the Norwegian Black Metal scene

The Norwegian Black Metal scene emerged in the early 1990s as a subgenre of heavy metal characterized by intense, dark, and raw musical and aesthetic elements. It gained notoriety for its extreme themes, anti-religious sentiments, and a DIY ethos. Key bands like Mayhem and Burzum pioneered its sound, which combines tremolo-picked guitars, shrieking vocals, and atmospheric complexity. The scene was also marked by controversy, including church burnings and violent events. Despite its notoriety, it influenced global metal music with its distinctive style and philosophical explorations of darkness and nihilism.