Metal Reviews

What would you consider Modern Black Metal, and what bands are the best Modern BM bands?

The only band that i really know of that might be considered MBM would be Cradle Of Filth, but you probably already know of them (everyone knows of COF :roll: )

you faggoth

COF aren't BM ! :evil:

if we're talking eras, arguably good examples would be DSO and Leviathan..

Oh, stupid me, I didn't even bother saying my opinions on the matter.

Modern Black Metal to me is the pure, raw, essence of Black Metal (which was, of course, given shape by the early '90s with such legendary releases as Transylvanian Hunger, De Mysteriis, and Nattens Madrigal) that has been successfully evolved to more complex and intense structures without ruining what that Black Metal essence is.

Prime examples of Modern Black Metal bands to me are: Leviathan, Deathspell Omega (lizardtail already pointed out these two), and Taake.

Taake and Horna come immediately to mind.

To me modern black metal is the bands that capture the darkened brutality of the second wave of Bm, while maintaining an open mind, adding different and new ideas and evolving but still being able to deliver the negative energy through the speakers and make the listener feel it.

Examples : Anal Nathraakh, Deathspell Omega, Leviathan, Xasthur, Axis of Perdition and many more.


edit : I don't agree with Taake, it's pretty much orthodox bm, but wondeful nevertheless.

Leviathan would be my favorite of the new style.

For me BM is the one genre of metal that has diversified the most in terms of musical ideaology and artistic goals. Initially I think it was predominantly about becoming the next stage up from Death metal in terms of heaviness and evilness, but over time the Burzum school of thought- that it can also be mesmerizing and spiritual- becomes more important. So I think a good example of "modern black metal" is a band that really recognises the depth that this train of thought can be taken to. The opening segment of DSO's Kenose- where the deep, disturbing ambient section gives way to the bizarre choral interlude- always makes me think about how modern black metal is capable of evoking an almost religious fervour.

Also, on a more prosaic level, the bands that are capable of drawing from a much wider range of influences than their predecessors, but still keeping intact the same raging spirit. Like other people have said, Axis of Perdition spring to mind immediately in this case, and Mystic Forest- a band I'm extremely grateful that I was introduced to

When I read replies like these it seems people actually read what I write.

:cry:

Although I think I need to stop ranting about BM's evolution and the early/mid 90's Norwegian scene in almost all my reviews.

:?

Anyway, some great replies here, I agree with everything said. As for Taake, I do believe they are Modern BM (with the exception of Nattestid), the riffing has evolved a lot and there are several elements present, that weren't present before. Taake is the least obvious example, but Modern nevertheless.

EMPEROR!!....oh wait, modern BM. Im afraid none have caught my ear yet, but then again I hardly attempt to find any to listen to.

EDIT: Xasthur isn't bad

Dark Fortress, Negura Bunget, new Azaghal, Mystic Forest?...

Pretty much agree, I would consider them Gothic metal.

Prometheus is a great example of Modern BM.

to me modern bands are bands that makes music this day today, without being a direct clone. The more modern the bands are, the less they sound like the bands of the 90's, imo.... so i don't agree with Taage or Horna... to me modern black has no particular sound, and if it did it would be melancholic since that's how "most" bands are nowadays, if you're looking for that sort of bands, that is .. also... and the more modern, the less of the ol' stereo-typical lyric themes, imo...





... modern black is NOT Dimmu Borgir and OMC... it's blasphemy.

Tidfall and Khold are good examples of modern bands that take BM in interesting directions. There's quite a lot of good stuff out there...