Djent

Djent music is a sub-genre of progressive metal that originated in the early 2000s. It's characterized by heavily distorted, low-tuned guitars, complex rhythms, and an intricate sound structure. The term "Djent" was originally coined by Swedish guitarist and producer, Fredrik Thordendal. The name comes from the sound that the palm-muted guitars produce, which is similar to the word "Djent." The sound is achieved by forming a chord and using a technique called "palm muting" to produce a sharp and metallic sound. The Djent sound can be traced back to bands like Meshuggah, who pioneered the use of low-tuned guitars and odd time signatures in metal music. Their album, "Destroy Erase Improve," released in 1995, was a major influence on the Djent sound. The album featured songs that had complex rhythms, low-tuned guitars, and a heavy emphasis on downpicking. The Djent sound gained popularity in the early 2000s, with the emergence of bands like Sikth, Periphery, and Tesseract. These bands pushed the boundaries of metal music, creating a sound that was technical, heavy, and extremely rhythmic. The use of extended range guitars also became popular during this time, with many bands using 7-string or 8-string guitars to obtain a lower, more powerful sound. Periphery is often credited with popularizing the Djent sound with their self-titled album in 2010. The album featured songs that had intricate guitar work, odd-time signatures, and soaring melodic vocals. The band's use of extended range guitars and the incorporation of electronic elements into their music also helped to define the Djent sound. Tesseract is another band that helped to establish the Djent sound. Their debut album, "One," released in 2011, was a critical success and helped to bring the sound to a wider audience. The album featured complex rhythms, atmospheric soundscapes, and soaring vocals. The band's use of clean vocals, in contrast to the harsh, guttural vocals often associated with metal music, helped to make their sound more accessible to a broader audience. Since then, many other bands have embraced the Djent sound, including Animals As Leaders, Vildhjarta, and Monuments. These bands have further pushed the boundaries of the genre, creating music that is both technically impressive and emotionally engaging. Today, the Djent sound is alive and well, with many bands continuing to explore the possibilities of the genre. While the sound has evolved since its inception, with bands incorporating elements of electronica, jazz, and ambient music into their sound, the core elements of low-tuned guitars, intricate rhythms, and complex song structures remain a defining feature of the genre.

Meshuggah: Considered the pioneers of djent, Swedish metal band Meshuggah are known for their technicality, precision and unique sound. The heavy use of polyrhythms and down-tuned guitars define their signature style. Animals as Leaders: American instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders consists of Tosin Abasi on guitar, Javier Reyes on guitar, and Matt Garstka on drums. Known for their virtuosity, the band incorporates elements of jazz, fusion and classical music in their djent sound. Periphery: American progressive metal band Periphery has gained a cult following for their versatile approach to djent. Members Misha Mansoor, Jake Bowen, and Mark Holcomb are skilled at incorporating a variety of influences, including electronic music in their sound. TesseracT: English progressive metal band TesseracT's music is a blend of clean vocals with heavy, down-tuned guitars. Their soundscapes are complex and atmospheric, creating a unique take on djent. Vildhjarta: Swedish djent band Vildhjarta's sound is characterized by chugging riffs, polyrhythms, and atmospheric soundscapes. Their music features harsh, guttural vocals, blending heaviness with intricate musicality. Erra: American metalcore band Erra's music combines melodic, clean vocals with heavy, djent-inspired grooves. Their sound is characterized by the use of odd time signatures, and they frequently explore philosophical and existential themes in their lyrics. Monuments: British progressive metal band Monuments incorporates elements of alternative, electronic, andambient music in their djent-inspired sound. Their intricate instrumentation and catchy hooks create an engaging and unique listening experience. After the Burial: American metalcore/djent band After the Burial's music is characterized by complex and technical guitar work using 8-string guitars. Their sound combines rhythmically complex composition with crushing breakdowns. Veil of Maya: American deathcore/djent band Veil of Maya blends complex riffing and technical playing with crushing breakdowns. Their sound is characterized by clean and harsh vocals, and the use of odd time signatures. Uneven Structure: French progressive metal/djent band Uneven Structure's music incorporates elements of post-rock and experimental music while maintaining a heavy and technical approach to djent. Their sound is atmospheric and expansive, often incorporating soundscapes and layers of instrumentation to create a cinematic vibe.

1. "Periphery" by Periphery 2. "Djent" by SikTh 3. "The Discovery" by Born of Osiris 4. "Animals as Leaders" by Animals as Leaders 5. "Akeldama" by The Faceless 6. "Altered State" by TesseracT 7. "Language" by The Contortionist 8. "Omnivium" by Obscura 9. "Noumenon" by Vildhjarta 10. "One" by TesseracT 11. "Weightless" by Animals as Leaders 12. "Exoplanet" by The Contortionist 13. "The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues" by Between the Buried and Me 14. "In Contact" by Caligula's Horse 15. "Solar Plexus" by David Maxim Micic 16. "Landscape" by The Algorithm 17. "The End of Heartache" by Killswitch Engage 18. "Innerpartysystem" by Innerpartysystem 19. "The Migration" by Scale the Summit 20. "A Darkened Gospel" by The Black Dahlia Murder 21. "New Elysium" by Polyphia 22. "The Joy of Motion" by Animals as Leaders 23. "In Time" by Intervals 24. "Singularity" by Northlane 25. "Once We Were Lions" by Chimp Spanner

One of the most notable books on the subject of djent is "The Djent Set: Perspectives on Djent and its Relationship with Progressive Metal". This collection of essays delves deep into the history and evolution of djent, as well as its relationship with progressive metal and the wider music scene. Notable quotes from the book include: "In many ways, djent can be seen as the logical conclusion of progressive metal's evolution. It takes the genre's technicality and complexity to the extreme, pushing the boundaries of what is musically possible." "Djent has become a gateway for a new generation of metal fans who were previously interested in other genres, such as math rock or post-rock. Its unique sound and vibe have attracted a loyal following that is passionate and dedicated." In addition to books, there have been numerous articles and interviews with musicians and fans that provide insight into the world of djent. For example, Periphery guitarist Misha Mansoor has been one of the most influential figures in the development of djent, and he has often spoken about its origins and his approach to songwriting. Some notable quotes from him include: "I think the appeal of djent lies in its technicality and precision. It's a very precise and controlled form of music, and I think that appeals to a lot of musicians who are looking for a new challenge." "I think that djent represents a new direction for heavy metal music, one that is more focused on technicality and experimentation. It's not for everyone, but for those who are into it, it can be incredibly rewarding." However, not everyone is a fan of djent, and there have been critiques of the genre's limited musical range and its tendency to prioritize technicality over emotion and songwriting. Music journalist Ian Gormely has been particularly critical of djent, stating in an article for Pitchfork: "The problem with djent is that it places technical proficiency over musicality. While the ability to play complicated riffs and rhythms is certainly impressive, it doesn't necessarily make for interesting or enjoyable music."

Socially, Djent emerged as a reflection of the cultural shift that was occurring globally. With internet proliferation and an increase in accessible music technology, artists were no longer confined by the traditional record label structure. It allowed for a rise of DIY culture, enabling artists to create new sub-genres with greater independence. Djent was no exception, as it emerged on social media platforms such as forums, YouTube, and SoundCloud. Culturally, Djent developed as a response to the cultural zeitgeist. As mainstream culture continued to shift, young musicians were moving away from other forms of metal in which solos and virtuosity reign supreme. Djent became a fusion of technical prowess, rhythmic complexity, and an emphasis on groove, becoming an avenue that reflected the musical tastes of the new generation. Technologically, Djent is often attributed to the practice of guitarists using extended-range instruments. This practice enabled guitarists to hit notes that were previously impossible, allowing Djent to be driven by rhythm and syncopation. This shift made Djent a genre that could not have existed previously, as it relied on technology that was not available until the 2000s, with the creation of guitars such as the eight-string guitar. Notable figures in the Djent community include record label executives like Misha Mansoor, who founded and served as a guitarist for the band Periphery, and was instrumental in popularizing the subgenre. Technical music journalists such as Tosin Abasi played a significant role in promoting the genre. Abasi's development of the eight-string guitar paved the way for Djent to be as rhythmically intricate and complex as it is today. Additionally, he was responsible for coining the term "Thump and slant," which became a hallmark of the Djent sound. The popularity of Djent spread further in 2010 when Animals As Leaders, the brainchild of Tosin Abasi and Javier Reyes, released their self-titled debut album. The band combined metal and jazz to create something unique that was much appreciated by guitar enthusiasts. The album, with its jaw-dropping compositions and innovative use of instruments, helped to cement Abasi's place as a leader in the Djent community.