Black metal recommendations?

[BreakfastMan]

I love black metal. It has slowly, but surely, become one of my favorite musical genres. But I have run out of albums to listen to, and I need my black metal fix! Recommend me some albums please! And no NSBM stuff, like Graveland or Absurd. Also, please avoid the obvious, "big" bands like Immortal, Burzum, Emperor, Cradle of Filth, Bathory, or Mayhem. You can assume I have already listened to them. I like all the sub-genres and permutations, so feel free to let the blackened-folk and post-black fly if you so desire. XD

 

[BathorysGraveland2]

Listen to Infernal War. It's quite possibly the most neck-snapping black metal I've heard. Somewhat similar to mid-period Marduk, but more intense I think. Their second record, Redesekration: The Gospel of Hatred and Apotheosis of Genocide is an absolute masterpiece.

 

[BreakfastMan]

Listen to Infernal War. It's quite possibly the most neck-snapping black metal I've heard. Somewhat similar to mid-period Marduk, but more intense I think. Their second record, Redesekration: The Gospel of Hatred and Apotheosis of Genocide is an absolute masterpiece.

Hmm, I am quite fond of Panzer Division Marduk, so I will probably check that one out...

 

[BathorysGraveland2]

Also, if you're interested in pagan black metal at all, Häive from Finland is very, very good. Also, a slightly more obvious band perhaps, but Melechesh is awesome as well. Black/thrash at heart, but blends in eastern flavour very naturally.

 

[BreakfastMan]

Also, if you're interested in pagan black metal at all, Häive from Finland is very, very good. Also, a slightly more obvious band perhaps, but Melechesh is awesome as well. Black/thrash at heart, but blends in eastern flavour very naturally.

Not a huge pagan black guy [footnote]I do like the genre (Blood In Our Wells is among my favorite black metal albums), I just don't find myself listening to it much.[/footnote], but I will check it Haive out nonetheless.

Also, have already listened to Melecesh. They are pretty good (though I prefer Orphaned Land for my eastern-folk tinged metal, tbh). Sphynx is a damn great (though slightly repetitive at times) album.

 

[BathorysGraveland2]

Not a huge pagan black guy [footnote]I do like the genre (Blood In Our Wells is among my favorite black metal albums), I just don't find myself listening to it much.[/footnote], but I will check it Haive out nonetheless.

Also, have already listened to Melecesh. They are pretty good (though I prefer Orphaned Land for my eastern-folk tinged metal, tbh). Sphynx is a damn great (though slightly repetitive at times) album.

Ah, I see. Can't say I'm a fan of Orphaned Land at all, to be honest. Just sounds like one massive clash of styles that end up in a mess. Melechesh, to me, combine the metal elements and the cultural elements together naturally and make it sound very organic, which I appreciate.

I'd also recommend Werewolf from Poland. In particular, their second album Order of Vril. It's got a very powerful sound, good riffing with atmospheric choir-like synths. Works really damn well.

 

[BreakfastMan]

Not a huge pagan black guy [footnote]I do like the genre (Blood In Our Wells is among my favorite black metal albums), I just don't find myself listening to it much.[/footnote], but I will check it Haive out nonetheless.

Also, have already listened to Melecesh. They are pretty good (though I prefer Orphaned Land for my eastern-folk tinged metal, tbh). Sphynx is a damn great (though slightly repetitive at times) album.

Ah, I see. Can't say I'm a fan of Orphaned Land at all, to be honest. Just sounds like one massive clash of styles that end up in a mess. Melechesh, to me, combine the metal elements and the cultural elements together naturally and make it sound very organic, which I appreciate.

I'd also recommend Werewolf from Poland. In particular, their second album Order of Vril. It's got a very powerful sound, good riffing with atmospheric choir-like synths. Works really damn well.

As far as Orphaned Land goes... I like that sort-of progressive, avant-garde sound. I don't mind bands that stick to one style, but I also like it when bands get experimental.

Anyway, I will check Werewolf out. Good riffing and atmospheric synths are always a good time in my book. XD

Also, listening to Haive right now. Damn good work, really liking this.

 

[BathorysGraveland2]

You know, I reckon you should give Graveland a chance. There hasn't been any NS association with the band since the mid-late 90's, and even then, it was more because of the other two members than Rob Darken himself, who was always more about the pagan aspect. Since around 1998-onward, Graveland has purely consisted of pagan black metal with all the NS elements dropped (when it returned as a one-man band).

If you do decide to listen to some of it, I'd recommend Dawn of Iron Blades. Since you like Häive, it may very well appeal to you. It's probably the most polished and accessible album in his extensive discography, and has a very solid production.

 

[Istaroth]

Cult of Fire and Mgla are mind blowing.

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulY1FwLxI8o

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aFGuKwF2ic

Enjoy.

Edit: Posted the same link twice. Should be ok now.

 

[Jazoni89]

How about some Blackgaze (Black Metal Shoegaze), Deafheaven's Sunbather was one of the biggest, and most acclaimed Metal releases of last year. Even if you don't like the vocals, there's a lot to like about the swirly MBV-like guitar noise.

Spoiler

 

[BathorysGraveland2]

How about some Blackgaze (Black Metal Shoegaze), Deafheaven's Sunbather was one of the biggest, and most acclaimed Metal releases of last year. Even if you don't like the vocals, there's a lot to like about the swirly MBV-like guitar noise.

No. BreakfastMan. No, no! Heed my words. Don't listen to that... that abomination of a guitar tone. It presents great risks to your ears and sanity!!!

In all seriousness though, you could be playing the most badass, energetic riffs ever conceived and they'd still sound lifeless and monotone-as-fuck with that kind of guitar tone.

 

[Jazoni89]

How about some Blackgaze (Black Metal Shoegaze), Deafheaven's Sunbather was one of the biggest, and most acclaimed Metal releases of last year. Even if you don't like the vocals, there's a lot to like about the swirly MBV-like guitar noise.

No. BreakfastMan. No, no! Heed my words. Don't listen to that... that abomination of a guitar tone. It presents great risks to your ears and sanity!!!

In all seriousness though, you could be playing the most badass, energetic riffs ever conceived and they'd still sound lifeless and monotone-as-fuck with that kind of guitar tone.

Well, he did say anything goes right?

It's definitely different to the traditional style of Black Metal, and if you are a purist, I can see why it could sound pretty Monotone, considering Black Metal is very riff heavy. I'm personally not a fan of Black Metal (more of a Doom and Stoner Metal fan myself), but I cannot pass up some truly experimental Metal, that mixes genre's in a interesting, and intruging way.

Though Post Metal/Shoegaze (and even stuff like Drone), is pretty monotone in nature, so perhaps it isn't for you maybe? Shoegaze definitely has it's place in metal though, especially when you have awesome bands like Jesu, and The Angelic Process.

I hope BreakfastMan listens to it with a open mind though...

 

[BathorysGraveland2]

Well, he did say anything goes right?

It's definitely different to the traditional style of Black Metal, and if you are a purist, I can see why it could sound pretty Monotone, considering Black Metal is very riff heavy. I'm personally not a fan of Black Metal (more of a Doom and Stoner Metal fan myself), but I cannot pass up some truly experimental Metal, that mixes genre's in a interesting, and intruging way.

Though Post Metal/Shoegaze (and even stuff like Drone), is pretty monotone in nature, so perhaps it isn't for you maybe?

I hope BreakfastMan listens to it with a open mind though...

My post was mostly an exaggeration of my actual opinions. A play on what ignorant people regard as the stereotypical "metal elitist", if you will.

I indeed like my metal riffy. In fact, I'd say that elements can come and go and vary between different metal genres, but one thing has to be retained, one crucial element: the riff. If it hasn't got good riffs, then I can't get into it, no matter what other interesting things it may be doing.

Stuff like Liturgy and the band in your post may have some interesting stuff going on, but I just cannot get past the lifeless tone of the guitar mixed with the massive emphasis on tremolo.

 

[Jazoni89]

Well, he did say anything goes right?

It's definitely different to the traditional style of Black Metal, and if you are a purist, I can see why it could sound pretty Monotone, considering Black Metal is very riff heavy. I'm personally not a fan of Black Metal (more of a Doom and Stoner Metal fan myself), but I cannot pass up some truly experimental Metal, that mixes genre's in a interesting, and intruging way.

Though Post Metal/Shoegaze (and even stuff like Drone), is pretty monotone in nature, so perhaps it isn't for you maybe?

I hope BreakfastMan listens to it with a open mind though...

My post was mostly an exaggeration of my actual opinions. A play on what ignorant people regard as the stereotypical "metal elitist", if you will.

I indeed like my metal riffy. In fact, I'd say that elements can come and go and vary between different metal genres, but one thing has to be retained, one crucial element: the riff. If it hasn't got good riffs, then I can't get into it, no matter what other interesting things it may be doing.

Stuff like Liturgy and the band in your post may have some interesting stuff going on, but I just cannot get past the lifeless tone of the guitar mixed with the massive emphasis on tremolo.

Riffs are great and all (that's why I'm a Doom fan), but I also really enjoy the "wall of sound" style, as it's probably one of my favourite guitar sounds.

Bands like Jesu do a great job mixing the two together though, I much prefer that kind of stuff to Deafheaven, though that stuff cannot be classed as Black Metal really.

 

[Multi-Hobbyist]

How about some Blackgaze (Black Metal Shoegaze), Deafheaven's Sunbather was one of the biggest, and most acclaimed Metal releases of last year. Even if you don't like the vocals, there's a lot to like about the swirly MBV-like guitar noise.

Spoiler

Gotta say, I scoffed at such a thing even existing. I hate typical shoegaze stuff, never could understand the hippity hipster love of it. So imagine my surprise that BMShoegaze was even a thing. But, it was surprisingly alright. Not something that I WOULD recommend until it got better, but alright. Nice find.


Now, as for my list - I'll just make it short long and sweet.

Spoiler: Arthemesia

The action kicks in at about 3:33 or so. For those impatient enough to wait for it.

Spoiler: more Arthemesia

Spoiler: Behemoth (yeah yeah, big name, but idgaf it wasn't in his list)

Spoiler: more Behemoth

Spoiler: Watain (these guys lyrics have got to be the corniest I've ever heard. Next to early and late Immortal)

Spoiler: more Watain

Spoiler: Dragonlord (the Super Group of BM)

Spoiler: more Dragonlord

Spoiler: Dark Funeral (if you dont know them, you dont know ALL the big names)

Spoiler: more DF

Spoiler: Dimmu Borgir

This whole album is just great stuff.

Spoiler: more DB

Spoiler: Cthonic (back in their early 2000's to mid 2000's, they reminded me of a Taiwanese Cradle)

Spoiler: more Cthonic

Spoiler: Lugubrum (BM with jazz breakdowns)

Spoiler: more Jazz

Spoiler: Anorexia Nervosa

Spoiler: more AN

Spoiler: Arsaidh (time for some Atmo BM)

Spoiler: Stormlord (and now I'm done)

Spoiler: last of spoilers

 

[Jazoni89]

How about some Blackgaze (Black Metal Shoegaze), Deafheaven's Sunbather was one of the biggest, and most acclaimed Metal releases of last year. Even if you don't like the vocals, there's a lot to like about the swirly MBV-like guitar noise.

Spoiler

Gotta say, I scoffed at such a thing even existing. I hate typical shoegaze stuff, never could understand the hippity hipster love of it. So imagine my surprise that BMShoegaze was even a thing. But, it was surprisingly alright. Not something that I WOULD recommend until it got better, but alright. Nice find.


Now, as for my list - I'll just make it short long and sweet.

Spoiler: Arthemesia

The action kicks in at about 3:33 or so. For those impatient enough to wait for it.

Spoiler: more Arthemesia

Spoiler: Behemoth (yeah yeah, big name, but idgaf it wasn't in his list)

Spoiler: more Behemoth

Spoiler: Watain (these guys lyrics have got to be the corniest I've ever heard. Next to early and late Immortal)

Spoiler: more Watain

Spoiler: Dragonlord (the Super Group of BM)

Spoiler: more Dragonlord

Spoiler: Dark Funeral (if you dont know them, you dont know ALL the big names)

Spoiler: more DF

Spoiler: Dimmu Borgir

This whole album is just great stuff.

Spoiler: more DB

Spoiler: Cthonic (back in their early 2000's to mid 2000's, they reminded me of a Taiwanese Cradle)

Spoiler: more Cthonic

Spoiler: Lugubrum (BM with jazz breakdowns)

Spoiler: more Jazz

Spoiler: Anorexia Nervosa

Spoiler: more AN

Spoiler: Arsaidh (time for some Atmo BM)

Spoiler: Stormlord (and now I'm done)

Spoiler: last of spoilers

I never thought of Shoegaze as hipster, more like unappreciated, at least the original British scene was (1990-1994) which was very influential on bands such as Radiohead, and The Smashing Pumpkins. Though I really dislike many Shoegaze revival bands that are "me too" pretentious dreamy indie bands, with a bit of noise thrown in for good measure like No Joy, or Yuck.

Plus if I was a hipster, I would be listening to arcade fire, or neutral milk hotel and shit other people think is all so good, but so underground and not played on the radio. I got into the genre all on my own (and not because it's obscure and shit), and I love it even though 99 per cent of people don't know what the hell I'm talking about, but I've been getting people into it.

It feels like I'm going off into a bit of a rant about Hipsters (and by god I hate them...), but I'm Glad you liked it anyway...there's actually quite a lot of bands like it, check out Alcest, and Les Distrets, you will really like those, they are much darker also. Maybe it can also remove your misconceptions on Shoegaze rock as a whole too.

 

[BreakfastMan]

Ok ************, sit back and put on your seatbelt because shits about to get real.

Spoiler: Have fun, I hope theres some stuff in here you like :^) :D xDDDDD

(Despite liking death metal, this is the only Behemoth album I really really like and listen to on a regular basis. Its one of their early ones, more black and folkish than death really.)

Recommending Darkthrone and Behemoth? What kind of black metal scrub do you take me for? XD Also, I already knew about Ruins of Beverast and Old Man's Child, really enjoy both. Though I have never got around to Bethlehem or Archgoat, so I will check those out...

 

[BreakfastMan]

How about some Blackgaze (Black Metal Shoegaze), Deafheaven's Sunbather was one of the biggest, and most acclaimed Metal releases of last year. Even if you don't like the vocals, there's a lot to like about the swirly MBV-like guitar noise.

Spoiler

My favorite black metal album is Weakling's Dead As Dreams, so of course I have already listened to Sunbather a billion times. I have never been much of a "true kvlt" kind of guy, so I tend to like all sorts of permutations of the genre, from Agalloch to Xasthur. XD

 

[Sunrider]

Since you said "Don't recommend the giants like Emperor" and so on, I feel like you probably already know about this (hell, it doesn't even qualify as what you asked for, exactly), but I must mention it anyway. Have you listened to Ihsahn's post-Emperor solo stuff? It's fantastic, in my opinion. If you haven't, give it a shot.