The albums that define
post-metal.
Our picks for where to start with post-metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top post-metal artists
Start with one of these.
The post-metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Deafheaven
Sunbather
A sweeping fusion of black metal intensity and ethereal shoegaze textures envelops the listener in an emotional journey.
Start here
Sigur Rós
Hlemmur
An evocative soundscape of minimalist post-rock textures intertwined with haunting Icelandic melodies.
Start here
Sigur Rós
Ágætis byrjun
Ethereal soundscapes entwine with haunting melodies, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that evokes both beauty and melancholy.
Start here
Alcest
Les Voyages de l'âme
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with heavy textures, creating a dreamlike journey through light and darkness.
Start here
Alcest
Souvenirs d'un autre monde
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies, creating a dreamlike journey through nature and memory.
Start here
Long Distance Calling
Avoid the Light
A sprawling, atmospheric exploration of sound, intertwining heavy riffs with meditative sections and intricate melodies.
Start here
Long Distance Calling
Long Distance Calling
A sprawling journey through atmospheric soundscapes and intricate post-metal textures that evoke deep introspection.
Start here
The Ocean
Aeolian
A vast expanse of atmospheric soundscapes intertwines with heavy, intricate riffs and haunting melodies.
Start here
The Ocean
Heliocentric
Expansive soundscapes meld heavy riffs with ethereal melodies, inviting listeners on a cosmic journey through themes of existence and belief.
Start here
Isis
In the Fishtank 14
A haunting blend of expansive soundscapes and intricate rhythms that oscillate between serene and tumultuous.
Start here
Isis
The Mosquito Control EP
A swirling blend of atmospheric heaviness and intricate melodies that evoke feelings of unease and introspection.
Start here
PSOTY
Sunless
Ethereal soundscapes blend with crushing riffs, evoking a sense of cosmic dread and introspection.
Start here
PSOTY
...And the Sky Fell
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with heavy, brooding riffs, creating an immersive post-metal experience.
Start here
Cult of Luna
The Beyond
A sprawling landscape of heavy riffs and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke a haunting journey through desolation.
Start here
Cult of Luna
Salvation
Dense, atmospheric soundscapes intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a meditative yet intense post-metal experience.
Start here
Rosetta
Utopioid
Ethereal soundscapes merge with heavy guitar riffs, creating a cosmic journey through introspective themes.
Start here
Rosetta
The Cleansing Undertones of Wake/Lift
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with heavy, immersive textures, creating a transcendent listening experience.
Start here
Russian Circles
Geneva
Instrumental soundscapes intertwine with crushing riffs, creating an immersive post-metal journey that captivates and overwhelms.
Start here
Russian Circles
Empros
A sprawling, textured soundscape where intricate guitar work intertwines with dynamic rhythm shifts and atmospheric depth.
Start here
Jesu
Sun Down/Sun Rise
A sprawling soundscape where heavy drones entwine with ethereal melodies, creating a meditative yet intense auditory experience.
Start here
Jesu
Heart Ache/Dethroned
Heavy, expansive soundscapes envelop haunting melodies, merging drone metal with ethereal shoegaze textures.
Start here
Jónsi
Go
Ethereal melodies intertwine with vibrant rhythms, creating a lush sonic landscape that celebrates life and connection.
Start here
Jónsi
Go Do
A vibrant tapestry of ethereal melodies and intricate arrangements that invite introspection and exploration.
Start here
Neurosis
A Sun That Never Sets
A dense tapestry of crushing riffs and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke a sense of existential dread.
Start here