Blackgaze vs. Post Black Metal

Attribute	Blackgaze	Post Black Metal
Origin	2000s, primarily in France	2000s, primarily in Europe
Blend of genres	Shoegaze and black metal	Black metal with elements of other genres
Atmosphere	Ethereal, dreamy	Depressive, raw
Production	Cleaner, more polished	Lo-fi, raw
Lyrics	Often introspective, emotional	Can vary, often dark and introspective

Origins

Blackgaze and Post Black Metal are two subgenres that have emerged from the broader umbrella of black metal. Blackgaze, also known as post-black metal, combines elements of black metal with shoegaze, post-rock, and other genres to create a more atmospheric and melodic sound. Post Black Metal, on the other hand, is a subgenre of black metal that incorporates elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and other non-metal genres to create a more experimental and diverse sound.

Sound

Blackgaze is characterized by its use of tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast beats, and harsh vocals typical of black metal, but also incorporates clean vocals, lush melodies, and ethereal atmospheres reminiscent of shoegaze and post-rock. This results in a more dynamic and emotionally evocative sound that sets it apart from traditional black metal. Post Black Metal, on the other hand, often features a more experimental and avant-garde approach to songwriting, incorporating elements of ambient, electronic, and other non-metal genres to create a more eclectic and unpredictable sound.

Lyrics

Lyrically, Blackgaze tends to focus on themes of nature, introspection, and existentialism, often exploring the beauty and darkness of the human experience. The lyrics are often poetic and introspective, reflecting the emotional depth of the music. Post Black Metal, on the other hand, explores a wider range of themes, including social and political issues, personal struggles, and abstract concepts. The lyrics are often more abstract and philosophical, reflecting the experimental nature of the music.

Production

Blackgaze is known for its lush and atmospheric production, with a focus on creating a sense of space and depth in the music. The production is often more polished and refined compared to traditional black metal, with an emphasis on clarity and dynamics. Post Black Metal, on the other hand, often features a more raw and lo-fi production style, with a focus on creating a sense of immediacy and intensity in the music. The production is often more experimental and unconventional, reflecting the genre's avant-garde tendencies.

Influences

Blackgaze draws influences from a wide range of genres, including black metal, shoegaze, post-rock, and even classical music. Bands like Alcest, Deafheaven, and Lantlôs have been instrumental in shaping the sound of Blackgaze and pushing the boundaries of the genre. Post Black Metal, on the other hand, draws influences from a diverse range of genres, including post-rock, ambient, electronic, and avant-garde music. Bands like Wolves in the Throne Room, Altar of Plagues, and Blut Aus Nord have been at the forefront of the Post Black Metal movement, pushing the boundaries of what black metal can be.

Reception

Blackgaze has garnered a mixed reception within the metal community, with some fans embracing its melodic and atmospheric sound, while others criticize it for straying too far from the traditional black metal aesthetic. Post Black Metal, on the other hand, has been met with more critical acclaim, with many fans and critics praising its experimental and innovative approach to black metal. Both subgenres have their dedicated fan bases and continue to push the boundaries of what black metal can be.