Blackened Death Metal vs. War Metal

Attribute	Blackened Death Metal	War Metal
Origin	1980s, United States	1990s, United States
Themes	Death, darkness, occultism	War, violence, chaos
Sound	Combines death metal with black metal elements	Fast, aggressive, raw
Lyrics	Often introspective and philosophical	Focus on war, destruction, and anti-religious themes
Visuals	Dark, occult imagery	Military, war-related imagery

Origins

Blackened Death Metal and War Metal are two subgenres of extreme metal that have gained popularity in the underground music scene. Blackened Death Metal combines elements of black metal and death metal, creating a dark and aggressive sound. This subgenre emerged in the early 1990s with bands like Behemoth and Belphegor leading the way. War Metal, on the other hand, is a more recent subgenre that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Bands like Blasphemy and Conqueror are considered pioneers of this style, which is characterized by its raw and chaotic sound.

Musical Characteristics

Blackened Death Metal typically features fast tempos, blast beats, and aggressive guitar riffs. The vocals are often guttural and growled, adding to the overall intensity of the music. The use of tremolo picking and dissonant chords is also common in this subgenre, creating a sense of darkness and chaos. In contrast, War Metal is known for its primitive and raw sound. The music is often characterized by its relentless speed, distorted guitars, and chaotic drumming. The vocals in War Metal are typically harsh and abrasive, adding to the overall aggression of the music.

Lyrical Themes

Blackened Death Metal lyrics often explore themes of darkness, death, and the occult. Bands in this subgenre often draw inspiration from mythology, folklore, and horror literature. The lyrics are often cryptic and poetic, adding to the overall atmosphere of the music. In contrast, War Metal lyrics focus on themes of war, violence, and destruction. Bands in this subgenre often draw inspiration from historical conflicts, warfare, and chaos. The lyrics are often blunt and confrontational, reflecting the aggressive nature of the music.

Visual Aesthetics

Blackened Death Metal bands often incorporate dark and occult imagery into their visual aesthetic. Band members may wear corpse paint, leather, spikes, and other elements that contribute to their sinister appearance. The stage shows of Blackened Death Metal bands often feature elaborate lighting, props, and backdrops that enhance the overall atmosphere of their music. In contrast, War Metal bands typically have a more stripped-down visual aesthetic. Band members may wear military-inspired clothing, bullet belts, and other elements that reflect the themes of war and violence in their music. The stage shows of War Metal bands are often intense and chaotic, mirroring the aggression of their music.

Reception and Influence

Blackened Death Metal has gained a strong following in the extreme metal community, with bands like Behemoth and Belphegor achieving international success. This subgenre has also influenced other genres of metal, with bands incorporating elements of Blackened Death Metal into their own music. War Metal, on the other hand, remains a more niche subgenre with a dedicated but smaller following. Bands in this style often have a cult following and are revered for their uncompromising and raw sound. While War Metal may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as Blackened Death Metal, it continues to influence underground metal bands around the world.