page_title: Heavy metal genres
section_title: Alternative metal
hierarchical_section_title: Heavy metal genres / Alternative metal
caption_attribution_description: English: Life of agony: L-R Alan Roberts, Keith Caputo, Joey Z, Sal Abruscato
context_page_description: A number of heavy metal genres have developed since the emergence of heavy metal during the late 1960s and early 1970s. At times heavy metal genres may overlap or are difficult to distinguish, but they can be identified by a number of traits. They may differ in terms of: instrumentation, tempo, song structure, vocal style, lyrics, guitar playing style, drumming style, and so on.
context_section_description: Alternative metal is a style of heavy metal and alternative rock which emerged in the mid-1980s, and gained popularity in the early 1990s.
  Alternative metal usually combines heavy metal with influences from genres like alternative rock, and in some cases other genres not normally associated with metal as well. One of the main characteristics of alternative metal and its subgenres are heavily downtuned, mid-paced "chug"-like guitar riffs. Alternative metal bands are also often characterized by melodic vocals, unconventional sounds within other heavy metal genres, unconventional song structures and sometimes experimental approaches to heavy music. Many of the early alternative metal bands originated from Los Angeles. Prominent bands in this genre include Alice in Chains, Faith No More, Helmet, Life of Agony, Rollins Band and Tool. More modern bands include Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Godsmack and System of a Down.
caption: Alternative metal band Life of Agony.
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