Post-Metal

Post-metal is a musical genre that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, blending elements of heavy metal with post-rock, shoegaze, and experimental music. The term "post-metal" was coined by music journalist David Rivelli in a review of Neurosis's 1996 album "Through Silver in Blood," which he described as "post-metal avant-garde." Neurosis is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of post-metal, along with bands like Isis, Cult of Luna, and Pelican. These bands drew on the atmospheric, textural approach of post-rock and shoegaze while maintaining the heaviness and aggression of metal. They also incorporated elements of industrial and electronic music, as well as unconventional instrumentation like cello and violin. One of the defining traits of post-metal is its use of dynamics and contrast. Songs often build slowly from quiet, introspective passages to crushing, cathartic climaxes. This approach creates a sense of tension and release that's similar to classical music, and it allows post-metal bands to explore complex emotional themes like loss, grief, and existential dread. Post-metal gained wider popularity in the early 2000s with the rise of online music communities like Last.fm and Myspace, as well as the growing interest in experimental and avant-garde music among younger audiences. This led to a wave of new bands that expanded on the genre's sound, incorporating elements of black metal, doom metal, and post-punk. Some notable examples of post-metal bands from this era include Russian Circles, Cult of Luna, and Isis. Russian Circles, in particular, helped to push the boundaries of the genre with their use of multiple looping pedals and unconventional song structures. Their 2008 album "Station" is often cited as a masterpiece of post-metal, blending crushing riffs with delicate arpeggios and intricate drumming. Another key figure in the development of post-metal is Aaron Turner, the founder of the label Hydra Head Records and the frontman of the band Isis. Turner's vision for post-metal was expansive and boundary-pushing, incorporating elements of free jazz, ambient music, and even pop. His label also released records by other influential post-metal bands like Pelican, the Ocean, and Old Man Gloom. Despite its relatively niche appeal, post-metal has continued to evolve in the decades since its inception. Many bands have experimented with incorporating more electronic and synth elements into their sound, while others have delved further into the realm of post-rock and ambient music. Some bands, like Deafheaven and Alcest, have even added elements of black metal to the mix, creating a hybrid genre known as "blackgaze." In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the genre among younger audiences, with a new wave of bands like Emma Ruth Rundle, Bossk, and Cult of Luna's side project Julie Christmas carrying the torch. These bands continue to explore new sounds and textures within the genre, keeping post-metal fresh and vital.

ISIS: One of the pioneers of post-metal, the band formed in 1997 and disbanded in 2010. Their sound is characterized by heavy and downtuned guitars, atmospheric soundscapes, and complex rhythms that blend elements of metal, sludge, and post-rock. Some of their essential albums include "Oceanic" (2002), "Panopticon" (2004), and "Wavering Radiant" (2009). Neurosis: Active since 1985, Neurosis is a band that has evolved from a hardcore punk outfit into a band that constantly experiments with different sounds and techniques. Their music spans a range of styles, including doom metal, industrial, and folk music. Their seminal albums include "Through Silver In Blood" (1996) and "The Eye of Every Storm" (2004). Cult of Luna: Formed in 1998, Cult of Luna has built a reputation for creating epic, sonically rich soundscapes that blend heavy guitars with delicate melodies. Their music often tells a story, with each album having a particular theme. Their notable albums include "Somewhere Along the Highway" (2006) and "A Dawn to Fear" (2019). Pelican: Formed in Chicago in 2001, Pelican is an instrumental post-metal band that focuses on creating intricate soundscapes through the use of repetitive riffs and melodies. Their music is often described as cinematic, with songs evoking images of vast landscapes and open skies. Essential albums include "The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw" (2005) and "Nighttime Stories" (2019). Russian Circles: A Chicago-based band formed in 2004, Russian Circles combines post-metal with elements of math rock, post-punk, and ambient music. Their sound is characterized by heavy riffs, intricate drumming, and atmospheric soundscapes. Notable albums include "Enter" (2006) and "Blood Year" (2019). Mono: A Japanese instrumental band formed in 1999, Mono is known for their emotionally charged music that blends elements of post-rock and post-metal. Their music often evokes a sense of melancholia, with songs building up to cathartic climaxes that leave the listener feeling emotionally drained. Essential albums include "Hymn to the Immortal Wind" (2009) and "Nowhere Now Here" (2019). Rosetta: An American band formed in 2003, Rosetta's music combines heavy riffs with atmospheric soundscapes and ethereal vocals. Their sound is often described as a mix of post-metal, shoegaze, and black metal. Notable albums include "The Galilean Satellites" (2005), which was released as a split album with Balboa, and "A Determinism of Morality" (2010). The Ocean: A German band formed in 2000, The Ocean is known for their progressive and experimental approach to post-metal. Their music is characterized by intricate rhythms, atmospheric soundscapes, and complex song structures. Essential albums include "Precambrian" (2007) and "Pelagial" (2013). YOB: An American doom metal band formed in 1996, YOB has incorporated elements of post-metal into their music since the release of their album "The Unreal Never Lived" in 2005. Their music is characterized by slow, heavy riffs and repetitive melodies that build up to cathartic climaxes. Notable albums include "The Great Cessation" (2009) and "Our Raw Heart" (2018). Amenra: A Belgian band formed in 1999, Amenra's music combines elements of post-metal, doom, and hardcore punk. Their music is known for its emotional intensity, with songs often featuring spoken word poetry, soft acoustic sections, and heavy riffs. Essential albums include "Mass VI" (2017) and "De Doorn" (2021).

1. Neurosis - "Through Silver in Blood" (1996) 2. Isis - "Oceanic" (2002) 3. Cult of Luna - "Salvation" (2004) 4. Pelican - "The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw" (2005) 5. Russian Circles - "Enter" (2006) 6. Rosetta - "Wake/Lift" (2007) 7. Pelican - "City of Echoes" (2007) 8. Cult of Luna - "Eternal Kingdom" (2008) 9. Isis - "Wavering Radiant" (2009) 10. Baroness - "Yellow & Green" (2012) 11. Deafheaven - "Sunbather" (2013) 12. Russian Circles - "Memorial" (2013) 13. Cult of Luna - "Vertikal" (2013) 14. Alcest - "Shelter" (2014) 15. Amenra - "Mass VI" (2017) 16. Converge - "The Dusk in Us" (2017) 17. Deafheaven - "Ordinary Corrupt Human Love" (2018) 18. Cult of Luna - "A Dawn to Fear" (2019) 19. A.A. Williams - "Forever Blue" (2020) 20. Swallow the Sun - "When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light" (2019) 21. Emma Ruth Rundle - "On Dark Horses" (2018) 22. Elder - "Reflections of a Floating World" (2017) 23. Lantlôs - "Melting Sun" (2014) 24. Fórn - "Rights of Despair" (2018) 25. Inter Arma - "Sulphur English" (2019)

In the book "The Philosophy of Metal," Mark E. Bayles discusses the philosophical and existential elements of post-metal. He writes, “The existence of post-metal, as well as much of the experimental metal subgenre, presents us with a problem, one that is fundamental to both philosophy and existentialism... post-metal speaks to the same fears and anxieties that underpin existentialism.” Writing in "Post-Metal: An Exploration of Heavy Metal’s Unexplored Subgenre," Alec Wilson notes the genre’s embrace of different sonic experimentation, writing, “In many ways post-metal is characterized by a disregard for convention. It intentionally goes against metal’s tradition of playing based on speed, volume, and intense rhythm.” Music journalist Dan Epstein wrote about the origins of post-metal in his book "Stars and Cars: Punk, Metal, and the Rise of Alternative Rock." He describes the genre as "an amalgamation of doom metal, experimental post-rock, and hardcore punk" and notes that bands such as Neurosis and Godflesh were crucial in developing its sound. In the book "Heavy Metal, Gender and Sexuality: Interdisciplinary Approaches," author Ananay Aguilar states that post-metal is a subgenre that allows for a more diverse representation of gender expression in heavy metal. "Post-metal challenges binary masculinity norms by incorporating softer, ambient and post-rock elements in its soundscapes," writes Aguilar. Notable quotes from musicians in the genre include Aaron Turner of ISIS describing their music as "dark, emotive, and progressive." He explains the inspiration behind their music, saying, "We always try to write music with a sort of cinematic element, [to] create a certain atmosphere that is visually evocative." Neurosis bassist Dave Edwardson described post-metal as "an extension of what we started doing in the early '90s." He spoke to the genre’s focus on creating an immersive atmosphere, saying, "We wanted to create a world that people could disappear into, to create this ultimate form of escapism." Metal Hammer writer Chris Chantler called post-metal "music that envelopes and immerses listeners in dark atmospheres and dense soundscapes." He explained that the genre is a reaction against the mainstream metal scene, stating, "Post-metal was born from the idea that metal needed to explore beyond the confines of typical riffs and song structures."

One of the main cultural factors that influenced the development of post-metal was the rise of grunge and alternative rock in the 1990s. These genres paved the way for a wider range of experimental music, and their DIY ethos influenced many musicians to explore new sounds and experiment with different genres. At the same time, the cultural context of the 1990s was marked by a sense of disillusionment and alienation. Many people felt disconnected from society and were searching for alternative forms of expression. For these individuals, post-metal provided a means of exploring these feelings of disconnection and alienation through heavy, atmospheric music. As a social movement, indie music was a significant factor in the emergence of post-metal. The DIY ethos of the indie scene encouraged experimentation and risk-taking, providing a welcoming environment for artists to explore new sounds and styles. This atmosphere was crucial in the development of post-metal, as it allowed artists to take risks and push boundaries. Technologically, the emergence of digital recording technology in the 1990s allowed musicians to produce music that sounded polished and professional, even on a limited budget. This enabled post-metal artists to introduce elements of shoegaze, ambient and post-rock into their music, with heavily layered and textured soundscapes becoming a trademark of the genre. Several record labels played a significant role in the development of post-metal, including Hydra Head Records, Neurot Recordings, and Southern Lord Records. Hydra Head Records, founded by former Isis member Aaron Turner, has been at the forefront of the post-metal scene since the late 1990s, releasing albums by notable acts such as Botch, Cave In, and Pelican. Neurot Recordings, owned by members of Neurosis, has also played a crucial role in the development of the genre, with releases by Neurosis, Amenra, and Ufomammut. Southern Lord Records, owned by Greg Anderson of Sunn O))), has helped to usher in a new wave of post-metal bands, including Russian Circles, Deafheaven, and ISIS. Journalists have also played an important role in shaping the post-metal scene. One notable figure is Brandon Stosuy, who wrote about post-metal and experimental music for publications such as Pitchfork, Stereogum, and The Village Voice. Other writers who have helped to shape the post-metal scene include Kim Kelly, Zoe Camp, and Michael Nelson.