Post by mannaztree on Jan 2, 2023 12:02:34 GMT -6
I'm starting with secular BM because (honestly?) I'm not even sure there are 10 Christian BM albums I like enough to put them in an :"all-time" list. I'd really have to think about it. There are some criticisms of the Unblack scene & style which need to be addressed beforehand.
For that reason, I'm starting with a top 10 of my fav BM releases of all time. I've wanted to do this for a while, and don't think I ever got around to it. Having a difficult time rating them, I've opted instead to list them alphabetically. I've decided to give a little blurb describing a bit about why they're in the list, although others responding to this thread with their own lists may feel free to add or omit such for themselves. I was just bored, and thought I'd try it out.
So, without further ado....
1. Alcest - Ecailles de Lune
This album quickly became a favorite as I picked it up in mid-2011, and it was an integral part of my segueway into more optimistic Post-Black/Blackgaze territory from a prior staunchly negative and pessimistic DSBM hole I'd been living in from 2007-2011 up to that point. Couple this, with the fact that it became the soundtrack to the courtship of my now-wife "Jewel," becoming "our album" in the process. For all of that, I suppose it's rather providential that it takes 1st place, even if this list is solely based on alphabetical order. The riffs are always memorable, the shoe-gazing is at its finest level of shy introspection, and Neige's female backing vocals suit the unabashed beauty of this album to a perfect "T." It was ''Percées de Lumière'' which first showed me that something almost perfectly DSBM in feel and structure could at the same time evoke feelings of optimism and positivity, teaching me for the first time in years that it was okay to appreciate the Sun. Ironically so, because it outshone even "Solar Song" in that regard, which while not being in any way "Black Metal," still did not seem out-of-place on the record. Repeated listening would only reinforce that fact, while gaining in the process a deeper love for the other songs which did not at first stand out so readily, but which matured over the ensuing weeks. Quickly, this album cemented itself within our hearts as an all-time favorite, effortlessly, even more-so perhaps than any of their albums since. It is difficult to top the perfection which they adequately captured on this album, something which they are still ever striving to do, or else have given up completely hopes of ever trying.
2. Abyssic Hate - Suicidal Emotions
This album is just profoundly beautiful. It has the distinction of being the only Abyssic Hate album that has seen repeated spin by me, and/or constant rotation at various times in my life. Every time I come back to it, it never ages, it's never dated. I'm always amazed by it, and its deep emotional melodic harmony. Ironic indeed, considering its lyrical subject matter and overall theme. The (instrumental?) demo if this album, entitled "Life is a Pain in the Neck," gruesome cover art to the contrary, has often seemed to me almost conducive to "worship," as I can imagine the music being played in a humble backwoods church, with adherents dancing around with serpents and handling snakes.... although, this may shed more light upon my own personal tastes in worship, and penchant for the more esoteric and fringe concepts found within the arguably "deviant" forms of the Christian religion, as it is found among the especially poverty-stricken and destitute. Strange as it may sound, if ever you give that demo a listen, see if you can envision the same or similar things.... perhaps it's just me, and I'm willing to concede.
3. Bethlehem - Dictius te Necare
Perhaps the best-known of Bethlehem's albums (perhaps not), one can hardly downplay the experience of hearing this album for the first time, nor the influence thealbum has had on the greater Black Metal scene in general. From the bloodcurdling opening scream, to the hauntingly gorgeous melodies somehow fit for a (decidedly darkened) Christmas celebratory season, "Dictius te Necare" is certainly not an album one is likely to forget very easily. The remark about Christmas isn't a glib one either. This album has often seen rotation around the wintertime months in general, and most specifically in December, to accentuate an especially depressing Yuletide interval. The vocal performance alone is memorable, and this in a scene known for it's over-the-top vocal performances.
4. Burzum - Belus
Okay, this one was a hard sell. For the longest time, "Hvis Lyset tar Oss" was my favorite Burzum album. Around 2010 or so, my best friend (and former partner in crime) Nemesis gave me a copy of this album, saying "Varg's out of prison, and just dropped a new album!" Whereupon I listened to "Belus" quite a bit, during long insomniac nights whilst writing lyrics in the early-morning hours, and contemplating deep subjects as I watched snow fall silently upon an abandoned church across the street. In such moments, I could only think "This is what true Black Metal is all about," and I honestly still sort of think it is. All of that, and more. "Belus" quickly became a musical mainstay of mine, garnering repeated play in my household. With time, it even began to edge out "Hvis Lyset...," which I know is technically heresy, but who cares? In most BM discussions nowadays, merely mentioning the names of Varg and/or Burzum in a positive light is enough to brand one as a full-fledged National Socialist, or card-carrying member of the Klan in some circles. Which really begs the question: "What even IS Black Metal anymore?" To answer that, I have given the above, which amounts to (and could be translated as) an individualistic search for meaning in the darker aesthetics of transcendent beauty. Or some such nonsense.
5. Dissection - Storm of the Light's Bane
This one is in the list because it's been there since 1996, quite simply. Dissection became my favorite band in '95 (not '05), which probably says a lot about myself both in terms of age, as well as mentality when it comes to Black Metal as a whole. At some point, I realized that I'm actually in the percentage of people who could be said to be "Black Metal OG's" from the early-mid 1990's. As such, I realize that this comes with a certain responsibility (which I regularly shirk and smirk at..... but uphold UNQUESTIONINGLY!!1). All joking aside (no fun, no mosh, no core, no basic hygeine), I do tend toward the "Old-School" BM views over that of the latecomers with their "It's just a musical genre! Stop laughing at me!!" type of crap. That being said, I also take it with a grain of salt, tongue firmly planted in cheek (never understood that analogy, tbh), realizing that A.) it's okay to evolve, and B.) early BM culture was hardly "cool" or anything to be emulated, to say the least. "Storm of the Light's Bane" perfectly encapsulates the essence of early BM culture, both musically and ideologically, with all of its melodic majesty, and horrific, emotionally disturbed mental distortions laid bare. At least... that's what I'd say if I had to write a blurb about it.
6. Forgive Me - Last Drop of Life
The song "Into the Shroud" from this album became, for me, what I'd describe as "the dissociative anthem" (read as: "quintessential song to be experienced under the influence of dissociative drugs, specifically MXE..... which is not even findable anymore barring an absolute miracle, so not to worry). It may be difficult to relate exactly what I mean by that to someone who hasn't taken drugs in general, nor dissociatives specifically. Suffice it to say, that it is a level of transcendence all its own, and not much else compares with it. Musically, this album is very strange, as I'm never sure if there are actually guitars being played, or if it's distorted, CASIO keyboard-piano being banged into a syncopated, rhythmic pulp. All I know is that this album has been the backdrop to some very interesting times in my life, since 2011 when I found it. Some songs on here don't even sound "depressive" or "sad," and I swear, one of them ("The Old Railroad") sounds very much like the intro song to a 70's sitcom! That's literally what I think of every time I hear it. Certainly a unique release, I much prefer it to Lozmodial's later material, although I have to say... Lozmodial is a totally nice guy. I interacted with him on a few occasions, and he took my lavish drooling of "Last Drop of Life means sooooo muuuuch to meeee" with such reserved humility and genuine kindness, it needs to be said. So, if you haven't heard it, definitely check it out. If you like your BM polished, with excellent production.... you're going to hate it.
7. Liturgy - The Ark Work
Another discovery I made whilst on a dissociative drug was Liturgy, first by seeing their video for "Returner" (which blew me away), and then hearing The Ark Work (which blew me away again). Understandably, Liturgy is an acquired taste, having garnered MUCH criticism over the years for their "version" of Black Metal. I'll say nothing about HHH's recent decision to become trans, except to say that I don't agree with it, and I hope he is led out of that delusional thinking someday. Having been tempted in the past to go into the same thing however, I can totally relate to the sentiment. And... that's all I'll say about that aspect. Musically, The Ark Work is like nothing before seen in Liturgy's catalogue, nor in Black Metal on the whole whatsoever. Totally all-over-the-place in a whirling methodical and (near-)meticulous maelstrom of organized chaos (which is nothing new in BM, admittedly), trumpets, a hail of bells, xylophones, and HHH's vocal delivery (here more reminiscent of throat-singing and stuttered Trap music, which is pretty much unheard of, either before or since) make The Ark Work a listening experience which is likely to evoke transcendental (ooh, I said it!) ecstasis, or inspire revulsion and heartfelt resentment. Judging from the criticism, and the split divide within the Metal scene over their thoughts on this album, there is no middle ground: you either love it, or you hate it. You either applaud it, or you haven't heard it. Simple as.
8. Mystic Circle - Drachenblut
Drachenblut isn't the album I usually hear about when Mystic Circle is brought up, but then again.... I haven't heard whatever albums are usually brought up; I've heard this one, and it stuck with me. Despite the songs themselves being absolutely catchy, with malodies that get stuck in your head as easily as any Pop song (take that as you will, I intend it as a positive), it is the instrumentals between each and every song which really give an added depth to this album. At a time when "Dungeon Synth" wasn't yet officially designated as such, Mystic Circle gives example after genre-defining example of exactly that: Dungeon Synth, around which are woven these intricately beautiful songs, dealing conceptually with some Viking princess (Brunhilde? Something like that...), or Valkyrie mistress...or.... it has been a long time since I had a look at the lyrics, that much is for sure. The music on the other hand, has real staying-power; a quality which newer bands have traded in for an ounce of street-cred and decent musicianship. There's something about these older releases which will always stand the test of time, proving that those to come after them were only carrying on "in spirit" what they carried forward in essence.
9. Naglfar - Diabolical
As with Mystic Circle, "Diabolical" is probably not the first album to come to mind when referring to Naglfar. It shouldn't be that way though, as "Diabolical" had the best singer of their career, "Mad" Morgan what's-his-name was still writing uniquely memorable riffs, and the songwriting was still top-notch. What's more, along with fellow Swedes Dissection, Naglfar held part-title to the undisputed Swedish crown of Black/Death Metal. It's hard to think of a song being simultaneously more catchy and blistering as was "12th Rising." On the whole, "Diabolical" remains one of those early-to-mid releases that one is willing to overlook the cringefest that is "Satanic Black Metal," and see through to the once-poetic center of a scene who, to this day, everyone are trying to "do right," while at the same time knowing they can never (ever) fully measure up. That's one reason they feel it necessary to re-define everything, because in hand-to-hand combat with even one of these classics, they would lose the fight, hands down.
10. Xasthur - Subliminal Genocide
Xasthur is no stranger to crafting songs which can at once be described as "haunting," "melancholic," yet also "ferociously disturbing" to a very sought-after but unattained degree, even among their peers. "Subliminal Genocide," while perhaps not being their most critically acclaimed (I don't know), was nevertheless a sheer exercise in capturing what I call "the very essence of trauma," as well as being my proper introduction into the dismal world of DSBM as a genre. Now, I've listened to a LOT of Xasthur records over the years. I forget if I had a box-set + several other albums, or what, but all I know is at one point I had like 10 different Xasthur albums to shuffle between. While it can be said that only they have achieved that particular sound which only Xasthur can, only "Subliminal Genocide" has the fitting description of being "the fitting soundtrack to a fatal car accident, to accompany the one surviving, comatose soul into the comfort of the hopeless ICU hospital ward." And it's hard to not see what I mean, if you've ever heard the album, for from the opening static-drizzle of "Prison of Mirrors" through to the title track "Subliminal Genocide," this is an ambulance ride of urban decay you're probably unlikely to wake up from.... barring a miracle, that is.... though, when trauma sounds this good and inviting, it's hard to know why one would even want to. Imagine desiring to come back to all that pain.
In Conclusion -- Putting this list together was no easy feat! Here are some "honourable mentions" which didn't make it in the list, and evennow I question why they didn't: Lurker of Chalice - S/T; Forgotten Tomb - Songs to Leave; Nachtmystium - Black Meddle Pt. 1; Nocturnal Depression - The Cult of Negation; Make A Change...Kill Yourself - S/T; When Mine Eyes Blacken - S/T; Exiled From Light - There is No Beauty Left Here.... These, as well as others I'm sure which I can no longer think of off-hand, were hugely inspirational to me at one time. For whatever reason, they didn't make it up above, but remain completely memorable.
For that reason, I'm starting with a top 10 of my fav BM releases of all time. I've wanted to do this for a while, and don't think I ever got around to it. Having a difficult time rating them, I've opted instead to list them alphabetically. I've decided to give a little blurb describing a bit about why they're in the list, although others responding to this thread with their own lists may feel free to add or omit such for themselves. I was just bored, and thought I'd try it out.
So, without further ado....
1. Alcest - Ecailles de Lune
This album quickly became a favorite as I picked it up in mid-2011, and it was an integral part of my segueway into more optimistic Post-Black/Blackgaze territory from a prior staunchly negative and pessimistic DSBM hole I'd been living in from 2007-2011 up to that point. Couple this, with the fact that it became the soundtrack to the courtship of my now-wife "Jewel," becoming "our album" in the process. For all of that, I suppose it's rather providential that it takes 1st place, even if this list is solely based on alphabetical order. The riffs are always memorable, the shoe-gazing is at its finest level of shy introspection, and Neige's female backing vocals suit the unabashed beauty of this album to a perfect "T." It was ''Percées de Lumière'' which first showed me that something almost perfectly DSBM in feel and structure could at the same time evoke feelings of optimism and positivity, teaching me for the first time in years that it was okay to appreciate the Sun. Ironically so, because it outshone even "Solar Song" in that regard, which while not being in any way "Black Metal," still did not seem out-of-place on the record. Repeated listening would only reinforce that fact, while gaining in the process a deeper love for the other songs which did not at first stand out so readily, but which matured over the ensuing weeks. Quickly, this album cemented itself within our hearts as an all-time favorite, effortlessly, even more-so perhaps than any of their albums since. It is difficult to top the perfection which they adequately captured on this album, something which they are still ever striving to do, or else have given up completely hopes of ever trying.
2. Abyssic Hate - Suicidal Emotions
This album is just profoundly beautiful. It has the distinction of being the only Abyssic Hate album that has seen repeated spin by me, and/or constant rotation at various times in my life. Every time I come back to it, it never ages, it's never dated. I'm always amazed by it, and its deep emotional melodic harmony. Ironic indeed, considering its lyrical subject matter and overall theme. The (instrumental?) demo if this album, entitled "Life is a Pain in the Neck," gruesome cover art to the contrary, has often seemed to me almost conducive to "worship," as I can imagine the music being played in a humble backwoods church, with adherents dancing around with serpents and handling snakes.... although, this may shed more light upon my own personal tastes in worship, and penchant for the more esoteric and fringe concepts found within the arguably "deviant" forms of the Christian religion, as it is found among the especially poverty-stricken and destitute. Strange as it may sound, if ever you give that demo a listen, see if you can envision the same or similar things.... perhaps it's just me, and I'm willing to concede.
3. Bethlehem - Dictius te Necare
Perhaps the best-known of Bethlehem's albums (perhaps not), one can hardly downplay the experience of hearing this album for the first time, nor the influence thealbum has had on the greater Black Metal scene in general. From the bloodcurdling opening scream, to the hauntingly gorgeous melodies somehow fit for a (decidedly darkened) Christmas celebratory season, "Dictius te Necare" is certainly not an album one is likely to forget very easily. The remark about Christmas isn't a glib one either. This album has often seen rotation around the wintertime months in general, and most specifically in December, to accentuate an especially depressing Yuletide interval. The vocal performance alone is memorable, and this in a scene known for it's over-the-top vocal performances.
4. Burzum - Belus
Okay, this one was a hard sell. For the longest time, "Hvis Lyset tar Oss" was my favorite Burzum album. Around 2010 or so, my best friend (and former partner in crime) Nemesis gave me a copy of this album, saying "Varg's out of prison, and just dropped a new album!" Whereupon I listened to "Belus" quite a bit, during long insomniac nights whilst writing lyrics in the early-morning hours, and contemplating deep subjects as I watched snow fall silently upon an abandoned church across the street. In such moments, I could only think "This is what true Black Metal is all about," and I honestly still sort of think it is. All of that, and more. "Belus" quickly became a musical mainstay of mine, garnering repeated play in my household. With time, it even began to edge out "Hvis Lyset...," which I know is technically heresy, but who cares? In most BM discussions nowadays, merely mentioning the names of Varg and/or Burzum in a positive light is enough to brand one as a full-fledged National Socialist, or card-carrying member of the Klan in some circles. Which really begs the question: "What even IS Black Metal anymore?" To answer that, I have given the above, which amounts to (and could be translated as) an individualistic search for meaning in the darker aesthetics of transcendent beauty. Or some such nonsense.
5. Dissection - Storm of the Light's Bane
This one is in the list because it's been there since 1996, quite simply. Dissection became my favorite band in '95 (not '05), which probably says a lot about myself both in terms of age, as well as mentality when it comes to Black Metal as a whole. At some point, I realized that I'm actually in the percentage of people who could be said to be "Black Metal OG's" from the early-mid 1990's. As such, I realize that this comes with a certain responsibility (which I regularly shirk and smirk at..... but uphold UNQUESTIONINGLY!!1). All joking aside (no fun, no mosh, no core, no basic hygeine), I do tend toward the "Old-School" BM views over that of the latecomers with their "It's just a musical genre! Stop laughing at me!!" type of crap. That being said, I also take it with a grain of salt, tongue firmly planted in cheek (never understood that analogy, tbh), realizing that A.) it's okay to evolve, and B.) early BM culture was hardly "cool" or anything to be emulated, to say the least. "Storm of the Light's Bane" perfectly encapsulates the essence of early BM culture, both musically and ideologically, with all of its melodic majesty, and horrific, emotionally disturbed mental distortions laid bare. At least... that's what I'd say if I had to write a blurb about it.
6. Forgive Me - Last Drop of Life
The song "Into the Shroud" from this album became, for me, what I'd describe as "the dissociative anthem" (read as: "quintessential song to be experienced under the influence of dissociative drugs, specifically MXE..... which is not even findable anymore barring an absolute miracle, so not to worry). It may be difficult to relate exactly what I mean by that to someone who hasn't taken drugs in general, nor dissociatives specifically. Suffice it to say, that it is a level of transcendence all its own, and not much else compares with it. Musically, this album is very strange, as I'm never sure if there are actually guitars being played, or if it's distorted, CASIO keyboard-piano being banged into a syncopated, rhythmic pulp. All I know is that this album has been the backdrop to some very interesting times in my life, since 2011 when I found it. Some songs on here don't even sound "depressive" or "sad," and I swear, one of them ("The Old Railroad") sounds very much like the intro song to a 70's sitcom! That's literally what I think of every time I hear it. Certainly a unique release, I much prefer it to Lozmodial's later material, although I have to say... Lozmodial is a totally nice guy. I interacted with him on a few occasions, and he took my lavish drooling of "Last Drop of Life means sooooo muuuuch to meeee" with such reserved humility and genuine kindness, it needs to be said. So, if you haven't heard it, definitely check it out. If you like your BM polished, with excellent production.... you're going to hate it.
7. Liturgy - The Ark Work
Another discovery I made whilst on a dissociative drug was Liturgy, first by seeing their video for "Returner" (which blew me away), and then hearing The Ark Work (which blew me away again). Understandably, Liturgy is an acquired taste, having garnered MUCH criticism over the years for their "version" of Black Metal. I'll say nothing about HHH's recent decision to become trans, except to say that I don't agree with it, and I hope he is led out of that delusional thinking someday. Having been tempted in the past to go into the same thing however, I can totally relate to the sentiment. And... that's all I'll say about that aspect. Musically, The Ark Work is like nothing before seen in Liturgy's catalogue, nor in Black Metal on the whole whatsoever. Totally all-over-the-place in a whirling methodical and (near-)meticulous maelstrom of organized chaos (which is nothing new in BM, admittedly), trumpets, a hail of bells, xylophones, and HHH's vocal delivery (here more reminiscent of throat-singing and stuttered Trap music, which is pretty much unheard of, either before or since) make The Ark Work a listening experience which is likely to evoke transcendental (ooh, I said it!) ecstasis, or inspire revulsion and heartfelt resentment. Judging from the criticism, and the split divide within the Metal scene over their thoughts on this album, there is no middle ground: you either love it, or you hate it. You either applaud it, or you haven't heard it. Simple as.
8. Mystic Circle - Drachenblut
Drachenblut isn't the album I usually hear about when Mystic Circle is brought up, but then again.... I haven't heard whatever albums are usually brought up; I've heard this one, and it stuck with me. Despite the songs themselves being absolutely catchy, with malodies that get stuck in your head as easily as any Pop song (take that as you will, I intend it as a positive), it is the instrumentals between each and every song which really give an added depth to this album. At a time when "Dungeon Synth" wasn't yet officially designated as such, Mystic Circle gives example after genre-defining example of exactly that: Dungeon Synth, around which are woven these intricately beautiful songs, dealing conceptually with some Viking princess (Brunhilde? Something like that...), or Valkyrie mistress...or.... it has been a long time since I had a look at the lyrics, that much is for sure. The music on the other hand, has real staying-power; a quality which newer bands have traded in for an ounce of street-cred and decent musicianship. There's something about these older releases which will always stand the test of time, proving that those to come after them were only carrying on "in spirit" what they carried forward in essence.
9. Naglfar - Diabolical
As with Mystic Circle, "Diabolical" is probably not the first album to come to mind when referring to Naglfar. It shouldn't be that way though, as "Diabolical" had the best singer of their career, "Mad" Morgan what's-his-name was still writing uniquely memorable riffs, and the songwriting was still top-notch. What's more, along with fellow Swedes Dissection, Naglfar held part-title to the undisputed Swedish crown of Black/Death Metal. It's hard to think of a song being simultaneously more catchy and blistering as was "12th Rising." On the whole, "Diabolical" remains one of those early-to-mid releases that one is willing to overlook the cringefest that is "Satanic Black Metal," and see through to the once-poetic center of a scene who, to this day, everyone are trying to "do right," while at the same time knowing they can never (ever) fully measure up. That's one reason they feel it necessary to re-define everything, because in hand-to-hand combat with even one of these classics, they would lose the fight, hands down.
10. Xasthur - Subliminal Genocide
Xasthur is no stranger to crafting songs which can at once be described as "haunting," "melancholic," yet also "ferociously disturbing" to a very sought-after but unattained degree, even among their peers. "Subliminal Genocide," while perhaps not being their most critically acclaimed (I don't know), was nevertheless a sheer exercise in capturing what I call "the very essence of trauma," as well as being my proper introduction into the dismal world of DSBM as a genre. Now, I've listened to a LOT of Xasthur records over the years. I forget if I had a box-set + several other albums, or what, but all I know is at one point I had like 10 different Xasthur albums to shuffle between. While it can be said that only they have achieved that particular sound which only Xasthur can, only "Subliminal Genocide" has the fitting description of being "the fitting soundtrack to a fatal car accident, to accompany the one surviving, comatose soul into the comfort of the hopeless ICU hospital ward." And it's hard to not see what I mean, if you've ever heard the album, for from the opening static-drizzle of "Prison of Mirrors" through to the title track "Subliminal Genocide," this is an ambulance ride of urban decay you're probably unlikely to wake up from.... barring a miracle, that is.... though, when trauma sounds this good and inviting, it's hard to know why one would even want to. Imagine desiring to come back to all that pain.
In Conclusion -- Putting this list together was no easy feat! Here are some "honourable mentions" which didn't make it in the list, and evennow I question why they didn't: Lurker of Chalice - S/T; Forgotten Tomb - Songs to Leave; Nachtmystium - Black Meddle Pt. 1; Nocturnal Depression - The Cult of Negation; Make A Change...Kill Yourself - S/T; When Mine Eyes Blacken - S/T; Exiled From Light - There is No Beauty Left Here.... These, as well as others I'm sure which I can no longer think of off-hand, were hugely inspirational to me at one time. For whatever reason, they didn't make it up above, but remain completely memorable.