Expressive E Osmose: Shredding Metal Riffs with MPE Precision

The video opens with Rohan introducing the Expressive E Osmose as a powerful contender for heavy and aggressive music genres, particularly progressive metal. He sets the stage by referencing the intro demo, where the keyboard’s sound rivals that of traditional guitar-driven metal, making it clear that the Osmose is not just for ambient textures or cinematic pads.

Rohan’s approach is to blend classic guitar techniques with intuitive keyboard play, leveraging the Osmose’s unique MPE-enabled surface. The focus is on using the instrument’s expressive capabilities to mimic and even expand upon what’s possible with a guitar. This isn’t about simply triggering samples or running through presets—it’s about using the keyboard as a dynamic, performance-focused tool for contemporary metal.

One of the standout features demonstrated is the ability to perform double bends—a technique iconic in guitar solos—directly on the Osmose. Rohan explains how both the key surface and the pitch-bend wheel (or slider) can be used in tandem, allowing for simultaneous pitch manipulation reminiscent of a guitarist bending two strings at once. This dual approach enables dramatic, expressive bends that go far beyond what’s possible on a standard synth action.

He also highlights the whammy pedal effect, achieved by adjusting the pitch-bend range up to 24 semitones. This massive range allows for extreme pitch dives and swoops, closely emulating the expressive chaos of a guitar’s whammy bar. The video makes it clear that these features are not just theoretical—they’re immediately playable and deeply integrated into the Osmose’s performance workflow.

The tutorial shifts to the power of articulation and sound design within the Osmose’s preset system. Rohan demonstrates how a single preset can yield a vast array of articulations, simply by varying touch, pressure, and movement on the keys. This dynamic response is central to the instrument’s MPE architecture, making it possible to morph from subtle pads to aggressive leads without menu diving or preset switching.

Aftertouch is shown as a key performance tool, enabling screaming lead sounds and nuanced control over timbre and effects. The workflow here is tactile and immediate: players can shape their sound in real time, using gestures that feel natural and musical. The video underscores how these capabilities allow keyboardists to compete with, and even surpass, the expressive range of guitarists in metal genres.