Authenticity of Black Metal (based on Geography)?

[JayKeeley]

I think we declared recently that out of all the genres out there, it's black metal that seems to spawn the most underground artists - mostly "one man bands" recording demos on old 4-tracks, or on their PCs, etc.

Can black metal be perceived, therefore, at face value alone? In other words, should there be something strange about 'Joe Nobody' sitting in his apartment in Miami Beach recording black metal?

I firmly believe in "good music being good music", but I'm just curious as to how others think, particularly in light of the fact of the whole scene in USBM, right through to black metal bands emerging in such far off places like Indonesia.

 

[NAD]

I've come to realize that it really doesn't matter where the music comes from, but I must admit I can be apprehensive about bands from the US mimicking a style generally thought of as European.

Then again, my favorite Swedish metal band, Hypocrisy, claims their main influence was from the Florida death metal scene from the 80s. Peter anyhow, and he writes the majority of their music.

I've seen many people say "wow, I thought Agalloch was from Europe!"

 

[Ayeka]

Our Scandinavian cousins may care to disagree, but seeing as music is a universal language I see nothing odd/wrong at all with a dude from Jalalalalabadistan making his own grim kvlt n3cro music makes me think...while I think it somewhat noble, I do have to shake my head occasionally at those who make "Aryan music for Aryan people" (that's our NSBM crowd of course) because like I say music is universal and there's actually nothing to stop Jewboy picking up Det Som Gang Var and loving it, really is there?

 

[JayKeeley]

I've seen many people say "wow, I thought Agalloch was from Europe!"

That's true - same with Woods of Ypres perhaps (although the band name gives it away, heh). But I can't help but wonder what they would sound like if they lived on a beach in Jamaica. As a song writer, your surroundings must be inspirational.

...while I think it somewhat noble, I do have to shake my head occasionally at those who make "Aryan music for Aryan people" (that's our NSBM crowd of course) because like I say music is universal and there's actually nothing to stop Jewboy picking up Det Som Gang Var and loving it, really is there?

Right - just as there's nothing weird about a Christian listening to Marduk's "Fuck me Jesus" or anything else Satanic and blasphemous. I agree in that I let the music do the talking.

However, Black Metal has a specific ethos and history surrounding it, and all paths do lead to North Europe. Much more so than any other metal genre IMO.

 

[NAD]

I'll bet if Woods of Ypres lived in Jamaica they would sound even colder, since that demo of "cold winter music was recorded in the hot summer months."

That demo is fantabulous by the way.

 

[Ayeka]

I've come to realize that it really doesn't matter where the music comes from, but I must admit I can be apprehensive about bands from the US mimicking a style generally thought of as European.

While this doesn't so much refer to Black Metal, I always found it interesting how you can generally tell a European band from an American one. For the most part the American bands seem so much more radio friendly even if they're not trying to be, while Europeans are...I dunno, "we did what you're doing 5 years ago " or something

That's true - same with Woods of Ypres perhaps (although the band name gives it away, heh). But I can't help but wonder what they would sound like if they lived on a beach in Jamaica. As a song writer, your surroundings must be inspirational.

Surroundings...o that's so true for this scene isn't it?

However, Black Metal has a specific ethos and history surrounding it, and all paths do lead to North Europe. Much more so than any other metal genre IMO.

I concur, and on that note, I listen to Quo now