How to Write Unblack Metal Songs

You want black metal fury with a message that does not sell your soul. Unblack metal is the same raw intensity as black metal with lyrics and identity rooted in Christian themes. It keeps the cold tremolo riffs and breathless drums while flipping the script on lyrical content. This guide gives you everything you need to write, record, and release unblack metal songs that sound authentic, push boundaries, and make your crowd mosh while thinking about redemption.

Everything here is written for musicians who want practical steps, studio friendly tips, and real world scenarios you can actually use. We will cover history and context, sonic hallmarks, songwriting workflows, lyric craft, vocal technique, arrangement, tone and production strategies, live performance advice, branding and marketing, and how to handle the angry emails. Expect honest, unapologetic help with a laugh where appropriate and a plan you can use tonight.

What Is Unblack Metal

Unblack metal is a subgenre that uses the musical language of black metal while substituting Christian theological themes for the anti religious or occult themes commonly associated with black metal. The music maintains blast beats, high speed tremolo picking, raw or mid production aesthetics, and an often cold or eerie atmosphere. The lyrical core centers on faith, scripture, spiritual struggle, hope, praise, or spiritual warfare. Historically the movement started as a reaction to black metal culture and at times as a direct commentary or answer to it.

Important term explanation

• Blast beat A fast drum pattern that emphasizes the snare and kick together to create a wall of percussive sound.
• Tremolo picking Rapid alternate picking on a single note or power chord to create a sustained aggressive tone.
• Corpse paint Face makeup associated with black metal stage aesthetics. In unblack metal the look is used or subverted depending on band identity.
• Topline The main vocal melody or lead vocal line.
• Prosody The match between natural speech stress and musical rhythm. If your lyrics do not sit naturally the listener feels it even if they cannot explain why.

Quick History Snapshot

Think of unblack metal as a mirror with a different caption. In the early 1990s black metal scenes were extreme in both sound and culture. A few musicians who believed in Christian faith wanted the intensity of black metal without endorsing or celebrating anti religious themes. Horde is often credited as a foundational project in the movement. Later bands like Antestor and Crimson Moonlight expanded the sound and proved it could be musically rich and emotionally honest.

Real world scenario

You are at a basement show in Oslo in winter 1996. Two bands just tore the room to pieces. One band wears corpse paint and sings about darkness. Another band shows up and plays with equal intensity but writes about redemption. Someone in the crowd realizes the same raw power can carry a different message. That moment gave the scene life as a conversation and not just an echo chamber.

Why Write Unblack Metal

Some reasons you might want to write unblack metal

• To combine the cathartic aggression of black metal with a faith based message.
• To reach listeners who love the music but want an alternative lyrical point of view.
• To challenge the norms of both religious music scenes and extreme metal scenes.
• To explore spiritual struggle honestly using extreme sonics as a tool instead of a gimmick.

Core Musical Elements of Unblack Metal

You can separate the writing into three broad layers. The riff and harmony layer. The rhythmic pulse layer. The vocal and lyric layer. Make each layer strong enough to stand alone so the song sounds complete at any stage of writing.

Riffs and Harmony

Black metal riffs often emphasize atmosphere more than technical showmanship. Use modal scales to create cold ambiguous tonality. Here are common choices and why they work.

• Natural minor scale A reliable emotional base. Try E minor or A minor for guitar friendly ranges.
• Harmonic minor Creates an exotic tension with raised seventh degree. Great for dark leads and sinister climaxes.
• Phrygian mode Flat second degree gives an immediate Spanish or eastern flavor. Use it for ominous riffs.
• Diminished or chromatic runs For tremolo flourishes and nervous runs.

Example riff idea

Start with tremolo picked open E string to hold a pedal tone. Over that play a melodic minor fragment at the fifth fret that moves in small intervals. Keep the rhythm mostly straight 16th notes and add occasional syncopated accents to surprise the ear.

Rhythm and Drums

Blast beats provide power. Use several drum textures to avoid monotony.

• Full blast beat Snare on every subdivision with kick on the downbeats. Use for choruses and peaks.
• Half time with double bass Gives weight and groove while preserving aggression. Use this in verses to make a chorus feel massive.
• Broken blast Combine snare rolls with tom accents to create a marching feel for bridges.

Practical tip

When programming or practicing blast beats at high BPM pick a tempo that your drummer can sustain for the song. If your drummer can keep 210 BPM for a minute the track will feel relentless and not sloppy.

Texture and Atmosphere

Keyboards and ambient layers are your secret sauce. Use pads for choir effects, single detuned piano notes for tension, and field recordings for atmosphere. Reverb and delay are not optional.

Example texture layering

1. Low analog pad held under the verse to give density.
2. A thin choir line that peaks in the chorus to add grandeur.
3. High ringing single notes with long reverb after each lyrical line to create space.

Songwriting Workflow That Actually Gets Songs Done

Start with one strong idea. That could be a lyrical concept, a riff, a drum groove, or a vocal gesture. Build a one page map that lists sections and time targets. Keep decisions small and finishable. Here is a step by step workflow you can steal.

1. Seed Capture one riff or one lyrical line. Record a rough phone clip. Label it with a one line promise. The promise is the core emotional claim of the song. Example promise The valley is deep but light finds a path.
2. Form map Choose a structure. Classic black metal forms are flexible. Example structure Intro → Verse → Bridge → Chorus → Verse → Chorus → Outro. Mark where the vocal hook will land and how many times you want the riff to return.
3. Topline sketch On headphones improvise vocal melody on vowels over the riff. Do three passes and save the best gestures. These become your melodic anchors.
4. Lyric draft Write one verse and one chorus. Use the crime scene edit method explained below. Do not polish. Focus on concrete imagery and spiritual stakes.
5. Arrangement pass Add atmosphere beds and decide where to thin instruments for dynamics. Mark a beat or two of silence before the chorus to create anticipation.
6. Demo Record a simple demo with one guitar, programmed drums, and a scratch vocal. Evaluate the core emotional hit. If it works, finish. If not adjust the promise.

Lyric Craft for Unblack Metal

Lyrics in unblack metal can range from praise songs in black metal style to raw confessions of doubt. The key is specificity. Use images not statements. Use prosody so your words fit the groove and attack the listener with meaning.

Theme choices

• Praise and worship expressed with extreme imagery.
• Spiritual warfare as literal or metaphorical conflict.
• Redemption narratives that do not shy from pain.
• Nature and creation as a mirror for divine attributes.
• Personal confession and healing under pressure.

Writing tips that actually work

• Write the one sentence promise That single sentence answers why this song exists. It keeps you from scattering images across five unrelated metaphors.
• Use camera shots not slogans Replace lines like I am lost with I scratch my name into the damp bark and it peels away. That image wins every time.
• Place the title on a long note The title should be easy to sing on a raised vowel in the chorus so crowds can learn it quickly.
• Prosody check Speak each line naturally. Mark the stressed syllable. Those stresses should align with strong beats of the riff or the drum groove.

Real world scenario

Imagine you are writing about doubt. A direct line might say I do not trust God. A stronger approach is to show the ritual you perform when doubt arrives. Example scene I polish the old cross until the edge is warm and my thumb remembers why it matters. That detail grounds emotion and avoids sounding like a pamphlet.

Examples of chorus lines

Short heavy chorus line

Light breaks the frozen sky. We lift our hands and call your name.

Anthemic chant chorus

From the ruin we rise. From the ruin we rise. The stone will roll and hope will be seen.

Vocal Techniques

Black metal vocals are usually high pitched shrieks, harsh rasps, or deep screams depending on regional styles. Unblack metal uses the same palette. Train safely and protect your vocal cords. Breathing technique matters more than throat strain.

Two main styles and how to approach them

• High rasps and shrieks Use breath support from the diaphragm. Practice with short bursts under a minute. Warm up with fry screams and gentle hums. Do not push raw and raw is not proof of authenticity.
• Mid range rasp and growl Use vocal fry to create a distorted tone without compressing the throat. Mix in clean singing for choruses if your voice can handle it.

Practical exercise

1. Breathe in for two counts and exhale on an h sound while making a gentle fry sound for ten seconds.
2. Repeat five times. Do not strain. Hydrate and rest the voice after heavy sessions.
3. Record yourself and compare volume and pitch stability. Adjust technique until you can produce the tone without discomfort.

Guitar Tone and Gear Hacks

You do not need boutique amps to sound crushing. You need the right chain and the right playing. The tone is made from guitar attack, amp character, and mix placement.

Basic tone chain

Guitar → high output humbuckers or single coils with PAF style pickup → overdrive or boost pedal to push the amp → amp or amp sim set with tight low end → cab simulator or mic chain → long reverb and delay sends in the mix.

Key settings to try on amp sim

• Boost mids slightly for cut through tremolo lines.
• Set low end tight so palm mute is defined and not mushy.
• Add amp presence to give shimmer to high strings used in harmonic leads.

Playing tips for classic black metal tremolo

• Use a thin pick for speed and tight attack.
• Rest stroke technique by lightly touching the lower strings with the palm to control resonance.
• Alternate pick with consistent small motion rather than large exaggerated arm swings.

Arrangement and Dynamics

Black metal thrives on contrast and atmosphere. Use dynamics to move listeners through arc and not bore them to death with non stop blast beats.

• Thin verses Use a single tremolo guitar and ambient pad to give space for vocals and tension.
• Explosive chorus Bring in full drums, layered guitars, and a choir patch or clean vocals to provide payoff.
• Bridge breakdowns Strip everything to one reverb soaked guitar and spoken word or whispered lines to increase impact when the band returns.

Practical map

1. Intro atmosphere 30 to 60 seconds
2. Verse one sparse with slow rising tension
3. Bridge with drum fill and rising synth
4. Chorus full blast for emotional release
5. Verse two introduces new melodic idea
6. Final chorus doubled with choir or clean gang vocals and a lead guitar line
7. Outro fades back into the initial atmosphere

Production and Mixing Tips for Maximum Impact

Production choices determine whether your unblack metal sounds like a demo or like an immersive ritual. Decide early if you want raw underground sound or polished black metal with clarity. Both work. Your production should serve dynamics and lyrics.

Mixing tips

• Drums Tighten kick and snare for clarity. Use transient shaping rather than heavy compression to keep blast energy.
• Bass Use a separate low end bus for power and a mid range bass DI for definition. Blend both subtly.
• Guitars Use layered tracks. Keep rhythm guitars panned moderately left and right. Use an untouched center guitar to keep attack for single line riffs.
• Vocals Add parallel compression for screams to keep them forward. Use de essing to control harsh sibilance that can be painful with reverb tails.
• Reverb and delay Use long cathedral style reverb on atmospheres. Use shorter plates on aggressive leads to maintain definition.

Mastering note

Black metal masters often avoid over loudness. Preserve dynamics so your track breathes. Loudness is not identity. Clarity and weight are.

Live Performance and Stage Presence

Performance for unblack metal is complex. Some bands lean into classic black metal visuals. Others reject corpse paint entirely in favor of a less theatrical approach. Decide your visual language with intention.

Image options

• Classic aesthetic Corpse paint and atmospheric lighting used to emphasize the music as solemn ritual.
• Subverted aesthetic Use the same harsh look but incorporate symbols or stage banter that changes the meaning. This can be provocative and open up conversation.
• Minimal aesthetic Plain clothes and raw performance that points the eye to the music and lyrics without theatre.

Real world scenario

If you play a show in a city with a tight black metal scene expect some heat. Some fans see unblack metal as an intrusion. Show up with excellent playing. Respect the music. Explain less and play more. When you win them with riffs the rest follows.

Branding, Marketing, and Community

Unblack metal sits between two communities. That can be advantage or liability. Build a clear identity so fans know what you stand for without having to ask. Use your story honestly and avoid marketing fluff.

Social media tactics

• Share short rehearsal clips that highlight one riff and one lyric line. Short clips convert to new followers quickly.
• Write caption stories that explain the song idea in one sentence and then a short anecdote about writing it. People love process.
• Engage with both metal pages and faith based pages. Expect some negative comments. Respond with grace or ignore. Both are valid.

Merch and image

Merch does not need to scream religion. Create artful designs that match the music. Limited edition prints, enamel pins, and a vinyl pressing with deep notes in the liner can build credibility within collectors.

Handling Criticism and Authenticity

Unblack metal will attract questions about authenticity from both metal purists and religious communities. You will be asked to prove your faith and your metal credentials. Answer by doing excellent work and showing humility.

• Play better than your critics expect.
• Do not engage in public flame wars. Let the music do the talking.
• Be transparent about your influences. Give credit to bands that shaped your sound.
• Be clear about what you are not. If you do not want to be a spokesperson for a particular movement say so.

Song Templates You Can Steal

Template A intense anthem

1. Intro atmosphere 20 seconds
2. Verse one low texture 45 seconds
3. Bridge with drum fill 15 seconds
4. Chorus blast 40 seconds
5. Verse two adds second guitar 45 seconds
6. Final chorus doubled with choir and a lead 60 seconds
7. Outro fade to atmosphere 30 seconds

Template B ritual lament

1. Clean intro piano with reverb 30 seconds
2. Slow tremolo verse with whispered vocals 50 seconds
3. Build to mid tempo section with half time drums 40 seconds
4. Explosive chorus with full blast 45 seconds
5. Bridge with spoken scripture and clean vocal line 30 seconds
6. Final chorus with chant and gang vocals 60 seconds
7. Ambient outro with field recording 40 seconds

Practice Routines and Exercises

• Riff drill Write one two bar tremolo figure and repeat it with three different ending pitches. Do this for 15 minutes daily to build muscle memory.
• Blast beat endurance Use a metronome. Start at comfortable tempo and do 4 sets of one minute with two minutes rest. Increase tempo slowly over weeks.
• Scream safe practice Do a vocal warm up, 10 minutes of fry work, and then record short takes at performance volume. Rest the voice for at least a day after heavy sessions.
• Lyric camera pass For each line in your verse write one camera shot that matches the image. If you cannot imagine a shot rewrite the line.

Real Song Example Walkthrough

Walkthrough promise The valley is deep but light finds a path.

1. Riff seed: tremolo on open E with a melodic line E F sharp G E on the high strings. Keep tempo around 190 BPM for energy.
2. Topline: sing vowels on the riff until you find a melody that lands on the G note. Repeat the melodic gesture at the chorus for anchoring.
3. Lyrics verse one: The canyon keeps our whispers. My feet count each broken stone. That line shows struggle without preaching.
4. Chorus: Light finds the path. Light finds the path. We follow with our hands unarmed. Keep title on long vowel for singability.
5. Arrangement: first chorus uses full blast. Second chorus adds choir and low synth to increase weight. Bridge removes guitars and leaves only atmospheric pad and spoken word reading of a short verse of scripture for contrast.

Distribution and Getting Heard

Unblack metal can be niche. Target both metal playlists and faith based networks. Use independent metal blogs, college radio, and Christian music platforms to spread the word. Submit to extreme music podcasts and metal YouTube channels that accept new music. Do live streams of rehearsals and Q and A sessions to build community directly.

Monetization Ideas That Do Not Make Fans Roll Their Eyes

• Limited merch drops with high quality art and meaningful liner notes.
• Vinyl or cassette releases with exclusive atmospheric tracks.
• Paid live streams with a behind the scenes rehearsal or discussion about lyric theology for fans who want more depth.
• Workshops on extreme vocals and safe technique for a fee.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Tone over message The song should be heavy and honest. If the lyrics sound like advertising people will switch off. Keep metaphors earned and visceral.
• Vocal damage Attack technique is not the same as throat abuse. Respect the instrument and do not use raw throat pull to sound extreme.
• Inauthentic image Do not borrow black metal ritual imagery without an intentional artistic reason. If you use corpse paint be prepared to explain why it matters for your art.
• Trying to please everyone You will not. Make music for the crowd you want to connect with not for a theoretical average listener.

Action Plan You Can Use This Week

1. Write one sentence that states the song promise. Keep it raw and specific.
2. Record one two bar tremolo riff into your phone. Keep it loopable.
3. Do a vocal vowel pass over the riff and capture three melody gestures.
4. Write one verse using the camera pass and one chorus that states the promise using strong vowels and long notes.
5. Make a one track demo with a drum machine, one guitar, and a rough vocal. Play it for two friends and ask what line they remember after one minute.

Unblack Metal FAQ