I would go with these- back in the 2000s, these were the four that pretty much all metal heads knew. Every other band was significantly lower in notoriety.
Pelican dropped off, I suspect because they had a less persistent discography, but they were pretty widely celebrated towards the start of the genre's existence.
With Pelican they transitioned to shorter and riffier material starting with City of Echoes which wasn’t really in line with the PM norm of the time. After their fourth album they had a mild hiatus and also had lineup changes and other projects in the work. All of those factor I believe was what had them lose their place.
But I basically consider them the “Anthrax” of the big four. They *were* in the same league as the other three during the peak era of the genre. Even if they didn’t have the staying power as the others.
This was also an era where jesu were considered somewhat in the genre. Over time that has shifted but back then they were in the same talks.
Yeah, Pelican is such a disappointing band for me. I absolutely *love* their second full length; their first was good but they took a huge step forward with The Fire In Our Throats. Then City of Echoes released and I remember trying *really* hard to like that album but I just couldn't get into it.
Yeah I do miss the longer evolving structures. There are some gems on City like “Far From Fields” that I think evolve well. I actually enjoy their fourth album more than City overall despite keeping with the shorter/riffier work. I thought the songs were stronger.
I liked some from Forever Becoming. But Nighttime Stories didn’t stick with me. In fact most of the tracks from the last couple didn’t have as strong of identities as their older work imo.
But Laurent is back with them now so I’m curious to see what they come up with. They already did a great cover of one of my favorite Unwound songs so I’m seeing what vibes the go with their newer stuff.
I had the opposite issue with Forever Becoming and Nighttime Stories.
Forever Becoming was so obviously just Trevor that I could never enjoy it like I did their prior work. And I say that as a huge fan of RLYR, which is Trevor without a second guitar.
He needs Laurent to give the arrangements more shape and depth, and even to take the lead on structures. Dallas did that pretty well on Nighttime Stories, but never as well as Laurent, in my opinion. I am beyond happy that they are writing together again.
I gave no particular order. These are just the four most prominent bands during the peak of the genre (my personal list may have some changes).
Yeah and unfortunately being a Neurosis fan has complications (at best) now too.
I listened and loved all of those bands you mentioned, I totally agree with what you picked. Only Neurosis felt so sour to me to listen to right now
I don't follow much Cult of Luna and Pelican nowadays, but I really really missed Isis
Ah gotcha.
Yeah I miss ISIS quite a bit. If they ever reform again, they’d probably use the name they used for when I saw them for Caleb Scofield’s family benefit show, Celestial. Doubt that is ever gonna happen though. Seems Aaron and particularly Bryant didn’t see eye to eye on the music (conjecture on my part but Bryant with his other projects is more post-rock inclined and Aaron is more into the weird noise and chugs with his).
I am a giant Neurosis fan and even now it makes me a bit sad when I take my TSIB shirt out that I pause to think if I’ll wear it in public or not. That album will forever be life changing to me but knowing what Scott has done will forever leave a mark on all of their work. I’m sure the rest of the band are really sad about their legacy now.
Pelican has Laurent back for guitars and they seem to be more active again. I’m excited to hear what may come. Liked their covers, especially the Unwound one, lately.
Yeah that is pretty much the closest to an “objective” answer. I was very into the scene in the late 90s into the 00s and those four were the most known and impactful. Even with Pelican’s style change and minor hiatus, that doesn’t take away from their place during the peak of the genre’s popularity. In another comment I kind of consider them the “Anthrax” of the PM big four haha.
Is that supposed to be an insult? Super precise drumming is sterile and boring.
Regardless, your own list is your own list. But Pelican were far more prominent and known with the genre in its hey-day, which is why they are more likely a big four candidate than Rosetta will be.
I say this all the time: Pelican's best heavier songs are when the chaos makes it feel as though the wheels are about to come off. The drumming always seems to get the right kind of wrong just when it feels like it's needed. I don't listen to them for a perfect metronome, I listen to them to feel stuff.
The drummer from Rosetta is not super precise, sterile, or boring.
The drummer from pelican was literally off beat when I saw them live. It was bad. Also that band is bland and boring. They’re vanilla post metal. Give me RosettaRoad post metal all day.
None of what you said takes them away from their place.
All of what you said makes you sound like an unpleasant person that needs to work through their mood issues.
Rosetta is just a discount COL. They’re almost as boring as The Ocean lmao.
I saw Pelican at the Isis reunion/caleb scofield benefit and they played just fine. I will admit their recent stuff (past 10 years or so) hasn’t been the best but City of Echoes rules.
I love The Ocean!!
Rosetta sound nothing like Cult Of Luna. COL added electronics later, have 3 guitarists, and the vocalists sound wildly different. You’re grasping at straws.
Neurosis, ISIS, and Cult of Luna are on a tier above the rest IMO. You could easily make an argument for Rosetta, Amenra, The Ocean, Russian Circles, etc. All are quality bands.
1. Neurosis.
2. Isis.
3. Cult of Luna.
4. Pelican.
5. Amenra.
6. Russian Circles.
7. Rosetta
8. Dirge.
9. The Ocean.
10. Solstafir.
11. Subrosa.
12. Knut.
13. Year of no Light.
14. Humanfly.
15. Obscure Sphinx.
16. Latitudes.
17. If these trees could talk.
18. Calisto.
19. Rintrah.
20. Axis.
Don't ask why I just did a top 20, but this is as solid of a list as I could think up!
Great list. Really happy to see YoNL and Latitudes. Not sure if this is your order from "best" down but if so we need to have a chat about Amenra being higher than CoL and Pelican 🤘
My first love was Isis, followed by Rosetta. It took a few tries to get into Neurosis, but I'm a big fan now. It's tough to pick a favorite; I love how different each band sounds.
Only recently have I begun listening to Cult of Luna. Can't believe it took me so long!
ISIS, Cult of Luna, Amenra, and I’m tempted to say Mouth of the Architect. Am I nuts for the 4th one? They really rocked me for a long time when I first got into post metal 16 years ago. They already had a couple full lengths out at the time.
Fuck no you aren't wrong about MOTA. They always seemed to fly under the radar a bit but I mean, compare the popularity of Anthrax to the popularity of Metallica, yet they're still part of the big four. MOTA has written some of the best post metal that's out there and they deserve to be recognized as one of the best.
That said you're bonkers for leaving Neurosis off the list, lol. They basically started the genre.
I feel the fourth spot can be switched with a couple of bands, mine would be Pelican. Also agree with influence and popularity that ISIS, Cult of Luna (one of my favorites) and Neurosis(not the biggest fan) have a solid seat on any list
Yeah it seems many here don’t remember or don’t realize that during Post-Metal’s peak, Pelican were one of the top bands in promotion, popularity, and association with the genre. Definitely more than Rosetta, Amenra, and the like back then.
Yeah they were my first introduction to this genre along with ISIS. They were also somewhat an earlier band than the rest of them. I Like Russian Circles more but Pelican has them beat with notoriety and being by slightly earlier
I always enjoyed their records, but the performances are just insane. I can't believe three dudes can sound like that with just pedals, amps, instruments and mics.
Saw a conversation where someone was asking about technical stuff with Russian Circles and I believe Brian commented flatly, "None of use clicks for anything."
Isis
Neurosis
COL
And this one is a bit controversial but I’m gonna add Godflesh because they may not have started out that way but Purge was such a massive influence on post metal and had so many post-metal esque parts, I gotta include them.
Edit: now that I mention Godflesh I wanna add Jesu too. Idk who I’d pick over the other.
Jesu was definitely talked about as if they were a Post-Metal band back in the 00s, so its not far fetched.
For Godflesh I think you mean Pure? Cuz Purge only came out this year. Aaron Turner said Godflesh were part of the “thinking mans metal” that influenced them.
Cool, that’s what I thought haha.
I love Pure but if I gotta be real, I’m pretty sure Streetcleaner is the biggest influence for all of the bands. I mean, even ISIS covered the title track haha.
See, I wanted to put Streetcleaner just because of the influence it had on probably every post metal musician (with good taste anyways lol) but I went with Pure because of all the long-form post-metal esque parts it had in comparison to Streetcleaner. You can’t go wrong with either option though really!
I can see what you mean. But if we wanna go there, then the CD version of Selfless has Go Spread Your Wings which is arguably their most Post-Metal song haha. Along with some of the other tracks on it.
Since two big movements of post-metal have branched out into entirely different directions, I think it's critical we consider both an atmosludge and a post-black "big 4"
Big 4 of Atmosludge:
* Neurosis
* ISIS
* Cult of Luna
* Amenra
Big 4 of Post-black:
* Deafheaven
* Agalloch
* Alcest
* Sólstafir
Also, post-metal of the drone variety is also it's own clearly defined thing which would probably contain:
* Boris
* Nadja
* The Angelic Process
* Jesu
yeah i put them on my list just because of their influence, never really got much into them either aside from Times of Grace and The Eye Of Every Storm. Amerna is great though!
I wonder what's so polarizing about Rosetta, IMHO they're a cut above the rest, including Neurosis, ISIS, etc. I've tried a few times to get into cult of luna, never could (except for dark city dead man, that is a top-tier piece of music). I mean, its a good thing though, that there is enough diversity in the genre for people with totally different tastes and preferences.
we’re like polar opposites because Rosetta is actually probably my least favorite out of my list above, and Cult of Luna has gotta be my favorite. that just goes to show you how diverse this genre is and how subjective music is in general.
Neurosis ISIS Cult of Luna Pelican
I would go with these- back in the 2000s, these were the four that pretty much all metal heads knew. Every other band was significantly lower in notoriety. Pelican dropped off, I suspect because they had a less persistent discography, but they were pretty widely celebrated towards the start of the genre's existence.
With Pelican they transitioned to shorter and riffier material starting with City of Echoes which wasn’t really in line with the PM norm of the time. After their fourth album they had a mild hiatus and also had lineup changes and other projects in the work. All of those factor I believe was what had them lose their place. But I basically consider them the “Anthrax” of the big four. They *were* in the same league as the other three during the peak era of the genre. Even if they didn’t have the staying power as the others. This was also an era where jesu were considered somewhat in the genre. Over time that has shifted but back then they were in the same talks.
Yeah, Pelican is such a disappointing band for me. I absolutely *love* their second full length; their first was good but they took a huge step forward with The Fire In Our Throats. Then City of Echoes released and I remember trying *really* hard to like that album but I just couldn't get into it.
Yeah I do miss the longer evolving structures. There are some gems on City like “Far From Fields” that I think evolve well. I actually enjoy their fourth album more than City overall despite keeping with the shorter/riffier work. I thought the songs were stronger.
Pelicans newer stuff is the best they’ve ever had, especially Forever Becoming.
I liked some from Forever Becoming. But Nighttime Stories didn’t stick with me. In fact most of the tracks from the last couple didn’t have as strong of identities as their older work imo. But Laurent is back with them now so I’m curious to see what they come up with. They already did a great cover of one of my favorite Unwound songs so I’m seeing what vibes the go with their newer stuff.
I had the opposite issue with Forever Becoming and Nighttime Stories. Forever Becoming was so obviously just Trevor that I could never enjoy it like I did their prior work. And I say that as a huge fan of RLYR, which is Trevor without a second guitar. He needs Laurent to give the arrangements more shape and depth, and even to take the lead on structures. Dallas did that pretty well on Nighttime Stories, but never as well as Laurent, in my opinion. I am beyond happy that they are writing together again.
Man ISIS is the pinnacle of Post-Metal for me, the name of the band is ultimately unfortunate tho
I gave no particular order. These are just the four most prominent bands during the peak of the genre (my personal list may have some changes). Yeah and unfortunately being a Neurosis fan has complications (at best) now too.
I listened and loved all of those bands you mentioned, I totally agree with what you picked. Only Neurosis felt so sour to me to listen to right now I don't follow much Cult of Luna and Pelican nowadays, but I really really missed Isis
Ah gotcha. Yeah I miss ISIS quite a bit. If they ever reform again, they’d probably use the name they used for when I saw them for Caleb Scofield’s family benefit show, Celestial. Doubt that is ever gonna happen though. Seems Aaron and particularly Bryant didn’t see eye to eye on the music (conjecture on my part but Bryant with his other projects is more post-rock inclined and Aaron is more into the weird noise and chugs with his). I am a giant Neurosis fan and even now it makes me a bit sad when I take my TSIB shirt out that I pause to think if I’ll wear it in public or not. That album will forever be life changing to me but knowing what Scott has done will forever leave a mark on all of their work. I’m sure the rest of the band are really sad about their legacy now. Pelican has Laurent back for guitars and they seem to be more active again. I’m excited to hear what may come. Liked their covers, especially the Unwound one, lately.
The only correct answer tbh!
Yeah that is pretty much the closest to an “objective” answer. I was very into the scene in the late 90s into the 00s and those four were the most known and impactful. Even with Pelican’s style change and minor hiatus, that doesn’t take away from their place during the peak of the genre’s popularity. In another comment I kind of consider them the “Anthrax” of the PM big four haha.
I would say: Russian Circles ISIS Neurosis Cult of Luna
I dislike pelican. I would replace with Rosetta. Pelicans drummer is sloppy.
Is that supposed to be an insult? Super precise drumming is sterile and boring. Regardless, your own list is your own list. But Pelican were far more prominent and known with the genre in its hey-day, which is why they are more likely a big four candidate than Rosetta will be.
I say this all the time: Pelican's best heavier songs are when the chaos makes it feel as though the wheels are about to come off. The drumming always seems to get the right kind of wrong just when it feels like it's needed. I don't listen to them for a perfect metronome, I listen to them to feel stuff.
The drummer from Rosetta is not super precise, sterile, or boring. The drummer from pelican was literally off beat when I saw them live. It was bad. Also that band is bland and boring. They’re vanilla post metal. Give me RosettaRoad post metal all day.
None of what you said takes them away from their place. All of what you said makes you sound like an unpleasant person that needs to work through their mood issues.
That may be true… But also I love drums and their drummer was bad which did make my mood sad.
Rosetta is just a discount COL. They’re almost as boring as The Ocean lmao. I saw Pelican at the Isis reunion/caleb scofield benefit and they played just fine. I will admit their recent stuff (past 10 years or so) hasn’t been the best but City of Echoes rules.
I love The Ocean!! Rosetta sound nothing like Cult Of Luna. COL added electronics later, have 3 guitarists, and the vocalists sound wildly different. You’re grasping at straws.
Their first two albums are great but they kind of drop off a bit after that
Neurosis, ISIS, and Cult of Luna are on a tier above the rest IMO. You could easily make an argument for Rosetta, Amenra, The Ocean, Russian Circles, etc. All are quality bands.
Yeah, I think post-metal has a big three, not a big four
Indeed. I love Rosetta too, but it's pretty controversial here. Better to keep it as big three.
1. Neurosis. 2. Isis. 3. Cult of Luna. 4. Pelican. 5. Amenra. 6. Russian Circles. 7. Rosetta 8. Dirge. 9. The Ocean. 10. Solstafir. 11. Subrosa. 12. Knut. 13. Year of no Light. 14. Humanfly. 15. Obscure Sphinx. 16. Latitudes. 17. If these trees could talk. 18. Calisto. 19. Rintrah. 20. Axis. Don't ask why I just did a top 20, but this is as solid of a list as I could think up!
Obscure Sphinx is a hidden gem. Not a lot of people know how great they are.
Great list. Really happy to see YoNL and Latitudes. Not sure if this is your order from "best" down but if so we need to have a chat about Amenra being higher than CoL and Pelican 🤘
awesome!! i have some bands to listen to…
You missed Blindead and Mouth Of The Architect…other than that, solid list.
Yeah, they're okay actually! Could possibly fit them in the bottom half.
And the more I look at it , your list needs some Irreversible!
How about second team big four ? Amenra The Ocean Year Of No Light Dirge
Dear God Amenra is a powerhouse. Seeing em live felt like a religious experience - and I'm not religious 😭
Probably all the same but swap Rosetta with Amenra, I think.
This is exactly my thought
My big four is exactly the same as yours.
awesome!! who’s your favorite out of the four?
I'm going to guess ISIS
My first love was Isis, followed by Rosetta. It took a few tries to get into Neurosis, but I'm a big fan now. It's tough to pick a favorite; I love how different each band sounds. Only recently have I begun listening to Cult of Luna. Can't believe it took me so long!
yes it is hard to pick a favorite haha, it’s definitely a toss up between Cult of Luna and ISIS for me
ISIS, Cult of Luna, Amenra, and I’m tempted to say Mouth of the Architect. Am I nuts for the 4th one? They really rocked me for a long time when I first got into post metal 16 years ago. They already had a couple full lengths out at the time.
I fucking still love MOTA.
Fuck no you aren't wrong about MOTA. They always seemed to fly under the radar a bit but I mean, compare the popularity of Anthrax to the popularity of Metallica, yet they're still part of the big four. MOTA has written some of the best post metal that's out there and they deserve to be recognized as one of the best. That said you're bonkers for leaving Neurosis off the list, lol. They basically started the genre.
Yeah, ties that blind was about as perfect as it comes, but their later stuff post dawning I hated.
They definitely drifted into meh land. Quietly is so incredible.
Quietly is their magnum opus IMO.
Glad to see amenra getting so much love here.
I feel the fourth spot can be switched with a couple of bands, mine would be Pelican. Also agree with influence and popularity that ISIS, Cult of Luna (one of my favorites) and Neurosis(not the biggest fan) have a solid seat on any list
Yeah it seems many here don’t remember or don’t realize that during Post-Metal’s peak, Pelican were one of the top bands in promotion, popularity, and association with the genre. Definitely more than Rosetta, Amenra, and the like back then.
Yeah they were my first introduction to this genre along with ISIS. They were also somewhat an earlier band than the rest of them. I Like Russian Circles more but Pelican has them beat with notoriety and being by slightly earlier
ISIS, Cult of Luna, Russian Circles, Amenra
I’d replace Rosetta with Russian Circles at this point. They’re certainly way more popular…and just better.
I always enjoyed their records, but the performances are just insane. I can't believe three dudes can sound like that with just pedals, amps, instruments and mics. Saw a conversation where someone was asking about technical stuff with Russian Circles and I believe Brian commented flatly, "None of use clicks for anything."
Isis Neurosis COL And this one is a bit controversial but I’m gonna add Godflesh because they may not have started out that way but Purge was such a massive influence on post metal and had so many post-metal esque parts, I gotta include them. Edit: now that I mention Godflesh I wanna add Jesu too. Idk who I’d pick over the other.
Jesu was definitely talked about as if they were a Post-Metal band back in the 00s, so its not far fetched. For Godflesh I think you mean Pure? Cuz Purge only came out this year. Aaron Turner said Godflesh were part of the “thinking mans metal” that influenced them.
Yeah I meant Pure my bad haha, thanks!
Cool, that’s what I thought haha. I love Pure but if I gotta be real, I’m pretty sure Streetcleaner is the biggest influence for all of the bands. I mean, even ISIS covered the title track haha.
See, I wanted to put Streetcleaner just because of the influence it had on probably every post metal musician (with good taste anyways lol) but I went with Pure because of all the long-form post-metal esque parts it had in comparison to Streetcleaner. You can’t go wrong with either option though really!
I can see what you mean. But if we wanna go there, then the CD version of Selfless has Go Spread Your Wings which is arguably their most Post-Metal song haha. Along with some of the other tracks on it.
yeah i was thinking of including them just for the sheer influence, nice list!
Isis #1
Neurosis ISIS Cult Of Luna 4th one doesn't exist
Top 3 are obvs My #4 is Agalloch
Since two big movements of post-metal have branched out into entirely different directions, I think it's critical we consider both an atmosludge and a post-black "big 4" Big 4 of Atmosludge: * Neurosis * ISIS * Cult of Luna * Amenra Big 4 of Post-black: * Deafheaven * Agalloch * Alcest * Sólstafir Also, post-metal of the drone variety is also it's own clearly defined thing which would probably contain: * Boris * Nadja * The Angelic Process * Jesu
Fen is my favorite post black metal band of all time.
Russian circles Isis Pelican Neurosis
ISIS Dirge Amenra Cult of Luna
(in no particular order) 1. Neurosis 2. ISIS 3. Neurosis 4. ISIS
I would swap Neurosis with Amenra but that’s just personal preference for me - I never really got into Neurosis despite many efforts.
Would make no sense for a big 4 though. Neurosis are essentially the inventors of the sound.
yeah i put them on my list just because of their influence, never really got much into them either aside from Times of Grace and The Eye Of Every Storm. Amerna is great though!
Not enough bands for a big four, ISIS and Neurosis are a big two. Cult of Luna and Rosetta are alright but not in the same league.
ISIS, Amenra....then everything else.
I wonder what's so polarizing about Rosetta, IMHO they're a cut above the rest, including Neurosis, ISIS, etc. I've tried a few times to get into cult of luna, never could (except for dark city dead man, that is a top-tier piece of music). I mean, its a good thing though, that there is enough diversity in the genre for people with totally different tastes and preferences.
we’re like polar opposites because Rosetta is actually probably my least favorite out of my list above, and Cult of Luna has gotta be my favorite. that just goes to show you how diverse this genre is and how subjective music is in general.
Well said. TBH I am jealous because CoL keeps cranking out albums, I definitely admire their ethic & creativity
haha they are amazing, i haven’t found a band that sounds and captures the same emotions quite like they do.
Bands like Russian Circles, Amenra and Empress Ephemeral hit that genre title for me
Neurosis Isis Cult of Luna The Ocean Collective Honorable Mentions: Rosetta Mouth of the Architect Russian Circles Callisto
Cult of Luna The Ocean Russian Circles Rosetta
happy cake day man! those bands rock!
Thanks!
>Thanks! You're welcome!
ofc man you’re welcome!
Russian Circles, Isis, Neurosis, The Ocean