Origin: Spain
Location: Arrasate‑Mondragón, Basque Country
Status: Active
Formed: 1997
Genre: Black / Folk Metal
Themes: Nature, Battles, Basque Legends
Label: Les Acteurs de l’Ombre Productions
Years active: 1997–present
Contact: numenblackmetal@gmail.com
Not to be confused with:
Numen is one of the most important and enduring black/folk metal bands from the Basque Country. Formed in Arrasate‑Mondragón in 1997, the band forged a sound that merges raw black‑metal aggression with traditional Basque instrumentation and mythological themes. Their music is steeped in ancestral identity, nature mysticism, and the martial spirit of Basque folklore.
A defining element of their visual identity is the lauburu, the ancient four‑headed Basque symbol placed beneath the “U” in their logo. This emblem encapsulates Numen’s ethos: a connection to land, heritage, and the cyclical forces of nature.
Their early releases—Haize sorginduen intziriak (2000) and Galdutako itxaropenaren eresia (2001)—established them as pioneers of Basque black/folk metal. The EP …Jarrai beza kondairak (2003) and the full‑length Basoaren semeak (2004) expanded their mythic narrative, blending harsh black‑metal riffing with folk instruments such as flute and alboka.
In 2007, they released their self‑titled album Numen, a more atmospheric and mature work. After a long silence, the band returned triumphantly with Iluntasuna besarkatu nuen betiko (2019), released through Les Acteurs de l’Ombre Productions, marking their international resurgence and reaffirming their place in the European black‑metal landscape.
Numen remains a cornerstone of Basque extreme metal—fierce, rooted, and unwavering.
EPs
Full‑length albums