glassbodied

Glassbodied is a genre of music characterized by its use of electronic and digital audio workstations to create a distinct, heavily processed sound. The sound is often described as thick, heavy, and textured, with a prominent use of distortion and reverb.

The genre originated in the early 2000s, primarily among metal and hardcore punk fans who sought to create a new, more aggressive sound. Glassbodied music often features rapid-fire drum machines, heavily distorted basslines, and screaming vocals.

The distinguishing feature of glassbodied is its use of extremely high gain, such that the sound becomes brittle and "glassy". This is achieved through the use of distortion pedals, fuzzboxes, and digital audio processing techniques. The sound is often characterized by its inability to sustain notes beyond a brief duration, hence the term "glassbodied".

As a result of its DIY ethos and online presence, glassbodied developed differently from more mainstream music genres. It found its community on websites like SoundCloud and Bandcamp, where fans and musicians alike shared and discovered new music. Glassbodied's popularity declined in the mid-2010s, but it has maintained a dedicated following, inspiring other genres like vaporwave and witch house.

Critics have accused glassbodied of being overly abrasive and gimmicky, lacking in melody and lyrical depth. However, fans argue that its raw energy and sonic intensity are what set it apart from more traditional genres. Whether or not glassbodied is more than a fleeting fad remains to be seen. As the music scene continues to evolve, glassbodied remains an intriguing footnote in the history of heavy electronic music.