Post Metal

Post-metal emerged in the mid-1990s, primarily in the underground scenes of the United States, when bands decided that metal could do with a bit more existential angst and a lot fewer guitar solos. Characterised by slow tempos, atmospheric soundscapes, and a penchant for introspection, it sounds like the soundtrack to a particularly intense day of contemplating the universe whilst staring at the ceiling. You might even catch someone claiming it’s 'like metal, but more thoughtful'—which is a bold statement considering the mental gymnastics required to decipher some of the lyrics.