Black Metal drop-in centre

I've been listening to Deafheaven and Altar Of Plagues a lot lately.  What are some similar bands I may enjoy?

UMUR wrote: They play a kind of atmospheric Black metal right?

I might not be the right person to answer, as I´ve always had a strained relationship with black metal and it´s only in recent years I´ve come to appreciate select artists in the genre, but I have a good friend, who is big black metal fan and who has played all sorts of artists for me over the years, and even dragged me to a couple of black metal concerts too (I´ve seen Satyricon, Dimmu Borgir and Mayhem twice). So I guess I´m sort of qualified to discuss this subject.

It seems to me that American black metal is usually the more nihilistic kind, e.g. evoking the beliefs and image of Satanic/pagan/neo-nazi black metal without actually believing in those things. I remember reading an interview with Josh Gossard and he talked about how his lyrics would change periodically (I think "kill your family" and "kill the jews" were examples he used) without regard to what they actually meant. Whereas Nordic black metal (these are generalizations, the philosophies certainly crisscross at times) which is often of the truly Satanic/pagan/neo-nazi brand, seems to be a bit more fanatic and socially-unaware than nihilistic. Don't really like the image of either, as communication is an important part of how I appreciate music.

But, of course, as Jonas said, there is definitely plenty of black metal that focuses on other things, and I've found bands of that type that I like. In fact, most of the bands I've found so far that I like, while they may not be true black metal, are usually under the black metal tag here. I also like a lot of the avant-garde black metal, namely Kayo Dot, and would trust Toby Driver to take care of my granddad anytime.

siLLy puPPy wrote: Hey Polymorphia, love your reviews. Great to see another reviewer!

Thanks :3

siLLy puPPy wrote: I hate to say it but i think a lot of black metal is just another niche in the market. I think a whole genre has developed from a shock value that was developed way back when (you know Sabbath, Alice Cooper) They've just upped the shock value. Not a bad thing and i'm not saying that some bands don't actually believe in what they represent in their lyrics but i think some bands simply create imagery that will sell. Since i don't take lyrics too seriously i really don't care as long as i like the music.

I think the "niche in the market" is a good observation. Not only that, but some people simply like the aesthetic and make music to fit that aesthetic (not always because it will sell). I personally don't like the image of those bands, but I can imagine appreciating it like an addictive substance, the same way I appreciate zeuhl.

Just listening to the new Code:

Polymorphia wrote: siLLy puPPy wrote: Hey Polymorphia, love your reviews. Great to see another reviewer! Thanks :3 siLLy puPPy wrote: I hate to say it but i think a lot of black metal is just another niche in the market. I think a whole genre has developed from a shock value that was developed way back when (you know Sabbath, Alice Cooper) They've just upped the shock value. Not a bad thing and i'm not saying that some bands don't actually believe in what they represent in their lyrics but i think some bands simply create imagery that will sell. Since i don't take lyrics too seriously i really don't care as long as i like the music. I think the "niche in the market" is a good observation. Not only that, but some people simply like the aesthetic and make music to fit that aesthetic (not always because it will sell). I personally don't like the image of those bands, but I can imagine appreciating it like an addictive substance, the same way I appreciate zeuhl.

Yeah there's more to it than just selling. It would make a good dissertation for a PHD in college or something! Definately for evoking the darkest and most fearful of emotions like a good horror film. Black metal is the musical equivalent for me

Well, I've said I'd probably totally overlook something I'd love from 2013.  And here it is:

Polymorphia wrote: ^Cool stuff there.  Just listened to Ulver's debut last night (first time listening to them), and quite enjoyed it.

That's one of my favorite albums of all time. Keep listening, it's a grower.

My favorite black metal album of 2014 so far is Woods of Desolation's "As The Stars". Beautiful blackgaze record with a depressing yet hopeful atmosphere. Unless you count the new Behemoth, but I think that's closer to death metal?

New Fen out in November: