Carpathian Forest

Hailing from Norway, Carpathian Forest, led by Nattefrost and Nordavind, emerged in the early '90s as a prominent figure in the "true" black metal scene. Their early demos, notably the infamous Bloodlust & Perversion, quickly gained a cult following, propelling them to black metal notoriety. Signing with Avant Garde, the band released Through Chasm, Caves and Titan Woods in 1995, capitalizing on the void left by black metal figureheads' incarcerations. Despite a three-year hiatus, Carpathian Forest returned with a vengeance in 1998 with Black Shining Leather, showcasing their resilience and versatility, including a cover of The Cure's "A Forest." Nordavind later departed on amicable terms, but the band continues to push forward with their musical journey.

Carpathian Forest's dark and primal sound, steeped in traditional black metal aesthetics, resonated with fans seeking new heroes in the wake of black metal's turbulent history. Their ability to evolve and captivate listeners was evident in their comeback album, Black Shining Leather, which solidified their place in the genre. Despite lineup changes, the band's determination to persevere and innovate remains unwavering, with their discography reflecting a blend of raw aggression and artistic exploration that defines their enduring legacy in the black metal realm.