Heavy Music (That Isn't Rock/Metal)
 

What are some heavy artists you know of that don't fall in the genres we typically think of as heavy (rock/metal)? Additionally, what do you think it is that makes a track heavy? Post em up.

This is some of the heaviest **** I've ever heard, it's also one of the best free jazz albums out there.

I've always thought of heaviness in music in terms tonal thickness, mood, and atmosphere. Heaviest album I've ever heard in my life is Conan's Blood Eagle, it's crushingly slow and when you crank it the air literally feels thicker, the progressions build and come crashing down like controlled demolitions, but it is purely metal. I don't think it has much to do with tempo, but the heaviest music I've heard is typically low - mid tempo. However for this example I've chosen a fast one, a drum & bass tune. The bass design here is absolutely top notch, it's feels like your washing out your ears, pretty bizarre texture.

I highly recommend headphones or a good stereo, listen loud, and listen to the entire build up for maximum impact.

Since we're on the subject of electronic music, I'd like to throw in Xanopticon.
I like how it's much more chaotic than breakcore and all that stuff usually is, which makes it much heavier in my opinion. Although the sounds in the background also give it a kind of dreamy quality. Pretty unique stuff.

Classical can be heavy too, and this is one of the heaviest I know.

^yup^

Classical can definitely be heavy. I think the heaviest that I've heard is from good ole Ligeti. Some of these passages are incredibly intense.

Misanthrop's heaviest track, hits like a ton of bricks. Again, incredible sound design, and a super infectious groove.

Some more heavy music made before the phrase was even used for music...

Tons of great heavy classical. Mar's being a great example. No wonder Page used part of that in his violin bow solo during Zep's prime.

Does this fit what you're looking for:

Goran Dragas - Infiltration


Phantom Power Music - Overpowered