ONI

Canadian prog-metal outfit Oni channel philosophical and sci-fi themes across a thunderous blend of metalcore, death metal, black metal, and djent. The group came together in Windsor, Ontario during 2014 under vocalist Jake Oni—whose name may well be an alias—and drew its title from the Japanese term for a grotesque, fearsome folkloric demon or ogre. Its founding lineup featured guitarists Martin Andres and Brandon White, bassist Chase Bryant, drummer Joe Greulich, and Johnny D on xylosynth, the electronic xylophone that likely made Oni the sole metal band to employ the instrument. Following their debut release, Jake remained the sole unchanging presence while the roster shifted repeatedly, frequently augmented by prominent guest vocalists including Iggy Pop, Jared Dines, Howard Jones, and Josh Gilbert.

Oni maintain deep ties to the Texan metallers Lamb of God: longtime producer Josh Wilbur helmed the band’s first two albums, vocalist Randy Blythe contributed guest vocals on two occasions, and Jake Oni appeared on guitarist Mark Morton’s solo effort Anesthetic. The act was swiftly signed by the influential label Metal Blade and issued its first full-length, Ironshore, in 2016. Its ferocious tech-metal attack—rooted equally in death and black metal and in the post-djent sound—built a devoted audience that grew through relentless touring alongside Gojira, Megadeth, and Children of Bodom plus appearances at Slipknot’s Knotfest festival. After the 2019 EP Alone, the second album Loathing Light arrived in June 2022, followed by the third, The Silver Line, in September 2023.