The Most Popular Black Metal Band, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the band you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:30
In the dimly lit corners of music venues and record stores, Black Metal fans fiercely debate which bands truly capture the spirit and intensity of the genre. Rankings can provide a clear picture of which bands resonate the most with a wider audience, giving new listeners a point of entry and aficionados a topic for discussion. This is especially crucial in a genre known for its deep-rooted themes and complex musicality.
By voting for your favored Black Metal bands, you contribute to a dynamic tally that reflects the current tastes and trends within the community. This ongoing poll not only fuels conversation but also guides newcomers towards the music that has defined and continues to shape this distinctive genre. Your participation helps paint a broader picture of the evolving landscape of Black Metal.
What Is the Most Popular Black Metal Band?
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147votesMayhem - considered by many to be the pioneers of Norwegian Black Metal, Mayhem has been influential in shaping the genre since the late 1980s. Their controversial history and extreme sound have made them one of the most well-known black metal bands of all time.Mayhem is a Norwegian black metal band known for their extreme and raw sound, as well as their dark and controversial history. Formed in 1984, Mayhem is considered one of the pioneers of the second wave of black metal.
- Genre: Black Metal
- Formed: 1984
- Origin: Oslo, Norway
- Years Active: 1984-present
- Notable Albums: De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, Deathcrush, Chimera
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225votesBurzum - another Norwegian black metal band, Burzum is the solo project of Varg Vikernes. The band's early releases are considered classics of the genre, and their influence can still be heard in black metal today.Burzum is a pioneering Black Metal band hailing from Norway. The band was formed in 1991 by Varg Vikernes, who is also the sole creator and member of the band. Burzum is considered one of the most influential and controversial bands in the Black Metal genre. Known for its aggressive and atmospheric sound, Burzum's music often incorporates dark and eerie themes with a raw, lo-fi production style. The band's lyrical themes include Norse mythology, darkness, nature, and anti-Christian sentiments.
- Formed: 1991
- Origin: Norway
- Genre: Black Metal
- Instruments: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals
- Record Labels: Deathlike Silence Productions, Cymophane Productions, Misanthropy Records
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314votesDarkthrone - formed in Norway in 1986, Darkthrone has released over 15 albums and is known for their raw, primitive sound. They are considered one of the most important black metal bands of all time.Darkthrone is a Norwegian black metal band known for their influential and pioneering work in the genre. They are one of the most popular and renowned black metal bands to emerge from Norway's early black metal scene.
- Genre: Black Metal
- Origin: Kolbotn, Norway
- Formed: 1986
- Active Years: 1986-present
- Members: Fenriz and Nocturno Culto
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410votesEmperor - hailing from Norway, Emperor is known for their symphonic, atmospheric approach to black metal. Their influence can be heard in many modern black metal bands.Emperor is a highly influential and widely regarded Norwegian black metal band. Their unique sound blends elements of symphonic and atmospheric black metal, creating a dark and epic musical experience. Emphasizing intense guitar riffs, fast blast beats, haunting melodies, and intense vocals, Emperor has established themselves as a key figure in the black metal genre.
- Formation year: 1991
- Origin: Notodden, Norway
- Genre: Black metal
- Members: Ihsahn, Samoth, Trym, Alver
- Record label: Candlelight Records
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513votesImmortal - formed in Norway in 1991, Immortal is known for their epic, frostbitten sound and their iconic image of face-painted warriors. They are one of the most well-known black metal bands of all time.Immortal is a highly influential and world-renowned Norwegian black metal band. Known for their signature blend of aggressive music and frostbitten imagery, they have played a significant role in shaping the black metal genre. With their intense and atmospheric sound, Immortal has garnered a massive following among metal enthusiasts worldwide.
- Genre: Black metal
- Formed: 1990
- Origin: Norway
- Members: Abbath Doom Occulta (Olve Eikemo), Demonaz Doom Occulta (Harald Nævdal), Horgh (Reidar Horghagen)
- Albums: 11 studio albums
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614votesGorgoroth - formed in Norway in 1992, Gorgoroth is known for their intense, Satanic sound and their live shows, which often feature elaborate stage props and pyrotechnics.Gorgoroth is a Norwegian black metal band known for their intense and extreme musical style. Formed in 1992, they have become one of the most influential and controversial bands in the genre. Gorgoroth's music often focuses on dark and satanic themes, with lyrics in both English and Norwegian. They are recognized for their powerful and aggressive sound as well as their visually striking stage performances.
- Country of origin: Norway
- Formed: 1992
- Genre: Black metal
- Language: English, Norwegian
- Founder: Infernus
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77votesMarduk - formed in Sweden in 1990, Marduk is known for their aggressive, fast-paced sound and their lyrics, which often deal with war and the occult.Marduk is a Swedish black metal band that was formed in 1990. Known for their energetic and aggressive sound, Marduk has become one of the most influential and popular black metal bands. They are often associated with themes of war, history, and anti-Christianity in their lyrics.
- Formation Year: 1990
- Origin: Sweden
- Genre: Black Metal
- Lyric Themes: War, History, Anti-Christianity
- Members: Morgan Steinmeyer Håkansson (guitar), Mortuus (vocals), Devo (bass), Fredrik Widigs (drums)
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87votesBathory - formed in Sweden in 1983, Bathory is considered one of the pioneers of black metal. Their early releases helped to define the genre, and their influence can still be heard today.Bathory is one of the most iconic and influential Black Metal bands of all time. Formed in Sweden in 1983, Bathory is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the genre. The band is known for their raw and aggressive sound, dark and atmospheric lyrics, and the use of shrieking vocals. Bathory's music often incorporates elements of Viking and occult themes, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. The band's sound has had a significant impact on the development of Black Metal, and their influence can be heard in countless bands within the genre.
- Genre: Black Metal
- Origin: Sweden
- Formation Year: 1983
- Albums Released: 12 studio albums
- Raw Sound: Known for their raw and aggressive sound
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96votesSatyricon - formed in Norway in 1991, Satyricon is known for their atmospheric, experimental approach to black metal. They have released over 10 albums and are still active today.Satyricon is a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1991. They are known for their dark and atmospheric sound, blending traditional black metal elements with progressive and avant-garde influences. The band has gained a significant following in the metal community and has been influential in shaping the genre.
- Formed: 1991
- Genre: Black Metal
- Origin: Norway
- Influences: Bathory, Celtic Frost, Venom
- Discography: Ten studio albums and numerous EPs and live releases
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104votesBehemoth - formed in Poland in 1991, Behemoth is known for their blend of black metal and death metal, as well as their elaborate live shows and their Satanic imagery.
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Ranking factors for popular band
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Album salesThe number of albums sold is a clear indicator of a band's popularity. A higher number of sales signifies a larger fan base.
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Social media presenceIn the digital age, the number of followers, likes, shares, and comments on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, can also indicate the popularity of a black metal band.
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Streaming numbersThe number of streams on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube can help gauge a band's popularity as they offer insight into how many people are listening to their music.
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Concert attendanceBands with larger concert attendance or sold-out shows are considered more popular.
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Critical acclaim and awardsBands with a larger number of positive reviews, higher ratings, and a greater number of awards and nominations can be considered more popular within the music industry.
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Influence on the genreThe bands that have contributed significantly to the development and evolution of black metal, inspiring other artists or pioneering new styles, can be considered highly popular within the genre.
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LongevityA long and successful career with a consistent output of well-received material contributes to a band's popularity.
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Merchandise salesThe sales of band merch, such as t-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia, can reflect a band's popularity among fans.
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Festival appearancesBands that are regularly invited to play at major music festivals demonstrate a solid following and are considered popular within the genre.
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Fan loyalty and interactionBands that actively engage with their fans and maintain a strong and dedicated fan base can be considered more popular.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Black Metal band. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or band is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1630 views
- 140 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each band once every 24 hours. The rank of each band is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular black metal band
Black Metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that originated in the 1980s in Norway. It is characterized by its fast tempos, heavy distortion, and often controversial themes such as anti-Christianity and Satanism. The genre has since spread globally and has a dedicated fan base. Several bands have made a significant impact on the genre, including Mayhem, Burzum, and Darkthrone. The most popular Black Metal band is a highly debated topic within the community, with fans often fiercely defending their favorite bands. StrawPoll offers a platform for fans to voice their opinions and vote for their favorite Black Metal bands, ultimately determining which band is considered the most popular among the community.
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