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.
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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Dimmu Borgir
Abrahadabra
Epic orchestration and thunderous rhythms meld with dark, atmospheric melodies to create an immersive sonic experience.
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Dimmu Borgir
Enthrone Darkness Triumphant
A sweeping orchestral landscape envelops ferocious black metal fury, creating a cinematic yet haunting atmosphere.
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Ihsahn
AngL
Complex arrangements weave progressive metal with symphonic elements, creating an immersive sonic experience that challenges the listener.
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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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Carach Angren
Franckensteina Strataemontanus
A darkly theatrical blend of symphonic elements and relentless black metal intensity unfolds throughout the album.
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Nokturnal Mortum
Lunar Poetry
A haunting blend of symphonic black metal and folk elements, steeped in pagan themes and atmospheric grandeur.
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Nokturnal Mortum
Twilightfall
A haunting blend of black metal and Ukrainian folk melodies wrapped in symphonic arrangements.
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Dark Fortress
Séance
A haunting blend of symphonic textures and aggressive riffs creates a dark, immersive atmosphere throughout the album.
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Dark Fortress
Profane Genocidal Creations
A relentless barrage of symphonic black metal, merging haunting melodies with aggressive riffs and atmospheric depth.
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Chthonic
Seediq Bale
A relentless blend of death metal and symphonic elements, echoing the struggles of indigenous identity.
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Chthonic
9th Empyrean
A whirlwind of symphonic textures and relentless riffs creates a mythic landscape steeped in Taiwanese folklore.
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Graveworm
Diabolical Figures
A dark and haunting blend of gothic melodies and aggressive black metal textures.
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Graveworm
As the Angels Reach the Beauty
A haunting blend of symphonic melodies and aggressive black metal riffs intertwined with gothic atmospheres.
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Shade Empire
Intoxicate O.S.
Symphonic black metal woven with intricate melodies and crushing heaviness, creating an immersive dark atmosphere.
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Shade Empire
Sinthetic
A thunderous blend of symphonic orchestration and relentless black metal ferocity creates an immersive sonic landscape.
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Darzamat
Semidevilish
A haunting blend of symphonic arrangements and aggressive riffs that evoke a dark, gothic atmosphere.
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Darzamat
Transkarpatia
Dark symphonic layers entwine with aggressive riffs, creating an eerie and atmospheric journey through the macabre.
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Equilibrium
Renegades
Epic orchestral arrangements collide with heavy metal riffs, creating a grand sonic landscape infused with folk elements.
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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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Agathodaimon
Tomb Sculptures
Dark orchestral arrangements intertwine with harsh vocals, creating a haunting and immersive sonic landscape.
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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
Sodomizing the Archedangel
An explosive blend of symphonic orchestration and raw black metal intensity, drenched in dark themes.
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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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