Xasthur

American Black Metal Project

Xasthur is a project primarily known within the black metal genre, and it was formed in the United States by Scott Conner, who goes by the pseudonym "Malefic." Initially conceived in 1995, Xasthur began as a band but eventually transitioned into a solo project, with Malefic being the sole permanent member. Xasthur's music is characterized by its lo-fi production, dissonant melodies, and an atmosphere that is often described as depressive and misanthropic. Over the years, Xasthur has released several albums and demos that have contributed to the underground black metal scene. The project is notable for its prolific output during the early 2000s and has been influential in shaping the subgenre known as depressive suicidal black metal (DSBM). Although Xasthur has never been a mainstream act, it has garnered a dedicated following within black metal circles for its distinctive sound and thematic content that delves into despair, nihilism, and introspection.