The Norwegian scene is usually the go to reference for early black metal in the nineties as it was the most plentiful in terms of albums. But looking back (to the 90s) what were some other BM albums that have the Norwegians a run for their money, or caused a stir at the time to warrant a comparison? Did the band continue the same level of success over heir career as their Norwegian counterparts?

Although slightly after (1995) I'd say Horna have had a solid career and indeed forged their own path and sound, in fact Finland as a whole gives Norway more than a run for its money, I prefer the Finnish sound myself.

Master's Hammer and Sigh are two which spring to mind.

Bathory and Marduk would be a couple of obvious choices.
Also Rotting Christ and Bethlehem.

Impaled Nazarene

Blasphemy

Sigh & Cradle Of Filth

My number one choice for this is Marduk

Oranssi Pazuzu.

Venom

Dissection are the obvious one as they pretty much single-handedly defined a new style of black metal.

I didn't know 'shit' was a genre

Sarcófago for being the forefathers of Blackened Thrash

Hellhammer

Sorry, wrong thread entirely!

I'm not sure I'd call Marduk "innovative".

Fair, I guess. They were one of the first BM bands I got into. I always saw them as one of the first at the “blasting your face” BM style with a melodic touch here and there. Their longevity is still going strong with 13 albums under their belt. Not bad for a band whose debut LP was released in 92.

Fixed.

What about Beherit from Finland?

I've never listened to them much myself, but I always used to see them get talked about and praised a lot. Pretty sure they came quite early too, sort of 91-93 that sort of era.