What is Mallcore?

[FatFreeDoritos]

I hear people use mallcore to describe bands from Lamb of God, to Bullet for My Valentine to Hollywood Undead. My quesiton what makes a band mallcore?

[xTerp]

I think of it as trendy bands without substance who try to appeal to the masses. Also known as hot topic metal such as Slipknot etc.

[Mystlyfe77]

It's a derogatory term for metal and pseudo-metal bands that are there to [supposedly] appease the masses, appeal to teenagers, and make money.

[Onslaught_fei]

Mallcore bands are generally associated with kids who care more about their image more than the actual music. They listen to music for the frontman, fashion, social identity, etc...

[killer_roach]

Mallcore, like nu-metal, has pretty well become a catch-all term to mean "I don't like this music". That being said, it does so from a different direction, trying to instead paint the targets of their derision as image-conscious sell-outs rather than as, perhaps, musicians that are something less than genuine (i.e. Pete Trewavas' criticism of the "neo-prog" terminology, saying that the label made newcomers seem inauthentic).

[Runesmith]

Mallcore, like nu-metal, has pretty well become a catch-all term to mean "I don't like this music". That being said, it does so from a different direction, trying to instead paint the targets of their derision as image-conscious sell-outs rather than as, perhaps, musicians that are something less than genuine (i.e. Pete Trewavas' criticism of the "neo-prog" terminology, saying that the label made newcomers seem inauthentic).

Bingo.

The term itself was named after the numerous kids and teenagers that hang around malls (particularly near stores like Hot Topic) wearing shirts from certain artists - Slipknot, BFMV, Trivium, etc.

[Nuff_Said]

Mallcore bands are generally associated with kids who care more about their image more than the actual music. They listen to music for the frontman, fashion, social identity, etc...

ding ding ding

Accept no substitutes.

[BonyGrunt]

Well I've never heard of mallcore, per se, but if you guys are right about its definition, then Lamb of God is definitely not it lol... maybe Avenged Sevenfold... ;)

[Hungryfreak]

Every 'tough guy' out there listens to LoG. Hell, that's the only metal band the arbitrary 'tough guy' in my school listens to.

[a_bull_on_parade]

That said I hate Mallcore and Nu metal "fans" more then I hate the bands themselfs.

[killer_roach]

That said I hate Mallcore and Nu metal "fans" more then I hate the bands themselfs.

Don't worry, they'll grow up. That or you can greet them on their shift at the local grocery store, one or the other :)

I kid, I kid (I actually like some of the bands categorized as nu-metal, although not enough to consider myself a huge fan of any of them, with the possible exception of Disturbed, who may or may not be nu-metal anymore). But that aside, it's still a genre (as traditionally defined) that I only deal with in limited doses, as it wears on you after a full album or more.

[BonyGrunt]

I guess kind of off-topic, but along the lines with the last post and nu-metal:

Do you guys agree with System of a Down being classified as nu-metal, whether you appreciate them or not? I completely disagree and think it's one of the biggest miscasts, along the lines with As I Lay Dying as metalcore, or mallcore, or whatever you guys call it these days :D

[killer_roach]

I guess kind of off-topic, but along the lines with the last post and nu-metal:

Do you guys agree with System of a Down being classified as nu-metal, whether you appreciate them or not? I completely disagree and think it's one of the biggest miscasts, along the lines with As I Lay Dying as metalcore, or mallcore, or whatever you guys call it these days :D

SoaD has elements of nu-metal and post-prog, but they're primarily an alternative metal band. Calling them nu-metal (especially their first two albums) isn't a stretch.

As I Lay Dying isn't mallcore, but they're probably one of your textbook definitions of metalcore.

[Mystlyfe77]

I guess kind of off-topic, but along the lines with the last post and nu-metal:

Do you guys agree with System of a Down being classified as nu-metal, whether you appreciate them or not? I completely disagree and think it's one of the biggest miscasts, along the lines with As I Lay Dying as metalcore, or mallcore, or whatever you guys call it these days :D

System of a Down's first three albums are definitely nü metal, there's really nothing to debate there. Their later two or more unique, but definitely NOT prog.

As I Lay Dying is both melodic metalcore and "mallcore" (though mallcore isn't a genre).

[Nuff_Said]

, along the lines with As I Lay Dying as metalcore

what other genre would you put them in?

[BonyGrunt]

what other genre would you put them in?

Probably just metal. I don't know, they don't seem... like... they have that... sound that other metalcore bands have... all of which I don't like :D

And I can hear a little of the nu-metal sound in some SoaD, especially Toxicity and StA, but not enough to classify them as it. They're unique, so I don't know what I'd classify them as anyway. And I would DEFINITELY call their self-titled album metal lol... I listen to more metal than anything else and it seems toe asily fall into that category, with the exception of Spiders (which I hate) and Suggestions. Not death metal, just metal.

[FatFreeDoritos]

Probably just metal. I don't know, they don't seem... like... they have that... sound that other metalcore bands have... all of which I don't like :D

And I can hear a little of the nu-metal sound in some SoaD, especially Toxicity and StA, but not enough to classify them as it. They're unique, so I don't know what I'd classify them as anyway. And I would DEFINITELY call their self-titled album metal lol... I listen to more metal than anything else and it seems toe asily fall into that category, with the exception of Spiders (which I hate) and Suggestions. Not death metal, just metal.

I do not get the hate for Spiders by SOAD fans. I think it is a fantastic song.

And SOAD is definitely Nu-Metal and As I Lay Dying is definitely metalcore.

And thanks for clearing up my confusion.

[Mystlyfe77]

Probably just metal. I don't know, they don't seem... like... they have that... sound that other metalcore bands have... all of which I don't like :D

And I can hear a little of the nu-metal sound in some SoaD, especially Toxicity and StA, but not enough to classify them as it. They're unique, so I don't know what I'd classify them as anyway. And I would DEFINITELY call their self-titled album metal lol... I listen to more metal than anything else and it seems toe asily fall into that category, with the exception of Spiders (which I hate) and Suggestions. Not death metal, just metal.

You can't just call a band "metal" because you like the album and don't like the sub-genre it comes from. Regardless of As I Lay Dying's quality compared to other melodic metalcore acts, it doesn't mean they aren't melodic metalcore. The same applies to SoaD.

Genres are defined by musical traits and qualities, not by how much any particular fan likes them.

And how can you hate "Spiders?" :(

[BonyGrunt]

You can't just call a band "metal" because you like the album and don't like the sub-genre it comes from. Regardless of As I Lay Dying's quality compared to other melodic metalcore acts, it doesn't mean they aren't melodic metalcore. The same applies to SoaD.

Genres are defined by musical traits and qualities, not by how much any particular fan likes them.

And how can you hate "Spiders?" :(

I don't do any of those things you said, lol. I like all of SoaD's albums, even though I only call one metal. I also like Weezer, and I hate alternative with a passion. I know they're alternative... I just don't think of SoaD as a nu-metal band, that's all. They just sound different compared to other nu-metal bands, in my opinion. Same goes for AILD, but I can see your point with them being Metalcore. It makes a little more sense now. Sorry, but you misunderstood me.

Regards to Spiders:
I don't really know - it might be because it feels so out of place on the album. I do, however, LOVE Lost in Hollywood, so don't think I just hate slow songs! (and I'm not saying that you do :D)

[Onslaught_fei]

Numetal is alternative metal. Almost the same thing except numetal references the late 90s early 00s major record label movement more than anything and alternative metal is trying to be a valid genre just as much as alternative rock is (Which is more of a radio format than an actual genre of music, much like classic rock). They are pretty much interchangable terms, however.

[Mystlyfe77]

Numetal is alternative metal. Almost the same thing except numetal references the late 90s early 00s major record label movement more than anything and alternative metal is trying to be a valid genre just as much as alternative rock is (Which is more of a radio format than an actual genre of music, much like classic rock). They are pretty much interchangable terms, however.

I still refuse to accept alternative metal as an actual genre. It's just a redefinition and slight broadening of the nü metal term. There's a reason it wasn't really ever used until nü metal was on the decline. Fans who didn't want their bands associated with nü metal just tried to rebrand them.

[Sargehalo51]

Mallcore, like nu-metal, has pretty well become a catch-all term to mean "I don't like this music".

This!

Along with "Every band that is popular, whom I don't like, is a sell-out."

Haters...

[Hastyl3]

This!

Along with "Every band that is popular, whom I don't like, is a sell-out."

Haters...

You kind of lose credibility with the "haters" remark.

[Nuff_Said]

This!

Along with "Every band that is popular, whom I don't like, is a sell-out."

Haters...

Well, if this is the case then I suppose Led Zeppelin would classify as Mallcore.

[Sargehalo51]

You kind of lose credibility with the "haters" remark.

You're right, I should have left that part out. I let my frustration get the best of me, and made myself look like an ass with one simple word. :o

[BlackwaterPark]

"Every band that is popular, whom I don't like, is a sell-out."

Haters...

I know this is a little off topic, but does anyone else besides me feel like the whole "you just hate them because they're popular" argument is kind of a "cop out" defense? Considering how stupid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0RH0cYs4lw) most people are, and the fact that being popular means appealing to the sort of person who writes youtube comments (http://www.flickr.com/photos/waxpancake/2790444683/sizes/o/), I'm all in favor of regarding popularity with more than a little suspicion.

[afterstasis]

I know this is a little off topic, but does anyone else besides me feel like the whole "you just hate them because they're popular" argument is kind of a "cop out" defense?

it's pretty obnoxious, i agree...
i understand there are instances where people do hate on music because of it's popularity just like i realize there are indeed people who will listen to or promote music because they think it will make them appear hip or whatever, but i just try to ignore that kind of crap since accusing others of it continues to take the focus off of the music and on to the social aspects of it all.

[BonyGrunt]

I know this is a little off topic, but does anyone else besides me feel like the whole "you just hate them because they're popular" argument is kind of a "cop out" defense? Considering how stupid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0RH0cYs4lw) most people are, and the fact that being popular means appealing to the sort of person who writes youtube comments (http://www.flickr.com/photos/waxpancake/2790444683/sizes/o/), I'm all in favor of regarding popularity with more than a little suspicion.

When it's that simple, I completely agree. However, I understand when people like the undiscovered bands that begin raw and harder, then try to change their sound to be "more radio-ish" and break out, and lose their uniqueness. I experienced that with Authority Zero :( (who is still good, but not as punk as they used to be.) But yes, generally, I agree with you :D

[Hastyl3]

You're right, I should have left that part out. I let my frustration get the best of me, and made myself look like an ass with one simple word. :o

I can't tell if this is sarcasm.... if so, now you're really looking like an ass... Whatever though *shrugs*

All, insults aside, I don't hate mallcore because it's popular, I hate it because it doesn't take much thought to write, nor does it involve much practice unless you're a drummer(I'll give them the benefit of the doubt). Come on, most these band's selling points are power chords played to the drum beat and having tattoo sleeves. It's not a musical movement, it's a fashion statement!

[Mystlyfe77]

I can't tell if this is sarcasm.... if so, now you're really looking like an ass.

I don't think it was. I think he was being genuine.

[BlackwaterPark]

All, insults aside, I don't hate mallcore because it's popular, I hate it because it doesn't take much thought to write, nor does it involve much practice unless you're a drummer(I'll give them the benefit of the doubt). Come on, most these band's selling points are power chords played to the drum beat and having tattoo sleeves. It's not a musical movement, it's a fashion statement!

Pretty much this, but what I think I hate most is the fact that nu-"metal" bands, by being lumped in with actual metal, makes all metal look bad and contributes to the stereotype that metal is nothing but loud random noise.

[Onslaught_fei]

Who cares how metal looks to everyone else?

[Hastyl3]

Who cares how metal looks to everyone else?

Corpsegrinder.

[killer_roach]

Pretty much this, but what I think I hate most is the fact that nu-"metal" bands, by being lumped in with actual metal, makes all metal look bad and contributes to the stereotype that metal is nothing but loud random noise.

"Random noise"? That's more of the whole "I refuse to acknowledge this" mindset again. There's a lot of music I might think is pretty bad, but even that's not random noise. Nu-metal is no exception, even if a lot of it is terrible. It's still got a long ways to go before reaching "random noise".

[afterstasis]

"Random noise"? That's more of the whole "I refuse to acknowledge this" mindset again. There's a lot of music I might think is pretty bad, but even that's not random noise. Nu-metal is no exception, even if a lot of it is terrible. It's still got a long ways to go before reaching "random noise".

agreed.

i like A LOT of random noise... i do not like nu-metal. :)

[a_bull_on_parade]

I don't mind Mallcore or Nu Metal, It's the "fans" I can't stand.