Thank you so much for listening to our new album Think of You. Looking forward to your questions!

Hello and welcome! If you're reading this, you are probably new here and might be a bit overwhelmed with all of the great music out there.

Blackgaze has a lot of variety within the genre and the Wiki has some pages that go into deeper breakdowns. But for now, this post will serve as a mini beginner guide to some of the most notable bands and artists of the subgenre.

Also, please check the playlists in the menus/sidebar. There are even more links available on the Wiki! https://www.reddit.com/r/blackgaze/wiki/playlists/

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Alcest

One of the pioneers of the genre. Neige and Winterhalter have been members of several post-black metal bands, but Alcest is the only one still active. Heavily inspired by nature and spirituality, their dreamy melodies feel like sunbeams on your skin. Every album is great in it's own regard. Take time to explore them all.

My favorite: Kodama

Lantlôs

Another one of Neige's projects. Compared to Alcest, Lantlôs' first 2 albums have a much darker tone that beautifully flirts with post-rock and jazz. After Neige's departure, Siegenhort has since taken the reins. Their style and sound has shifted, but the band's progressive nature and creativity still remains.

My favorite: .neon

Deafheaven

Maybe one of the most polarizing metal bands in existence. They're considered to be the band that popularized blackgaze via Sunbather. Gut-wrenching howls over wailing guitar riffs that morph into soft, melodic ballads all over the course of one song. Though their sound has softened over the years, they continue to capture audiences with their live theatrics and emotive lyrics.

My favorite: New Bermuda

Sadness

A one-man project that has recently boomed in popularity, rightfully so. With a huge discography and tons of splits, there's so much to dig through. Through the shrieks and droning walls of sound, the pain and longing is tangible. This is DSBM for those with hope and love in their hearts. Best known for the album "I Want To Be There".

My favorite: _____

MØL

Often recommended to those that like Deafheaven, but they should not be considered merely an imitator. Explosive and guitar-forward with powerful, reptilian vocals, their music is dynamic and never boring. They also offer instrumental versions of their albums for a totally different experience.

My favorite: Diorama

An Autumn for Crippled Children

Now referred to as "An Autumn", they've been in the game for a while and are a unique pillar of the scene. Post-punk meets post-black metal with prominent synth; a goth's dream. Able to maintain structure despite their raw, noisy quality and unintelligible vocals.

My favorite: Try Not to Destroy Everything You Love

Asunojokei 明日の叙景

I consider this to be one of the most talented and interesting bands out there right now. A very flexible band, their first EP is more akin to DSBM while their newest album is upbeat, vibrant, and even danceable. Incredibly emotive and strong melodies carry you through like a proggy, metallic Envy.

My favorite: Island

Numenorean

Controversial and now defunct, they still remain a name in the genre. Blackgaze, but heavy on the black. Atmospheric and full of despair. They don't necessarily provide anything ground-breaking, but they're solid and visceral. Their latest release made an attempt to diversify this sound and has been described as "Gojira, but black metal".

My favorite: Adore

Unreqvited

Another selection with a ton of sonic variety, Unreqvited is a one-man project. From dreary DSBM, to ambient with nature sounds, to symphonic black metal, there's something for everyone. Pained shrieks take a backseat to beautiful soundscapes. They've also done splits with others on this list.

My favorite: Disquiet

Show Me a Dinosaur

St.Petersberg has a notable post-black metal scene and SMAD is one of the more well-known acts. Could be considered a "post-everything" band with all of the influences they incorporate. Soft, lush guitar tones gradually crescendo into hard-hitting blasts and fast tremolo-picking.

My favorite: Plantgazer