Sweden’s Meshuggah may be the most important metal band of the new millennium. Their use of polyrhythms, 8-string guitars, extremely low tunings and nontraditional song structures have pushed heavy metal into new and uncharted territories. The entire genre known as Djent (so named for the song that the muted strings and chugging rhythms produce) owes its existence to Meshuggah’s sonic exploration and experimentation.

If one can judge a band’s influence by the sheer amount of imitators, then we need look no further than this song lyric by metal legend Devin Townsend in his song “Planet of the Apes”:

A new song by The Devin Townsend Project entitled “Feather,” from the upcoming release, Ghost, is now online. The album is anticipated to be out during Summer 2011. The tune is a big departure for Devin Townsend, mostly known for his work in the metal scene, and in the band, Strapping Young Lad. You can have a listen to “Feather,” originally from a free Century Media sampler, in the video player below.

Ghost is the fourth release in a four-part series released by The Devin Townsend Project. The project was begun by Townsend in 2009 in an attempt to extend his musical identity and push the boundaries beyond the musical styles he has played with in the past. Unlike his previous solo efforts and his work with Strapping Young Lad, each album takes on a particular sound, style, and feel, encompassing the different aspects of his music.

The first album in the series, Ki, was a laid-back mainly acoustic affair; while the second album, Addicted, is more metal with a pop-rock edge. The third and fourth albums, Deconstruction and Ghost respectively, will be released in June 2011. Deconstruction is expected to be some of Townsend’s heaviest and more brutal works, and is more in line with his metal roots.