The albums that define
black metal.
Our picks for where to start with black metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top black metal artists
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The black metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Ulver
Vargnatt
A haunting fusion of black metal intensity and ethereal soundscapes that immerses listeners in a dark, mystical atmosphere.
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Ulver
Flowers of Evil
A haunting blend of dark synths and atmospheric soundscapes, evoking a sense of nostalgia and existential dread.
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Enslaved
Eld
A sprawling journey through black metal's darkest realms, merging ferocious riffs with progressive soundscapes and Norse mythology.
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Enslaved
Ruun
Ruun highlights the balance between black metal aggression and progressive elements, making it a great introduction to Enslaved's diverse sound. Its tracks are crafted to engage both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
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Rotting Christ
A Dead Poem
Mysterious atmospheres intertwine with haunting melodies, creating a dark soundscape that embodies the essence of gothic and black metal.
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Rotting Christ
The Heretics
A haunting blend of black metal and gothic elements, steeped in dark themes and evocative melodies.
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Mayhem
Deathcrush
An abrasive collision of raw production, primal energy, and chilling atmospheres that defines the early black metal sound.
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Mayhem
Grand Declaration of War
A chilling blend of avant-garde structures and chaotic soundscapes that redefine black metal's boundaries.
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Marduk
Fuck Me Jesus
A raw, aggressive explosion of chaotic riffs and blasphemous themes that define early Swedish black metal.
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Marduk
Obedience
Raw, relentless black metal fury intertwines with chilling melodies and dark atmospheric layers, creating a haunting auditory experience.
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Darkthrone
Plaguewielder
A raw, unrefined blend of black metal's haunting melodies and relentless aggression that embodies the genre's core ethos.
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Darkthrone
Old Star
A raw blend of black metal ferocity and classic rock grooves, invoking a timeless atmosphere of darkness and mystique.
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Immortal
At the Heart of Winter
Majestic black metal intertwines with haunting melodies and relentless riffs, creating an immersive atmosphere of winter's desolation.
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Immortal
Battles in the North
Frostbitten riffs and relentless drumming create an icy atmosphere that embodies the essence of Norwegian black metal.
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Satyricon
The Shadowthrone
Dark, atmospheric black metal interwoven with haunting melodies and relentless rhythms that evoke a sense of ancient mystique.
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Satyricon
Megiddo – Mother North in the Dawn of a New Age
A fusion of atmospheric black metal and industrial influences, creating a haunting soundscape of darkness and intensity.
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Nachtmystium
Eulogy IV
A cacophony of raw aggression fused with atmospheric melodies that evoke a haunting sense of despair and introspection.
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Nachtmystium
Assassins: Black Meddle, Part I
This album effectively combines raw energy with intricate soundscapes, making it accessible for newcomers while still satisfying longtime fans. Its diverse sonic palette invites listeners to experience the depth and range of Nachtmystium's artistry.
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Melechesh
The Epigenesis
A fusion of intricate melodies and traditional Middle Eastern elements layered over relentless black metal aggression.
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Melechesh
Mystics of the Pillar II
A fusion of intricate rhythms and dark melodies that intertwine ancient mysticism with modern black metal intensity.
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Abigor
Verwüstung – Invoke the Dark Age
A chaotic blend of atmospheric black metal and avant-garde experimentation, drenched in darkness and philosophical introspection.
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Abigor
Channeling the Quintessence of Satan
Dense layers of atmospheric black metal intertwine with avant-garde experimentation, creating a hauntingly immersive sonic experience.
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Emperor
As the Shadows Rise
A tempestuous blend of chaotic riffs and haunting melodies that encapsulates the essence of early Norwegian black metal.
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Emperor
Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise
A haunting blend of symphonic elements and aggressive black metal, weaving intricate melodies through atmospheric soundscapes.
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By decade
Where black metal landed in each era.