When diving into the history of black metal, you inevitably run into the classic dichotomy of the “first” and “second” waves. 

In this article, we want to lay out our own perspective, because more often than not, we find ourselves in complete disagreement with how these boundaries are drawn — and in some cases, even with how the facts are presented. Specifically, we are talking about the origins of black metal and the period that preceded it.

Every new art form is shaped by the currents and schools of thought that came before it, and black metal is no exception. To understand where we’re going, it’s worth retracing the events that paved the way for the genre and acknowledging some undeniably important figures, but…

The 80s: rock, pop, and electronic music ruled the scene. The industry had cunningly transformed them into a massive business, a commodity generating vast profits. This was fueled by aggressive marketing campaigns across magazines, television, and radio, effectively cementing these genres as “mainstream” — easy on the ears, polished, and tailored for everyone.

But every coin has two sides. While the mainstream thrived, the rebels, the outcasts, and the misfits carved out their own space. This was metal. Often dismissed as nothing more than uncontrolled sonic noise, the genre was branded “underground”. Yet, those very slurs became its strength. By being labeled “disapproving”, metal was free to forge its own path, set its own rules, and escape the rigid molds and mandates that defined the mainstream.

In just a few years, this increasingly teeming underground — sinister, and therefore captivating — gave rise to an “underground within the underground”. This was a movement driven by even more aggressive tendencies, pushing boundaries and intent on shattering the moral constraints imposed by society. It is here that one typically finds the references and links credited for the birth of black metal. Three bands, in particular, are almost always associated with this inaccessible, abrasive sound: the English Venom, the Danish Mercyful Fate, and the Swiss Celtic Frost — outfits far more extreme than most others in the metal world. So far, so good. However, we part ways with those who classify these three bands as part of the “first wave” of black metal.

Why? Simply because none of them actually played black metal.

Of course, it cannot be denied that they provided key elements for the generation that followed, and it is equally true that they were frequently cited as a source of inspiration — for instance, by the musicians of the Norwegian Inner Circle. However, this does not justify placing them in the “first wave”. Inspiring a genre does not make one its creator. They were not black metal bands, nor did they give rise to such a movement.

Most likely, the image and message they projected were not a true way of life for them, but rather a calculated attempt to intrigue, shock, and broaden their following. It is more accurate to say that they were the first to push metal to its extremes, helping to set a trend — albeit a rather confused and primordial one.

In our view, the genesis of black metal took hold in 1988 in Norway, sparked by the fateful meeting between Øystein Aarseth — known as “Euronymous” — and Per Yngve Ohlin, called “Dead”. This encounter set off a chain reaction that would culminate in the first true wave. It was in the early 90s that the movement finally exploded: a surge of sound with a distinct identity, a razor-sharp musical aesthetic, and a chilling atmosphere defined by devastating, visceral vocals.

These traits quickly spread to neighbouring Sweden and Finland, yet it was only in Norway that a circle emerged, fiercely proud of its identity — a movement which, fittingly, came to be known as “True Norwegian Black Metal”.Mayhem, Darkthrone, Burzum, Immortal, Gorgoroth, and Satyricon from Norway; Marduk and Dark Funeral from Sweden; Beherit and Impaled Nazarene from Finland… these are the pillars of the first, TRULY definitive wave of black metal. End of story!