Planet X is an instrumental progressive metal supergroup founded in 1999 by keyboardist Derek Sherinian and drummer Virgil Donati. Emerging from Sherinian's solo work, the project was conceived as a vehicle for 'metal fusion,' a subgenre that marries the aggressive timbres and virtuosity of heavy metal with the complex harmonic and rhythmic structures of fusion jazz.
The core duo of Sherinian and Donati has been augmented by legendary guitarists including Tony MacAlpine and Allan Holdsworth, creating a rotating lineup of elite virtuosos. Their sound is defined by extreme technicality, specifically the use of polyrhythms, metric modulation, and dissonant intervals. Critically, they are viewed as a 'musician's band,' often cited for their uncompromising complexity and refusal to adhere to traditional song structures. Historically, they represent a bridge between the 90s progressive metal boom and the modern djent/math-metal movements, influencing a generation of technical players with their 'fierce' approach to ensemble interplay.
Shares progressive metal, jazz fusion, progressive rock (subgenres); instrumental_only (vocal style)
Shares progressive metal, jazz fusion, progressive rock (subgenres); intense, restless, mysterious (moods)
Shares progressive metal, jazz fusion, progressive rock (subgenres); instrumental_only (vocal style)
Shares progressive metal, jazz fusion, progressive rock (subgenres); instrumental_only (vocal style)
Shares progressive metal, jazz fusion, progressive rock (subgenres); restless, intense, mysterious (moods)
Shares progressive metal, jazz fusion, progressive rock (subgenres); instrumental_only (vocal style)
Shares instrumental_only (vocal style); focused_work, urban_night, stargazing (atmosphere)
Shares progressive metal, jazz fusion, progressive rock (subgenres); instrumental_only (vocal style)
Shares progressive metal, jazz fusion, progressive rock (subgenres); instrumental_only (vocal style)
Shares instrumental_only (vocal style); intense, restless, mysterious (moods)
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