1. BLADE AND BATH

I don't think words could ever do justice to how much comfort Blade and Bath's songs have given me. This one-man band has helped me through nights when I struggled to find rest, as constant negative thoughts brewed mercilessly in my head. Their songs never fail to perfectly capture whatever it is I'm going through in the moment, and that alone brings a special kind of beautiful, melancholy feeling. They don't promise to take the pain away, but they offer something different. Something you won't long to escape from.

2. INTIG

I grew to love Intig even more after discovering that the genius behind it is the same person who was the lead developer of Cry of Fear. The lyrics in each song remind me of my own thoughts that scatter around me every day. The pessimism, and the nihilism. Usually I'd listen to them when I'm in public spaces because the instrumental tracks are so gently crafted that they deliver an intense sense of serenity (Which I use as a pill to calm myself down). They give the kind of music that lingers with you for decades, even after listening to it only for a few minutes.

I'm mainly captivated by the lead singer's voice. It's one of those voices you don't often hear in many DSBM bands. A voice that feels no need to alter itself just to please listeners. It's truly admirable, the way he perfectly pours each song with recognizable emotions, and for how easily you can feel the pain through simply listening to the way he conveys each song. I love how he doesn't only sing about the painful loneliness, but also his desperation for help, and how much he wishes to be free from the grip of sadness. A band that truly reminds you that you are never alone.

The uniqueness of Висельник's instrumental atmosphere feels incomparable to other DSBM bands. Their music comes closest to what I'd really call true atmospheric black metal. Something that can actually clear your mind despite the heavy themes. Genuinely one of the only few bands that motivate me to keep learning guitar. The soft, melodic way they play is something I'd give a lot to learn. Their music puts you at ease, like your ears were only meant for them.