Despite the efforts of such bands as Venom and other nasty thrash bands around in the 80’s, it was the actions and raw music of the late 80’s/early 90’s Norwegian bands that sparked the phenomenon known commonly as black metal. This article is mainly for the outsider or beginner, a guide to those bands that are hugely important to the scene but do not come from Norway.
Sweden and Finland are our geographically logical first destinations which have become breeding grounds for fine black metal. Similarly cold and barren, the glaciated landscaped of these adjacent countries are perfect for conjuring the lonely, spiteful and arcane spirit required for the music.
Sweden houses bands old and new that should be in any fan’s collection. Marduk and Dark Funeral have been steadily releasing quality albums over the years, the former more than the latter. The prolific personality of the late Mr Jon Nödtveidt fronted Dissection who released two essential cuts, The Somberlain (1993) and Storm of the Light’s Bane (1995).
More contemporary Swedish artists include depressive masters Shining helmed by the mighty Kvarforth, and more traditional output of a very high standard from Watain and Funeral Mist. The albums to look out for here are Casus Lucferi (2003) and Salvation (2003) respectively.
Finland, the land of a thousand lakes is another evergreen land of midnight sun and periods of complete darkness, and this reflects well in the black metal music of the countrymen. Beherit, whose most recognisable album would be Drawing Down The Moon (1993) a twisted and surreal affair were one of the pioneers for Finnish style, forming around 1989.
Fellow Finns include Azaghal, Alghazanth (who admittedly are slightly more melodic), Behexen, Horna, Satanic Warmaster and Sargeist. The former half of this hellish line up have been releasing pure filth for many years and there are some truly awesome highlights amongst, such as Azaghal’s Omega (2008) and Behexen’s By The Blessing Of Satan (2004).
Moving a little to the East and South will bring you to the Eastern edge of Europe, and countries here such as Poland, Ukraine and Romania have germinated a wicked sound comprising black metal and more of their local and traditional music. An especially productive duo of bands (more if you count Blood of Kingu and Astrofaes) involving Roman Saenko exists in the Ukraine.
Hate Forest and Drudkh together have made some astounding and compelling black metal. At first they seem a bit of an acquired taste, with often long and expansive songs, but letting the atmosphere surround and envelop you will allow the appreciation to seep in. Drudkh’s Blood In Our Wells (2006) and Hate Forest’s Purity (2003) are particularly amazing.
American, French and German bands seem to have a certain little something as well, but as a little investigation will unravel, pretty much every country that has access to music making equipment will have a healthy balck metal scene somewhere amongst the sea of banality.
