Riffs from the sunburnt soil, brutal and unyielding. 131–179 BPM.
Australian Metal is a genre of heavy metal music originating in Australia around 1968. It is characterized by fast tempos (131-179 BPM), aggressive guitar riffs, and prominent use of double bass pedals. The genre has evolved through various subgenres like death metal, black metal, and doom, with a distinct raw and energetic sound influenced by the country's isolation and landscape.
The defining artists of Australian Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Australian Metal.
Australian Metal is characterized by high-energy, aggressive riffing, often with a raw, unpolished production. Tempos range from mid-paced grooves to blistering speed, with double bass drumming a staple. Vocals vary from harsh screams to deep growls, and guitar work emphasizes palm-muted chugs and melodic leads.
Rhythmically, the genre often employs syncopated patterns and blast beats, especially in extreme subgenres. The overall sound is dense and powerful, with a focus on creating a visceral, intense listening experience. Bands like Parkway Drive (metalcore) and Thy Art Is Murder (deathcore) have brought a more polished, breakdown-heavy style to international attention.
Australian Metal originated in the late 1960s with early bands like The Masters Apprentices and Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs, but the first true metal acts emerged in the 1970s, such as AC/DC (though more hard rock) and Buffalo. The genre gained momentum in the 1980s with thrash and speed metal bands like Slaughter Lord and Hobbs' Angel of Death.
In the 1990s, Australian extreme metal flourished with bands like Destroyer 666, Bestial Warlust, and Sadistik Exekution, known for their raw, unpolished sound. The 2000s saw the rise of technical death metal (Psycroptic), progressive metal (Ne Obliviscaris), and stoner/doom (Truckfighters, though Swedish, Australian counterparts like The Drones influenced).
Culturally, Australian metal reflects the country's harsh landscapes and isolation, often incorporating themes of bush, desert, and colonial history. The scene is tight-knit, with notable festivals like Soundwave and Metal for the Brain fostering community. Despite geographic challenges, Australian metal has produced globally influential bands.
How Australian Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Australian Metal, prioritize a punchy, aggressive drum sound. Use close miking on kick drums with double bass pedals to capture clarity at high speeds. Snare should be tight with a sharp crack. Guitar tones are typically high-gain with palm-muted chugs; layering multiple takes can add thickness. Bass should be distorted to blend with guitars but remain audible.
BPM typically ranges from 131 to 179, with many tracks at 160-180 BPM for extreme subgenres. Swing is minimal; straight eighth notes are common. Samples of natural drums are preferred, but triggered kicks are used for consistency. For atmospheric elements, consider adding ambient textures or orchestral samples, as seen in bands like Ne Obliviscaris.
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