In the Woods…, a Norwegian avant-garde progressive black metal band, was formed in 1992 in Kristiansand. Emerging from the remnants of a death metal band called Green Carnation, their formation coincided with a period of significant musical experimentation in Norway, a country already renowned for its black metal tradition. With some members departing, including Terje Vik Schei (a.k.a. Tchort), the remaining members pivoted, giving birth to In the Woods…, which saw the blending of traditional metal elements with avant-garde and progressive sounds, challenging the boundaries of genre definitions.

Sodom, an eminent German thrash metal ensemble hailing from Gelsenkirchen, was established in 1981. Allegedly christened after the Venom song ‘One Thousand Days in Sodom,’ the band was the brainchild of Tom Angelripper, who sought an escape from the coal mines of his hometown. The initial line-up of Sodom comprised Tom Angelripper, Bloody Monster, Arius “Blasphemer,” and Aggressor.

Dark Tranquillity is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Gothenburg. They are considered one of the pioneering acts of the Gothenburg metal scene, which also includes bands such as In Flames and At the Gates. Dark Tranquillity is regarded as the Gothenburg fathers in the film entitled ‘Out of Nothing: A DT Documentary’ released by Century Media Records, which was filmed in their home town in April 2009, in Gothenburg, Sweden, and released October 28th, 2009 in Germany.

Ancient Rites was formed in 1988 in Belgium, a time when the metal genre was witnessing a profound transformation and diversification. The original ensemble consisted of guitarists Johan and Phillip, drummer Stefan, and Gunther on vocals. Together, they sought to create a sound that was both unique and deeply committed to musical artistry.

In the year 2002, the city of Landshut, nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, witnessed the inception of Obscura, founded by guitarist and vocalist Steffen Kummerer. The initial ensemble comprised Kummerer, guitarist Armin Seitz, bassist Martin Ketzer, and drummer Jonas Baumgartl. However, this formation proved ephemeral, with the band’s nascent years marked by a series of alterations in the lineup.

Cradle of Filth, a British extreme metal band, has a rich and complex history that spans over three decades. The band’s formation, musical evolution, and thematic focus provide a fascinating lens through which to examine the broader trends and shifts within the extreme metal genre.