Ancient melodies meet modern metal fury. 130–182 BPM.
Oriental Metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that incorporates musical elements from Middle Eastern, Asian, and North African traditions. It emerged in the late 1960s in the UK, with bands like Black Sabbath using exotic scales. The genre features traditional instruments like the oud and sitar alongside distorted guitars and double bass drums.
The defining artists of Oriental Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Oriental Metal.
Oriental Metal is characterized by the use of exotic scales (e.g., Phrygian dominant, harmonic minor) and traditional instruments like the oud, saz, darbuka, and sitar, layered over distorted electric guitars, bass, and drums. The rhythm often features complex time signatures and fast double bass drumming, with BPM ranging from 130 to 182.
The vocals can vary from harsh growls to clean melodic singing, often in native languages. The overall sound is a fusion of aggressive metal and intricate, melodic Eastern music, creating an epic and mystical atmosphere.
Oriental Metal originated in the late 1960s in the UK, pioneered by bands like Black Sabbath who incorporated Middle Eastern scales into their heavy sound. The genre evolved through the 1970s and 1980s with acts like Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden further exploring exotic melodies.
In the 1990s, Oriental Metal diversified with the rise of folk metal and symphonic metal, leading to bands like Orphaned Land and Myrath blending traditional instruments with metal. The genre continues to evolve, with modern acts incorporating electronic elements and complex rhythms.
Culturally, Oriental Metal often addresses themes of mythology, history, and spirituality, bridging Western metal with Eastern traditions. It has gained popularity in the Middle East and North Africa, serving as a form of cultural expression and resistance.
How Oriental Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Oriental Metal, focus on blending traditional instruments with modern metal production. Use double bass drum patterns with occasional syncopation to mimic Middle Eastern rhythms. The BPM typically feels driving and energetic, often around 140-160 BPM for a balanced groove.
Sample traditional instruments like the oud, ney, or qanun, and process them with reverb and delay to create an atmospheric backdrop. Guitar riffs should emphasize exotic scales, with palm-muted chugs and open string drones. Layering orchestral elements like strings and choir can enhance the epic feel.
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