The Classics Volume III: Live in Leipzig

Mayhem set out to be the most extreme band in existence. Taking notes from Venom and Celtic Frost they produced a 1st Wave masterpiece, 1987's 'Deathcrush.' They used this EP to take the underground by force, and soon added the final piece to 2nd Wave's inaugural puzzle, Per ' Dead' Ohlin. This new vocalist graced the band with sheer grimness including the first carnation of corpse paint and truly being kvlt. Mayhem's live set included Dead's mutilation of severed pig heads, along with his own flesh. These early shows and music caught the attention of Darkthrone and a young Varg Vikernes. Soon Euronymous (founder / guitarist) started to take the riffs into darker territory, this along with Dead's lyrics (which strayed from the bands original gore vibe), became the foundation stone of the Black Metal to come. In Leipzig, Germany on November 26th, 1990 a full set was recorded. Though it was not released until 1993 this recording is what we have to understand the magic this lineup created, along with the first true Black Metal tunes. The tracks Funeral Fog, The Freezing Moon, Buried by Time and Dust, and Pagan Fears set the standard for the rest of Norway.

Prehistoric Paradigm: Under the Sign of the Black Mark

"the quintessential black metal album" - Fenriz

These posts will indulge in the roots of Black Metal. As quoted above, by the master himself, this album is it. Bathory laid the foundations for 2nd Wave, and perfected it with their 3rd release. Building what is now considered the typical Black Metal fashion it indulges in raw production, frigid riffs, repetition in the most positive vibrations, and perfect witchy vocals. This album provides primitive riffs, furious solos, and pummeling drumming plus the addition of atmosphere with minor synth usage and a bit of clean guitar. The album's length and cover are perfection for the genre and sums up what the Norwegians aimed for.

Ale Companion: A classic album deserves a classic brew. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company has been providing quality beer since 1980. Their Stout is a personal goto that pours a luscious black (how fitting). The aroma of roasted chocolate pleases the nose, but the tongue is blessed with gorgeous maltiness, without being overly sweet like a majority of dark ales. Earthy hops provide the complexity that makes you crave for another, it's bitter without being too prominent.

http://www.sierranevada.com

Modern Masterpieces II: Hoffnungstod

If you haven't noticed, a majority of the bands I post tend to be one-man projects. I feel this is a true (not pivotal) ingredient of Black Metal, it really gives that single person the ability to convey their emotion, the world they want you to experience, and pure artistic freedom to the music.

That being said, Wigrid is no exception. Based in Saarland and headed by Ulfhednir, his first album takes a page from Burzum while putting his own soul into the music giving it a stronger depressive feeling. Atmosphere shines on this release due to repetition and solid production. The fifth track 'Das Stterben eines Traumes' (The Dying of a Dream) is the same riff for 8 minutes, that may sound tiring but it really adds to the environment the previous tracks and album cover (a compilation of Theodor Kittelsen's work) really envelopes you. The guitars are icy and vocals are pure agony, this is also one of the few albums I thoroughly enjoy that uses a drum machine. Head to the closest trail, stare at the grey winter sky and get lost in 'Hoffnugstod.'

http://www.mediafire.com/?2cmmyc6ici0v6ux