This is a list of black metal (and blackened metal) albums based on their artwork (in reverse alphabetical order). It includes iconic cover art from classic albums as well as fascinating work from more recent releases.
There is a saying that "you should not judge a book by its cover", which is of course also true in the case of music albums. However, the artwork can complement the production and give a visual introduction to the musical theme and atmosphere. More than for any other kind of music, this may be true for metal.

(Updated 02.10.2023)

1.Zeal & Ardor - Zeal & Ardor

2.Yoth Iria - As The Flame Withers

3.Watain - Lawless Darkness

4.Vreid - Lifehunger

5.Venom - Black Metal

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Since I discovered MS, I got introduced to a lot of great albums/EPs that hadn't been mentioned from other sources, and I'm really thankful for all the discoveries from all kinds of people in this site. So I decided to make a personal all-time best MS albums list myself! Enjoy~~

(bands are in alphabetical order)

1.Agalloch - The Mantle

2.Agalloch - Ashes Against The Grain

3.Agents Of Oblivion - Agents Of Oblivion

4.Alcest - Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde

5.Alcest - Kodama

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20 Essential Hipster Metal Albums/Bands. One Album Per Band,

1.Mastodon - Crack The Skye

2.Kylesa - Spiral Shadow

3.Wolves In The Throne Room - Diadem Of 12 Stars

4.Krallice - Krallice

5.Agalloch - Marrow Of The Spirit

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I list the black metal artworks which are the most different and appealing, at least for my eyes, and give a brief excuse for a somewhat explanation of why I think it.
Edit: As suggested, I gave a link to the inages of the albums not feat. here non MS. For all the other ones... Well, one can always click on the album name.

1.A Forest Of Stars - A Shadowplay For Yesterdays

2.A Forest Of Stars - Opportunistic Thieves Of Spring

3.Abigail Williams - Becoming

4.Ad Hominem - Dictator

5.Alcest - Le Secret

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My choices for the best things to happen to metal between 2000 and 2009.

1.Kayo Dot - Choirs Of The Eye

2.Ayreon - 01011001

3.Extol - Synergy

4.Opeth - Blackwater Park

5.Krallice - Krallice

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This is a list of my favorite black metal albums from the States (in order).

1.Lurker Of Chalice - Lurker Of Chalice

2.Weakling - Dead As Dreams

3.Absu - Tara

4.Cobalt - Eater Of Birds

5.Leviathan - Tentacles Of Whorror

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This list, like the others, is only in alphabetical order. If I had to pick a favorite then it would be Darkspace's 'III' hands down.

1.Ásmegin - Arv

2.A Forest Of Stars - The Corpse Of Rebirth

3.Amon Amarth - Twilight Of The Thunder God

4.Averse Sefira - Advent Parallax

5.Black Lotus - Harvest Of Seasons

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1.Altar Of Plagues - White Tomb

2.

3.Wolves In The Throne Room - Black Cascade

4.

5.Caïna - Temporary Antennae

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Just an at-a-glance list corresponding to my Best of 2008 blog. Hooray.

1.Esoteric - The Maniacal Vale

2.Enslaved - Vertebrae

3.Skepticism - Alloy

4.Darkthrone - Dark Thrones And Black Flags

5.Darkspace - III

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