Over the past few years, the American underground metal scene has suffered a turbulent unrest due to the integration of black metal into its generation. In earlier days, America had a powerful stronghold on the death metal scene with its foothold in brutality and aggression (particularly from the states of Florida and New York).  However, the recent fame of European (particularly Norwegian) black metal has undoubtedly made its impression upon America.

Although Europe makes a claim to having fueled the slow, yet consistent, rise of black metal, America did have its own small fire burning as well. One of America's black metal progenitors would include the notorious PROFANATICA.  With the assistance of France's Osmose Productions, PROFANATICA would make their debut to the larger world. This guys attained their respected position in the old black metal minion, which then included such acts as BLASPHEMY, BEHERIT, SAMAEL, IMPALED NAZARENE, etc. Sadly, this band split up for various reasons, and its remnants may be found in the band HAVOHEJ, who have released a few items that should be easily located in the scene.  Another side of the former PROFANATICA line-up went on to create North Carolina's DEMONCY.  This long standing band has remained active and has released an album on So It Is Done Productions (Holland).

Osmose's help towards placing America on the black metal map did not end with the introduction of PROFANATICA.  Rather, the mighty abyssian talents of ABSU became realized by Osmose, and there arrived the great album «Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L.»  This release became an early classic for many black metal fans, and to this day, ABSU still remains a band of great interest to the scene, having just completed their third album to date.    Another present band on Osmose Productions, hailing from the American populus, would be the band ANGELCORPSE.  This dark elite of individuals formerly plagued the scene under the moniker, ORDER FROM CHAOS.  Their relentless and brutal onslaught of nihilistic vision continues to work itself upon fans of the genre.

GRAND BELIAL’S KEY is a group who afflicted the early stages of American black metal as well (perhaps one of the rawest and most original groups to spawn from the States).  Two well received demos were released by this group before some drastic line-up alterations occurred.  The drummer left to play for Norway's ANCIENT, while GRAND BELIAL’S KEY replaced the drummer position with the percussionist behind Pennsylvania's CRUCIFIER (another early satanic influence on American metal). GRAND BELIAL’S KEY has since released their debut album on Wood Nymph Records (Belgium).

As the political and lyrical effects of black metal began to take form in Europe, so too did similar events occur in America.  This is especially the case with America's BLACK FUNERAL, who released their debut album on Full Moon Productions. BLACK FUNERAL stood for ideals of hate, suicide, torture, blood, and darkness.  This still holds true, as BLACK FUNERAL remains one of the most hated and controversial bands from the American scene.

Following similarly controversial themes was the appearance of CRIMSON MOON on the west coast of America.  Being a two-piece band, CRIMSON MOON managed to display brilliant talent and dark expression.  Their debut demo gained much appeal in European circles, and their popularity eventually led to an album deal with America's Abyss Productions.

In the north east region of the US we soon found the band DECEMBER WOLVES emerging with their spectacular debut demo entrance (which caught the attention of many fans, both domestically and internationally).  Shortly thereafter, DECEMBER WOLVES would release their debut album on Korea's Hammerheart Records.

JUDAS ISCARIOT is another early project, this time created by one man.  This band resorts to an old school homage with raw sound and heavy rhythms, much in the vein of the old masters.  They have since released two albums of good repute and recognition.
 
Since the early phase and influence of such groups as PROFANATICA and ABSU, the American scene slowly lifted itself to recognition with the acts that followed.  Since the emergence of the aforementioned groups, a variety of other bands have given rise to the new foundation of American black metal. Such impressive and unique groups would include the likes of: USURPER (who have released some recent thrash / black albums), LYCANTHROPY (who have done two albums now for a German label Path To Enlightenment), BLOOD STORM (who have recorded an LP for England's Cacophonous Records and who has also filled in as a session tour member for ABSU in Europe), and EMBER (who have released two impressive demo cassettes and have appeared on various compilations).  Of course, there are many other American black metal bands gaining recognition as time persists, however, I have only listed here those bands that have either had an influence on the history of black metal or have achieved some form of higher recognition in the scene (either in America or elsewhere).

In addition to bands, America has also had a very powerful influence on the genre through its record labels.  Old and established labels like Full Moon Productions, Necropolis Records, and Moribund Records, have brought to the scene such bands like:  BELIAL, TARTAROS, ARCKANUM, SWORDMASTER, VONDUR, HADES, OCTINOMOS, etc.  The success of these American labels has also led to the spawning of other various American labels dedicated to the genre.  Some of these would include: Abyss Productions, Breath of Night Records, Elegy Records, etc.

Overall, it is apparent that America has played a role in the development of black metal as a historical theme in the music underground.  Much of this may not have been possible without the early assistance of Osmose Productions, but it is inevitable that some events would take place at one point or another (which perhaps should be expected with the uprise of any trend in the music underground).