The difference, in figures
Black metal is far heavier (+6), far faster (+5) and clearly less melodic (−4) than Neo-psychedelia. It emerged in 1982, 2 years after Neo-psychedelia in 1980. They sit on opposite branches of the tree and share no common ancestor.
Neo-psychedelia
Where it sits
Rock › Psychedelic rock › Neo-psychedelia
In short
Psychedelia retold by every new generation, with digital studios and rather less mysticism.
How it sounds
- Abundant reverb and delay, with the voice treated as an instrument.
- Modern studio production carrying 1960s sonic references.
- Pop melody under a thick layer of effects.
Key acts
- The Flaming Lips
- Tame Impala
- King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Start here
The pickTame Impala - Lonerism. One man, a bedroom studio, a stadium sound.
Full page →Black metal
Where it sits
In short
Tremolo picking, blast beats, shrieked vocals and deliberately cold production. More an aesthetic than a technique - atmosphere matters more than clean sound.
How it sounds
- Tremolo picking on open fifth voicings, with vocals in the high register.
- Deliberately thin, cold production - the missing bass is an aesthetic choice, not an accident.
- Fast blast beats, drums often mixed back, atmosphere placed above technique.
Key acts
- Bathory
- Mayhem
- Darkthrone
- Emperor
Start here
The pickDarkthrone - A Blaze in the Northern Sky. The production is intentional, not a flaw.
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