Summon ancient darkness with blistering, ritualistic black metal fury. 140–202 BPM.
Occult Black Metal is a subgenre of black metal that emerged in Norway around 1982, characterized by its thematic focus on Satanism, occultism, and anti-Christianity. Musically, it features fast tempos (140-202 BPM), shrieked vocals, blast beat drumming, and raw, lo-fi production. Bands like Mayhem, Burzum, and Darkthrone are iconic pioneers.
The defining artists of Occult Black Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Occult Black Metal.
Occult Black Metal is defined by its raw, abrasive sound: tremolo-picked electric guitars, rapid-fire blast beats, and high-pitched shrieked vocals. The production is intentionally lo-fi, often with a thin, trebly mix that emphasizes chaos and atmosphere. Tempos range from 140 to 202 BPM, with frequent use of dissonant harmonies and minor keys.
Rhythmically, the genre relies heavily on blast beats and double bass drumming, creating a relentless, hypnotic pulse. Guitars often play repetitive, trance-like riffs with a cold, icy tone. Bass is typically low in the mix, providing a rumbling foundation. Occult themes are reflected in the music's dark, ritualistic feel.
Occult Black Metal originated in Norway in the early 1980s, with its roots in the first wave of black metal (e.g., Venom, Bathory). The genre crystallized around 1992 with the 'second wave' led by Norwegian bands like Mayhem, Burzum, and Emperor, who embraced a raw, lo-fi sound and overtly Satanic and occult imagery.
Throughout the 1990s, the genre evolved with increasing complexity, incorporating symphonic elements (Emperor) and atmospheric textures (Burzum). The infamous church burnings and murder of Mayhem's Euronymous cemented the genre's notorious reputation.
Culturally, Occult Black Metal is deeply tied to Norwegian nationalism, paganism, and a rejection of Christianity. Its aesthetics include corpse paint, inverted crosses, and misanthropic lyrics. The genre remains influential, spawning countless subgenres and a global underground scene.
How Occult Black Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Occult Black Metal, prioritize a raw, lo-fi aesthetic. Use minimal compression and distortion on guitars to retain a sharp, trebly edge. Drum programming should emphasize blast beats (eighth notes at 200+ BPM) with a tight, mechanical feel; avoid swing. Layer shrieked vocals with reverb and slight delay to create an eerie, cavernous presence.
Typical samples include church bells, wind, or spoken-word occult passages. Use a mix that is intentionally 'thin' in the low end to contrast with the dense guitar wall. For authenticity, record in a cold, reverberant space. Avoid over-polishing—the genre thrives on imperfection and raw energy.
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