HOW TO WRITE DJENT RIFFS - Part 1: Syncopation and Polymeter

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Today, I dive into the basics of writing songs in the style of bands like Periphery, Animals As Leaders, Meshuggah, and Vildhjarta. The "Djent" sound arguably traces back to thrash metal bands like Metallica, though it has mutated and changed over time. The complexity of the style is mostly associated with Progressive Metal, though the influence of djent can be felt on a large amount of modern metal, even being present (to a degree) in groups like Babymetal. Despite the complexity of the riffing, the relation to a consistent underlying pulse makes the style more listenable than other styles of metric weirdness you might find in the work of bands like Dream Theater or Tool.

The most defining aspects of djent riffing are the use of heavy syncopation, and the use of polymeters alongside more "standard" progressive metal elements such as frequent changes in tempo, time signature, and texture.

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Recommended Listening:
Stengah, Bleed, and Do Not Look Down by Meshuggah
BFG Division by Mick Gordon
Atropos, Absolomb, and Stranger Things by Periphery
Shadow by Vildhjarta
Tooth And Claw by Animals As Leaders

Chapters:
Intro - 0:00
Keys to Djent Riffs - 1:03
Start with a beat - 2:00
Syncopation - 4:40
Polymeter - 6:15
Resolving the 4 bar phrase - 11:00
Programming Drums - 12:30
Djent Motifs - 14:30
Conclusion - 15:30