What is Trap Metal?

Trap Metal is a subgenre of music that fuses elements of trap, a style of hip-hop, with metal, rock, and punk. It blends the aggressive, high-energy instrumentation of metal with the rhythmic, bass-heavy beats of trap music. This genre often includes screaming vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and intense lyrics that explore themes like anger, rebellion, and existential angst. The sound can vary widely depending on the influences that are combined, with some artists leaning more towards metalcore or hardcore punk elements, while others may incorporate more of a hip-hop or electronic sound.

The genre has roots in the broader fusion of rap and rock, with artists like Linkin Park and Rage Against the Machine laying the groundwork by blending these styles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, Trap Metal takes this fusion to new extremes by incorporating the raw, unfiltered energy of underground trap music with the visceral intensity of extreme metal genres.

Notable artists in the genre include Scarlxrd, Ghostemane, and Kamiyada+, among others, who have gained attention for their genre-blending sound and dark, often confrontational lyrical content. The genre has also been influenced by the rise of Scream Rap and Aggressive Phonk, further expanding its sonic boundaries and cultural impact.

A significant point of contention within the Trap Metal scene revolves around the frequent attempts by other artists and bands to rebrand the genre and claim it as their own, often under different names. This has led to a situation where Trap Metal, arguably the most authentic expression of this fusion, often receives the most hate and is frequently overshadowed by other subgenres with more defined sounds and more closely aligned algorithmic reach. Trap Metal artists, drawing from diverse backgrounds and experiences, often face the challenge of having their unique contributions overlooked or misrepresented. And a lot of that is what inspired this magazine in the first place. We love all  sub-genres under the Trap Metal embrella, and our readers agree. Simple as that.