Any metal fan will tell you that metal has come more than a long way as a genre over the years. Heck, this is probably something that can be said about most genres of music today, but if there is one that stands out among the masses, it has to be metal. Just take black metal, for example. It was one that was born in the primitive age of the eighties, deep in the dungeons of England and Sweden. Soon after it was refined in the nineties in the fires and frostbite of Norway. And, today, it has literally splintered in thousands of unique pieces and scattered in a multitude of directions. Many of today’s bands are trying to incorporate the original pre-existing elements like rock, doom, and death metal, while other artists are trying to push the boundaries even further. Take a genre in new and exciting directions is never a bad thing. Just take a look at some of these contemporary bands and what they’ve managed to do today.

Imperial Triumphant

This powerful trio is right out of New York and is the very definition of avant-garde black metal. They not only apply futurism to their deco polished sound, but they added in an unconventional jazz approach that is setting the genre on fire. If there is anything that can be said about the trio, it is that they are worth checking out and bring an urban approach to the genre that is hard to find in many ensembles today.

Deathspell Omega

It is really that big of a surprise that Imperial Triumphant’s ringleader Zac Ezrin is the very inspiration behind the creation and success of this band? Not for many, it’s not, but success might be a bit of a stretch. There is no denying that the band is talented, but they keep themselves hidden away so well that it is hard for them to grab any limelight, even in the metal industry. They are already a mysterious French band, but couple this with their often strange and difficult music, and it is easy to see why they don’t have such a huge following. They’ve released seven albums since the early 2000s, but never even performed live once. They’ve given one interview in their entire 16 years of existence and there are no photos that reveal anything about the band. Tight-lipped doesn’t describe them.

Primal Fear

Any on that gambles with any online casino today will tell you that Primal Fear is a sure bet. This German power metal band formed back in the late 2000s and they have worked their way easily to the top of the European scene. It really is no wonder when you consider the fact that they are working with talent like former Gamma Ray vocalist Ralf Scheepers and bassist/vocalist Mat Sinner. These two are easily two of the most respected members of any German metal ensemble. With regards to Deathspell Omega, this band with completely unknown until they signed with Nuclear Blast Records in early 1998. Their first official album, Primal Fear, released shortly after that and they’ve been climbing the charts in Japan ever since.

Blust Aus Nord

You might not be able to pronounce the name of this band, but what you need to know is that it translates into Blood From The North. Does any more need to be said? This French ensemble features Viking themes that stand true to the likes of Swedish titans like Bathory, Unleashed, and Amon Amarth. The only difference is that as of late, they’ve chosen to join their countrymen Deathspell Omega in combining untraditional approaches and arrangements with metaphysical lyrics. This is not to say that it isn’t working for them because that isn’t the case at all. This much is pretty evident if you check out their 2003 breakthrough album, The Work With Transforms God.

All that aside, it should be noted that the band isn’t afraid to switch things up, as they’ve gone back to more of a melodic and psychedelic sound with their 2019 album Hallucinogen. This much could probably be determined by the name. Whatever the situation is, there is no denying that the hardcore fans of the band are still much in love with the members and what they bring to metal.