no i havent been on this board much like you Dusk.. so forgive me if this board isnt my life.. i didnt know in order to make recommendations or voice a opinion on this board you must be here 24 hours a day 7 days a week.. im not a die hard black metal fan... ive dabbled in listening to it and only lately have listened to it more seriously through Dimmu... and i didnt see Marskveld mention Dimmu so i thought it was ok to mention it to him in case he wasnt listening to them.. and whether you like to admit it or not (and whether your a fan of them or not). Dimmu has been putting BM on the map and exposing more people to it so that they can also discover the little copy cat bands that you have mentioned in your own recommendation lists.. anyways enough of that BS... thats cool u'll see Dimmu in 6 days Marksveld.. should be a awesome show. wish i could go see them but ive been broke lately.. what is your fave album by them? ... as for some other BM groups.. try the band "1349" .. i havent heard them but ive been told they are good.. also read Metal Maniacs magazine on a monthly basis.. they regularly review BM releases by lesser known bands.... hope this helps..