The difference, in figures
Black metal is far faster (+7) and clearly less melodic (−3) than Doom metal, and matches it on heaviness. It emerged in 1982, 2 years after Doom metal in 1980. Both branch directly off Heavy metal.
Doom metal
Where it sits
In short
The branch most faithful to Black Sabbath: slow tempos, thick riffs and crushing atmosphere. The weight comes from space, not speed.
How it sounds
- Tempos between 60 and 100 bpm, with sustained chords and plenty of space.
- Thick guitar tone, usually down-tuned, with analogue fuzz.
- Oppressive atmosphere and themes of fate, the occult or depression.
Key acts
- Black Sabbath
- Candlemass
- Saint Vitus
- Pentagram
Start here
The pickSaint Vitus - Born Too Late. The title says exactly how the band felt.
Full page →Black metal
Where it sits
In short
Tremolo picking, blast beats, shrieked vocals and deliberately cold production. More an aesthetic than a technique - atmosphere matters more than clean sound.
How it sounds
- Tremolo picking on open fifth voicings, with vocals in the high register.
- Deliberately thin, cold production - the missing bass is an aesthetic choice, not an accident.
- Fast blast beats, drums often mixed back, atmosphere placed above technique.
Key acts
- Bathory
- Mayhem
- Darkthrone
- Emperor
Start here
The pickDarkthrone - A Blaze in the Northern Sky. The production is intentional, not a flaw.
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