Diorama

"DJ-Kicks is the most important DJ mix series ever." It was Mixmag, the English reference magazine for electronic music that wrote it. It's hard to deny it: since 1995, the German label !K7 has been making flawless albums with more than 60 volumes by entrusting its mixes to leading artists. Pioneer of the genre at a time when this art form was not widely known, the label succeeded in introducing the mix outside of the clubs while popularising electronic music with the general public.

The great oak tree of heavy metal contains more than meets the eye. Its mighty branches, visible to the average rock fan, consist of thrash, hair, nu, black, 'core, and death metal—all arguably the genre's more iconic iterations. But beneath its tremendous trunk are ever-growing roots that stretch endlessly into a vast underground of niche stylistic offshoots. There are literally dozens of subgenres—and many subgenres within those subgenres—throughout the heavy metal lexicon, and it would take a lifetime to become fully versed in all of them. Here we zoom in on five unique and compelling lesser-known metal subgenres that aren't obvious entry points for the average headbanger, but every fan of aggressive music should be familiar with these sounds.

Ólafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Max Richter, Poppy Ackroyd, Peter Broderick, Joana Gama... In recent years, these popular names have all been grouped under the vast and imprecise label "neoclassical". In truth, this "scene" looks more like a motley crew of curious artists who mix classical instruments with electronic production. Drawing influence from American minimalism, these musicians tantalise the senses and expand horizons on both sides of the musical spectrum.