Occult black metal is a subgenre defined by its fusion of traditional black metal's raw, tremolo-picked guitar lines, blast beat drumming, and rasping vocals with themes steeped in esotericism, ritualism, and dark mysticism. The atmosphere cultivated by these bands is dense and foreboding, often incorporating lyrical content focused on occult practices, ceremonial magick, theistic Satanism, and ancient lore. This subgenre goes beyond mere shock value or theatrics, venturing into complex and often philosophical territories that explore spiritual darkness and transcendence. Bands like Ofermod and Cultes des Ghoules, through their intricate compositions and evocative storytelling, create a soundscape that serves as a conduit for the arcane energies they channel through their music.

Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. (30th anniversary edition)

Absu

Album - 17 Tracks - Released October 25, 2024