Back in Black Vol. II
Deeper Into the Shadows
"Every genre has a doorway. The best discoveries happen when you step through it."
The first stop on our journey into black metal focused on atmosphere, melody, and accessible entry points. This time we're taking a few cautious steps further.
Vol. I (In case you missed it)
The scenery gets darker.
The vocals become harsher.
The riffs become sharper.
Yet beneath the frost lies the same thing we've always celebrated here: songs that reward curiosity.
These aren't necessarily the biggest songs, nor the most famous. They're tracks that reveal black metal's depth, ambition, and surprising musicality.
1. Emperor – With Strength I Burn (Norway)
Who: The symphonic masters.
What: An epic closer that showcases the grandeur of black metal.
Why it matters:
Emperor understood that black metal could be more than speed and aggression. This track feels almost orchestral, building layer upon layer before reaching its emotional peak.
Think of it as black metal's answer to progressive rock.
2. Windir – Journey to the End (Norway)
Who: Folk-infused black metal pioneers.
What: A melodic masterpiece hidden within an influential catalogue.
Why it matters:
Traditional melodies weave through razor-sharp guitars, creating something surprisingly uplifting despite the darkness.
One of the easiest ways for rock fans to appreciate the genre's melodic side.
3. Drudkh – Summoning the Rain (Ukraine)
Who: Atmospheric storytellers.
What: A hypnotic deep cut that values mood over violence.
Why it matters:
The repetition isn't laziness—it's immersion. The riffs slowly transform as the song progresses, pulling listeners into a world of forests, storms, and solitude.
Headphones recommended.
4. Agalloch – Not Unlike the Waves (United States)
Who: Masters of atmosphere and melancholy.
What: A song that blurs the line between black metal, folk, and post-rock.
Why it matters:
Agalloch always seemed more interested in emotion than extremity. This track unfolds patiently and rewards repeat listens.
Perfect for fans of darker progressive rock.
5. MgÅ‚a – Exercises in Futility V (Poland)
Who: Modern black metal minimalists.
What: A relentless but strangely addictive deep cut.
Why it matters:
The riff does most of the talking. The song drives forward with a momentum that's impossible to ignore.
One of the modern genre's most compelling examples of "less is more."
6. Ulver – Capitel I: I Troldskog Faren Vild (Norway)
Who: The great shape-shifters.
What: A folk-infused journey into black metal's roots.
Why it matters:
Before electronic experiments and genre-defying albums, Ulver created music that felt ancient and mysterious.
Black metal as folklore rather than confrontation.
🎧 Back in Black Vol. II Playlist
This playlist assumes you've already survived Vol. I.
The melodies remain.
The atmosphere deepens.
The shadows lengthen.
Playlist
Agalloch – Not Unlike the Waves
Windir – Journey to the End
Ulver – Capitel I: I Troldskog Faren Vild
Drudkh – Summoning the Rain
Emperor – With Strength I Burn
MgÅ‚a – Exercises in Futility V
Listen in order.
The journey from the first note of Agalloch to the final moments of Mgła tells a story of how black metal evolved from a regional movement into a global art form.
Before You Close the Tab...
Black metal remains one of music's most misunderstood genres.
Yes, it can be extreme.
Yes, it can be challenging.
But beneath the harsh edges lies a surprising commitment to atmosphere, emotion, and musical exploration.
And like every great B-side we've ever celebrated, these songs reward those willing to go beyond the obvious.
Sometimes the darkest roads lead to the most interesting discoveries.
The best B-sides don't ask for permission. They simply wait to be found.
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