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Post by drawnsword on Sept 12, 2017 19:26:56 GMT -6
I hope all members will post here what Christian Unblack metal recordings do it for you as your all time favourites?
Its all subject to change, so don't sweat it and list as many as you want and a brief comment on each if you like or a paragraph if your right into it.
I need to make a list of the newer recording faves but here's my list made up of older recordings;
Agathothodion - Traum Von Gott ...hypnotic minimilism with chilly atmosphere and the most twisted tormented groans ever in unblack. Agathothodion - Kan Guds Gjort ...epic and hypnotic excellence. Antestor - The Return of the Black Death ...This album has a powerfull atmosphere and strong melodies that takes me into an imaginary winter land of old. Arch Of Thorns - When the Moon Turns Blood Red ... awesome riffs, vox and atmosphere. Devotam - Para Sempre Guerreiro Da Luz ...an 8 foot spiked armoured warhorse, grim aggressive barbaric and berserk. Elgibbor - The Imminent Invasion ...amazing grim production done right and huge atmosphere, great lyrics. Evroklidon - The Flame of Sodom ...subtle yet opens up into a very, very powerfull presence with excellent feirce vocals to boot. Flaskavsae - Philosophies ...brillantly experimental, brooding, frightening, furious, ambient, abraisive, bleak and surging with powerfull atmosphere. Flaskavsae - Parallels To Nothing Demos 2006-2007...alternative demo remixes with a much grimmer gritty shimmer and dingy atmosphere. Horde - Hellig Usvart ....the first Holy terror filled onslaught masterpiece, with wicked atmosphere and the most solid and grim production ever in unblack still to this day. Lengsel - self titled 1996 cassette ...amazing 4 atmospheric mid tempo tracks, very catchy mature early material. Lengsel - Solace ...cold and extremely dark atmosphere and highly skilled musicianship. Lo-Ruhamah - The Glory Of God ...great creativity, musicianship and mix of styles, well executed high shrieks and loaded with atmosphere. Slechtvalk - The War That Plagues the Land ...i love the fantasy story and the general mid-paced symphonic style and atmosphere. Synnove - The Whore and the Bride ...nasty killer guitar tone, chainsawing through with massive brutal riffage and atmospheric melodies. A brutal grim benchmark production in unblack. Great lyrics. Stronghold - Cult of Remorse ...a brillant mix up of speedy ranged tempo, shrill picking, mid-tempo, spiked fist throw riffery and glum doomy wanderings giving an abundance of atmosphere. Usynlig Tumult - Voices of the winds ... the atmosphere crafted is truely mighty, a dark forest of sinster shapes and twisted shadows lurking in the moonlight, while at moments a creepy and frightening ambience emerges. Vardoger - Whitefrozen ...majestic grim melodic might.
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Post by Bartimaeus on Sept 12, 2017 19:55:52 GMT -6
Fantastic thread! I'll bite...
I've only been into black metal for a couple of years, so I feel so far behind on this.
Antestor - The Forsaken This was the album that piqued my interest in Christian black metal and the first time I heard it, it blew my doors off. I still love to revisit this album even though it may not be the trvest black metal album.
Grave Declaration - When Dying Souls Scream Praise So complex and well orchestrated (pun intended). Opened my eyes to what was possible in black metal. Like I said, I'm a noob.
Lengsel - Solace Cold, coarse, beautiful
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Post by exo on Sept 12, 2017 20:03:18 GMT -6
I'm not nearly as plugged in to the scene as many of the rest of you. There's a lot of names that get tossed around as "big names" in this small scene that I've never even listened to, like Elgibbor, for starters.
For my relatively small sampling of "unblack", or "Christian blackmetal", my "Mt. Rushmore" albums are
Lengsel - Solace A Hill to Die Upon - Omens Vials of Wrath - Days without Names Lo-Ruhamah - The Glory of God
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2017 21:01:41 GMT -6
Crimson Moonlight - The Covenant Progress This is my favorite CBM album of all time. The melodies in this album are the greatest I have ever heard in black metal.
Crimson Moonlight - Veil of Remembrance Cold, dark, fast, and furious.
Dormant - Consolamentum This is a wonderful, underground, lo-fi, atmospheric gem.
Grave Declaration - When Dying Souls Scream praise Without a doubt my favorite worship music and best symphonic black metal I have ever heard. Pure excellence. It's very complex with a wonderful atmosphere.
Lengsel - Solace Technical yet memorable. It's bizarre, original, and incredible.
If I could only keep five CBM albums, I think it would be those. I might swap Lengsel for something else, but off the top of my head, I think it's the best choice for fifth place. (I arranged this list in alphabetical order though, not in order of favoritism. It just so happened that my favorite (The Covenant Progress) was first and fifth favorite (Solace) was last on the list.)
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Post by kimmo on Sept 13, 2017 1:54:57 GMT -6
I dont know if they count their music as "unblack" or christian black metal, but the EP by CLOTH is pretty awesome. It was released a few years back but it is still one of the best metal releases for me that has come out within the recent years. Apart from that, I have pretty much the same picks as youguys, A Hill To Die Upon and Evroklidon are the names that I feel like repeating.
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Post by nocturnaliridescence on Sept 13, 2017 11:36:26 GMT -6
In no order Wintersoul - Frozen Storm Apocalypse Brutal, but not so brutal that it becomes monotonous. Not that there's a problem with monotony, but the variety works well here. O Majestic Winter - Defiling the Serpent's Temple I don't care what people say, I still love this album. One of the only albums I've ever found that's "experimental" enough for me. Plus I don't mind the raw production. Reverorum ib Malacht - De Mysteriis Dom Christi Unnerving, genuine, insane, experimental, and I would say, very important to the history of unblack metal, given the circumstances surrounding it. Elgibbor - War Can't tell if I just enjoy the music that much, or if it's because I have positive memories attached to this album. Either way I think it pretty much just does everything right! Verdelger - In het holst van de zwarte nacht Same story as Elgibbor, except for an obligatory "I don't mind the raw production" comment. Beeroth - Total Annihilation of Leviatan Legions By now, we all know my (and others') qualms with Hortor, but there's no denying the music itself on this album sounds fantastic. It's actually a shame more bands haven't thought to combine raw black metal with gothic elements. It works better than you'd think. Armageddon Holocaust - Into Total Destruction Absolutely insane. Nothing more needs to be said! Torches in the Void - Through the Black It was always cool to have "dark" "atmospheric" music like this with Christian themes Nephesh - Hated by This World Way too short, but otherwise, AWESOME! Probably the only "orchestral black metal" release in the scene right now. βαρ†ιστ Chvrch - Untitled Weird experimental electronic/black metal stuff. You know why I'm putting this on the list. Divine Symphony - The History I have a lot of history with this album. One of the first, if not the first unblack metal album I've ever owned. And besides that, it's just really awesome music! The production isn't perfect, but the album manages to shine through anyway! There are also a few bands whose music I like, or find to be important for various reasons, but haven't formally released anything (to my knowledge) whom I'd also like to add here: Hazael (Brazil -- VERY noisy!) IHS (spiritussancti's project) Kissing the Crown of Thorns (first unblack project in Jordan, features Lord Azmo!) Bellor (GREAT black/folk!) Kibroth Hattaavah (great gothic/black!) Iuvenesco (I'd probably like his music more if I could find more than a few songs ) Avidez (raw black -- I like what I've heard so far; hopefully they release something soon and I can add them to the top half of this list!) Unblack Star (can only find one song) Magma Drift (can only find one song and a couple fragments)
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Post by Bartimaeus on Sept 14, 2017 8:47:58 GMT -6
Reverorum ib Malacht - De Mysteriis Dom Christi Some love coming from Bandcamp for this album
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Post by Deepfriar on Sept 14, 2017 20:22:01 GMT -6
Antestor - The Return of the Black Death It's one of my favorite black metal recordings. It is incredibly original and timeless. The world wouldn't seem right without this album.
Slechtvalk - The War That Plagues the Lands It was hard to pick from their catalog, but I agree with drawnsword there is something special about this album. They reached new heights and I won't say they "peaked" because their other work is pretty much just as good but this one just seems the most, cohesive?
Sanctifica - Spirit of Purity This frosty masterpiece needs no introduction. These songs take me on a journey through ice caverns and across jagged snow covered mountains.
Shadows of Paragon - Through the Valley Within I'm a huge fan of this album. As a person who has a history of depression, I can tell you this concept album is incredibly poignant. The music is just as powerful as the lyrics. It's unfortunate that Karg will no longer be on vocals for this band because the vocals on this album are top notch. Fits the music well. Melodic and furious, great album.
There are so many more. Maybe I'll try to write more when I get time.
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Post by nocturnaliridescence on Sept 14, 2017 20:52:28 GMT -6
Deepfriar's comment about depression reminded me of Offerblod - Sönderknullad. The only reason I didn't include it in my list is because of the 2nd track - the riff is SO REPETITIVE. Otherwise this is ... pretty much perfect to me Extremely raw, lots of reverb, distorted vocals... just awesome!
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 15, 2017 8:58:38 GMT -6
Leave it to me to be Captain Buzz Killington in this thread. If you would rather ignore my pessimistic remarks, then don't read what's in the spoiler brackets. The question "What Christian Unblack metal recordings do it for you as your all time favourites?", to me, is akin to "What's your all time favorite steak you've eaten?" and the available choices are: a - from a steakhouse that was super awesome almost 20 years ago but is now "extinct" b - a steak that's only available to get every 10 years or so c - from a steakhouse that their steaks are a "meat-mash" of pork, beef and chicken d - a steak that's only available as smothered. I'd really prefer "just the steak", but its only available loaded with other stuff e - a super awesome steak, but only a few bites of it have ever (and will ever) be available My "comply to the thread" answer with the steak metaphors is A or B. Related to "unblack", newer Shadows of Paragon, newer Vials of Wrath, that 1 Antestor album from 19 years ago and a few lo-fi gems that are only available on YouTube. The REAL answer I want to give is "grill my own steak, the way I like it" - which is one of the PRIMARY reasons why 5 full length albums + of Orationem exists. Yes, I made my own Christian black metal because I'm STRONGLY dissatisfied with 90%+ of all other Christian black metal releases. If the cosigning of the "unblack" term is a 100% requirement to my real answer, then my real answer is.... none? Because I'd actually cringe less if someone called Orationem "death metal", compared to "unblack". How I long for a day when its "just BLACK METAL". I've had these types of remarks before (ie: not being a fan of what "unblack" is available) and other patrons here will give me unblack recommendations. While I appreciate the gesture, please save your breath this time. Too many times a "highly recommended" just ends up being another flop in my book. \ I obviously do not share the same music tastes of ANYONE on this forum. Meanwhile, I'm slowly but surely scouting this thread for something I enjoy listening to. Unfortunately, its like trying to find living people in a graveyard....
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Post by nocturnaliridescence on Sept 15, 2017 9:21:12 GMT -6
If the cosigning of the "unblack" term is a 100% requirement to my real answer, then my real answer is.... none? Because I'd actually cringe less if someone called Orationem "death metal", compared to "unblack". How I long for a day when its "just BLACK METAL". Eh. It's the most widely-used term for what we play, so it just seems easier to use that term. Also helps keep the focus on the conversation. Like if you're trying to have a conversation about music, but say "black metal" in the wrong place, or to the wrong people, you just know someone's going to butt in with "YOu"RE USIng HTeh WRong TeMRE fOR hthE mMUSIc It"S S NOt nHBlakcl MKelktaj KSBeAUcei to DOesn't Hhave SEeEviLV SUSper KVlvt DeVIl LyricikX" rather than stay on the topic at hand. Then again, maybe it is time to change the "default" word we use from "unblack" to just "black". I don't have any suggestions on how to go about doing that, though. Edit: "YOu"RE USIng HTeh WRong TeMRE fOR hthE mMUSIc It"S S NOt nHBlakcl MKelktaj KSBeAUcei to DOesn't Hhave SEeEviLV SUSper KVlvt DeVIl LyricikX" ^ Possible Dramatic Dill Reincarnation lyrics?
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Post by barabbas on Sept 15, 2017 9:25:33 GMT -6
Leave it to me to be Captain Buzz Killington in this thread. If you would rather ignore my pessimistic remarks, then don't read what's in the spoiler brackets. The question "What Christian Unblack metal recordings do it for you as your all time favourites?", to me, is akin to "What's your all time favorite steak you've eaten?" and the available choices are: a - from a steakhouse that was super awesome almost 20 years ago but is now "extinct" b - a steak that's only available to get every 10 years or so c - from a steakhouse that their steaks are a "meat-mash" of pork, beef and chicken d - a steak that's only available as smothered. I'd really prefer "just the steak", but its only available loaded with other stuff e - a super awesome steak, but only a few bites of it have ever (and will ever) be available My "comply to the thread" answer with the steak metaphors is A or B. Related to "unblack", newer Shadows of Paragon, newer Vials of Wrath, that 1 Antestor album from 19 years ago and a few lo-fi gems that are only available on YouTube. The REAL answer I want to give is "grill my own steak, the way I like it" - which is one of the PRIMARY reasons why 5 full length albums + of Orationem exists. Yes, I made my own Christian black metal because I'm STRONGLY dissatisfied with 90%+ of all other Christian black metal releases. If the cosigning of the "unblack" term is a 100% requirement to my real answer, then my real answer is.... none? Because I'd actually cringe less if someone called Orationem "death metal", compared to "unblack". How I long for a day when its "just BLACK METAL". I've had these types of remarks before (ie: not being a fan of what "unblack" is available) and other patrons here will give me unblack recommendations. While I appreciate the gesture, please save your breath this time. Too many times a "highly recommended" just ends up being another flop in my book. \ I obviously do not share the same music tastes of ANYONE on this forum. Meanwhile, I'm slowly but surely scouting this thread for something I enjoy listening to. Unfortunately, its like trying to find living people in a graveyard.... Oh, Thomas. (sighs deeply)
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 15, 2017 13:39:53 GMT -6
Leave it to me to be Captain Buzz Killington in this thread. If you would rather ignore my pessimistic remarks, then don't read what's in the spoiler brackets. ...
Oh, Thomas. (sighs deeply) At least its not contempt prior to investigation. It's the most widely-used term for what we play, so it just seems easier to use that term. Also helps keep the focus on the conversation. Like if you're trying to have a conversation about music, but say "black metal" in the wrong place, or to the wrong people, you just know someone's going to butt in with "YOu"RE USIng HTeh WRong TeMRE fOR hthE mMUSIc It"S S NOt nHBlakcl MKelktaj KSBeAUcei to DOesn't Hhave SEeEviLV SUSper KVlvt DeVIl LyricikX" rather than stay on the topic at hand. The part that gets me about "unblack" vs "black" isn't that a genre of MUSIC has been coined because it contains different LYRICS. That's annoying and stupid, but not why I'm fired up about it. "Unblack" is 100% segregation. ....and I touched on this waaaaaaay back on the very first post on this forum. A non Christian saying Christians can't play black metal, but they give us permission to call it white metal or unblack metal, are effectively telling us Christians to go sit in the back of the bus. Christians that AGREE that black metal is for "them" and "unblack/white" is for "us", are effectively agreeing to sit quietly in the back of the bus, with a "Oh yes sir, on my way sir!" attitude about it. Hell no. I'm not doing that. "Trve Holy Black Metal" puts a fist in the throat to the HORRIBLE unblack meme... and is a blatant attempt to claim what is ALSO OURS. (since no one owns a genre of music, black metal is just as much ours) I've gotten flack from both sides for this. I don't care. This isn't the first time in my life where I've been a pariah. This "scene" (the bands and projects therein) are little more than stragglers amid the decay of disinterest and passion. SOMEBODY has got to do something besides quietly shuffling to the back of the bus, where further rot can take place... ^ Possible Dramatic Dill Reincarnation lyrics? Possible, but the words would need to be misspelled more. [rofl]
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Post by barabbas on Sept 15, 2017 14:17:00 GMT -6
Oh, Thomas. (sighs deeply) At least its not contempt prior to investigation. LOL to that emoji! That was the perfect response! I'm getting a good chuckle from that, thanks.
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Post by Deepfriar on Sept 16, 2017 7:41:16 GMT -6
Yeah I know how you feel about the unblack term Thomas and I don't disagree with you but a lot of people use it so I just let people be how they is lol. I've used the term before but acknowledge that it doesn't accurately represent an actual genre (the genre is, in fact, black metal). I don't think anyone here really disagrees with that but it's a common term in our demographic of Christians who love black metal. Some people will always want to differentiate because they have strong feelings about the lyrical content of most secular black metal. I can't disagree with them either, really. People have different convictions. I love the title of your new album btw and knew instantly that it was in reference to that topic. I can't wait to get my hands on your new album.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2017 8:18:31 GMT -6
Yeah I've always considered "unblack" to be a shorthand nickname for CBM. I think that most people in the scene these days recognize that it is still truly black metal, as no music genre is defined by its lyrics.
As for people outside of the scene, it's a bit mixed as to how they seem to view it.
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Post by Thomas Eversole on Sept 16, 2017 13:54:20 GMT -6
...by the way guys, if I seem really high strung in a post, its pain.... its physical pain. I should probably shut my trap while I'm hurting, and I do a lot of times, but then there's the times I don't and then I bungle a thread to the point of gross inefficiency. D:
My apologies to everyone for that.
The word "unblack", well I've used it too recently. I'd miss a lot of views on my YouTube channel if I didn't include it as a descriptor, because anyone remotely familiar with this sub-genre either uses the word or knows its association... I'd rather cringe and mention it than not mention it and someone can't find my music.
If someone uses it as slang, its whatever - it doesn't actually bother me a ton. I call ambulances "meat wagons", its probably the same type of thing where that annoys certain people (my wife LOL) but.... its just a word.
The strong feelings come in when "unblack" isn't just "optional slang". It IS the genre, or you HAVE to call it that, or anything else pointing to the segregation I mentioned... for whatever reason, deep DEEP inside me, I just reject reject reject. Can't do it, and of course, I open my big mouth about it.
Side note - I remember when the Rowe Productions catalog (they used to send those out) had Grim - Scepter of Blood in the roster. Everything black metal was unblack, unblack, unblack, unblack, unblack and I remember emailing them about it and they pressed on the issue. Black metal is secular. Unblack is Christian. I didn't think too much about it at the time because, well.... I agreed with that.
...then I remember a future catalog and the word "unblack" was NOWHERE. Even Horde's CD was referenced as "black metal". I wish I had the wherewithall to ask them WHY the change. I speculate it was a marketing issue. A store going into the black metal scene with a blatant unblack banner will have ZERO sales. None.
Meanwhile, people who like black metal will check black metal out that they haven't heard before...
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