Djent" is not merely an online slang term or a niche internet meme; it is a profound cultural and musical movement that has revolutionized modern progressive heavy metal over the last 15+ years. Originating in the late 2000s, it originated as an onomatopoeia for a specific, heavily palm-muted, high-gain, low-pitched guitar sound, popularised by Fredrik Thordendal of Meshuggah.
Djent has evolved into a fully realized subgenre characterized by complex polyrhythms, syncopated riffs, and the use of extended-range guitars (7, 8, or more strings). While debated in its early days, the term is now widely utilized by musicians, music critics, and music publications like Rolling Stone and The Guardian to describe a specific style of technical prog-metal.