Death metal is a specific genre of heavy metal music that originated in the late 80s and early 90s. The genre is characterized by its aggressive, fast-paced rhythms, guttural vocals, and dark, ominous themes. It is often associated with themes of death, decay, and destruction. There are several synonyms for death metal, including extreme metal, blackened death metal, and grindcore. These sub-genres typically incorporate elements of death metal, including its fast-paced rhythms and aggressive vocals, but also add their own unique characteristics, such as atmospheric and experimental sounds. Regardless of the sub-genre, death metal continues to be a popular and influential form of heavy metal music.