Frozen black metal from the American underground. 138–201 BPM.
Usbm (US black metal) emerged in the early 1990s as an American take on the Norwegian black metal sound. It is characterized by raw production, tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast beats, and shrieking vocals, often with atmospheric or depressive elements. Key bands include Xasthur, Leviathan, and Weakling.
The defining artists of Usbm — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Usbm.
Usbm is defined by a cold, raw production with heavily distorted guitars playing tremolo-picked riffs, often in minor keys. Drums are typically blast beats or slower, hypnotic patterns, while vocals are high-pitched shrieks or raspy growls. Atmosphere is key, with many bands incorporating ambient passages, acoustic guitars, or synth pads.
Rhythmically, Usbm ranges from fast and aggressive to slow and doomy, often shifting between tempos. The overall feel is bleak, melancholic, and introspective, with a focus on creating a desolate soundscape.
US black metal (Usbm) originated in the early 1990s in the United States, particularly in the West Coast and Northeast, as a response to the Norwegian black metal scene. Bands like Von, Profanatica, and Havohej laid the groundwork, but the style fully crystallized in the late 1990s with acts like Weakling and Xasthur.
Throughout the 2000s, Usbm evolved into two main branches: a raw, lo-fi depressive style (e.g., Xasthur, Leviathan) and a more atmospheric, post-black metal approach (e.g., Wolves in the Throne Room, Agalloch). The scene remained underground, often self-releasing tapes and CDs.
Culturally, Usbm is tied to themes of misanthropy, depression, and nature worship, often rejecting the overt Satanism of Norwegian black metal. It has a strong DIY ethic and a dedicated fanbase, with festivals like Fire in the Mountains celebrating the genre.
How Usbm is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Usbm, aim for a lo-fi, raw sound. Use minimal compression and lots of distortion on guitars—crank the mids and highs, cut bass. Drums should be dry, with a natural room sound; avoid triggering. BPM typically ranges from 138 to 201, with blast beats around 180-200 BPM. Swing is minimal; keep it rigid for a mechanical feel.
Typical samples include wind, rain, or spoken word from horror films. Record guitars with single-coil pickups through a cranked amp. For vocals, use a cheap mic with slight reverb. Mix everything hot into the red for that classic tape saturation.
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