Swedish black metal powerhouse Watain has carved their path through the extreme metal scene with a collection of albums. Each release has contributed to their formidable legacy in the black metal realm. But, of course, some are just better than others.
7. The Wild Hunt (2013)
This album marked a turning point for Watain, both commercially and musically. While it became their most commercially successful release—topping Swedish charts and selling well in the U.S.—it also sparked controversy among fans. The inclusion of clean vocals and a more melodic approach divided listeners, with some praising the band’s ambition while others saw it as a departure from their raw black metal roots.
6. Trident Wolf Eclipse (2018)
Following the experimentation of ‘The Wild Hunt,’ ‘Trident Wolf Eclipse‘ felt like a direct response to critics who had accused the band of softening their sound. This album stripped away the melodic and progressive elements of its predecessor, delivering a relentless and aggressive black metal assault. While it was generally well received by fans who had longed for a return to the band’s harsher style, some critics argued that it played things too safe compared to Watain’s more adventurous works.
5. Rabid Death’s Curse (2000)
Watain’s debut album set the foundation for their career, establishing them as a force in the underground black metal scene. The dual-guitar attack gave it a raw and chaotic energy that made it stand out, and its inclusion in Rock Hard’s ‘250 Black Metal Albums You Should Know’ speaks to its lasting impact. While later albums refined their sound, ‘Rabid Death’s Curse’ remains a fan favorite for its unpolished, sinister atmosphere and uncompromising approach.
4. The Agony & Ecstasy Of Watain (2022)
This album marked a major shift for the band, as it was their first without founding drummer Håkan Jonsson. Despite his absence, his influence was still felt in the songwriting. The choice to record in an old church added a unique, organic quality to the album’s production, which resonated with fans of traditional black metal. Still, while some listeners appreciated its connection to the spirit of the ‘90s scene, others felt it lacked the urgency of earlier works.
3. Sworn To The Dark (2007)
Widely considered the band’s breakthrough, ‘Sworn to the Dark‘ was a defining moment in modern black metal. Tracks like ‘Legions of the Black Light’ cemented Watain’s status as leaders of the genre, with a sound that balanced raw aggression and eerie melody. The tribute to Dissection’s Jon Nödtveidt added emotional weight to the album, making it an important release not just for Watain, but for black metal as a whole.
2. Lawless Darkness (2010)
This album took Watain’s success to new heights, earning them a Swedish Grammi and widespread critical acclaim. While it retained their signature darkness, it also demonstrated a refined and more expansive approach to songwriting. Winning multiple ‘album of the year’ accolades solidified its reputation, though some fans felt it marked the beginning of a more polished era for the band. Still, its blend of intensity and atmosphere made it one of Watain’s most celebrated records.
1. Casus Luciferi (2003)
For many fans and critics, ‘Casus Luciferi‘ represents the pinnacle of Watain’s work. It built upon the raw aggression of their debut while refining their songwriting, resulting in an album that felt both vicious and well-crafted. The consistency in quality throughout the record made it a defining moment in their career, setting the standard for everything they would release afterward. Even two decades later, it remains a benchmark for the band and a key release in 21st-century black metal.
