Melodic black metal is a subgenre that infuses the traditional ferocity and atmospheric characteristics of black metal with a heightened sense of melody and harmony. The genre often retains the piercing shrieked vocals, blast beat drumming, and tremolo-picked guitar lines that are hallmarks of black metal but juxtaposes these elements with melodious guitar riffs, intricate solos, and sometimes a more polished production. Unlike its raw counterpart, melodic black metal embraces a musical sophistication that can evoke a broader emotional palette, often incorporating influences from classical music, folk, and symphonic elements. The result is a sound that balances the aggressive and the euphonious, creating a rich, epic soundscape that can be both ominous and enchanting, a signature embodied by the diverse expressions found in bands such as Dissection and Windir.

Pulling at Threads (Live in 2023)

Dark Fortress

Single - Released November 15, 2024