atmospheric black metal
what it is
Atmospheric black metal is a sub-genre of black metal which relies on heavy incorporation of atmospheric, sometimes even dreamy textures, therefore moving away from its parent into a less aggressive direction. Atmospheric black metal often features synthesizers or classical instrumentation, typically for melody or ethereal "shimmering" over the wall of sound provided by the guitars. The music is usually slow to mid paced with rare blast beat usage, without any abrupt changes and generally features slowly developing, sometimes repetitive melodies and riffs, thus providing another notable distinction from its parent and other black metal sub-genres.
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level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
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questions
What is atmospheric black metal?
Atmospheric black metal is a sub-genre of black metal which relies on heavy incorporation of atmospheric, sometimes even dreamy textures, therefore moving away from its parent into a less aggressive direction. Atmospheric black metal often features synthesizers or classical instrumentation, typically for melody or ethereal "shimmering" over the wall of sound provided by the guitars. The music is usually slow to mid paced with rare blast beat usage, without any abrupt changes and generally features slowly developing, sometimes repetitive melodies and riffs, thus providing another notable distinction from its parent and other black metal sub-genres.
What are good atmospheric black metal albums to start with?
Try Oath Bound by Summoning, Écailles de lune by Alcest, Bergtatt by Ulver, and Blood in Our Wells by Drudkh.
Who are some women making atmospheric black metal?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/atmospheric-black-metal/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making atmospheric black metal, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20