Mathcore (also known as technical metalcore) is, at its most basic form, a fusion of math rock and metalcore; however, most bands play in a style that can be more closely explained as a polyrhythmic and dissonant form of metalcore, which is recognized for a high level of technical musicianship. Mathcore has its roots in bands like Converge, Botch, and the Dillinger Escape Plan.
The term mathcore is suggested by analogy with math rock. Both math rock and mathcore make use of polyrhythms and unusual time signatures. Math rock groups such as Slint, Don Caballero, Shellac, and Drive Like Jehu have some influence on mathcore, though mathcore is often more closely related to hardcore, grindcore and similar. For this reason, the term is misleading; math rock actually draws on traditional hardcore punk to a greater degree than mathcore does. Mathcore is also linked to post-metal, in much the same way that math rock opened the gates for post-rock.
Mathcore is characterized by discordant, technical riffing, complex time signatures and song structures, passionate, energetic vocals and often overt jazz influences. Songs played by bands of this style tend to vary from seconds in length to over 15 minutes and rarely feature a conventional verse-chorus song structure. .
