The difference, in figures
Black metal is far heavier (+6), clearly faster (+4) and slightly less melodic (−2) than Post-punk. It emerged in 1982, 4 years after Post-punk in 1978. They sit on opposite branches of the tree and share no common ancestor.
Post-punk
Where it sits
In short
Punk asking what comes next: melodic bass up front, dry guitar, space and cold. Possibly the most fertile branch in all of rock.
How it sounds
- The bass carries the melody; the guitar plays short, dry figures with chorus or flanger.
- Dry-toned drums with plenty of space in the mix - you can hear the room.
- Irregular structures, cold dynamics, abstract or political lyrics.
Key acts
- Joy Division
- Wire
- Gang of Four
- Public Image Ltd
Start here
The pickJoy Division - Unknown Pleasures. Martin Hannett's production is half the record.
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.
Full page →