18 Black Metal Bands That Still Deserve More Recognition 

Needless to say, it wouldn’t be cause for wonder to spot a metalhead taking a public stroll while wearing a T-shirt promoting Darkthrone, Gorgoroth, or Bathory. However, you probably will never bump into someone in NYC sporting the apparel of other pioneering legends like Mysticum, Beherit, and Master’s Hammer.

There are simply too many amazing outfits that deserve mainstream recognition: Urfaust, Archgoat, Abruptum, Mütiilation, Kvist, Negator, Odium, Ildjarn, Hypothermia, and Trist. It would be absolutely criminal if we neglected to mention the one-demo wonder Septic Cunts by now ex-Mayhem’s Maniac.

Mare would be perfect for today’s purposes. However, we have observed that their reputation is steadily growing. Although they are the antithesis of a commercial act, more and more metalheads are beginning to realize that they are one of the greatest BM outfits around.  

Without further ado, we present our list of important bands that are still owed much more love.

Slavia

The brainchild of Jonas Raskolnikov Christiansen, a.k.a. “Jonas aus Slavia,” Slavia was arguably one of the best black metal bands ever to exist. Jonas tragically passed away of cancer at the age of 31 in 2011. A tribute concert that was originally planned to raise money for his treatment was held the next day. It featured the genre’s top voices — Darkthrone’s Nocturno Culto, Shining’s Niklas Kvarforth, Taake’s Hoest, Frost and Satyr of Satyricon, etc.

Vlad Tepes

Vlad Tepes, which arose in Brest, France, has earned quite a reputation for their output. This short-lived ’90s outfit managed to make quite a significant impact on the black metal community. Of course, Vlad Tepes belonged to the movement known as Les Légions Noires or The Black Legions.

Teitanblood

Hailing from Madrid, the black/death act Teitanblood has remained active since 2003. Their third and most recent record, The Baneful Choir, dropped in 2019. Teitanblood’s drummer, J, is involved in an excellent supergroup called Lice, which we urge readers to check out.

Manes

Manes is one of our favorite groups here on The Black Pages. This pioneering act has proven remarkably influential. Of course, they switched from black metal to a genre-defying style after releasing three historic demos and their first album, Under ein blodraud maane (1999). Both Manes’ black metal and non-black metal content deserve infinitely more recognition. Without a doubt, Manes should be a household name.

Strid

Here we have yet another highly influential act, whose pioneering role must be strongly emphasized. The depressive black metal originators Strid released the highly influential one-track End of Life demo in 1993. This was followed by the band’s self-titled two-song EP in 1994. Strid is currently active and has been threatening to release new content. Their lineup now includes the great Vicotnik of Dødheimsgard, Svein Egil Hatlevik of Fleurety, ex-DHG’s Clandestine, Inflabitan’s Sigmund Hansen, and Ravn Harjar — Strid’s one ’90s member, though he came aboard after End of Life was recorded.

The Black

Founded in 1991, The Black unleashed a demo and two albums — The Priest of Satan (1994) and Alongside Death (2008). The late Dissection genius Jon Nödtveidt served as The Black’s original frontman. As one of the greatest black metal artists of all time, Jon imbued The Black with superior artistry.

Celestial Bloodshed

Celestial Bloodshed gifted the world with two eternally relevant classic full-length albums — Cursed, Scarred and Forever Possessed Celestial (2008) and Ω (2013) — and more. Ω was released after the death of Celestial Bloodshed’s frontman Steingrim Torson Brissach in 2009. Celestial Bloodshed was the first band in which its iconic co-founder Luctus/Wraath/Afgrundsprofet created original music. Luctus has gone on to become a part of so many other beloved projects.

Ofermod

The deeply spiritual, fiery, and orgasmic Ofermod is a pillar of the Swedish metal community. This highly influential band has remained active since 1996 and is currently signed to the venerable Shadow Records, a sub-label of Regain. Ofermod continues to amaze us with great new material. The famed producer and engineer Necromorbus actually used to play drums for Ofermod.

One Tail, One Head

The fabled One Tail, One Head was co-founded by the revered Jan Even Åsli with whom we chatted last week regarding the acclaimed Vemod, one of the best bands around, in my view. Unfortunately, One Tail, One Head eventually dissolved after the release of their full-length debut, Worlds Open, Worlds Collide (2018). However, even before that, this powerhouse recorded outstanding content. One Tail, One Head was regarded by many as one of the most exciting bands to witness live because of their intense physical energy and unique charm.

Kaosritual

Kaosritual was an absolutely extraordinary band that included top talents. This outfit crafted unsurpassed atmospheres that were absolutely spellbinding. Thus, Terratur Possessions’ Ole A. Aune rightly stated: “Reminiscing back, I’ll never forget the intense atmosphere, dedication and focus the band had, something I’ve never experienced since, just like their live shows. Nothing will ever compare.” This year, Terratur reissued Kaosritual’s lone album, Svøpt Morgenrød (2007); their demo, Rituell Katarsis, (2004); and also included unreleased material in a special box. This was all remastered by M. of Mgła. Please consider Dark Sonority, which formed from the ashes of Koasritual, to be part of this list as well.

Beastcraft

Formed in 2003, Beastcraft was the project of Sorath Northgrove of Vulture Lord and the late Alastor Nefas / Trondr Nefas of Urgehal and Vulture Lord. Everything of which these two geniuses were, and in Sorath’s case are, a part is pure gold. Thus, we recommend their full catalogues.

Von

Von emerged in Hawaii in the ’80s before relocating to California. Their songs have been covered by the likes of Beastcraft, Urgehal, Sarath, Taake, Watain, and Black Anvil. Music aficionados, however, need to give them the same reverence that they have been accorded by top artists.

Katharsis

Conceived in 1994, the disbanded Katharsis remains one of Germany’s most important black metal outfits. Katharsis is certainly celebrated by those who are knowledgeable. Yet, their level of fame is nowhere near what it should be. Hail Wraath for wearing a Katharsis T-shirt during his historic Darvaza photo shoot in the Via Dolorosa with NecrosHorns. We pray that others will follow his truly excellent example.

Setherial

Listening to the stalwarts known as Setherial always proves a delightful experience. Established in 1993, Setherial brings much charisma, energy, and wicked charm. Classics like Nord… (1996) never get old. Please mentally add a handful of Setherial’s fellow Swedes like Arckanum, Armagedda, Malign, and Sorhin to this list as well. Although the Swedish scene has produced some all too prominent names, many of its greats simply do not receive the respect they are owed.

Vondur

Vondur was the project of ex-Abruptum and ex-Ophthalamia’s It (Rest in Power) and All. These two great men made the ideal duo. They managed to record both outstanding original content and phenomenal cover songs. Vondur not only tackled hits by the likes of Elvis, Judas Priest, and Mötley Crüe, but, in my steadfast opinion, they outdid their fellow legends.

Blasphemy

The Canadian black/death titans Blasphemy have been slaying since the ’80s, though they did disband for a bit. Blasphemy is a band with the right values, a fact for which we are truly grateful. Blasphemy’s songs have been reinterpreted by outfits, such as the mighty Beherit and Black Witchery.

Skuggeheim

Skuggeheim was the one-man band of the cult hero “Skuggheim” himself, a.k.a “Grimnisse,” “Infamroth,” or Thor Erik Helgesen. If you aren’t already familiar with Skuggeheim, this outfit is one of the most rewarding black metal discoveries that you could make. We also strongly recommend Throne of Katarsis, a fantastic group featuring Skuggeheim’s mastermind.

Selvhat

Selvhat was the brilliant depressive project of Steingrim Torson Brissach. While those aware of Selvhat understand its true worth, we hope to spread the word to more listeners. In 2022, Terratur released the magnificent Selvhat compilation Avskjed, which was remastered by Kark of Dødsengel and caused quite a stir within the black metal community.