A bastardized genre of music in which the distorted guitars and agressive vocals of hardcore and heavy metal are dumbed down musically and then packaged to be marketable to angst-ridden teens. The name is derived from the "-core" system often used to name metal and punk varients such as hardcore, metalcore and emocore, and is so named because it targets your standard mall-going teens rather than real music enthusiasts, who nearly unanimously dismiss it as garbage. It can be characterized by chugging riffs based around basic (and often no) progression, and angsty yelled or rapped vocals. The lyrical content often complains about the unfairness of teenage situation, parents, school, or in rare cases politics. There is very little place for any musical innovation, and electronic effects and samples have taken the place of guitar solos and the like in 90% of the genre's bands.
by TheSanityAssassin November 3, 2004
A modern form of music, influenced, but wholly separate from Heavy Metal that incorporates rap, funk, simplified song structures, and subject matter geared towards the teens and youth of America. Topics often include alienation, parental abuse, and "the pain inside." Watch for simple rhyme patterns and a general lack of innovation. The oversaturation of the market with mallcore in analogous to the takeover of glam rock in the late 80s and early 90s as record companies scrambled to make a quick profit. The roots of mallcore go back to Anthrax's "I'm the Man" as well as Faith No More's "Epic." These visible hits which fused metal and rap inadvertently caused a tidal wave. Bands such as Korn and such spinoffs soon began to take over the market with detuned and substandard products. As the style of music overtook a naive fanbase, many bands, formerly true to heavy metal, began to lean towards mallcore tendencies. These bands, such as Metallica, In Flames, and others made their sound more accessible by simplifying their work and adding aspects of electronica, whispered vocals, simple chugging riffs, and taking focus off of lead guitars. This style of music as of late has been decreasing in popularity, as record companies have opted to move on to other styles of music. Most likely the style will experience a revival in the next decade as bands realize they have no money, having spent it in their prime. Revival tours and reunions will be common, and the pain of the past will be experienced once again.
by Lord Worm August 17, 2003
derisive term for MTV-created bands who claim to be metal but actually are not. usually consists of downturned guitars, poorly played drums and bass, and teen angst lyrics screamed or rapped over this wall of noise.
by abcdefg December 12, 2003
95% of the consumers who decorate themselves with Hot Topic brand Pre-packaged punk and related materials. Known for not bathing and dressing for excessively low temperatures at all times of the year. Favored fashion includes anything related to "The Nightmare Before Christmas", the bands "HIM, Slipknot, Insane Clown Posse, and Mushroomhead". Also, pants that were manufactured for a much larger individual, and fitted with metal restraints such as chains or straps. Apparently the message is individuality and non-conformity, though to be mallcore you must conform to nonconformity and be an individual like all the other mallcore "individuals". Sweatshirts and beanies appear to be mandatory, as well as random use of safety pins. Mallcore is not to be confused with actual goth, because goth folks appear to have jobs, and pay more money for higher end pre-packaged fasion. Apparently there is a distinction. Most mallcore kids end up mall janitors, those people that wear signs for costume shops next to the freeway, or if they follow thier dreams, one day manage a hot topic.
Mallcore kid 1: "ICP is awesome"
Mallcore kid 2: "HIM defines me"
Mallcore kid 3: "I can't like ICP or HIM anymore because you like them now. All i have is this Duran Duran CD i bought"
Mallcore kid 2: "HIM defines me"
Mallcore kid 3: "I can't like ICP or HIM anymore because you like them now. All i have is this Duran Duran CD i bought"
by vandal1138 December 9, 2007
A derogatory synonym for nu-metal, created as a reaction to the misuse of the word "metal" in that genre name.
by slomberine July 14, 2008
A form of "music", related to alternative rock and nu-metal. It is characterized by simple structures, ugly musicians, silly lyrics and little drum kits. It has nothing to do with true heavy metal (ie. Iron Maiden, Dio, Black Sabbath...)
by Camilo November 12, 2004
Mainstream rock music that is corporately controlled, and usually a cynical attempt to cash in on hit mainstream trends. The word comes from the music being played in terrible mall stores like Hot Topic. Peoples' main problem with mallcore is stupid tweens and teenagers acting like it's the hardest, most badass rock in the universe and the record labels promoting it as such. Usually, it refers to the genres of nu-metal, metalcore and post-grunge. While good bands do exist in these genres, mallcore refers, frequently, to the most grating, stereotypical and shitty examples.
Nickelback, Limp Bizkit, Avenged Sevenfold, Killswitch Engage, Shinedown, Staind and Trivium are all mallcore garbage.
by YonTroper April 25, 2010