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The Ultimate Avant-Garde Metal Albums


A collection of the most original, insane and head spinning albums from the weirdest side of metal. Suggestions are welcome.

Created by: CyberSymphony | 03.05.2013



1. A Forest Of Stars - Beware The Sword You Cannot See
2015 - An abstract view inside a steampunk city with floating mechanical bodies all dressed up for dinner.
2. Angizia - Das Schachbrett Des Trommelbuben Zacharias
1999 - You'll feel like being lord of the manor with this one, a ballroom lit up by candelabra and dancing till morn.
3. Akphaezya - Anthology II: Links From The Dead Trinity
2008 - The French really go far when making music like this, enjoy the craziness of jazz fusions, wine tasting and ear-splitting female vocals. You'll surely find yourself hungover by this Anthology.
4. Arcturus - La Masquerade Infernale
1997 - Become dragged by yourself to the masquerade of a lifetime and dance through the halls of insanity.
5. Arcturus - The Sham Mirrors
2002 - It's time to leave the oceans and take a swashbuckling ride through the pillars of outer space.
6. Deathspell Omega - Paracletus
2010 - Tormenting, blood-curling and devouring, this will rip your insides, spit out the good and leave only rotting flesh and bone.
7. Devin Townsend - Deconstruction
2011 - With a concept of cheeseburgers, add a philharmonic orchestra, lots of well-known guest musicians and a good pinches of chaos.
8. Diablo Swing Orchestra - The Butcher's Ballroom
2006 - An album full of jazzy numbers and delicious operatic vocals that will surely get your grandma swinging.
9. Diablo Swing Orchestra - Sing-Along Songs For The Damned & Delirious
2009 - Bedlam is just a waltz around the corner, you'll have no problem being damned and delirious with this album.
10. Diabolical Masquerade - Nightwork
1998 - Featuring... circus ghouls, black metal and that little trinket box filled with the joys of going to the theatre.
11. Diapsiquir - Virus STN
2005 - How can I describe this album? Well... climb inside one of those mechanical contraptions, while its on full power and imagine circus dancers in charge of it.
12. Dog Fashion Disco - Adultery
2006 - It's midnight, your driving through a crime-filled city, ripped posters of naked chicks of every building, 'Adultery' playing on the stereo and wearing your mutilated mask.
13. Estradasphere - Palace Of Mirrors
2006 - These mirrors show your the most beautiful reflections, unless your some sort of vampire. An array of many musical instrumentals to make you dance in a grand hall.
14. Faith No More - Angel Dust
1992 - With songs like 'Caffeine', 'Midlife Crisis', 'Crack Hitler' and 'Jizzlobber'. You MUST have some mental idea of what the album is going to sound like.
15. In The Woods... - Omnio
1997 - A stunning piece of music presents avant-garde in a beautiful light. Omnio is ominous and highly experimental.
16. Kadenzza - The Second Renaissance
2005 - We all know that Japan are known to create the weird and wonderful, (maybe more wonderful for them) where nowhere is safe from them.
17. Kayo Dot - Choirs Of The Eye
2003 - There are times when you do hear strange noises when exploring woods. Every instrument played here is just like that feeling.
18. Kokumaromilk - Whoregirl 少女娼婦
2008 - For those who are addicted to the bizarre antics of Japan, here's something for you. A complete freakshow of gothic lolita, j-pop, beep bop electronics and screaming schoolgirls on crack among other things.
19. Le Grand Guignol - The Great Maddening
2007 - Do you enjoy a good gory scene, or maybe a thirst for blood? The Great Maddening really says it all, its great and completely mad.
20. Leprous - Bilateral
2011 - Become captivated by this surreal album and at the same time, eat alot of mushrooms.
21. Major Parkinson - Twilight Cinema
2014 - Is it time to do the housework? Are those weeds still growing in your backyard? Drink some sangria instead.
22. Mirrorthrone - Gangrene
2008 - The sounds of baroque music plays as this sickening, smelly green stuff oozes from your wound.
23. Mr. Bungle - Mr. Bungle
1991 - Music like this can't get any more experimental, its just packed with the most schizophrenic, bizarre and song lyrics which are beyond weird, that it's so great.
24. Maudlin Of The Well - Bath
2001 - I wouldn't recommend listening to this album before going to sleep. Unless you like scaring yourself before bedtime. Playing this album may remove your boredom, but with added side effects.
25. Igorrr - Hallelujah
2012 - These outlandish Frenchies raise the abnormal to the extreme, a unique mix of classical music, break-core style, tasty chicken wings, household appliances, thrown in, blended and served. And that's what you call French cuisine.
26. Pan.thy.monium - Khaooohs And Kon-Fus-Ion
1996 - You can't get anymore original with death metal than this album, mysterious ambient passages, kaleidoscopic noises with your friends, Khaos & Kon-fusion.
27. Pin-Up Went Down - 2 Unlimited
2008 - Stylish, hair-shaving, pretty-pink bows, toxic chemicals and psychotic imagery. Being sensible is not an option.
28. Polkadot Cadaver - Purgatory Dance Party
2007 - Get down to that dance-floor my friend ...Satan is waiting for you...
29. Shaolin Death Squad - Five Deadly Venoms
2010 - A rather unique album with influences from the Shaolin of the Ming dynasty and martial arts movies.
30. Shining (NOR) - Blackjazz
2010 - Aliens playing the sax, industrial fumes, getting drowsy yet?. No? How about getting a migraine and play this album one more time.
31. Sigh - In Somniphobia
2012 - A requiem orchestrated for the sleepless, ridiculous handicapped laughs, driving way over the speed-limit, but you still can't stop smiling.
32. Sigh - Imaginary Sonicscape
2001 - An album with reggae, babies, disco, jazz, psychedelia, classical and the bongos that would surely please most fans of crazy music.
33. Sleepytime Gorilla Museum - Of Natural History
2004 - Being influenced by the Dadaism movement in your music, is certainly an original idea, but don't expect any find anything rational.
34. Solefald - The Linear Scaffold
1997 - Dramatic and poetic. If you like a band with philosophy, bombastic keyboard solos and prostitutes flashing at you from ornate podiums, you will probably like this.
35. Stolen Babies - There Be Squabbles Ahead
2006 - From the contents of a toy-box, a Tim Burton fantasy world and a circus of badly-behaved children. This hugely fun and quirky album is ready for you to enjoy like ice-cream.
36. Thy Catafalque - Róka Hasa Rádió
2009 - Mysterious, captivating and even futuristic. Let this album programme your brain and tinker around with the cogs of your mind.
37. Todtgelichter - Angst
2010 - Don't be fooled by this retro, modernist album, you'll be flying over skyscrapers, blinded by flashing neon lights and delve through the darkest of alleyways.
38. Unexpect - Fables Of The Sleepless Empire
2011 - A delusional ride in part two of the UneXpected journeys.
39. Unexpect - In A Flesh Aquarium
2006 - A mirage of sounds that you'll feel like being in a mental asylum, enjoy this strange and wonderful album.
40. Ved Buens Ende - Written In Waters
1995 - Thanks to J.O.O.E for recommending this one out. Abundant with unique jazz-influenced drumming, weird distorted riffs and ethereal female vocals. This one is an apocalypse to remember.
41. Virus - Carheart
2003 - Progressive, hypnotic, racing down the highway with your pampered pooch in the passenger seat.
42. Vulture Industries - The Dystopia Journals
2007 - Just think of Arcturus with as much of that tasty human flesh that these vultures can consume, all in grandiose style.
43. Waltari - Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die! Death Metal Symphony In Deep C
1996 - Beethoven and Sibelius inspired classical music, backed up with death metal, the odd bit of rap, opera and dance music.
44. Wormfood - France
2005 - This twisted tale of drunken adventures comes from Paris, France, and will delight those seeking the finest diseases in music.



Disclaimer: All top lists are unofficial and do not represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
[ More lists by CyberSymphony ]



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Comments: 46   Visited by: 382 users
16.05.2013 - 02:04
Zadion

I find it odd that Hangman's Hymn is listed here instead of In Somniphobia or Scenes from Hell. Hangman's Hymn is Sigh's least avant-garde album since Scenario IV, IMO. Scenes from Hell does the Hangman's Hymn sound better and with way more avant-garde, while In Somniphobia is just nuts and easily their best album.
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16.05.2013 - 14:07
!J.O.O.E.!
Account deleted
Written by Zadion on 16.05.2013 at 02:04

I find it odd that Hangman's Hymn is listed here instead of In Somniphobia or Scenes from Hell. Hangman's Hymn is Sigh's least avant-garde album since Scenario IV, IMO. Scenes from Hell does the Hangman's Hymn sound better and with way more avant-garde, while In Somniphobia is just nuts and easily their best album.

You say it like Hangman's Hymn is simplistic and not worthy of the avant-garde tag? It's based around leitmotifs and still has most Sigh trademarks. Personally I thought Scenes From Hell was a terrible, confused album with awful sound that In Somniphobia went far in making up for. Ghastly Funeral Theatre, Imaginary Sonicscape and Hangman's Hymn are Sigh's best however, In Somniphobia being roughly as good as Gallow's Gallery. Anyway, just because something is more avant-garde it doesn't mean it's inherently better, which is why it's not odd at all Dark?Symphony put that album here.
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16.05.2013 - 14:16
!J.O.O.E.!
Account deleted
On a personal note, I don't regard myself someone as generally in to avant-garde metal in a big way, but I look at this list and a large majority of them are albums that I like. I might actually check out the ones I haven't heard so I can fill in the blanks.

One thing I have to say though as there's one album that's missing from this list which I would regard as absolutely quintessential, and the band that basically invented Deathspell Omega's modern sound, as well as pre-dating all but one of the albums on your list.




If you like their stuff then also look into Code and Virus.

I'd also second all the bands (I've heard) on Introspekrieg's mini-list too.
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16.05.2013 - 17:21
CyberSymphony
Ollie
Written by Guest on 16.05.2013 at 14:07

Written by Zadion on 16.05.2013 at 02:04

I find it odd that Hangman's Hymn is listed here instead of In Somniphobia or Scenes from Hell. Hangman's Hymn is Sigh's least avant-garde album since Scenario IV, IMO. Scenes from Hell does the Hangman's Hymn sound better and with way more avant-garde, while In Somniphobia is just nuts and easily their best album.

You say it like Hangman's Hymn is simplistic and not worthy of the avant-garde tag? It's based around leitmotifs and still has most Sigh trademarks. Personally I thought Scenes From Hell was a terrible, confused album with awful sound that In Somniphobia went far in making up for. Ghastly Funeral Theatre, Imaginary Sonicscape and Hangman's Hymn are Sigh's best however, In Somniphobia being roughly as good as Gallow's Gallery. Anyway, just because something is more avant-garde it doesn't mean it's inherently better, which is why it's not odd at all Dark?Symphony put that album here.

Zadion. I can definitely understand why you think Sigh's latest two albums are more Avant-garde than Hangman's Hymn. In Somniphobia, especially has a strong experimental sound and I also preferred it more than Scenes From Hell. It's just my own preference really.
And J.O.O.E, I definitely agree with you.
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16.05.2013 - 17:32
CyberSymphony
Ollie
Written by Guest on 16.05.2013 at 14:16

On a personal note, I don't regard myself someone as generally in to avant-garde metal in a big way, but I look at this list and a large majority of them are albums that I like. I might actually check out the ones I haven't heard so I can fill in the blanks.

One thing I have to say though as there's one album that's missing from this list which I would regard as absolutely quintessential, and the band that basically invented Deathspell Omega's modern sound, as well as pre-dating all but one of the albums on your list.




If you like their stuff then also look into Code and Virus.

I'd also second all the bands (I've heard) on Introspekrieg's mini-list too.

That albums sounds fantastic, I love those weird ambient passages, jazz sounds and definitely original. Adding soon.
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16.05.2013 - 21:15
Zadion

Written by Guest on 16.05.2013 at 14:07

Written by Zadion on 16.05.2013 at 02:04

I find it odd that Hangman's Hymn is listed here instead of In Somniphobia or Scenes from Hell. Hangman's Hymn is Sigh's least avant-garde album since Scenario IV, IMO. Scenes from Hell does the Hangman's Hymn sound better and with way more avant-garde, while In Somniphobia is just nuts and easily their best album.

You say it like Hangman's Hymn is simplistic and not worthy of the avant-garde tag? It's based around leitmotifs and still has most Sigh trademarks. Personally I thought Scenes From Hell was a terrible, confused album with awful sound that In Somniphobia went far in making up for. Ghastly Funeral Theatre, Imaginary Sonicscape and Hangman's Hymn are Sigh's best however, In Somniphobia being roughly as good as Gallow's Gallery. Anyway, just because something is more avant-garde it doesn't mean it's inherently better, which is why it's not odd at all Dark?Symphony put that album here.


Eh, Hangman's Hymn is mostly just symphonic black metal I'd say. Whatever the case, it's also my least favorite album of theirs from the 2000s, regardless of the avant-garde elements. I can't really figure out why people who like Hangman's Hymn so much dislike Scenes from Hell, either.
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25.05.2013 - 18:35
R'Vannith
ghedengi
You've got Thy Catafalque there so Gire might interest you. Tamás Kátai was a band member so it has his unique style all over it but it's avantgarde death and much different to his work with Thy Catafalque.
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25.05.2013 - 20:47
CyberSymphony
Ollie
Written by R'Vannith on 25.05.2013 at 18:35

You've got Thy Catafalque there so Gire might interest you. Tamás Kátai was a band member so it has his unique style all over it but it's avantgarde death and much different to his work with Thy Catafalque.

I'm not an avid Thy Catafalque listener but I really liked the last two albums of theirs. I will check out Gire as well.
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04.10.2013 - 21:59
D. Monique

It looks like all albums on your list belong to my favourites. I'm pretty sure that you will also like most of the following bands:

Chryst - Phantasmachronica
Forgotten Silence - La Grande Bouffe
Disharmonic Orchestra - Pleasuredome
Fleurety - Department Of Apocalyptic Affairs
Ephel Duath - The Painter's Palette
Scholomance - A Treatise On Love
Carbonized - Screaming Machines
Thee Maldoror Kollective - Pilot
Code - Resplendent Grotesque
Carnival In Coal - Fear Not
Demimonde - Mutant Star
Kekal - The Habit Of Fire
Yurei - Night Vision
Aarni - Tohcoth
Kayo Dot - Coyote
Voivod - Nothingface
Obsidian Kingdom - Mantiis
Oxiplegatz - Sidereal Journey
Fantômas The Director's Cut
Oranssi Pazuzu - Muukalainen Puhuu
Neo Inferno 262 - Hacking The Holy Code
Ebonylake - In Swathes Of Brooding Light
Nocte Obducta - Umbriel (Das Schweigen Zwischen Den Sternen)
The Axis Of Perdition - Deleted Scenes From The Transition Hospital
Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects - Sol Niger Within
Oceans Of Sadness - The Arrogance Of Ignorance
Diabolos Rising - Blood, Vampirism & Sadism
Pryapisme Hyperblast Super Collider
O.L.D. - Lo Flux Tube
Atrox - Terrestrials
Iblis - Menthell
Sadist - Crust
Chaostar - The Scarlet Queen
Dødheimsgard - 666 International
Way To End - Various Shades Of Black
Blutmond - The Revolution Is Dead!
StarGazer - A Great Work Of Ages
Progenie Terrestre Pura - U.M.A.
Secret Chiefs 3 - Book Of Horizons
Lux Occulta - The Mother And The Enemy
Dark Gamballe - Dark Gamballe (1998)
Pensées Nocturnes - Nom D'une Pipe!
Korovakill - Dead Like An Angel
Morgul - The Horror Grandeur
Abigor - Fractal Possession
Hail Spirit Noir - Pneuma
Klabautamann - Merkur
Diapsiquir - Virus STN
Chiva - Oracle Morte
G.G.F.H. - Disease
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07.10.2013 - 14:42
CyberSymphony
Ollie
Written by D. Monique on 04.10.2013 at 21:59

It looks like all albums on your list belong to my favourites. I'm pretty sure that you will also like most of the following bands:

*lists bands*


That's alot of bands for me to check out. Though some IMO that don't really fit, but the others I will definitely look into. Thanks
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02.12.2013 - 22:35
Erik M.

Guess I'm going to use this list to expand my pathetic Avantgarde section in my debut albums list. If you hadn't noticed, I re-ranked the albums there according to genre so now it's obvious which genres I have lots of albums of (doom, black, progressive) and which genres I have few albums of (power, sludge, heavy).

I'd like you to tell me which of these belong on my list... if you have the time.
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03.12.2013 - 23:15
Lit.
Account deleted
Don't suppose Tool would work here?
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04.12.2013 - 18:24
CyberSymphony
Ollie
Written by Guest on 03.12.2013 at 23:15

Don't suppose Tool would work here?

Don't know about them, probably not. They have a more 'alternative' style than completely Avant-garde. I will listen to their albums and decide for myself.
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04.12.2013 - 18:28
CyberSymphony
Ollie
Written by Erik M. on 02.12.2013 at 22:35

Guess I'm going to use this list to expand my pathetic Avantgarde section in my debut albums list. If you hadn't noticed, I re-ranked the albums there according to genre so now it's obvious which genres I have lots of albums of (doom, black, progressive) and which genres I have few albums of (power, sludge, heavy).

I'd like you to tell me which of these belong on my list... if you have the time.

Yes Erik, please do remind me and everyone else for that matter about your beloved lists (sarcastic humor), I'll try and find some good 'avantgarde' debut for you. But you do have a vast amount already.
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07.12.2013 - 00:50
Erik M.

Written by CyberSymphony on 04.12.2013 at 18:28

Yes Erik, please do remind me and everyone else for that matter about your beloved lists (sarcastic humor), I'll try and find some good 'avantgarde' debut for you. But you do have a vast amount already.


A vast amount? Only 8 avantgarde debuts on there, which I wouldn't call a lot at all. I have a ton of doom and black albums on there though. In the meantime I will check a few of these albums out.
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07.12.2013 - 22:21
CyberSymphony
Ollie
Written by Erik M. on 07.12.2013 at 00:50

Written by CyberSymphony on 04.12.2013 at 18:28

Yes Erik, please do remind me and everyone else for that matter about your beloved lists (sarcastic humor), I'll try and find some good 'avantgarde' debut for you. But you do have a vast amount already.


A vast amount? Only 8 avantgarde debuts on there, which I wouldn't call a lot at all. I have a ton of doom and black albums on there though. In the meantime I will check a few of these albums out.

My mistake, I actually thought your had more avantgarde bands on your list
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