Top 10 Best Melodic Metalcore Bands

You've heard the breakdowns. You've felt the double bass hit like a punch to the chest. But sometimes, you want your metalcore with a little more melody, a little more emotion, and maybe, just maybe, a chorus you can actually sing along to without shredding your vocal cords.

That's where melodic metalcore steps in, throwing clean vocals, harmonized leads, and hauntingly beautiful riffs into the pit alongside the usual aggression.

This list is for the bands that manage to balance the chaos with clarity. They still go heavy, but they are not afraid to slow it down for a soaring hook or a guitar solo that leans more toward Iron Maiden than pure hardcore. You'll hear less throat-shredding for its own sake and more focus on songwriting that lingers, riff after riff, chorus after chorus.

So, which bands bring that perfect mix of melody and mayhem? That is up to you. Cast your votes for the ones that hit that sweet spot between brutal and beautiful.

The Top Ten

Bullet for My Valentine

Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh metalcore band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band consists of Matthew Tuck (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar, backing vocals), Michael Thomas (drums), and Jamie Mathias (bass guitar). Former members include Nick Crandle and Jason James,... read more

I'm so relieved to see them number one on this list. Bullet for My Valentine defines melodic metalcore. Their lyrics combined with Tuck's extremely realistic vocals, Page's excruciatingly amazing riffs, Jay's screams, and Moose's drumming make them exceptional. When it comes to melodic metalcore, look out for these guys!

I suggest you listen to Tears Don't Fall and then immediately listen to Tears Don't Fall Part 2. You'll become die-hard fans of this band, trust me! Also, Scream Aim Fire and Room 409 are other good songs for newcomers to this band. They're really good.
Trivium

Trivium is an American heavy metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1999. The band's most consistent members are frontman Matt Heafy, lead guitarist Corey Beaulieu, and bassist Paulo Gregoletto, all of whom have appeared on every album since joining.... read more

This band makes some of the best melodies I've ever heard. Not only do they have impressive technical skill and the heaviness and intensity, but they are creative geniuses when it comes to composing music and putting emotion into it.

This band just made a revolution for the old metal that I got bored of. Now I listen to so many bands. This is the greatest band, and All That Remains rules as well.

The best band ever, hands down. No one can compare to the power and true sense of melody these guys possess with their music.
Killswitch Engage

Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts. The band was formed in 1999 after the breakup of Overcast and Aftershock. They are considered one of the pioneering bands of the metalcore genre.

Killswitch would be my number one pick, even though they have lost quality from album to album. Alive or Just Breathing was a tremendous display of what is possible in the genre of metalcore. With Jesse rejoining them, I imagine this is the turning point back to their old strength. No offense to Howard, he was a good vocalist and even very good in The End of Heartache, but Jesse is on another level.
No End in Sight, released in 2012, is really good. By reading Jesse say it was the worst album, which will be released soon, I think it could become nearly as good as AOJB. To conclude, I have to say: Killswitch is the very best core band, followed by The Sorrow and number three, As I Lay Dying.
As I Lay Dying

As I Lay Dying is an American metalcore band from San Diego, California. The band was founded in 2000 by vocalist Tim Lambesis, and its first full lineup, including drummer Jordan Mancino, came together in 2001. As of 2024, the band has released seven studio albums, including Shaped by Fire, along with... read more

This is the best band I have heard so far. The lyrics are amazing, as are the vocals. Bullet For My Valentine is also very good but not better. The Awakened album is the ruler.

This is the band that got me into metal, and I am still listening to them. An Ocean Between Us is their best album.

They are the best. All albums, especially Awakened, are the greatest.
Dreamshade

No words. They are different and very unique. Armed with exceedingly talented people, their current lineup is second to none. The Gift of Life was a masterpiece. Each song has a tinge of what the band puts in as a whole. They are slowly making their way up, and I really want to see them succeed.
Very underrated and immensely talented. Unique, well-placed melodies, deep lyrics, and toned screams. Kevin is brilliant. Can't wait for the new album!

"The Gift of Life" is probably one of the greatest albums I've listened to all the way through recently. The singing, from the screams to the cleans, and the guitars, from the heavy riffs in songs like "Your Voice" to the wonderful harmonies in "Photographs" are exceptional.
Not to mention the drums. Just give each track the first 30 seconds. You'll see what I mean.
Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold is an American alternative metal band formed in 1999 in California. Their longest lineup consisted of M. Shadows (vocals), Synyster Gates (lead guitar), Zacky Vengeance (rhythm guitar), Johnny Christ (bass guitar), and The Rev (drums).... read more

This band got me through loads of my dark times, and they still kick ass today. One of the best bands ever and will remain that forever.

All of these bands are great, but Avenged Sevenfold is the best of them all. I miss Rise to Remain from the list!

Make way through the night. You all will be in my sight.
August Burns Red

August Burns Red is an American metalcore band from Manheim, Pennsylvania. The group was formed in 2003 while most of its members were still in high school.
They began performing in the Lancaster area and were first signed to CI Records. They later joined Solid State Records and most recently... read more

Anup Thapa - Best Metalcore Band
Three good points about them:
1. Fascinating breakdowns
2. Amazing lead and guitar solo
3. Vocals are thrash
Check the songs Carpe Diem, Meddler, and Empire!

Greatest metal out there. Wait for the Christmas album to be released!

Best melodic metalcore band ever!
Bury Tomorrow

Sometimes I wonder what people consider melodic metalcore, as some of these bands aren't even metalcore. Bury Tomorrow brings everything to the table, unlike some bands that have out-of-sync music and riffs in inappropriate places. Their music doesn't sound like just a mash-up of all the instruments at the same time.
I started with Union of Crowns and loved it, but I like their first album, Portraits, even better, even though I listened to it second. Runes is, to me, their weakest but still good.
My top three bands and albums:
1. Bury Tomorrow - Portraits
2. Erra - Augment
3. Breakdown of Sanity - Perception
Even with this list, Killswitch Engage should have legendary status.
All That Remains

All That Remains is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1998. They have released nine studio albums, including The Fall of Ideals and Victim of the New Disease. The band has sold over a million records worldwide and is known for blending metalcore with melodic elements... read more

Great singing and supernatural guitar leads. They should be at the top. Especially in Two Weeks, the lead that starts to play after the chorus is so amazing. The special thing is that all their songs have such similar guitar leads.

All That Remains is the closest thing to intercourse thus far, aside from actual intercourse. A lot of the time, I can't tell the difference.

Melodic metal, double bass drum, singing, and some growl. Love it!
Parkway Drive

Parkway Drive is an Australian metalcore band formed in 2003 in Byron Bay, New South Wales. As of 2025, the band has released seven studio albums, one extended play (EP), two DVDs, a split album, and a book titled Ten Years of Parkway Drive. They are known for their energetic live performances and have... read more

Why is Parkway Drive buried on this list? I have listened to every single band above them, and Parkway is far and away better. Parkway has better riffs, better breakdowns, and better songs.

One of the best "melodic" metalcore bands I have ever heard. Their songs create a powerful atmosphere around them! It seems people forgot this is a melodic metalcore list!

Hands down the best melodic metalcore band around. Listen to Dying to Believe.

The Newcomers

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I vs. I

I vs. I was one of the earliest melodic metalcore bands in history. While the band isn't very well-known, their music represents the original melodic metalcore style.
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Adept

The Contenders

Phinehas

That was the most unique band I have ever seen.

The world has no idea about these guys. By far the best on this list.
Dead by April

Dead by April is a Swedish metalcore band from Gothenburg, formed in February 2007 by Pontus Hjelm and Jimmie Strimell. The band blends metal with pop and electronic elements, creating a distinctive sound. They released their self-titled debut album in 2009 and have continued to produce music and perform... read more

First of all, their music is very appealing to listeners, especially their lyrics. They've brought a lot of meaningful songs that emphasize our feelings and express their thoughts about music.
To be honest, they are way better than Bullet for My Valentine, All That Remains, and As I Lay Dying. Their unclean vocalist, Jimmie, is more aggressive. He can scream and sing, and he's a versatile performer. Overall, this band is definitely worth hearing.

Most melodic metal band in the world for sure. Amazing melodic clean vocals, great screaming, and beautiful synths (especially on the track "Dreaming"). The guitars just rock, the drums boost my soul, and the bass rocks in my ear!
Not only instrumentally, but also lyrically, they write good songs with good messages about love and expressions of feelings. This band is better than all the bands out here. Where are all the Dead by April soldiers?! Vote, please! Let everyone know that Dead by April is still alive!
Mastodon

Mastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. The band was formed in early 2000 and includes Troy Sanders on bass, Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher on guitars, and Brann Dailor on drums. They are known for their complex song structures and blending of multiple metal subgenres.
Soilwork

Soilwork is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Helsingborg. They are signed to the record label Nuclear Blast. The band was founded in late 1995 by Björn Strid and Peter Wichers under the name Inferior Breed, before changing their name to Soilwork in 1996.
Children of Bodom

Children of Bodom was a melodic death metal band from Espoo, Finland. Formed in 1993, the final lineup consisted of Alexi Laiho, Janne Wirman, Henkka Seppälä, Jaska Raatikainen, and Daniel Freyberg. The band was known for its blend of melodic elements with extreme metal, and disbanded in 2019 following... read more

Outstanding and melodious guitar riffs. No one can compare to these guys. They are gods of melodic death metal.
Demon Hunter

Demon Hunter is an American Christian metal band from Seattle, Washington, founded in 2000 by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. Although the brothers launched the band together, Don eventually left to focus on his family and design work. Ryan remains the frontman, and the band has released several albums... read more

Every Demon Hunter song (except a couple) is pure brutality with amazing melodic choruses or verses. Every album has gotten better and better!

I've never heard a better band. All their songs are awesome!
Atreyu

Atreyu is an American metalcore band from Yorba Linda, California, formed in 1998. The band gained early recognition with their 2002 debut album Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses and continued to grow in popularity with subsequent releases like The Curse in 2004. They are considered influential in shaping... read more

There are a lot of good metalcore bands, but I think Atreyu and Avenged Sevenfold are the best two choices. I like A7X more, but they aren't as metalcore anymore, so Atreyu wins.

Atreyu and A7X definitely did play some of the best metalcore I ever heard. Not like this generic, dance music-infected metalcore of today.

Are you kidding me? Atreyu should be number one! Absolutely insanely awesome!
Asking Alexandria

Asking Alexandria are an English metalcore band from York, North Yorkshire, initially formed in 2008 by lead guitarist Ben Bruce along with former lead singer Danny Worsnop, bassist Joe Lancaster, keyboardist and synth player Ryan Binns, and current members drummer James Cassells and rhythm guitarist... read more

Just got into them as they got rid of their singer Danny, so I was worried about their direction with the new album The Black. While it's not as heavy as Stand Up and Scream, it still has an awesome sound with low and high vocals and plenty of melody!
Great band originally from York, England.

Simply an epic band. Although I don't know if they fall in this category, they create some sensational stuff! Listen to The Final Episode, I Won't Give In, Killing You, and The Prophecy, and then you'll believe me.

This band should be in the top 5 for sure. What do you think, guys?
Miss May I

Miss May I is an American metalcore band that originated in Troy, Ohio. The band was formed in 2007 and signed to Rise Records in 2008. They released their debut album, Apologies Are for the Weak, through the label while the members were still in high school.

I don't think this band gets enough credit since they changed after their first two albums. However, overall, they are still an amazing band.
From the guitars to the drums, I love the clean vocals and screams!

Fantastic band. Insanely talented, with strong instrumentals.
Five Finger Death Punch

Five Finger Death Punch, often abbreviated as 5FDP or FFDP, is an American heavy metal band from Las Vegas, Nevada. Formed in 2005, the band's name is inspired by the classic martial arts film The Five Fingers of Death. They released their debut album, The Way of the Fist, in 2007.

They are a band that brings a true new meaning to melody with their powerful vocals and guitar riffs.
To experience this, listen to Far From Home and Remember Everything, among many others.
Black Veil Brides

Black Veil Brides is an American rock band that formed in 2006 in Ohio. The current lineup features Andy Biersack on vocals, Jinxx and Jake Pitts on guitars, Christian Coma on drums, and Lonny Eagleton on bass, who replaced Ashley Purdy in 2019.... read more

I think that this is one of the most famous melodic metalcore bands. I don't know why people think that Black Veil Brides plays glam metal. This is instantly wrong!

How aren't they in the top 10? They are epic!
A Skylit Drive
We Came as Romans

We Came as Romans (abbreviated as WCAR) is an American metalcore band from Troy, Michigan, formed in 2005. The band has undergone one name change and multiple lineup changes. Initially signed to Equal Vision Records in 2009, they later moved to SharpTone Records in 2016.... read more
Bring Me the Horizon

Bring Me the Horizon is a British rock band from Sheffield, Yorkshire. Formed in 2004, the group currently consists of vocalist Oliver Sykes, guitarist Lee Malia, bassist Matt Kean, drummer Matt Nicholls, and keyboardist Jordan Fish. They are signed to RCA Records globally and Columbia Records in the... read more

Why the hell was this ignored? Their new album, Sempiternal, has made them earn a position here! They are much better than many other bands mentioned here!
Silverstein

Silverstein (/ˈsɪl.vər.stiːn/) is a Canadian post-hardcore band from Burlington, Ontario, formed in 2000. The band took its name from the children's author Shel Silverstein, whose work they admired growing up. Their discography includes eleven studio albums, six EPs, three compilation and live releases... read more