Spektr

Mysterious French black metal outfit Spektr, often likened to fellow countrymen Blut Aus Nord, centers on the duo of kl.K on drums, programming, and vocals alongside Hth on guitar, bass, programming, and vocals. Their experimental take on the genre balances a clear affinity for expansive drones, found sounds, irregular meters, and industrial plus dark ambient textures with equally weighted crushing guitars and punishing drums. The group gained notice in 2004 when San Francisco's Aquarius Records called the debut album No Longer Human Senses "the weirdest black metal record ever." Spektr followed two years later with the atmospheric Near Death Experience, which highlighted their musique concrète leanings, then extended black metal's outer limits further on the 2008 EP Mescalyne. Cypher arrived in 2013, bringing increased electronic and jazz-inspired elements into the mix. After retreating from view for several years, the duo resurfaced on Agonia with 2016's The Art to Disappear, their most melodic release to date yet one still steeped in industrial and jazz influences.