13 Notorious Norwegian Black Metal Bands That Shocked the World

Norwegian black metal, a subgenre of heavy metal music that emerged in Norway in the early 1990s, has gained notoriety for its extreme, anti-establishment themes and aggressive sound. This genre is known for its raw and distorted guitar riffs, blast beats, and lyrics that often delve into topics such as Satanism, paganism, and misanthropy.

Here are 13 of the most infamous Norwegian black metal bands:

1. Mayhem

Mayhem is considered one of the most important and controversial black metal bands. Formed in 1984 under the name "Deathcult," the band went through numerous lineup changes and internal conflicts before solidifying its lineup in 1987. Mayhem is known for its intense live performances and raw, chaotic sound, which has influenced countless other black metal bands.

Notable releases:
* Deathcrush (1987)
* De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (1994)

2. Burzum

Burzum is a one-man project created by Varg Vikernes in 1991. Vikernes is a highly controversial figure, having been convicted of arson and murder. Burzum's music is characterized by its atmospheric and ambient sound, with a focus on synthesizers and acoustic guitars. Vikernes' lyrics often explore themes of nature, paganism, and anti-Christianity.

Notable releases:
* Burzum (1992)
* Hvis Lyset Tar Oss (1994)

3. Darkthrone

Darkthrone is one of the most prolific black metal bands, having released over 18 studio albums since their formation in 1986. The band's music has evolved over the years, from their early raw and chaotic sound to their more recent, more melodic style. Darkthrone is known for their uncompromising attitude and their dedication to the black metal genre.

Notable releases:
* A Blaze in the Northern Sky (1992)
* Under a Funeral Moon (1993)

4. Immortal

Immortal is a black metal band that has been active since 1990. The band is known for its fast and aggressive sound, as well as its lyrics that often deal with Norse mythology and paganism. Immortal has been a major influence on the black metal scene, and their music has been praised for its originality and intensity.

Notable releases:
* Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism (1992)
* Battles in the North (1995)

5. Emperor

Emperor is a black metal band that was formed in 1991. The band is known for its symphonic and atmospheric sound, which incorporates elements of classical music and synthesizers. Emperor is also known for its elaborate stage shows and its controversial lyrics, which often deal with Satanism and anti-Christianity.

Notable releases:
* In the Nightside Eclipse (1994)
* Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk (1997)

6. Satyricon

Satyricon is a black metal band that was formed in 1990. The band is known for its melodic and atmospheric sound, which incorporates elements of progressive rock and folk music. Satyricon is also known for its theatrical live performances and its lyrics, which often deal with Norse mythology and paganism.

Notable releases:
* Nemesis Divina (1996)
* Rebel Extravaganza (1999)

7. Gorgoroth

Gorgoroth is a black metal band that was formed in 1992. The band is known for its raw and aggressive sound, as well as its lyrics that often deal with Satanism and anti-Christianity. Gorgoroth has been involved in numerous controversies over the years, including allegations of church burnings and animal sacrifices.

Notable releases:
* Under the Sign of HELL (1997)
* Incipit Satan (2000)

8. Borgir

Borgir is a black metal band that was formed in 1997. The band is known for its experimental and atmospheric sound, which incorporates elements of electronica and industrial music. Borgir has been praised for its originality and its ability to blend different genres of music together.

Notable releases:
* Devil's Eye (2001)
* The Dominion Gates (2003)

9. Dimmu Borgir

Dimmu Borgir is a black metal band that was formed in 1993. The band is known for its symphonic and melodic sound, which incorporates elements of classical music and keyboards. Dimmu Borgir is also known for its elaborate stage shows and its lyrics, which often deal with Norse mythology and paganism.

Notable releases:
* Enthrone Darkness Triumphant (1997)
* Spiritual Black Dimensions (1999)

10. Mayhem

Mayhem is a black metal band that was formed in 1984. The band is known for its raw and aggressive sound, as well as its lyrics that often deal with Satanism and anti-Christianity. Mayhem has been involved in numerous controversies over the years, including allegations of church burnings and murder.

Notable releases:
* Deathcrush (1987)
* De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas (1994)

11. Darkthrone

Darkthrone is a black metal band that was formed in 1986. The band is known for its raw and chaotic sound, as well as its lyrics that often deal with Norse mythology and paganism. Darkthrone has been a major influence on the black metal scene, and their music has been praised for its originality and intensity.

Notable releases:
* A Blaze in the Northern Sky (1992)
* Under a Funeral Moon (1993)

12. Immortal

Immortal is a black metal band that was formed in 1990. The band is known for its fast and aggressive sound, as well as its lyrics that often deal with Norse mythology and paganism. Immortal has been a major influence on the black metal scene, and their music has been praised for its originality and intensity.

Notable releases:
* Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism (1992)
* Battles in the North (1995)

13. Emperor

Emperor is a black metal band that was formed in 1991. The band is known for its symphonic and atmospheric sound, which incorporates elements of classical music and synthesizers. Emperor is also known for its elaborate stage shows and its controversial lyrics, which often deal with Satanism and anti-Christianity.

Notable releases: