Emeritus
Reviews 161 Approval 95%
Soundoffs 782 News Articles 72 Band Edits + Tags 334 Album Edits 1,121
Album Ratings 3408 Objectivity 68%
Last Active 10-04-22 3:24 pm Joined 10-13-09
Review Comments 30,304
| TheSpirit's Black Metal 100 Pt.1
An ongoing series of lists that feature my favorite black metal albums of all time. Expect to see artists from every BM subgenre; expect to see "mainstream" artists next to their more underground peers; expect to see some artists making multiple entries. Consider all of these albums as recommendations and records that you need to hear. | 1 | | Arts Vault of Heaven
Vault of Heaven sounds like Darkthrone stumbling home after a long night of drinking; a project of hardcore legend Mark McCoy, it's no surprise his attempt at black metal would come with a distinct punk swagger. This style has been done to death (Bone Awl, Grinning Death's Head, etc..) but there is something very distinct about Arts take on the subject. It's raw, filthy, and sloppy, but it's also meticulously constructed. It has all the head-stomping groove that makes blackened punk so fun - it even still has the element of excitement like it was written on a whim out of a night of drunken debauchery and bullet belt bravado - but it doesn't confine itself to the tropes that see most other black/punk bands coming within striking distance of each other. It's more than just three chords, d-beat drumming, and screeching vocals. Vault of Heaven is one of a kind, and if you haven't heard it, you haven't heard the best blackened punk has to offer. | 2 | | Forest Mysticism Demo Collection (2006-2011)
The side-project of Woods of Desolation's enigmatic D. Forest Mysticism is an audiophile's worst nightmare and a black metal fan's wet(test) dream. It's atmospheric black metal that sounds like it has been run through a washing machine; melodies bled together, vocals faded into the background, and water-logged drums. Most of their work is almost completely indecipherable, but that's what makes it so great. As all of these things coalesce together, you're left with surprisingly epic, and euphoric black metal. It's hypnotic in the best sense of the word, creating an immense soundscape that you can't help but lose yourself in. In fact that's one of its best features; it's so expansive that repeated listens have you exploring a new path every time, discovering more and more to love about the album. You'll never feel so good about being this lost ever again. | 3 | | Luciation Infernalistic Flames of Luciftias
Opting to take their black and white band photos wearing ski-masks and standing in crude poses, you just know that this Danish trio are out to create some of the nosiest black metal racket out there. And on Infernalistic Flames of Lucifitias, they succeed; it's tinny, cold, and accentuates the inherent punkiness of black metal, without ever really sounding punk. It's loud, uncomfortable, and buried underneath a fuckton of white noise, everything pure black metal should be. Also, the song titles are just awesome: "Stuffing A Nun's Cunt with Maggots" and "Black Morbid Darkness of Evil"? Does black metal get any better than that? | 4 | | Addaura Addaura
If Addaura was edible, you would find them in Whole Foods. Borne out of the Cascadian black metal movement of the late 2000's, their WIITR-inspired music, is very organic. Nature inspired riffs twist, turn, and build off themselves, like new limbs branching off a tree. It's very melodic, and super hypnotic; the subtly shifting guitars pull you in, and the repetitive, ritualistic drums lull you into a state of meditation. Stylistically all the songs are pretty similar, but they each have their own quirk; in "White Deer" it's gentle acoustics and sublime female chants, while "Bereavement" brings everything to a halt with a crushing doom segment. Overall, this is the perfect kind of black metal to lay your head down, close your eyes, and just listen to. | 5 | | Axis of Light By the Hands of the Consuming Fire
Axis of Light prove that being punk-y black metal, and off-the-charts epic black metal are not mutually exclusive things. They are both; at times they will remind you of Bone Awl's d-beat simplicity then in an instant widen their sonic palette to include black metal's penchant for sweeping and atmospheric textures. The best part of this demo is definitely the vocals though. They are just demented, deranged, and just downright disturbing. This is best kind of raw black metal right here. | 6 | | Dimmu Borgir Enthrone Darkness Triumphant
First off, if you don't think a band like Dimmu Borgir deserves to here, go fuck yourself. For as terrible as they are now, once upon a time these guys were fucking great. Enthrone Darkness Triumphant is the undeniable proof of that. It's beautiful, it's morbid, it's everything you would want out of this kind of black metal. The symphonic elements work in the foreground, but they never distract from the black metal tempest, or act as a diversion for weak songwriting; because there isn't any. Enthrone Darkness Triumphant is the album that gained Dimmu their worldwide audience and though that popularity made them lose sense of themselves, here, it was their lack of ego that helped craft one of the best symphonic black metal albums ever recorded. | 7 | | Saor Aura
When I hear something is going to be folk black metal, I can't help but think of the overdone and overwrought European flavored style that most bands haphazardly throw together. What I tend to forget is that the "folk" element is really relative to where the band is coming from. Hailing from Scotland, Saor's Aura is a folk/black metal album that brings something new, exciting, and breathtaking to the table. It's not just that fact that their folk influences stem from a land often unexplored in black metal -it still could have been terrible- but also that Saor are great songwriters. The metal instrumentation blends so well with the atmospheric elements, and you really do feel like you're wandering the beautiful green plains of Scotland, wind blowing up your kilt and all. It has a very Summoning Tolkien-esque metal quality to it, and if that doesn't entice you to check it out, well, you're dumb. | 8 | | Summoning Stronghold
And speaking of Summoning, Stronghold is the band's fourth full-length album and my personal favorite. It doesn't deviate at all from their previous releases and that's fine; this Austrian duo is fucking fantastic at what they do. Despite sticking to a very simple template (rich atmospherics, minimal black metal arrangements and programed percussion) each track has it's own distinctive feel. The melodies they create are beyond epic. Much like world of Tolkien in which they aim to emulate, listening to them evokes a sense of wonder that no other band is able to create, or even come close too really. | 9 | | Odz Manouk Odz Manouk
The flagship group for the now defunct label Rhinocervs and the solo project of ex-Ashdautas vocalist, Yagian, Odz Manouk is one of the most interesting black metal groups I've ever come across. Like a lot of the bands that have spawned from the BTC, Odz Manouk's brand of black metal won't remind you of Norway's frozen fjords, but a pit of unending darkness. The music is just slightly left of center; dissonant, off-kilter riffs broken up by moments of intense, unnerving melody. It's the aural representation of standing at the edge of that endless chasm. It just radiates evil, fear, and everything that would be your worst nightmare, but at the same time it's alluring to the point where you feel compelled to jump right in. That's why I love it so much, and that's why you need to listen to it. | 10 | | Drowning The Light/Acherontas Drowning the Light / Acherontas
Acherontas is Greek black metal band that once went by the name of Stutthof and Drowning the Light is an Australian atmospheric black metal project with over 50 releases under its belt. This split between them was released in 2010 and it represents a high-point in both of their discographies. Though I don't generally like to use this term (because it seems pretty redundant) Acherontas is best described as orthodox black metal. They summon evil melodies through ritualistic instrumentation and though it's abrasive, it's also very melodic and very memorable. Drowning The Light has been known to be inconsistent, but his track here, "Without Regret…" is amazing and the slightly better of the two song. It's more straightforward style-wise, but when the keyboards kick in during the second half, the dichotomy of trebly guitar and airy atmospherics coalesce to create something that is almost grandiose beyond words. Overall, this is a short but amazing split. | |
TheSpirit
09.10.15 | I wanted to do four segments of 25 initially, but I found my writing really suffers if I try to sit down for that long and write about that many different bands and sounds. So I'm keep it simple and just doing ten lists of ten. Hopefully you find something you haven't heard before, or something that intrigues you. | emester
09.10.15 | omg so hyped for dis
Only haven't heard 2 and 10 | Flugmorph
09.10.15 | Good idea. Looking forward to check some of your favs | Flugmorph
09.10.15 | Im on board since you mentioned summoning | TheSpirit
09.10.15 | Thanks dudes :]
Snox, I feel like you will enjoy more on my other entries. Most of what's going to be here is either raw or punk-y, I just didn't want to make the lists to monotonous, so I'm trying to split up the styles on them a bit. Have you listened to Luciation though? I feel like you would dig them a lot. | Gameofmetal
09.10.15 | sic list | TheSpirit
09.10.15 | Thanks bruv | ScuroFantasma
09.10.15 | Excellent idea, I've been keen to delve deeper into BM and lists of ten are perfect sizes for checking stuff out. | Flugmorph
09.10.15 | ^Same situation i am in | Relinquished
09.10.15 | 10, sweet | MoosechriS
09.10.15 | Awesome list dude, need to check a couple of these | TheSpirit
09.10.15 | Thanks bros m/ let me know what you think of what you listen to | Hawks
09.10.15 | I gotta hear 3 and 9 so hard. This is an awesome idea for a list Brandon my man. m/ | HellPriest
09.10.15 | Ill check out 4 and 7. Thanks | zaruyache
09.10.15 | i'll check some of these out later even tho its 2 kreg 4 me. Really need to listen to Summoning even though I've not really enjoyed any bands in their style. | TheSpirit
09.10.15 | That's because every band of summoning'a style that's not summoning is bad. Also check 10! You should enjoy it. | Hawks
09.10.15 | You never jammed Summoning bro? They're amazing. Get on Stronghold and Dol Guldur hard. m/ | Flugmorph
09.10.15 | Im still waiting for someone who doesnt like summoning. They're universally acclaimed it seems | zaruyache
09.10.15 | i like blasts and riffs not slow tempos and cheesy keys usually so I've mostly stayed away from Summoning. New Mesarthim is really good tho so it makes me wanna check Summoning. I think they're on my todo playlist so I'll get to them eventually :3 | TheSpirit
09.10.15 | No matter what kind of black metal you're into, it's statistically proven that everyone loves Summoning | titanslayer
09.11.15 | "Im still waiting for someone who doesnt like summoning."
I've only heard one album by them but I wasn't a huge fan. It wasn't bad but the snyths were over blown and kinda annoying | Anthracks
09.11.15 | Never got into black metal probably because it's usually slow. | Sevengill
09.11.15 | I'm going to fvcking love this series
thank | yuneek
09.11.15 | "Summoning - Stronghold: It doesn't deviate at all from their previous releases"
Why do they allow retarded people to make lists? | ZippaThaRippa
09.11.15 | Same reason they allow fuckwits like you to make comments. Fairness. Equality. | TheSpirit
09.11.15 | how do you catch a yuneek animal
YUNEEK UP ON IT | porcupinetheater
09.11.15 | Yuneek what the fuck is your endgame? There's three possibilities here: implying that sounding similar from release to release shouldn't be brought up (it totally should, because is a band's sound is consistent across releases and someone's heard stuff, it's fucking worth mentioning), implying that sounding the same from release to release inherently makes something bad (it fucking doesn't. Good songwriting is good songwriting, especially when an album is specifically mentioned as the best example of the style), or that Summoning is bad (fuck you, Summoning rules). | Keyblade
09.11.15 | aw snap i missed this, can't wait for the next parts. 8 is so damn good. one of the most unique bm albums tbh
and lol @ people saying the synths are overbearing or w/e. that's kind of the point! my man zaru tho, how have u heard like 30,000 bm bands but not summoning? wtf dude | TheSpirit
09.11.15 | Thanks dude :]
I agree completely on the synth part. It's the focus of their music. It's supposed to be in the forefront of everything. | MO
09.11.15 | fuckin' spirit m/ | TheSpirit
09.11.15 | Hey brother m/ how's it going man? | yuneek
09.11.15 | @porcupine My point was it doesn't sound like their previous releases | BigHans
09.11.15 | Needs a lot moar Crue dude | titanslayer
09.12.15 | "It's the focus of their music. It's supposed to be in the forefront of everything. "
That's fine if you like the snyths but if you don't it's not. But hey, opinions man | Keyblade
09.12.15 | omg those synths, so cheesy. brb listening to The Planet That Once Used to Absorb Flesh in Order to Achieve Divinity and Immortality (Suffocated to the Flesh That It Desired...) | Flugmorph
09.12.15 | ok now i know some peeps who dont like summoning. no biggy, just going into that corner back there
by | TheSpirit
09.13.15 | "That's fine if you like the snyths but if you don't it's not. But hey, opinions man"
I agree to an extent. Personally, I don't really see their synths as synths considering where they stand in the band's music. I know that doesn't make much sense, but the considering the role they play in Summoning's music, it helps me (someone who doesn't necessarily LOVE keyboards in their black metal), really enjoy what they do. | 17WordHaiku
09.14.15 | pt 2 when??? | TheSpirit
09.15.15 | Soon! Within the next week most likely :] | ResidentNihilist
09.17.15 | Bar the circlejerk in the comments good list dude you always do seem to find the best stuff hidden away (that Ghost album being the best example), will check these out when I have the time. | Itwasthatwas
09.18.15 | Excellent list - the forest mysticism demos are exceptional. | TheSpirit
09.20.15 | Thanks guys :] And yes! The demo stuff from Forest Mysticism is my favorite. | Hawks
09.20.15 | Need part 2 soon bro. :] | Keyblade
09.20.15 | can we talk about how good 8 is | TheSpirit
09.20.15 | We sure can... it's the best Summoning album for me by far. I mean all their albums are pretty much a 4, but Stronghold is easily a 10/5 | Gameofmetal
09.20.15 | lugburz isn't great but yea otherwise everythings a 4 or higher | Hawks
09.20.15 | Stronghold and Dol Guldur are pretty much tied for my fav Summoning, both borderline 5's.
Oath Bound and Let Mortal Heroes are both kinda overrated for me as well, but they're solid 3.5's, same with Lugburz. | Gameofmetal
09.20.15 | last i checked, let mortal heroes was my favorite/highest rated
i dont usually feel the urge for a discog jam but a summoning one sounds really nice today | Hawks
09.20.15 | Think I'm gonna jam Stronghold right now before the Steelers come on. m/ | TheSpirit
09.20.15 | First of all: FUCK THE STEELERS
Second: Summoning are pretty perfect for Autumn, a discog jam sounds awesome right now
Third: Mortal Heroes is my second favorite Summoning. Oathbound is probably my least favorite barring Lugburz. | Hawks
09.20.15 | I knew that was coming smh, Eagles fans.... ;] | TheSpirit
09.20.15 | I'm not even really an Eagles fan, but I just really dislike the Steelers :P | Hawks
09.20.15 | It's ok Brandon I still love you bro, even though you're making me sad right now. | Keyblade
09.20.15 | "We sure can... it's the best Summoning album for me by far. I mean all their albums are pretty much a 4, but Stronghold is easily a 10/5"
"Mortal Heroes is my second favorite Summoning."
hardest [2] of all time | TheSpirit
09.20.15 | I love you too Ryan :]
And FUCK YES keyblade m/ | Gameofmetal
09.20.15 | pt.2 when | TheSpirit
09.20.15 | Due to the stream of requests, I will do pt.2 today |
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