From what I can tell... there are really 2 distinct and different Black Metal areas (and I'm probably wrong)...  

1. Authentic / Original Black Metal : where a very very raw feeling and production (or lack thereof) is the goal

2. Modern / Symphonic Black Metal : The likes of Dimmu Borgir... who have a very rich and deep production with symphonic sounds...

Am I way off base here?

Black metal started in Norway not as Satanic, but more naturist. the main goal of it was to rid Scandinavia of Christainity and return it to a state of nature as it was before christainity, and this was to be done as violently as it came (Christainity came in 995 to norway where a viking king violently changed the country).

Now there are 4 types of black metal. I know exactly what 2 are: Raw black metal, NSBM (New Socialist Black Metal), Symphonic and Ambient.

Raw Black Metal - Unmastered quality and raw energy, this black metal was the first and came from Bathory as the first generation, and later by Mayhem, Darkthrone and Emperor as the second generation. This evolved from death metal, where they changed the grinding riff to a more melodic riff. Some bands added keyboards, but at they time, it was only Emperor. Lyrical Wise, its generally about nature, satan, and wicthy kinda stuff.

Suggested Raw Black Metal:
In The Shadow of the Horns - Darkthrone
Deathcrush - Mayhem
Moon Over Kara-Shehr - Emperor

New Socialist Black Metal - This black metal evolved as a result of neo-nazism and black metal. Varg Vikernes (Burzum) is a major contributer to this sub-genre. This music is generally antisemtic or about communism. This can range anywwhere from raw black to ambient black. Lyrical Wise - about antisemetism or communism. not that great in my opinion.

Suggested NSBM
Hvis Lysset Tar Oss - Burzum
Aryan Defenders - Antisemetix (this song uses drum machines and is cool)
Night of the Werewolf - Wolfnacht

And The last group i am linking toegether because i do not know to much about it.

Symphonic Black Metal - Dimmu Borgir is a good example of this. many people also classify cradle into this group, but they are more extreme goth, whcih is very close to symphonic Black metal. generally this is what people originally start with, and this is what the hardcore black metal fans hate, I used to like it,but now i am moving more and more away from it.

Suggested SBM:
Sympozium - Dimmu Borgir
Haunted Shores - Cradle of Filth ( i needed another example)

Ambient Black Metal - My least favorite, combines an atmospheric feel to their music, generally slow. Bands like the Kovenant and  newer Troll are major examples of this. i can't say anythign good, because its crap. Also Emperor original bassist Mortiis made an ABM band. it sucks.

Suggested ABM:
None, but if i must
Get some Kovenant and new Troll Song or Mortiis. While you are getting troll, get Naar Solen Blekner bort. This is raw black metal before Nagash turned gay.

WEll i hoped you enjoyed my crash course on black metal. I only listen to raw, and although i gave the main raw bands, theyre are many out there who yuou should give a try to. carpathian forest , dark funeral, unlord, satyricon, all of them

And remember. i was recently taught this.

The Black Metal Rules (Said While Yelling)
RULE NUMBER 1: DON't BE A FAG!
RULE NUMBER 2: DON't BE DANI FILTH!
RULE NUMBER 3: BE GRIM! NO SMILING!
*Headbang in circular motion while playing air guitar*

lol it made me laugh

Heavy Metal Is the Law that Keeps us All United Free!
A Law that Shatters Earth and Hell
Heavy metal Can't be beaten by Any Dynasty
We're All Wizards, Fighting With Our Spells

That was an excellent crash course in Black Metal!!

I guess I wasn't too far off...

P.S. I liked the "headbang in circular motion" reference... It made me laugh as well

NSBM actually stands for Nationalist Socialist Black Metal I think. I'm not sure but I think they are also against communism, or maybe some are and some aren't.

Also for some more symphonic stuff, there's Emperor, Carpathian Forest, Arcturus, older Ulver, Borkngagar, Vintersorg, Graveland. Once you start to listen to the stuff you'll find out about more bands.

But it was a good crash course anyway though.

What you used to love now, you're gonna adore. With Charmin Ultra, less is more. Cha Cha Cha, Charmin.

 

Wipe ya ass, wash ya self.

Mercyful Fate and Slayer, Black metal?  Really?  I'm no expert and I'm certainly not saying you are wrong, believe me.  But it struck me that Slayer is listed, and to me they are Thrashy-death metal.

Don't know too much about Mercyful Fate but everything I heard didn't strike as black metal.  Again, not saying you are wrong at all.  Just interesting.

What you used to love now, you're gonna adore. With Charmin Ultra, less is more. Cha Cha Cha, Charmin.

 

Wipe ya ass, wash ya self.