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| Proggy/Avant/Dissonant Black Metal: Listening List
A preliminary list (subject to future modification and expansion) of variously progressive, avant-garde, experimental, and dissonant black metal that I have recently compiled as part of a growing listening list. Here, I have focused on records that I have not yet listened to (extensively) but that I am, as it stands, quite excited to check out, with special attention paid to more obscure underground releases. Check out my previous list for the death metal version of this. Feel free to add any recommendations based on what is listed here. | | 80 |  | Jute Gyte
Unus Mundus Patet
To start this list of obscure records I thought I would commence with two artists perhaps relatively more well-known among the 'trve' black metal underground dwellers, starting here with an artist whose material I have listened to (and been thoroughly impressed by) but never extensively: this enigmatic one-person serialist microtonal black metal project fusing avant-garde black metal and modern classical music into meticulously constructed, complexly layered soundscapes.
P.S. After listening: at times stunning work of avant-garde microtonal bm which reaches its peak in these impenetrably dense moments of harrowing dissonant rhythmically erratic walls of sound overwhelming with indescribable sonic puissance; also features several wonky almost ‘doomy’ grooves that are their own kind of pummelling. Less abrasive than other JG works, with more ambient/quieter parts (far) less appealing; drags a bit in places. A fascinating work with some rough edges/lapses in quality (3.5+ almost a 4.0). | | 79 |  | Scarcity
Aveilut
To continue with this initial theme of avant-garde microtonal black metal, here we have the debut record by Brooklyn-based (as far as I understand it) experimental, totalist, abrasively dissonant avant-noise atmopsheric black metal project Scarcity (I am thinking this will very much hit the musical sweet spot for me).
P.S. After listening: a hyperrepetitive, temporally cyclical, dissonance-tinged, microtonal (72 et) totalist atmo-black record with strong post-metal inflections with a fairly gritty ‘muted’ production (that I am not a massive fan of: everything, especially the drums, sound far too quiet) that moves across extensive compositions of incessantly reiterative drum grooves and piercing guitars, accompanied by harrowing screeching wails, moving with unrelenting forward motion yet without much dynamism into, on occasion, nigh-explosive climaxes. If I can appreciate the overall atmosphere and texture of its soundscapes, the compositional flatness renders it rather boring (~2.5). | | 78 |  | Petrale
The World Down There
Apparently another instantiation, this time from a Swiss-Croation outfit, of avant-gardistic, densely atmospheric dissonant black metal (forming the hitherto penultimate record in an already expansive catalogue).
P.S. After listening: as one RYM reviewer (who likes this album a lot more than I do) argues, this is in effect a more austere, more simplistic version of the more avant-garde approaches to dissonant black metal, one that pays homage to black metal’s early roots, less complex, less dissonant, more compositionally and instrumentally uneventful, and precisely because of that, in my view, extremely boring if not entirely bland: this is, foremostly, bog-standard (not even particularly intense) bm with a few (at this point derivative) crunchy chords (~2.0). | | 77 |  | Narzissus
Akt III: Erlösung
Apparently some rather strange/avant-gardistic melodic black metal with dark jazz inflections (?) from this one-person (i.e. Erech Leleth) Austrian black metal project forming the third installment in a three-volume project (with this record following on from two preceding EPs).
P.S. After listening: an ambitious project in scope and in aesthetic approach, blending melodic black metal with post-black, dark jazz, and prog rock influences, into a varied tapestry of sounds ranging from tremolos/blast beats to saxophone- or clarinet-led excursions, punctuated by Finnish clean-sung vocals (deviating from the German shrieks). Yet, despite this ambition, each section itself feels entirely derivative, bland, and uneventful: each moving part unable to stand out on its own, rhythmically and tonally simplistic as they are, their sequential interspersing fails to impress. Add to this a bland drum sound (those kicks) and general compositional simplicity, and one is left with very little (~2.0). | | 76 |  | Sleep Paralysis (ITA)
Sleep Paralysis
Apparently some avant-gardistic genre-bending dissonant black metal with experimental and dark jazz inflections (?) from this Italian outfit's eponymous debut record (with the I, Voidhanger stamp of approval).
P.S. After listening: a very strange mixture of (sometimes dissonant) black metal, chiptune electronics (which add very little), jazzy piano (that is fairly by the numbers and not particularly complementary to the metallic sounds), all integrated into fairly angular compositions that, at the same time, remain, for the most part, too straight to my ears; there is potential here, revealed especially at its most frenetic moments, but too much of it remains merely a quirky mix of rather bland components (~2.5). | | 75 |  | Gorrch
Stillamentum
Apparently another slab of viciously intense spiralling, enveloping dissonant black metal from this Italian due's 2026 sophomore full length (may be right up my alley).
P.S. After listening: much of what I said about the Kvadrat record, again, mostly applies to this record, though this record is not as dark, angular, and structurally dense as the Kvadrat record, for the most part, while also being (considerably) more ‘consonant’, less consistently crunchy, indeed having various almost ‘ethereal’ moments. This increased straightforwardness and harmonic consonance, for me, render this record a (far) less appealing iteration of this particular style of ‘crunchy’ black metal which, to me, lends itself more to a ruthlessly angular and viciously discordant approach. Gorrch’s approach, instead, feels much more 'bland' (~2.5). | | 74 |  | Skin Tension
Inaugurate Renaissance
Apparently some immensely challenging avant-gardistic brutal-prog-infused dissonant black metal with disso-death inflections and avant-garde jazz lineaments: seems like it will very much it the musical sweet for me (this record here being this outfit's latest release though its back catalogue entices in equal measure).
P.S. After listening: an absolutely incessant, suffocating, wall of impenetrably complex organised chaos of guitar-drum musical interplay, with synth layers and muted harrowing distorted wails perpetually fading into the background for additional density, whose unerringly free-flowing soundscapes give the impression of extemporaneous structurelessness yet whose technical meticulousness and apparently rigorous non-repetitive structural density indicate precise through-composed organisation: it sounds utterly unhinged, perhaps almost to the point of exhaustion, yet emergent order also constantly struggles to appear. Outstanding avant-gardistic ‘bestial prog’ (4.5+). | | 73 |  | Strigiform
Aconite
Apparently some adventurous deathly dissonant black metal from this Italian outfit's relatively recent debut record (again with the I, Voidhanger Records stamp of approval).
P.S. After listening: much of what I said about Kvadrat record one position below also applies to this record, though here the stand-out element is not so much the drum performance as the guitar voicing with this record leaning even more heavily into string dissonance and (even) more jagged, angular groovy structures (without as much straightforward blasting). In turn, it lacks some of the frenetic energy of the Kvadrat soundscapes, providing, instead, a more textured, abstract approach to dissonant black metal, one that, ultimately, I think I prefer (3.0+ almost a 3.5). | | 72 |  | Kvadrat
The Horrible Dissonance of Oblivion
Apparently some intense heavily death-metal-inflected dissonant black metal from this one-man Greek outfit's fairly recent debut record (certainly very aptly titled it seems).
P.S. After listening: meticulously composed, wonderfully produced, unrelentingly intense, frequently dense, dissonant black metal (with strong deathened inflections), that succeeds in creating a consistently hellish atmosphere, features some particularly narly chord voicings and a drum performance worthy of praise. Despite these qualities, however, I still think that this record lacks some of the extreme density, angularity, and cacophony that befit its aesthetic approach which remains fairly derivative and ‘tame’ in the wider realm of dissonant extreme metal: still this is a competent rendition of it, one indicative of much promise (~3.0). | | 71 |  | Amiensus
Reclamation: Part 1
Apparently some progressive, post-metal-inflected, genre-bending melodic atmospheric black metal forming the first installation of a two-volume project from this Rochester-based outfit.
P.S. After listening: a relatively by-the-numbers fusion of bog-standard melodic black metal with various progressive metal tropes (and occasional string accompaniment), yet again without the attendant complexity in instrumentation, compositional structuration, and rhythmic/tonal patterning to warrant the extended soundscapes (under)developed here: the progressions are too structurally flat, predictable, straightforward, to really hold my attention across these winding songs that, thus, constantly overstay their welcome. In addition, the emphasis on ‘melodic softness’, here, undermines the possibility for appreciable metallic intensity that the blackened influences might otherwise offer. Bland stuff (~2.0). | | 70 |  | Cthuluminati
Tentacula
Apparently a rather strange progressive black/stoner-doom fusion hailing from my home country of the Netherlands (which makes me think that it probably just about qualifies for a black metal listening list, because at this point, black metal is about the only kind of metal being made over here).
P.S. After listening: strange, perhaps almost unique, mixture of progressive excursions (e.g. some of the leadwork here), stonery/psychedelic textures, and (somewhat crunchy) atmospheric black metal stretched across bloated, structurally flat soundscapes whose broad palette of influences does not prevent them from being largely monodimensional: the plotting progressions are overly repetitive and lead to nothing, and the general devastating intensity I was hoping for never really arrived. Disappointing (~2.0). | | 69 |  | Hallucivore
Shrouded in Exogaian Petrichor
Apparently some vicious technical/progressive black/death metal from this emerging Boston-based outfit's recent debut record (the convoluted album title and intriguingly strange album art bode well for this one).
P.S. After listening: relatively dense, fairly angular, certainly intense, dissonance-inflected death/black metal with progressive leanings, that consistently gravitates toward the realm of grimy, nasty, narly, mid-tempo blackened, deathly (almost doomy) grooves. Its aggression and abrasiveness is, at times, rather alluring, and it is just about complexly refined enough to remain mildly enjoyable throughout, but it generally lacks the level of structural density that would elevate this into something special (~3.0). | | 68 |  | Juodvarnis
Tėkmės
Apparently some equal parts proggressive and blackened atmopsheric metal from this Lithuanian quartet (this being their fourth and supposedly most acclaimed record).
P.S. After listening: fairly unremarkable progressive (atmosphere-focused) black metal that has the extensive compositions and movements of a progressive record yet is stripped of all the technical and compositional complexity, or aesthetic transgression, that would actually make it a worthwhile ‘progression’ (substituting complexity for an attempt at emotional depth through more simplistic structures). Not what I am looking for in this style (vocals are impressive though) (~2.0). | | 67 |  | Amun
Spectra and Obsession
Apparently some massively grandiose progressive/avant-gardistic genre-bending atmospheric black metal music from this outfit's third, and as I understand it final, release.
After listening: an immensely ambitious, exceedingly bloated, progressive black metal with strong post metal currents and extensive usage of glitchy sound effects (that add almost nothing in my view), fused into slow-moving building compositions whose lack of frenetic intensity or consistent structural complexity in their instrumental layering and interplay, and general repetitiveness without sufficient forward-moving dynamism, make them an immense drag to sit through. There are a few impressive climactic moments (when everything is brought together), but these are few and far in between. I can appreciate the ambition here, but the overall listening experience is a bore (~2.5). | | 66 |  | Wormreign
Abyssus
Apparently some viciously intense dissonant black metal with deathened and sludgy inflections from this obscure Canadian quartet (whose only release I had to add to this site myself in composing this list).
P.S. After listening: fairly unrelenting, heavily dissonance-inflected black metal with a generally gloomy atmosphere and narly tone, yet surprisingly ‘clean’ production, that remains too structurally flat, too prone to over-repetition, too compositionally straightforward and sonically derivative to make much of a lasting impression on me: where is the suffocating chaos? Average at best (~2.5). | | 65 |  | Vehementer Nos
Vehementer Nos
Apparently some particularly progressive black metal with neoclassical darkwave inflections (?) on this French outfit's debut record.
After listening: not sure about this record. An awkward mix of for the most part relatively by-the-numbers and fairly vapid melodic black metal riffs and equally vapid neoclassical elements (complete with the occasional cliché introduction of classical instrumentation) poured into extended progressively expansive compositional structures whose length is far from warranted by the relative structural flatness of the music itself. A frustratingly disappointing listen (~2.0). | | 64 |  | Wild Hunt
Afterdream of the Reveller
Apparently some strange progressive atmospheric black metal on the sophomore release from this Oakland-based outfit (supposedly also with some twisted doom-inflections).
P.S. After listening: strange almost soft-sounding (atmospheric?) black metal poured into jagged, and bloated, progressive song structures, defined by strange guitar voicings, bog-standard drumming and bm vocal forms, that is far too repetitive, too structurally flat, and insufficiently dense/aggressive to make this abstract approach work. Indeed, I would almost go as far as to that this record sounds anaemic, weak (~2.0). | | 63 |  | Waning
The Human Condition
Apparently some progressive dissonance-inflected black metal from Gothenburg, Sweden (because of course).
P.S. After listening: totally bog-standard, if particularly well-produced (hence more dense sounding that the simplistic instrumentation and structurally flat writing would otherwise make it) post-black metal record with the most minimal dissonant inflections (and proggy inflections) that follows the same gratingly boring compositional approach as post-rock with songs that are mostly around 5 minutes (if you know you know) (~2.0). | | 62 |  | Velnezers
I: Es Uzcēlu Durvis Tīrumā
Apparently some avant-gardistic proggy dissonance-inflected black metal serving as the first volume in a double-record from this Latvian quartet (sounds right up my alley).
P.S. After listening: well-produced atmospheric black metal album with minimal dissonant inflections and proggy experimentation, involving the inclusion of extensive cleaner sections, strange sound effects and ambient intermezzos (none of which add much in my view), at it best when it leans into fairly straightforward if rather harrowing black metal (wailing vocals fit well here) which has its promises/merits but wears out rather quickly. What one is left with is a bloated, strange concoction that is at its best precisely in those moments where it is least aesthetically deviant (~2.5). | | 61 |  | Douaumont
Chironex Fleckeri
Apparently some progressive dissonant black metal from this Minneapolis-based two-piece outfit comprised of Matt Wees and Andy Meyer (sounds right my alley).
P.S. After listening: a strange progressive rendering of black metal that mixes the genre's basic tropes (tremolos, blasts, crunchy chord voicings) with a more jagged, staccato approach to rhythmical organisation and compositional flow, with the record’s most appealing moments sporadically occurring precisely when this aesthetic approach is most intensely pursued. Unfortunately, the record mostly falls back into relatively straightforward black metal (with minimal proggy tinges) too structurally flat to make much of a lasting impression (not helped by a muffled, too gritty production). There might be something to the band's aesthetic approach, but the execution here is ultimately disappointingly unimpressive (~2.0). | | 60 |  | Occulta Veritas
Irreducible Fear of the Sublime
Apparently some progressive dissonance-inflected, post-metal-tinged, black metal from this Italian band's sophomore record (with I, Voidhanger Records' stamp of approval).
P.S. After listening: in many ways a more developed, more structurally dynamic, more complexly voiced (in its dissonance), and far less bloated version of the LVME record one position below it, whose musical ideas, across its short c. 30-minute runtime still feel, at times, underdeveloped and which still, from time to time, lapses into over-repetition. In any case, there are actually some almost promising passages here (2.5+ nearing a 3.0). | | 59 |  | LVME
Of Sinful Nature
Apparently some proggy, dissonance-inflected black metal from this black metal outfit of international origin's fairly recent debut record (sounds right up my alley aesthetico-musically).
P.S. After listening: an extremely bloated, poorly produced, not particularly technically riveting dissonance-inflected atmospheric black metal record that plots along across totally uneventful and uncreative soundscapes filled with derivative boring riffs that vastly overstay their welcome and general structural flatness that bores quickly. As such, despite its best efforts, it lacks the intensity this genre requires: it's structurally flat, it envelops but does not engross (~2.0). | | 58 |  | LKVGT
Manische omarming van een alomvattend niets
Apparently some avant-gardistic deathened/blackened extreme metal music (which could just as easily have ended up on the death metal list) from this obscure outfit hailing from my home country of the Netherlands (whose intriguing title literally translates to 'manic embrace of an all-encompassing nothing').
P.S. After listening: a rather specific (well-produced) mixture of blackened outbursts, post metal builds, (sporadic) cleaner progressive excursions, and jagged dissonance-inflected riffage, all organised around a deathly, and often doomy, nucleus, at its best when it leans into its more structurally dense blackened disso-death sound, but often wandering into various more monodimensional, structurally flat, sections that consistently overuse underdeveloped musical ideas beyond what they warrant: indeed the record feels bloated overall (not helped by the extended ambient interlude in the middle). The utterly ignorant fascistic lyrics (e.g. on track 5) make it even worse (~2.0). | | 57 |  | Fardeaux
The Den Has Become An Abyss
Apparently some viciously intense, pummelling avant-gardistic dissonant black metal from this French two-piece's debut record (this sounds right up my alley as well).
P.S. After listening: much of what I said about the Nervous record below applies to this record as well, though this is more straightforward dissonant black metal for the most part, with a more varied vocal performance (including some clean sections), less prominent bass, but a higher production value (3.0+). | | 56 |  | Nervous (POL)
Acquiescence
Apparently some progressive avant-gardistic dissonant black metal from this one-person Polish project (this album its first and only release).
P.S. After listening: a fairly enjoyable iteration of progressive dissonance-inflected and post metal influenced technical black metal, filled with jagged grooves, complex and unusual voicings, and rather angular winding compositions, defined by a general instrumental competency (bass is especially prominent). That being said, my feeling is that there remains much room in these compositions for increased angularity and more extreme dynamics more befitting the aesthetic approach: some of the sections feel a bit flat, just about too repetitive, or not fully developed. Still, this is promising (3.0+ with sections closing in on a 3.5). | | 55 |  | Voluptas
Towards the Great White Nothing
Apparently some vicious dissonant, psyhedelic/doom-inflected experimental black metal from this Czechian outfit's debut record (with an excellent title for a record in this apparent style by the way).
P.S. After listening: an, at times, effective mixture of fairly intense yet atmospherically doomy dissonance-inflected black metal with a few experimental flourishes here and there (specifically in the final mammoth closing track which includes extensive saxophone passages), that shows various glimpses of promise (especially at its most abrasive moments), but whose soundscapes still feel, in many ways, underdeveloped, structurally flat, overly repetitive, and lacking in dynamic range (2.5+ approaching a 3.0). | | 54 |  | Maladie
For We Are the Plague
Apparently some avant-gardistic progressive genre-bending black metal from one this German six-piece's latest releases (with an expansive back catalogue of distinct record's to boot).
P.S. After listening: a strange mixture of by-the-numbers black metal, throwaway jazzy instrumentation (and woodwinds for some reason), strange yet derivative not-quite-proggy excursions, awkwardly interspersed into bloated compositions whose overly repetitive sections consistently overstay their welcome. The vocal lines’ content is insipid. Overall, the musical potential is not at all fully realised (~2.0). | | 53 |  | Arkheth
Clarity Came With A Cool Summer's Breeze
Apparently some highly experimental avant-gardistic genre-bending deathly-inflected, strongly jazz-tinged black metal from this Australian group's latest release (with the I, Voidhanger stamp of approval).
P.S. After listening: it is a strange mixture of progressive black metal, progressive rock, and, in my view, fairly unremarkable/superficial saxophone-based jazzy flourishes: all of its is thrown together in a haphazard fashion that serves to obscure the indinstictiveness of each component part. Add to this the dreadful clean vocals and the general compositional flatness (its slow-moving plodding progressions) and one ends up with a disappointing record that almost entirely fails do to do justice to the promises of its core aesthetic (~2.0). | | 52 |  | Nirrti
Cyberpsychosis
Apparently some avant-gardistic dissonance-inflected, disso-death-tinged black metal from this Czechian one-person black metal project's latest release (supposed genre-combination very much piques my interest).
P.S. After listening: a relatively straightforward and fairly boring atmospheric black metal record with occasionally dissonant inflections which is ultimately too structurally flat, insufficiently sonically dense, and overly repetitive to really capture my attention: there are fleeting moments of increasing intensity or jaggedness that are almost enjoyable, if only almost. Ultimately, this is a rather uneventful listen (~2.0). | | 51 |  | Stagnant Waters
Stagnant Waters
Apparently some avant-gardistic proggy dissonance-inflected, industrial/jazz-tinged black metal from this French-Norwegian outfit's eponymous debut record (supposedly this is some straight up musical insanity).
P.S. After listening: a quixotic fusion of, inter alia, (dissonance-inflected and at times mathy) black metal, extensive use of electronic/industrial layering, alongside the occasional introduction of (darkly) ‘jazzy’ saxophone (of a fairly skronky kind) and 'classical' strings/keys, at its best when it fuses all these elements together into hellish maelstroms of sound, at its worst when it awkwardly intersperses them or reduces its soundscapes to structurally flat reiterations of any distinct element (which unfortunately take up much of the sound here). At times promising, but ultimately, foremostly, not entirely hitting the mark (2.5+ nearing a 3.0). | | 50 |  | Lugubrum
Heilige dwazen
Apparently one of the more acclaimed records in the this prolific Belgian avant-gardistic black metal outfit's extremely expansive discography (the title literally translates to 'holy fools' in Dutch/Flemish).
P.S. After listening: far from avant-garde or sonically challenging, this record offers little more than horribly produced, unimpressively performed bog-standard bm with some vaguely ‘jazzy’ flourishes thrown in as a complete afterthought, accompanied by utterly nonsensical lyrics not even worth describing here, far too repetitive, too structurally flat, and, frankly, lacking in aggression/abrasion for this musical style. The ten-minute mind-numbing dark ambient section concluding this album sums it all up ‘nicely’ (~1.5). | | 49 |  | In Tormentata Quiete
Krononota
Apparently some highly avant-gardistic progressive (melodic?) black metal pushing towards the genre's very aesthetic edges from this Italian seven-piece (this being the latest release in an extensive discography).
P.S. After listening: a strange mixture of various snippets, prog, doom (?), bm, dark jazz, multiple vocal lines, winding compositions awkwardly moving across the softer realms of jazzy, gloomy, prog rock and the harsher realms of blackened metal: its unifying factor being its bloatedness, its lack of dissonance, tension, or intensity, the utterly shallow and derivative character of its various moving parts. The sum is a disappointment (~2.0). | | 48 |  | Epectase
Nécroses
Apparently some highly experimental, genre-bending avant-gardistic black metal from this French duo's sophomore outing (including electronic and krautrock inflections; colour me intrigued).
P.S. After listening: an aesthetically quixotic mixture of electronic music, progressive excursions, ambient interludes (that bore me to death), and relatively intense and relatively melodically consonant black metal, awkwardly poured into bloated, overly repetitive compositions, of insufficiently complex refinement, whose quieter moments are too long and whose more intense moments remain too bland to compensate. A failed attempt at innovation stretched between atmospheric theatrics and metallic intensity that fails to do justice to either modality (~2.0). | | 47 |  | Gudveiki
Vængför
Apparently some extremely chaotic, dissonant black/death metal from this Icelandic group (which like many of the entries on this list could probably just has easily have made it onto the death metal list instead).
P.S. After listening: extremely intense, very competently performed (those drums), fairly hellish dissonance-inflected black metal, with extended more atmospheric passages that drag a little too much in my estimation, and a production job that, while appreciably gritty does hide the guitars a little too much for my liking. The approach here aims for a kind of suffocating intensity, but remains too straightforward, insufficiently structurally dense, to fully realise what I take to be the desired effect. The end result is mildly enjoyable, but not much more (~3.0). | | 46 |  | Vermanthropes
Antagonisme
Apparently some enveloping dissonance-inflected atmospheric black metal (with deathened influences) on this debut EP (added to this site by yours truly) from this outfit of French origin.
P.S. After listening: every criticism noted below about the Angr and Odz Manouk records apply even more to this record, though this one is almost doomy in its approach and very poorly produced (~2.0). | | 45 |  | Odz Manouk
Bosoragazan (Բոսորագազան)
Apparently some dissonance-inflected atmopsheric black metal from this American-Armenian outfit (this being their sophomore full length following on their generally even more acclaimed debut).
P.S. After listening: everything I have said about the Angr record one position below this one applies in equal measure to this record (though it, to be fair, has slightly, if only very slightly, more sonic variation). Ultimately mediocre (~2.5). | | 44 |  | Angr
III
Apparently some hellish dissonance-inflected darkly atmospheric black metal from this one-person Russian metal project (this being their third obscure release, added to this site by myself).
P.S. After listening: relatively by-the-numbers/bog-standard dissonance-inflected (atmospheric) black metal which, despite consistently succeeding at generating an eerie, even harrowing, atmosphere (aided by excellent production), remains far too structurally straightforward in its instrumental and compositional approach to really capture my attention: its overrepetition/lack of dynamic range is grating (~2.5). | | 43 |  | Ploughshare
Second Wound
Apparently some adventurous dissonant (deathly-inflected) black metal from this Australian group's third record (again sounds right up my alley).
P.S. After listening: powerful, fairly unrelenting and dense dissonant black metal with (very) strong deathened inflections, whose crunchy chord voicings and incessant intensity hold much appeal, as does its remarkable bass playing and, indeed, general technical competency. Yet also a record which is, for me, still a little too structurally repetitive, a little too straightforward, its most frenetic moments too sparse, to really draw me in consistently: a fairly enjoyable listen, at times more than that, but generally just (about) that (3.0+ nearing a 3.5). | | 42 |  | Reflection of Misery
Contranatura
Apparently some nightmarish atmospheric/dissonance-inflected black metal from this Nicaraguan group's debut record (comprised of three mammoth tracks, two reaching well over 15 minutes).
P.S. After listening: extremely poorly produced (lo-fi) atmospheric (?) dissonant (?) black metal whose gritty lo-fi sound does much to hide the vacuousness of its musical worlds which mostly consist of bog-standard bm winding across structurally flat, overly repetitive competitions seriously lacking in forward motion; some almost narly riffs emerge from the mush sporadically, but that is about all the ‘appeal’ here (~2.0). | | 41 |  | Agonanist
The Cynicism of Solitude
Apparently some more rather adventurous atmospheric dissonant black metal on the debut record from this San Fransico-based group (this being their only release thus far).
P.S. After listening: extremely slow-moving microtonal atmospheric black metal (emphasis on the atmospheric) consistently eerie with consistently crunchy guitar voicings, whose glacial pace, structural repetitiveness, and lack compositional dynamism deprive it of the marked intensity that even this style still requires: its almost dreary atmosphere has a surface level appeal but its charm is quickly lost in the soundscapes’ grating lack of depth even if their overall tone/texture has something strangely alluring (~2.5). | | 40 |  | Asmodee (FRA-Poitou-Charentes)
Symptômes de ruine
Apparently some technical deathly-inflected black metal from an outfit of French origin (this being their debut record: I have added the remainder of their LPs for those wanting to dive deep).
P.S. After listening: highly technically refined, decidedly prog-infused, black metal, with lots of fretless bass noodling to boot, filled with crunchy voicings, and defined by an unrelenting intensity alongside a fair bit of angularity, structural density, and forward motion: compositionally dynamic and unpredictable, I still felt that the music, at times, was not structurally dense enough and, generally, stuck too much to its formulae. There was another gear it could have gone to perhaps (~3.5). | | 39 |  | Istava
Dual
Apparently some avant-gardistic dissonant black metal from a Vienna-based outfit (an EP to be specific, comprised of a two-part suite consisting of dual 13+ minute compositions).
P.S. After listening: dissonance-inflected atmospheric black metal with a gritty production (that I am not a massive fan of) and a strong focus on generating an enveloping sense of dread by relying on plodding mid-tempo soundscapes saturated with over-repetitive stretched out grooves (a kind of structurally flat blackened doom). The music ultimately lacks almost any sense of dynamism, forward motion, or intensity: it is vast and empty, glacial and gratingly boring: does nothing for me (~2.0). | | 38 |  | Unknown Artist (FRA)
The Stench of Delusion
Apparently some particularly intense dissonant black metal from an unknown outfit of French origin (this being their second EP comprised of a single 19+ minute track).
P.S. After listening: meticulously composed, fairly mathy, fairly technical, dissonance-inflected black metal unfolding across a single gargantuan track, full of clever twists and turns and frenetic grooves, while continuously maintaining an unerring sense of dread: perhaps I had hoped for slightly more structural density here but the end result is consistently at least mildly enjoyable and indicative of (great) promise (3.0+ nearing a 3.5). Their first EP is probably even better. | | 37 |  | Dispersion
Monochrome
Apparently some avant-gardistic dissonance-riven post-metal-inflected black metal from this Italian outfit (their latest release, which I had to add to the site myself).
P.S. After listening: strange atmospheric dissonance-inflected black metal with what might perhaps best be described as a strong post-metal influence, whose compositional approach is defined by extensive repetition, too extensive in my view, and cyclical motivic development that, whatever little forward motion it manages to muster, ultimately fails to build toward any satisfying climax. The music, as such, in the end, amounts to very little, quickly bores and, thereafter, becomes increasingly exasperating to listen to (~2.0). | | 36 |  | Sacrificial Vein
Black Terror Genesis
Apparently some intense contemporary dissonant black metal from this US-based two-piece on their debut record (supposedly quite DsO-esque in their overall sound, with some deathened inflections).
P.S. After listening: poorly produced (drums too loud, sound too compressed overall) DsO-derivation of atmospheric dissonance-inflected black metal too structurally flat, repetitive, and overly indulgent in its tendency to fall back into extended ambient quietude, to make much of an impression. The vocal performance is impressive as are some sporadic moments of frenetic intensity. In any case, this was mostly gratingly boring (~2.5). | | 35 |  | Synthema Occvlta
Synthema Occvlta
Apparently some deathened dissonant black metal (or perhaps equally blackened death metal) on the debut EP from this Philadelphia-based duo (released through the antifascist black metal network).
P.S. After listening: absolutely blistering (somewhat) deathened dissonance-inflected black metal, with a downright virulent vocal performance, winding through fairly angular compositions filled with crunchy riffs continuously tearing at one’s throat: undiluted antifascist rage distilled into a, perhaps not fully developed but competently executed, sonic causticity (with respectable lyrics) whose quieter moments drag somewhat but whose overall puissance is indicative of undeniable aesthetic potential. A promising sign of what this band might yet become (3.0+). | | 34 |  | Christian Necromancy
The Pederast
Apparently some unhinged avant-gardistic viciously intense microtonal black metal from this aptly named group's debut record (inspired by classical Greek texts of various kinds from lyric poetry to medical journals).
P.S. After listening: an unrelentingly, and do I mean unrelentingly, intense, abrasive avant-garde black metal record featuring unerringly angular, structurally dense noise spirals guided by immensely dissonant, atonal and microtonal riffs (which could perhaps have done with some more variation at some points) and temporally frenetic drumming (unfortunately non-acoustic and too loud in the mix vis-à-vis the 10-string distorted lyre and electric bass). Conceptually an exposé on the sexual abuse of children during the time of Christ: an apt topic for a record with this caustic of a tone. Sonically, this is some of the nastiest and most forward thinking (dissonant) black metal I have heard in a long time (3.5+ nearing a 4.0). | | 33 |  | An Isolated Mind
I'm Losing Myself
Apparently some fairly experimental post-rock/metal-inflected atmospheric black metal from this one-person black metal project by Eureka-based musician Kameron Bogges (probably one of the 'lightest' entries on here).
P.S. After listening: starts of promising in its 'bipolar' fusing of intense deathened dissonant black metal with more lush/ethereal post-black soundscapes, a marked dynamic contrast between harsh and soft, yet rapidly disintegrates into a nothing post-rock inspired ambient record wholly bereft of this dynamic contrast (~2.0). | | 32 |  | Lux Absentia
Worship Nothing
Apparently another debut record from an obscure dissonant black metal band, by a one-person project hailing from New Jersey (which I actually had to add to the site myself; philosophically appealling title).
P.S. After listening: all the criticisms I have levelled at the Oculus and Depths Above records below are even more applicable to this record which, even more blackened than these is also even more structurally repetitive/flat, even more plodding and boring (effectively lacking much of the intensity that even those other records have which is not helped by the far inferior production quality) (~2.0). | | 31 |  | Acephalic Void
We Chose Death
Apparently some avant-gardistic industrial-inflected dissonant black metal on this group's debut EP (short but supposedly full of promising viciously spiralling dissonance; for the jaded disso-metal connoisseur).
P.S. After listening: this record in many ways provides the ever-dynamic frenetic forward-moving dissonance-inflected aggression that the two records below it fail to fully realise, though its black noise interludes fail to match this structural intensity (if matching its general vibe). It does wears its influences (I am thinking of DsO especially) very much on its sleeve: still this is a promising start (~3.0). | | 30 |  | Oculus
Of Temples and Vultures
Apparently another iteration of deathened/blackened dissonant extreme metal (this being the band's second record; again one of those records that could easily have made it onto the already too long death metal list).
P.S. After listening: everything I said about the Depths Above record one position below this one applies in more or less equal measure to this (if slightly more ambitious/expansive) deathened black metal record (~2.5). | | 29 |  | Depths Above
Ex Nihilo
Apparently another slab of deathened/blackened dissonant extreme metal from Czechia (which much like some other releases on this list could probably just as easily have been placed on the complementary death metal list but that one is already too long so...).
P.S. After listening: (heavily) deathened dissonance-inflected black metal with a technical edge to it that, unfortunately, fails to do justice to the potential of its aesthetic especially at the level of composition: its soundscapes are too flat, too repetitive, insufficiently structurally dense and intense, thereby failing to generate the frenetic forward motion that this musical style is predicated upon. The end result is a sense of grating boredom that worsens as the album unfurls (~2.5). | | 28 |  | Azoic
Gateways
First and only release from this Icelandic (of course) apparently dissonant black/death, blackened death, deathened black, metal band (which probably fits just as well on the death metal list but that one is already
too long, and this band is from Iceland so I thought well...)
P.S. After listening: even if it has some appreciable moments of frenetic intensity alongside a generally intensely dark atmosphere, its actual instrumental work is (with some nifty disso-black riffs aside) fairly bog-standard bm, while its compositions are, in my view, too structurally flat, too repetitive, to really leave a lasting (positive) impression. Its quieter moments drag on for far too long. For the most part I was more bored than anything else. A mediocre record overall, though with promising moments (~2.5). | | 27 |  | Ange de la Mort
Unscrupulous Misattributions
Latest release from this one-man dissonant black/death metal project by prolific metal musician Jared Moran, hailing from Gulfport, MS, United States (which apparently could just as easily have gone onto the death metal list, but since it is a one-man band I thought well...).
P.S. After listening: extremely frenetic dissonant black metal (with strong disso-death influences) unfurling across fairly angular structurally dense compositions through which it moves at an appreciable intensity and with high unpredictability; the atmosphere is hellish, the abrasiveness does not stop. The vocal performance is probably the weakest element here (lacks a bit of technical variation and projection) alongside the production which does not do the aggressive density of the music justice (not sure how I feel about the tinpan snare sound either) (3.5+). | | 26 |  | Bekor Qilish
Consecrated Abysses of Dread
Latest release from this avant-garde/technical/dissonant deathly black metal (slightly more so than blackened death metal) outfit whose first two releases, EP and first full length, thoroughly impressed me with dense, unrelentingly intense yet jagged riffage: hoping this latest release hits a similar musical sweet spot.
P.S. After listening: 'dense, unrelentingly intense yet jagged riffage' is indeed back in full force on this even 'proggier' (cue the synths on the first track and the use of clean vocals that are less my cup of tea) iteration of Qilish's technical disso-black sound, an iteration loosening none of the unrelenting angularity or intense abrasiveness of the previous releases: compositions are ever unpredictable and saturated with unerring forward motion and mind-bending (temporal) dynanism. Production is outstanding. Record far too short for how outstanding it is (~4.0). | | 25 |  | Salqiu
Orfeu
Apparently some avant-gardistic atmospheric black metal from this Portuguese outfit (this being their sophomore record within a rather packed discography; intriguing album cover by the way).
After listening: some very poorly produced, not particularly well-performed black metal with some throwaway psychedelic and 'symphonic' flourishes, hopelessly ensnared in this gratingly boring insistence on overly repetitive and structurally flat compositions lacking in any forward momentum, dynamic range, or intensity. The vocals on this record lack any punch, while every song drags to no end (~1.5). | | 24 |  | Atrorum
Structurae
Apparently some avant-gardistic/progressive black metal from this German two piece (this being the group's third full release).
P.S. After listening: strangely composed very progressive black metal record with a strong keys presence throughout, probably at its best when it detours into these jagged progressive blackened excursions, but far too often trapped in this strange middle zone between quixotic prog rock and black metal, without really doing either effectively: many of its sections repeat too often, its quieter sections especially. In general, its compositions lack the forward motion and technical intensity I had hoped for (with minor exceptions). Mediocre at best (~2.5). | | 23 |  | Sconsacrata
Paroxysms
Apparently some avant-gardistic/experimental black metal (with industrial inflections) hailing from London, UK (this being the band's first, and currently sole, release). So obscure I had to add this to the site myself.
P.S. After listening: an amateurish debut record fusing dissonance-inflected bm, at its best when it leans into its most frenetic dimensions but too often leaning into its more slow-burning atmospheric dimensions, with various industrial soundscapes (that are over-repetitive/structurally flat). Several potentially good if undeveloped ideas are thrown around in an incoherent mush that fails to impress (~2.0). | | 22 |  | Genevieve
Akratic Parasitism
Apparently some experimental/avant-garde dissonant black metal from this Maryland group who have been going at it since 2014/2015 (possibly exciting back catalogue to peruse therefore).
P.S. After listening: a DsO/Gorguts-inspired avant-bm rip off that has neither the compositional and technical refinement of its main influencs nor any of the intensity, structural density, aggression, complex voicings or textures. Further, the production here is extremely flat (those drums are dreadful sounding, also in part because of how they are played), while the quiet sections last far too long and are gratingly boring. Disappointing (~2.0). | | 21 |  | Morpheus Tales
Secular Noir
Apparently some obscure progressive black metal (with psychedelic inflections?) hailing from this Greek two-piece (their sophomore being the more acclaimed of their releases).
P.S. After listening: some fairly poorly composed (and not particularly impressively performed) black metal with some amateurish cleans, throwaway psychedelic flourishes, and grating clean passages, whose actual black metal sections are so by-the-numbers as to bore one to death. Sporadically an apparently promising musical idea is introduced, but these moments fail to compensate for the rest. Disappointing release (~2.0). | | 20 |  | De Magia Veterum
The Divine Antithesis
Apparently some avant-garde dissonant black metal from a one-man outfit hailing from the far north of my home country, the Netherlands, this being this project's third full length (colour me intrigued).
P.S. After listening: extremely nasty, at times (but only at times) enjoyable frenetic dissonant black metal with immensely crunchy fuzzy, hyper-distored guitar work and relentless (if fairly monodimensional) drumming, all wrapped up in a noisy, compressed, gritty production. Starts of promising but gradually tails off, never reaching the immense intensity of its opening track again. Even still, these are some narly noise spirals providing an unrelentingly suffocating atmosphere (~3.0). | | 19 |  | Dola
Tabernakulum
Had to add this third, and latest, release by this group to the site myself: apparently some avant-garde dissonance- and post-metal-inflected black metal (sounds right up my alley).
P.S. After listening: strange experimental mixture of dissonance-inflected black metal with post metal and atmospheric sludge metal's cyclical compositions and glacial hardcore-inspired riffs (with an occasional trumpet to boot): the compositions are generally jagged, jumping from one set of influences to the next, from loud to quiet in an instant; if the mixture is innovative, the individual parts are not necessarily always as impressive. Some forward motion, some intensity, is always maintained as is an eerie sense of atmosphere. Mildly enjoyable (~3.0). | | 18 |  | Maledictum
Sempiterno
Apparently some proggy dissonant black metal from Chile (comprising this band's sophomore release; if my preliminary description is even half-right this will probably hit a musical sweet spot for me).
P.S. After listening: some perhaps niftily composed, sort of proggy, sort of dissonance-inflected (at least there are some crunchy phrasings), but ultimately, in my view, too structurally flat to really make the most of its core aesthetic: it insists too much on over-repeating various sections or constantly returning to the same motifs, and this compositional simplicity becomes fairly boring rather quickly; in many ways it is actually insufficiently proggy/compositionally dynamic (~2.5). | | 17 |  | Myrkul
The Wayward Path
Apparently some DIY progressive techy dissonant black metal (currently only with a single rating; might very well be worthy of a wider appreciation on this site).
P.S. After listening: an admirable DIY record by this one-person musical project which, in spite of some almost promising moments of intense (dissonance-inflected) blackened/deathened metal, sounds for the most part both deeply derivative and deeply underdeveloped. It is too straightforward, too strechted out, too structurally flat, to make much of impression on me: I respect the grind it took to make this, but it does not appeal at all (~2.0). | | 16 |  | Nihilism (GR)
Cataclysme Vers l'Ascendance
Apparently another slab of dissonant black metal from one of the many metal bands named 'Nihilism' (Greek band, French album title that seems befitting of what I expect this music to sound like).
P.S. After listening: the sporadic outbursts of frenetic deathened dissonant black metal are the album's intense, and structurally dense, highlights: beyond that we have a smattering of more uneventive doomy passages, bog-standard atmospheric melodic black metal, and pointless (ambient) interludes that are much too long; short-lived moments of promise squished into gratingly vapid soundscapes (2.0+). | | 15 |  | In the Court of a Broken Flesh
In the Court of a Broken Flesh
Apparently so 'obscure' I had to add this to the site myself. Supposedly some dense, fairly progressive, dissonant atmospheric black metal (this being the band's first and only release thus far).
P.S. After listening: hyper-repetitive slow-moving atmospheric black metal (with some post/dissonant inflections) which forgets that atmosphere cannot substitute for dynanism nor can it remain all that interesting without it: its prominent (at times quite developed) bass lines contrast with the by-the-numbers bm riffs and endlessly monodimensional shouting raspy vocals. Its production is lackluster (thin), not aiding much in creating a suffocating texture. Disappointing (~2.0). | | 14 |  | Pincer Consortium
Geminus Schism
Apparently so 'obscure' I had to add this to the site myself. Supposedly some grandiose, progressive, industrial-inflected dissonant black metal from a quixotic anonymous duo (sounds right up my alley).
P.S. After listening: an, it must be admitted, wonderfully produced progressive bm record, with dissonant inflections, failing largely, in my reading, in its attempts at conceptual and sonic profundity: its powerful sound distracting from the structural flatness of its compositions, its repetitiveness, the relative simplicity of many of its less dense passages (which predominate far too much), its actually quite limited dynamic range, and so on. If there are also promising passages of structurally dense, more jagged unfoldings these remain few and far between. The industrial sounds thrown in add very little. Massive sound, boring content (~2.5). | | 13 |  | Wolok
Servum Pecus
Apparently some Luxembourgian (industrial-infused) jagged dissonant black metal (sounds right my alley again; band also has an enticingly sizeable large discography to further peruse).
P.S. After listening: some poorly produced and poorly composed dissonance-inflected black metal whose varied industrial tinges are thrown in as insubstantive afterthoughts, whose structures are overly repetitive, whose riffs are mostly derivative and overstay their welcome, and whose unnerving atmosphere is perhaps its primary redeeming feature. Whatever musical potential is there remains (almost) entirely unrealised (~2.0). | | 12 |  | Ecferus
Pangaea
Apparently some rather atmospheric proggy dissonant black metal hailing from Indiana, US (this being the group's second full length with the enticing I, Voidhanger stamp of approval).
P.S. After listening: wonderfully produced (Marston) proggy, dissonance-inflected atmospheric black metal whose ambitious scope and musical/compositional approach cannot avoid frequent lapses into structural flatness and over-repetition: though it manages to craft an alluring atmopshere, its instrumental content is too straightforward, its quieter intermezzos overstay their welcome, and the forward motion is lacking; it lacks dynamism, it stays too long with each section (~2.5). | | 11 |  | Hwwauoch
Into the Labyrinth of Consciousness
Apparently some rather dense, dissonant, suffocating labyrinthian black metal of unknown geographic origin (this being their second and generally most lauded release).
P.S. After listening: extremely atmospheric black metal whose suffocating soundworlds derive their enveloping force as much from the extremely gritty compressed production as from the dissonant instrumental layering, the former reducing everything into a monolithic mush, thereby hiding the relatively simplicity of the riffs and structural flatness of the compositions. Indeed, beyond its hellish atmosphere the record has little to offer instrumentally/compositionally (~2.5). | | 10 |  | Yaldabaoth
That Which Whets the Saccharine Palate
Apparently some terrifying (progressive) dissonant black metal emerging from Alaska (music that gets firmly labelled as 'dissonant', even if it is not purely so, tends to hit the sweet spot for me so colour me intrigued).
P.S. After listening: some quite well-composed, competently performed DsO-core filled with winding, usually quite (if, in my view, generally not at all sufficiently) structurally dense, soundscapes saturated with crunchy guitar dissonance and jagged rhythmic patterns melding into harrowingly dark textures: highly derivative, too straightforward at times, but nonetheless an adroit iteration upon the disso-black sound pioneered by their forebears (whose influence is worn on the sleeve) (~3.0). | | 9 |  | Blattaria
Dismantle The New Cult
Apparently a one-man psychedelic dissonant black metal project (with this being its fourth, and latest, project; typically like psychedelic influences in my black metal so this is probably right up my alley).
P.S. After listening: appreciably relentless, unerringly intense, consistently crunchy dissonant black metal whose brickwall-style production buries many of its musical nuances yet fails to hide its structurally flatness, its grating over-repetitiveness, at points. Instrumental execution impressive, texture delectably hellish (~3.0). | | 8 |  | Patrons Of The Rotting Gate
Bathed In Ash
Apparently some dark, dissonant, and chaotic progressive black metal from this two-piece group hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland (apt location for starting a black metal project; band title a historical reference?).
P.S. After listening: extremely meticulously crafted progressive heavily deathened dissonance-inflected black metal defined by an admirable compositional and instrumental complexity (amazing guitar interplay) and an incessant relentlessness and abrasivenes across swirling soundscapes whose intensely layered textures and enveloping atmosphere captivate throughout. Certainly far from innovative (its influences being highly apparent) but immensely well-executed (~4.0). | | 7 |  | Stone Healer
Conquistador
Apparently some stoner-influenced (huh) progressive black metal from this group's debut full length (with an interesting historical reference in the title; colour me intrigued).
P.S. After listening: quite meticulously composed if decidedly derivative progressive black metal fusing early quasi-Opethian progressiveness with blackened inflections across thoughtfully composed if ultimately rather flat, repetitive soundscapes which mostly fail to develop into more than the sum of their (sometimes intriguing) parts (~2.5). | | 6 |  | Gorath
Apokálypsis (Unveiling the Age that is not to Come
Apparently some progressive black metal from Belgium (with an album title seemingly rather befitting of the current historical moment; colour me intrigued).
P.S. After listening: ultimately some disappointingly derivative barely 'progressive' dissonance-inflected black metal whose by-the-numbers winding deathened black metal riffs, fairly monodimensional structurally flat compositions, safe a few more intensely furious black metal passages, and gratingly boring quieter moments, together, fail to leave a positive lasting impression; ranges from (mostly) mediocre to poor. May return to it, but probably not (minimally a 2.0+ approaching a 2.5). | | 5 |  | Uulliata Digir
Uulliata Digir
Apparently some very strange avant-garde jazz-infused doomy dissonant black metal from Poland (sounds right up my alley; colour me intrigued).
P.S. After listening: ambitious and foremostly exiciting avant-gardistic extreme metal fusion combining dissonant deathened/blackened excursions within strechted post-metal soundscapes defined by extended motivic development, powerful (doomy) build-ups and intense climaxes, often marked by devastating post-metal-like riffs, with the occasional intervention of an underutilised trumpet. The entire album is held together by a stunning dual-vocal performance (partly distored, partly clean), with the harrowing vocals of Julita Dąbrowska deserving special praise. Certain stretched out post-metal sections drag somewhat, and the pay off is not always entirely worth the wait; more structural density needed (solid 3.5+). | | 4 |  | Kexelur
Epigrama De Un Pasado Perdido
Apparently some viciously dissonant black metal from Chile (this being this band's first full length if one excludes their demo records and their split with Licht- und Schattensaiten).
P.S. After listening: very exciting strongly deathened black metal record that moves from mightily impressive highly angular, immensely structurally dense, dissonance-inflected deathened/blackened viciousness unfolding within exceedingly well-composed soundscapes littered with enticing break-neck transitions, to more stretched out, much more melodic, atmospheric, tremelo-guided yet still intensely aggressive disso-inflected black metal, before concluding with a fusion of the two which makes clear that the first has far greater potential than the second (3.5+). | | 3 |  | Illkynja
Sæti Sálarinnar
Apparently from ice-cold weird dissonant black metal from the thinly populated Iceland (which has a habit of producing of high-quality black metal of the viciously dense variety).
P.S. After listening: rigorous commitment to relatively slow-moving demonically dissonant soundscapes gradually descending into hellish spirals of unrelenting viciousness that offer little to no repreive, but whose temporal centring on relatively unchanging mid-tempo unfoldings makes for a somewhat grating monodimensionality by the end (solid 3.0+ at times nearing a 3.5). | | 2 |  | The Clearing Path
Watershed Between Firmament And The Realm of Hyper
Apparently some techy, deathly, dissonant black metal with an album title so long this site does not permit you to add it in full (which is usually an indication of quality to be honest).
P.S. After first listen: unfortunately, in the end, rather disappointing inasmuch as this record's most intensely appealling passages, when it viciously spirals into the structurally dense labyrinthian depths of its deathened/blackened dissonance-laced soundworld, are interspersed with moments of more clearly 'melodic', tensely atmospheric, slow-moving repreive that, I feel, constantly overstay their welcome and become, by record's closing moments, gratingly boring (2.5+ nearing a 3.0). | | 1 |  | Lux Occulta
The Mother and the Enemy
Apparently some weird industrial-influenced progressive black metal (quity terrible cover, almost equally silly album title, but the music might very well be quite good).
P.S. First listen: starts off with these (fairly) enjoyable slabs of jagged proggy black metal constructed out of snarling vocals, metrically shifiting, angular syncopated (almost chuggy) riffs, more melodic winding guitar lines and extremely tight drum work, before eventually giving way, mostly, to much mellower, far more repetitive ambient-like trip-hop-infused pieces (complemented by cleaner vocals), with the penultimate track a welcome exception. Roughly half of this record is fairly forgettable, uneventful, the other half is largely, if mildly, enjoyable (circa 2.5+). | |
Brabiz
04.18.26 | Damn! I don’t know any of these. A lot to sift through.
I have heard Kołysankidig by Lux Occulta, and that album was awesome. So I’m sure 1 is also awesome | MementoMori
04.18.26 | @Brabiz: Glad to be of service! Good to know Lux Occulta has some quality material. | Brabiz
04.18.26 | From what I remember, it was like a mix of Trip Hop and black metal, with a big emphasis on the trip hop element. Was quite interesting | MementoMori
04.18.26 | Well, normally I do not vibe much with trip-hop (or indeed electronically inflected metal generally), but I will keep an open mind. |
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