Gothenburg metal, emerging in the mid-1990s in Gothenburg, Sweden, is characterized by its unique blend of melodic death metal and heavy metal. Defining features include aggressive, yet harmonically rich guitar riffs, often incorporating dual leads, and a balance between growled and clean vocals. The genre's development was marked by a distinctive, more refined sound compared to its death metal predecessors, with bands like those associated with the Gothenburg scene pioneering a more accessible, yet still aggressive, style. At the height of its popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Gothenburg metal gained significant attention worldwide, influencing a new wave of metal bands. Its cultural significance lies in its contribution to the evolution of extreme metal, bridging the gap between underground and mainstream audiences. The genre's melodic sensibility and polished production set it apart from other styles, such as the more brutal, technical death metal of the time, and its impact can be seen in subsequent metal subgenres.

These Scars Won't Define Us

Machine Head•

In Flames•

Lacuna Coil

Single - Released November 15, 2024