A word used by people who think they know something about music. It is not a term used by musicians and it usually discredits the person that is using it. Usually just a guitar riff that brings out the rhythm in shitty (cliched) music.
Chico: This breakdown is cool!
Real Musician: You're fucking gay.
by Blocko July 28, 2005
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They are a sad excuse for music, they usually sound terrible and it seems like bands have contests to make the slowest one. They are the least heavy part of the song camouflaged into being the heaviest part, when you play heavy or brutal, you are usually playing fast, hitting a cord and having the drummer play slow as shit is boring, slow music is boring...
some "hardcore" kid: hey brahsky did you check that new blood for blood song, it has got a song where all it is, is a breakdown!

me: that sounds like the lamest shit I've ever heard in my life.
by Gauzex August 30, 2007
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1. part of a song, by a metal, metalcore or hardcore band, that everyone attends a concert or live performance too see as too its xBROOTALNESSX.

2. part of a song, by a metal, metalcore or hardcore band, which said band will, whilst playing live, try and mess with to make it "more awesome" and thus fall out of tune, out of time and out of pitch thus destroying the moment.

But we wont care cuz were busy kickin shit
"Man thats a sickass breakdown"

"Man they fucked up that breakdown good"

"Man i got kicked in the face in that breakdown"
by Rabbi Jew bro June 11, 2008
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Basically the best part of a song. Usually found in genres such as Death metal, Grindcore and Trash Metal. This part of the song usually incorporates the guitar player hammering on a single note in a heavy pattern, sometimes along with the bass and the snare drum.
"Holy shit dude.. did you see Born of Osiris last night?"

"Fuck yeah man.. the breakdown in Open arms to Damnation was fucking insane!!"
by nick101.7 December 11, 2008
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The beneficent sale of a $40 crackrock for only $20.
A'ight, a'ight, a'ight. Fair 'nuff- I hear that. Lemme offer you a breakdown here.
by Wordsworth (1770-1850) January 15, 2007
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disassemble into component parts using the most destructive means possible, usually a hammer. Can be physically, psychologically, psychically or both
I'm gonna break you down and throw you away
by austin the goat February 12, 2005
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