Eerie forests echo with shrieks and blast beats. 143–200 BPM.
Forest Black Metal is a subgenre of black metal that emerged in Norway around 1982, characterized by shrieked vocals, blast beats, and lyrics celebrating forests and nature. It often incorporates lo-fi production and atmospheric elements to evoke a sense of wilderness and isolation.
The defining artists of Forest Black Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Forest Black Metal.
Forest Black Metal is characterized by fast tremolo-picked guitars, blast beats, and shrieked vocals. The production is often lo-fi and raw, creating an abrasive, cold atmosphere. Tempos range from 143 to 200 BPM, with occasional slower, atmospheric passages.
Melodies are often melancholic and inspired by folk scales, evoking a sense of forest solitude. The bass is typically low in the mix, and the drums are relentless. Reverb and echo are used to create a cavernous, otherworldly sound.
Forest Black Metal originated in Norway in the early 1980s, evolving from the first wave of black metal. Bands like Mayhem and Burzum laid the groundwork with raw, lo-fi recordings and themes of darkness and nature.
In the 1990s, the genre crystallized with a focus on forest imagery and atmospheric soundscapes. Norwegian bands such as Ulver and Satyricon further defined the style, blending tremolo picking and shrieked vocals with nature-inspired lyrics.
Culturally, Forest Black Metal is tied to Norwegian landscapes and a rejection of modernity. It draws from Norse mythology and pagan traditions, creating a sense of mysticism and rebellion against organized religion.
How Forest Black Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
For drum patterns, use blast beats and d-beats at 160-180 BPM with minimal swing to maintain aggression. Layer snare hits with reverb for a sharp crack. Guitars should be recorded with high gain and mid-scooped EQ, using tremolo picking on minor or diminished scales.
Vocals are typically shrieked with heavy reverb and delay. Samples of wind, rain, or forest ambience can be added for atmosphere. Keep the mix raw and lo-fi, avoiding over-compression to preserve dynamic contrast.
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