Elitist

Elitist emerged from the Los Angeles metal scene in 2010, quickly becoming a notable name in the second wave of progressive metalcore and djent. Their sound identity is defined by high-gain, staccato guitar work, polyrhythmic drumming, and a dual-vocal approach that balances aggression with melody.

The band's early EPs, 'Caves' and 'Earth', established them as technical heavyweights, while their later work on Equal Vision Records showed a shift toward more structured, alternative-metal influenced songwriting. Culturally, they occupy the space between the underground hardcore scene and the more polished 'Sumerian-core' aesthetic of the early 2010s. Critically, they are respected for their precision and the clarity of their production, avoiding the 'muddy' sound often associated with heavy genres. Their influence web connects back to Meshuggah's rhythmic innovations and forward to the modern technical metalcore movement. Despite lineup changes and a hiatus, their 2021 and 2024 releases indicate a continued commitment to the technical, groove-oriented sound that defined their career.