Pagan black metal is a subgenre characterized by its fusion of black metal's intensity and aggression with folk and pagan influences, often incorporating elements of nature, mythology, and spirituality. Emerging in the 1990s, particularly in Norway and Eastern Europe, the genre drew upon Scandinavian folk traditions, incorporating instruments like flutes, fiddles, and acoustic guitars alongside the typical black metal arsenal of distorted guitars and pounding drums. The vocals often shift between harsh, shrieking screams and clean, chanting vocals, evoking a sense of ritual and mysticism. Key bands of the era, often associated with the second wave of black metal, explored themes of paganism, nationalism, and environmentalism, setting the genre apart from its more satanic and occult-inspired counterparts. Pagan black metal's unique blend of raw energy, melodic sensibility, and cultural depth has captivated listeners, influencing a new wave of bands that continue to push the genre's boundaries.

The Imperious Horizon

Winterfylleth

Album - 11 Tracks - Released September 13, 2024