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The 6 Greatest Stoner Black Metal Artists Ever

by Barbara
Bell Witch

Stoner black metal is a relatively recent development in the broader spectrum of extreme music. Its roots can be traced back to the early 1990s when bands started fusing the atmospheric, high-pitched shrieks, and icy vibes of black metal with the thick, slow, and groovy riffs of stoner rock. This combination gave birth to a unique subgenre that can take the listener through hypnotic, trance-like states while still delivering the aggression and darkness typically associated with black metal. Though it remains an underground phenomenon, stoner black metal has garnered a cult following, thanks to its atmospheric qualities, powerful riffs, and ability to evoke a range of emotions.

The following is a collection of 10 stoner black metal artists who have helped shape the genre with their haunting music. Whether you are new to the subgenre or an avid listener, these bands offer a great starting point for exploring this atmospheric yet intense fusion of styles.

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The 6 Greatest Stoner Black Metal Artists Ever

1. Darkthrone – “Alp”

Darkthrone is often credited as one of the most influential black metal bands in the world, and their foray into stoner black metal is an exciting chapter in their career. The track “Alp,” from their 2019 album Old Star, is a perfect example of the band’s ability to blend slow, crushing riffs with traditional black metal elements. The song starts with a heavy, riff-driven intro before transitioning into a more atmospheric, melancholic passage. The black metal shrieks contrast beautifully with the doomy rhythms, creating a sense of tension and release. Darkthrone’s mastery of both black metal’s aggression and stoner rock’s slow groove is evident here, making “Alp” a defining track in the stoner black metal subgenre.

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2. Wolves in the Throne Room – “Angrboda”

Wolves in the Throne Room is a well-known name in the atmospheric black metal scene. With their 2017 album Thrice Woven, the band ventured into a stoner-tinged sound that added a more brooding, spacey atmosphere to their black metal foundations. “Angrboda,” one of the standout tracks, begins with a hauntingly atmospheric intro before breaking into slower, hypnotic riffs. The heavy, distorted guitar tones and the haunting shrieks are juxtaposed with psychedelic textures, giving the song a sense of doom and cosmic isolation. Wolves in the Throne Room expertly mix elements of stoner rock with black metal’s cold atmosphere, creating a sound that is both hypnotic and heavy.

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3. Bell Witch – “Mirror Reaper”

Bell Witch’s Mirror Reaper (2017) is an excellent example of how stoner black metal can lean more toward doom metal while still retaining its atmospheric qualities. The title track, “Mirror Reaper,” is a monumental 83-minute opus that blends slow, methodical riffs with the eerie atmosphere of black metal. The deep, growling vocals and haunting clean sections make the track both terrifying and meditative. While this track is more on the doom side of the stoner-black metal spectrum, it exemplifies how these subgenres can work together to create something monumental, both in sound and in emotional depth. Bell Witch’s attention to atmosphere and their ability to build tension over long stretches of time make this one of the most important albums in stoner black metal.

4. YOB – “The Lie That Is Sin”

YOB is a doom metal band that has often incorporated elements of black metal into their sound, especially with their 2018 album Our Raw Heart. The track “The Lie That Is Sin” represents the fusion of black metal’s grim atmosphere with doom and stoner rock’s slower tempos. The song’s intro is a blend of ethereal guitar melodies and thunderous, slow drumming, before it crescendos into powerful, distorted riffs. While the song is largely doom-laden, the atmospheric black metal influences are still present in the haunting vocals and the overall sense of bleakness. YOB’s ability to blend stoner doom with black metal’s aggression and darkness makes them an essential listen for anyone interested in stoner black metal.

5. Mgła – “Exercises in Futility VI”

Mgła, a Polish black metal band, is known for their cold, atmospheric style of black metal, and their 2015 album Exercises in Futility pushes the boundaries of what stoner black metal can be. “Exercises in Futility VI” is a track that features intricate, layered guitar work, with subtle stoner rock influences creeping in through the slower rhythms and more groovy riffs. The harsh, high-pitched vocals are delivered with intensity and urgency, adding a layer of tension to the otherwise hypnotic music. The mix of atmospheric black metal with moments of sludgy, groovy riffs creates a sense of isolation and despair that makes this track a standout in the genre.

6. Culted – “The Longest Shadow”

Culted is a Canadian band that seamlessly blends stoner, doom, and black metal into a cohesive and punishing sound. Their track “The Longest Shadow,” from the 2010 album Of Death and Ritual, is a perfect example of stoner black metal at its finest. The song’s slow, sludgy riffs give it a doom metal vibe, but the harsh, shrieking vocals and atmospheric guitar work bring it firmly into the black metal territory. As the track progresses, the layers of sound grow more intense, creating an overwhelming sense of darkness and hopelessness. Culted’s ability to fuse elements of stoner, doom, and black metal is what makes them an essential part of the stoner black metal movement.

See Also: Who Was the First Band to Call Themselves Metal?

Conclusion

Stoner black metal is a unique subgenre that continues to evolve and captivate listeners with its fusion of slow, heavy riffs and the harsh, atmospheric elements of black metal. The bands featured in this article are prime examples of how stoner rock and black metal can combine to create a sound that is both hypnotic and aggressive. Whether through the doomy rhythms of Wolves in the Throne Room, the psychedelic atmosphere of Acid Witch, or the raw intensity of Darkthrone, these artists have each contributed something distinct to the world of stoner black metal. Their music continues to inspire and influence new generations of fans, keeping the genre alive and thriving. For anyone looking to explore the darker side of stoner rock, these artists are essential listening.

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