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BorknagarHerein lies a simple and relatively predictable shitfest of a list, composed of my top 75 favorite black metal albums. This was originally going to consist of 100 albums, but I decided that 100 albums was simply too much for such a sad excuse for a list. This is probably my third time to cover this subject matter after about 3 years on last.fm, but I don't care. I have time to kill, and, if you're actually reading this, then so do you.
This list doesn't include a few that I would have otherwise put near the top of the list (namely Enslaved's Below the Lights, Arcturus' The Sham Mirrors, and Agalloch's The Mantle), since I wouldn't consider them to really "be" black metal- you know, since my opinion is COMPLETELY authoritative in that matter 0_o.
RECOMMENDATIONS IST KRIEG!!!!
1. Emperor- Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk
One of the most epic albums ever produced. Simply put, this immaculate creation will crush your soul, given enough time. This album has stayed at #1 in my mind ever since I got into black metal years ago, and it hasn't moved since.
2. Drudkh- Autumn Aurora (Also: Forgotten Legends)
Another incredibly epic album, but of a completely different kind. Whereas most BM albums focus on being as grim, sinister, and ugly as possible, Autumn Aurora is a true diamond in the rough. What it lacks in evil aggression it more than makes up for with truly magnificent songwriting and execution; sublime reverence to the power of nature and the shifting seasons. Forgotten Legends is just as epic, albeit slower and gloomier.
3. Burzum- Hvis lyset tar oss (Also: Filosofem)
No BM list would be complete with mentioning Burzum. Forget the hype, Hvis lyset tar oss is as oppressive and tortured as any album has the right to be. It set the pace for the atmospheric BM scene, and also set the benchmark, which has yet to be surpassed- with the possible exception of Drudkh.
4. Mayhem- De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (Also: Wolf's Lair Abyss EP)
Yet another predictable inclusion... Mayhem are the true masters of black metal. With these two releases, they defined the 2nd wave straight-forward assault- as opposed to Burzum's atmospheric and Emperor's symphonic black metal. Give them some time, and the immense power of their sound should become apparent, as gloriously ridiculous as these albums are.
5. Wolves in the Throne Room- Two Hunters (Also: Diadem of 12 Stars)
Many purists will Wolves as "trendy" band who caters to the weak, as this band doesn't submit to the pseudo-satanic garbage that plagues black metal. Forget these claims, this band is the pinnacle of black metal today. Give Two Hunters several dedicated listens, and you might begin to understand why... or, better yet, just see them perform live. Truly entrancing atmospheric black metal with more spirit and artistic merit than most BM bands could ever dream of possessing.
6. Blut aus Nord- Ultima Thulée
If there's one album whose original cover accurately portrays the album's sound, it's this one. Ultima Thulée encapsulates a frost-bitten world, beaten by the relentless winter, covered in the barren ice, and sculpted by the sheer wind. As one of the first so-called ambient black metal albums, Vindsval got his formula just right with his first try. Some say The Work Which Transforms God is his/their best release- I won't argue that it's the most accomplished/innovative-, but I vastly prefer this one.
7. Bethlehem- Sardonischer Untergang im Zeichen irreligiöser Darbietung
The "suicidal" or depressive black metal scene has become a self-parody in it's short existence, but Bethlehem showed how it's done properly well before the supposed scene even formed. Their first two albums are quite distinguished, but the apply-named S.U.I.Z.I.D. is by far their best work of tortured art. Ridiculous in every sense, it somehow remains one of the most captivating black metal albums I've ever listened to.
8. Ulver- Bergtatt
Ulver have become well known for so many musical innovations that it's truly remarkable, and it all started here- well, unless you count their first demo. Bergtatt is one of the most balanced and accessible black metal albums ever produced, in that it combines beautiful folk aesthetics with well-composed and produced Norwegian BM. The formula doesn't sound all that impressive, but the results are. It's the perfect introduction to the world of Ulver, and is flawlessly polarized with Nattens Madrigal.
9. Weakling- Dead as Dreams
USBM has been plagued by countless generic clones of Burzum and the like, with a few original artists coming through the murk- I Shalt Become and Leviathan come to mind. Weakling only released one album, but that one album- Dead as Dreams- contains as much epic songwriting and emotional vigor than almost any band's discography that I can think of combined. In a sense, they were the Esoteric of black metal. They're music is densely layered, incredibly solid and difficult to listen to in its entirety, but also incredibly rewarding- taking into consideration the stark differences in styles here. If you can get through this album in one listen, more power to you, because you'll be glad you did.
10. Darkthrone- A Blaze in the Northern Sky
If there's any album that's responsible for setting off the 2nd wave of black metal, it's this. But that's not why it sits at #10 on my. It's placed here because it is also one of the best 2nd wave albums ever. It is one of the grittiest albums I've ever heard, but it's so damn good because of it. While their following albums tend to lump on into unfocused territory, but this album is so purposeful- it aims to kick you in the ass and violate your ears in every way possible. Needless to say, it set the benchmark for raw black metal in the 90s.
11. Emperor- In the Nightside Eclipse
Some will probably blast me for putting Anthems above this, but I don't care. In the Nightside Eclipse is still a brilliant album, and in a different way. It uses rather minimal structures with symphonic touches to evoke incredible atmospheres, and this formula is just as effective. I just prefer Anthems, sorry.
12. Bathory- Under the Sign of the Black Mark (Also: Blood Fire Death)
Without a doubt in my mind, Under the Sign is the quintessential first-wave album. It embodies everything that early black metal was- raw, primitive, satanic, and completely unpolished-, since his first three albums defined early black metal- fuck, they CREATED black metal. There isn't much to say about this one, aside from the above, and that it's a drunken storm of mindless hatred and aggression. And it's so fucking good...
13. Dissection- The Somberlain (Also: Storm of the Light's Bane)
As the indisputable kings of melodic black metal, Dissection practically invented the sound with The Somberlain. With a dash of Swedish death metal, as well as considerable Iron Maiden-esque influences, Dissection created a black metal formula that is as beautiful as it is brutal. Many claim Storm of the Light's Bane to be their best, but I see both albums as equals- I just prefer their first one, which is slightly less polished, but equally epic.
14. Windir- Arntor
Speaking of epic... Arntor is the very essence of the word. Taking viking-influenced melodic black metal to the limits of its potential, Windir create an amazing work of art. It features sublime production values- which don't pervert its sound, unlike 1184-, incredible songwriting, and immense atmosphere. What else could you ask for?
15. Satyricon- Dark Medieval Times (Also: Nemesis Divina)
Yes, Satyricon have "sold out" and catered to the mainstream by returning to the rock roots of black metal. So what? While the quality of their post-RE releases are questionable, their first three albums are pure black metal brilliance, with DMT in particular. It is so deliciously raw, oppressive, and epic, and the songwriting from these then-budding musicians is sublime. The Shadowthrone and Nemesis Divina are just as great- the latter being a pure storm of violent black metal, albeit more polished.
16. Lunar Aurora- Andacht (Also: Elixir of Sorrow)
This often overlooked German band has produced some of the finest black metal of the past decade. For proof, look no further than albums like Andacht, Elixir of Sorrow, and Zyklus. With their raw and immersive style, they put a new spin on the term "oppressive". Andacht was their magnum opus, and was far more polished and concise than their previous albums.
17. Drudkh- Blood in Our Wells (Also: Estrangement)
It's difficult following up to some of the greatest works of art in all of metal, but Drudkh somehow found a way to do it. Blood in Our Wells marked a new chapter for Drudkh, after the raw and simplistic The Swan Road, as it features a slowed-down and more intricately produced sound. The results are just as staggering, though I can't help but feel their first two albums are so much more compelling.
18. Darkthrone- Transilvanian Hunger (Also: Under a Funeral Moon)
Of coarse... the notorious Transilvanian Hunger. While A Blaze sparked the flame for the 2nd wave, this album helped spawn countless raw BM projects that practically mimic this album. While it's not as inspired as A Blaze, it's minimalist atmosphere is incredibly effective. Under a Funeral Moon also deserves major props.
19. Walknut- Graveforests and Their Shadows
As one of the most promising BM bands to come out in the past few years, Walknut have blessed us with their truly oppressive- damn I use that word too much...- and melancholic atmospheric BM, in the vein of Drudkh's Forgotten Legends. They are by no means a carbon copy, as their sound retains a sense of originality and spirit that few others can match.
20. Sacramentum- Far Away From the Sun
While Dissection started the melodic BM scene, Sacramentum perfected the sound with this album. If anything, I prefer this to Storm of the Light's Bane, even though it's heavily influenced by it.
21. ColdWorld- Melancholie²
The past few years have been surprisingly good for black metal, and ColdWorld is yet another newcomer to produce some of the best BM I've heard in ages. Melacholie is a surprisingly well-crafted and produced monster, much in the vein of Lunar Aurora's Andacht, but it's polished sound does not demean its atmosphere- it accentuates it. With his sound, ColdWorld paints vivid imagery of the beauty and struggle of the depths of the cold, isolated winter.
22. Ulver- Nattens Madrigal
While Bergatt was a beautiful and accessible BM album- perfect for newcomers-, Nattens Madrigal is its polar opposite. It is one of the rawest and most primitive albums ever produced, and has become notorious for its means of production. Don't let the abysmal production job fool you, for underneath the murk lies incredible songwriting. If anything, this is just as accomplished as Bergtatt.
23. Shining- III - Angst - Självdestruktivitetens Emissarie
This is the only Shining album worth owning. Once again I will use the word oppressive to describe an album, but it's more appropriate here than with any other. This is Shining at their grimmest, most extreme, and self-destructive.
24. In the Woods...- HEart of the Ages
Known for pushing the boundaries within the realms of progressive metal, In the Woods... did exactly that with black metal in this release. At first, it seems boring and pointless, but, given time, it reveals itself to be a masterful release.
25. Deathspell Omega- Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice
Honestly, I had a difficult time understanding all the hype surrounding this band. Then I gave this album a firm listen, and I finally understood. Immaculate songwriting meets massive atmosphere and, for once, intelligent satanic lyrics. Yes, this album deserves all the hype it receives... but still, fuck the "orthodox" black metal scene.
26. Enslaved- Blodhemn (Also: Vikingligr Veldi)
27. Darkspace- Dark Space III (Also: Dark Space II)
28. Summoning- Stronghold
29. Diabolical Masquerade- Nightwork
30. Nagelfar- Virus West
31. Borknagar- Borknagar
32. Burzum- Det som engang var
33. Lurker of Chalice- Lurker of Chalice
34. Immortal- Pure Holocaust (Also: Sons of Northern Darkness, Battles in the North)
35. Nachtmystium- Instinct: Decay
36. Taake- Nattestid ser porten vid...
37. Fen- The Malediction Fields
38. Amesoeurs- Ruines humaines EP
39. Leviathan- Tentacles of Whorror
40. Tormentor- Anno Domini
41. Marduk- Opus Nocturne (Also: Those of the Unlight)
42. Geïst- Kainsmal
43. Krohm- The Haunting Presence
44. I Shalt Become- Wanderings
45. Abigor- Verwüstung / Invoke the Dark Age (Also: Orkblut)
46. Absu- Tara
47. Sear Bliss- Phantoms (Also: Glory and Perdition)
48. Limbonic Art- Moon in the Scorpio
49. Judas Iscariot- To Embrace the Corpses Bleeding (Also: Thy Dying Light, Distant in Solitary Night)
50. Forgotten Tomb- Springtime Depression
51. Velvet Cacoon- Genevieve
52. Vlad Tepes / Belketre- March to the Black Holocaust
53. Silencer- Death- Pierce Me
54. Katharsis- VVorldVVithoutEnd
55. Gorgoroth- Antichrist
56. Xasthur- A Gate Through Bloodstained Mirrors
57. Keep of Kalessin- Through Times of War
58. Darkestrah- Epos
59. Blut aus Nord- The Work Which Transforms God
60. Falkenbach- Magni blandinn ok megintiri
61. Vinterland- Welcome My Last Chapter
62. Behemoth- Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic)
63. Dimmu Borgir- Enthrone Darkness Triumphant
64. Graveland- Thousand Swords
65. Samael- Worship Him
66. Lifelover- Konkurs
67. Rotting Christ- Non Serviam
68. Kriegsmaschine- Altered States of Divinity
69. Sarcófago- INRI
70. Nargaroth- Herbstleyd
71. Aeternus- ...And So the Night Became
72. Fleurety- Min tid skal komme
73. Aura Noir- The Merciless
74. Sad Legend- Sad Legend
75. Master's Hammer- Rituál
This list doesn't include a few that I would have otherwise put near the top of the list (namely Enslaved's Below the Lights, Arcturus' The Sham Mirrors, and Agalloch's The Mantle), since I wouldn't consider them to really "be" black metal- you know, since my opinion is COMPLETELY authoritative in that matter 0_o.
RECOMMENDATIONS IST KRIEG!!!!
1. Emperor- Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk
One of the most epic albums ever produced. Simply put, this immaculate creation will crush your soul, given enough time. This album has stayed at #1 in my mind ever since I got into black metal years ago, and it hasn't moved since.
2. Drudkh- Autumn Aurora (Also: Forgotten Legends)
Another incredibly epic album, but of a completely different kind. Whereas most BM albums focus on being as grim, sinister, and ugly as possible, Autumn Aurora is a true diamond in the rough. What it lacks in evil aggression it more than makes up for with truly magnificent songwriting and execution; sublime reverence to the power of nature and the shifting seasons. Forgotten Legends is just as epic, albeit slower and gloomier.
3. Burzum- Hvis lyset tar oss (Also: Filosofem)
No BM list would be complete with mentioning Burzum. Forget the hype, Hvis lyset tar oss is as oppressive and tortured as any album has the right to be. It set the pace for the atmospheric BM scene, and also set the benchmark, which has yet to be surpassed- with the possible exception of Drudkh.
4. Mayhem- De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (Also: Wolf's Lair Abyss EP)
Yet another predictable inclusion... Mayhem are the true masters of black metal. With these two releases, they defined the 2nd wave straight-forward assault- as opposed to Burzum's atmospheric and Emperor's symphonic black metal. Give them some time, and the immense power of their sound should become apparent, as gloriously ridiculous as these albums are.
5. Wolves in the Throne Room- Two Hunters (Also: Diadem of 12 Stars)
Many purists will Wolves as "trendy" band who caters to the weak, as this band doesn't submit to the pseudo-satanic garbage that plagues black metal. Forget these claims, this band is the pinnacle of black metal today. Give Two Hunters several dedicated listens, and you might begin to understand why... or, better yet, just see them perform live. Truly entrancing atmospheric black metal with more spirit and artistic merit than most BM bands could ever dream of possessing.
6. Blut aus Nord- Ultima Thulée
If there's one album whose original cover accurately portrays the album's sound, it's this one. Ultima Thulée encapsulates a frost-bitten world, beaten by the relentless winter, covered in the barren ice, and sculpted by the sheer wind. As one of the first so-called ambient black metal albums, Vindsval got his formula just right with his first try. Some say The Work Which Transforms God is his/their best release- I won't argue that it's the most accomplished/innovative-, but I vastly prefer this one.
7. Bethlehem- Sardonischer Untergang im Zeichen irreligiöser Darbietung
The "suicidal" or depressive black metal scene has become a self-parody in it's short existence, but Bethlehem showed how it's done properly well before the supposed scene even formed. Their first two albums are quite distinguished, but the apply-named S.U.I.Z.I.D. is by far their best work of tortured art. Ridiculous in every sense, it somehow remains one of the most captivating black metal albums I've ever listened to.
8. Ulver- Bergtatt
Ulver have become well known for so many musical innovations that it's truly remarkable, and it all started here- well, unless you count their first demo. Bergtatt is one of the most balanced and accessible black metal albums ever produced, in that it combines beautiful folk aesthetics with well-composed and produced Norwegian BM. The formula doesn't sound all that impressive, but the results are. It's the perfect introduction to the world of Ulver, and is flawlessly polarized with Nattens Madrigal.
9. Weakling- Dead as Dreams
USBM has been plagued by countless generic clones of Burzum and the like, with a few original artists coming through the murk- I Shalt Become and Leviathan come to mind. Weakling only released one album, but that one album- Dead as Dreams- contains as much epic songwriting and emotional vigor than almost any band's discography that I can think of combined. In a sense, they were the Esoteric of black metal. They're music is densely layered, incredibly solid and difficult to listen to in its entirety, but also incredibly rewarding- taking into consideration the stark differences in styles here. If you can get through this album in one listen, more power to you, because you'll be glad you did.
10. Darkthrone- A Blaze in the Northern Sky
If there's any album that's responsible for setting off the 2nd wave of black metal, it's this. But that's not why it sits at #10 on my. It's placed here because it is also one of the best 2nd wave albums ever. It is one of the grittiest albums I've ever heard, but it's so damn good because of it. While their following albums tend to lump on into unfocused territory, but this album is so purposeful- it aims to kick you in the ass and violate your ears in every way possible. Needless to say, it set the benchmark for raw black metal in the 90s.
11. Emperor- In the Nightside Eclipse
Some will probably blast me for putting Anthems above this, but I don't care. In the Nightside Eclipse is still a brilliant album, and in a different way. It uses rather minimal structures with symphonic touches to evoke incredible atmospheres, and this formula is just as effective. I just prefer Anthems, sorry.
12. Bathory- Under the Sign of the Black Mark (Also: Blood Fire Death)
Without a doubt in my mind, Under the Sign is the quintessential first-wave album. It embodies everything that early black metal was- raw, primitive, satanic, and completely unpolished-, since his first three albums defined early black metal- fuck, they CREATED black metal. There isn't much to say about this one, aside from the above, and that it's a drunken storm of mindless hatred and aggression. And it's so fucking good...
13. Dissection- The Somberlain (Also: Storm of the Light's Bane)
As the indisputable kings of melodic black metal, Dissection practically invented the sound with The Somberlain. With a dash of Swedish death metal, as well as considerable Iron Maiden-esque influences, Dissection created a black metal formula that is as beautiful as it is brutal. Many claim Storm of the Light's Bane to be their best, but I see both albums as equals- I just prefer their first one, which is slightly less polished, but equally epic.
14. Windir- Arntor
Speaking of epic... Arntor is the very essence of the word. Taking viking-influenced melodic black metal to the limits of its potential, Windir create an amazing work of art. It features sublime production values- which don't pervert its sound, unlike 1184-, incredible songwriting, and immense atmosphere. What else could you ask for?
15. Satyricon- Dark Medieval Times (Also: Nemesis Divina)
Yes, Satyricon have "sold out" and catered to the mainstream by returning to the rock roots of black metal. So what? While the quality of their post-RE releases are questionable, their first three albums are pure black metal brilliance, with DMT in particular. It is so deliciously raw, oppressive, and epic, and the songwriting from these then-budding musicians is sublime. The Shadowthrone and Nemesis Divina are just as great- the latter being a pure storm of violent black metal, albeit more polished.
16. Lunar Aurora- Andacht (Also: Elixir of Sorrow)
This often overlooked German band has produced some of the finest black metal of the past decade. For proof, look no further than albums like Andacht, Elixir of Sorrow, and Zyklus. With their raw and immersive style, they put a new spin on the term "oppressive". Andacht was their magnum opus, and was far more polished and concise than their previous albums.
17. Drudkh- Blood in Our Wells (Also: Estrangement)
It's difficult following up to some of the greatest works of art in all of metal, but Drudkh somehow found a way to do it. Blood in Our Wells marked a new chapter for Drudkh, after the raw and simplistic The Swan Road, as it features a slowed-down and more intricately produced sound. The results are just as staggering, though I can't help but feel their first two albums are so much more compelling.
18. Darkthrone- Transilvanian Hunger (Also: Under a Funeral Moon)
Of coarse... the notorious Transilvanian Hunger. While A Blaze sparked the flame for the 2nd wave, this album helped spawn countless raw BM projects that practically mimic this album. While it's not as inspired as A Blaze, it's minimalist atmosphere is incredibly effective. Under a Funeral Moon also deserves major props.
19. Walknut- Graveforests and Their Shadows
As one of the most promising BM bands to come out in the past few years, Walknut have blessed us with their truly oppressive- damn I use that word too much...- and melancholic atmospheric BM, in the vein of Drudkh's Forgotten Legends. They are by no means a carbon copy, as their sound retains a sense of originality and spirit that few others can match.
20. Sacramentum- Far Away From the Sun
While Dissection started the melodic BM scene, Sacramentum perfected the sound with this album. If anything, I prefer this to Storm of the Light's Bane, even though it's heavily influenced by it.
21. ColdWorld- Melancholie²
The past few years have been surprisingly good for black metal, and ColdWorld is yet another newcomer to produce some of the best BM I've heard in ages. Melacholie is a surprisingly well-crafted and produced monster, much in the vein of Lunar Aurora's Andacht, but it's polished sound does not demean its atmosphere- it accentuates it. With his sound, ColdWorld paints vivid imagery of the beauty and struggle of the depths of the cold, isolated winter.
22. Ulver- Nattens Madrigal
While Bergatt was a beautiful and accessible BM album- perfect for newcomers-, Nattens Madrigal is its polar opposite. It is one of the rawest and most primitive albums ever produced, and has become notorious for its means of production. Don't let the abysmal production job fool you, for underneath the murk lies incredible songwriting. If anything, this is just as accomplished as Bergtatt.
23. Shining- III - Angst - Självdestruktivitetens Emissarie
This is the only Shining album worth owning. Once again I will use the word oppressive to describe an album, but it's more appropriate here than with any other. This is Shining at their grimmest, most extreme, and self-destructive.
24. In the Woods...- HEart of the Ages
Known for pushing the boundaries within the realms of progressive metal, In the Woods... did exactly that with black metal in this release. At first, it seems boring and pointless, but, given time, it reveals itself to be a masterful release.
25. Deathspell Omega- Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice
Honestly, I had a difficult time understanding all the hype surrounding this band. Then I gave this album a firm listen, and I finally understood. Immaculate songwriting meets massive atmosphere and, for once, intelligent satanic lyrics. Yes, this album deserves all the hype it receives... but still, fuck the "orthodox" black metal scene.
26. Enslaved- Blodhemn (Also: Vikingligr Veldi)
27. Darkspace- Dark Space III (Also: Dark Space II)
28. Summoning- Stronghold
29. Diabolical Masquerade- Nightwork
30. Nagelfar- Virus West
31. Borknagar- Borknagar
32. Burzum- Det som engang var
33. Lurker of Chalice- Lurker of Chalice
34. Immortal- Pure Holocaust (Also: Sons of Northern Darkness, Battles in the North)
35. Nachtmystium- Instinct: Decay
36. Taake- Nattestid ser porten vid...
37. Fen- The Malediction Fields
38. Amesoeurs- Ruines humaines EP
39. Leviathan- Tentacles of Whorror
40. Tormentor- Anno Domini
41. Marduk- Opus Nocturne (Also: Those of the Unlight)
42. Geïst- Kainsmal
43. Krohm- The Haunting Presence
44. I Shalt Become- Wanderings
45. Abigor- Verwüstung / Invoke the Dark Age (Also: Orkblut)
46. Absu- Tara
47. Sear Bliss- Phantoms (Also: Glory and Perdition)
48. Limbonic Art- Moon in the Scorpio
49. Judas Iscariot- To Embrace the Corpses Bleeding (Also: Thy Dying Light, Distant in Solitary Night)
50. Forgotten Tomb- Springtime Depression
51. Velvet Cacoon- Genevieve
52. Vlad Tepes / Belketre- March to the Black Holocaust
53. Silencer- Death- Pierce Me
54. Katharsis- VVorldVVithoutEnd
55. Gorgoroth- Antichrist
56. Xasthur- A Gate Through Bloodstained Mirrors
57. Keep of Kalessin- Through Times of War
58. Darkestrah- Epos
59. Blut aus Nord- The Work Which Transforms God
60. Falkenbach- Magni blandinn ok megintiri
61. Vinterland- Welcome My Last Chapter
62. Behemoth- Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic)
63. Dimmu Borgir- Enthrone Darkness Triumphant
64. Graveland- Thousand Swords
65. Samael- Worship Him
66. Lifelover- Konkurs
67. Rotting Christ- Non Serviam
68. Kriegsmaschine- Altered States of Divinity
69. Sarcófago- INRI
70. Nargaroth- Herbstleyd
71. Aeternus- ...And So the Night Became
72. Fleurety- Min tid skal komme
73. Aura Noir- The Merciless
74. Sad Legend- Sad Legend
75. Master's Hammer- Rituál
