Essential atmospheric black metal listening

The albums that define atmospheric black metal.

Our picks for where to start with atmospheric black metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top atmospheric black metal artists

Start with one of these.

The atmospheric black metal essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Diadem of 12 Stars

Wolves in the Throne Room

Diadem of 12 Stars

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with ferocious black metal, creating an immersive journey through nature's dark beauty.

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Ashes Against the Grain

Agalloch

Ashes Against the Grain

A haunting blend of atmospheric black metal and dark folk, enveloping listeners in nature's desolation.

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Luna Subortus

Vision Lunar

Luna Subortus

Ethereal soundscapes entwine with crushing riffs, crafting a cosmic journey through existential themes.

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Phase One (2006-2009)

Vision Lunar

Phase One (2006-2009)

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with haunting vocals, crafting a cosmic journey through darkness and light.

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Thrice Woven

Wolves in the Throne Room

Thrice Woven

A sprawling, atmospheric journey that intertwines nature's mystique with raw, primal energy.

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Two Hunters

Wolves in the Throne Room

Two Hunters

A sprawling journey through dark atmospheres and haunting melodies, encapsulating the essence of modern black metal.

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Wolves in the Throne Room

Wolves in the Throne Room

Wolves in the Throne Room

A sprawling sonic landscape where atmospheric textures intertwine with raw black metal ferocity.

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Black Cascade

Wolves in the Throne Room

Black Cascade

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with raw, primal rhythms, evoking nature's tumultuous beauty and dark mystique.

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Live at Roadburn 2008

Wolves in the Throne Room

Live at Roadburn 2008

A sprawling journey through dark atmospheres, transcending the boundaries of black metal with immersive soundscapes.

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Malevolent Grain

Wolves in the Throne Room

Malevolent Grain

A haunting blend of atmospheric textures and relentless black metal ferocity unfolds like a dark, sprawling epic.

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Celestite

Wolves in the Throne Room

Celestite

A sprawling sonic landscape where ethereal ambiance intertwines with the raw intensity of black metal.

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Celestial Lineage

Wolves in the Throne Room

Celestial Lineage

A sprawling journey through ethereal soundscapes, enveloping listeners in a cosmic embrace of atmospheric black metal.

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Agalloch / Nest

Agalloch

Agalloch / Nest

A haunting blend of atmospheric black metal and dark folk, echoing nature's desolation and beauty.

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Mareridt

Myrkur

Mareridt

A haunting blend of atmospheric black metal and ethereal folk that evokes ancient Scandinavian myths.

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M

Myrkur

M

Haunting melodies entwine with fierce black metal blasts, creating an ethereal yet aggressive soundscape.

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Folkesange

Myrkur

Folkesange

A haunting blend of ethereal vocals and traditional Nordic instrumentation envelops listeners in ancient folklore.

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Myrkur

Myrkur

Myrkur

Ethereal melodies intertwine with raw black metal intensity, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape.

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The White

Agalloch

The White

A haunting blend of atmospheric melodies and dark, introspective themes that evoke a sense of existential yearning.

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The Silence of Forgotten Landscapes

Agalloch

The Silence of Forgotten Landscapes

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with haunting melodies, capturing the essence of nature's beauty and decay.

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The Serpent & the Sphere

Agalloch

The Serpent & the Sphere

Ethereal melodies intertwine with sprawling black metal landscapes, evoking cosmic themes and existential contemplation.

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Pale Folklore

Agalloch

Pale Folklore

A haunting blend of atmospheric black metal and dark folk, evoking nature's beauty and melancholy.

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Marrow of the Spirit

Agalloch

Marrow of the Spirit

A haunting blend of atmospheric black metal and dark folk, drenched in melancholic melodies and expansive soundscapes.

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The Mantle

Agalloch

The Mantle

A sprawling journey through atmospheric black metal infused with haunting melodies and folk-inspired textures.

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Tomorrow Will Never Come

Agalloch

Tomorrow Will Never Come

A haunting blend of atmospheric black metal and dark folk that evokes desolation and introspection.

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