Top 10 Best Black Metal Bands

Black metal is more than just a subgenre of heavy music. It's an entire culture born out of a raw, rebellious spirit. Known for its bleak, cold atmosphere, often created through high-pitched tremolo guitar picking, blast beat drumming, and harsh, shrieking vocals, black metal thrives in an unapologetic, stripped-down sound. It's not about polished production or radio-friendly hits. In fact, the gritty, often lo-fi aesthetic is intentional, meant to push back against mainstream expectations and keep the music raw and intense.

Lyrically, the genre tends to explore dark themes like misanthropy, nature, paganism, and anti-religion. Many bands also incorporate elements of philosophy and mysticism, giving the genre a unique identity compared to other forms of extreme metal.

If you're into black metal, you know that every band brings its own flavor to the genre, from the frosty, atmospheric sound of Norwegian second-wave pioneers to the genre-bending experimentation seen in more recent acts. With such a variety of styles, it can be tough to narrow down who stands out the most, but that's where you come in. This list has been shaped by votes from fans just like you, celebrating the bands that have left a serious impact on black metal's legacy.

The Top Ten

Bathory

Bathory was a Swedish black and Viking metal band formed in 1983 by Quorthon and Jonas Åkerlund. Their first four albums are credited with laying the groundwork for Scandinavian black metal. Quorthon is often cited as a pioneer of the genre's signature shrieking vocal style.... read more

I'm not a black metal fan, so I haven't heard that many black metal bands. All I know are these classic old bands and some blackened death/thrash bands. Burzum and all Burzum copy bands suck. One riff for ten minutes makes me sleepy.
Darkthrone has some good albums but also many boring ones. Venom sounds just like hardcore punk. Emperor is epic, and Bathory (except the first album) is glorious. They are the best in what I have heard.

Why is C.O.F. on the list? I thought this was a best black metal bands list, not a freaky banshee howl/shriek band after every four bars. Also, Carcass aren't black metal. They are an awesome melodic death band (not their silly grindcore music).
Back to the point, these guys and Mercyful Fate are the pioneers of black metal. They invented it, and are now the best. I also think Dimmu Borgir should be at No. 3 as well.
Immortal

Immortal is a black metal band from Bergen, Norway, founded in 1990 by frontman and bassist Abbath Doom Occulta and guitarist Demonaz Doom Occulta. The band became one of the most prominent in the Norwegian black metal scene of the 1990s. Despite several lineup changes and hiatuses, Immortal continues... read more

Black metal has been a genre of adaptation. The original artists used what was available at the time to make outstanding metal music. Immortal takes the cake for best black metal band because their sound evolved with the times. As high-end production and tone control became available to them, they utilized it. Other bands purposefully release black metal with subpar production to evoke the sound of the poorly recorded originals. Immortal does not jump onto the pretentious "kvlt" bandwagon with their sound. Instead, they have put their focus into making black metal for a new generation.

They are, so far, the only black metal band that doesn't worship the absent deity all the "kvlt" fans worship and idolize. I'm talking about the little girl scout who calls herself Satan.
Immortal, instead of preaching about a pointless and nonexistent creature, write about winter, mysticism, and the realm they call "Blashyrkh." Their music is incredible, and Abbath's voice doesn't sound nearly as bad as the vocalist who calls himself Gaahl. He forces an awful scream during live performances that ruins Gorgoroth's already terrible music.
Immortal should be the standard for what a fantastic black metal band is. Gorgoroth is a perfect example of a band that acts and dresses a certain way just for attention.
Darkthrone

Darkthrone is a Norwegian black metal band. It was formed in 1986 as a death metal band under the name Black Death. In 1991, the band adopted a black metal style influenced by Bathory and Celtic Frost, becoming one of the leading bands in the Norwegian black metal scene.... read more

My favorite Black Metal band. When I first heard A Blaze in the Northern Sky, it brought shivers to my body, and I couldn't sleep the entire night thinking about what I had just heard. It was ugly, scary, dark, and beautiful at the same time.

True Norwegian Black Metal: repetitive, monotonous, hypnotic. Try to listen to it with full concentration on the music. It's like traveling to another imaginary world.

Darkthrone is True Norwegian Black Metal! Even during their death metal era, they produced awesome material like Soulside Journey.
Mayhem

Mayhem is a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1984 in Oslo. They're regarded as one of the pioneers of the Norwegian black metal scene. The band is notorious for the violent and tragic events associated with its early history, including the 1991 suicide of vocalist Per Dead Ohlin and the 1993 murder... read more

Even if you don't think it was the best musically (I don't), you still have to admit that it was the one that made the biggest impact. Burzum, Immortal, and Emperor were founded around the time of Dead's suicide. Darkthrone's style changed due to the suicide and Euronymous denouncing death metal's "trendiness." Euronymous also played the media by claiming they were all doing this in the name of Satan to receive more publicity. They were some of the first to commit the church burnings.
Euronymous's murder was legendary. Dead brought black metal corpse paint, self-harm performances, and made the 2nd wave of Norwegian black metal notable by the press.
Burzum

Burzum is a Norwegian black metal and dark ambient music project founded by musician and author Varg Vikernes in 1991. The project became a staple of the early Norwegian black metal scene and is considered one of the genre's most influential acts.... read more

My personal favorite artist in any form, in any category, for anything, definitely deserving of the number 1 spot for having pioneered second-wave black metal. Even though he now refuses to associate himself with the scene and had no intention of starting or taking part in it in the first place.
However, leaving my passion for Burzum aside, if it was placed second to Bathory, I wouldn't be ultimately dissatisfied. But anything else? Bull.

Burzum, Darkthrone, Bathory, and then everything else. Burzum and Darkthrone pioneered the genre we currently refer to as black metal, and Bathory could be interpreted as responsible for all black and Viking metal.
Plus, I only get true emotional effects from those three bands, maybe Emperor on a good day. Everything else is kind of... bad.
Emperor

Emperor was a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1991. They're regarded as highly influential within the black metal genre, both by critics and emerging bands. Their early albums, including In the Nightside Eclipse (1994), helped shape the symphonic black metal subgenre.

Emperor took everything a black metal band was supposed to be, with the same general style as well as the embrace of church burnings, and then made it even better with their songwriting and brilliant vocals and musicianship. The atmosphere and ominous feeling you get from listening to their stuff from "In the Nightside Eclipse" gives many people chills and really feels like some evil force is present.
Also, Emperor called it quits before they could become bad. Many bands stay active for way too long while their music becomes worse and worse. This makes many look up to them as "legends."

What! How is Emperor not at the top of this list? While I'll give Venom credit for starting the genre in a way, their music, on the other hand, sucks. Emperor are the kings of Black Metal.
Every great element of Black Metal (other than the general riff structure and vocal approach, which goes to Mayhem) was done first by this band. Dimmu Borgir sounded like an Emperor tribute band at first, and Satyricon isn't even Black Metal anymore. They're more like Black Rock.
Great list, but Emperor should be a no-brainer number one here. Kudos for throwing Celtic Frost into the list as well.
Dimmu Borgir

Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian symphonic black metal band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1993. The name is derived from Dimmuborgir, a volcanic formation in Iceland, the name of which means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic, Faroese, and Old Norse. The band is known for incorporating... read more

Dimmu Borgir! They should be a bit higher. Regardless, the rest of the bands (or most of them) are definitely worthy of their positions, such as Mayhem, Burzum, Immortal, and of course, Bathory.
However, Behemoth should be up there too, or at least somewhere higher than they are. But hell, all metal (with the exception of the not-so-good metal) is good metal.

Whilst staying true to their black metal origins, this band's sound evolves with every album. They are a pleasure to listen to. It's pure escapism for me. I love the fact that every album has a different feel and sound too.
Gorgoroth

Gorgoroth is a Norwegian black metal band based in Bergen. It was formed in 1992 by guitarist Infernus and is named after a plateau of darkness in Mordor, a fictional land in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Gorgoroth is known for its raw sound and controversial live performances.

Early Gorgoroth was the best. From 1993-1997 was their peak. Hat is literally the greatest black metal vocalist ever (unfortunately, he is very underrated and has the sad name of Hat). Pest was a great replacement for Hat. During this time, Infernus wrote some of the most evil riffs ever.
The recommended album would be Pentagram, honestly my favorite black metal album. But the Gaahl and King of Hell era was just mediocre. Walking tabloids and scene queens don't go well with true Norwegian black metal.

How come these guys aren't at the top? Gorgoroth is the most brutal (yet understandable in terms of melody) black metal band of all. They are the most satanic group of musicians and wrote the hymn of black metal that is Sign of an Open Eye.
Behemoth

Behemoth is a Polish blackened death metal band from Gdańsk, formed in 1991. They have been instrumental in establishing and popularizing the Polish extreme metal underground scene.

They are definitely one of the best black metal bands I know. Although I'm no Satanist, I still love their music. And to all those people saying that they don't do black metal anymore, listen to their newest album, The Satanist.

See, the thing with Behemoth is that Adam is a really nice guy who has battled leukemia and donated to charity. These guys aren't the church-burning, animal-sacrificing people that people associate with black metal. I actually like Behemoth, and I hate most black metal. Besides, Adam (Nergal) is a great musician, also doing blues and country music. Good band.
Venom

Venom are an English extreme metal band formed in 1979 in Newcastle upon Tyne. They rose to prominence during the late stages of the new wave of British heavy metal. Their first two albums, Welcome to Hell (1981) and Black Metal (1982), are considered foundational in the development of thrash metal and... read more

Not the best, but they're great, and I love them. I think Kirk Hammett put it best: "Listening to Venom is like watching a bad horror movie. As long as you don't have high expectations, you'll enjoy it a lot."

Venom should be much higher. They aren't famous for a singer's suicide, rage killing of a random gay person, or murder within the band. And yet, they make some of the best thrash or black metal around.

If you don't put Venom number one, then you weren't there when the black metal album was released. Sorry, but you're just too young to vote.

The Newcomers

?
Havukruunu

Modern melodic pagan black metal from Finland.
?
Imperial Triumphant

The Contenders

Dissection

Dissection was a Swedish extreme metal band formed in 1989 by Jon Nödtveidt. The band disbanded in 2006 following Nödtveidt's suicide. Their music is typically described as "melodic blackened death metal," blending elements of black metal and melodic death metal.

I love many of the bands I've seen here: Watain, Gorgoroth (Infernus), Marduk, Behemoth, Darkthrone, Emperor, Mgla, etc. I could go on. They're all amazing and have immensely affected me and my life, some more than others.
Yet none come close to the legend that is Dissection. It's disappointing that they aren't higher up on the list.

With lyrical themes such as Satanism, darkness, and death, yet still remaining musically melodic and beautiful (black metal-wise), Dissection is definitely one of the greatest black metal bands ever, at least way greater than Demonburger.
Satyricon

Satyricon is a Norwegian black metal band formed in Oslo in 1991 by vocalist Satyr and drummer Frost. The band's first three albums typify the Norwegian black metal style. Since their fourth album in 1999, they have incorporated a more traditional heavy metal style into their music.

I absolutely love Satyricon, despite their recent mainstream changes. They are still excellent musicians and marketers, and they play with a composure, methodicality, and technicality that I can only compare to that of the Beatles in the pop-rock scene or that of Wintersun in the melodic death metal scene. They are kings, no pun intended.

Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir are not black metal, at least in my opinion. A band that created an anthem for the Norwegian black metal sound should be at the top of the list.
Celtic Frost

Celtic Frost was a Swiss extreme metal band from Zürich, known for their influential role in shaping the genres of black, death, and doom metal. They were formed in 1981 under the name Hellhammer, then rebranded as Celtic Frost in 1984. The band was active until 1993, with a brief reformation from 2001... read more

18? What? This is by far the best black metal band ever! Granted, they experiment with a lot of different types of metal, but black metal is the true sound of Celtic Frost. Tom Warrior is an absolute genius, and he's basically my biggest inspiration for writing music.

The first true Black Metal band. (Bathory is good, but Hellhammer/Celtic Frost is ridiculously great.) Danse Macabre is the most terrifying track you can hear.

One of the most surprising things for me regarding Celtic Frost was the fact that they are from Switzerland. Like, have you ever been there? They were one of the most influential groups in the genre.
Marduk

Marduk is a black metal band from Norrköping, Sweden. The band was formed in 1990 and released their first album, Dark Endless, in 1992. Their name comes from the Babylonian god Marduk, a patron deity of Babylon.

Probably the most blasphemous band on the planet, as well as one of the best black metal bands nowadays, they are the reason black metal is still strong. Check out what I consider their best album, Panzer Division Marduk, and you'll understand what I'm talking about. They still reign mighty and unstoppable.

Marduk is insane, evil, powerful, and the kings of black metal. They have all the elements of this genre. The sound is pure hell. Without taking merit from the first five, Marduk is among the top three.

After 25 years, Marduk is still holding to its roots in what it created in black metal. In my opinion, they are one of the very best bands.
Dark Funeral

Dark Funeral is a Swedish black metal band from Stockholm, Sweden, founded by guitarists Blackmoon and Lord Ahriman in 1993. They emerged during the second wave of black metal, establishing a reputation for their intense sound and theatrical stage presence. The band has released several acclaimed albums... read more

If you want to listen to songs about Hell, Satan, and demons, plus some actual melodies and a choir here and there, this is the band you need to listen to.

I honestly do not understand how these guys are not at least top five. Those lyrics and riffs are just amazing, and those screams... just amazing.

Really? 18? Dark Funeral kicks ass! They definitely should be way higher on the list. Top five at least.
Agalloch

Agalloch was an American black and folk metal band based in Portland, Oregon. The band was formed in 1995 by frontman John Haughm. Before disbanding in May 2016, Agalloch released five studio albums, four EPs, two singles, one split single, two demos, four compilation albums, and one live video.

This is the band that has defined my life. Ever since I first heard The Mantle, my way of thinking and interests altered for the better. The dark, dismal lyrics, sometimes about nature, are just so powerful. I could not ask for a better gift in my life than Agalloch!

Agalloch was one of the most creative bands of the 2000s. While not all their music was 100% black metal (BM), it always served as an underlying genre to their style. Ashes Against the Grain was an excellent entry point into BM for me. The album got me to look past harsh vocals and appreciate the genre's other great aspects. Since then, I've learned to love harsh vocals. Thanks, Agalloch!
Watain

Watain is a Swedish black metal band from Uppsala, formed in 1998. The band's name is taken from a recording by the American black metal group Von. Known for their intense live shows and satanic themes, they are a key figure in the modern black metal scene.

One of the best Swedish black metal bands out there. Just listen to songs like Legions of the Black Light and Malfeitor, and you'll see their greatness.

Watain is about as close to modern royalty as it is possible to be in black metal.

They own my heart and respect (and ears... laugh out loud) not only for their remarkable musical diversity but also for their strong philosophy and ideological influence upon the audience. Their music is thoughtful, and their energy is overwhelming! Hail Watain! Incipit Chaos!
Enslaved

Enslaved is a Norwegian extreme metal band formed in Haugesund in June 1991. They later relocated to Bergen, Norway, which became their base of operations. The band is known for blending black metal with progressive and Viking metal elements, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated global fan base.

A wise man does not need to prove his point. Enslaved is the best! It took a while for them to reach the top, perhaps. But now that they have reached it, they are incomparable! Perhaps Alcest should also be ranked on top!

Frost is my favorite black metal album. There are a lot of great albums in black metal, such as Spiritual Black Dimensions by Dimmu Borgir, Pure Holocaust by Immortal, and anything by Gorgoroth and Dark Funeral, but Frost just stands out in this genre, just like Transylvanian Hunger.

Not just a great black metal band, but one of the most creative and innovative bands making music today. Enslaved consistently releases quality albums.
Naglfar

Naglfar is a Swedish melodic black metal band formed in 1992 by Jens Rydén and Kristoffer Olivius. The band originally went by the name Uninterred before changing it shortly after formation. They released their debut album Vittra in 1995 and have remained active with multiple subsequent releases.

The best melodic black/death metal hybrid there is. The band has many influences from Dark Funeral and Dimmu Borgir in their compositions. They should be at number 6.
Windir

Windir was a black metal band from Sogndal, Norway. The band combined black metal with folk music and Norse mythology. It was founded by Valfar (Terje Bakken) in 1994 and disbanded after his death in 2004.

They should be ranked much higher. Since they no longer exist after 2004, such a low rank is understandable, but everyone who knows this band can appreciate their uniqueness. By far, my favorite band of all time.

They should be in the top 10 at the very least. Every album is great. If you like epic, melodic, heavy, and experimental black metal, this is a band you gotta check out.

Windir is surprisingly low at 53. They are my favorite band out of the ones on this list, along with Agalloch and maybe Immortal.
Hellhammer

Hellhammer was a Swiss extreme metal band from Nurensdorf, active from 1981 to 1984. The band is considered a pioneering influence on the development of black metal and an early contributor to the death metal genre. After disbanding, several members went on to form the influential group Celtic Frost... read more

My favorite proto-black metal band is Hellhammer. The first wave is obviously the best, and I hate it when people say, "Well, it's not really black metal, more thrash or speed, etc." They just don't sound like the second wave. But Hellhammer is my favorite. I'm sorry, but they should have stuck to Hellhammer rather than change to Celtic Frost... that's my opinion.
Wolves in the Throne Room

Wolves in the Throne Room is an American atmospheric black metal band formed in 2003 in Olympia, Washington by brothers Aaron and Nathan Weaver. They have released seven full-length albums, two live albums, and one EP. Their debut album, Diadem of 12 Stars, was recorded on a budget of just $1,100 and... read more

For the longest time, black metal had become really stagnant, with most new bands just recycling the old and not being innovative within the genre. That changed when Wolves in the Throne Room arrived, taking black metal to new places. They are by far the best modern black metal band to date.
Satanic Warmaster

Satanic Warmaster is a black metal band from Lappeenranta in southern Finland. Musician "Werwolf" began recording under this name in 1998 and has remained the driving force behind the project.
The band has sold tens of thousands of albums worldwide without support from major distribution companies... read more

The band that first got me into black metal!
Deafheaven

Deafheaven is an American blackgaze and post-metal band formed in February 2010 in San Francisco by vocalist George Clarke and guitarist Kerry McCoy. The duo initially recorded and self-released a four-track demo before expanding the lineup and signing with Deathwish Inc. The band blends elements of... read more

Their music is organic, impassioned, and often quite beautiful. They consistently deliver high-quality songs.

Taking black metal to new places with heavily emotional music.
Rancid Abomination

Hell yeah. Kickass New England-style thrashy, atmospheric, power metal-influenced black metal! Disgusting lyrics too! About time a New England band was put on this list. The only other black metal band from Massachusetts I know is Obsidian Tongue, and they are no Rancid Abomination. Obsidian Tongue didn't develop a new style of BM. Rancid Abomination did!
They should be in the top 5 with Windir and some others. It's not quite Windir-level good but... close.