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Using the word black in a band name can create a sense of mystery, darkness, and even evil. If you’re in a metal band, this works out pretty well.
Black metal bands use the word more often than others. Some other bands or groups use it simply as a descriptor, or even for a bit of fun. Here are 24 bands with black in the name who have done just that.
The Black Keys
The Black Keys is a rock band formed in 2001 in Akron, Ohio. The group consists of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. The name comes from an acquaintance who would use the term black keys when upset with them.
Blacklite District
Kyle Pfeiffer, aka Blacklite District, is an American electronic rock artist from South Dakota. His band’s name is a combination of the word black and the street term for a bright light used to disorient people.
Black Veil Brides
Black Veil Brides is also a rock band based in Hollywood, California. The group was formed in 2006 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
They currently consists of Andy Biersack, Lonny Eagleton, Jake Pitts, Jinxx, and Christian Coma.
The name Black Veil Brides comes from a book called Wuthering Heights. In the novel, one of the main characters wears a black veil over her face.
Blackfield
Blackfield is a musical collaboration. Between Israeli singer-songwriter Aviv Geffen and English musician and producer Steven Wilson.
Best known as the founder, lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter of the progressive rock band Porcupine Tree.
The Blackfield name was chosen because both members felt it represented their music well. Dark yet beautiful, melancholic but somehow hopeful.
Black Anvil
Black Anvil is an American metal band from New York City. The group was founded in 2007 by members Paul Delaney, Raeph Glicken, and Gary Bennett.
The name is a cross between a Black Sabbath reference and a Judas Priest song that Gary Bennett created.
Black Widow
Black Widow was a British rock band formed in 1969. The group’s original lineup consisted of lead singer/guitarist Clive Jones, keyboardist/vocalist Derek Hammell, bassist/vocalist John McManus, and drummer/vocalist Richard Brunton.
The band was heavily into the occult in their early days. But moved away from it to try and form a larger audience, which was unsuccessful.
Black Stone Cherry
Black Stone Cherry is also a rock band from America. Specifically, from Edmonton, Kentucky. The group came together in 2001.
It currently consists of Chris Robertson, Ben Wells, Steve Jewell, and John Fred Young.
The Black Stone Cherry name came from a twist on a cigar brand. The cigar brand Blackstone made a cherry flavor.
Black Label Society
Black Label Society is a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. It was formed in 1998 by Zakk Wylde. The group currently consists of Zakk Wylde, John DeServio, Jeff Fabb, and Dario Lorina.
The band’s name was inspired by a bottle of Black label whiskey.
Black Crowes
The Black Crowes are a rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1984. The group consists of Chris and Rich Robinson, Sven Pipien, and Steve Gorman.
The name comes as a new version of their original, Mr. Crowes Garden, after a fairy tale.
Blackfoot
Blackfoot is a southern rock band from Jacksonville, Florida that was formed in 1970. The group’s original lineup consisted of Rickey Medlocke, Charlie Hargrett, Jakson Spires, and Greg T. Walker.
The group’s name represents their Native American heritage.
The Black Dahlia Murder
The Black Dahlia Murder is a Deathcore band from Waterford, Michigan. The group was formed in 2001 and at the time, consisted of Trevor Strnad, Brian Eschbach, Ryan Knight, Max Lavelle, and Alan Cassidy.
The inspiration for the name comes from the 1947 unsolved murder case of Elizabeth Short, who was nicknamed “The Black Dahlia.”
The Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas are a hip-hop group that originated in Los Angeles, California. The group began in 1995 and currently consists of will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and J. Rey Soul.
The name of the band comes from the black-eyed peas which are food for the soul.
Black Flag
Black Flag is a punk rock band from Hermosa Beach, California. The group was formed in 1976 by Greg Ginn. Presently the band consists of Greg Ginn, Mike Vallely, Joseph Noval, and Isaias Gil.
The band name comes from a reference that if a white flag means surrender, a black one is anarchy.
Joan Jett and the Black Hearts
Joan Jett is a rock singer, songwriter, composer, musician, and producer. She is best known for her work with the band Joan Jett and the Black Hearts.
The group came together in 1980. At the time, it consisted of Joan Jett, Kenny Laguna, Ritchie Cordell, and Gary Ryan.
Blackberry Smoke
Blackberry Smoke is a southern rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. It was formed in 2000 by Charlie Starr, Richard and Brit Turner, and Paul Jackson.
The band’s name was suggested by Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes.
Black Witchery
Black Witchery is a dark metal band from Winter Springs, Florida. The band was put together in 1999 and at the time, consisted of Impurath, Blackheart, and drums.
The name of the band is a reference to the dark arts.
Black Pumas
Black Pumas is a neo-soul band from Austin, Texas. The band was formed in 2017 by Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada.
The group’s name comes from the inspiration of Quesada’s fascination with jaguars.
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a psychedelic rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia. The band came together in 2004. It consisted of Stephen McBean, Amber Webber, Matt Camirand, Jeremy Schmidt, and Joshua Wells.
Black Oak Arkansas
Black Oak Arkansas is also a southern rock band from Arkadelphia, Arkansas. The group was formed in 1963 by Jim “Dandy” Mangrum, Harvey Jett, Wayne Evans, Ricky Reynolds, and Stanley Knight.
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath is an English rock band from Birmingham, England. The band was created in 1968 by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.
The name is from a horror movie called Black Sabbath, starring Boris Karloff.
Other Bands With Black In The Name
The 20 names we have mentioned above are only a few bands with black in the name. There are plenty more, as black is a popular word in a band name. A few others include:
- The Black Angels.
- Black Queen Speaks.
- Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
- Big black.
Conclusion
As you can see from the list above, black can represent everything from anarchy to food for the soul. It can also be used for songs and even albums, a good example is Pearl Jam’s song black.
So, if you are looking for a band name that will make people stop and take notice, consider using the color black. Who knows, you may just come up with the next big thing.
