Thunderous riffs and alpine fury meet in Austrian Metal's relentless assault. 128–181 BPM.
Austrian Metal is a heavy metal scene originating in Austria around 1968, characterized by aggressive guitar riffs, fast double bass drumming, and dark lyrical themes. It encompasses subgenres like black metal (e.g., Summoning) and death metal (e.g., Pungent Stench), with a distinct alpine influence.
The defining artists of Austrian Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Austrian Metal.
Austrian Metal is defined by aggressive, fast-paced guitar riffs often in minor keys, with rapid double bass drumming (128-181 BPM) and growled or shrieked vocals. Black metal subgenres feature tremolo picking and blast beats, while death metal emphasizes palm-muted chugs and guttural roars.
Atmospheric elements, such as synth pads or folk instruments (e.g., accordion, flute), are common in bands like Summoning, creating epic, melancholic soundscapes. Production varies from lo-fi rawness to polished clarity, but always prioritizes intensity and darkness.
Austrian Metal traces its roots to the late 1960s, with early bands like Pungent Stench forming in 1988, though the genre's origins are often linked to the broader heavy metal explosion. The scene gained international recognition in the 1990s with black metal acts such as Summoning and Abigor, who incorporated folk melodies and atmospheric elements.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Austrian metal diversified into death, black, and folk metal, with bands like Belphegor pushing extreme boundaries. The scene remained underground but influential, known for its raw production and lyrical focus on Austrian history, nature, and mythology.
Culturally, Austrian metal reflects the country's alpine landscapes and historical narratives, often blending traditional folk instruments with heavy distortion. The scene is tight-knit, with festivals like Kaltenbach Open Air fostering community, and has produced globally respected acts while maintaining a distinct regional identity.
How Austrian Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
For drum patterns, focus on fast double bass rolls (16th notes at 160+ BPM) and blast beats with minimal swing. Use triggered kicks for consistency. Guitar tone should be high-gain, with scooped mids for black metal or tight palm-muting for death metal. Layer rhythm guitars for thickness.
Typical samples include orchestral stabs, choir pads, and nature sounds (wind, rain). Compose in minor keys (E, A, D) with tremolo picking and chromatic runs. Keep BPM in the 128-181 range, with slower sections for dynamics. Use reverb on vocals and snare to create cavernous space.
Hand-picked, updated weekly. Best for Headbanging, Mosh pits, Driving fast.
Every playlist on Dropo is hand-picked by real musicians, not algorithm-generated. We listen, we pick, we keep it fresh. About Dropo →