10 Black Metal Bands Worth Discovering
If your black metal shelf already holds the classics and you’re itching for something beyond the familiar beats, this list is for you. These 10 bands bring their own sound, mood, and raw intensity that still burns underground. They prove that the genre is still evolving in bold new ways.
Occult Blood
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Occult Blood, hailing from Eugene, Oregon, has a gritty mix of black metal and punk. Their 2023 EP, The Room in the Ground, is fast and furious. The band’s unpolished approach gives their sound a raw intensity that pulls you in from the first track.
Hulder
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Hulder started as a solo project and has grown into a band with a unique take on black metal. Their music focuses on creating a mood by moving slowly with steady rhythms and vocals.
Αχέροντας (Acherontas)
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Acherontas, based in Athens, brings a more spiritual side to black metal, with a heavy focus on ritual and occult themes. Their sound draws you in with hypnotic rhythms and a steady pace. Each track feels like a journey.
Belenos
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For over two decades, Belenos has been blending black metal with the folklore of Brittany. Their music carries the weight of ancient stories, with aggressive rhythms giving way to haunting melodies. The band’s use of both stormy and melodic passages makes their music as much about atmosphere as it is about power.
Cultes des Ghoules
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If you like your black metal with ritualistic darkness, Cultes des Ghoules has you covered. Their tracks unfold slowly, with heavy, repetitive riffs that build tension.
Alghazanth
Credit: The Metal Archives
Though they’ve been active since 1998, Alghazanth became known for their unique approach to black metal, which they called “majestic black metal.” Their music was always evolving, shifting between clear melodies and intense, emotional depth. They split in 2018, but their carefully crafted sound left a lasting impact on the genre.
Horn
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Horn, a pagan black metal band, began as a solo project in North Rhine-Westphalia and features strong, deliberate riffs and vocals that drive their songs forward. Their music is rooted in the natural world.
Dark Fortress
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Over the years, Dark Fortress has shifted from aggressive black metal to a more atmospheric and melodic sound. Their music has a balance between aggression and introspection.
Odal
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With Odal, it’s all about raw, primal energy. Their music is fierce but never flashy, with lyrics that connect to old symbols. The band’s dedication to the roots of black metal makes their sound feel grounded and authentic.
Gratzug
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Gratzug was all about restraint. Their atmospheric approach to black metal used silence as much as sound. Rather than overwhelming the listener, their music is subtle and uses layers of sound to build tension and craft a haunting atmosphere that stays with you long after the track ends.