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Black metal, a genre that emerged from the depths of the 1980s metal scene, is notorious for its raw intensity, atmospheric soundscapes, and dark, often controversial themes. This article will explore the origins of black metal, its defining characteristics, and the bands that have shaped and influenced the genre. From its early beginnings to its modern-day manifestations, black metal continues to be a powerful and provocative force in the world of extreme music.
The Origins of Black Metal
Early Influences
Black metal's roots can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, with bands like Venom, Bathory, and Mercyful Fate laying the groundwork for the genre. Venom's 1982 album Black Metal is often credited with coining the term and establishing the early sonic and thematic template for the genre. Tracks like "Black Metal" and "Countess Bathory" featured aggressive, raw production and lyrics steeped in occult and Satanic imagery.
Mercyful Fate, led by the iconic King Diamond, introduced a theatrical and diabolical edge to their music, with albums like Melissa (1983) and Don't Break the Oath (1984) influencing countless black metal bands with their dark themes and complex compositions.
The First Wave of Black Metal
The first wave of black metal in the early to mid-1980s saw bands like Bathory, Hellhammer, and Celtic Frost pushing the boundaries of heavy metal into darker, more extreme territories. Bathory's early albums, such as Bathory (1984) and Under the Sign of the Black Mark (1987), are considered seminal works, characterized by their lo-fi production, haunting atmospheres, and lyrical focus on Norse mythology and Satanism.
Hellhammer, later evolving into Celtic Frost, contributed to the development of black metal with their primitive, aggressive sound and macabre imagery. Celtic Frost's Morbid Tales (1984) and To Mega Therion (1985) are crucial releases that bridged the gap between early black metal and other extreme metal subgenres.
Defining Characteristics of Black Metal
Sound and Production
Black metal is defined by its raw, unpolished sound, often achieved through lo-fi production techniques. This rawness is intentional, aiming to create a cold, atmospheric, and otherworldly feel. Key characteristics of black metal include:
Black metal is known for its dark and often controversial themes, which can include:
The Second Wave of Black Metal
The early 1990s saw the emergence of the second wave of black metal, primarily centered in Norway. This period is often considered the most influential in the genre's history, producing some of its most iconic bands and albums.
Mayhem
Mayhem is one of the most notorious and influential bands in black metal history. Their 1994 album De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas is a landmark release, featuring raw production, chilling atmospheres, and themes of death and Satanism. The band is also known for its turbulent history, including the murder of guitarist Euronymous by bassist Varg Vikernes (Burzum) and the suicide of vocalist Dead.
Burzum
Burzum, the solo project of Varg Vikernes, is another pivotal act in the black metal scene. Albums like Hvis Lyset Tar Oss (1994) and Filosofem (1996) are praised for their minimalist, atmospheric sound and introspective, often cryptic lyrics. Vikernes' use of ambient and electronic elements helped pave the way for future experimentation within the genre.
Darkthrone
Darkthrone began as a death metal band but transitioned to black metal with their 1992 album A Blaze in the Northern Sky. This album, along with Under a Funeral Moon (1993) and Transilvanian Hunger (1994), exemplifies the raw, unpolished sound and misanthropic themes that define the second wave of black metal. Emperor
Emperor is known for their symphonic approach to black metal, incorporating complex arrangements and orchestral elements into their music. Their 1994 album In the Nightside Eclipse is a classic of the genre, blending raw black metal with epic, symphonic compositions and dark, fantastical themes.
Modern Black Metal and Subgenres
Black metal has continued to evolve and diversify, giving rise to numerous subgenres and influencing a wide range of contemporary bands.
Symphonic Black Metal
Symphonic black metal combines the raw aggression of traditional black metal with lush, orchestral arrangements. Bands like Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth have popularized this style, achieving significant commercial success. Dimmu Borgir's Enthrone Darkness Triumphant (1997) and Cradle of Filth's Dusk and Her Embrace (1996) are notable examples of this subgenre.
Atmospheric Black Metal
Atmospheric black metal emphasizes mood and texture, often incorporating ambient elements and nature-inspired themes. Bands like Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Alcest are known for their expansive, immersive soundscapes. Agalloch's The Mantle (2002) and Wolves in the Throne Room's Two Hunters (2007) are key releases in this style.
Depressive Suicidal Black Metal (DSBM)
DSBM focuses on themes of depression, despair, and self-destruction. This subgenre is characterized by its bleak, introspective lyrics and often minimalist, sorrowful sound. Bands like Xasthur, Shining, and Leviathan are prominent in this scene, with Xasthur's Telepathic with the Deceased (2004) being a notable example.
Post-Black Metal
Post-black metal blends black metal with elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and other genres, creating a more melodic and expansive sound. Bands like Deafheaven, Alcest, and Fen have pushed the boundaries of black metal, incorporating diverse influences and broadening the genre's appeal. Deafheaven's Sunbather (2013) and Alcest's Écailles de Lune (2010) are seminal works in this subgenre.
Black Metal in Popular Culture
Controversy and Influence
Black metal has often been associated with controversy, particularly due to the actions of some of its early practitioners. Church burnings, violent crimes, and extremist ideologies have cast a shadow over the genre, contributing to its infamy. Despite (or perhaps because of) this, black metal has maintained a dedicated fanbase and has significantly influenced other genres of extreme music.
Films and Documentaries
The mystique and controversy surrounding black metal have made it a compelling subject for films and documentaries. The 2018 film Lords of Chaos, based on the book of the same name, dramatizes the early Norwegian black metal scene and the violent events that transpired within it. Documentaries like Until the Light Takes Us (2008) provide an in-depth look at the genre's history and cultural impact.
Fashion and Aesthetics
Black metal's distinct visual style has influenced fashion and aesthetics beyond the music scene. The genre's signature corpse paint, spiked leather outfits, and dark, foreboding imagery have become iconic, often referenced in fashion, art, and popular culture.
The Origins of Black Metal
Early Influences
Black metal's roots can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, with bands like Venom, Bathory, and Mercyful Fate laying the groundwork for the genre. Venom's 1982 album Black Metal is often credited with coining the term and establishing the early sonic and thematic template for the genre. Tracks like "Black Metal" and "Countess Bathory" featured aggressive, raw production and lyrics steeped in occult and Satanic imagery.
Mercyful Fate, led by the iconic King Diamond, introduced a theatrical and diabolical edge to their music, with albums like Melissa (1983) and Don't Break the Oath (1984) influencing countless black metal bands with their dark themes and complex compositions.
The First Wave of Black Metal
The first wave of black metal in the early to mid-1980s saw bands like Bathory, Hellhammer, and Celtic Frost pushing the boundaries of heavy metal into darker, more extreme territories. Bathory's early albums, such as Bathory (1984) and Under the Sign of the Black Mark (1987), are considered seminal works, characterized by their lo-fi production, haunting atmospheres, and lyrical focus on Norse mythology and Satanism.
Hellhammer, later evolving into Celtic Frost, contributed to the development of black metal with their primitive, aggressive sound and macabre imagery. Celtic Frost's Morbid Tales (1984) and To Mega Therion (1985) are crucial releases that bridged the gap between early black metal and other extreme metal subgenres.
Defining Characteristics of Black Metal
Sound and Production
Black metal is defined by its raw, unpolished sound, often achieved through lo-fi production techniques. This rawness is intentional, aiming to create a cold, atmospheric, and otherworldly feel. Key characteristics of black metal include:
- Tremolo Picking: Rapid tremolo picking is a staple of black metal guitar work, creating a wall of sound that is both intense and melodic. This technique is often used to craft eerie, haunting riffs that contribute to the genre's dark atmosphere.
- Blast Beats: Drumming in black metal is typically fast and aggressive, with blast beats being a common feature. These rapid-fire drum patterns add to the chaotic and relentless energy of the music.
- High-Pitched Screams: Vocals in black metal are usually high-pitched, raspy, and screamed, conveying a sense of anguish and malevolence. This vocal style differs significantly from the growls and grunts found in other extreme metal genres.
- Atmospheric Elements: Many black metal bands incorporate atmospheric elements into their music, using keyboards, synthesizers, and ambient sounds to create an immersive, often haunting soundscape. This can range from subtle background textures to fully integrated symphonic arrangements.
Black metal is known for its dark and often controversial themes, which can include:
- Satanism and Occultism: Many black metal bands explore themes of Satanism, occult practices, and anti-Christian sentiments. This often manifests in their lyrics, album art, and stage performances.
- Paganism and Mythology: Some black metal bands draw inspiration from ancient mythologies, pagan rituals, and pre-Christian traditions, particularly those from Scandinavian cultures. This thematic focus can be seen in the lyrics and imagery of bands like Bathory and Enslaved.
- Nature and Isolation: Themes of nature, isolation, and desolation are also prevalent in black metal. Bands like Ulver and Wolves in the Throne Room emphasize the connection between their music and the natural world, often incorporating poetic and introspective lyrics.
- Anti-Modernity and Nihilism: Black metal often expresses a disdain for modern society, technology, and contemporary values. Nihilistic and misanthropic themes are common, reflecting a sense of alienation and rejection of mainstream culture.
The Second Wave of Black Metal
The early 1990s saw the emergence of the second wave of black metal, primarily centered in Norway. This period is often considered the most influential in the genre's history, producing some of its most iconic bands and albums.
Mayhem
Mayhem is one of the most notorious and influential bands in black metal history. Their 1994 album De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas is a landmark release, featuring raw production, chilling atmospheres, and themes of death and Satanism. The band is also known for its turbulent history, including the murder of guitarist Euronymous by bassist Varg Vikernes (Burzum) and the suicide of vocalist Dead.
Burzum
Burzum, the solo project of Varg Vikernes, is another pivotal act in the black metal scene. Albums like Hvis Lyset Tar Oss (1994) and Filosofem (1996) are praised for their minimalist, atmospheric sound and introspective, often cryptic lyrics. Vikernes' use of ambient and electronic elements helped pave the way for future experimentation within the genre.
Darkthrone
Darkthrone began as a death metal band but transitioned to black metal with their 1992 album A Blaze in the Northern Sky. This album, along with Under a Funeral Moon (1993) and Transilvanian Hunger (1994), exemplifies the raw, unpolished sound and misanthropic themes that define the second wave of black metal. Emperor
Emperor is known for their symphonic approach to black metal, incorporating complex arrangements and orchestral elements into their music. Their 1994 album In the Nightside Eclipse is a classic of the genre, blending raw black metal with epic, symphonic compositions and dark, fantastical themes.
Modern Black Metal and Subgenres
Black metal has continued to evolve and diversify, giving rise to numerous subgenres and influencing a wide range of contemporary bands.
Symphonic Black Metal
Symphonic black metal combines the raw aggression of traditional black metal with lush, orchestral arrangements. Bands like Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth have popularized this style, achieving significant commercial success. Dimmu Borgir's Enthrone Darkness Triumphant (1997) and Cradle of Filth's Dusk and Her Embrace (1996) are notable examples of this subgenre.
Atmospheric Black Metal
Atmospheric black metal emphasizes mood and texture, often incorporating ambient elements and nature-inspired themes. Bands like Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Alcest are known for their expansive, immersive soundscapes. Agalloch's The Mantle (2002) and Wolves in the Throne Room's Two Hunters (2007) are key releases in this style.
Depressive Suicidal Black Metal (DSBM)
DSBM focuses on themes of depression, despair, and self-destruction. This subgenre is characterized by its bleak, introspective lyrics and often minimalist, sorrowful sound. Bands like Xasthur, Shining, and Leviathan are prominent in this scene, with Xasthur's Telepathic with the Deceased (2004) being a notable example.
Post-Black Metal
Post-black metal blends black metal with elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and other genres, creating a more melodic and expansive sound. Bands like Deafheaven, Alcest, and Fen have pushed the boundaries of black metal, incorporating diverse influences and broadening the genre's appeal. Deafheaven's Sunbather (2013) and Alcest's Écailles de Lune (2010) are seminal works in this subgenre.
Black Metal in Popular Culture
Controversy and Influence
Black metal has often been associated with controversy, particularly due to the actions of some of its early practitioners. Church burnings, violent crimes, and extremist ideologies have cast a shadow over the genre, contributing to its infamy. Despite (or perhaps because of) this, black metal has maintained a dedicated fanbase and has significantly influenced other genres of extreme music.
Films and Documentaries
The mystique and controversy surrounding black metal have made it a compelling subject for films and documentaries. The 2018 film Lords of Chaos, based on the book of the same name, dramatizes the early Norwegian black metal scene and the violent events that transpired within it. Documentaries like Until the Light Takes Us (2008) provide an in-depth look at the genre's history and cultural impact.
Fashion and Aesthetics
Black metal's distinct visual style has influenced fashion and aesthetics beyond the music scene. The genre's signature corpse paint, spiked leather outfits, and dark, foreboding imagery have become iconic, often referenced in fashion, art, and popular culture.