Periphery

Periphery is an American progressive metal band from Bethesda, Maryland formed in 2005. The band is known for their heavy, modern, almost futuristic, and progressive sound that includes polyrhythmic patterns and soaring melodies.
Exploring the Complex Soundscapes of Periphery
Periphery is undoubtedly one of the most exciting modern metal bands out there. Their unique sonic style, influenced by a blend of different genres, has already captured the attention of music lovers worldwide, but the story of the band and their journey to success is just as captivating as their music. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Periphery, examining their musical biography, dissecting their sound, and exploring some of their standout tracks. We'll also look at some of their most famous concerts and take a critical look at their music.
Periphery was formed back in 2005, in the suburbs of Washington DC. The founding members, Misha Mansoor and Jake Bowen, started the band as a recording project that soon became a full-fledged band. In 2010, the band released their self-titled debut album, which was met with critical acclaim and helped cement their place in the modern metal scene.
Periphery's music can be characterized as a mix of different metal sub-genres, with influences ranging from djent to progressive metal, to tech-metal. Their sound is marked by complex time signatures, intricate guitar riffs, and soaring melodies. Tracks like The Way the News Goes and Marigold showcase their ability to create intricate soundscapes while still maintaining an infectious groove.
Periphery's ability to merge different styles of metal has made them a favorite of both hardcore metal fans and those more interested in experimental sounds. Their breakthrough album, Periphery II: This Time It's Personal, is a perfect example of this. Songs like Scarlet, Make Total Destroy, and Luck as a Constant highlight their ability to make complex music accessible while still pushing boundaries.
In terms of famous concerts, Periphery has played countless shows around the world, thrilling audiences with their signature sound. However, one concert stands out above the rest. In 2019, the band played a sold-out show at London's Hammersmith Apollo, where they performed their album Periphery IV: Hail Stan, to a rapturous crowd. The album itself saw the band explore new directions in their sound, with tracks like Reptile and Garden in the Bones, showcasing their growth as a band.
Critically speaking, Periphery's music has been well-received, with their albums regularly appearing on best of lists. However, some critics have pointed out that their music can at times be too self-indulgent, with songs that are overly long and complex. While this might be the case for some listeners, for many, it's precisely this complexity that sets Periphery apart as a band.
Periphery's journey from a recording project to one of the most respected modern metal bands is a testament to their creativity and skill. Their music, a mix of different styles and influences, is both complex and accessible, making them a favorite of music critics and fans alike. While their sound can sometimes be challenging, it's precisely this complexity that sets them apart from other modern metal bands. As they continue to explore new directions with their music, it's exciting to think about what Periphery has in store for their fans in the future.