Atmospheric black metal | |
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Stylistic origins | Black metal, ambient |
Typical instruments | Electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, synthesizer, vocals |
Atmospheric black metal (also known as ambient black metal, or ABM) is a subgenre of black metal known for its significant influence from ambient music. Atmospheric black metal is characterized by its focus on creating dark or happy atmospheres, "dreamy" or ethereal textures, long songs, and lyrics generally about nature.
Prominent bands to play in the genre include Drudkh, Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Summoning. The genre is believed to have been pioneered by Burzum in the early 90s with the album Filosofem, which was the first black metal record to feature dark ambient influences. Since then, atmospheric black metal has gone on to include bands incorporating other styles into their music, such as Celtic or folk metal (Saor, Winterfylleth), medieval music (Summoning, Caladan Brood), and space themes (Astral Path).