Black Metal

Black Metal emerged in Scandinavia in the early '90s. Inspired by the overt, fantastic paganism and Satanism of Venom, Celtic Frost, Bathory and Mercyful Fate, Norwegian and Swedish bands Emperor, Dark Throne, Burzum and Mayhem created a much changed version of Death Metal. Though still driven by speedy blast beats, these bands had less bass and sounded more metallic. Their imagery became more gothic and their music became more dramatic. Vocalists mixed the Death Metal growl with high- pitched screaming and song structures became more elaborate. The Black Metal community became known for violent, antisocial, and sometimes even murderous behavior. This movement also inspired a more theatrical version of itself. Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir created the musical equivalent of the campy Hammer Studio horror films, revolving around lust, vampires and ancient legend, often incorporating operatic female vocals and lush keyboards. The nationalist tendencies of bands such as Enslaved and Immortal have evolved into Viking Metal, based in the ancient lore of Scandinavia.