Instrumental metal bands are a unique subset of the metal genre, known for their ability to create powerful and intricate music without the use of vocals. These bands rely solely on their musical abilities to convey emotions and tell stories through their songs.
The lack of vocals allows for a greater focus on the instrumental aspects of the music, including complex guitar riffs, intricate drum patterns, and unique time signatures.
Some of the most well-known instrumental metal bands include Animals as Leaders, Scale the Summit, and Liquid Tension Experiment.
These bands have gained significant followings due to their ability to create complex and innovative music that pushes the boundaries of what is possible within the genre.
While some may argue that the lack of vocals can make the music less accessible to the average listener, many fans of instrumental metal appreciate the challenge of deciphering the meaning and emotions behind the music on their own.
Despite the lack of vocals, instrumental metal bands are able to create music that is just as powerful and emotional as their vocal-driven counterparts.
Through their technical abilities and innovative songwriting, these bands have carved out a unique niche within the metal genre and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible within instrumental music.
The Evolution of Instrumental Metal
Instrumental metal emerged as a subgenre of heavy music in the 1980s, when musicians began experimenting with instrumental arrangements in heavy rock and thrash metal.
The absence of vocals allowed the instrumentalists to showcase their technical skills and create complex, intricate soundscapes.
As the genre evolved, different styles of instrumental metal emerged. Technical death metal and djent incorporated complex rhythms and time signatures, while space metal used atmospheric sounds to create a sense of otherworldliness.
One of the defining characteristics of instrumental metal is its use of heavy, distorted guitar riffs. These riffs are often accompanied by fast, intricate drumming, creating a sense of intensity and energy.
Instrumental metal has also been influenced by other genres of instrumental music, such as classical and jazz. Many instrumental metal bands incorporate elements of these genres into their music, creating a unique blend of heavy and melodic sounds.
Today, instrumental metal continues to evolve and push the boundaries of heavy music. New bands are emerging all the time, each with their own unique take on the genre.
Whether it’s death metal, djent, or space metal, instrumental metal is a genre that continues to captivate and inspire fans of heavy music around the world.
Iconic Instrumental Metal Bands
Instrumental metal bands have been around for decades, and some have become truly iconic in the genre. Here are some of the most well-known and influential instrumental metal bands:
Metallica
While Metallica is known for their vocal-heavy tracks, they have also released some notable instrumental songs. The most famous of these is “Orion,” a seven-minute epic that showcases the band’s technical prowess and musical range.
Animals as Leaders
Animals as Leaders is a progressive metal band known for their complex and intricate instrumental compositions. Led by guitarist Tosin Abasi, the band’s music combines elements of jazz, metal, and electronic music to create a unique sound.
Pelican
Pelican is a post-metal band that specializes in heavy, atmospheric instrumentals. Their music is characterized by slow, crushing riffs and soaring melodies that create a sense of epic grandeur.
Dream Theater
Dream Theater is a progressive metal band that has been active since the mid-1980s. While they are known for their vocal-heavy songs, they have also released several instrumental tracks that showcase the band’s technical proficiency and musical creativity.
Russian Circles
Russian Circles is a post-rock/metal band that combines heavy, distorted riffs with atmospheric, melodic passages. The band’s music is characterized by its dynamic range and emotional intensity.
Isis
Isis is a post-metal band that has been active since the late 1990s. Their music is characterized by its heavy, sludgy riffs and atmospheric, ethereal passages. The band’s instrumental tracks are often epic in scope and showcase their ability to create powerful, emotionally charged music.
Coheed & Cambria
Coheed & Cambria is a progressive rock/metal band that has released several instrumental tracks over the years. While their music is often vocal-heavy, their instrumental tracks showcase the band’s musical range and technical proficiency.
Sunn O)))
Sunn O))) is an experimental metal band that specializes in heavy, droning, and atmospheric instrumentals. Their music is characterized by its slow, crushing riffs and otherworldly soundscapes.
Earth
Earth is a drone metal band that has been active since the early 1990s. Their music is characterized by its slow, repetitive riffs and minimalist approach. The band’s instrumental tracks are often hypnotic and meditative in nature.
Apocalyptica
Apocalyptica is a Finnish cello metal band that has released several instrumental albums. The band’s music combines classical music with heavy metal, creating a unique and powerful sound.
Scale the Summit
Scale the Summit is a progressive metal band known for their complex and intricate instrumental compositions. The band’s music combines elements of jazz, metal, and rock to create a unique and innovative sound.
Polyphia
Polyphia is a progressive metal band known for their technical proficiency and musical creativity. The band’s music combines elements of metal, rock, and electronic music to create a unique and innovative sound.
Liquid Tension Experiment
Liquid Tension Experiment is a progressive metal supergroup that includes members of Dream Theater and King Crimson. The band’s music is characterized by its technical proficiency and musical creativity, with each member contributing their unique musical style to the group’s sound.
Iron Maiden
While Iron Maiden is known for their vocal-heavy tracks, they have also released several instrumental songs over the years. The most famous of these is “Transylvania,” a fast-paced, guitar-heavy track that showcases the band’s musical skill and energy.
The Who
The Who is a legendary rock band that has released several instrumental tracks over the years. The most famous of these is “Sparks,” a dynamic and energetic track that showcases the band’s musical range and creativity.
Key Figures in Instrumental Metal
When it comes to instrumental metal, there are several key figures who have made significant contributions to the genre. These musicians have not only pushed the boundaries of what is possible with their instruments but have also influenced countless other artists.
One of these key figures is Tosin Abasi, the founder of the band Animals as Leaders. Abasi is known for his incredible technical proficiency on the guitar, and his innovative playing style has helped to redefine what is possible on the instrument.
He is also known for his use of extended-range guitars, which allow him to play notes that are lower than those typically found on a standard guitar.
Another influential figure in instrumental metal is Mike Portnoy, the former drummer of Dream Theater and founder of Liquid Tension Experiment.
Portnoy is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time, and his complex, polyrhythmic playing style has inspired countless other musicians.
John Petrucci, the guitarist and founder of Dream Theater, is another key figure in instrumental metal. Petrucci is known for his incredible speed and precision on the guitar, and his playing has helped to define the sound of progressive metal.
Yngwie Malmsteen, the Swedish guitarist known for his neoclassical playing style, is another important figure in instrumental metal.
Malmsteen’s virtuosic playing has influenced countless other guitarists, and his use of classical music motifs in his playing has helped to define the neoclassical metal subgenre.
Steve Vai, the former guitarist for Frank Zappa and a successful solo artist in his own right, is also an important figure in instrumental metal.
Vai is known for his innovative playing style, which incorporates techniques like tapping and whammy bar dives, and his use of unusual scales and modes in his playing has helped to define the sound of modern instrumental metal.
Overall, these key figures in instrumental metal have made significant contributions to the genre, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with their instruments and inspiring countless other musicians in the process.
Instruments in Metal Bands
Metal music is characterized by its heavy and powerful sound, which is achieved through the use of various instruments. The most common instruments used in metal bands include the guitar, bass, and drums.
The guitar is the backbone of most metal music, and many metal bands feature a lead guitarist who is considered a virtuoso. These guitar virtuosos are known for their technical proficiency and speed, and they often incorporate complex solos and riffs into their music.
Some famous guitar virtuosos in metal include Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani.
The bass guitar is also an important instrument in metal music, providing a low-end foundation for the music. Bassists in metal bands often use distortion and other effects to create a heavier sound. Some notable bassists in metal include Cliff Burton of Metallica and Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath.
Drums play a crucial role in metal music, providing the driving rhythm and energy that is essential to the genre. Metal drummers are known for their technical skill and speed, and they often incorporate complex fills and rhythms into their playing.
Some famous metal drummers include Neil Peart of Rush, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, and Lars Ulrich of Metallica.
In addition to these core instruments, metal bands may also incorporate other instruments into their music. For example, some bands use keyboards or synthesizers to create atmospheric or symphonic elements in their music.
Other bands may incorporate unconventional instruments, such as the hurdy-gurdy used by the folk metal band Eluveitie.
Overall, the instruments used in metal music are essential to creating the genre’s signature sound. Whether it’s the virtuosic guitar solos, heavy basslines, or thundering drums, each instrument plays a crucial role in bringing metal music to life.
Instrumental Metal Subgenres
Instrumental metal has a diverse range of subgenres, each with its unique sound and style. Here are some of the most popular instrumental metal subgenres:
Progressive Metal
As per Last FM, progressive metal is a subgenre that blends heavy metal with progressive rock. It is characterized by complex time signatures, intricate instrumentation, and unconventional song structures.
Some of the most notable instrumental progressive metal bands include Animals as Leaders, Liquid Tension Experiment, and Scale the Summit.
Post-Metal
Post-metal is a subgenre that combines elements of heavy metal with post-rock. It is characterized by atmospheric soundscapes, slow and heavy riffs, and a focus on texture and mood. Some of the most notable instrumental post-metal bands include Pelican, Russian Circles, and Isis.
Post-Rock
Post-rock is a subgenre that emphasizes on creating an immersive and emotional experience through music. It is characterized by the use of repetitive and evolving melodies, crescendos, and a focus on dynamics.
Some of the most notable instrumental post-rock bands include Explosions in the Sky, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and This Will Destroy You.
Symphonic Metal
Symphonic metal is a subgenre that combines heavy metal with classical music. It is characterized by the use of orchestral instruments, such as strings, brass, and woodwinds, along with heavy guitar riffs and drums.
Some of the most notable instrumental symphonic metal bands include Apocalyptica, Epica, and Nightwish.
Each of these subgenres has its unique sound and style, and instrumental metal fans can explore them all to find their preferred sound.
Emerging Instrumental Metal Bands
The instrumental metal scene is constantly evolving, and new bands are emerging with unique sounds and styles. Here are some of the most promising emerging instrumental metal bands to watch out for:
- IV: This American instrumental metal band has been making waves with their blend of progressive and djent influences. Their technical prowess and intricate compositions have earned them a dedicated following, and they are definitely a band to keep an eye on.
- Apes: Hailing from Italy, Apes is a four-piece instrumental metal band that combines heavy riffs with atmospheric soundscapes. Their music is both intense and ethereal, and they have been gaining attention for their dynamic live performances.
- Longest Solo Ever: As their name suggests, Longest Solo Ever is all about epic guitar solos. This one-man project from Germany is the brainchild of guitarist and composer Christian Muenzner, who has played with bands like Obscura and Necrophagist. His solo work is a showcase of his virtuosity and creativity, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
- Andy Gillion: Andy Gillion is a British guitarist and composer who has been making a name for himself in the instrumental metal world. He is best known for his work with the band Mors Principium Est, but his solo material is equally impressive. His music combines elements of progressive metal, djent, and classical music, and his technical skill is undeniable.
- Berserkyd: This French duo creates intense instrumental metal that blends elements of death metal, black metal, and industrial music. Their music is dark and aggressive, but also highly atmospheric and cinematic. They have been gaining a following in the underground metal scene, and their unique sound is definitely worth checking out.
- Black 7: This instrumental metal band from Russia combines elements of progressive metal, jazz, and fusion to create a highly eclectic and dynamic sound. Their music is both complex and accessible, and their live performances are known for their energy and improvisation.
- Sunfish: This instrumental metal band from Salt Lake City has been generating buzz with their unique blend of prog, jazz, and post-rock influences. Their music is both intricate and emotional, and their live shows are known for their improvisation and experimentation.
- ProtoShredanoid: This one-man project from the United States creates instrumental metal that is both technical and melodic. The music is heavily influenced by video game music and features a lot of shredding and virtuosity. The sound is both nostalgic and futuristic, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
- Andy Garrett: This American guitarist and composer creates instrumental metal that is both heavy and atmospheric. His music combines elements of progressive metal, post-rock, and ambient music, and his compositions are both intricate and emotional.
- Red Skies Project: This instrumental metal band from Italy combines elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and black metal to create a highly atmospheric and emotional sound. Their music is both heavy and ethereal, and their live performances are known for their intensity and emotion.
- Cynthia Witthoft: This one-woman project from Poland creates experimental instrumental metal that defies categorization. Her music combines elements of metal, classical music, and avant-garde, and her compositions are both complex and unpredictable. She is a true innovator in the instrumental metal scene, and her music is definitely worth exploring.
- Intervals: This Canadian instrumental metal band has been making waves with their blend of progressive metal and djent influences. Their music is both technical and melodic, and their live performances are known for their energy and precision. They have been gaining a following in the metal world, and their unique sound is definitely worth checking out.
In Summary
Instrumental metal bands have been around for decades and have played a significant role in shaping the metal genre. These bands have developed a unique sound that relies solely on the instruments to convey their message. Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- Pelican is one of the most notable instrumental metal bands to ever exist, blending the sonic noise of post-metal with the raw, gritty sound of doom metal.
- Russian Circles is an American three-piece instrumental rock/metal band from Chicago that has gained popularity in recent years. They have toured with many well-known bands, including Coheed & Cambria and Mono.
- Sunn O))) is a drone metal band from Seattle, Washington, known for their unique sound and live performances that often involve the use of fog machines and strobe lights.
- Iron Maiden’s “Transylvania” is a classic instrumental metal track that has stood the test of time and is still beloved by metal fans today.
- Instrumental metal bands offer a unique listening experience, allowing the listener to focus solely on the music and the emotions it conveys without the distraction of lyrics.
- While some may argue that lyrics are an essential part of metal, instrumental metal bands prove that the music itself can be just as powerful and impactful.
Overall, instrumental metal bands have made a significant impact on the metal genre and continue to push boundaries and explore new sounds. Whether you’re a die-hard metal fan or just looking for something new to listen to, instrumental metal bands are definitely worth checking out.
