101 Forgotten & Unknown Black Metal Records
I had planned on doing my black metal list right after the death metal one last year, but I totally forgot to do it. Every album on this list has less than 15 votes and each one I consider to be at least a 3.5+ - no fluff, no filler, just great LPs and EPs that for whatever reason not many people have heard. Let's go to death metal school Sputnik. Disclaimer: I broke the 15 rating rule a few times here, but for good reason. |
| 1 |  | Aaskereia
Zwischen den Welten...
To this day this is one of my favorite black metal records, even if it is only an EP. Some of the coolest howled vocals ever with raw tremolo picked riffs abound, and killer folky acoustic interspersed among the chaos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5iOg1QF2A8 |
| 2 |  | The Black
The Priest of Satan
This should in every right be a "classic" of the genre, required listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XirpA22qsxo |
| 3 |  | Wind of the Black Mountains
Sing Thou Unholy Servants
I had to add this one to the database - it's some of the most evil, primal, simplistic stuff I've ever heard. The sheer lunacy and almost comic darkness of Limbonic Art meets Bathory worship - it's fantastic. Also, this record has one of my favorite album covers ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laaX-l8rgm4 |
| 4 |  | Art Inferno
Abyssvs Abyssvm Invocat
Fast, raw, melodic/symphonic stuff with some shrieked vocals ala Cradle of Filth. Another one I added to the database here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyhpKa7qIsQ |
| 5 |  | Nastrond
Toteslaut
One of the finest Swedish black metal gems that ever flew under the radar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgl8YrT7OXU |
| 6 |  | Valkyrja
The Antagonist's Fire
One of the more modern entries on this list, this band sounds like the fully realized potential that Keep of Kalessin had after Armada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO08DuO0au4 |
| 7 |  | The Darksend
Antichrist in Excelsis
Verging on finely done melo-death, this record is highly melodic and riff-centric. I think I added this to the database a while back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GyGZUz0B7o |
| 8 |  | Abyssos
Fhinsthanian Nightbreed
Killer Swedish riffs, a bit thrashy once in a while, vampire themes, 100% cool. One of my favorites on this list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oI5n4ctH9w |
| 9 |  | Gehenna
Adimiron Black
A sorely overlooked gem in a black metal mainstays discography.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FsG9TO4SMM |
| 10 |  | Ancient Wisdom
...And the Physical Shape of Light Bled
Everything about this album is amazing, thematic, sprawling passage spill into one another artfully to create a forgotten masterpiece of an album that needs to be heard. One of my top 10 black metal records ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgkwiSEaMx4&list=PLD9JOTG0hIQ66-iQxgkElDAOWGzKUNt3x |
| 11 |  | Ungod
Circle of the Seven Infernal Pacts
Pure, evil, primitive "tr00" stuff from the early 90's featuring one of the best black metal logos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg_xJ8nXVjg |
| 12 |  | Godkiller
The Rebirth of the Middle Ages
An excellent EP that has all of the rawness of "Natten..." fans crave with great shriek-y vocals and some quirky medieval gimmicks that actually work well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFA4E-eiXZs |
| 13 |  | Ragnarok
Arising Realm
This one breaks the 15 vote count rule as it currently sits at 19, but this is some mean, under-apprecaited black metal with thrashy undertones. They also JUST put out a record that is also very worth your time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsh7EuLXxFQ&list=PL1D803B44C1DF6457 |
| 14 |  | Aevangelist
Omen Ex Simulacra
This is like if Portal and Blut Aus Nord (around the TWWTG era) had a demonic bastard offspring. I can't believe this didn't get more hype a few years back when it dropped. The most wretched, vile, suffocating album of 2013, no contest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsbxPR-DNQE |
| 15 |  | Vesperian Sorrow
Regenesis Creation
One of the best symphonic black metal albums ever, this one slipped through the collective cracks of the internet somehow, such a shame.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVUTSAKEab4 |
| 16 |  | Ygg
Ygg
I know, I know, this one has more than 15 votes too - but it's very worth your attention. They do Drudkh better than Drudkh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqteWLO54Es |
| 17 |  | Candle Serenade
Nosferatu's Passion
Gothic black metal with Katatonia-like guitar work (and some flutes thrown in?). Admittedly not the best record on this list, but it's cool and different.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCGVd98NqDs |
| 18 |  | Bishop Of Hexen
The Nightmarish Compositions
The best Dimmu Borgir album that Dimmu Borgir didn't make.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unF2nn2U-cA |
| 19 |  | Serpent Noir
Erotomysticism
Oranssi Pazuzu has nothing on these weird, dark, psychedelic dudes. One of the coolest black metal releases of 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmQVWa1nhVQ |
| 20 |  | Profanum
Profanum Aeternum Eminence Of Satanic Imperial Art
Seriously, how does this not have more ratings, this is one of the coolest black metal records ever, top 10 material people. Limbonic Art on steroids.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex2B_zQUOhQ |
| 21 |  | Mystifier
The World Is So Good That Who Made It Doesn't Live
I've been posting about these guys for like 2 years now, this is one of the coolest black metal bands that never got their fair shake. One of the best bands to ever come out of one of my favorite labels, Osmose Productions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg2Gpfm1Jaw&list=PLuQkiItop6_qDHrSokG8nxSHkBs3vFflj |
| 22 |  | Shrine Of Insanabilis
Disciples Of The Void
This thing RIPS, reminiscent of Nightbringer, Evangelist, Portal, etc. from recent years. One of Germany's most promising current acts and the most under-appreciated black metal record of last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVdDGWYiQUk |
| 23 |  | Ur Draugr
With Hunger Undying
One of the coolest current black metal bands no one is paying much attention around here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPOYODT-rP0&list=PL3lU2wULakGuB7IQCIXwrWwHO4fxE013z |
| 24 |  | Malvery
Mortal Entrenchment in Requiem
One of the most tortured, unsettling black metal I've ever heard, apparently the vocalist killed himself shortly after recording this if I remember correctly?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY5XPdxoIAI |
| 25 |  | Opera IX
Sacro Culto
Female fronted black metal that really rules. Seriously, she's a killer vocalist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ybsi7gubf8 |
| 26 |  | Le Grand Guignol
The Great Maddening
This album has far more votes than I allowed for this list, but it just sprang to mind and it's too far below the radar still to not mention. Easily a favorite in the avant-garde realm of black metal for me giving even Arcturus and Solefald a run for their money.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY5XPdxoIAI |
| 27 |  | Ondskapt
Dödens Evangelium
Mayhem-ish stuff that is criminally underrated. One of my favorites from the mid 2000's era.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJxpKB8E_Ro |
| 28 |  | Tortorum
Katabasis
Better than the ratings reflect here - though the roundoff is true to an extent in that it's not very unique at all, this is some really well done, albeit paint-by-numbers black metal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7E-3U2BFeE |
| 29 |  | Noctes
Pandemonic Requiem
I feel like I've added this band onto a bunch of lists, but it's because it's that good, and it's STILL underrated - big time. One of symphonic black metal's best 5 ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50maAKQS-WQ |
| 30 |  | Velvet Cacoon
Northsuite
Great ambient black metal, and although the previous album is probably the best in their discography, this is also worth listening to. A bit Burzum like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBnCQjxwG1w |
| 31 |  | Inferno
Omniabsence Filled By His Greatness
Easily in top 5 black metal records of 2013, this is a huge sounding album with a blistering drum performance, killer leads, and harrowing vocals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA2O0xsEybE |
| 32 |  | Havohej
Dethrone the Son of God
Crude, offensive, nasty black metal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOQtzHlR6q8 |
| 33 |  | Shylmagoghnar
Emergence
One of the best 10 black metal records of this decade - this thing is melodic as hell, beautiful song-writing, long coherent passages, and top-notch musicianship that takes a lot from melodic death metal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMGo-9tKb90 |
| 34 |  | Nefandus
The Nightwinds Carried Our Names
Cacophonous, bombastic black metal from Sweden. This one shredsssss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtLXFWdJbWc |
| 35 |  | Infernal War
Redesekration
One of the most furious, fast, and frenetic black metal albums I've ever heard. The speed on display here would make most thrash bands hang their heads in shame and saying "we're not worthy" at their feet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMMoChxOto4 |
| 36 |  | Throne of Ahaz
Nifelheim
Old-school, mid-90's "pagan" black metal. It rules, so does the follow up album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q54RZxNTFDQ&list=PLv1KaMMaec6xydvlcp9WtjCQVtXQkcPkc |
| 37 |  | Haemoth
Kontamination
The most pummeling, pulverizing French wall of sound I know of, this record would make even Portal blush with its suffocating intensity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngH2r0SzVvQ |
| 38 |  | Funeris Nocturnum
From The Aspect Of Darkly Illuminated
Technical, melodic, slightly symphonic, riff crazy stuff I just added to the database.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HlgPR_vwn0 |
| 39 |  | Ophthalamia
A Journey in Darkness
Slow paced, mid 90's doom-laced black metal that has a partial psychedelic element to it, and somewhat of an early Katatonia vibe too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFyeB2iWK6w |
| 40 |  | Endstille
Endstilles Reich
Unrelenting, ferocious stuff from a band who is a super consistent, their whole discography is worth a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyqafGTfTqc |
| 41 |  | Drottnar
Welterwerk
Experimental black metal that plays with some quirky, semi-technical, atonal sounds which works really well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnuRo970h2U&list=PLm_W36TaEcwSdbS7T_w36psf7l_GClzjg |
| 42 |  | Nazxul
Totem
Weird, semi-industrial, electronic infused black metal that was WAY ahead of its time, weird stuff worth checking out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed7Ow49VDDU |
| 43 |  | Khors
Night Falls Onto the Fronts of Ours
A favorite of mine from last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNJzVyofGD4 |
| 44 |  | Drawn
A New World?
Shout out to whoever showed me this on Sputnik, because it's really damn good. Super cool avant-garde black metal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRh8JM8qwPU&list=PLCC13DE05BA6917E7 |
| 45 |  | Sorhin
I Det Glimrande Mörkrets Djup
Pretty standard fare black metal, but definitely above average in execution.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEquM78HAow |
| 46 |  | Setherial
Nord
Breaking the 15 vote rule again, but this is too good to not share. This thing is easily a near 5, I can't believe it's not a serious classic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EOJt7un5Oc |
| 47 |  | Deviser
Unspeakable Cults
Probably one of Greece's best "early" black metal bands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFphRpaF-Og |
| 48 |  | Deinonychus
The Silence of December
Debut album from a really rad blackened doom/goth band who flew totally under the radar for their entire career somehow. Super cool logo too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTT7ErPDy7c |
| 49 |  | Octinomos
On the Demiurge
Lo-fi, raw, fast-paced stuff. Nothing unique, but really well done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8Qe34_2ZFk |
| 50 |  | Thus Defiled
Wings of the Nightstorm
Another group I had to add here, one of the UK's finer black metal bands of the 90's. They improved on every facet of their debut record with this sophomore album. I remember actually buying this CD at Vintage Vinyl in NJ for like $2 about 10 years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqvIA14Qcw |
| 51 |  | Dark Fortress
Profane Genocidal Creations
A favorite from the melo-black realm for me, really love this song in particular off of this album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DDa2GxfAn0 |
| 52 |  | Mortuus
Grape of the Vine
One of 2014's finer black metal moments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkaPdQQsw6A |
| 53 |  | Frozen Shadows
Dans les Bras des Immortels
Blazing, ultra fast black metal from Canada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71f8p2JfF9A |
| 54 |  | Thy Darkened Shade
Liber Lvcifer I: Khem Sedjet
Greece's best black metal band going at the moment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6pqbDMKBt4 |
| 55 |  | Akphaezya
Anthology II:Links From the Dead Trinity
Killer avant-garde stuff that has too many votes, but who cares.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqZOSPaOXqM |
| 56 |  | Cry Of Silence
Walking Through Eternal Tragedy
Raw, pagan, emotive black metal stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHjTM21-fq8 |
| 57 |  | Dystopia Na!
Dweller on the Threshold
More weird avant-garde black metal that is really good - this would even to appeal to people who don't listen to black metal, super cool record, one of my top 20 albums period from last year - heavy Blood Inside/Perdition City Ulver vibes here too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUbDQ3jS7jI |
| 58 |  | Dark Forest
Land of the Evening Star
Great folky black metal from just a few years back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9slEyYkj1Xo |
| 59 |  | Themgoroth
Highway into the Unknown
Another one I added here - the intro feels like you're watching a Scarface knock-off, but this is a solid album through and through with some keys and female vocals sprinkled around.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFHoofrWeyA |
| 60 |  | Manes
Under Ein Blodraud Maane
More than 15 votes again, whatever, this is the record that properly kicked off the career of one of the coolest, most innovative bands in black metal to this day. Heavy Arcturus vibes here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdFFIqJoTHw |
| 61 |  | Sabaoth
Sabaoth
Marred by an absolutely piss=poor drumming performances and mediocre production, this experimental group never made it past being sub-par as a whole. Worth a cursory listen though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKqjutLIdtM |
| 62 |  | Mork Gryning
Tusen Ar Har Gatt
Dissection fans rejoice, this is for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvZ_cdyGCUQ |
| 63 |  | Lux Occulta
The Mother and the Enemy
One of the weirdest albums I've ever listened, this thing is a non-stop freakshow of ugly experimentation. Also, it's a side project from members of Decapitated, so it shreds when it feels like it. This song is the best representation of what you can expect here, it's madness in the best ways possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvbr5DtIxSs |
| 64 |  | Obtained Enslavement
Soulblight
No clue how this has less than 15 votes, I always considered it a melodic/symphonic black metal classic. I actually prefer it justttt slightly over Witchcraft, the preceding album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oaEXwa9stk&list=PL5CFEA3A248C5C190 |
| 65 |  | Secrets of the Moon
Antithesis
Easily the band's finest hour, and at the time one of the most promising bands on the scene in 2008 my opinion. Their more recent efforts were alright, but they don't hold up as well next to Antithesis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0Wq9U7_RsQ&index=2&list=PL5680EC22418CB402 |
| 66 |  | Profanatica
Profanatitas de Domonatia
I had to save something especially evil for number 66 here - and this more than fits the bill. These guys are a modern day Behest, seething with ominous, putrid, darkness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yLMVrX1EcM |
| 67 |  | Thy Catafalque
Microcosmos
These guys are pretty well known and well liked on Sputnik (as they should be) but their early albums have gone seemingly overlooked somehow which are also pretty damn good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW7BZSjKH24 |
| 68 |  | Fleurety
Min Tid Skal Komme
Over the rating threshold by a bit, but this is a fascinating black metal/jazz hybrid that nothing else has ever sounded like, it's tremendously cool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_YNGyY4r_A |
| 69 |  | Carpe Tenebrum
Majestic Nothingness
Awesome side project band from members of early Dimmu Borgir albums, really worth a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8wFF4VXlg4 |
| 70 |  | Sirius
Aeons Of Magick
Another all time great of the symphonic black metal world - should be right up there with the very best if you're into this style.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O63V0hdq3n0 |
| 71 |  | Moonblood
Blut & Krieg
Black n' roll to rock out to. It kind of sucks, but that's why it kind of rules.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_rF6MjCDgw |
| 72 |  | Merrimack
Of Entropy and Life Denial
Was I not listening to the same album as the rest of you? Because this thing is great. I remember getting this when Virgin Records closed in Boston in 2006 for pretty much free, it's still awesome a decade later.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiAefenFAO4 |
| 73 |  | Crimson Moon (USA)
To Embrace the Vampyric Blood
Originally checked this out for the rad logo and album art, it ended up being really good obscure stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a7xZ2nW3Lg |
| 74 |  | Thaw
Thaw
Another really interesting current group - these guys play a form of black metal that has a bit of a drone/doom influence. Their follow up ruled too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gPcMzb-T5w |
| 75 |  | Moonlyght
Progressive Darkness
This album is so cinematic in its approach to tell a story, the lyrics are a bit corny, but the delivery and song-writing are so damn good that it just doesn't matter. This is folky/progressive/experimental black metal you shouldn't miss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx42eqBtJz4 |
| 76 |  | Vehementer Nos
Vehementer Nos
Killer french black metal I got in a package almost 10 years ago now when I used to do reviews for a metal webzine. I still really enjoy this little lost gem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDyiIz30-Gw |
| 77 |  | The Abyss
The Other Side
This looks like it should be a Hypocrisy album from the album art (and also maybe perhaps because they share 3 members), but it's actually just really rad melodic black metal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyHWI23t3mc |
| 78 |  | Outre
Ghost Chants
Another one of last years best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hTigSqnB-o |
| 79 |  | Abruptum
Vi Sonus Veris Nigrae Malitiaes
An hour long, single track - a spiraling downward trip into utter blackened, ambient noise madness. Otherworldly, challenging, and unsettling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjKfmx5pLRA |
| 80 |  | Forgotten Woods
The Curse Of Mankind
Often compared to or mentioned in the same breath as Burzum, I've always preferred these guys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlfZH-TBXzI |
| 81 |  | Graveland
Following The Voice Of Blood
NSBM sucks and all, but damn if this record isn't killer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTcp9V08dTA |
| 82 |  | Riger
Der Wanderer
Roaring, symphonic black metal from the late 90's that doesn't sound corny at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsF5O3Uo4HM&list=PLs3ynXEKUwDZTPg-AOlH3YoSH6Q4v8hxE |
| 83 |  | Virus (NO)
The Black Flux
Another one with many more votes than it should have for this list, but it's some of the best and strangest material I've heard in the last 10 years. All of their records are worth a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVXfaxjEJwU |
| 84 |  | Midgard
Mystic Journey Through the Ages
Another one I had to add here (can I start getting paid for this yet?) - Vicious late 90's lost gem with folky touches here and there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8PwxzFrNTE |
| 85 |  | Obsidian Gate
Colossal Christhunt
Not as good as their classic debut record, but still really worth a listen. This one only loses marks because the symphonic elements are really overbearing sometimes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjE0kv-Lcfg&index=3&list=PL4AF92B05AC594167 |
| 86 |  | V 28
SoulSaviour
I'm not much of an industrial black metal guy, but this is a pretty awesome album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d4U7kzxFmU |
| 87 |  | Heol Telwen
An Deiz Ruz
Really rad folky black metal from France.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nWvyFMNY1k |
| 88 |  | Anti
The Insignificance of Life
One of my favorite depressive black metal albums.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwwzLp0UCck |
| 89 |  | Beatrik
Journey Trough The End Of Life
Harsh, depressive, cold and raw, just like black metal is meant to be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPnztKqCUsY |
| 90 |  | Temnozor
Folkstorm of the Azure Nights
One of only two NSBM bands on this list, because I hate that shit (ideologically speaking), but god damn this is good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTcp9V08dTA |
| 91 |  | Lord Foul
Killing, Raping, Burning
The only demo tape I'm including here because it's one of the filthiest, most grimy black metal taps ever recorded filled with a bunch of great soundbites.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQavtLVAnjk |
| 92 |  | Temple Of Baal
Mysterium
The best blackened death metal record of 2015, sorely overlooked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98UrQzETmTM |
| 93 |  | Antaeus
De Principii Evangelikum
Dark, hellish, fast paced, evil stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhOQEameD_4 |
| 94 |  | Asgaard
EyeMDX-tasy
Very eccentric avant-garde black metal - these guys have always done some weird stuff, but this was the pinnacle of their creativity in my opinion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPfTxFKpVp0 |
| 95 |  | Negative Plane
Et In Saecula Saeculorum
Great mid-2000's black metal that pulls from all of the best material of 90's while making something new and interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcPSdyWhwPw |
| 96 |  | ...and Oceans
The Dynamic Gallery of Thoughts
Cool progressive/experimental/symphonic black metal record, I preferred their follow up to this though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NE41-m5QUM |
| 97 |  | Parnassus
In Dolorian Gloria
A one man Swedish wrecking crew of a symphonic black metal band. Really cool stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5UgMqO5oOg |
| 98 |  | Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult
Hora Nocturna
And the award for most ridiculous black metal band name goes to...these guys. Anyway, their records still rule, and this one is my favorite.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZgOTVEdy5I |
| 99 |  | Ajattara
Itse
Doom laden black metal that has a slow but punishing pace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdX2p_mT0dk |
| 100 |  | Blaze of Perdition
The Hierophant
One of the best modern black metal bands, yet they get very little love here for some reason.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ4iaJeY3PI |
| 101 |  | Nargaroth
Herbstleyd
Finishing this off with one that again has more ratings than it should to qualify for this list, but I'm tired and I need to be done with it, and this rules so whatever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csAJE_Qc9qk |
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