Lord Belial

The Profile

Lord Belial is a Swedish melodic black metal band formed in 1992, noted for emotive riffing and atmospheric touches (flute, female choirs). They disbanded in 2009 due to drummer Micke Backelin’s hearing problems and later returned, releasing new material including Rapture.

Swedish black metal band formed in 1992; known for a melodic approach that can include black/death elements and atmospheric instrumentation; vocals/guitars by Thomas “Dark” Backelin are repeatedly praised; disbanded in 2009 due to drummer Micke Backelin’s hearing issue; later reactivated and released the album Rapture; key albums include Kiss the Goat, Enter the Moonlight Gate, Nocturnal Beast, The Black Curse, and Rapture.

Two reviews portray Lord Belial as a Swedish pillar of melodic black metal, praised for emotive riffs and refined arrangements. Enter the Moonlight Gate is hailed as a genre masterpiece with flute and choirs. Nocturnal Beast earns kudos for mid‑tempo nuance and memorable melodies. Vocals by Thomas “Dark” Backelin and strong solos are repeatedly highlighted. The band’s 2009 disbandment and later return are noted.