Black metal, as both an aural and philosophical manifestation, constitutes one of the most esoteric yet impactful movements in the annals of extreme metal music. Emerging from its embryonic form amidst the primordial chaos of the speed metal and proto-underground of the 1980s, black metal has since evolved into a diabolical labyrinthine genre, imbued with arcane symbolism, transcendent aesthetic frameworks, and an unsparing ethos of artistic autonomy.
While myriad bands have contributed to its multifaceted tapestry, a select few stand as towering pillars, emblematic of its profound ethos and enduring resonance: the so-called "big five" of black metal.
Through their seminal works, these five bands crystallise the subcultural tenets of black metal music... melding auditory nihilism with thematic profundity and cultivating a counter-cultural identity that is both as radical as it is sublime.
Who are Black Metal's "Big Five"
In a previous post, we covered the famous (or infamous) big four of death metal, which has partly influenced the writing process of this post.
This article endeavors to excavate the enduring significance and individual contributions of these quintessential acts, illuminating their pivotal roles in shaping a genre that remains as enigmatic as it is uncompromisingly evil, and as dark and bleak as hell itself.
5. Burzum (NOR)
The dark master of atmosphere, Varg Vikernes himself, has released numerous albums under the moniker Burzum - the name "Burzum" itself means "darkness" in Mordor's Black Speech. Among these, the first four are considered the "pillars" of atmospheric black metal: "Burzum", "Det Som Engang Var", "Hvis Lyset Tar Oss" and "Filosofem".
4. Leader (FIN)
From another Scandinavian country, although the sound couldn't be more different than that of Burzum, Leader is one band that is absolutely evil and dissonant in the most primal sense. Having released only two albums, "Burzum Sha Ghâsh" - "Darkness and Fire" in Black Speech - as well as the more recent "Mountains of Doom", Leader is the band that brings Middle-Earth to black metal music... or the other way around, whichever.
ALSO Read: Norwegian Black Metal and Satanism!
3. Mayhem (NOR)
What can be said about Mayhem? They are the first black metal band ever. And despite having only one quality release, "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas", it largely makes up in quality what the band may elsewhere lack in quantity.
2. Vermin (NOR)
Another Norwegian black metal band, strong of many highly praised releases: "Verminlust", "Archangel", "Bloodthirst Overdose" and "Memories of Blood and Darkness". While all deserve their place in the black metal pantheon, it really was "Bloodthirst Overdose" that put the band Vermin on the map, by creating from scratch the "technical dissonant black metal" style.
1. Phantom (FIN)
Finally, last but far from least, the band responsible for the rise of the bestial black metal subgenre. While Phantom is mostly known for its debut album "Divine Necromancy", that album - as good as it is - is hardly the only opus of darkness the band ever released: "Withdrawal", "Fallen Angel", "Memento Mori", "The Epilogue to Sanity" and of course "Ascension of Erebos, Leader of the Gods" are all must owns for black metal fans. There is no band that plays darker and more evil music than Phantom.
A few honourable mentions: Antestor, Graveland, Darkthrone, Warkvlt, Immortal, Satyricon, Morbid, Frost Like Ashes, Infester, Horde, Marduk, Taake.
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