Blackgaze

Blackgaze is a niche musical genre that emerged in the early 2000s, blending elements of black metal and shoegaze. It is characterized by the juxtaposition of the raw, aggressive sonic textures and vocal styles of black metal with the atmospheric, often melodic, and effects-laden guitar work of shoegaze. The term itself is a portmanteau of "black metal" and "shoegaze."

The genre typically retains the blast beats, tremolo picking, and harsh vocals of black metal, but these are often softened or integrated into a wash of reverb, delay, and chorus effects characteristic of shoegaze. This creates a soundscape that can be both intensely emotional and expansively atmospheric. Lyrical themes in blackgaze can vary but often explore introspection, melancholy, despair, and the sublime, mirroring the emotional duality of the music.

Key bands often associated with the development and popularization of blackgaze include Alcest from France and Deafheaven from the United States. Alcest, in particular, is frequently credited with pioneering the sound, with their early work laying much of the groundwork for the genre. Their music often incorporates elements of post-rock and ambient music alongside black metal and shoegaze influences. Deafheaven gained significant attention for their album "Sunbather," which further propelled blackgaze into wider recognition, though it also sparked debate about the genre's definition and its place within metal communities. The genre continues to evolve, with artists exploring its boundaries and incorporating influences from other musical styles.