In many ways, Black Metal is the prime definition of Creepy Awesome. The uncanny atmosphere, the blood-curdling shrieks, and their satanic lyrics may not be a good mixture for some people, but for metal listeners it makes up for a kickass listening experience!
- Let's start off with an absolute CLASSIC! Mayhem. Di Msyteriis Dom Sathanas
is considered to be the first true black metal album, as it invented what would eventually become Black Metal's signature sound. The atmosphere is just so eerie and badass! And those vocals should send shivers down anyone's spine. Freezing Moon is a black metal anthem for a reason. - No black metal list would be complete without a mention of Darkthrone.
- Transilvanian Hunger's production may be awful, but it left a blueprint on black metal. It also gives off a cold, wintery vibe that just makes it so much better. True Norwegian black metal at its finest.
- Their second album, A Blaze in the Northern Sky, was put on the National Library of Norway's permanent exhibition due to its significance to Norwegian culture and as a starting point for Norwegian black metal. The album had amazing lo-fi production that would soon be a signature characteristic of the genre.
- Transilvanian Hunger
- Enslaved's first two albums contain some of the greatest progressive black metal ever made. Viklingligr Veldi has lyrics about Norse Mythology and Vikings, much different to the usual Satanic lyrics. They were also a big influence on Viking metal, so we gotta give them credit for that.
- Anything by Immortal, but Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism, Pure Holocaust, At the Heat of Winter are generally considered their best albums. The musicianship on their first album, while not incredibly technical, is full of tension, and one-time drummer Armagedda delivers some great fills throughout.
- Satyricon's first three albums. Dark Medieval Times adds a bit of evilness into the genre, and has folk elements to add to the sinister atmosphere. The Shadowthrone is an amazing listen from start to finish, but the best of the best has to be Nemesis Divina.
- Marduk. To a lot of people, they are the heaviest black metal band, and it's not hard to see why. They pound your ass into oblivion with some of the tastiest, most evil black metal ever made. Their '90s discography is full of flawless albums, but their best are Heaven Shall Burn...When We Are Gathered, Opus Nocturne, Panzer Division and Those of the Unlight.
- Greece is home to some of the most creative black metal music. Hellenic black metal (as it's often called) contains elements of traditional heavy metal and death metal. It's also extremely melodic, so it's perfect if you want to get into the genre. Scarlet Evil Witching Black is a fine example.
- Emperor is one of the biggest names in black metal, despite having only released four albums. All of them are masterpieces in the genre of symphonic black metal; In The Nightside Eclipse is a must-have in any fan's collection.
- Dimmu Borgir is a band you either love or hate. Their attempt to make black metal a mainstream genre gained them some intense hatred over the years, but even the hater can't rip an album like Enthrone Darkness Triumphant or Stormblåst.
- Japan can also do black metal: Sigh play Norwegian-style black metal with a distinctly Japanese twist, as in "Shoujahitsumetsu".
- Windir was a musical and lyrical genius who tragically died in a snowstorm. Most of their albums consist of nothing but Awesome Music, but one particular standout is the album Arntor. The song "Arntor, Ein Warrior" kicks off with a downright powerful guitar riff, until the song changes and you hear that amazing chorus. If someone tells you that all black metal is the exact same thing, show them this album.
- Sargeist's Satanic Black Devotion is already an amazing album, but then "Black Fucking Murder" comes on with its epic chorus, rocketing it to absolutely superb!
- Watain. Erik Danielsson does have a tendency to promote violence and terrorism in his interviews, and it's no secret that they're not the nicest people, but their music still slaps hard. Rabid Death's Curse still manages to maintain that early '90s lo-fi production, despite being released in 2000.
- Svartalheim by Ancient may be cookie cutter black metal with eerie, amazing guitar riffs and vocals that could freeze your blood, but that doesn't mean it doesn't kick ass! The production makes it feel like you're walking through the Norwegian woods covered in snow.
- There is lots of amazing black metal from Sweden. Here you got incredibly underrated bands such as Dissection, Sacramentum, Vinterland, and Dark Funeral. These four albums alone are some of the best black metal albums ever made due to their downright haunting riffs, awesome drumming, and chilling lyrics. Vinterland's "Welcome My Last Chapter" album is actually about suicide.
- If you're an elitist who hates all symphonic black metal "Because it's for pussies", listen to Nachthymnen (From the Twilight Kingdom) by Abigor. It has elements of the original Norwegian Black Metal with lots of orchestral elements as well.
- Moon in the Scorpio by Limbonic Art is a classic in symphonic black metal for a reason. Here, the orchestral elements are extremely suspenseful. It's almost like you're watching a really good horror movie! The riffs and vocals are just the icing on the cake.
- In Times Before the Light by Covenant has this eerie and sinister atmosphere from start to finish; it feels like you're dying in an isolated and quiet cave, far away from society. The use of piano makes the atmosphere, and the riffs are often slow but awesome.
- Inquisition's vocals are really creative and unique for black metal, as they can only be described as a slow and monotonous (slight) subtle death growl. Their music also has a relentless, thrashy nature to it. Into the Infernal Regions of the Ancient Cult is generally considered their best album.
