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
Start with one of these.
The symphonic black metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Dimmu Borgir
Abrahadabra
Orchestral arrangements intertwine with aggressive riffs, creating an epic soundscape that is both grand and intensely atmospheric.
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Dimmu Borgir
Enthrone Darkness Triumphant
Orchestral elements entwine with ferocious riffs, creating a darkly theatrical soundscape that captivates and overwhelms the senses.
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Carach Angren
Franckensteina Strataemontanus
A sinister blend of orchestral arrangements and ferocious black metal that conjures vivid narratives of horror and the macabre.
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Ihsahn
AngL
A complex tapestry of progressive metal and haunting melodies interwoven with dark, introspective themes.
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Ihsahn
The Adversary
A haunting blend of progressive metal and symphonic elements, intertwining darkness with melodic complexity and emotional depth.
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Graveworm
Diabolical Figures
A tempest of symphonic melodies and gothic atmospheres envelops the listener in a dark, immersive soundscape.
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Graveworm
As the Angels Reach the Beauty
Ethereal melodies intertwine with harsh vocals, creating a haunting atmosphere that embodies the darkness of gothic and symphonic metal.
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Nokturnal Mortum
Lunar Poetry
A haunting blend of symphonic black metal and folk elements, steeped in pagan themes and rich atmospheric textures.
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Nokturnal Mortum
Twilightfall
Dark, atmospheric textures intertwine with haunting melodies, creating an immersive journey through themes of nature and existential dread.
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Dominia
Divine Revolution
A haunting blend of symphonic elements and dark metal ferocity, exploring themes of existential despair and divine questioning.
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Dark Fortress
Séance
A darkly atmospheric journey through haunting melodies and fierce instrumentation, blending symphonic elements with relentless black metal aggression.
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Dark Fortress
Profane Genocidal Creations
Symphonic black metal intertwines with haunting melodies and relentless rhythms, creating a dark and immersive auditory experience.
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Chthonic
Seediq Bale
A relentless fusion of death metal and symphonic elements, weaving intricate melodies with aggressive instrumentation to evoke a powerful narrative.
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Chthonic
9th Empyrean
A dark odyssey blending symphonic elements with relentless death metal, steeped in Taiwanese mythology and haunting atmospheres.
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Shade Empire
Intoxicate O.S.
An intense fusion of symphonic elements and aggressive black metal, weaving dark narratives into a rich sonic tapestry.
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Shade Empire
Sinthetic
A ferocious blend of symphonic elements and aggressive black metal, creating a hauntingly immersive auditory experience.
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Darzamat
Semidevilish
Atmospheric layers of symphonic arrangements intertwine with aggressive guitar riffs and haunting vocals, creating a dark, immersive experience.
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Darzamat
Transkarpatia
A dark and atmospheric blend of symphonic elements with aggressive black metal intensity, evoking a haunting, otherworldly experience.
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Equilibrium
Renegades
Epic orchestral arrangements merge with aggressive folk metal instrumentation, creating a powerful and immersive sonic experience.
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Equilibrium
Sagas
A sprawling epic where symphonic melodies intertwine with folk elements and aggressive metal instrumentation, creating a mythical sonic landscape.
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Agathodaimon
Phoenix
Ethereal melodies intertwine with aggressive riffs, creating a haunting yet majestic soundscape characteristic of symphonic black metal.
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Agathodaimon
Higher Art of Rebellion
Symphonic black metal intricately weaves orchestral arrangements with haunting vocals, creating a darkly atmospheric soundscape.
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Anorexia Nervosa
Sodomizing the Archedangel
A chaotic fusion of symphonic orchestration and raw black metal intensity envelops listeners in a dark and unsettling atmosphere.
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Anorexia Nervosa
Exile
A dark, atmospheric fusion of symphonic elements and intense black metal that immerses listeners in a haunting auditory experience.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where symphonic black metal landed in each era.