Rauhnacht

Rauhnacht is an Austrian folk/black metal project that emerged in 2017, blending raw metallic fury with traditional Alpine folk melodies and regional folklore. Hailing from Styria, the band carves its identity through lyrics sung in thick Austrian dialects and themes rooted in rural traditions, nature mysticism, and the haunting "Rauhnächte" winter solstice rituals their name references. Their soundscapes mix black metal tremolo-picking with accordion, jaw harp, and alpine percussion, creating a distinctly mountainous atmosphere that feels both ancient and aggressive. Recent tracks like the stomping "Hinterm See" and eerie "Geist" showcase their knack for transforming folk tales into metallic rituals, while maintaining a mysterious, woods-dwelling aesthetic through obscured faces and traditional garb in visuals. They’ve become cult favorites in the European pagan metal scene for their unapologetic regional authenticity.