Introduction
Black metal is one of the most extreme and controversial subgenres of heavy metal. Known for its raw sound, dark themes, and often anti-religious lyrics, black metal has a rich and complex history. From its early days in the 1980s to its modern evolution, the genre has constantly pushed the boundaries of music and culture. In this article, we’ll explore the history and evolution of black metal, from its origins with Venom to the rise of modern bands.
The Origins of Black Metal: The Early 1980s
Venom: The Band That Named the Genre
The term “black metal” was first coined by the British band Venom with their 1982 album Black Metal. While their sound was more rooted in speed metal, their dark imagery and satanic themes laid the groundwork for the genre.
Bathory: The Foundation of True Black Metal
Sweden’s Bathory is often credited as the first true black metal band. Albums like Under the Sign of the Black Mark (1987) introduced the genre’s signature sound: lo-fi production, tremolo-picked guitars, and shrieking vocals. Bathory’s influence can still be heard in black metal today.
The Second Wave: The 1990s
Mayhem and the Norwegian Black Metal Scene
The 1990s saw the rise of the Norwegian black metal scene, with bands like Mayhem leading the charge. Mayhem’s De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (1994) is considered a landmark album, despite the band’s infamous history, including the suicide of vocalist Dead and the murder of guitarist Euronymous by bassist Varg Vikernes.
Burzum: The Sound of Isolation
Varg Vikernes, under the name Burzum, created some of the most influential black metal music of the 1990s. Albums like Filosofem (1996) are known for their minimalist, atmospheric sound and controversial themes.
Darkthrone and the Rise of Raw Black Metal
Darkthrone’s A Blaze in the Northern Sky (1992) helped define the raw, lo-fi sound of second-wave black metal. Their music focused on cold, harsh production and anti-religious lyrics.
Controversies and Infamy
Church Burnings and Criminal Acts
The Norwegian black metal scene was marred by a series of church burnings in the early 1990s, with bands like Burzum and Emperor linked to the crimes. These acts brought the genre international attention, but also criticism.
The Murder of Euronymous
The murder of Mayhem’s Euronymous by Varg Vikernes in 1993 remains one of the most infamous events in black metal history. The incident highlighted the extreme and often violent nature of the scene.
The Expansion of Black Metal: The 2000s
Atmospheric Black Metal
Bands like Drudkh and Wolves in the Throne Room brought a more atmospheric approach to black metal, incorporating elements of folk and nature-inspired themes.
Symphonic Black Metal
Symphonic black metal bands like Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth added orchestral elements to the genre, creating a more polished and grandiose sound.
Modern Black Metal: The 2010s and Beyond
Experimental and Post-Black Metal
Bands like Deafheaven and Alcest have pushed the boundaries of black metal, blending it with shoegaze, post-rock, and other genres. Their music is often more melodic and introspective.
The Resurgence of Raw Black Metal
Bands like Mgła and Batushka have brought back the raw, uncompromising sound of early black metal, while adding their own unique twists.
The Future of Black Metal
Black metal continues to evolve, with new bands and subgenres emerging every year. From the experimental sounds of post-black metal to the resurgence of raw, traditional styles, the future of black metal is as diverse and exciting as ever.
Conclusion
Black metal is a genre that thrives on extremes—extreme sound, extreme themes, and extreme emotions. From its controversial beginnings to its modern evolution, black metal has remained a powerful and influential force in music. Whether you’re drawn to its raw energy or its atmospheric beauty, there’s no denying the impact this genre has had on metal and beyond.
FAQs About Black Metal
Q: What defines black metal?
A: Black metal is characterized by its raw, lo-fi production, tremolo-picked guitars, shrieking vocals, and dark, often anti-religious themes.
Q: Who are the most influential black metal bands?
A: Key bands include Venom, Bathory, Mayhem, Burzum, and Darkthrone.
Q: Is black metal still controversial today?
A: While the genre has evolved, some bands and fans still embrace its controversial roots, though many modern bands focus more on the music than the ideology.
