Sections of hardcore / metalcore / deathcore songs which are rhythmically appropriate for most forms of hardcore dancing (mosh), but not appropriate for two-stepping. In order to be rhythmically appropriate, the music must conform to the following requirements:
1. Tempo: Breakdowns are characterized by tempos in the 65 bpm - 70 bpm range, but also spanning from 50 bpm (double breakdown), to 90 bpm (fast breakdown / stomp breakdown).
2. Content: Breakdowns are further characterized by strong emphasis on rhythm, snares on the 2nd & 4th quarter notes, cymbals on either eighth notes or quarter notes, and kick drum patterns which accent the often staccato guitar playing. Many modifications to this formula can be made (displaced snares, melody), but these modifications tend to detract from the maximum impact of the breakdown.
Because these two requirements must be satisfied, entire songs can be breakdowns, and do not need to contain any fast parts. As well, many slow sections of songs of these genres are not breakdowns, because they do not meet the content requirements.
1. Tempo: Breakdowns are characterized by tempos in the 65 bpm - 70 bpm range, but also spanning from 50 bpm (double breakdown), to 90 bpm (fast breakdown / stomp breakdown).
2. Content: Breakdowns are further characterized by strong emphasis on rhythm, snares on the 2nd & 4th quarter notes, cymbals on either eighth notes or quarter notes, and kick drum patterns which accent the often staccato guitar playing. Many modifications to this formula can be made (displaced snares, melody), but these modifications tend to detract from the maximum impact of the breakdown.
Because these two requirements must be satisfied, entire songs can be breakdowns, and do not need to contain any fast parts. As well, many slow sections of songs of these genres are not breakdowns, because they do not meet the content requirements.
Pantera is generally recognized as the originator of the breakdown, as featured at approximately 3:52 of "Domination" off Cowboys from Hell. Today, this part of Domination would be recognized as an "old school" breakdown, and only the old timers would hardcore dance to it.
by malarky2020 October 14, 2009
The part in a song (usually associated with Hardcore, Metal, and Metalcore music genres) where the music becomes heavy and rythmic. Usually has a brutal sound to it and is the perfect music to open a pit or dance to. Breakdowns are what makes hardcore. The singer also usually sings a line or two of memorable lyrics, and then repeats them until the breakdown is over.
by From The Distance(reno, nv) May 23, 2006
Jimmy: did you hear brown tounges new song?!?
Benny: yeah! the breakdown is made up of 1's and 0's!
chug mosh breakdowns metalcore tabs slams
Benny: yeah! the breakdown is made up of 1's and 0's!
chug mosh breakdowns metalcore tabs slams
by straya m8 November 18, 2015
(n.) - a section in a piece of music where rhythmic emphasis is shifted causing the note value of the previously determined meter to be (typically) halved. used for contrast.
by bananax182 May 13, 2007
A form of rhythmic, percussion-heavy musical passage used commonly in the Hardcore, Metalcore, Deathcore and Grindcore genres. They mostly consist of rhythmic guitar riffs in time with bass drum beats, often with the crash cymbal playing eighth strokes.
Primarily a live device, due to the heaviness achieved, they are often used to whip the crowd into a frenzy, and often incite frantic moshing/hardcore dancing.
Also a term for going batshit insane.
Primarily a live device, due to the heaviness achieved, they are often used to whip the crowd into a frenzy, and often incite frantic moshing/hardcore dancing.
Also a term for going batshit insane.
2:55 in Elysia's "Filthy" is probably the best example of a breakdown, that :47 passage is pretty much their reason for existing. Other awesome breakdowns include Carnifex's "Collaborating Like Killers" (1:25 for pretty much the rest of the four minute song) and Killwhitneydead's "Put A Sock In It" (1:40).
Also notable is Suicide Silence's No Pity For A Coward, which has two consecutive, yet obviously individual breakdowns.
Also notable is Suicide Silence's No Pity For A Coward, which has two consecutive, yet obviously individual breakdowns.
by All_Of_Life_Decays January 1, 2008
Person #1: Dude, get ready, here it comes, I hope I don't get any teeth knocked out in this one.
Person #2: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...BREAKDOWN!
Person #1: (After the BREAKDOWN!) Dude, u totally gave me a welt on my left eye.
Person #2: Sorry dude, i get kinda gaytarded while moshing sometimes.
Person #1: Its okay...its a br00tal welt anyway, it totally makes me look soooo much cooler.
Person #2: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...BREAKDOWN!
Person #1: (After the BREAKDOWN!) Dude, u totally gave me a welt on my left eye.
Person #2: Sorry dude, i get kinda gaytarded while moshing sometimes.
Person #1: Its okay...its a br00tal welt anyway, it totally makes me look soooo much cooler.
by Ms.Anthropy April 19, 2009
the point in a song at which time (not tempo) slows down. it is usually associated with metal, hardcore, metalcore, and other sub-genres of metal and hardcore music. often the guitar during a breakdown is palm-muted and is played using breaks or rests to create a choppy, brutal sound. the guitar can also be played strummed or rung out and still be considered a breakdown. what makes the part of a song a breakdown is mostly determined by the speed of the drums and also somewhat the style in which the drummer plays in that speed.
(band name) - (song title): sparing no lives - painting the murder, lamb of god - pariah, terror - overcome, the red chord - antman, unearth - endless, animosity - 24 more, iniquity - desiderated profligacy. all of the songs above have good examples of breakdowns in my opinion. i strongly suggest the first song on the list.
by metalcorelover June 29, 2006