Let's decide, once and for all, which is the most popular style of black metal amongst MetalStormers!:necro:
Figures will be recorded after:
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Unique and original black metal is my thing.

I'll take DSBM any day of the week.

You kinda missed out raw/lo-fi/second wave black metal: Darkthrone, Burzum style etc. arguably the most common and emulated form.

Written by [user id=4365] on 08.04.2010 at 16:43

Unique and original black metal is my thing.

I'm with you on this one. It doesn't really matter what sub-sub-sub-sub-genre it is, as long as it's unique and original. But I guess to answer the poll, I find most of that in Atmospheric/Ambient, Avant-garde and Blackened Death.

Written by Lucas on 08.04.2010 at 17:26

I'm with you on this one. It doesn't really matter what sub-sub-sub-sub-genre it is, as long as it's unique and original. But I guess to answer the poll, I find most of that in Atmospheric/Ambient, Avant-garde and Blackened Death.

Yep there's nothing better than a band that's incomparable with anything else, that stand completely on its own. I suppose that's why I'm usually attracted to experimental black metal, though it's rare to find something truly unique. Atmospheric is definitely my fave from that list. But anything industrial or psychedelic is usually sure to pique my interest too.

I agree, as long as the Black Metal is unique and original, that's enough to make me happy. I'm open to almost any sub-genre. If I did have to choose a favourite Black metal sub-genre it would probably have to Atmospheric/Ambient Black Metal with Experimental/Psychedelic/Avant-garde not too far behind.

I'll be another one to jump in with the crowd and say that unique and original black metal is what I prefer. Any variation of the genre that pushes the envelope. I went with Avant-garde BM but atmospheric/ambient could have fitted just as well.
Cobalt is amazing.

I know you'll laugh at me for saying this, but my favorite type is depressive black metal. Of course, I still like other stuff, such as the black/thrash awesomeness of Desaster, the ambient majesty of Astral Luminous, the impossible to describe wonders of Njiqahdda, and of course, the always enjoyable works of Mayhem, Immortal, and Darkthrone.

Hmm, that's one of the hardest polls to answer, I like nearly all BM genres, but I have to chose one, so I take atmospheric/ambient BM because my favourite band ever is Summoning

"Unique and original" is not really a type of black metal music that could compete with others. Everyone wants his/her music to be unique and original (even if it's not, they still think it is).

I go for everything what has a strong and meaningful melody that stands out no matter what kind of black metal it is. ColdWorld is a good example, I think.

Hmmm Either Blackened Death or Other for me. I love any BM that is ultra-aggressive and sounds like your ears are about to get ripped off your head and then defiled in the depths of hell. I guess that means War Metal or whatever the correct term is these days. Symphonic stuff is usually good too.

Written by Ragana on 08.04.2010 at 19:14

"Unique and original" is not really a type of black metal music that could compete with others. Everyone wants his/her music to be unique and original (even if it's not, they still think it is).

On the contrary unique and original bands, if enough people can agree that a band has a distinctive enough sound, don't need to compete with other genres. Of course most bands want to be unique but most fail because they copy and emulate others.

Bands such as Blut aus Nord, The Meads of Asphodel, Cobalt, The Ruins of Beverast, Lurker of Chalice and probably quite a few more are practically their own genre at times.

I vote for both Depressive Suicidal AND Symphonic Black Metal

Written by [user id=4365] on 08.04.2010 at 19:29

Written by Ragana on 08.04.2010 at 19:14

"Unique and original" is not really a type of black metal music that could compete with others. Everyone wants his/her music to be unique and original (even if it's not, they still think it is).

On the contrary unique and original bands, if enough people can agree that a band has a distinctive enough sound, don't need to compete with other genres. Of course most bands want to be unique but most fail because they copy and emulate others.

What would you say if I said I find Dimmu Borgir unique and original? It's my personal view (and also very untrue) but in the same time DB music style is nothing new, I *may* just see it that way, therefore, I without a doubt think my favourite music is unique and original.

Written by [user id=4365] on 08.04.2010 at 19:29

if enough people can agree that a band has a distinctive enough sound

I agree with this, though.

Written by Ragana on 08.04.2010 at 19:42

What would you say if I said I find Dimmu Borgir unique and original? It's my personal view (and also very untrue) but in the same time DB music style is nothing new, I *may* just see it that way, therefore, I without a doubt think my favourite music is unique and original.

you're asking the wrong person about DB, the last time i listened to them was DCA.

I get your point though and all I can say is that's where objectivity comes in. It may be arrogant presumption to say so but if a person has listened to enough of a genre they could selectively identify true originality. I guess the ultimate representation of this ability would be able to say something is original but not personally enjoyable. I'm not saying i could definitely do that, though I like to think i can to an extent. I just happen to really like stuff i've never heard before and have listened to a fair amount of black metal (or at least certain kinds). I'm rambling but it's just about objectivity really.

Where in the hell is bestial black/death or war metal on this poll??? Some of the best stuff around comes from that area IMO, even though it's not a personal favorite, I'd probably say most of the BM I listen to is atmospheric.

That was an example, I don't find Dimmu Borgir original nor unique although, what do I really know, I'm pretty far from being objective anyway.

Quote:
I guess the ultimate representation of this ability would be able to say something is original but not personally enjoyable.

Yea, you got it right - that's what I'm talking about. :>

Written by Ragana on 08.04.2010 at 20:06

Yea, you got it right - that's what I'm talking about. :>

i think Lucas would probably be the best impartial judge on the originality of black metal given how many black metal albums he's reviewed. Not to mention the fact he's mentioned how jaded he often feels having to trudge through so much mediocre material before finding something decent -_-

i guess the benefit of being new to a form of music is how new and exciting it all is. i seem to find barely a handful of stunning bands each year now. shame.

I really can't choose. Sometimes I get the urge for some raw old school black, other times symphonic, or melodic, or depressive, or...

Written by [user id=4365] on 08.04.2010 at 20:16

i guess the benefit of being new to a form of music is how new and exciting it all is. i seem to find barely a handful of stunning bands each year now. shame.

I'd say that's just how it is for any matter in the artistic domain or anything else in life, generally speaking. Most bands are probably going to fall in the mean of your personal tastes and what you consider average might be someone else's treasure, vice versa. Think about it. If most bands that you'd discover would be conforming to what you're looking for, would you really be able to qualify them all as excellent and groundbreaking bands ? The average is a term employed to signify the class into what most things fall into. Without any mediocrity, how can you recognise something that's good ?

Written by Visioneerie on 08.04.2010 at 20:35

I'd say that's just how it is for any matter in the artistic domain or anything else in life, generally speaking. Most bands are probably going to fall in the mean of your personal tastes and what you consider average might be someone else's treasure, vice versa. Think about it. If most bands that you'd discover would be conforming to what you're looking for, would you really be able to qualify them all as excellent and groundbreaking bands ? The average is a term employed to signify the class into what most things fall into. Without any mediocrity, how can you recognise something that's good ?

of course the fundamental issue is that what a person considers good is almost unilaterally, on a sliding scale, connected with a persons experience in a particular field. I've no doubt if i'd discovered the wonderful new world of black metal just last week i'd be lovingly lapping up everything i could find without any regard to its originality (because there'd be no basis of comparison). Certainly without dark there can be no light and it's joyous to find something new amongst the rubbish but I think there is a reason why people grow out of, and seek new, genres. Hell, i used to readily and frequently proclaim the genius of melodeath. Looking back i have trouble understanding why. I'm not saying black metal is on a similar path but at times i wish it'd move along a little faster, according to my tastes.

And there's always something to be said for the axiom: ignorance is bliss.

Written by [user id=4365] on 08.04.2010 at 20:55

Written by Visioneerie on 08.04.2010 at 20:35

I'd say that's just how it is for any matter in the artistic domain or anything else in life, generally speaking. Most bands are probably going to fall in the mean of your personal tastes and what you consider average might be someone else's treasure, vice versa. Think about it. If most bands that you'd discover would be conforming to what you're looking for, would you really be able to qualify them all as excellent and groundbreaking bands ? The average is a term employed to signify the class into what most things fall into. Without any mediocrity, how can you recognise something that's good ?

of course the fundamental issue is that what a person considers good is almost unilaterally, on a sliding scale, connected with a persons experience in a particular field. I've no doubt if i'd discovered the wonderful new world of black metal just last week i'd be lovingly lapping up everything i could find without any regard to its originality (because there'd be no basis of comparison). Certainly without dark there can be no light and it's joyous to find something new amongst the rubbish but I think there is a reason why people grow out of, and seek new, genres. Hell, i used to readily and frequently proclaim the genius of melodeath. Looking back i have trouble understanding why. I'm not saying black metal is on a similar path but at times i wish it'd move along a little faster, according to my tastes.

And there's always something to be said for the axiom: ignorance is bliss.

It's funny how so many people seem to get into melodeath first as an introduction to metal. I can't say I was any different. And yes, you're right. With more experience in a particular field comes a more valid judgment but that is all according to personal tastes in music. As for black metal, I think the genre is really starting to evolve so I would enjoy the newer original releases that are now available and search for other cool/interesting music outside of metal. I've found that the more varied my musical tastes are, the more refreshed I feel when coming back to a particular genre.

Written by Visioneerie on 08.04.2010 at 21:08

As for black metal, I think the genre is really starting to evolve so I would enjoy the newer original releases that are now available and search for other cool/interesting music outside of metal. I've found that the more varied my musical tastes are, the more refreshed I feel when coming back to a particular genre.

Yeah that's definitely the way to be, appreciation of other musical forms definitely heightens others, especially after giving them a bit of a break.

Of course some people seem content to listen to the same bands year after year without any real change. They tend to be heavy, nu metal etc. fans though so probably a completely different kind of situation.

Written by ShannenName on 08.04.2010 at 16:38

Let's decide, once and for all, which is the most popular style of black metal amongst MetalStormers!:necro:
Figures will be recorded after:...

When you create a thread on this website, you must also post your own opinion...

I prefer symphonic black the most out of this list. Generally I'm not to much into black metal stuff lately, but when I do listen I usually spin records from Anorexia Nervosa, Dragonlord, Illnath also Shade Empire (not pure symphonic, but it is the part of their very varied sound).

Hard battle between "atmospheric" and "viking" (you should add "pagan" here, since it doesnt have to be only vikings to sing about )

Since its open I would say you forgot DOOM , Black/doom, but from list I like all , realy all from a till z,. depends of band, situation and so on , but simnply I cant pic up any of styles, bands yes but styles no, so I would vote all but there no such option

Written by Baz Anderson on 08.04.2010 at 23:21

When you create a thread on this website, you must also post your own opinion...

Well I'm going have to say Ambient/Atmospheric because I love music that can create a feeling that is beyond what is layed out right in front of you (riffs, drums vocals).

I don't think any band is truly "original" unless they haven't had any exposure to anything, ever. We all have influences from what is around us so we can't say that one band, or even a single person, is truly original. When you start thinking about it you will see how true that is and maybe start to see it in every day life.

Sorry to people whos sub-genre have missed a place, try to do a best fit if you think it's a case of 'close enough, good enough'. For example pagan black metal would sometimes fit into viking black metal. Otherwise just pick 'Any else black you can think of!'.

Also thanks for your opinions, I really enjoy reading them.

Symphonic, sorry im not "kvlt" enough