There's a particular courage required to take black metal's raw, unhinged vocabulary and redirect it, not toward nihilism or despair, but toward hope and doxology. Mystagog does exactly that on Orthodoxia Mortis, and it's a sonically uncompromising assault.

Dawnbreaker’s Pactum Sanguine Novo is black metal as sacramental meditation. Where much of the genre’s traditional spiritual energy is channeled through negation, Dawnbreaker shines at flipping it on its head: blood, altar, priesthood…are not blasphemy, but theology.

It’s finally here! Blacforje has compiled the top 20 albums of the year - 10 of our favorite albums in black metal and 10 of the best in dungeon synth. 2025 was the year for some outstanding releases, and here are our favorites.

Black metal and Tolkien have long been kindred spirits, sharing a penchant for dark fantasy. Dawn of the Iron Shadow from One of Nine rides out from the fires of Mordor to channel the colder and more cosmic aspects of Tolkien’s legendarium through black metal.

Henere delivers something remarkable in this niche territory of bands exploring the power and terror of nature’s forces. The Chosen Path is an odyssey that acts as a testament to what U.S. black metal can achieve when it embraces melody without sacrificing ferocity.

Despite being as ripe for black metal and dungeon synth, the Elder Scrolls franchise is a notable gap in the scene when compared to the works of Tolkien and Nordic sagas. Daedric Chamber (a solo project by Snitz) has been on a quest to change that.

Winterfylleth has established itself as one of the premiere atmospheric black metal artists, featuring an expansive discography of now eight full-length albums. The band’s latest release, ‘The Imperious Horizon’, continues to tap into Winterfylleth’s devotion.

‘The Blossoming’ by Ætheria Conscientia is an impressive album that mixes a multitude of progressive elements. Black metal acts as the foundation for progressive psychedelic arena prog rock influences and even borderline techno and EDM breakdowns at times. 

Dawnbreaker, led by artist Tomrair, has been a force in the underground metal scene. Their latest release, ‘Banisher of Unlight’, continues this trend of exploring new territories while maintaining the brutality and crushing sound of its death metal roots. 

Eternal Gaze is quickly working to become synonymous with the high-quality blackgaze of Deafheaven and Alcest. The artist does bring something new to a genre that features plenty of cookie-cutter acts, including unique progressive, grunge, thrash, and hymnal influences.

Hekseblad is a United States-based black metal artist who has been making waves in the scene due to their latest release, ‘Kaer Morhen’, an album influenced by Andrzej Sapkowski's ‘The Witcher’ novel series.

Ukraine's Labyrinthus Stellarum, who burst onto the scene in 2023, have since honed their craft. ‘Vortex of the Worlds’ is a testament to their evolution, presenting a more refined and sharpened approach to their cosmic-inspired black metal.

Within Thy Wounds became a notable name in atmospheric black metal with the release of 2020’s ‘Forest of Iniquity’. ‘Ringing the Bell of Gleaming Martyrdom’ retains their core sound, all while exploring new territory.

Troparion is a black metal artist who recently released ‘Synaxis of the Frostbitten’, a record showcasing many of the unique elements found within black metal, all while keeping things heavier and grittier than other artists might explore.

Hailing from Sweden, black metal artist Kärv has teamed up with long-time black metal act Duister Maanlicht out of the Netherlands for a 6-track split that is set for release on November 19.

Inherits The Void is a fascinating atmospheric black metal project. Three albums in, they have proven to be a masterful artist in creating both melodic and intense black metal without sacrificing any of the atmosphere that makes it so beautiful.

With the release of their latest album titled ‘The Hell We Have Chosen’, Strixskog has blown open the windows with winds of fury and lament, parting ways with prior elements and welcoming a heavier, more intense atmosphere.

The trail where ‘Pristine’ ended was resumed quite beautifully with ‘Wastelands’. Where many bands fail to deliver a second quality album after a masterful debut, Morwinyon seems to have not skipped a beat.

In the latest album titled ‘The Falling Tide’, Woods of Desolation brings a depth that can only be derived from years of experience creating music in this genre. This is no mere novice. Woods of Desolation demonstrates a masterclass.

With a hybrid approach to black metal, both inducing atmosphere and aggressiveness throughout each record, Great Cold Emptiness embodies what is beautiful about black metal’s evolution.