Dissonant death metal is one of the most intense and complex subgenres of extreme music. It takes the brutal aggression of death metal and combines it with eerie, unsettling harmonies. This results in chaotic and atmospheric music that challenges the listener. Bands in this genre often use atonal guitar riffs, unpredictable song structures, and dissonant chords to create a sense of unease.
Dissonant death metal has grown in popularity over the years, with many bands pushing its boundaries. Some groups focus on technical musicianship, while others emphasize a darker, more atmospheric sound. Regardless of their approach, these artists create music that is both challenging and rewarding for fans of extreme metal.
In this article, we will look at some of the most recommended dissonant death metal artists. Each band has made a unique impact on the genre, delivering songs that are both aggressive and unsettling.
7 Excellent Dissonant Death Metal Artists Recommended
1. Gorguts
Gorguts is one of the most influential bands in dissonant death metal. Formed in Canada, they started as a traditional death metal band before experimenting with dissonant sounds. Their album Obscura (1998) is a landmark in the genre, influencing countless bands.
Recommended Track: “Obscura”
“Obscura” is a chaotic and unsettling track. It features complex rhythms, atonal guitar riffs, and unpredictable transitions. The song’s dissonant chords create a sense of tension, making the listener feel uneasy. Luc Lemay’s guttural vocals add to the intensity, while the drumming constantly shifts between slow, crushing beats and frantic blast beats. The song’s unpredictable nature makes it a challenging but rewarding listen. It remains one of the most important tracks in dissonant death metal history.
2. Ulcerate
Hailing from New Zealand, Ulcerate is known for their atmospheric and technical approach to dissonant death metal. Their music blends crushing brutality with eerie melodies, creating an overwhelming sound. Their album Everything Is Fire (2009) solidified their status as one of the most important bands in the genre.
Recommended Track: “Dead Oceans”
“Dead Oceans” is a haunting and relentless song. It starts with slow, brooding guitar melodies that build tension. The drums are chaotic, shifting between blast beats and off-kilter rhythms. As the song progresses, dissonant guitar chords swirl around the mix, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The vocals are deep and guttural, adding to the sense of dread. The song’s structure is unpredictable, making it an intense and immersive listening experience.
3. Portal
Portal is an Australian band that takes dissonant death metal to terrifying extremes. Their music is chaotic, noisy, and deeply unsettling. They use heavily distorted guitars, murky production, and eerie atmospheres to create a sound that feels inhuman. Their album Outré (2007) is a prime example of their disturbing approach.
Recommended Track: “Heirships”
“Heirships” is a sonic nightmare. The guitars sound like they are melting, creating a wall of dissonant noise. The drumming is unpredictable, shifting between blast beats and eerie slow sections. The vocals are buried deep in the mix, sounding like distant, monstrous growls. There is no clear structure to the song, which adds to its unsettling nature. Listening to “Heirships” feels like being trapped in a dark, chaotic abyss. It is one of the most disturbing tracks in dissonant death metal.
4. Artificial Brain
Artificial Brain is a band that blends dissonant death metal with sci-fi themes. Their music is technical and chaotic, but it also has an eerie, futuristic atmosphere. Their album Infrared Horizon (2017) is a must-listen for fans of the genre.
Recommended Track: “Synthesized Instinct”
“Synthesized Instinct” combines brutal riffs with eerie, space-like melodies. The guitars create a swirling, dissonant sound that feels both chaotic and hypnotic. The drumming is fast and precise, adding to the intensity. The vocals are deep and guttural, making the lyrics feel alien and otherworldly. The song shifts through multiple sections, keeping the listener on edge. It is a perfect example of how Artificial Brain mixes technicality with atmosphere.
5. Ad Nauseam
Ad Nauseam is an Italian band that takes dissonant death metal to an extreme level of complexity. Their music is highly technical and unpredictable, making it some of the most challenging in the genre. Their album Imperative Imperceptible Impulse (2021) showcases their avant-garde approach.
Recommended Track: “Sub Specie Aeternitatis”
“Sub Specie Aeternitatis” is a mind-bending track. The guitars use strange, atonal harmonies that constantly shift. The drumming is unpredictable, changing tempos without warning. The vocals are harsh and distant, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The song feels like it is constantly collapsing and rebuilding itself. The mix of complexity and atmosphere makes it a unique and unsettling experience. It is one of the most intense tracks in modern dissonant death metal.
6. Convulsing
Convulsing is a solo project that combines dissonant death metal with blackened elements. The music is dense, atmospheric, and emotionally intense. Their album Grievous (2018) is a masterpiece of dark and unsettling metal.
Recommended Track: “Inert”
“Inert” is a slow-building track that explodes into chaos. It begins with eerie clean guitar melodies, creating a haunting atmosphere. When the heavy riffs kick in, they are dissonant and crushing. The drumming is relentless, with blast beats and complex fills. The vocals are tortured and raw, adding emotional weight to the song. “Inert” feels like a journey through darkness, making it one of Convulsing’s most powerful tracks.
7. Abyssal
Abyssal is a UK-based band that blends dissonant death metal with elements of doom and black metal. Their music is dense, oppressive, and deeply atmospheric. Their album Antikatastaseis (2015) is a great example of their suffocating sound.
Recommended Track: “The Cornucopian”
“The Cornucopian” is a slow-burning track that builds into absolute chaos. It starts with deep, droning riffs that feel like they are pulling the listener into darkness. The drumming is sporadic, shifting between slow doom-like beats and fast, frantic blasts. The vocals are low and monstrous, making the song even more menacing. The song’s unpredictable structure and overwhelming atmosphere make it one of Abyssal’s most haunting works.
See Also: Lamb of God’s 11 Metal Tracks You Shouldn’t Miss
Conclusion
Dissonant death metal is one of the most extreme and immersive forms of music. It takes the brutality of death metal and adds a layer of eerie, unsettling chaos. The bands mentioned in this article have all contributed to the growth of this genre, each bringing a unique approach to dissonance and aggression.
From the pioneering work of Gorguts to the terrifying sound of Portal, these artists push the boundaries of metal. Their music is not easy to digest, but for those who enjoy the challenge, it offers an intense and rewarding experience. Whether through technical mastery, oppressive atmospheres, or chaotic structures, these bands continue to shape and expand dissonant death metal.
For fans of extreme metal who seek something dark, complex, and thought-provoking, these artists are essential listening.
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