Ancient forests echo with shrieks and blast beats. 138–201 BPM.
Pagan Black Metal is a subgenre of black metal that incorporates themes of pre-Christian paganism, Norse mythology, and nature. It originated in Norway in the early 1990s, characterized by shrieked vocals, blast beats, and atmospheric guitar work.
The defining artists of Pagan Black Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Pagan Black Metal.
Pagan Black Metal is characterized by fast, tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast beat drumming, and shrieked vocals, similar to traditional black metal. However, it often incorporates folk melodies, acoustic passages, and clean vocals, creating an epic, atmospheric sound. The production can range from raw and lo-fi to polished and bombastic.
Rhythmically, it alternates between relentless blast beats and slower, marching tempos. The use of keyboards or folk instruments like flutes and fiddles adds a mystical, ancient feel. Lyrics are often in native languages and focus on sagas, runes, and nature.
Pagan Black Metal emerged in Norway around 1992, evolving from the early black metal scene. Bands like Enslaved and Storm pioneered the fusion of black metal's raw aggression with lyrics and melodies inspired by Norse mythology and ancient traditions.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the genre expanded with bands like Moonsorrow and Primordial adding folk elements and epic song structures. The sound often incorporates traditional instruments or folk melodies, creating a bridge between extreme metal and cultural heritage.
Culturally, Pagan Black Metal is part of a broader movement reclaiming pre-Christian identity in Scandinavia and beyond. It often carries anti-Christian and nationalist themes, though many bands focus on nature and mythology rather than politics.
How Pagan Black Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Pagan Black Metal, aim for a raw but clear guitar tone with plenty of midrange. Use fast, tremolo-picked riffs with occasional folk-inspired leads. Drum programming should emphasize blast beats with a human feel, using swing on hi-hats and cymbals. BPM typically ranges from 138 to 201, with slower sections around 80-100 BPM for contrast.
Incorporate atmospheric samples like wind, rain, or forest sounds. Use reverb heavily on vocals and guitars to create a cavernous, cold sound. Consider layering clean vocals or choir samples for epic choruses. Avoid over-compression; let the dynamics breathe.
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