^^^ First of all, that Chthonic stuff is totally awesome. Love it.
Regarding labels/genres: I would call Chthonic, as well as Mirrorthrone,
Symphonic black metal.
I define
Melodic Death Metal (Melo Death) as death metal that usually follows basic Minor/Major scales as opposed to the atonal chromatic scales of traditional Death Metal. The simpler major/minor scales are needed for catchy melodies which often play an important part in Melo Death. These melodies are usually produced by a lead guitar which plays a hook (not a solo) over a second guitar which plays chords. Often this lead melody will be accompanying the growled vocals of the chorus syllable for syllable, giving the chorus a sing-song feel even if the vocals are growled, however, sometimes vocal melodies are included (see new In Flames). Also, there will often be two leading guitars harmonizing.
Examples of Melodic Death Metal bands: In Flames, At the Gates, and Dark Tranquillity.
I define
Symphonic Black Metal as a cross between Black Metal and Symphonic Metal (duh
![LOL :lol :lol](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/old/lol.gif)
). But that's probably an over simplification. Basically, it will have the usual blast beats and double bass flooring, along with blazing fast guitars, as well as traditional black metal vocals. What makes it different is the inclusion of symphonic elements. Whereas Melo Death gets its melodies from a lead guitar, the melody in a Symphonic Black Metal song will come from orchestral instruments or the occasional clean vocal. The first 25 seconds of that first Chthonic song above are classic Symphonic Black Metal: blast beat, blazing guitars, high pitched scream, and strings. The strings are what sets that opening apart from ordinary Black Metal.
Examples of Symphonic Black Metal bands: Dimmu Borgir, Emperor, Anorexia Nervosa.
BTW, I love both Melodic Death Metal and Symphonic Black Metal.
One quick comment about Metal vocals.
There is a simple way determine if a band fits into black metal or death metal genre. If the vocals are
predominantly low pitched growls it's probably a form of Death Metal. If the vocals are
predominantly high pitched screams it's probably black metal of some kind. Some bands are very much one or the other. For example Amon Amarth has a very low growl, well on the other hand Cradle of filth has a very high pitched scream. In other cases though it's not as clear. While In Flames is a kind of death metal, the growls are higher than most, and on the other hand Dimmu Borgir has a relatively low voice and sometimes even growls, while still being a form of black metal. But for the most part one mostly growls and the other mostly screams.
Obviously there is a lot of cross-over that happens in metal, and not many bands fit only into just one category. For example, that second Chthonic song does have a bit of a Melo Death sound to it. Also, there are bands that merge Black Metal and Death Metal (Blackened Death Metal). And then you have bands like Children of Bodom who can cause fierce debates. Without the vocals, I think they are pretty clearly Power Metal, but the vocals are textbook Black Metal. And some will even say they are melodic death metal.
An easer way to approach it would be to call it all Extreme Metal. That includes all the music we're talking about. Basically anything more than run-of-the-mill "Heavy Metal" can be called Extreme Metal...
I should add that all of the forgoing should be read with a clear: "In My Humble Opinion."
I love that we have this thread to talk about this stuff. It's actually a topic I love to discuss, but don't really have any friends to discuss it with. Most of my "real world" friends are into indie crap.