Black Metal vs. Blackened Death Metal

Attribute	Black Metal	Blackened Death Metal
Origin	Norway, Sweden	United States
Lyrics	Satanism, Paganism, Nature	Death, Darkness, Anti-religion
Instrumentation	Guitars, Drums, Vocals	Guitars, Drums, Vocals, Growling
Speed	Varies, often fast	Fast and aggressive
Atmosphere	Grim, Cold, Raw	Dark, Brutal, Intense

Origins

Black Metal and Blackened Death Metal are two subgenres of extreme metal that have distinct origins. Black Metal originated in the early 1980s in Norway, with bands like Venom and Bathory laying the foundation for the genre. Black Metal is known for its raw, lo-fi production, high-pitched shrieking vocals, and lyrics that often focus on themes of darkness, nature, and anti-Christianity.

On the other hand, Blackened Death Metal emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, blending elements of Black Metal with Death Metal. Bands like Behemoth and Belphegor are considered pioneers of the genre. Blackened Death Metal combines the aggression and brutality of Death Metal with the atmosphere and aesthetics of Black Metal.

Musical Characteristics

Black Metal is characterized by its tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast beat drumming, and atmospheric keyboards. The production is often intentionally lo-fi, giving the music a raw and primal feel. Vocals in Black Metal are typically high-pitched shrieks or screams, adding to the overall sense of darkness and aggression.

Blackened Death Metal, on the other hand, combines the brutality of Death Metal with the atmosphere of Black Metal. The music is often fast-paced with complex guitar riffs, blast beat drumming, and guttural vocals. Blackened Death Metal also incorporates elements of melody and atmosphere, creating a unique blend of aggression and darkness.

Lyrical Themes

Lyrically, Black Metal often focuses on themes of darkness, nature, and anti-Christianity. Bands in the genre often use Satanic imagery and symbolism to convey their message of rebellion and individualism. Black Metal lyrics can be poetic and philosophical, exploring themes of existentialism and nihilism.

Blackened Death Metal lyrics, on the other hand, often deal with themes of death, destruction, and the occult. Bands in the genre may incorporate Satanic imagery and themes of darkness, but the focus is more on aggression and brutality. Blackened Death Metal lyrics can be graphic and violent, reflecting the intense and brutal nature of the music.

Visual Aesthetics

Black Metal has a distinct visual aesthetic that often includes corpse paint, spikes, leather, and other elements of darkness and rebellion. Bands in the genre may use imagery of nature, forests, and ancient ruins to create a sense of mysticism and darkness. The visual aspect of Black Metal is an important part of the overall experience for fans.

Blackened Death Metal, on the other hand, may incorporate elements of Black Metal aesthetics, such as corpse paint and spikes, but the focus is more on aggression and brutality. The visual aesthetic of Blackened Death Metal is often darker and more intense, reflecting the brutal and aggressive nature of the music.

Popularity and Influence

Black Metal has a dedicated fan base and has had a significant influence on the metal scene since its inception. Bands like Mayhem, Emperor, and Darkthrone are considered pioneers of the genre and have inspired countless other bands to explore the dark and atmospheric sound of Black Metal. Black Metal has also influenced other genres of music, such as blackgaze and atmospheric black metal.

Blackened Death Metal, on the other hand, has gained popularity in recent years and has attracted a new generation of fans. Bands like Behemoth, Belphegor, and Goatwhore have helped to popularize the genre and bring it to a wider audience. Blackened Death Metal has also influenced other subgenres of metal, such as melodic death metal and blackened thrash metal.