Panopticon is the brainchild of Austin Lunn, an American multi-instrumentalist who defies the boundaries of black metal with his genre-blending musical projects. Formed in 2007, Panopticon seamlessly weaves elements of folk, bluegrass, and American roots music into a typically frostbitten black metal framework. This unique blend has drawn recognition in the metal community for its emotive storytelling and atmospheric depth.

The project gained significant attention with the 2012 release "Kentucky," an album that pays tribute to the history of coal mining in the state, integrating bluegrass and American folk alongside harrowing black metal. Panopticon's evolution continued with conceptually driven and emotionally potent records such as "Roads to the North" and "Autumn Eternal," which further solidified Lunn's reputation for crafting soundscapes that are as reflective as they are ravaging. The two-part opus "The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness" showcased Panopticon's dexterity by juxtaposing a full black metal album (Pt. 1) with an entirely acoustic, americana-infused companion (Pt. 2). Continuing to defy expectations, Lunn's 2021 release, "...And Again Into the Light," offers listeners a profound sense of catharsis and introspection, affirming Panopticon's standing as one of the most innovative and emotionally resonant acts within the realm of extreme music.

Genres

Appalachian Black Metal

Atmospheric Black Metal

Autonomous Black Metal

Bosnian Electronic

Folk Black Metal

Forest Black Metal

Kentucky Metal

Post-metal

Usbm

Voidgaze

Related Artists

Falls of Rauros

Wolves In The Throne Room

Mare Cognitum

Krallice

Altar Of Plagues

Fen

Blut Aus Nord

Wayfarer

Winterfylleth

The Ruins Of Beverast

Spectral Lore

Ash Borer

Latest Release

The Rime of Memory

Panopticon

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released November 29, 2023