G'day.

I'm pretty new to black metal, just a handful of bands I genuinely enjoy so far, like Emperor, and black with traditional music influences like Myrkgrav and Melechesh. I like it *melodic* and not filled with constant blast beats and guitar lines that just pummel away without any regards to my ear drums. Allow me to specify what I'm after:

-Second-wave melodic black metal band
-Not low-fi
-Not over-reliant on blast beats and off-beats
-Lyrics that aren't all about satan, war, or National Socialism (not looking for utterly profound shit either, just hoping for something outside those three... paganism or anything generally nature-based are welcome)
-I highly welcome some tastefully done outside influence like Middle-Eastern (i.e. Melechesh) or folk metal (i.e. Myrkgrav, Eluveitie)... when I say tasteful outside influence, I mean the outside influence should be in the back seat of the musical vehicle, so to speak
-Vocals that don't meander off into random shrieks/Nazgulin' it up
-I discourage a knack for bands who fill up on appetizers (ambient pieces)

Hope I'm not being over-specific and digging myself a hole by doing so. Any recommendations will be much appreciated indeed.

You might like Catamenia and Taake. Both are generally melodic/catchy and they don't sing about Satan.

Negura Bunget might be something you would like as well.

Absu (especially Tara and S/T) seem like the most obvious rec

You should probably check out later Sigh. Their early material is quite raw but they've developed into a very unique, avant-garde black metal band. They've got an excellent sense of melody so I'm sure that you'll like it. Try Imaginary Sonicscape or Hangman's Hymn.

I've been into some tracks from Gallows Gallery of late as a matter of fact. I've heard Inked in Blood from Hymn, which is an awesome track as well.

To the first respondant, I'm unfamiliar with all those bands... I'll check them out.

As for Absu, I've been looking at their Metallum page numerous times and have heard very positive things about Tara, and this Proscriptor fellow, but still haven't checked them out. This I shall also do.

Appreciate the replies. Edit: Catamenia and Negura Bunget are fucking sweet, nice picks dude. Taake are okay, didn't have that "wow" effect on me though. In addition, I know they weren't recommended here, but Bal-Sagoth kick ass. Huzzah for finding a little more black metal to enjoy! Thanks very kindly, folks.

I'm glad you liked them, and I didn't imagine from your description you would like Bal-Sagoth...Of course, they happen to be one of my favorite bands.

Shame you didn't like Taake, they also are a favorite of mine. Maybe try the albums Nattestid or Bjoergvin.

That Proscriptor fellow did the drumming for Melechesh's "Sphynx", in case you weren't aware.

That's awesome. As it happens, Sphynx contains my favorite Melechesh material.

Upon actually checking out Absu, all I can say is... hell yeah! Intense and at the same time very catchy. Proscriptor's the drummer (a beast, at that) *and* lead vocals? Awesome. That's something I've not seen in a metal band before.

Absu also happen to have the best band photo on a Metallum page ever.