The albums that define
symphonic black metal.
Our picks for where to start with symphonic black metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top symphonic black metal artists
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The symphonic black metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Carach Angren
Franckensteina Strataemontanus
A darkly theatrical blend of symphonic elements and relentless black metal intensity unfolds throughout the album.
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Ihsahn
After
A haunting blend of progressive metal and symphonic elements, rich with introspective themes and intricate compositions.
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Ihsahn
The Adversary
A complex fusion of progressive metal and symphonic elements, driven by haunting melodies and intense vocals.
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Agathodaimon
Phoenix
A haunting blend of symphonic arrangements and aggressive black metal that evokes both despair and grandeur.
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Anorexia Nervosa
Exile
A visceral exploration of darkness, blending symphonic elements with relentless black metal fury and unsettling lyrical narratives.
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Anorexia Nervosa
Drudenhaus
A dark and theatrical exploration of decadence, merging symphonic elements with aggressive black metal ferocity.
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Anorexia Nervosa
Redemption Process
A tempest of symphonic melodies and guttural vocals intertwining in a dark, narrative-driven sonic experience.
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Anorexia Nervosa
New Obscurantis Order
An orchestral cacophony of haunting melodies and aggressive rhythms, steeped in gothic narrative themes.
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Agathodaimon
Higher Art of Rebellion
Melodic symphonic black metal intertwines with gothic themes, creating a darkly atmospheric journey.
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Agathodaimon
Chapter III
A haunting blend of symphonic textures and black metal ferocity that intertwines darkness with ethereal melodies.
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Agathodaimon
Blacken the Angel
Ethereal melodies intertwine with aggressive riffs, creating a hauntingly immersive symphonic black metal experience.
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Agathodaimon
Serpent's Embrace
Orchestral arrangements entwine with harsh vocals, creating a darkly atmospheric tapestry of symphonic black metal.
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Anorexia Nervosa
Sodomizing the Archedangel
An explosive blend of symphonic orchestration and raw black metal intensity, drenched in dark themes.
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Enslavement of Beauty
The Perdition EP
Ethereal melodies intertwine with harsh vocals, creating a haunting soundscape that explores despair and beauty.
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Equilibrium
Sagas
Epic melodies intertwine with harsh vocals, creating a vibrant tapestry of folk and symphonic black metal.
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Forest Stream
Tears of Mortal Solitude
Ethereal melodies intertwine with harsh vocals, creating a haunting landscape of symphonic black metal.
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Bal-Sagoth
The Chthonic Chronicles
Epic symphonic arrangements intertwine with dark, atmospheric black metal, creating a grand narrative of cosmic horror.
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Bal-Sagoth
The Power Cosmic
Epic symphonic arrangements intertwine with ferocious black metal intensity, creating a cosmic narrative of grandeur and chaos.
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Bal-Sagoth
Atlantis Ascendant
Epic symphonic black metal intertwines grandiose narratives with intricate melodies and a cinematic atmosphere.
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Bal-Sagoth
Battle Magic
Epic symphonic arrangements collide with aggressive black metal, weaving tales of fantasy and battle.
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Dimmu Borgir
Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia
Orchestral arrangements intertwine with ferocious guitar riffs and guttural vocals, creating a grand yet sinister soundscape.
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Dimmu Borgir
Stormblåst MMV
A tempestuous fusion of orchestral grandeur and relentless black metal ferocity unfolds throughout this album.
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Dimmu Borgir
Inn i evighetens mørke
Epic symphonic arrangements collide with ferocious black metal intensity, creating a hauntingly atmospheric experience.
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Dimmu Borgir
Eonian
Epic orchestration intertwines with ferocious riffs, creating a vast soundscape of melodic black metal.
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