Savage black metal meets ancient Chinese melodies in a storm of fury. 139–198 BPM.
Chinese Black Metal is a subgenre of black metal that emerged in China in the early 1990s. It combines the aggressive, lo-fi sound of Norwegian black metal with traditional Chinese musical elements, such as pentatonic scales, folk instruments, and lyrical themes from Chinese history and mythology.
The defining artists of Chinese Black Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Chinese Black Metal.
Chinese Black Metal retains the core elements of black metal: tremolo-picked guitars, blast beats, and shrieked vocals. However, it often incorporates pentatonic melodies, folk instruments, and atmospheric passages that evoke ancient Chinese landscapes. The production can range from raw and lo-fi to more polished, but always maintains a cold, aggressive edge.
Rhythms are typically fast and driving, with occasional mid-tempo sections for atmosphere. The use of traditional instruments like the erhu adds a haunting, melancholic quality, while lyrical themes explore Chinese mythology, war, and nature.
Chinese Black Metal originated in the early 1990s, influenced by the Norwegian black metal scene. Bands like Be Persecuted and Zuriaake were pioneers, infusing the raw, misanthropic sound with Chinese aesthetics.
The genre evolved through the 2000s, with bands incorporating more traditional instruments like erhu, guzheng, and dizi. Lyrics often draw from Chinese folklore, history, and philosophy, creating a unique identity distinct from Western black metal.
Despite censorship and underground status, Chinese Black Metal has grown internationally, with festivals and a dedicated fanbase. It remains a powerful expression of cultural identity within the global metal scene.
How Chinese Black Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Chinese Black Metal, start with standard black metal drum patterns: fast blast beats, d-beats, and double bass. BPM ranges from 139 to 198, with slower sections around 100-120 BPM for atmosphere. Use minimal swing to keep a mechanical, relentless feel.
Incorporate traditional Chinese instruments like erhu, guzheng, or dizi, either sampled or recorded. Layer these over distorted guitars tuned to standard or drop D. Use reverb and delay to create a vast, cold soundscape. Vocals should be high-pitched shrieks, often with reverb. Mix the drums with a raw, lo-fi aesthetic to maintain the underground feel.
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