The Dillinger Escape Plan are an American mathcore band formed in Morris Plains, New Jersey in 1997. Emerging from the East Coast hardcore and metal underground, the band became one of the most innovative, influential, and critically acclaimed acts in modern heavy music through their fusion of extreme technicality, chaotic intensity, and fearless experimentation.
Renowned for their unpredictable songwriting and legendary live performances, The Dillinger Escape Plan continually pushed the boundaries of metal, hardcore, and avant-garde music throughout their career. Their influence extends across multiple genres, with countless artists citing them as a transformative force in heavy music.
The Dillinger Escape Plan’s sound combines metalcore, hardcore punk, progressive metal, noise rock, jazz influences, electronic experimentation, and avant-garde composition. Their music is characterised by dissonant riffs, complex time signatures, sudden stylistic shifts, and an ability to balance chaos with remarkable musicianship.
The band are especially recognised for redefining what extreme music could achieve artistically, incorporating influences far beyond traditional metal and hardcore while maintaining an uncompromising level of intensity.
Under the Running Board (1998) – explosive EP that introduced the band's groundbreaking blend of technical precision, hardcore aggression, and controlled chaos.
Calculating Infinity (1999) – landmark debut album widely regarded as one of the most influential and important records in the history of mathcore, setting a new standard for technical and extreme music.
Irony Is a Dead Scene (2002) – acclaimed collaborative EP with Mike Patton (Faith No More, Fantômas & Mr Bungle) showcasing the band's adventurous spirit and expanding their experimental ambitions.
Miss Machine (2004) – breakthrough album and first with vocalist Greg Puciato, balancing accessibility and complexity while becoming one of the band's most celebrated releases.
Ire Works (2007) – ambitious and eclectic album incorporating electronic elements, alternative influences, and some of the most diverse songwriting of the band's career.
Option Paralysis (2010) – critically acclaimed release combining technical mastery with increasingly refined songwriting and memorable hooks.
One of Us Is the Killer (2013) – powerful and emotionally charged album widely praised for its balance of aggression, melody, and experimentation.
Dissociation (2016) – remarkable final studio album serving as a fitting conclusion to the band's career, bringing together every aspect of their creative identity in a highly acclaimed farewell statement.
The Dillinger Escape Plan are regarded as one of the most influential and innovative heavy bands of the modern era. Their technical brilliance, experimental approach, and uncompromising creativity helped redefine mathcore and inspired generations of musicians across metal, hardcore, and progressive music.
Fans of artists such as Botch, Converge, and Car Bomb are likely to appreciate their combination of technical complexity, explosive energy, and constant musical reinvention.
All The Dillinger Escape Plan releases we carry are official physical formats only, focusing on vinyl and CD editions sourced from authorised labels and distributors.
We also stock official The Dillinger Escape Plan clothing, representing one of the most influential and groundbreaking bands in the history of modern heavy music.
The Dillinger Escape Plan merch is available through Relapse Records - browse the full roster here.
The Dillinger Escape Plan are deeply rooted in Hardcore and they are pioneers of Metalcore, so if you fancy exploring more like-minded artists, have a look through our HARDCORE and METALCORE categories. You might also like to read our blogs on the different subgenres of Metal and Punk.
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