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10 Legendary Finnish Black Metal Artists Revealed

by Barbara
Finntroll

Finland has a long history of producing some of the most influential black metal bands in the world. The country’s harsh winters, isolated forests, and dark cultural traditions have inspired an atmosphere ripe for the development of black metal, a genre known for its raw, atmospheric, and often disturbing qualities. Finnish black metal is characterized by its cold, atmospheric sound combined with elements of folk music and melodies that evoke a sense of mysticism and melancholy.

This article will introduce you to some of the top Finnish black metal artists, their contributions to the genre, and some of their most recommended tracks. Each artist represents a different facet of black metal, from traditional raw styles to more experimental and progressive approaches. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to the genre, these tracks offer an essential experience in the world of Finnish black metal.

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10 Legendary Finnish Black Metal Artists Revealed

1. Beherit – “The Oath of Black Blood”

Beherit is one of the pioneering acts in the Finnish black metal scene. Their early works were instrumental in shaping the raw, aggressive sound that would define the genre in the 1990s. “The Oath of Black Blood,” from their 1991 album of the same name, is a brutal and chaotic track that embodies the essence of early black metal. The song’s fast tempos and aggressive riffs, combined with its guttural vocals and sinister atmosphere, make it a quintessential black metal track. Beherit’s work is unapologetically dark and heavy, offering a glimpse into the genre’s early, unrefined stages.

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2. Impaled Nazarene – “Total War”

Impaled Nazarene is another foundational Finnish black metal band, known for their violent and intense sound. “Total War,” from their 1992 album Tol Cormpt Norz Norz Norz, is a prime example of their signature style. The track is fast and aggressive, combining black metal’s raw energy with thrash metal’s precision. Its lyrics, filled with themes of destruction and chaos, further amplify the track’s brutal impact. The song’s relentless pace and fierce vocals make it a perfect representation of the raw power of early Finnish black metal.

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3. Finntroll – “Jaktens Tid”

Finntroll is a unique act in the Finnish black metal scene, blending elements of black metal with folk and pagan influences. “Jaktens Tid,” from their 2001 album of the same name, is a captivating track that combines melodic black metal with Finnish folk melodies. The song’s mid-tempo rhythm, combined with its catchy folk-inspired riffs, creates a sense of ancient forest rituals. Finntroll’s music often includes playful and whimsical elements, yet the song’s dark atmosphere remains unshaken. “Jaktens Tid” showcases the band’s ability to craft music that is both heavy and melodic, while still maintaining a distinct folk metal identity.

4. Nightwish – “The Phantom of the Opera” (Black Metal Version)

Though primarily known as a symphonic metal band, Nightwish has delved into black metal territory on occasion. Their cover of “The Phantom of the Opera” in a black metal style exemplifies how the band can blend the symphonic and atmospheric qualities of black metal with their operatic style. The track uses black metal’s fast tempos, tremolo-picked guitars, and blast beats to create a dark and intense version of the classic song. The vocals, which range from clean to harsh, add to the eerie and foreboding atmosphere. Nightwish’s versatility shines through in this black metal rendition, showing their ability to traverse different subgenres.

5. Sargeist – “Let the Devil In”

Sargeist is one of the most respected bands in Finnish black metal. Their 2005 album Let the Devil In features a song of the same name that exemplifies their cold and atmospheric style. The track opens with tremolo-picked guitar riffs and blast beats, creating a raw and intense atmosphere. The dark, haunting vocals further immerse the listener in the track’s bleak landscape. “Let the Devil In” is a perfect example of Sargeist’s ability to combine raw aggression with melody, offering a sound that is both powerful and melancholic. The song’s sinister atmosphere and aggressive delivery make it a standout in the Finnish black metal scene.

6. Horna – “Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne”

Horna is known for its aggressive and uncompromising black metal sound. “Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne” from their 2005 album Sanojesi Äärelle is a fierce and relentless track that showcases the band’s ability to create a suffocating atmosphere. The song opens with a barrage of blast beats and tremolo-picked guitar riffs, creating an overwhelming sense of chaos and darkness. The raw, shrieking vocals enhance the song’s harsh and intense vibe. With its relentless energy and grim tone, “Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne” is an essential track for fans of Finnish black metal.

7. Darkwoods My Betrothed – “A Crusade for Witches”

Darkwoods My Betrothed is a band that combines black metal with a symphonic, melodic style. “A Crusade for Witches,” from their 1997 album Heirs of the Northstar, blends atmospheric melodies with black metal’s fast-paced aggression. The song’s epic atmosphere is created by the use of keyboards and lush arrangements, while still maintaining the raw intensity of black metal through blast beats and tremolo-picked riffs. The song’s lyrics explore themes of witch hunts and medieval brutality, adding to the dark narrative of the piece. “A Crusade for Witches” is a great example of how Finnish black metal can blend melody and atmosphere with harshness.

8. Akhlys – “The Dreaming I”

Akhlys is a more recent addition to the Finnish black metal scene, known for their atmospheric and ambient approach to the genre. “The Dreaming I,” from their 2015 album The Dreaming I, is a haunting and immersive track that captures the band’s ability to create a suffocating atmosphere. The track uses a blend of atmospheric keyboards, slow tempos, and melodic black metal riffs to evoke a sense of isolation and despair. The haunting, otherworldly vocals and ethereal soundscapes create a dreamlike, almost surreal experience. “The Dreaming I” is a perfect example of atmospheric black metal that focuses on mood and ambiance over speed and aggression.

9. Bathory – “A Fine Day to Die”

Though technically Swedish, Bathory’s influence on Finnish black metal cannot be overstated. “A Fine Day to Die,” from their 1988 album Blood Fire Death, is a pivotal track in the development of the genre. The song blends black metal’s raw energy with epic, atmospheric passages, showcasing Bathory’s ability to create an immense and sweeping sound. The track’s slow, doom-laden introduction builds to a more energetic second half, combining raw vocals with haunting melodies. Bathory’s legacy in the Finnish scene is immense, and “A Fine Day to Die” remains a landmark song in the evolution of black metal.

10. Wyrd – “Kylän Pimeys”

Wyrd is a Finnish black metal band that often incorporates folk elements into their music. “Kylän Pimeys,” from their 2003 album Lindwurm, blends traditional black metal with folk-inspired melodies and rhythms. The track opens with atmospheric guitar work that gradually builds in intensity, incorporating elements of Finnish folk music. The vocals are harsh and gritty, adding to the song’s dark and foreboding atmosphere. “Kylän Pimeys” is a great example of how Finnish black metal can incorporate traditional music into its sound, adding a sense of cultural depth and storytelling to the genre.

See Also: What Amp Did Metallica Use?

Conclusion

Finnish black metal is a genre that offers a wide variety of sounds and styles, from raw aggression to atmospheric melancholy. These 10 tracks provide a glimpse into the diverse and powerful world of Finnish black metal. Whether you’re drawn to the early, raw sound of Beherit and Impaled Nazarene or the more atmospheric and melodic qualities of bands like Finntroll and Akhlys, there is something in this genre for everyone. The depth and complexity of Finnish black metal continue to influence and shape the global black metal scene, making it an essential part of the genre’s evolution.

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