It's tough for a new metal band now a days, when every interview you give has to include this: "We're
epic norwegian viking hollywood romantic metal, with a touch of
power metal but without all the harmonic tapping."
Face it, black metal is nothing more than a
umbrella term now. The genre has been split so many times that it's getting silly. Let's see, we've got
Folk Metal,
Epic Metal,
Viking Metal,
Tree Metal (which is semi-derogatory term), and god knows what else. The real crux of the problem is that nobody cares but metal fans. However, this strange self-imposed forcing of labels isn't native to metal of course (
punk,
techno,
ska, and just about every other type of less popular music), it's just that because the black metal scene is very introverted it seems to do this
ad infinitum.
Even bands that made their name well inside the confines of "black metal" are avoiding that title like the plague.
Ulver gave it up years ago and fans refused to let them go.
Cradle of Filth is now
Gothic Romanticism.
Einherjer is now officialy
Viking Metal. Even
Immortal is making fun of black metal for christ sakes.
Perhaps a theoretical conversation with a normal
man on the street (MOTS) will help:
MOTS: Hello young man. Being a generally inquisitive fellow, I was wondering what kind of music you enjoy.
Metal Guy: Well, i've been big into
Power Metal recently, I really enjoy more epic metal or even the occasional bit of thrash.
MOTS: Yes indeed,
Twisted Sister sure is a good band.
Metal Guy: D'Oh!
Me? I'm done with it. I'm sick of the age old "
Cradle of Filth isn't black metal" rants or the "
Venom didn't invent black metal, besides they suck" diatribes I read all to often. Even this node is a perfect example of it.
I suggest reading "
Why Do People Pigeonhole themselves? and start applying it to your musical tastes. Then read
Impaled Northern Moon Forest, because everyone needs to learn how to poke fun at themselves.