The black metal genre is a subgenre of heavy metal music that emerged in the early 1980s. It is characterized by its fast tempos, shrieking vocals, and atmospheric elements. Lyrically, black metal often explores themes of darkness, nature, and anti-religion, drawing inspiration from mythology and folklore. Notable bands include Mayhem, Burzum, and Darkthrone. Visually, black metal is known for its distinctive aesthetics, including corpse paint and dark, often medieval-inspired imagery. The genre has a strong underground scene and is associated with a DIY ethic. It has influenced various other music styles and has a dedicated global following.