Melodic death metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that combines elements of traditional death metal with melodic components. It typically features aggressive guitar riffs, growled vocals, and intricate solos, while also incorporating harmonies and melodies that create a more melodic sound. Bands often use dual guitar work to enhance the musical complexity. Originating in the late 1980s and early 1990s, melodic death metal gained popularity through bands like At the Gates, In Flames, and Dark Tranquillity. These groups helped define the genre's signature sound, which balances brutality with melody, appealing to a broader audience while maintaining the intensity of metal music.