The worst cross genre mashing I can think of.

"A crossover of Black Metal and Shoegaze".

I was looking at the Power Trip album on Amazon, and one of the "other things people bought who liked this thing" suggestions was a band called Deafheaven. I never heard of it, but if it might be similar to Power Trip, I'll check the reviews.

And I noticed the above genre comparison in one of the reviews. Well, I knew from that I would not Deafheaven, if it remotely resembled a mash-up of those two genres. But I had to check it out on Spotify, as that just sounded so horrible.

And it really is. I guess, according to the reviews, this record was a buzzed about kind of deal. I seriously could never guess as to why. I just do not get it. I barely get black metal and/or shoegaze on their own. But throw two of the most--in my opinion--boring musical styles around in a blender...man.

Anyway...I felt I needed to share. I'm sure there are some here who like shoegaze, and I know there are those who love black metal here. And for fans of either, that comparison is probably offensive. Like if someone referred to Papa Roach as a crossover of thrash and hip hop, or something.

"Shoegaze" is one of the dumbest musical genre descriptors I've ever heard...and this is in a world full of genre tags that are utterly meaningless. People don't actually listen to music anymore, they just categorize it. Sad, pointless.

As for what you described above that is basically how Alcest started out. I quite like their albums and find them to be perfect late-night listens when I want to relax and clear my head.

I'm still waiting to hear someone cross tr00 grimm kvlt black metal with country music. Yeeeehaw!

The Deafheaven record is amazing. Alcest are amazing, Germ are amazing, Les Discrets are amazing, all incorporate some shoegaze elements into a post black landscape. If it's not your thing I can understand that, but these are some really creative people.

I love genre blending and the black metal scene has always been open to it, I don't know of many people who get offended by that term other than corse painted teenagers who listen to Mayhem and the like all day long.   

Just for you FF



Black metal banjo!!    

Boris2008 wrote:

The Deafheaven record is amazing. Alcest are amazing, Germ are amazing, Les Discrets are amazing, all incorporate some shoegaze elements into a post black landscape. If it's not your thing I can understand that, but these are some really creative people.

I love genre blending and the black metal scene has always been open to it, I don't know of many people who get offended by that term other than corse painted teenagers who listen to Mayhem and the like all day long.   

I'm sampling the Deafheaven record and it's a little too far into the black metal side of things (primarily the vocals) to be something I'd listen to regularly but it's definitely interesting.

I absolutely love Alcest though, they continue to release fascinating, beautiful music.

S.D. wrote:

Boris2008 wrote:

The Deafheaven record is amazing. Alcest are amazing, Germ are amazing, Les Discrets are amazing, all incorporate some shoegaze elements into a post black landscape. If it's not your thing I can understand that, but these are some really creative people.

I love genre blending and the black metal scene has always been open to it, I don't know of many people who get offended by that term other than corse painted teenagers who listen to Mayhem and the like all day long.   

I'm sampling the Deafheaven record and it's a little too far into the black metal side of things (primarily the vocals) to be something I'd listen to regularly but it's definitely interesting.

I absolutely love Alcest though, they continue to release fascinating, beautiful music.

I agree about the vocals on the Deafheaven record, I just let it drift into the music and it doesn't bother me too much. The new Germ record is incredible, absolute genius and a shoe in for my top five for last year although the vocals might put you off again, although there is a mix of black and clean vocals, you should give it a try because it's amazing.

Alcest is awesome...

Never heard of Alcest, but if it's remotely similar to this, I don't imagine I'll be able to get down with it.

When I was growing up, and then especially in my early 20s, many of my friends who listened to punk and stuff also listened to bands like MBV, Slowdive, etc. I gave those bands an honest try. But it was just too uneventful.

In my mellower 30s, I've tried revisiting them, as I like a lot of mellower stuff that I wasn't into when I was younger. I still get really bored.

I do agree that black metal bands (maybe not it's angstier fans) are always down to bend some genre junk...but I generally don't care much for the outcome.

Funny, next concert I'm actually going to is a Deafheaven concert next month.   
I'm not a "huge" fan of them. I mean, I can listen to it and enjoy it, but they kinda bore me after a while. Really just using it as a chance to get out with a college buddy I don't see a lot. I do find them pretty unique and I when I'm in a mood for something weird I can get into them. Just something thats situational for me I suppose.

There are bands that mix screamo with rap out there. They're called "crunkcore". What a bad combination.

ZombieHavoc wrote:

Never heard of Alcest, but if it's remotely similar to this, I don't imagine I'll be able to get down with it.

Alcest is very "pretty", mostly clean, ringing guitar tones, melodic vocals (often in French), very atmospheric in nature. The mood is very meditative, contemplative.

S.D. wrote:

"Shoegaze" is one of the dumbest musical genre descriptors I've ever heard. 

haha. I would agree if not for "djent".

It just keeps getting dumber as time goes on. Stuff like this makes "crabcore" sound legit.

What on earth is "shoegaze"??

Or do I even want to know?

People here upset over something unfamiliar...... nothing new there.....



I think you meant to post THIS video:

Orion Crystal Ice wrote:

People here upset over something unfamiliar...... nothing new there.....

Ha, if that was directed at me, I'm generally a pretty open minded dude.

Temple of Blood wrote:

S.D. wrote:

"Shoegaze" is one of the dumbest musical genre descriptors I've ever heard. 

haha.  I would agree if not for "djent".

It just keeps getting dumber as time goes on.  Stuff like this makes "crabcore" sound legit.

Not true, there is no dumber name for a musical genre than Doo wop!!! (and that's from the 1940's)  

Play the blackened disco video I posted, I dare you all..

Orion Crystal Ice wrote:

Play the blackened disco video I posted, I dare you all..

Is that what it's supposed to be? Doesn't sound like either, it sounds like a crappy generic pop song with some equally crappy guitars added. The girl does have a nice bum though!

Both black metal & shoegaze are atmospheric moody forms. Makes sense that they are blended together by some bands.

mc666 wrote:

Both black metal & shoegaze are atmospheric moody forms. Makes sense that they are blended together by some bands.

^ This.

I think my favorite record which is technically a part of this is probably ".neon" by Lantlôs. There is a lot of soul in that album.

Lantlos (I don't know how to do the little accent thing!) are about the only Neige related project that I haven't checked out so far. Pretty sure that will be remedied before too long

It wouldn't necessarily be the "worst" to me, but if someone combined crossover with progressive thrash, I'd be amused.

I guess that would sound something like "Chaosmongers" by Voivod.

Holy sh*t! Semargl used to sound like this!



I kind of assumed that they were just a bunch of club kids playing around with black metal imagery. Man they must have some pissed off fans!!   

Boris2008 wrote:

Holy sh*t! Semargl used to sound like this!



I kind of assumed that they were just a bunch of club kids playing around with black metal imagery. Man they must have some pissed off fans!!   

I'm trying to think if I've ever heard such a wild crossover in my life. That's crazy.