Discover the Top Albums from 11 Iconic Black Metal Bands That Define the Genre!
If you consider yourself a true aficionado of black metal, you’re likely familiar with the sleepless nights spent pondering questions like, “What is the absolute best Watain album?” With an extensive catalog filled with high-quality releases, making a decision can feel like an uphill battle! We aim to provide clarity and highlight some of the most renowned powerhouses in the black metal scene, but let’s not forget the remarkable entity from Trondheim that demands recognition. As noted by Scream Magazine‘s Roy Kristensen Bakland, Mare’s sole full-length album, Ebony Tower (2018), deserves a spot among these legendary titles. Established in 2003, Mare has garnered a legendary status within underground circles, and author Finn Håkon Rødland forecasts that this band will be immortalized in the annals of music history.
Before we unveil our curated list, it’s essential to recognize the incredible contributions of the esteemed producer Eirik “Pytten” Hundvin, who stands out as a key figure in this genre, having been behind the scenes of four of our selected albums and countless other defining moments within the black metal movement. Pytten has played an instrumental role in helping classic bands achieve a unique blend of brutal intensity and rawness, while also infusing their sound with an air of sophistication and expansive atmospheres, often recorded at the iconic Grieghallen.
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In an insightful discussion with Sound On Sound, Pytten elaborated: “Grieghallen was and still is the home of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra… What a fortunate coincidence! What could be more appealing than exploring the Bergen Philharmonic’s basement percussion collection — including timpani, massive bass drums, and gongs of varying sizes? It serves as the ultimate creative sanctuary for black metal enthusiasts…” Indeed, several of the masterpieces featured in our list rival the works of celebrated composer Edvard Grieg!
Explore the Best Albums from 11 Legendary Black Metal Bands
Delve into the discography of black metal’s most legendary bands and discover the standout album by each.
Gallery Credit: Jillian Drachman
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