Adon is a California black metal project that emerged in 2020 with their EP "Arkane." Little is known about the entity behind the project, which channels occult themes through four tracks of atmospheric black metal.

Adversary XIII is a black metal and acoustic project from California. Across three full-lengths and two EPs released between 2019 and 2024, the project alternates between raw black metal fury and stripped-down acoustic passages, creating an unusual dynamic between aggression and vulnerability.

Agaliarept is a black metal project from California named after a demon from occult grimoire tradition. Their two EPs — "Human sacrificium" (2017) and "Necro Lust Invocation" (2019) — deliver raw, occult-themed black metal steeped in the traditions of the Second Wave.

Agriculture is a post-black metal band from Los Angeles that has quickly become one of the most talked-about acts in American underground metal. Formed by members of the hardcore and punk scenes, the band's approach to black metal is informed by shoegaze, post-rock, and a DIY ethos, earning critical acclaim and festival appearances since their emergence in 2022.

Ails is a black metal band from Oakland, California featuring former members of Ludicra, one of the Bay Area's most celebrated black metal acts. Their 2018 EP "The Unraveling" carries forward the atmospheric, emotionally complex black metal that defined their prior band.

Airs is a project from San Francisco that began as black metal/shoegaze before evolving into post-rock, shoegaze, and experimental territory. With five releases between 2013 and 2015 — including the full-length "Adore" — the project represents the genre-fluid experimentation that defines the Bay Area music scene.

Whittier, California black metal project named after the Zoroastrian demon of evil intent. Ancient Persian darkness from the LA suburbs.

Akatharsia is a black metal band from Oakland, California. Named after the Greek word for 'impurity,' the band released a 2014 demo and 2017 full-length "No Generation Without Corruption," contributing to the East Bay's rich tradition of ideologically charged black metal.

Akolouthos is a black metal project from California. Their two 2022 EPs — "Descent into the Withering Forest" and "Last Ride of the Dishonored Guard" — evoke fantasy narratives through raw black metal.