Essential djent listening

The albums that define djent.

Our picks for where to start with djent — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The djent essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Macro

Jinjer

Macro

A complex tapestry of aggressive grooves and intricate melodies interwoven with haunting vocals and philosophical themes.

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I

Meshuggah

I

A relentless, labyrinthine journey through complex rhythms and heavy textures that challenge conventional metal boundaries.

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A Higher Place

Born of Osiris

A Higher Place

Aggressive riffs intertwine with atmospheric melodies, creating a relentless yet immersive soundscape.

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obZen

Meshuggah

obZen

A relentless barrage of polyrhythmic intricacies and guttural vocals, defining the zenith of djent-infused extreme metal.

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Meshuggah

Meshuggah

Meshuggah

A relentless barrage of complex rhythms and dissonant riffs that defy conventional metal structures.

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None

Meshuggah

None

A relentless storm of dissonant riffs and complex rhythms, challenging the very boundaries of metal.

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The True Human Design

Meshuggah

The True Human Design

Complex rhythms and dissonant textures intertwine with guttural vocals, creating an unsettling yet captivating sonic landscape.

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Chaosphere

Meshuggah

Chaosphere

A relentless barrage of polyrhythmic chaos intertwined with haunting melodies and angular riffs.

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The Ophidian Trek

Meshuggah

The Ophidian Trek

A relentless barrage of complex rhythms and polyrhythmic structures layered with hauntingly intricate melodies.

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Nothing

Meshuggah

Nothing

A relentless exploration of polyrhythmic complexity and harsh textures intertwined with moments of eerie melody.

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Selfcaged

Meshuggah

Selfcaged

A relentless exploration of complex rhythms and dissonant melodies that challenge traditional metal structures.

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Koloss

Meshuggah

Koloss

A relentless blend of polyrhythmic chaos and crushing heaviness, embodying the essence of modern extreme metal.

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Pitch Black

Meshuggah

Pitch Black

A relentless exploration of dissonance and complexity, blending intricate rhythms with aggressive instrumentation.

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Immutable

Meshuggah

Immutable

A labyrinthine exploration of polyrhythmic intricacy and dissonant heaviness, pushing metal's boundaries further than ever.

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Catch Thirtythree

Meshuggah

Catch Thirtythree

A relentless exploration of rhythmic complexity and dissonance, merging mechanical precision with visceral emotionality.

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Rare Trax

Meshuggah

Rare Trax

A raw and unfiltered collection of Meshuggah's early experiments with complex rhythms and heavy sonic textures.

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Contradictions Collapse

Meshuggah

Contradictions Collapse

A relentless barrage of polyrhythmic chaos intertwined with haunting melodies and intricate guitar work.

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Alive

Meshuggah

Alive

A relentless barrage of polyrhythmic precision and guttural vocals that encapsulate the chaos of live performance.

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Destroy Erase Improve

Meshuggah

Destroy Erase Improve

A chaotic yet intricate blend of polyrhythmic grooves and guttural vocals that define extreme metal's avant-garde edge.

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The Violent Sleep of Reason

Meshuggah

The Violent Sleep of Reason

A labyrinth of polyrhythmic intricacies and unyielding heaviness that challenges the boundaries of extreme metal.

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Wallflowers

Jinjer

Wallflowers

A dynamic fusion of intricate grooves and powerful vocals that navigate personal and societal themes with intensity.

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Duel

Jinjer

Duel

A fierce blend of aggressive riffs and intricate melodies, showcasing the band's signature metalcore prowess.

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King of Everything

Jinjer

King of Everything

A dynamic blend of intricate rhythms and emotive melodies, showcasing powerful vocals over heavy instrumentals.

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Alive in Melbourne

Jinjer

Alive in Melbourne

A powerful blend of groove metal and progressive elements, showcasing ferocious instrumentation and dynamic vocals.

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