Top 10 Best Djent Bands

Characterized by its complex rhythmic patterns and down-tuned guitars, Djent has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many talented bands emerging in the scene.

Compiled based on the votes of fans just like you, this list features some of the best Djent bands around. From the pioneers who helped shape the genre to the up-and-coming artists who are pushing it in exciting new directions, there's something for everyone here. So sit back, grab your headphones, and prepare to be blown away by the sheer talent and creativity of these incredible musicians.

The Top Ten

  1. Meshuggah

    Meshuggah is a Swedish progressive metal band from Umeå, formed in 1987. They are often considered pioneers of the djent subgenre due to their use of downtuned, polymetric guitar riffs and complex rhythms. They are also known for their song "Bleed," which is notable for its intricate instrumentation... read more

    Never heard anything like them and still, undeniably djent!

    This band is brilliant. I listen to Bleed on a daily basis.

  2. Periphery

    Periphery is an American progressive metal band based in Washington, D.C., formed in 2005. They are known for their heavy, progressive sound that incorporates polyrhythmic patterns and melodic vocals. The band played a key role in popularizing the modern djent movement.... read more

    These guys are the epitome of the genre. Just listening to them lets you know djent doesn't get any better.

    My favorite band that plays djent. They really can grow more and more.

    Saw them live last year and they were very, very good.

  3. Animals As Leaders

    Animals as Leaders is an American progressive metal band from Washington, D.C. It was formed in 2007 by guitarist Tosin Abasi and currently includes Abasi, guitarist Javier Reyes, and drummer Matt Garstka. The band is known for its instrumental compositions and complex musical style, often described... read more

    Incredibly diverse sound, technically talented guitarists, intricate yet enjoyable melodies -- not many other bands can accomplish this. They are very talented individuals who make satisfying and complex music.

    The most musically diverse of any djent band with enormous talent involved.

    Crazy guitarist with new ideas.

  4. Tesseract

    Tesseract is a British progressive metal band that originated in Milton Keynes, England. The band was formed in 2003 and features members Daniel Tompkins, Alec "Acle" Kahney, James Monteith, Amos Williams, and Jay Postones. They are currently signed to the independent label Kscope.

    If you haven't heard Altered State yet, you really should.

    I love this band. Of course, my favorite one is Meshuggah, but I love this band.

  5. The Contortionist

    The Contortionist is an American progressive metal band from Indianapolis, Indiana. Formed in 2007, the band consists of guitarists Robby Baca and Cameron Maynard, drummer Joey Baca, vocalist Mike Lessard, bassist Jordan Eberhardt, and keyboardist Eric Guenther. They are known for their technical musicianship... read more

    Exoplanet was on its own level when it came out. This band really pushed the limits on what you could do conceptually and musically in metal.

  6. After the Burial

    After the Burial is an American metalcore band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They are signed to Sumerian Records and have released most of their full-length albums through the label. The band is known for its technical guitar work and heavy, progressive sound.

    Most talented musicians in the djent genre with Periphery quite close. Lost in the Static, Wolf Amongst Ravens, and Collapse are some of the best songs I know.

    Super complicated and beautiful guitar riffs on top of super low djent patterns.

    Wow, ATB crushes and their concerts are fantastic. Djent definers.

  7. Vildhjarta

  8. Erra

  9. Veil of Maya

    Veil of Maya is an American metalcore band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 2004 by guitarist Marc Okubo and drummer Sam Applebaum. They are currently signed to Sumerian Records and have released seven studio albums. The band's music combines elements of deathcore and progressive metal, and they are known... read more

    One of the best bands I've ever heard. The new Matriarch album is awesome. This band should be rated top 2 in this list.

  10. Monuments

    Why isn't Monuments at the top, man? Hail Monuments! After Pantera, this is my favorite.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Windrunner

  12. ?

    Dark Signal

    13. The Contenders

  13. Chimp Spanner

    Hard to believe, this is a one-man band that does all the engineering himself. Much respect!

  14. Northlane

    I can't believe these guys haven't been mentioned! But surely, top 20 at least, they're legit and one of the best heavy groups out of Aussie shores.

  15. Haunted Shores

    Really more to them than just Djent. Like Black Metal meets Death Metal meets Djent. Still amazing though.

  16. Born of Osiris

    Born of Osiris is an American deathcore band, formed in 2003 in Palatine, a suburb of Chicago. The group underwent several name changes, including Diminished, Your Heart Engraved, and Rosecrance, before finally settling on Born of Osiris in 2007.... read more

    My favorite 2010s metal band. The ironic thing is I am not a huge fan of Metalcore or Prog Metal but this band mixes the two together and I still love it.

    Are you joking?! These guys are the new kings of Djent! Number 1, please and thank you!

  17. Gojira

    Gojira is a progressive and death metal band from Bayonne, France. The band was originally known as Godzilla until 2001. Its members include Joe Duplantier on vocals and rhythm guitar, Mario Duplantier on drums, Christian Andreu on lead guitar, and Jean-Michel Labadie on bass.

  18. Glass Cloud

    Glass Cloud was an American metalcore band formed in Hampton, Virginia. The band was established in late 2011 by vocalist Jerry Roush, guitarist Joshua Travis, bassist Travis Sykes, and drummer Chad Hasty. They released one studio album, The Royal Thousand, in 2012 before disbanding.

  19. Textures

    These guys are one of the pioneers of the djent movement and are seriously underrated. Every album released by them is a masterpiece with their signature polyrhythmic sound, complex drums, and a great mix of harsh and clean vocals. I had the pleasure of watching their last show and they have solidified as one of the greatest modern metal bands.

  20. Volumes

    Wormholes EP from Concept of Dreaming is what I show to anyone who asks what Djent sounds like. They got me addicted to Djent.

  21. Mechina

  22. Reflections

    Most underrated djent band ever, very technical and amazing, should be ranked higher.

  23. Sybreed

  24. Fear Factory

    Fear Factory is an American industrial metal band formed in 1989. Over the course of their career, they have released ten full-length studio albums, exploring a range of styles including industrial metal, death metal, groove metal, and thrash metal. They are recognized for pioneering a fusion of extreme... read more

  25. Oceans Ate Alaska

    Oceans Ate Alaska is a British metalcore band formed in Birmingham in 2010. The band is known for its complex guitar work, technical drumming, and aggressive sound. Their releases include the albums Lost Isles in 2015 and Hikari in 2017, and they have undergone several lineup changes over the years.

  26. SikTh

  27. Oni

    Oni is a progressive and djent metal band from Canada that was formed in 2014. Their debut album, Ironshore, was released in 2016. The band's lyrical content includes themes such as abstract ideas, celestial beings, ancient civilizations, space, and philosophy... read more

8Load More
PSearch List