Groove metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that emphasizes rhythm and groove over speed and technicality. It typically features down-tuned guitars, heavy riffs, and a strong, driving beat. Bands often incorporate elements from other genres, such as hard rock and funk, creating a unique sound that encourages headbanging and movement. Originating in the late 1980s and early 1990s, groove metal gained popularity with bands like Pantera and Sepultura. The genre is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and catchy hooks, making it accessible to a wider audience while still maintaining the intensity of traditional metal.