Blackgaze, a subgenre of black metal, blends the raw intensity and darkness of black metal with the atmospheric, ethereal qualities of shoegaze. This unique fusion creates a sound that is both powerful and immersive, combining blistering blast beats, shrieking vocals, and tremolo-picked guitar riffs with lush, reverb-soaked melodies and dreamy soundscapes. Blackgaze has gained a dedicated following for its ability to evoke a sense of melancholic beauty while still maintaining the aggression and intensity of black metal.
In this article, we will explore some of the most influential and notable blackgaze tracks, showcasing the best of the genre. From the pioneers of blackgaze to newer bands pushing the boundaries of the sound, these tracks represent the wide-ranging appeal of this subgenre. Each song described here highlights a different aspect of blackgaze, from atmospheric to crushing, while maintaining the emotional depth and intensity that has made the genre so captivating.
The 12 Greatest Blackgaze Hits Recommended
1. Alcest – “Écailles de Lune”
“Écailles de Lune,” released in 2010, is one of Alcest’s most defining tracks. Alcest, often regarded as one of the pioneers of blackgaze, brings an ethereal, almost otherworldly quality to black metal in this song. The song opens with soft, dreamy guitar tones, soon merging into waves of harsh, distorted guitars and piercing shrieks. However, the melodic, shoegaze-inspired sections shine through, adding a sense of serenity and beauty that contrasts with the song’s darker elements. The balance between the harsh and the serene is perfectly executed, making it a standout piece in the blackgaze genre. Its emotional depth and atmospheric qualities have made it an essential track for blackgaze fans.
2. Deafheaven – “Dream House”
Released in 2013 on their groundbreaking album Sunbather, “Dream House” is one of Deafheaven’s most iconic tracks. Known for pushing the boundaries of blackgaze, Deafheaven blends the aggression of black metal with lush, ambient shoegaze influences. “Dream House” opens with soaring, tremolo-picked guitars and blasting drums, before transitioning into moments of delicate beauty with ambient, shimmering melodies. The contrast between intense black metal sections and more introspective, almost pop-like moments creates a captivating and unique atmosphere. George Clarke’s anguished screams and the expansive soundscapes make this track a defining moment in the blackgaze genre.
3. Les Discrets – “Le Mouvement Perpétuel”
Les Discrets, a French band like Alcest, offers a more melancholic and atmospheric take on blackgaze. “Le Mouvement Perpétuel,” from their 2010 debut album Septembre et ses dernières pensées, is a haunting track that combines the elements of black metal with dreamy, atmospheric post-rock influences. The track begins with a gentle acoustic guitar riff, which gradually builds into distorted guitar passages and sweeping orchestral elements. The soft, melodic vocals add to the ethereal feel, making it a soothing yet emotionally heavy song. The balance between aggressive and tranquil sections in “Le Mouvement Perpétuel” perfectly encapsulates the blackgaze genre’s ability to evoke powerful emotions through both heaviness and beauty.
4. Deafheaven – “Brought to the Water”
Another standout track from New Bermuda (2015), “Brought to the Water” is a powerful example of Deafheaven’s ability to blend black metal and shoegaze elements. The track opens with a burst of raw energy, featuring high-pitched, shrieking vocals and furious drumming. But as the song progresses, it transitions into soaring melodic guitar lines, creating an overwhelming sense of catharsis. The song’s dynamics are incredible, seamlessly blending moments of fury with atmospheric sections that provide emotional relief. “Brought to the Water” captures the essence of blackgaze, showing how contrasting elements can work together to create an immersive and evocative experience.
5. Lantlôs – “Melancholia”
Lantlôs, another influential band in the blackgaze movement, delivers an atmospheric journey with their track “Melancholia” from their 2010 album Lantlôs. The song starts with shimmering, clean guitars and distant vocals, evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia. As it progresses, the track evolves into a wall of sound, with blast beats, harsh shrieking vocals, and tremolo-picked guitar riffs. Despite the raw black metal intensity, “Melancholia” maintains an emotive, melancholic atmosphere, underscoring the genre’s ability to express deep emotional turmoil. The juxtaposition of delicate melodies and furious black metal sections makes this track a key example of Lantlôs’ ability to blend beauty and brutality seamlessly.
6. Ghost Bath – “Golden Number”
Ghost Bath’s “Golden Number” from their 2015 album Moonlover is a track that encapsulates the atmospheric, melancholy qualities of blackgaze. The song opens with a delicate, ambient intro, slowly building into a torrent of black metal intensity with harsh vocals, blast beats, and searing guitar riffs. Despite its aggressive sound, there is a haunting beauty to the track, particularly in the more atmospheric moments. The song’s soaring melodies and expansive soundscapes create an emotional depth that is characteristic of the blackgaze genre. “Golden Number” exemplifies Ghost Bath’s ability to combine ferocity with moments of tranquility, creating a captivating listening experience.
7. Saor – “Elegy”
Saor’s “Elegy,” from the 2016 album Guardians, blends atmospheric black metal with shoegaze in a unique and sweeping way. The track opens with grand, orchestral guitar riffs, creating an immediate sense of atmosphere and scale. The song then transitions into tremolo-picked black metal sections, combining the harshness of black metal with the beauty of shoegaze. The use of folk-inspired melodies and atmospheric textures elevates the song, giving it a sense of grandeur and epic emotional depth. “Elegy” is an excellent example of how blackgaze can capture the natural beauty of the world while still conveying a sense of melancholy and introspection.
8. Amesoeurs – “Les Ruches Malades”
Amesoeurs, a side project from Alcest’s Neige, delivers a stunning blackgaze track with “Les Ruches Malades” from their 2009 self-titled album. The song opens with a clean, melodic guitar riff before it transitions into heavier sections that feature distorted, tremolo-picked guitars and harsh, shrieking vocals. What sets Amesoeurs apart in the blackgaze scene is their ability to merge shoegaze influences with a post-punk and new wave sensibility, giving their music a darker, more introspective edge. “Les Ruches Malades” is a melancholic yet captivating song that demonstrates the band’s unique ability to blend atmospheric beauty with the raw intensity of black metal.
9. Heretoir – “The Storm”
Heretoir’s track “The Storm,” from their 2010 album Heretoir, showcases the emotional depth that blackgaze can bring. The song starts with a powerful, sorrowful riff that builds into waves of sound, with the atmosphere constantly shifting between calm and intense. The track features harsh vocals alongside lush, dreamy guitar work that creates a stark contrast between the brutal and the beautiful. The composition of the song, with its shifting dynamics and emotional weight, perfectly encapsulates the core qualities of blackgaze. “The Storm” is a mesmerizing track that immerses the listener in a swirling vortex of sound, evoking a sense of loss, longing, and reflection.
10. Panopticon – “How Can I Help You?”
Panopticon, known for blending black metal with elements of folk and bluegrass, brings a unique twist to blackgaze with their track “How Can I Help You?” from the album Kentucky (2012). The song opens with haunting, melodic guitar riffs that create an atmospheric backdrop, before transitioning into intense black metal sections with blast beats and aggressive vocals. The folk influences in the track add a layer of warmth and depth, providing a contrast to the coldness of the black metal elements. The result is a stunning fusion of genres that captures the complexity of both blackgaze and Appalachian folk music, demonstrating Panopticon’s ability to create emotionally rich and sonically diverse music.
11. Wolves in the Throne Room – “I Will Lay Down My Bones Among the Rocks and Roots”
Wolves in the Throne Room are often associated with atmospheric black metal, and their track “I Will Lay Down My Bones Among the Rocks and Roots” from the 2008 album Two Hunters fits perfectly within the blackgaze framework. The song begins with a soothing, ambient introduction that gradually builds into a barrage of black metal fury. However, the track never loses its ethereal quality, as the shimmering guitars and atmospheric elements persist throughout. The track’s focus on nature and the connection between humanity and the environment adds an additional layer of depth, making it a powerful and immersive experience for listeners.
12. Sunbather – “Sunbather”
The title track from Deafheaven’s Sunbather is one of the most iconic songs in the blackgaze genre. The song opens with an uplifting, melodic guitar line that soon transitions into harsh tremolo-picked riffs and shrieking vocals. Despite the intensity, there is a sense of warmth and catharsis that permeates the track. The blending of melodic, almost post-rock-like sections with the harshness of black metal creates a feeling of emotional release, making it one of Deafheaven’s most memorable songs. The track’s soaring melodies and dynamic range are a testament to the band’s mastery of the blackgaze sound.
See Also: 12 Essential Funeral Doom Tracks You Can’t Miss!
Conclusion
Blackgaze is a genre that continues to evolve, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that combine the darkness and aggression of black metal with the atmospheric beauty of shoegaze. The tracks featured in this article highlight the diversity and depth of the genre, showcasing how artists blend intense, raw emotion with dreamy, ethereal qualities. Whether it’s the intense blasts of Deafheaven or the haunting melodies of Alcest, blackgaze offers a listening experience that is as captivating as it is emotionally rich. These tracks represent the best of the genre, capturing the essence of blackgaze while continuing to push its boundaries. Whether you’re a fan of black metal, shoegaze, or both, these songs offer something unique and beautiful for all listeners.
Related Topics
Why Did Music Critics Bash Heavy Metal?
