CommandoPanda

I can see that. For example, if I wanna just have something in the background while I am browsing forums or writing papers I can throw on a Saor or Panopticon record. While if I am angry or wanna immerse myself into this state of darkness I would put on a 1349 or Inquisition album. Its different flavors for different needs and while I prefer the atmospheric style, there will always be a time and place for traditional black metal.

I feel like this could also apply to some prog metal that goes more out there with its style rather than staying on the traditional plan of heavy metal. I can also agree that some of the post and atmospheric BM bands can sound derivative but I think this is more do to the popularity of the style at the moment through acts like Wolves in The Throne Room and Agalloch creating a lot of worship bands around themselves. A lot of trad black metal feels rather derivative of the second wave style and I find it hard to point towards any newer bands in the scene I can enjoy. On the topic of riffs, I am all for them if they are good except in the case of albums that use the same riff over and over again.

Absolutely. While I do enjoy the traditional style of black metal, it all sounds a bit derivative after a few listens through the more well known releases. However when I listen to an atmospheric or experimental band, I can expect them to bring in a style of their own and create a soundscape that pulls me into its ethos.

Top 10 Black Metal Albums: 10. Burzum - Filofosem A classic in its own right and while Jesus Død is one of my favorite songs of all time, I cannot put the album any higher since the last three songs on the album are not really that high of quality compared to the first songs. 9. Fall Of Rauros - The Light That Dwells In Rotten Wood I really enjoy the avant garde and atmospheric stylings of black metal so when I heard this work it evoked this feeling of standing above a waterfall in the cold north. Its a very beautiful album. 8. Agalloch - The Mantle I enjoy the nature theme on black metal and this hits the figurative nail on the head for me. I also enjoy that I can throw this album on around my friends who may not be into Black metal and have them tolerate or enjoy the album. 7. Panopticon - Kentucky This album began my long love for Panopticon, my favorite black metal artist, and what a way to start off. The way it blends classic blue grass so seamlessly into its black metal is both exciting and calming. 6. Enslaved - Below The Lights Their best album in my opinion by one of my favorite bands. They handle harsh vocals with their straight vocals very well and deliver a sense of atmosphere with stunning darkness. 5. White Ward - Futility Report A new love but a love nonetheless. Its avant-garde nature mixed with incredible traditional style is exactly what I look for in this genre. 4. Taake - Noregs Vaapen One of the more straight forward black metal albums I love. I don't think I can really say much about it besides to listen to the song Myr. 3. Panopticon - Roads To The North The quintessential winter album for me. It fits naturally in with his other work and improves upon the work he did on Kentucky. 2. Woman Is The Earth - Torch of Our Final Night For me, this is a love letter to atmospheric black metal and that is all it needs to be. A pinnacle of the genre in my opinion and has amazing drum work. 1. Panopticon - Autumn Eternal This album just hits all the right buttons for me. Since it came out, I just felt a spiritual connection to each song on the album. It hits on my southern roots, my love for metal, the chill of autumn, the beauty of nature, and it all culminates onto this one album.