What is punk metal?

Punk metal is a fusion genre that blends elements of punk rock and heavy metal. It emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with bands like The Exploited and Discharge credited as pioneers of the style. Punk metal combines the aggressive, DIY ethos of punk with the heavy guitar riffs and powerful drumming of heavy metal.

Characteristics of punk metal include:

- Fast, aggressive tempos

- Distorted guitar riffs

- Shouting or screaming vocals

- DIY aesthetic and themes of social and political rebellion

Punk metal has had a significant influence on the development of other subgenres, including thrash metal, hardcore punk, and crossover thrash. Notable bands in the genre include:

- The Exploited

- Discharge

- Agnostic Front

- Suicidal Tendencies

- D.R.I.

- Corrosion of Conformity

- Cro-Mags

Punk metal continues to be a vital and evolving genre, with bands emerging around the world to carry on the tradition.