Fascist Black Metal: An Exploration of Controversial Subgenres and Bands

Fascist Black Metal (NSBM) is a dark and controversial subgenre within the broader Black Metal community. Many bands in this subgenre draw inspiration from Nordic and European fascist ideologies, often manifesting in their lyrics, album art, and even band names. This article explores the nature of NSBM, debates surrounding its legitimacy, and highlights some of the most notable bands in the scene.

The Definition and Scope of Fascist Black Metal

Fascist Black Metal, often referred to as NSBM, is more than just a musical genre; it's a cultural and ideological expression rooted in far-right ideologies. While the black metal community as a whole is known for its anti-establishment and anti-Christian rhetoric, NSBM goes a step further by openly embracing fascist and neo-Nazi ideologies.

NSBM bands often refer to historical fascist figures and events, promoting a range of dark and disturbing themes. This subgenre represents a unique intersection of music, ideology, and culture, which makes it particularly controversial and divisive in the larger metal scene.

The main differences between NSBM and other black metal subgenres lie in the thematic content and the underlying ideologies aimed at promoting far-right agendas. In contrast to other subgenres that focus on anti-religion, social rebellion, and other radical ideas, NSBM often includes explicit references to fascism, neo-Nazism, and hate.

Controversy and Debates in the Black Metal Community

The presence of NSBM within the black metal community has sparked significant debates and controversies. While some bands like Absurd, Peste Noire, and Grand Belial’s Key openly embrace NSBM, others such as Inquisition, Marduk, and Infernal War are labeled as NSBM but are not connected to the larger ideological movement.

One of the main points of contention is whether these bands should be included in the NSBM category. Some argue that bands like Inquisition, Marduk, and Infernal War only adopt a few NSBM elements and that labeling them as such is inaccurate and unfair. Nonetheless, the broader black metal community remains divided on this issue, with some emphasizing the ideological connection and others focusing on more subtle or symbolic representations.

Notable Fascist Black Metal Bands

Here are some of the most prominent and well-known Fascist Black Metal bands, each with its own unique style and controversial history:

Adolfkult – This band is known for its blatant fascist themes and imagery. Their albums often feature neo-Nazi symbols and lyrics that promote white supremacy, making it a quintessential example of NSBM. Belan – One of the most notorious bands in the NSBM scene, Belan’s music and imagery are deeply rooted in neo-Nazism. Their style is characterized by aggressive, intense compositions that reflect their radical ideological stance. Blutkult – Blutkult is another prominent NSBM group that has been widely recognized for its far-right ideology. The band’s music and visual art often promote neo-Nazi and fascist values, making them a significant figure in the NSBM community. Forest – While initially gaining attention for its dark and atmospheric compositions, the band faced backlash when their ideological leanings became more evident. Forest’s later works featured explicit NSBM themes, further cementing its place in the controversial subgenre. Bratekult – Although not as well-known as some others, Bratekult has been present in the NSBM scene for years. Their music and imagery reflect their fascist ideologies, making them a significant participant in the controversial subgenre, though not one of the most prominent.

Conclusion

The Fascist Black Metal scene is a complex and troubling aspect of the broader Black Metal community. While bands like Adolfkult and Blutkult are clear exemplars of NSBM, others like Forest and Batekult remain controversial and debated within the community. These bands represent a unique blend of music, ideology, and social commentary that continues to polarize and provoke reactions from both fans and critics alike.

Deleting or reclassifying these bands is often a matter of perspective and ideological stance. For those who view black metal as a space for radical thought without ideological restrictions, bands labeled as NSBM might be seen as just another form of artistic expression. For others, the inclusion of far-right themes is seen as a betrayal of the genre's core ethos.

Keywords

Fascist Black Metal, Neo-Nazism, Black Metal Community