Origins — Meshuggah and the Djent Sound
Djent as a distinct genre emerged from the influence of Swedish band Meshuggah, who developed their unique approach to polyrhythmic extreme metal through the 1990s and 2000s. The term djent itself is an onomatopoeia describing the characteristic palm-muted, syncopated guitar tone pioneered by Meshuggah guitarist Fredrik Thordendal and later popularised by Periphery guitarist Misha Mansoor. Meshuggah's 2002 album Nothing and 2008's obZen are considered foundational djent recordings.
Periphery and the Internet Generation
Periphery became the most visible and commercially successful djent band, developing a more melodic and accessible approach to the genre that incorporated clean vocal hooks alongside the complex rhythmic guitar work. Crucially, Periphery emerged largely through online communities and social media, making them one of the first metal bands whose fanbase was built primarily through the internet. This model of online community building became central to how djent spread globally.
Animals as Leaders and Instrumental Djent
Guitarist Tosin Abasi's Animals as Leaders brought a jazz-influenced instrumental approach to djent that demonstrated the genre's potential for sophisticated musical expression beyond the metal context. Their 2009 self-titled debut was immediately recognised as a landmark recording and established Abasi as one of the most technically accomplished guitarists in modern music. Animals as Leaders showed that djent's rhythmic complexity could be used for genuinely expressive and emotional musical communication.
Djent Today
Djent today is one of the most technically demanding and globally active communities in heavy music. Bands like Plini, Intervals and Polyphia have pushed the genre toward greater melodic sophistication and musical diversity while maintaining the rhythmic complexity that defines it. The Australian djent scene has produced internationally recognised acts including Northlane, who have built a substantial global following from their base in Sydney.
Key Bands
Meshuggah, Periphery, Animals as Leaders, Tesseract, Vildhjarta, Intervals, Plini, Born Of Osiris, Northlane, Skyhill