Avant-garde metal is a subgenre characterized by its experimental and boundary-pushing approach, often incorporating elements from classical music, electronic music, and noise. Defined by its use of unconventional time signatures, polyrhythms, and extended instrumental techniques, avant-garde metal frequently features intricate guitar work, blast beats, and a wide range of vocal styles, from screams and growls to operatic singing. Emerging in the 1990s and gaining momentum in the 2000s, the genre drew from the avant-garde and progressive traditions of bands like King Crimson and Mr. Bungle. Avant-garde metal's cultural significance lies in its rejection of traditional metal norms, embracing a more cerebral and artistically expressive approach. This genre's eclecticism and willingness to blend disparate influences have led to a diverse array of styles, from the black metal-infused soundscapes of some bands to the fusion of metal with electronic and hip-hop elements in others. Notable for its complexity, technicality, and innovative spirit, avant-garde metal continues to push the boundaries of extreme music.

Choke

Arankai

Single - Released February 18, 2026