@yoriklefebvre9220]

Haha moi aussi j'ai été surpris (et content) de voir Blind Witness dans la vidéo !

[@primarymachine5893]

God damn, you just nailed like every single thing that got me into metal in the early 200's lol

[@josecoelho3012]

The nostalgia In this video. so many great songs. But when Demons by Darkest Hour started, literally chills

[@guimaricatoo]

title could have been "songs that you r gonna be adding in your playlist"

[@NikNocturnal]

Lmao, I do actually have a 2000's metalcore playlist on Spotify that's public

[@MHNK77]

@@NikNocturnal doing god's work my boi

[@Codester1222]

Yo Nik you including Hollow Bodies made my day. BTF and that entire album don't get enough love. One of the best metalcore albums in my opinion. Phinehas also doesn't get enough attention. I was stoked to see you added them as well.

[@Fel1xF7W]

the hollow by MMF was better imo, hollow bodies is kinda emo, but still pretty good

[@leavemycockmilone]

Phinehas is amazing live and their newest album is solid I’m happy to know em

[@SR71_Audio_System]

I love this albúm and To Those Left Behind

[@skylerrizzi]

So cool to see Phinehas on here, those guys completely changed my view on metalcore back in high school

[@TheRandomSpectator]

Was surprised to hear Phinehas in here! Those guys don't get enough love.

[@NikNocturnal]

They're dope!

[@james_raj467]

@@NikNocturnal Their song Fleshkiller sounded very similar to hollow bodies

[@krisnaarya4120]

4:59 thanks for introducing me to this awesome band, Nick

[@stephenvanbellinghen933]

The riffs seen to get more progressive and Djenty as you get into 2009 and up. Though I guess this is also a trait of modern metal in general.

[@NikNocturnal]

^^ Very true

[@dreszerg6837]

At least it sounds good.

[@stephenvanbellinghen933]

@@dreszerg6837 I think it evolved this way because it sounds good. Has more of a rhythmic and technical feel to it. Progressive metal and Djent are my favorite genres

[@KRUNK42069]

Blind Witness underrated as fuck! glad to see them repped on the video. Nightmmare on Providence St is actually such a sick album.

[@DravenxEyeless]

I genuinely want to see you tackle more Converge stuff. Kurt Ballou is an insane riff genius.

[@jefftX]

The main riff of The Sound of Truth by as I lay dying is not only the best metalcore riff ever written, but also one of the best riffs in the history of metal.

[@lunareagle3042]

It is so nice to see that God Forbid, Miss May I, and Phinehas are all in this video. They are such good metalcore bands and I have been listening to them for years. I am also excited about the new Miss May I singles and can't wait for them to release their new album.

[@Joshuahowell-j1g]

Never stop shredding. Metal is life. You should do a video on clean sections of songs... Great work as always

[@leecrawford6560]

You know, it's kinda interesting to find out years later But, almost all the bands on here I listened to when I was going through Juniorhigh-Highschool And I didn't even know they were categorized as METALCORE I just listened to them cause I liked their music

[@NikNocturnal]

Metalcore

[@MidnightSky1821]

Same, I like a lot of Metalcore without thinking I did. But it's a huge genere and I just like heavy music tbh.

[@kylewackerman3670]

I’ll say it - Scream Aim Fire riff is absolutely genius. Love it.

[@Fingerxi]

Dude you went way back into my teenage feels on this one

[@xemlyrics]

Some of my personal favorites are Rose of Sharyn - Killswitch Engage Cries in Vain - Bullet For My Valentine Trivium - Like Light To The Flies Alligator Blood - Bring Me The Horizon Different Sense - Dir En Grey The Sound of Truth - As I Lay Dying Doomsayer - Darkest Hour Romance is Dead - Parkway Drive Wishful Sinking - Blessthefall New Waves - Dream State The American Nightmare - Ice Nine Kills Expiate - ERRA Lightbringers - Dreamshade Blessed Be - Spiritbox

[@halcleaver992]

Sound of truth is god tier

[@xemlyrics]

@@halcleaver992 Easily a crown jewel for every guitarist who has learned to play it

[@thomasaugustoschaefer1646]

05:52 HELL YEAH, FINALLY SOME PHINEHAS ON KILLER RIFFS LISTS, THESE GUYS HAVE BEEN UNDERRATED FOR SSSOOOO MUCH TIME!

[@bigruss8103]

BIG fax

[@flaahgration7315]

The cool thing about videos like this is that it exposes me to bands that I have never even heard of, and would likely have never listened to normally

[@calebmauro6708]

Love to see Adestria here! Chapters is a MASSIVELY underrated album.

[@williamchestnut3473]

Old Elitist RIPPED! Sean and Julian’s dynamic was phenomenal.

[@gingersaurus_spex]

Please please please can we have this as a Spotify playlist, a good few I've not heard in there that sound awesome!

[@kekalmighty]

5:26 Haha its that sandpit turtle song. Also I'm so glad to see bury tommorow on the list. Those guys are awesome.

[@MattJFilms]

Hell yeah love to see some old Texas In July make the list! Hook, Line and Sinner will forever be a classic!

[@brianfinley3683]

Final Episode is the only one I'm somewhat surprised didn't make it. Great fucking video. That main riff in Six took me straight back to high school.

[@saddamemirpratama2660]

Thank you Nik for including Dreamshade and Adestria. Those bands are kinda underrated.

[@Toxyethanol]

Riffs make me happy. Its like turning a frown upside down, with metal.

[@andreasn6242]

I was in my late teens-early 20s when metalcore blew up. I sorta lost track around 06-07 as I started getting into more traditional hardcore but never lost my love for those early bands. This is a nice way to discover some bands I missed. Thank you!

[@noobsaibot0008]

New metal core is tight but nothing will never compare to mid 00's metal core

[@Mavvyd96]

FAX

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Early and Mid 2000's Metalcore is best Metalcore, 100%.

[@nikolakrastev8880]

true

[@CreativeFitz]

Agreed

[@uncroppedsoop]

I respect your opinion however mine does not align with yours

[@darkseidiss3npai251]

i love how much metalcore has evolved. From the punkiness of Converge to the djentiness of Erra, it all slaps so hard. Can't wait to see how the sound evolves in the next 20 years.

[@LordB123]

You are a true OG for having a blind witness riff. They have some of my favs.

[@collinturner9354]

Hollow Bodies is still my go to song to show people what Metalcore is about. So solid.

[@nozzztha]

Im so glad you included Dremshade in this medley

[@D__Sync]

Nik + Metalcore riffs = me a happy chonky boiiii :D

[@NikNocturnal]

:D

[@amomymousmymous8276]

Oh wow dreamshade and so many bands I had forgotten. Nice vid

[@yourself88xbl]

That meddelar riff still does incredible things for me what a masterpiece.

[@cameronrogers8063]

Read this the second that one played

[@jaredbobier2844]

It’s probably one of my favorite riffs of all time

[@LaynithanDarling]

It makes me feel things..

[@meanolcamino]

Fucking blast from the past. Damn near played my favorite songs from each album.

[@landins443]

I’m such a core kid… this was basically a complete playlist of my favorite songs… today tho. I still listen to all of them now.

[@kyloren-u6v]

phinehas' fleshkiller has to be one of the most underrated songs ever

[@dannysteele4442]

The fact you actually put Elitist in here make me very happy cause Elitist are amazing

[@MrDannyTheater]

Damn son! Making me relive my college years and my twenties! Still jam all these bands. Keep up the great videos. Stay metal my dude! 🤘

[@ronanjenkins2323]

Recently sort of transitioned from hardcore into old metalcore/mathcore stuff, it's incredible.

[@darksoulist5945]

God dude, I remember when a bunch of this stuff from the mid 00s to early 2010s came out. Fuuuck what a trip that was. And the Dreamshade bit! Love that band, glad to hear it show up here.

[@archimount]

Very glad to see "Right Side of The Bed" here, that was my first metalcore-song I heard

[@Jmzzable]

Bury Tomorrow are the most underrated band around. I miss Jason Cameron so much!

[@aqusedo3641]

Yeah theyre probably my fav metalcore band

[@jonnyb2020]

I’m looking forward to hearing where this new sound takes them, I actually prefer the new lineup live too! Jason was awesome though! Belted out many a chorus of his over the years!

[@aqusedo3641]

@@jonnyb2020 Atleast the first 2 song with the new band member are really good songs but i still prefer jason because he has so unique voice. I really hope that he continues his career with a different band.

[@jonnyb2020]

@@aqusedo3641 seen them live twice since the change and they just have a new energy about them! Interested to see what happens! 🤘🏼 but yeh same, great musician Jason!

[@mundanemorselsmundanemorse7028]

Black Flame 🔥

[@wolfsguitarden740]

Oh my god my guy i used to play so many of these when i was younger..god man what a throwback some of these are.too many to name

[@ArchitectOfTheEnd]

Love to see Darkest Hour! i know everybody says it about his favourite band, but they really are not getting the love they deserve! 100%

[@CFox2023]

love how you play some of my favorite bands and songs by bands that arent as popular or well known in my opinion like Texas In July or Love lost in A Hail of Gunfire!

[@forcedlife6696]

Darkest Hour is probably one of the most overlooked metalcore bands. happy to see they were included

[@ArtieTheStrongestManInTheWorld]

Completely agree!!!

[@hendrikmaartens4257]

OMG yes dude, love how they do a sweet breakdown, and then you get your face melted off by the REAL breakdown. Chills every time

[@jconcoffee]

Love that you've got my hometown band Bury Tomorrow in the mix!!

[@phillipdeckard8065]

So happy and surprised you included Dreamshade in there. That album is incredibly underrated.

[@proximityclockworkx1572]

Yep, and probably their best.

[@flaahgration7315]

I never even heard of Dreamshade before this video. I'm glad I found them now though because they sound great!

[@fernandodossantos303]

I totally agree with your choices. Ty for good memories. BUT i really want to see Shadows Fall - The Power of i and i; Himsa - Wolfchild and Diecast - Fade Away in some future vídeo.

[@darthvaldez999]

Thank you so much for adding Darkest Hour 🥹 super underrated band Kris Norris is a Guitar God one of my biggest influences in Music

[@eastvillageguitarmethoddd]

Love that the video leads with Converge! Needs more of their contemporaries though! Like botch, Dillinger escape plan & the red chord

[@seanfiene1292]

Please do a part two and have some The Air I Breathe. Very underrated band.

[@davidwoodward1682]

I love when you do these collections because I always hear something I've never heard before.

[@MonstrMatt]

I wish I did. Nothing new here.

[@charliewinborn76]

Did not expect to see the Darkest Hour love! Such an underrated band.

[@Zachleonard97]

The fist right hand style is wild, but it will always be synonymous with nick

[@nef_]

Great list, Nik! Keeping the spirit of metalcore alive and well for the new generation 🤘

[@adamsnyder7359]

Texas in July was my first metal show, funny to see them on this list because I mainly think of them as a Lancaster PA band

[@umarsultan9241]

that transition from blessthefall to phineas...well done my man!

[@irdz87]

Oh man that As Blood Runs Black. So many memories from the MySpace era.

[@RrandomDanN]

Seeing bury tomorrow in this list made me so happy! They're so good live too. Keep being awesome Nik, thanks for your amazing content!

[@Knobjuice]

1:40 super quick Killswitch clip between As I lay dying and All that remains

[@l4yzeee610]

It warms my heart to see some Bury Tomorrow in something like this

[@Rosszy305]

The intro riff for Six will forever be one of my personal favorites

[@michaelnitikman4738]

Underrated is the arranging that went into converting some of the songs that were played on 7 strings originally into playable on 6 strings. Awesome work as always Nik!

[@micheallessard14]

Nice video as always, love the fact that BFMV promote your video in their instagram story keep going man

[@ymwo97679]

Very grateful for metalcore riffs. They didn’t have to happen, but they did

[@Zebra_Cakes]

SO stoked Adestria made it to this list. Such an underrated band, those riffs from that album were insanely good

[@jbdl82]

Scream Aim Fire is Goated tbh

[@NikNocturnal]

Facts

[@papapeez7649]

Surprising you went with SAM from Bullet instead of Waking The Demon, but still a slap. Loved the list.