Austrian Black Metal

Austrian black metal is a fierce and evocative offshoot of the broader black metal genre that emanates from the alpine vistas of Austria. Characterized by its raw and atmospheric soundscapes, the music often melds relentless blast beats and tremolo-picked guitar riffs with symphonic elements and a profound sense of melancholy, reflecting the stark beauty of the country's landscapes. Attuned to themes of nihilism, nature, and existential dread, bands within this subgenre - such as Belphegor with their diabolical precision and Ellende's emotive compositions - mix aggressive extremity with a palpable sense of sorrow and introspection. Varying from the abstract and ambient to the fiercely traditional, Austrian black metal paints a sonic portrait of darkness that is as haunting as it is majestic.

The Hidden Land

Rivendell

Single - Released May 22, 2025