The Musical Journey of Progressive Metal Band Periphery

Periphery is a progressive metal band known for their technical riffs, melodic vocals, and pioneering efforts in the genre. Hailing from Bethesda, Maryland, Periphery was formed in 2005 by guitarist Misha Mansoor, who started making music on his personal computer as a way to experiment with progressive metal. Since then, Periphery has released six studio albums, toured the world, and worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the musical journey of Periphery, from their beginnings to their most famous albums and songs.

Periphery's unique sound is heavily influenced by modern metal and alternative rock bands like Meshuggah, Dream Theater, and Deftones. Their music is characterized by complex rhythm patterns, down-tuned guitars, and atmospheric soundscapes that create an ethereal feel. Periphery's first self-titled album was released in 2010 and showcased their ability to fuse dense and technical metalcore with Radiohead-inspired choruses. The album features standout tracks like Icarus Lives! and Jetpacks Was Yes!

Periphery's next release, Periphery II: This Time It's Personal, was a major breakthrough for the band, peaking at #44 on the Billboard 200 charts in its first week. The album put Periphery on the map with its explosive guitars and intricate drumming, earning them a devoted fanbase within the progressive metal scene. The album also featured guest appearances from other musicians such as Dream Theater's John Petrucci and Guthrie Govan. Periphery II's most popular songs include Make Total Destroy and Scarlet.

In 2015, Periphery released their most ambitious album yet, Juggernaut: Alpha/Omega. The two-part concept album tells the story of a man who can predict the future and attempts to change his fate. The album showcases Periphery's ability to create vast soundscapes with intricate instrumentals and soaring vocals. Juggernaut: Alpha/Omega features standout tracks like The Scourge and Omega, which illustrate the band's ability to incorporate progressive rock, metalcore, and experimental sounds into their music.

Periphery's latest studio album, Periphery IV: Hail Stan, was released in 2019 and is considered a return to form for the band after the experimental Juggernaut albums. The album features some of Periphery's heaviest and most technical material to date, with influences ranging from death metal to psychedelia. Periphery IV: Hail Stan features standouts such as Blood Eagle and Follow Your Ghost, showcasing the band's ability to push boundaries while remaining grounded in the progressive metal genre.

In conclusion, Periphery is a band that has made a significant impact within the progressive metal scene with their unique sound and attention to detail. From their early beginnings experimenting with music on a computer to creating intricate soundscapes on the world stage, Periphery has come a long way. Their influential sound and innovative approach to music make them stand out within the genre, and their longevity as a band is proof of their enduring appeal. Any music lover looking for a fresh take on progressive metal will find that Periphery is a band worth exploring.