Depressive Suicidal Black Metal (DSBM) is a subgenre of black metal known for its raw, melancholic, and often haunting sound. Rooted in themes of despair, isolation, and existential agony, DSBM goes beyond traditional black metal by focusing heavily on mental struggles and suicidal thoughts. The genre provides a voice for those dealing with depression, anxiety, and the darker aspects of life. While often bleak and difficult to listen to, DSBM offers catharsis for both the artists and their listeners. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key depressive suicidal black metal artists and their most impactful songs. These artists have shaped the genre and continue to create music that resonates deeply with listeners who seek solace in its somber and cathartic sounds.
11 Depressive Suicidal Black Metal Artists Revealed
1. Shining – “Submit to Self-Destruction” (2007)
Shining, hailing from Sweden, is one of the most well-known bands in the DSBM scene. Their song “Submit to Self-Destruction” is a quintessential track that showcases their commitment to exploring self-loathing and existential despair. With intense, distorted guitars and a relentless, punishing rhythm section, the track captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by one’s own mind. The bleak, anguished vocals of Niklas Kvarforth add an extra layer of emotional depth, making it clear that this song isn’t just about the music, but about a personal, internal battle. The song’s atmosphere is heavy, filled with sorrow, pain, and the idea of surrendering to the darkness.
2. Xasthur – “A Walk in the Woods” (2004)
Xasthur, the solo project of Scott Conner, is an integral part of the depressive suicidal black metal scene. “A Walk in the Woods” is a perfect example of Conner’s ability to craft bleak, atmospheric soundscapes. The song’s pacing is slow, deliberate, and introspective, as it mirrors the experience of trudging through an endless emotional abyss. The haunting, minimalist composition and the raw, tortured vocals create an overwhelming sense of desolation. The track isn’t just about suicide, but about the emotional weight of depression itself. With this song, Xasthur takes the listener on a journey into the dark corners of the mind, offering little in the way of solace or relief.
3. Silencer – “Sterile Nails and Thunderbowels” (2001)
Silencer’s Death – Pierce Me is considered one of the most harrowing albums in DSBM, and “Sterile Nails and Thunderbowels” is arguably its most brutal track. The band’s music is characterized by an abrasive, shrieking vocal style, accompanied by frantic, discordant guitar work. “Sterile Nails and Thunderbowels” is a chaotic expression of mental turmoil and emotional violence. The lyrics are filled with dark, surreal imagery, and the overall sound is unsettling and oppressive. The song is an intense and visceral experience, encapsulating the feelings of hopelessness and despair that many who suffer from mental illness experience.
4. Leviathan – “The Blight of God’s Creation” (2004)
Leviathan, a project by Wrest (Jef Whitehead), blends traditional black metal with depressive themes to create an intense, grim atmosphere. “The Blight of God’s Creation” from the album The Tenth Sub Level of Suicide is a standout track in the DSBM genre. The song is slow, grinding, and filled with anguish, with its lyrics focusing on themes of isolation, self-doubt, and a rejection of religion. The production is raw, adding to the feeling of vulnerability and rawness. Wrest’s guttural vocals evoke a sense of deep pain and personal suffering, making it clear that the track is not just about music, but a form of emotional release.
5. Happy Days – “Self Inflicted” (2005)
Happy Days is a French depressive black metal band that delves deep into themes of personal suffering and self-destruction. “Self Inflicted” is one of their most powerful tracks, offering a dark exploration of self-loathing and emotional pain. The song’s blend of atmospheric guitar work and mournful, haunting vocals sets a somber tone. It’s slow and methodical, with each note seeming to echo the feeling of hopelessness and deep despair. The track is filled with melancholic melodies, creating a sense of inevitable doom that is characteristic of the DSBM genre. Happy Days’ ability to translate raw emotion into sound is evident throughout this song.
6. Nortt – “Ligfærd” (2004)
Nortt, a Danish black metal project, is known for its atmospheric approach to DSBM. “Ligfærd” (translated as “Funeral Procession”) is a chilling track that exemplifies Nortt’s ability to craft emotionally heavy and slow-moving soundscapes. The song feels like a funeral march, with its dark, funeral doom-inspired rhythms and haunting atmosphere. The growled vocals are deep and sorrowful, enhancing the track’s grim mood. “Ligfærd” is slow and meditative, offering an experience that is both introspective and heavy, providing listeners with a musical reflection on mortality and the despair that accompanies life’s inevitable end.
7. Austere – “To Lay Like Old Ashes” (2008)
Austere, an Australian band, captures the essence of depressive suicidal black metal with their song “To Lay Like Old Ashes.” The track is deeply melancholic, with a slow tempo that reflects the weight of emotional exhaustion. Austere’s music is less about aggression and more about resignation, with the song capturing a feeling of complete hopelessness. The vocals are filled with sorrow and pain, and the instrumental composition supports this with somber melodies and dark, brooding atmospheres. “To Lay Like Old Ashes” encapsulates the feeling of emotional numbness that often accompanies depression, making it a poignant and introspective piece.
8. Nocturnal Depression – “Deep Inside” (2007)
Nocturnal Depression is a French DSBM band that mixes traditional black metal with deeply depressive themes. “Deep Inside” is a harrowing track that features cold, tremolo-picked guitars and atmospheric keys, all backed by agonizing, raspy vocals. The song’s slow, deliberate pace gives it a meditative quality, allowing the listener to feel the emotional weight of every chord. The lyrics are focused on themes of inner darkness and self-destruction, perfectly matching the track’s dark, haunting atmosphere. Nocturnal Depression’s music is often melancholic, but it also serves as an outlet for those who can relate to the feelings of isolation and despair presented in the song.
9. Burzum – “Dunkelheit” (1996)
While Burzum is often considered a pioneering force in the black metal scene, their album Filosofem is one of the most influential works in DSBM. “Dunkelheit” (translated as “Darkness”) is an atmospheric, ambient black metal track that captures a sense of isolation and melancholy. The song’s hypnotic repetition, coupled with its raw, haunting vocals, creates an emotionally immersive experience. While not as aggressive as other DSBM bands, Burzum’s approach to depressive black metal is subtle and contemplative, offering a more introspective look into despair and the darkness that can consume the soul. It’s a chilling, slow-burn of a song that evokes a sense of hopelessness.
10. Drudkh – “Autumn Aurora” (2004)
Drudkh, a Ukrainian black metal band, has delved into depressive themes with their album Autumn Aurora. The title track is a beautiful yet sorrowful piece that captures the melancholy of autumn and the inevitable passage of time. The music is atmospheric and deeply emotive, with shimmering guitar work that adds a layer of haunting beauty. The track is both introspective and expansive, creating a sense of isolation in the natural world. Drudkh’s blend of black metal and melancholic melodies creates a space where the listener can reflect on their own feelings of loneliness and sorrow, making it a perfect track for those seeking catharsis.
11. Forgotten Tomb – “Love’s Burial Ground” (2007)
Italian band Forgotten Tomb combines black metal with elements of doom and depressive themes in their music. “Love’s Burial Ground” is a powerful track that highlights their ability to create somber, sorrowful soundscapes. The song’s dark atmosphere is enhanced by the combination of slow, crushing riffs and anguished vocals. It’s a track that moves at a deliberate pace, reflecting the inner turmoil and sorrow of the lyrics. Forgotten Tomb’s use of depressive themes, combined with a sense of despair, creates a track that is both heavy and cathartic, offering an outlet for those struggling with emotional pain.
See Also: What Makes Heavy Metal Music Translate to Symphonic Music?
Conclusion
Depressive Suicidal Black Metal is a genre that allows listeners to explore the darkest corners of the human mind. Through its raw and emotionally intense sound, DSBM provides an outlet for those grappling with feelings of despair and hopelessness. The artists and songs listed above represent the emotional depth and catharsis that this subgenre can offer. From the raw, tortured vocals of Shining to the atmospheric bleakness of Burzum, DSBM has carved a unique space within the black metal genre. For listeners who appreciate the somber and introspective nature of depressive themes, these tracks offer a glimpse into the emotional struggles faced by the artists, while providing a form of release and understanding for those who relate to their pain.
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