When it comes to metal music, there are two main subgenres that tend to stand out: black metal and death metal. While both are incredibly heavy and intense genres, there are some key differences between the two. So, what are the key differences between death metal and black metal?
- Death metal is typified by its aggressive, fast-paced sound and guttural vocals. The genre is often brutal and intense, with lyrics that deal with dark subject matter such as death, violence, and the occult. Musically, death metal often features complex song structures and extended guitar solos.
- Black metal, on the other hand, is characterized by a rawer, more atmospheric sound. The guitars are typically downtuned and distortion-heavy, creating a sense of eerie darkness. Black metal vocals are usually high-pitched and shrieked, adding to the music’s unsettling atmosphere. The lyrics of black metal songs often deal with Satanic themes and anti-Christian sentiment.