Balor

That's my problem with Drudkh (which inspired me to start this topic). I know they mostly use poetry, but it seems to only represent a part of their philosophy rather than present it explicitly. Then again, they might just prefer to remain mysterious. The lyrics on the entire Filosofem album are amongst the best in metal. They are so simple, but very powerful.

True, and I agree with your death and thrash metal comment (just look at Cannibal Corpse). I am trying to really understand the meaning of the music that I listen to and have found that I appreciate it even more as a result.

I would now change these to: 1: Drudkh 2: Burzum 3: Emperor 4: Mayhem 5: Doomsday Cult

I take it that you look more for an appealing overall atmosphere of a song over meaning found in the lyrics. I see what you mean. It makes me think of album convers, as they often "set the scene" for the music as well.

Some of my favorites: Emperor - "I am the Black Wizards" Burzum - "The Crying Orc," "Jesu Tod" Drudkh - "Skies at Our Feet"

According to Merriam Webster online dictionary, metal music is "energetic and highly amplified electronic rock music having a hard beat."

The title pretty much says it all.

"Terra Damnata" - Nightbringer

At least Varg, unlike others (NSBM bands, Dawn Ray'd, etc.) essentially kept his politics/social views out of his music. I agree. I will listen to bands that want to send political messages through their music (even if I disagree with them) only if their music is good enough to stand on its own.

Selected songs from: "Panzerfaust" - Darkthrone "A Darkness Descends" - Demonic Resurrection "Enkar" - Al Namrood

What about Varg on synth? I could see people criticizing him on guitar/bass due to Burzum having pretty simply songs, but I thought his synth/ambient albums were good.

Just time constraints. I actually liked it quite a bit. It reminded me of Mayhem mixed with early Slayer.

"Anti-Urban" - Drudkh I thought that it was really good. I can't understand all of the hate it got.

"The Swan Road" - Drudkh

Yes, I have been taking lessons with an instructor for all twelve years. I think the song was "Toxicity" or something.

"Deathcrush" - Mayhem - The vocals sounded somewhat questionable, but the guitar was great. Part of "INRI" - Sarcofago

Was hoping someone would put Hvis Lyset Tar Oss here. Cool! Forkas did the art for the new Nightbringer album too, I think.

What do you all think of bands that do not put out the lyrics to their songs? It certainly makes interpreting the true meaning of songs/band's music more difficult to know. However, it could also be that the lyrics either secondary to the music, or perhaps not even meant for the listener at all.

Is NSBM a particular style of black metal, or is it just bm with racist/Nazi lyrics?

What about "Autumn Aurora?" Drudkh definitely conjures images of nature, but not solely "the snow-covered forest at sunset."

Do you know if they will be reissuing the wooden box limited edition version?

So they are producing it for US distribution now, interesting. I guess ordering my copy from Poland may have been unnecessary. At least I got a package with some interesting foreign stamps.

Why can't they just release new material already? Part of me thinks that they simply used this to experiment and will just end breaking up without creating anything else.

"Songs of Grief and Solitude" - Drudkh

I understand what you are saying, but I am looking for a clear and unambiguous definition. There is no reason why a certain emotional response could not be part of it, if fact, that could make it even better. What about Drudkh? They are definitely black metal, but they have a warmth in a lot of their music. With a genre as diverse as black metal, how would you distinguish what belongs in it from what does not? For instance, to me, a lot of the first wave bands (except Bathory) sound closer to thrash and death metal than most black metal. Would you include a historical connection to/inspiration from earlier black metal bands as part of a definition of what makes a particular piece of music black metal?