Origin: Spain
Formed: 2005
Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
Genre: Black / Folk Metal
Status: Active
Label: Independent
Schwarzwald is a black/folk metal band from Tenerife whose identity blends raw black‑metal aggression, Canarian folk textures, and a whimsical, troll‑themed aesthetic. Founded in 2005 as a one‑man project led by Satur, the band initially explored atmospheric black metal with pagan undertones. Over time, Schwarzwald evolved into a full lineup (around 2010), expanding their sound with accordion, flute, folk percussion, and multi‑layered backing vocals.
Their name—German for Black Forest—reflects the project’s early fascination with European folklore, dark forests, and mythic creatures. This atmosphere is especially present in their demos, which combine harsh vocals and tremolo riffs with rustic folk melodies and humorous, fantastical themes.
Their debut demo Journey Through the Night (2005) captured the raw, solitary spirit of the project’s early years: lo‑fi black metal with atmospheric keyboards and a nocturnal, wandering tone. By the time they released Welcome to Trolland (2012), Schwarzwald had fully embraced a more playful and folk‑driven direction—troll lore, accordion lines, and a lively, rustic energy that set them apart from typical Iberian black metal.
After a long period of silence, Schwarzwald resurfaced in 2024, returning to activity with their expanded lineup and renewed creative momentum. Their current sound merges harsh black‑metal foundations with festive folk instrumentation, creating a style that feels both feral and celebratory—like a troll feast held deep in a volcanic forest.