Black Metal vs. Raw Black Metal

Attribute	Black Metal	Raw Black Metal
Origin	Norway	Underground scene
Sound	Melodic, atmospheric	Harsh, lo-fi
Lyrical Themes	Satanism, paganism	Nature, misanthropy
Production Quality	High quality	Low quality
Influence	May include other genres	Purely black metal

Origins

Black Metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that originated in the early 1980s, primarily in Norway. It is known for its fast tempos, shrieking vocals, and heavily distorted guitars. Raw Black Metal, on the other hand, is a more extreme and underground form of Black Metal that emerged in the 1990s. It is characterized by lo-fi production, harsh vocals, and a more primitive sound.

Musical Style

Black Metal typically features fast-paced drumming, tremolo-picked guitar riffs, and high-pitched vocals that often sound like screams or shrieks. The lyrics often focus on themes of darkness, evil, and the occult. Raw Black Metal, on the other hand, takes these elements to the extreme, with even more aggressive and chaotic instrumentation. The production quality is intentionally low, giving the music a raw and unpolished feel.

Atmosphere

Black Metal is known for creating a dark and atmospheric mood through its music. The use of dissonant chords, eerie melodies, and haunting vocals all contribute to this atmosphere. Raw Black Metal, on the other hand, takes this atmosphere to a more extreme level. The lo-fi production and harsh vocals create a sense of rawness and aggression that is unmatched in other subgenres of metal.

Lyrics

Lyrically, Black Metal often explores themes of Satanism, paganism, and anti-Christianity. The lyrics can be poetic and philosophical, delving into themes of darkness and rebellion. Raw Black Metal, on the other hand, tends to have more simplistic and direct lyrics. The focus is often on expressing raw emotion and aggression, rather than delving into complex philosophical ideas.

Visual Aesthetics

Black Metal is known for its distinctive visual aesthetic, which often includes corpse paint, spikes, and leather. The musicians may also incorporate elements of Norse mythology or medieval imagery into their stage presence. Raw Black Metal, on the other hand, tends to have a more stripped-down and minimalist aesthetic. The focus is on the music itself, rather than elaborate costumes or stage props.

Reception

Black Metal has gained a significant following over the years, with bands like Mayhem, Emperor, and Darkthrone becoming iconic figures in the genre. The music has also faced controversy due to its association with church burnings and violence in the early days of the Norwegian Black Metal scene. Raw Black Metal, on the other hand, remains a more underground and niche subgenre. It is often seen as more extreme and uncompromising than traditional Black Metal.