[Darko]

Yet, it's a tried and true formula.

If you're looking at more punk rock oriented music, like 80s styled hardcore, or what the crusties like to call hardcore, a breakdown is exactly what Helm described. But this kind of part is refered to as a "Two Step" to new school hardcore tough guys. This is the part where you see people picking up change or doing a dance that is almost identical to skanking, but they call it a two-step because it sounds tougher that way.

A breakdown in the hardcore scene is usually the most rhymatic, punchy parts of a song. Usually done via open chord muting. They're simplistic and usually easy to play, but they are very energetic and get crowds moving.