4 styles
Music family
Classic & Speed
Metal's classic forms: twin guitars, speed and heroism.
Heavy metal set the form, glam metal took it to the party, thrash made it faster and angrier, and power metal made it brighter and more epic.
What they share
- Clear, singable melodies
- Guitar solos are central
- No death growls
How to choose
- Classic heavyHeavy Metal
- '80s partyGlam Metal
- Anger and speedThrash Metal
- Fantasy heroicsPower Metal
Starter prompt
Heavy metal, 160 BPM, galloping twin harmonized guitars, powerful double kick, soaring clean male vocals, shredding solo, epic and heroicA general starting point for this family; swap in a specific style’s keywords for sharper results.
Side by side
| Style | Era | BPM | Mood | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Metal | Late 1960s–early 1970s | 100–200+ | Epic & vastDark & heavyRebellious & bold | Battle & action · Fantasy adventure |
| Glam Metal | 1980s | 110–150 | Bright & sweetRebellious & boldNostalgicHype & thrill | Party & dance floor · Stage & idols |
| Thrash Metal | 1980s | 160–220 | Rebellious & boldGroove & energyTense & suspenseHype & thrill | Battle & action · Party & dance floor |
| Power Metal | Mid-1980s–present | 160–200 | Epic & vastBright & sweetGroove & energyHype & thrill | Fantasy adventure · Battle & action |
All styles
- Heavy Metal
Distortion, speed and myth turned up to the maximum, making power itself the story.
- Glam Metal
Big hair, spandex and shout-along choruses, the shiniest party metal of the '80s.
- Thrash Metal
Punk speed poured into metal weight, anger played as the fastest downpicking.
- Power Metal
Fast double kick, soaring vocals and heroic sagas make metal bright and uplifting.