These metal artists reject categorical pigeonholing & unfold beyond the classic genre designation.
Metal is one of the biggest subcultures within the music scene. Many subgenres find their roots in heavy metal, from alternative to doom to nu metal. But metal artists are always experimenting and many are pushing the boundaries of their genre to explore new soundscapes as well. Here are five metal artists who eschew categorical thinking and thrive on other genres as well:
1. Sleep Token
The anonymous British collective is one of the most exciting and enigmatic acts in progressive metal. After isolated successes with songs like “Alkaline” in 2021, they had a bigger breakthrough in early 2023 with “The Summoning”. From funk influences to trap beats to pure screamo, with Sleep Token’s discography, you never quite know what to expect. The genre not only changes from song to song, but also swings around several times in the middle of the song, as in “Ascensionism”.
Song Recommendations: “Vore”, “Missing Limbs”, “Nazareth”
2. Poppy
Heavy metal, bubblegum pop, ambient — all genres Poppy has historically been associated with. However, the singer is not so easy to put in a box and always surprises with new sounds and influences. However, she always comes back to metal — whether it’s dream-pop vocals over a distorted rhythm guitar or electro-pop elements paired with scream vocals.
Song Recommendations: “Spit”, “Knockoff”, “I Disagree”
3. Astronoid
Trying to place Astronoid in a specific genre is proving extremely difficult. The accompaniment of drums and electric guitar shows clear power metal influences, but Brett Boland’s high, airy vocals are more inspired by dream pop. Everything together creates a unique and dreamy sound that should especially appeal to fans of progressive metal.
Song Recommendations: “I Dream In Lines”, “Up and Atom”, “Eyes”
4. Jinjer
Jinjer is a Ukrainian progressive metalcore band from Donetsk. With her deep growls, front woman Tetiana Shmailyuk is one of the most impressive female metal vocalists. While Jinjer mostly remain true to their genre, isolated tracks show clear influences of jazz, R&B, soul, funk and reggae. Especially on tracks like “Beggar’s Dance” and “Micro” you can easily grasp these influences.
Song Recommendations: Pisces, Vortex, Judgment (& Punishment)
5.Deftones
These pioneers of Nu Metal may already be familiar to most, but they shouldn’t be missing from this list. Nu metal itself takes elements from hip hop, grunge and funk. But shoegaze, psychedelia and even dream pop parts have also been credited to Deftones in the past. Within a single album it can also happen that you hear calmer melodies and experimental vocals alongside fry screams and classic metal riffs.
Song Recommendations: “Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away)”, “Cherry Waves”, “Riviere”