I was wondering if any seasoned metal heads would be willing to give me some recommendations? I'm not a new comer to metal but I still feel like there are some good bands that I am missing and would like to add to my collection. I'm looking for black metal that is on the more experimental side, with use of instruments or riffing that is uncommon in black metal.

Black or death metal bands who are avant-garde, symphonic, folky, or mildly atmospheric? Industrial recommendations are also welcome as long as it is tasteful.

These are some bands that i enjoy...I will gladly take for any recommendations of bands you think i might have not heard about.


Axis of perdition - Oranssi Pazuzu - Sear Bliss - Deathspell Omega - Dodsengel -
Den Saakaldte - Blut aus Nord - in Lingua Mortua - a Forest of Stars - Todtgelichter - Deviser


Nathrzeim - Morgul - The Bishop of Hexen - Mirrorthrone
love lies bleeding- Vehementer Nos


Hellveto - Dragobrath - Belenos - Drudkh - Bornholm - Negura bunget
Frostseele - Mondstille - Saille


The Monolith Deathcult - Gloria Morti - Sammath Naur - Ulcerate


Aborym - Pavillon Rouge
Dodheimsgard - I.D. Vison


Please and thank you! \m/

Dude, I'm taking note of those bands you listed. I don't know most of them! Do you have last fm?

They are all good bands, check them out.

http://www.last.fm/user/666moongoddess

If you aren't familiar with The Meads of Asphodel, I suggest checking them out. Japanese band, Sigh, as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Mf-FuLCYXg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0T9GUqfDG4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBwCv7r1RMY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8SPdERJiN8

For something along the lines of Drudkh, Dragobrath, etc, Maybe check out Khors, Ulvegr, and maybe even the latest Nokturnal Mortum for something a little more folky and progressive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnKQGWiv9zQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYNDpGKgt5g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUfFFYyuON0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwdkv__nHeE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld-q02l5pqE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPPMd1d_QMA

and lastly, Dodecahedron and The Ruins of Beverast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vspWVrMy8CE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufDh_Ty7g4I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaY48GauZgg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytDNwS9-jv0

I've listened to Sigh's Gallow Gallery a few years ago, they are very unique. I've also listened to allot of Khors and Nokturnal Mortum, some of my favorite. The Meads of Asphodel, Ulvegr, Dodecahedron and The Ruins of Beverast are great suggestions! I'm looking more into these bands. Thanks! \m/

..Anymore suggestions are more than welcome.

In terms of some really good experimental black metal I would highly recommend Kekal. A few of their albums are free for download, including the masterful "1000 Thoughts of Violence." Lot's of avant-garde tendencies, and even some weird hip-hop like beats thrown in. May not sound very good on paper, but I assure you it's done quite tastefully in a way that may surprise you.

Another excellent and HIGHLY experimental band is Njiqahdda. They tackle tons of different sounds and each album is drastically different from the last. They incorporate many sounds, often psychadelic that you normally wouldn't hear in black metal. If you don't hear a song you like by them I encourage to keep looking, because as I've said they cover A TON of ground throughout their discography. Some of my more favorite songs of theirs on youtube are the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1cSHxalfL0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82xI_KAKBoA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3WM87uHemo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zbfvRS3XrU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u12n9-pcpgw
These are just a few of the examples of how much their sound ranges. Each one could easily be a different band lol.

And I highly recommend revisiting Sigh. Gallows Gallery is great, but far from their best. Their mid-era discography is my favorite, with Hail Horror Hail being my personal favorite.

Edited to include more...

Agrypnie is one of those bands where when I heard the first time, I was absolutely floored. The band is getting better and better with each release and is certainly one to keep an eye on. I think they can definitely have the "experimental" label tagged to them, as there are few bands that sound even remotely similar. I feel like if any band could be called "post-black metal" its them. Their songs hold a lot of emotional impact and really carry a great atmosphere.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARCs9zBCRfw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmg-LhzJJkc

Another suggestion is Spite Extreme Wing, more specifically the album "Vltra." The production is retro (in a 70s rock way), the drumming is reminiscent of hardcore punk and the riffs are EPIC with a real Italian/romantic flair. Easily one of my all time favorite albums, and a criminally obscure release.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QejP-e0MEv0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e8X_lAil_U

Some other experimental bands to consider: Svarti Loghin, Peste Noire, Solefald, Drapsnatt, Progenie Terrestre Pura, Merkaba, Caina, Semen Across Lipsand the first two Parabstruse demos, Somnolence

I just listened to Kekal's "Violent Society", and i enjoyed it thoroughly. The beats towards the end threw me off guard but it was a pleasant surprise. I'm listening to the first Njiqahdda song you recommended right now, so far I find it to be very atmospheric, which usually isn't my taste but I'm looking forward to seeing the contrast in their style that you mentioned..and Hail Horror Hail will be my next listen!
Thanks so much for your recommendations, I appreciate it. \m/

No problem mate. I have edited my post to include many more suggestions to check out as well. And yeah like I said, Njiqahdda has many sounds so keep trying

Try the side projects of Mories from Gnaw Their Tongues (who you may or may not want to check out in addition - it's a sort of dark ambient with black metal bits). Cloak of Altering is more atmospheric and melodic, and De Magia Veterum is more dissonant and hellish.

Cloak of Altering: http://humanjigsaw.bandcamp.com/album/t ... with-death
De Magia Veterum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRf13BIJQIs

I'll run down a few more, actually.

Maybe Circle of Ouroborus, also? Personally I'm not a fan but lots of people seem to like them. Really spacey and ethereal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQwtWMGzofs

Castevet. Very rhythmic, they definitely have their own distinct sound : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlhDXNi56y0
S.V.E.S.T. You may know them they did a split with Deathspell Omega. Very raw and melodic. : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aarDJUy2uZk
Negative Plane, you might know them also. Full of reverb drenched guitar, makes it sound like it was recorded in a huge church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33TTxnGbVJk
Vit. Pretty cool, plenty of acoustics and doom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqSSMSYsyBY

Lastly, I noticed a distinct lack of Ved Buens Ende on your list. If you don't know them, you should really rectify that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n3K9LZOVpo

I posted this reply in the black metal help thread so here it is again!


I highly reccommend you check out Thy Catafalque. Awesome band that draws influences from various other genres, start with the last three albums, all fantastic in their own way.

Im sure you are aware of them though I did not see them on your list, so maybe later Sigh? Maybe you would also enjoy Golden Dawn's debut, "The Art of Dying", solid release with some experimental pieces here and there.

Dude...Attaining The Confidental Supreme Absolut by Njiqahdda was definitely more my taste.

I've actually got a few of Agrypnie and one of Spite Wing's songs on a playlist of mine from when I was scouring youtube for new jams. Most of the channels I was subscribed to have been deleted, so these bands did slip my mind. Never got a chance to come back and listen to their work thoroughly..so i thank you for reminding me!

I really liked the songs you linked me for Progenie Turreste Pura, Peste Noire and Semen Across The Lips.

The other bands you mentioned we're also good, but I'll definitely be checking out the aforementioned bands discographys.

Thanks so much! I'll let you know how it sets with me once i get a chance to listen to it all. I'm sure I'll be thanking you again. \m/

Definitely check out Diabolical Masquerade. It was a side project of one of the guys from Katatonia and Dan Swano made a lot of appearances on it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRQb2lMv7p0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCGHnON82EE

Seconding (or whatever) Sigh, for they are the kings of what they do. I'd say you need Nauthisuruz, an elegant mix of black metal, symphonic, industrial, ambient and a bunch of other stuff. Their entire discography was up for free download on their site, but I can't find it, I guess I owe you that one.

Secondly, Spektr for they come from that accursed realm that birthed The Axis of Perdition.

Also, Astral Monolith, which is definitely black metal, though I'm not sure how else to describe their sound.

There is also Embers, a black/doom/crust punk(!) band which is totally awesome, I've a review of this album in this site.

Matriarch, all female blackened death/gothic metal band from my dear homeland, which I've always considered quite original.

Furthermore, there's black metal/electronica group Ensepulchred which I enjoy but very are hard to recommend, I'll throw it in there nonetheless. Hope this helps.

Cloak of Altering's The War Has Finally Found Us is an awesome song, I enjoyed it more than his other project. Castevet and Circle of Ourobous weren't exactly my taste, either. S.V.E.S.T., Negative Plane, Vit and Ved Buens Ende we're a bit iffy at first but after listening through the songs, i overall enjoyed it and will definitely be looking more into their work. All great suggestions, Thank you very much, I'm glad I asked for these recommendations. \m/

I've known of Diabolical Masquerade's Nightwork, it is a great album. I live in Raleigh NC so I haven't met anyone else who likes their work so i appreciate the recommendation! Looking for more music like this to add to my collection.

Quite mainstream but I'm not really sure if you've checked these two albums out already but Nachtmystium released two albums under the titles - Black Meddle I & II. "Experimental" black metal where they fused progressive and jazz elements into their songs. Some loved it, some hated it. Check them out if they're your cup of tea.

Galaktik Cancer Squad is a reallllly good one. Though there are 3 albums there are no physical copies available until later in 2013 :s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5ZPTMAEzbI

Also, Angst Skvadron is amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLiOm8nQTZ4

Not exactly sure if you'd call this experimental, but Lugubrum's album De Vette Cuecken is really dark and claustrophobic, and the band make use of uncommon instruments like the mandolin and the banjo. Check it out and see if you like it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maQRbvahVFE

Also, as far as industrial black metal goes, nothing can beat N.K.V.D.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI4flrwZOvw

I enjoyed some songs on Thy Catafalque's Roka Hasa Radio. I'm not sure how I feel about the clean vocals on the other albums.
Some of Sigh's songs can be a bit too much for me, but I did enjoyed the songs Far Beneath the In-Between, Purgatorium, and Amongst The Phantoms of Abandoned Tumbrils off of In Somniphobia. I also enjoyed Golden Dawn, particularly the song Nothing But The Wind. I'm still looking more into all of their work. Thanks for the recommendations, I appreciate it! \m/

I know of Spektr, they have a great atmosphere and are a prime example of what I'm looking for.
Nauthisuruz's song Ode to man was a pleasant surprise. Downloading the album now since I couldn't find much of their work on youtube.

Astral Monolith was not so much favored..The music itself was good but the miserable vocals aren't exactly what im looking for.
and also I've given Matriarch a couple listens but I was never really drawn in by them. I suppose their operatic singing isn't my taste.

Ember's was very interesting, I wish they had more songs posted on youtube. Would you happen to know of where i can stream more of their work?...and lastly, I'm at an indifference with Ensepulchred, I'm intrigued by their style but haven't heard a song that I undoubtedly like. I definitely plan to look more into these bands, though. Great recommendations, thank you! \m/

I know of Angst Skvadron, great project. and I agree Galaktik Cancer Squad is really good! Definitely going to listen to his albums. Thanks for the great suggestion! \m/

not sure if I'm liking Lugubrum too much...but N.K.V.D is excellent! Thank you! \m/

For Nauthisuruz I'd say to go for the _ album (an underscore, that's the title) which I think is their best. And Embers has bandcamp.

The last two Abigor albums are very experimental with a heavy industrial influence. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I honestly believe they're ahead of our time.

If you're looking for some good symphonic black metal (not easy to find!) I would check out Bann. Their full length is some of the best symphonic black metal I've ever heard. Very melancholic and neo-classical without being cheesy.

In terms of bands with avant-garde riffs styles, I would recommend Negative Plane. Near classical compositions that still have an edge to them. Like perverted church music. One of my favorite bands right now. I can't think of any bands that sound similar to Negative Plane minus some aspects of their influences.

Wormlust might be to your liking
http://wrmlst.bandcamp.com/album/the-feral-wisdom

I came in here to suggest Lugubrum, and see someone already has. They're one of the greatest bands going in my view. Even if you didn't like that stuff from DVK, their discography just gets weirder from there. Some really good stuff on their last one, Face Lion Face Oignon.

How about Anubi? Very strange mixture of stuff...maybe folk music, psychedelia and some black metal? Pretty amazing find for me anyway, back in the day....The whole of their LP seems to be on youtube now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x_T8d0h ... sults_main

Also try Master's Hammer. just avoid teh slagry album, and maybe keep in mind that their debut is not all that experimental, although it's superb!

Obvious rec, but just in case, Anaal Nathrak's "the codex necro" is right up your alley. Very intense, creepy, otherworldly. The other albums that followed did not match in intensity IMO (although I have not heard the newest).

Also, for melodic proggressive epic heathen Viking folk metal, I did not see any Agalloch, moonsorrow, enslaved, borknagar, etc. on your list but all include different experimental sounds and influences and are great if that's your thing. Obvious recs but essential

Stupidly...I just realized that I downloaded that Nauthisuruz's album a few years ago. I did recognize the name when you first mentioned them but I thought they were two different bands because the albums sounded so different from each other. I'm not sure how I overlooked it in the archives either..Anyways, thank you for the link! \m/

I have a few of Abigor's albums. Mostly the newer stuff, I was really into Fractal Possession when I had been listening to allot of Industrial influenced bands. Now that you mention it I'm going to look into some of the albums i haven't gotten around to listening to.

I'm a bit iffy about Bann's vocals.. I didn't particularly like the beginning of song Der Geiger. I did like the song Carmina Necrologia. It's good music regardless though. I'm going to listen to them a bit more to see if I can find anymore songs that catch my interest.

Negative Plane is awesome. It was suggested to me earlier and I've listen to both of the albums. I really liked the songs Lamentations and Ashes and The Number of the Word in particular. Thanks for the recommendations. \m/

Yes. Immediately liked them as soon as I played the first song. Vocals are awesome. It is indeed to my liking, just what I was looking for. Thank you! Wondering if you would be so kind as to share any other great bands that you know of?

So, I listen to majority of the songs on Lugubrum's Lion Face Lion Oignon and i definitely liked it allot better than the other albums I checked out. I think the music is great, I really do like it...but the vocals are not so much my taste. I still feel I am at an indifference with this band. Which songs of theirs in particular would you recommend to me? I liked the songs Gaza and Jaffa in particular..if that helps any.

Anubi is great. I really like the album art for the album you linked me. Master's Hammer is also great, I'm surprised I haven't heard of any of these bands sooner since they have been around for a while. Thank you very much! \m/

I love most of Anaal Nathrakh's work. One of my favorite bands. I've tried to listen to Agalloch before...not my thing at all. I've also heard of Moonsorrow and Enslaved and I do have a few of their albums, but I've never been that into them. I probably should have stated that my collection isn't limited to just that list...more so just a few of my favorites and what I've been listening to as of late. I'm starting to think that I should have just listed my library to get opinions on what I'm missing out on. Anyways, I'm not too much of a fan of clean vocals and have usually turned off by them in the past with bands like Borknagar.. Could you recommend any Borknagar songs that dont include clean vocals, or at least minimal?

I know these bands are liked by allot of people, I'm thinking maybe I just haven't listened to their better songs? My taste has changed allot so i wouldn't mind giving it another listen. Any recommendations of your favorites by these bands? It would be much appreciated. If not I'll still be sure to go back and listen through their albums again. Thank you! \m/

Since you seem to like some of the more dissonant black metal like Dodecahedron and Deathspell Omega, Bestia Arcana might be worth a shot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOLiJWNR1IE.

Dead Shell of Universe is another band along that same dissonant vein. They've never really clicked with me but the similarities to DSO etc are definitely there. Hmm, I should probably give these guys a more in depth listen. Anyway, see what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WW5B2iENys.

Nazxul might be right up your alley. Amazing band, and they fit your request of their music being both full of atmosphere and having symphonic touches that are really well done. I don't really have much else to add really, just take a listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRGcO5yXSjE

Finally, as you mentioned you like them, Lunar Aurora remind me a bit of the Ruins of Beverast in some ways. I can't recommend them enough, their 2007 album Andacht is amazing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11A7KRvKIBw. Speaking of twhich, it isn't worth starting a new thread, but if anyone has any recommendations for bands that sound like the Ruins of Beverast (especially the 2009 album 'Foulest Semen of a Sheltered Elite') I'd love to know about them as well.

Check out Dark Tribe. I've only listened to "In Jeraspunta", but I can honestly say it's some of the most caustic and demented black metal I've ever listened to. It has that familiar dissonant and experimental bent of bands like DSO, but manages to be equally haunting. Essential listening if you ask me.

Glad you enjoyed it, great album. Since you dug that I'd also recommend giving Bestia Arcana a shot.

https://soundcloud.com/daemon-worship/s ... abainon-ek

You might also enjoy:

Akhlys - https://soundcloud.com/chnuphis-agathod ... promo-2012
Situs Magus - https://soundcloud.com/avantgardemusic/ ... re-au-noir
Nightbringer - https://soundcloud.com/chnuphis-agathod ... zra-lumial

Nightbringer isn't really what I'd call "experimental" but one of the dudes does both Bestia Arcana and Akhlys so if you're not familiar already then give them a listen.

edit* HA! Just realized someone already rec'd Bestia Arcana like 2 posts up!

Bestia Arcana seems pretty awesome based on the video you linked me.. Checking more into their stuff, and Dead Shell of Universe still. (they were suggested to me earlier) Andacht is a great album, example of what I'm looking for..good production quality but still black and grim. It's a masterpiece if you ask me. I know there is great music out there I haven't discovered yet..glad for any other suggestions you might have.

I also already know of Nazxul, one of my my favorites! both slipped my mind when I was listing symphonic bands. I go through my phases, I'm always looking for new music and try not to play out the gems of my collection like I have with albums in the past. Good to hear such tasteful suggestions though. If anyone knows of anymore bands like Nazxul that would be great...

Thank you! \m/

Vocals are a bit extreme for my taste..the music itself is good though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exK8qNde0fc Looking for something a bit more like this.

Thank you! \m/

I can't find much of Akhlys anywhere. :/

but Situs Magus is amazing...vocals are awesome. Even more so what I'm looking for! I'm digging Nightbringer as well. Their band logo is fucking awesome. Great recommendations man! I appreciate it. \m/



EDIT* I also just lisened to this song called Aorta Of My Thoughts by Ceslestial Bloodshed that was in the related section for nightbringer on soundcloud...also very awesome. I feel like i need to thank you for that find as well.

Very happy with these recently acquired jams...Thanks again to EVERYONE that took the time to recommend these bands to me, it's most appreciated. But of course still wanting more suggestions of any bands you think I'm missing out on though! I have such an insatiable desire for finding amazing music I haven't heard.

Hmm...since you put it that way then there's a good chance you'll enjoy Borgia's Ecclesia. Not quite as fragmented as DSO, but highly enjoyable all the same.