Deathcore is an extreme metal subgenre that combines death metal with metalcore or hardcore punk, or both. It emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s in North America. Deathcore is defined by an excessive use of death metal riffs, blast beats, and hardcore punk breakdowns. The genre is characterized by its heavy, pummeling music that allows listeners to tune into the rawest side of themselves. Deathcore bands often use down-tuned guitars, guitar solos, and tremolo picking. Breakdowns are a staple of the genre and are present in nearly every deathcore band. Deathcore lyrics are often violent and extreme, and they frequently criticize society as a whole. Deathcore is still a relevant concept, and it has a significant following.