Post black metal music is an experimental and progressive subgenre that combines the raw intensity of traditional black metal with elements from various other genres, such as shoegaze, post-rock, and ambient. Emerging in the early 2000s, post black metal has since evolved into a diverse and complex style that pushes the boundaries of its parent genre.
The roots of post black metal can be traced back to bands like Ulver, who began incorporating electronic and ambient sounds into their music in the late 90s. This experimentation laid the foundation for the emergence of bands like Alcest and Wolves in the Throne Room, who would go on to define the genre's distinctive sound.
Characterized by atmospheric soundscapes, introspective lyrics, and an emphasis on melody, post black metal often eschews the lo-fi production and aggressive vocals of traditional black metal. Instead, it explores themes of nature, spirituality, and personal introspection through a more dynamic range of emotions.
Notable bands within the post black metal scene include Deafheaven, whose album Sunbather garnered critical acclaim for its fusion of black metal, shoegaze, and post-rock elements. Other influential acts like Lantlôs, Harakiri for the Sky, and An Autumn for Crippled Children have continued to experiment with genre-blurring compositions, paving the way for countless new artists.
As post black metal continues to evolve, it has inspired the emergence of related subgenres, such as blackgaze and atmospheric black metal. These styles share some characteristics with post black metal, but further explore the fusion of black metal with shoegaze and ambient elements.
At Pianity, we invite you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of post black metal music, discovering established artists and uncovering hidden gems. Experience the genre's evolution and dive into its ethereal soundscapes by exploring our curated collection of post black metal tracks.