Death metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal music. The music is usually characterized by loud, thrashing electric guitars, fast drumming, and guttural, growling vocals, which are dubbed “Cookie Monster” vocals due to their resemblance to the voice of the Sesame Street character. Its lyrics frequently feature violent and morbid imagery; however, the lyrics are frequently difficult to understand, and most fans enjoy it for its intricate musicianship.
There are several theories about where the term “death metal” came from. Some say it comes from a song title on Possessed’s debut album, Seven Churches, from 1985, which many consider to be the first death metal album ever released. Others believe the term is derived from a song by the thrash metal band Onslaught, which was released in 1985 as well. Others believe Death, a metal band, was the inspiration for the title.
Early heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden and the British band Napalm Death, which combined heavy metal with the energy of punk music, influenced death metal music. Carcass, Morbid Angel, Sepultura, and Pestilence were all signed to two death metal record labels, Earache Records and Roadrunner Records, and were among the first and most influential death metal bands.
Many subgenres of death metal music have emerged since the early 1990s. Melodic, Scandinavian, Florida, technical, progressive, slam, brutal, death/doom, and a variety of other styles are among them. Despite minor differences, all of these genres share the death metal genre’s signature heavy electronic guitars and percussion, as well as harsh vocals.
Despite the fact that death metal is generally considered too offensive for mainstream radio success, some bands have made a living recording albums and performing shows for their underground cult fans. Cannibal Corpse, a death metal band, achieved some mainstream success after performing a song in the hit film Ace Ventura, Pet Detective. Jim Carrey, the film’s star, was a fan of Cannibal Corpse and requested that they perform. “Hammer Smashed Face,” their song, was even included on the film’s soundtrack.